Abstract: A mould portion and/or protective element of the type consisting of a material subjected to deformation is disclosed. A method and a device for manufacturing such a mould portion and/or protective element are also disclosed.The mould portion and/or protective element is preferably intended to be used as a mould portion in moulding an article and/or as a protective element to prevent access of soil and water to a surface portion of the article during transportation and storage thereof.Such materials subjected to dimensional changes as can be used as mould portions and/or protective elements present the advantages of being inexpensive and permitting removal of the article without difficulty. One such material is for example cellular plastics. The dimensional changes, however, have entailed so great difficulties in using mould portions and/or protective elements of such materials that they have made the use of the material impossible.

Abstract: An elastic band sealer for forming a continuous non-overlapping band from a source of material in which the band sealer includes apparatus to extend a length of material from the source, apparatus to cut the material into a strip after it is extended, and apparatus to fuse the strip into a continuous non-overlapping band. The band sealer can also include apparatus to measure the extended length of material such that it may be cut into discrete strips.The apparatus for fusing the strip generally includes a heating head and additional apparatus which rotates the ends of the strip toward one another such that the heating head can fuse the strip into a continuous non-overlapping band.A method of forming a continuous non-overlapping band from a source of material is also considered, which includes extending a length of the material from the source, cutting the material into a strip after it has been extended, and fusing the strip into a continuous non-overlapping band.

Abstract: A machine for loading magnetic tape into cassettes is provided which comprises a splicing block assembly mounted on a pivotally mounted support and comprising two splicing blocks, one fixed to the support and the second pivotally mounted to the support, means for rotating the second block relative to the first block so that either of two tape-receiving tracks on the first block may be aligned with a single tape receiving track on the first block, means for rotating the support between a first tape winding position and a second tape splicing position, and a splicer for splicing abutting tape ends on the splicing block assembly when the support is in the second tape splicing position. The machine also includes motorized spindles for holding a reel of magnetic tape to loaded into cassettes and for rotating one of the hubs of a cassette in loading position so as to wind magnetic tape onto that hub. The machine is arranged so that it may be easily adapted for loading two different types of video cassettes.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and positioning a cable is used to help splice large diameter multi-conductor cable end portions to each other. The apparatus includes a support frame having a first clamping mechanism for clamping a first cable end portion movably positioned on one end of the support frame and a second clamping mechanism for clamping a second cable end portion positioned on the support frame proximate the other end. After the individual strands of the cable end portions are spliced together, the first clamping mechanism is moved away from the second clamping mechanism, stretching the spliced section of the cable end portions, drawing individual conductors together so that the spliced section of the cable end portions can be properly reinsulated.

Abstract: A veneer splicing apparatus comprising a veneer detector for detecting the irregular portions of a veneer, disposed before a cutting tool which reciprocates toward and away from conveying means capable of being optionally driven or stopped, with respect to the direction of feeding a veneer; a delivery conveyor disposed after the cutting tool; veneer supporting members each disposed between the cutting tool and the delivery conveyor with one end thereof directed toward the cutting tool and with the other end thereof pivotally supported; an adhesive material feed device to feed adhesive materials, such as adhesive tapes or adhesive-impregnated yarns, near to the veneer cutting position of the cutting tool; said cutting tool or a tool holder being provided with an appropriate number of guide grooves at an appropriate distance away from the cutting edge of the cutting tool; and pressing members integrally mounted on the tool holder on both sides, with respect to the direction of feeding a veneer, of the cutting t

Abstract: Two weatherstrippings are joined before the application of any backing to the woven strip of artificial yarn which carries the rows of pile which form the air barrier. A plastics material is placed across the butted ends of the strips in contact with the lower surfaces of the strips and the two are then welded together ultrasonically to join the weatherstrippings. The backing can then be applied over the joint. A jig for performing such a joining method comprises two holders for carrying the strips by their pile with the lower surfaces uppermost. The holders are formed in two parts to allow the strips to be cut to form a clean straight end. One part of each holder is then removed and the remaining parts slid together to butt the two strips. A piece of heat-weldable material is then placed over the butted ends in contact with the lower surfaces and is heat welded to the strips to complete the join.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat sealing together layers of strap of thermoplastics material, wherein at least one thin flat electrical heating element is supported under tension and between the layers of strap and the layers of strap are pressed together with a fusing pressure by at least one resilient pressure pad. The heating element, a support for the heating element and the resilient pressure pad form a heating and fusing assembly which is moved in unison relative to the layers of strap so that in use, the heating element moves between the two layers of strap generally in a longitudinal direction thereof.

