Delivering Cut Part In Sequence To Serially Conveyed Articles Patents (Class 156/521)
  • Patent number: 4647333
    Abstract: A banding and labeling system for containers includes a central drum which is heated for activation of adhesive coating provided on bands and labels which are to be secured to containers. The drum is provided with carrying elements employing suction, referred to as mouthpieces, which include pockets for holding literature and support bands in appropriate positions for securing the literature to containers. Dispensers are mounted peripherally around the drum at successive work stations for transference of banding materials, labeling materials, and literature packets to the mouthpieces as the drum rotates. At a final work station, a conveyor transports the containers to the drum whereupon the banding and labeling materials are secured to the containers during rotation of the containers between the drum and pressure pads which engage the adhesive coatings to the outer surfaces of the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: New Jersey Machine Inc.
    Inventors: Helmut Voltmer, Alfred F. Schwenzer
  • Patent number: 4632721
    Abstract: The disclosure is of a labeling machine wherein a label transport drum carries one or more pairs of vacuum pads to grip the leading and trailing edges of a label. A knife carried directly on the drum acts with a stationary blade to sever each label from a continuous web. The vacuum pads are retracted as they pass the stationary blade, but when they carry a label past a glue roller, the vacuum pads are extended to press the label against the roller. If desired, two glue rollers may be employed, with different glues being applied to the leading and trailing edges of each label. In that case, one pad is retracted and the other extended at each glue roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: Kris-Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Wolfgang W. Hoffmann, Svatoboj Otruba
  • Patent number: 4629528
    Abstract: A roll labeler for labeling containers one by one automatically is provided. A label sheet is supplied as uncoiled from a roll over a predetermined length and the label sheet is cut by a cutter thereby producing a cut sheet of label which is then glued while being transported and attached to the corresponding container. The labeler includes a feed roller for feeding the label sheet to the cutter intermittently and a mechanism for transporting containers to be labeled along a container transportation path. The labeler also includes a pair of driving sources: one driving source for driving the feed roller and the other driving source for driving the container transporting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Tanaka, Toshiaki Naka, Shiaru Muranaka, Yoshikazu Miyashita
  • Patent number: 4617082
    Abstract: Continuous strips of a first material, e.g., elastic strips, are continuously supplied to flexible strip supports in a supply zone while the strip supports are in a linear configuration. The strip supports are carried on respective transfer members which are mounted on a rotatable support so that individual transfer members follow a closed (orbital) path upon rotation of the support. The continuous strips are cut into discrete strips adhered to respective flexible strip supports whose configuration, and that of the discrete strips adhered thereto, is then changed to a desired curvilinear configuration. The transfer members are then brought into transfer contact in a transfer zone with a moving web of second material, which may comprise the backing sheet of a disposable diaper construction, and the curvilinear strips are transferred to the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Oshefsky, Paul A. Gavronski, Robert E. Vogt, Gregory J. Rajala
  • Patent number: 4605459
    Abstract: A system for securing literature to a container by means of a band segment includes a supply of banding material, drawing rollers for drawing out a predetermined length of band segment and a knife for cutting it off. A dispenser of the literature and a conveyor of containers are set in proximity with a carousel which carries an applicator head. The applicator head picks up the band segment by suction, then receives the literature by further use of suction, and finally places the literature and the band segment against the container by release of the suction and a sweeping movement of arms extending from the applicator head to the container. The band segment is supplied with a thermo-sensitive adhesive for effecting an adhesive bond to the container. The applicator head includes heaters for activating the adhesive over only that portion of the band segment which is to adhere to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: New Jersey Machine Inc.
    Inventors: Helmut Voltmer, Alfred F. Schwenzer
  • Patent number: 4604154
    Abstract: Apparatus for feeding plastic label stock, regardless of curling, to a label-wrapping station is disclosed. The apparatus and method include a first label guide means including a turning bar that directs the plastic label sheet from a supply roll towards a rotary vacuum drum in the label-wrapping station, knife means for cutting the label sheet into desired lengths to form labels, secondary guide means for guiding the label to the vacuum drum periphery, and final guide means to positively turn the label back into the drum periphery, especially during start-up, and regardless of curl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold R. Fosnaught
  • Patent number: 4602977
    Abstract: A banding and labeling system for containers includes a central drum which is heated for activation of adhesive coating provided on bands and labels which are to be secured to containers. The drum is provided with carrying elements employing suction, referred to as mouthpieces, which include pockets for holding literature and support bands in appropriate positions for securing the literature to containers. Dispensers are mounted peripherally around the drum at successive work stations for transference of banding materials, labeling materials, and literature packets to the mouthpieces as the drum rotates. At a final work station, a conveyor transports the containers to the drum whereupon the banding and labeling materials are secured to the containers during rotation of the containers between the drum and pressure pads which engage the adhesive coatings to the outer surfaces of the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Assignee: New Jersey Machine, Inc.