Abstract: An improved apparatus is disclosed in which a tensioned plastic strap loop is placed about an article. The invention includes an improved rear guide. The guide is connected to the rear gripper so that it moves with it. The rear guide has a pair of forward and a pair of rear guide members. The forward members are shorter than the rear ones. The forward seal guide members are located so that they are in the middle of the seal region and thus prevent lateral movement of the overlapped strap ends when the heat seal blade is inserted and withdrawn from between them.

Abstract: In a bundling apparatus, a stack of sheets is wound with a band coated on one side with a thermally fusible material by a winder. The winder winds the band so that one end of the band is joined with another portion of the band. As the band is wound around the stack of sheets, a forward end portion of the band is turned up by a turning mechanism, thereby forming a turnup portion in the band. The turnup portion and that portion of the band which is joined with the turnup portion is fused by a heater so that both portions are bonded together.

Abstract: Apparatus for splicing the trailing end of a web from an exhausted supply roll to the leading end of a web from a new supply roll comprises a cutting mechanism consisting of a cutter cylinder having a single cutter and a backing cylinder and serving to make a transverse severing cut through both superimposed webs passed between said cylinders, one of which is provided in a longitudinal strip- or sector-shaped portion with suction holes for retaining the leading end of the new web behind the severing cut. The apparatus also comprises a tape-applying cylinder, which is adapted to carry a tape which is adhesive on one side, and to apply the adhesive tape to the two webs at their abutting cut edges as they pass between the tape-applying cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of splicing polymeric webs using an ultrasonic welder and a web support means. There is a means to secure the trailing end of at least one first web and the leading end of at least one second web between the ultrasonic welder and the web support means. The trailing end of the first web and the leading end of the second web overlap between the ultrasonic welder and the web support means and are welded together.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a synthetic thermoplastic strap in a band-like form around an object includes a strap support with a clamping device, a stretching device, and a welding device cooperating with the strap support for holding, stretching, welding and cutting the strap. These various devices can be displaced from the surface of the strap support so that the strap can be inserted laterally onto the support. Strap guidance members are provided at the opposite ends of the strap support. One strap guidance member forms a part of the welding device and includes a guide member. The guide member is retractable away from the surface of the strap support during the welding operation so that it does not interfere with the movement of the strap parts being joined together.

Abstract: An improved cassette storing, feeding and handling mechanism is provided for a machine for loading magnetic tape into C-Zero video tape cassettes. The machine is of the type having a tape loading cycle which includes cutting the cassette leader into two sections, splicing one leader section to the end of a supply of magnetic tape, winding the one leader section and a predetermined length of magnetic tape into the cassette, severing the magnetic tape, and splicing the trailing end of the tape wound into the cassette to the second leader section.

Abstract: A machine and method are disclosed for securing a loop of thermoplastic strap around an article so that two overlapping portions of strap are bonded together. One form of an apparatus in the machine has a strap engaging weld pad with spaced-apart, parallel strap-engaging ribs for effectively making a friction-fusion weld in thin film strap. Another form of the apparatus in the machine includes a rack gear associated with a weld pad and engaged with an arc of teeth on a torsion bar for utilizing the torsional oscillation kinetic energy to reciprocate the weld pad along a linear path of motion. Another form of the apparatus in the machine includes a strap carrier chain for forming the strap in a loop about an article and the chain may include a resilient lug positioned between each pair of adjacent cross pins in the chain.

Abstract: A device (5-120) for joining the plies (1-2) of tires in the green state, in which the plies (1-2) are joined together along adjacent edges (4) by the joint action of a first (87, 93) and a second (36, 42-126) plurality of pairs of rollers disposed one facing the other, the first being above and the second being below the said plies (1, 2) and having a V-disposition with vertex along a junction line of the said edges (4); the rollers of the first plurality of rollers (87, 93), which are externally serrated, being supported by a support body (7) which is adjustable both in height and about a horizontal axis with respect to the second plurality of rollers (36, 42-126), and being connected to an operating unit (101) carried by the said support body (7), with the rollers of each pair being rigidly connected angularly together and being disposed with their ends in contact along a generatrix.

Abstract: A machine for the splicing and dispensing of web carrying labels includes a plurality of supports upon which a set of reels of web can be unwound. A splicing table and a motorized web drawing station are located along a path of travel of web from the set of reels. A well and tray are provided for holding a sufficient quantity of web to meet demand during a splicing operation wherein the feed of web is switched from an empty reel to a full reel.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding apparatus improved in its presser opposed to the working surface of the oscillated horn. The presser roller is provided with a recess on a surface facing the working surface and an elastic member made of rubber and bonded thereon for covering the recess so as to be satisfactorily deformed according to an overlapped thick portion of workpieces to be welded. This causes the pressing force applied around the thick portion to be uniform with a good result. The elastic member comprises a first layer made of foamed rubber and a second layer made of silicone rubber and covering the first layer. The elastic member is preferably split by plural slits perpendicular to the working surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining sheet segments, typically rubberized, to one another to form an elongated strip, wherein a strip composed of sheet segments joined together is conveyed into a joining zone between rear and front conveyance zones in such a manner that the strip has a trailing end portion slightly projecting rearwardly from the rearmost ends of guide rails extending through the joining zone and front conveyance zone, whereupon a vertically movable pressing surface is brought into pressing contact with the trailing edge of the strip for causing the trailing edge to extend at a desired angle to a transverse direction of the joining zone. A sheet segment to be joined to such a strip is conveyed into the joining zone under the guidance of a vertically movable ride-on surface whereupon vertically movable edge portions are brought into pressing contact with the leading edge of the sheet segment for causing the leading edge to extend in parallel with the trailing edge of the strip.

Abstract: A motorized tool for joining self adhesive plies of unvulcanized rubber, the tool having a pincer-like structure provided with resilient means for urging a portion of a first arm of the pincer itself towards a portion of a second arm; the said portions supporting pairs of rolling bodies facing one another, and the rolling bodies carried by the said first arm being constituted by two discs converging towards one another and towards the other arm and provided with a peripheral crown of teeth meshing with one another, with one of said discs also meshing with an output pinion of a motor mounted within the said first arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a tensioned plastic band which has a rotatable tensioning wheel and a friction shoe which is located adjacent a band path for two mutually overlapping end portions of a band located around an article is disclosed. The shoe is reciprocatable transversely to the band path, and displaceable into and out of contact with the upper band end portion. A single drive means is permanently coupled to the shoe for reciprocation, and drives the tensioning wheel via a torque-sensitive coupling. In operation, the shoe is initially out of contact with the band, and the wheel is driven so as to tension the band until a predetermined tension is reached. Thereupon the coupling uncouples, and actuates means which urge the shoe against the band. This causes relative motion of the band ends, resulting in their being frictionally welded together. The uncoupling also actuates a cutting member for the band. Thus the sequence of tensioning, welding and cutting is performed automatically.

Abstract: A process, apparatus and system for making a sterile connection between two thermoplastic resin tubes is disclosed. The process comprises forming a continuous molten seal simultaneously between an end of a hot, multi-ended, hollow needle and a wall of each of said tubes, thereby providing fluid communication, and cooling said seals and needle. As the thermoplastic resin cools a sterile weld is formed.

Abstract: In an apparatus for girding packages with endless synthetic-resin strips, an assembly for bonding the ends of a web segment to one another comprises a press in the form of a fixed surface and a spring-loaded press bar shiftably mounted in a rotating truncated drum along a diameter thereof. An outer tangentially extending surface of the bar has a rotation path interrupted by the fixed surface. The drum also carries a blade forming one side of a wedge-shaped channel for guiding a trailing web-segment end during a bonding phase of an operating cycle. Upon the beginning of the bonding phase a leading web portion surrounds the package and traverses the drum channel. The rotation of the drum causes the press bar to clamp the web to the fixed surface, whereupon the blade cuts the web and produces a web segment having a trailing end.