    Inventors: Helmut Voltmer, Alfred F. Schwenzer
  • Patent number: 4589943
    Abstract: A machine for applying tax stamps or like adhesive labels to articles such as cigarette packages arranged in two or more rows in a carton, including mechanism for advancing the carton lengthwise with exposed ends of the packages facing upwardly, and a head disposed above the path of carton advance for transporting a corresponding number of rows of spaced-apart labels into contact with the advancing package ends while the labels and packages are moving in the same direction and at the same velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Assignees: American Bank Note Company, Kirk-Rudy, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Kimball, Harry V. Kirk, Richard L. Roule, Richard C. Sennett, Peter J. Sorbo
  • Patent number: 4589945
    Abstract: A labelling machine with three pad head where during labelling of articles every other pad is skipped, each pad having vacuum holddown ports in the periphery to temporarily attach a label during the labelling process, a control valve for controlling admission of vacuum to each pad so that a label is attached to and carried by the pad into labelling relation with an article brought forward by a conveyor belt, and a vacuum distributing valve to limit the vacuum supply to the control valve so that no vacuum can be admitted by the control valve to a skipped pad thereby preventing undesirable loss of vacuum to the atmosphere through the absence of a label to close the pad holddown ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Neil A. Polit
  • Patent number: 4589947
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for adhering straws, each being packed in a plastic film, to external surfaces of beverage vessels for milk, juice, etc. which are sold by vendor machines. Specifically, a straw adhering apparatus for beverage vessels wherein a continuous laminated plastic film strip which incorporates straws separately and individually and is provided with an array of punched feed holes at upper and lower end parts of the strip is cut into individual straw packs by a cutter on the way of the strip feed passage. Upper and lower edges of each straw pack are delivered respectively by a pair of seizing feed belts to the main carrying conveyor path for a beverage vessel to which the straw pack is adhered to an external surface of the beverage vessel onto which an adhesive agent is applied in advance. An adhesion retaining belt which maintains a state of adhesion of the straw pack to the beverage vessel is provided at a side of the main carrying conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Takara
    Inventor: Masaaki Tsuda
  • Patent number: 4588466
    Abstract: Improved laying of high strength composite tape is achieved by stretching a strip of tape entirely across the area on which the tape is to be laid before pressing any part of the tape against the work surface, and then pressing the tape against the surface while the tape is stretched across and adjacent the work surface. The tape is held and stretched across the work surface on supply and takeup reels on opposite sides of the work surface, so that the reels need not move along the tape with the moving pressure foot. The pressure foot and both reels are mounted for independent motion completely around the work surface to enable tape strips to be laid in all directions across the work surface without rotating the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Assignee: Vektronics Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Homer L. Eaton
  • Patent number: 4585509
    Abstract: An automatic laminator such as may be used for depositing layers of photoresist material on both sides of a base panel in which movement of the base panel during the laminating operation is continuous and overheating of the photoresist film layers is prevented. On each side of the inlet to a nip between a pair of heated rolls there is provided a main vacuum bail for holding the leading end of a web of photoresist film, and a secondary vacuum bail for pulling the leading end of the web are around arcuate end of the main vacuum bail. A first air cylinder which moves the main vacuum bail in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base panel is itself movable in the same direction by a second air cylinder which also carries a third air cylinder, the latter moving the secondary vacuum bail in a direction parallel to the plane of the base panel. A nozzle plate is disposed opposed to the inlet of the heated rolls to cause the leading end of the web to be deposited smoothly onto the base panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1986
    Assignee: Somar Corporation
    Inventor: Toshio Obayashi
  • Patent number: 4584046
    Abstract: A device for attaching articles (11) to packages (12) which are passed to the applicator device (10) at irregular intervals. When this is done the articles (for example, drinking straws (11)), are thrust against the package (12) by means of rotatable applicator arms (41). The applicator arm (41) is tilted against the action of a pull-off spring (51) by a burst of compressed air that acts on the arm (41) for a brief period so that it moves back into its initial position immediately after pressing against the package (12).The applicator device (10) can be tilted about two perpendicular directions and can be secured in order that the drinking straws (11) can be secured in different directions and on variously inclined surfaces of the package (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Inventor: Jurgen Geyssel