Abstract: Apparatus for splicing thermoplastic coated belts is disclosed having a pair of longitudinal bars on which are respectively mounted platen heating assemblies, one bar being centrally supported pivotably on a clamping arrangement and the other bar being removably connectable with the clamping arrangement in a manner permitting pivotable positioning of the bar about one end thereof for pivotable disposition of the bars with their platens in opposed facing parallel relation at various spacings therebetween to permit uniform engagement by the bars of opposite sides of belt ends of varying thicknesses, and the clamping arrangement is adapted for bolted drawing of the bars together to grippingly retain the belt ends. The components of the apparatus are arranged for serial flow of direct electrical current through the heating assemblies and therebetween through the bars and the clamping arrangement for quick, low energy heating of the belt ends to fuse the thermoplastic material thereof.

Abstract: For spliced connection of multi-channel optical-fiber cable ends, the invention contemplates provision of a splice case internally adapted for the storage of excess length of cable in an accumulator and near the splice region, there being a splice mount that is removably secured to the accumulator, so that stored excess cable length will permit selective removal of the splice mount and all its fiber splices to a working location remote from the splice case and its accumulator, all without disturbing the continuous communicating connection of splice fibers not requiring service maintenance or repair. When the servicing operation has been completed, the excess cable length is readily re-coiled into the accumulator, the splice mount is returned to its secured position, and the splice case is re-closed.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a loop of strap about a package in which the strap is initially draped about the package in spaced relationship therefrom. Included is a clamping bar assembly which includes a package engaging member and a pair of spaced catch blocks over which the strap is draped. The catch blocks are rotatably mounted relative to the clamp bar assembly and are operated through the action of rack and pinion assemblies that respond to the movement of the package engaging member. When the package is engaged, the catch blocks release the strap normally guided thereby and when the clamp bar is retracted, the catch blocks are repositioned to guide a subsequent loop of strap.

Abstract: Wood veneer strips are butt joined end-to-end for assembly of an indefinite length strip or sheet suitable for reeling. The splicing apparatus clamps the veneer strip ends to be joined in longitudinal planar alignment for trimming by two spaced shear knives having parallel cutting planes. Following the shear cut, a reciprocating carriage for one bed knife to which one veneer strip is clamped is withdrawn from the corresponding cutting plane to permit movement of all shear knife structure from between the carriage and the other, fixed position bed knife without retracting the shear knife edges back past the bed knife edges. The reciprocating carriage is then moved along with its corresponding bed knife and clamped veneer strip into abutment with the fixed position bed knife and respective strip edge where lap splice material is laid across the joint and cured in place under heat and pressure.

Abstract: A splicing block for use in splicing tapes and the like comprises a rotating block in which a plurality of moveable tape guideways are disposed equidistant from and parallel to a shaft which is similarly positioned with regard to a fixed tape guideway. Rotation about the shaft, limited by a pair of fixed stops, alternately positions each of the movable guideways opposite the fixed guideway.