  • Patent number: 4581096
    Abstract: A tape applying device for punching an annular piece out of an adhesive tape and applying the annular piece of adhesive tape to the inner leads of a lead frame having leads which extend outwardly therefrom in four general directions includes an inner pattern punch disposed along the direction of the travel of the adhesive tape on one surface side thereof and an outer pattern punch disposed along the direction of the travel of the adhesive tape on the same side as the inner punch on the downstream side relative to the inner punch. The outer pattern punch is provided with a press mechanism for applying under pressure the annularly shaped piece of the adhesive tape to the inner leads of the lead frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Mining Company Limited
    Inventor: Fumio Sato
  • Patent number: 4574020
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for a high speed production line in which a container is wrapped with a plastic label comprising a foam polystyrene layer, there being means to move a leading edge of the label to the periphery of a rotating vacuum drum, means to apply methylene chloride to the underside of the foam layer to form finite areas on the leading label edge and a finite area on the trailing edge. The finite areas have therein a rapidly solidifying tacky solution of the foam polymer in methylene chloride, the tacky viscous solutions rapidly solidifying to form an adhesive bond. The solvent-applied label is quickly moved to a label wrapping station where it is wrapped around a container, the finite areas on the leading edge tacking the label to the container, and the finite area on the trailing edge forming a cohesive bond on the seam formed by the overlapped label ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold R. Fosnaught
  • Patent number: 4572758
    Abstract: A straw attachment apparatus for attaching drinking straws to beverage containers. A carrier member has a first and a second surface. The carrier member supports a plurality of straws in substantially parallel alignment with each other on the first surface of the carrier. An adhesive is secured to the second surface of the carrier member and a container assembly supplies a plurality of beverage containers into registry with the adhesive on the second surface of the carrier member so that the straws are adhesively secured to the beverage containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: Indag Gesellschaft fur Industriebedarf mbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Wild
  • Patent number: 4568406
    Abstract: A cap-lining machine is constructed with a minimal number of mechanical parts and is provided with a modular and quickly replaceable liner punch and insert station, which readily may be changed to accommodate caps of different diameters with a minimum amount of down time. In addition, sensing switches are employed with an electronic control system in lieu of conventional mechanical connections to prevent the machine from moving on to the next step in its operation unless all previous steps of operation have been completed in proper sequence. Operation interruption is accomplished in a jam-proof manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Assignee: Top Seal Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas G. Kieran, Newton R. Rickenbach
  • Patent number: 4565047
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically packaging folded hosiery into a pouch having a pouch closing flap in which a first means automatically forms the pouch and flap of a single sheet of plastic film with one face of a double-faced adhesive tape adhesively attached to the pouch, in which a second means automatically inserts the folded hosiery into the pouch while adhesively attaching the other face of the double-faced adhesive tape already on the pouch to the flap to close the pouch with the hosiery therein and in which a suction transfer arm automatically transfers the pouch and flap as made by the first means to the second means to insert the hosiery into the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1986
    Assignees: Monarch Knitting Machinery Corporation, Takatori Machinery Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Nishikawa, Seiichi Saibe
  • Patent number: 4561928
    Abstract: Labelling equipment is provided for applying heat shrinkable wrap-around labels to contoured surfaces of containers. The equipment includes a label carrier having a wheel rotatable about its axis, a vacuum system coupled to the wheel to retain labels on the wheel, a feeder for directing containers individually to the wheel adjacent the periphery of the wheel to receive a label, and a drive system for receiving containers from the bottle feeder and for rolling the containers upon receiving the label from the label carrier.The container is supported on a platen having a diameter corresponding to the greatest diameter of the container so that the label depends in a skirt from the container. The container is subsequently transferred to a smaller platen and passed over a heated plenum to shrink the skirt to the contours of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Inventor: Martin D. Malthouse
  • Patent number: 4549454
    Abstract: A strip of tape is cut at intervals into precise cut lengths equal in length to that of a desired label of non-rectangular shape. The cut lengths of tape are positioned in exact alignment with a punch of a punch cutting assembly for punching out the label and the punched label is separated from waste about the rim of the label for delivery free of the waste. The cut lengths are transferred to a transfer drum periphery and held momentarily under vacuum pressure which vacuum pressure is released to allow the cut lengths to shift circumferentially about the periphery of the transfer drum against a stop to accurately locate the cut lengths prior to further transfer to the punch cutting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1985
    Assignee: Koyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyouichi Yamashita
  • Patent number: 4544431
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention processes roll fed labels for application to articles to be labelled. Adhesive is applied to or activated on the leading edge of the first to be applied label and the label is subsequently cut from the label supply and advanced by a conveyor in timed synchronization with an article to be labelled. Preferably, adhesive is applied to or activated on the leading edge of such first label as it is held essentially stationary on a vacuum bed in slipping engagement with continuously driven belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Assignee: Stackpole Limited
    Inventor: George W. King
  • Patent number: 4531998
    Abstract: An adjustable tape chute guides a composite tape on a tape laying machine. The chute has a main body with a central guide slot of nominal width, for receiving a composite tape. The exit end of the chute has a pair of opposite edge guides which are movable with an adjusting screw along guide pins to conform to the actual tape width, so the tape may be accurately deposited alongside previously deposited tape strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Peterson
  • Patent number: 4526645
    Abstract: Labelling equipment is provided for applying wrap-around labels to cylindrical containers. The equipment includes a label carrier having a wheel rotatable about its axis, a vacuum system coupled to the wheel to retain labels on the wheel, a feeder for directing containers individually to the wheel adjacent the periphery of the wheel to receive a label, and a drive system for receiving containers from the bottle feeder and for rolling the containers upon receiving the label from the label carrier. The drive system includes at least one belt engaged about the wheel in slipping relationship therewith to permit the belt to move faster than the periphery of the wheel and including a portion for moving in contact with the container immediately after the container leaves the feeder to both carry the label off the wheel and to engage it on the container. A cutter arrangement is provided with a lobe which removes tension from the label as it is severed from the strip of labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Assignee: Associated Packaging Equipment Corp. Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin D. Malthouse, Heinz K. Groeger
  • Patent number: 4525236
    Abstract: In an automatic device for the insertion of small blocking strips or ribbons adapted for the insertion in the groups of mating holes of material consisting of laterally punched and coupled sheet groups, whereby each strip takes a U-shaped configuration and is fixed to the first and to the last sheet of the sheet group by means of adhesive areas provided in the strip itself, an improved structure of small strip inserting device, by which each small ribbon is cut from a continuous ribbon and inserted into position without special operation carried out on the receiving holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: BAMA, SpA
    Inventor: Guido Verdi
  • Patent number: 4519865
    Abstract: Supplying of foils to be applied to both sides of a workpiece. Opposing feeding drums have identical exchangeable segments whose circumferential lengths correspond to the length of the respective foil segment lamina, and whose segment angle sums are less than 360.degree.. In order to affix a leading edge of the foil to the leading edge of the workpiece, the foil is cut at the back end of the segment, and a first segment (on whose circumference the foil segment lamina is fixed) is moved toward the workpiece. After the foil adheres to the board, the drum segment is withdrawn. During the course of further movement of the workpiece, the foil segment is stripped off the segment by use of a laminating roller and a vacuum shoe. The drum is then rotated so that for the next workpiece to be laminated, the second segment will become operative as a supply element for the foil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hans J. Bradler, Wilfried Brauner, Manfred Deyhle, Karl H. Vogt
  • Patent number: 4504336
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for affixing index tabs to book pages include accurately embossing indicia along a continuous first strip of plastic-coated paper, adhering cardboard reinforcing strips to the first strip and slitting and scoring the resulting assembly to provide tab strip stock. The tab strip stock is severed into successive tabs and carried by vacuum-operated clamping means to an adhesive-activating station and then a tab application station. Successive pages of a book are fed past the tab application location; those to be provided with tabs are stopped at various positions relative to the tab application locations and the clamping means folds tabs around the edges of selected pages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1985
    Inventor: Anselm Talalay