Abstract: A supplemental roll of label-bearing strip and a splicer for that strip are provided for a label feeder of the type which peels labels from a backing strip. A primary label-bearing backing strip is intermittently fed to a peeling edge, the label-free backing strip is pulled back to a feed roll and a rewind roll to form a narrow V space, and the splicer is located within that V space. The leading end of the supplemental roll is spliced to the tail end of the primary roll without delaying the labelling line to which the labels are supplied. An adhesive piece on the leading end of the supplemental roll normally is held within the V space in register with, but out of engagement with, the strip from the primary roll; and it is adhered to the tail end of the primary strip by a pressure device which is controlled by a photoelectric means that is located upstream of the pressure device and that responds to the passage of the tail end of that primary strip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adhesively bonding together in edge abutting relationship two sheets of woven, felted or other textile such as carpet using a joining tape which includes electrically conductive-metal foil or wires and an integral layer of heat softenable adhesive. Electric current is passed through the foil or wires to thereby heat and soften the adhesive. A control circuit senses the voltage and current in the foil or wires and controls the current in accordance with an adjustable predetermined value to heat the adhesive to a temperature at which the adhesive becomes tacky. The control circuit maintains the adhesive in the tacky state while the abutting edges which overlap the tape are adjusted as required to form the desired join. The control circult is then adjusted to increase the current in the foil or wires to increase the temperature thereof and melt the adhesive so that it flows into the material of the sheets.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading a length of film from a cartridge, trimming the ends from the film, splicing the leading edge of the film to the trailing edge of the previously unloaded film, placing an identifying mark on the film and on an envelope and winding the film on a magazine. The unloading device allows the film to be removed from the cartridge by manually pulling the sheet of backing paper from the film in the daylight while shielding the film from light. The cartridge is locked to the loading device until all of the film in the cartridge has been loaded through a film guide into a storage box. The leading edge of the film is then trimmed by upward movement of a cutting blade allowing the film to advance through an aperture in the cutting blade until the trailing edge is trimmed by downward movement of the cutting blade.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a splicing apparatus for splicing together the leading end face of one of cord ply segments and the trailing end face of another cord ply segment positioned in front of one of the cord ply segments. The apparatus comprises a first conveyor having a first surface, a second conveyor fixed with respect to the first conveyor and having a second surface spaced apart from and in face-to-face relationship to the first surface of the first conveyor and for conveying the cord ply segments on the second surface thereof in a second conveyance direction substantially in parallel with the first conveyance direction of the first conveyor, and transfer members for transferring each of the cord ply segments on the first surface of the first conveyor to the second surface of the second conveyor.

Abstract: The end portions to be connected are arranged opposite one another, after at least some of the web weft threads have been removed therefrom to form a tying strip interconnecting the ends of the web warp threads in their original order. The web warp threads are gradually released from the tying strip, spatially separated, on an individual basis and in their original order, from the following web warp threads and delivered to the entrance of the then open seam loom shed formed in seam warp threads positioned intermediate the points of emergence of the web warp threads out of the original web. Thereafter, the separated threads are caused to traverse, as seam weft threads, the respectively associated seam shed produced by a Jacquard seam loom, this traversing movement being accomplished by a clamping arrangement arranged at the free end of a floating arm.

Abstract: A machine for the tying of packages, having a gripper which places the tying means around the package, the gripper being moved by a pull means and stopped in a position where the ends of the tying means are connected to each other. A consistent return of the gripper to the basic position is due to the fact that the basic position of the gripper lies approximately at the center point of an arcuate section of the path of the gripper pull means so that the gripper position is retained even though the pull means may continue to move.

Abstract: The welding apparatus serves for the purpose of butt-welding of plastic pipes of diameters larger than 500 mm. All the work is performed by means of the welding apparatus from inside the pipe. Thereby the working time is reduced, the welding quality ensured, and the installation becomes faster. Lifting cranes and heating tents become unnecessary. A novelty is also the possibility of welding pipes together at an angle position. As the welding apparatus is collapsible, it may also be advantageously used for repair work on old pipes in the ground (relining), with a minimum exposure of the pipes.

Abstract: A heating plate, especially for presses utilized to bond two belt ends together, e.g. in the formation of an endless conveyor belt or in the repair of a conveyor belt. According to the invention, the heating effect over the plate which is rectangular or of rhombic configuration, is held uniform by distinguishing between longitudinal edge zones, transverse edge zones, central zones and corner zones, all of which have essentially the same specific volume of material, i.e. the same volume of material with a unit area of the heating surface. A frame work of longitudinal and transverse edge members of the same cross section and intermediate members parallel to the longitudinal edge member and equidistant from one another is sandwiched between a heating plate and a cover plate and the heating elements lie adjacent the heating plate in the spaces between the longitudinal and intermediate members.