  • Patent number: 4491492
    Abstract: A pair of sheets (46 and 48) are held by vacuum on a pair of spaced drums (30 and 32). A rigid board (51) is moved between the drums (30 and 32) whereafter the drums are moved toward each other to adhesively attach leading edges of the sheets (46 and 48) to opposite sides of a leading edge (50) of the rigid board. As the board (51) is moved away from the drums (30 and 32), the drums are indexed to release successive sections of the sheets (46 and 48) which extends the sheets in a wrinkle-free condition. As the board (51) continues to be moved away from the drums (30 and 32), the successive sections of the sheets (46 and 48) are maintained spacially from the board and in the wrinkle-free condition by various facilities such as a vacuum shoe (52), a shelf (53), a vacuum tensioning tube (56) and vacuum bars (57 and 58). Eventually, the wrinkle-free successive sections of the sheets (46 and 48) are brought into engagement with the board (51) and attached thereto by laminating rollers (59 and 60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Assignee: AT&T Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack C. Hetherington
  • Patent number: 4481067
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for applying a strip of adhesive (22) to a workpiece (10) is provided. The apparatus (100) includes an applicator (150) reciprocally mounted to a support member (108) such that a working position and a standby position are established. If desired, a pair of applicators (150, 152) can be provided to apply parallel strips of adhesive (22) and one of the applicators (150) may be pivoted relative the support member (108) to allow access to the interior of the applicators (150, 152) for maintenance or inspection. The applicators (150, 152) include a feed pulley assembly (190) located between a roll (184) of adhesive ribbon (182) and a cutter assembly (220) for cutting the adhesive into discrete strips (322). The feed pulley assembly (190) maintains a slack condition in the adhesive ribbon (182), thereby preventing undue tension from being applied to the adhesive ribbon (182) during advancement. The apparatus (100) also includes a stripper-feeder assembly ( 280) which includes a carriage (282).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: Haggar Company
    Inventors: Joseph W. A. Off, Judson H. Early, Daniel K. Roady, Theodore B. Thayer
  • Patent number: 4481064
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a means for conveying a container or bottle from a first to a second location wherein a plastic tube feeding mechanism feeds a tubular flat folded heat-shrinkable strip above the conveying means and cuts the same into labels through a knife action where the labels are retrieved by a plurality of vacuum heads secured to a pair of transversely rotating wheels for depositing the labels over the container or bottle. The vacuum applied to the plurality of vacuum heads is controlled by a pair of manifolds secured to the wheels which are driven in synchronism with the means for conveying the containers or bottles. Two sources of vacuum are supplied to feed the pair of manifolds and, thus, supply a vacuum in alternate fashion to the two wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Inventors: Gerald D. Westlund, Gerald A. Westlund
  • Patent number: 4478674
    Abstract: A tape splicing apparatus (30) is disclosed of the type wherein splicing tape ("T") is applied to a splicing tape applicator wheel (85) having planar, tape carrying surfaces (85a-d). The applicator wheel (85) moves to and from two tape ends ("A" and "L") to be spliced whereby a tape carrying surface (85a) contacts the two tape ends ("A" and "L") and applies the splicing tape ("T") thereto. The improvement disclosed maintains the splicing tape ("T") in lateral and longitudinal alignment with each tape carrying surface (85a-d). The applicator wheel (85) is mounted between two spaced-apart walls of a splice block (51) define first and second supports which lie flush with and overlap the tape carrying surfaces (85a-d) of applicator wheel (85) on both its axial sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1984
    Assignee: Concept Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Clark
  • Patent number: 4468912
    Abstract: An apparatus for placing coupons, and the like, on cartons includes a supply source of coupons in the form of a web of coupons, a coupon advance drum for moving the coupon web from the supply source to the location of the cartons upon which the coupons are to be deposited, a knife device for cutting the coupons to be deposited from the coupon web, a movable coupon applying device which receives coupons at the knife device as they are cut from the coupon web and moves the coupons to a position above the cartons, and moving means for contemporaneously moving the carton and the coupon away from the applying means so that the coupon is moved out of the applying means and onto the carton as the carton and coupon are being moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1984
    Assignee: Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation
    Inventors: Robert T. Lewis, Everett N. Finn
  • Patent number: 4455188
    Abstract: Cover-slips are automatically applied to slides carrying specimens by feeding slides from a cassette to a conveyor, severing lengths of cover-slip material from a supply and advancing them in timed relation to the movement of the slides to an application station, depositing on each slide a quantity of solvent for an adhesive carried by the cover-slip material, compressing each slide with a cover-slip superimposed thereon in a nip at the application station, and delivering the finished slides to a removable cassette for storage in stacked relation therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1984
    Inventor: Nils G. I. Stormby
  • Patent number: 4448626
    Abstract: A welt applicating apparatus (10) is disclosed which positions welts (12) on individual garment panels (14) for adhesive attachment. The apparatus (10) includes a holding clamp assembly (136) which moves the tape sideways against fixed guide surfaces (176) to align the welt. A transfer clamp assembly (138) clamps the welt with a transfer clamp (202) and moves the welt into a preselected position between side plates (240-242) of the apparatus (10). A trimming assembly (248) is activated to move inwardly to trim the edges of the welt with cutting blade assemblies including movable blades (266-268) and stationary blades (262-264). A vacuum nozzle (278) collects the material trimmed and the backing layer cut by the cutting assemblies. A setting clamp assembly (282) clamps the welt in the preselected position with an extendable setting clamp mounted on a setting clamp arm (284). The arm pivots adjacent the garment panel. The setting clamp is extended to position the welt against the garment panel (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Assignee: Haggar Company
    Inventors: Joseph W. A. Off, Judson H. Early, Daniel K. Roady, Theodore B. Thayer
  • Patent number: 4448629
    Abstract: Labelling equipment is provided for applying wrap-around labels to cylindrical containers. The equipment includes a label carrier having a wheel rotatable about its axis, a vacuum system coupled to the wheel to retain labels on the wheel, a feeder for directing containers individually to the wheel adjacent the periphery of the wheel to receive a label, and a drive system for receiving containers from the bottle feeder and for rolling the containers upon receiving the label from the label carrier. The drive system includes at least one belt engaged about the wheel in slipping relationship therewith to permit the belt to move faster than the periphery of the wheel and including a portion for moving in contact with the container immediately after the container leaves the feeder to both carry the label off the wheel and to engage it on the container. A cutter arrangement is provided with a lobe which removes tension from the label as it is severed from the strip of labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Assignee: Associpak International Inc.
    Inventors: Martin D. Malthouse, Heinz K. Groeger
  • Patent number: 4448631
    Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for heat sealing strips of encodable material to documents, a continuous supply of the encodable material being fed, by way of a discrete loop feed assembly, to an alignment station where defined lengths thereof are aligned along the edge of documents transported thereto. A heater-drum assembly effects the heat-sealing of the aligned combination which is then transported, by way of a stacker-deflector assembly, to an output station. The transport of the documents and encodable material are assisted by a continuously running friction belt drive assembly with the severing of the encodable material into strips equal to the length of each document effected in response to photosensor actuated controls responding to the transport location of the documents and material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Assignee: BancTec, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles K. Eaton, Eugene C. Nolting, Thomas J. Norman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4447280
    Abstract: Labelling equipment is provided for applying heat shrinkable wrap-around labels to contoured surfaces of containers. The equipment includes a label carrier having a wheel rotatable about its axis, a vacuum system coupled to the wheel to retain labels on the wheel, a feeder for directing containers individually to the wheel adjacent the periphery of the wheel to receive a label, and a drive system for receiving containers from the bottle feeder and for rolling the containers upon receiving the label from the label carrier.The container is supported on a platten having a diameter corresponding to the greatest diameter of the container so that the label depends in a skirt from the container. The container is subsequently transferred to a smaller platten and passed over a heated plenum to shrink the skirt to the contours of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1984
    Inventor: Martin D. Malthouse
  • Patent number: 4444610
    Abstract: This piercing device for lids constituted of a supple and tearable material includes a substantially plane rigid tab on which a pivoting axis is provided, which axis divides the tab into a piercing arm and a handling arm and is fixed on the lid.In order to produce this axis, there is provided a supple tab having about the same extension as the rigid tab, the supple tab being secured by one face to the rigid tab and by the other face to the lid, at least on the side of the handling arm of the rigid tab.This device is particularly designed to be produced in association with an installation for thermo-shaping, filling and sealing thermoplastic containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: S.A.R.L. Eroa Holding
    Inventors: Roland Torterotot, Jean C. Hautemont
  • Patent number: 4443284