Abstract: A spliced web and method for splicing web end portions together for minimizing splice-induced disturbance of a liquid composition continuously coated onto the face side of the spliced web during a coating operation. Splicing strips are applied overlying the face and opposite sides of the web end portions to form a sandwich, and the sandwich is subjected to heat and pressure. The splicing strip on the face side fuses with and impregnates the web end portions and forms slight trailing and leading ramp surfaces of gradually decreasing thickness which blend smoothly with the face side of the web for minimizing coating disturbances. The other splicing strip contains fibers which are embedded into or adhere to the opposite side of the web end portions to provide tensile strength to the spliced web.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for forming a loop of flexible binding about objects positioned seriatim in an object receiving station. The apparatus includes a chain loop driven around the object receiving station. While a previously bound first object is in the receiving station, the chain is driven in one direction to move carrier rollers on the chain so as to pull the trailing portion of a binding through a major portion of the locus of a closed path around the receiving station while the lead end of the binding is held adjacent the receiving station. Spaced portions of the binding are guided from the interior of the path around the receiving station to maintain the binding in the configuration spaced outwardly of the receiving station. Subsequently, the first bound object is removed from the receiving station and a second object is positioned therein.

Abstract: A splicing jig for data forms is provided having a flat plate with a plurality of upstanding fixed pins along one edge and a second movable plate having corresponding upstanding pins with means for moving the second plate with respect to the first, whereby forms of varying width can be accommodated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for bonding two pieces of thermoplastic material to one another. The method includes the steps of heating the edges of the plastic materials to be joined to at least their fusing temperatures and then forcing the heated edge portions against one another to thereby form a bonded junction. A bead is formed along at least one edge of the junction of the plastic materials as a result of the pressure of the two plastic materials bearing against one another. The welded junction is heated, optionally at elevated pressure, to at least its fusion temperature and is then rapidly cooled. The resulting weld has a high impact and dielectric strength and has a smooth overall appearance.

Abstract: A web handling apparatus for splicing the terminal end of one roll of web stock to the lead end of a second roll of web stock in an uninterrupted feed to a machine. The first roll web is fed into the machine and a second roll web in parallel relationship to the first is guided by two turning bars laterally and again in parallel and overlying relationship to the first. Thereafter a splicer device joins the second roll to the first roll. The second turning bar is pivotally mounted on a vertical axis and movable vertically such that it can be moved from below the first roll web vertically upwardly and by pivoting about the vertical axis to a position whereat the second turning bar overlies the first roll web. Subsequently, the second roll web will overlie the first web in splicing relationship.

Abstract: An apparatus for making V-belts comprising a base member, a cover for the base member, a channel-like guide means carried by the base member for receiving a length of belting from a supply, first slot means cooperating with said guide means for receiving and guiding a cutting means to cut a predetermined length of said belting required to form a closed loop of said belting, second slot means cooperating with said guide means for receiving and guiding a cutting means in making a slot in each free end of said belting for receiving a web-like splice element adapted to bridge the free ends of said predetermined length of belting to form said loop, and heating means carried by said apparatus for vulcanizing the free ends of the predetermined length of belting to form a splice between the free ends of the belting.

Abstract: A film splicer includes first and second parallel film handling stations with a first cutter in the first film handling station cutting the leading edge of a succeeding film strip. A pair of pins engage either film strip perforations or one longitudinal edge of the succeeding film strip and shift the film transversely into the second film handling station. The first cutter in the first film handling station cuts the front edge of the film such that it will be substantially in its proper position for splicing once it is transversely shifted to the second film handling station. A lever in the second film handling station is provided for automatically actuating a rear edge cutter in the second film handling station as soon as the film has been entirely removed from its spool.

Abstract: One belting end 12 is joined to an adjacent belting end 13 using the apparatus shown in FIG. 3. The belting comprises a body element and a longitudinally extending constraining element embedded in the body element.The ends 12 and 13 are preferably shaped as shown in FIG. 4 and are pressed by the apparatus against opposite faces of a heating element 21. The application of heat and pressure causes the ends of the constraining element to be displaced transversely with respect to their associated body elements, the displacement of one end taking place in the opposite direction to the displacement of the other end so that in the finished joint the ends of the constraining element form an overlapping joint embedded in the fused material of the body element.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a sheet binding apparatus wherein sheets such as bank notes are wound by tape and bound into a bundle of sheets by fusing and cutting the tape. The apparatus is provided with a pair of holding plates, each formed with a notch groove through which the tape is passed. The holding plates which hold the sheets therebetween are horizontally moved to a binding section while a tape is passed through one of the notch groove of one holding plate. At the binding section, a tape push-down member pushes down the tape through the other notch groove of the other holding plate to wind the sheets. The tape push-down member is formed at the lower end thereof with a forked portion for providing a recess. A heating member having a convex surface for engaging with the tape is disposed below the recess of the tape push-down member. The tape is heated and cut off while it is sandwiched between the tape push-down member and the heating member.