    Abstract: A lead saddle assembly is disclosed which includes a plurality of insulated wire leads maintained in a spaced, side-by-side array. The assembly includes a lead saddle comprising first and second tape strips disposed on opposite sides of the array. The tape strips include heat-activatable adhesive so that during fabrication the application of heat to a pre-assembly of the wire leads and tape strips adhere the tape strip to each other and to the wire leads as the leads are held in their array. An apparatus and method for forming lead saddle assemblies as described are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: Cam Fran Tool Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Paul S. Bandurski
  • Patent number: 4431470
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for the production of stamp or photo album leaves with slip-in pockets for the stamps. Two transparent sheets in web form are linearly bonded to one another, and slip-in pockets are stamped out of the bonded sheet material to form double sheet pockets joined along a linear edge. The slip-in pockets are stamped out of the double sheet web by a stamping tool assembly in a predetermined arrangement corresponding to the pocket placement intended for the album leaf, and holds them firmly in this arrangement by a partial vacuum. In the meantime, an adhesive has been applied to the album leaf in the places provided for the slip-in pockets. The album leaf is then brought into contact with the slip-in pockets held fast by partial vacuum on the stamping tool so that the pockets are secured to the album leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1984
    Assignee: Leuchtturm Albenverlag Paul Koch KG
    Inventor: Bernhard A. Schubert
  • Patent number: 4424093
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for the production of stamp or photo album leaves with slip-in pockets for the stamps. Two transparent sheets in web form are linearly bonded to one another, and slip-in pockets are stamped out of the bonded sheet material to form double sheet pockets joined along a linear edge. The slip-in pockets are stamped out of the double sheet web by a stamping tool assembly in a predetermined arrangement corresponding to the pocket placement intended for the album leaf, and holds them firmly in this arrangement by a partial vacuum. In the meantime, an adhesive has been applied to the album leaf in the places provided for the slip-in pockets. The album leaf is then brought into contact with the slip-in pockets held fast by partial vacuum on the stamping tool so that the pockets are secured to the album leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1984
    Assignee: Leuchtturm Albenverlag Paul Koch KG
    Inventor: Bernhard A. Schubert
  • Patent number: 4421587
    Abstract: A device for feeding address labels on a web with the address labels arranged in a column, each address label equal in size to adjacent address labels. There are non-addressed areas at equally spaced distances along the web, with the non-addressed areas separated by the address labels. There are two cutters placed after the web feeder. The first cutter operates after each increment of the web. The second cutter operates only after an increment of the web wherein the web is fed the distance of an address label plus the height of a non-addressed area. The non-addressed area is cut from the address label and removed, and the cut address label is affixed to the mail piece. The device provides for incrementing the web either a distance equal to an address label or a distance equal to an address label plus the height of a non-addressed area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1983
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Company
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Guenther, Edward H. Zemke, Gerald D. Warden
  • Patent number: 4420355
    Abstract: An applicator head is disclosed which accumulates, feeds, cuts and presents a preselected length of ribbon-like material. A first pneumatic cylinder is connected to a pivoting arm which controls accumulation and feeding steps, while a second pneumatic cylinder operates an applicator arm, to cut and present the material. The connection of the pivoting arm, relative to the first cylinder, determines the length of the cut material or ribbon segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1983
    Assignees: Bedford Industries, Inc., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Saur
  • Patent number: 4415399
    Abstract: A handle applicator having a first and second gripping means movable alternatively between a pick-up station and an application station applying handles to articles delivered to the application station, when an article and one of the gripping means carrying a handle are in position, an applicator moves to press ends of a strap handle (with adhesive pre-applied) carried by the gripping mechanism onto the article and the article with handle applied thereto is ejected from the application station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Inventor: Wolfgang Geisinger
  • Patent number: 4411721
    Abstract: A tape attachment apparatus is provided for automatically securing adhesive-backed hook or loop-type fastener tape patches to a substrate. The apparatus includes a work station where one or more patches are applied using ultrasonic welding devices. Fastener tape is supplied to the work station by a tape feed mechanism which includes a knife for severing the tape into patches of predetermined size and a transport arm for receiving a patch and transporting it to the horn of the ultrasonic welding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1983
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventor: John G. Wishart
  • Patent number: 4398990
    Abstract: Aluminum laminae are heat-sealed onto the inside of flat-bottomed plastic bags so that, by bending the lamina double after the bag has been cut open to remove part of its contents, the bag can be reclosed. The apparatus for sealing the laminae on can be incorporated in an existing bag-filling installation. An aluminum strip is supplied to a punching device from a supply roll. A punched-out aluminum lamina is placed upon the upper part of a conveyor lever. The lever is rotated through 180.degree. so that the aluminum lamina to be sealed on comes to be positioned between two layers of a web of plastic material fed by rollers. The ends of the lever are preheated by heating elements in order to accelerate the sealing-on operation. The aluminum lamina is heat-sealed onto the inside of the folded web in such a way that the longer edges of the lamina form an angle of about 45.degree. with the flat bottom of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Assignee: Ivers-Lee AG
    Inventors: Heinz Kuhni, Peter Schwaninger
  • Patent number: 4384915
    Abstract: A cam operated gripper driven by an endless chain receives at a feed station a wrapped straw having a heat-bondable portion and carries the straw to a bonding section. The gripper is associated with an electric heater which is in contact with the gripped straw. In the bonding section, an electric power supply rail is provided so that a collector of the heater slides on the rail, energizing the electric heater to heat the heat-bondable portion of the wrapped straw. In the bonding section, the heater is also pressed against the carton travelling in a production line at the same speed as the moving speed of the heater with the heat-bondable portion of the wrapped film therebetween. Thus one film wrapper is heat-bonded to each carton. After the completion of bonding, the cam operated gripper releases the straw allowing the straw to remain attached on the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1983
    Assignee: Tetra Pak International Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Utsumi
  • Patent number: 4377432
    Abstract: In the affixing of neck labels and foils to bottles wherein precut labels and foils are picked up at a station and glue-coated, turned over, and pressed onto the bottles by their glue-coated surfaces, the improvement which comprises feeding each foil and its respective neck label to the pickup station in such a way that during the pickup the lower edge of the foil is covered by the upper edge of the neck label, and pressing both foil and neck label onto the bottle substantially simultaneously in a single operation. An apparatus therefor is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1983
    Assignee: Jagenberg-Werke AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Zodrow, Hans-Werner Mohn
  • Patent number: 4357197
    Abstract: The method of bonding a pocket blank to a garment portion of the present invention comprises the steps of providing a pocket blank at a first station. The pocket blank is conveyed to a second station. The bottom and side margin tabs of the pocket blank are folded over the pocket body. Heat and pressure are utilized to apply a strip of heat fusing adhesive to a top margin tab of the pocket blank. Heat and pressure are also applied to the folded over side and bottom margin tabs to crease the same. Next, the top margin tab bearing the adhesive is folded over and heat and pressure are applied to bond the same to the pocket body. Heat and pressure are applied to fuse strips of the heat fusing adhesive to the side and bottom margin tabs of the pocket blank. The prepared pocket blank is then conveyed along the path of travel to a third station where an overlaid garment portion is heat and pressure bonded to the prepared pocket blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1982
    Assignee: General Fabric Fusing, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4354894
    Abstract: An apparatus for placing a coupon, or the like, on a package as the package moves through the apparatus. The apparatus includes a supply source of coupons in the form of a web of coupons, a coupon web advance drum for pulling the coupon web from the supply source, a scissors device for cutting the coupon web into individual coupons, and a coupon conveyor device for moving individual coupons from the scissors device to the package and depositing the coupon on the package as it continuously moves past.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1982
    Assignee: Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation
    Inventors: Robert T. Lewis, John H. Sexstone
  • Patent number: 4351679
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying labels and/or leaflets to containers in a continuous single run operation includes a product entry station, a conveyor for transporting the containers in a horizontal position through the apparatus, applicators for applying in succession leaflets and labels to the underside and upper surface, respectively of the containers, and a product discharge station where properly processed containers are exited for further processing and improperly processed containers are rejected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1982
    Assignee: Culbro Corporation
    Inventor: Hans C. Dreher