Abstract: A tape extractor for a cassette tape loader being slidably mounted with respect to a tape loading position and a tape splicing position, for extracting a tape leader from a tape cassette positioned in the tape loading position, for carrying the tape leader to the splicing position where the tape leader is automatically cut and spliced to recording tape for winding into the tape cassette. The tape extractor includes a rectangularly shaped hollow finger for vacuum sucking the tape leader from the cassette and forming the leader in the shape of a loop. A pneumatically operated pin is disposed in relation to the hollow for movement into the leader loop for providing a mechanical bearing surface for keeping the tape leader under tension as the tape extractor is moved to the splicing position. At the splicing position a separator arm mechanically separates the two portions of the tape leader forming the sides of the tape loop for permitting unobstructed tape splicing to be performed.

Abstract: Conventional communication cables must be spliced and so must fiber optic cables. Special care must be taken at splice points or locations so as not to cause faults in the optical fibers and still have an organized packaging and splicing arrangement. Optical fibers, unlike copper wire conductors, have memory. This causes a problem, for example, since one can splice a copper pair, coil it up or place it in a splice case, and it will stay. If the same thing is done on an optical fiber, it will not stay as placed and in fact will recoil like a spring. This invention comprises a fiber organizer, made up of a series of channels, and it can accommodate and secure individual spliced fibers from each length of the optical cables. Also the organizer provides a fiber splice support section in which the splices are placed upon completion.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically classifying and reorganizing a processed long length of film connected together with a series of separate rolls of exposed film having different frame sizes, into lengths of film each having the same frame size, comprising an optical detector for detecting the frame sizes and the spliced portion of the films, a cutter for cutting the spliced portion of films having different frame sizes in sequence, a reorganizing means for forming the classified and cut films into lengths of film each having the same frame size, a classification guide mechanism, spindles for winding said lengths of film separately, and an electronic controller for controlling automatically the operations of said apparatus in relevant sequence.

Abstract: Conduits (3a, 3b, 3c) are joined with a one-piece tubular connecting piece (1) by inserting support members (5a, 5b, 5c) through a sealable opening (6) in the connecting piece to support the conduit ends while said ends are secured to the connecting piece to communicate with openings (4a, 4b, 4c) in the connecting piece. After securing the conduit ends to the connecting piece, the support members are withdrawn through the sealable opening and that opening is then sealed. The support members can also act as electrodes for welding the conduit ends to the connecting piece, especially when the conduit ends and connecting piece are formed of thermoplastics. The method has particular, but not exclusive, application to smoothly connecting tubes for conveying blood.

Abstract: A roller stand incorporating a device adapted to join a running web of material being unwound from a first roll to a web of material of a second roll and comprising a roll-holding device including two unwinding stations, means to cut the running web, a mechanism to exert a braking force on the spindles supporting said first and second rolls, and means provided to transfer rotational motion of said roll-support spindles to said braking mechanism by means of free-wheel members, said members being arranged to control said braking mechanism selectively for application of braking force on the roll-support spindle that at the moment has the highest rotational speed.

Abstract: An automatic strapping apparatus is disclosed which forms a small primary loop from strap; expands the primary loop to a larger predetermined diameter loop which can be placed about a package to be strapped; and tensions, friction fuses, and severs the strap. The small primary strap loop is formed by feeding a free end of a length of strap into a circular cup through a slot in the cup sidewall so that the free end is guided by the inner periphery of the cup to form a loop with the strap free end overlapping a portion of the loop. The cup is moveable from an upper position around the formed primary loop to a position out of contact with, and below, the loop. A cylindrical gripper is provided inside the loop and a smooth-surfaced anvil is provided on the exterior of the loop for engaging the overlapped portion of the loop therebetween so that the strap free end is restrained by the gripper while the overlapped portion of the loop can be continued to be fed to expand the loop to a larger predetermined diameter.