Abstract: Method and device for tagging round bales during wrapping in plastic foil, using a stationary or mobile baler-wrapper. Each round bale is oriented with the circular end surfaces mainly vertically and layers of plastic foil is wrapped around the round bale by foil wrapping arms. At a point in time where at least one layer of plastic film remains to be wrapped, each round bale is tagged with an ID tag having an adhesive back-side surface, using a time controlled, pivotal tagging arm provided with a tag transferring member. The movement of said tagging arm is controlled by a computer, which synchronizes the movement of the tagging arm with the movement of the foil supplying arms. After tagging, at least one additional layer of plastic is wrapped around each round bale to protect the ID tag.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described herein for applying labels to containers. The apparatus includes a guidance mechanism configured to provide a path for receiving a plurality of labels having a back surface with a fluid activatable adhesive that is non-tacky until activated, an adhesive activation station aligned with at least a portion of the guidance mechanism and configured to apply to the back surface of said labels a fluid to activate said adhesive along said back surface of said labels, and a label application station configured to apply at least one of said labels with said activated adhesive onto an exterior surface of a corresponding object located on a rotatable platform. The guidance mechanism includes at least one rotatable transfer member having a plurality of pallets.

Abstract: A machine uses a method for producing a cup from an outer shell and inner cup. For this purpose, the machine includes first holding devices that are arranged on a first rotatably housed star- or wheel-like holding device carrier, and second holding devices arranged on a second rotatably housed star- or wheel-like holding device carrier. Further, a first working station arranged at least in the region of the first holding devices for carrying out first working steps and at least one second working station arranged in the region of the second holding devices for carrying out second working steps are provided. Finally, the machine includes a transfer station for transferring a finished outer shell from a first holding device to a second holding device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described herein for automatically labeling using labels having a fluid activatable adhesive along the back surface of such label. The apparatus has multiple pallets each being positionable with the lowermost label of a stack of one or more labels to releasably secure by suction the label against the pallet, and multiple pads each being positionable with respect to pallets to receive labels from the pallets and then releasably retain such labels until application onto containers. Fluid for activating adhesive is applied by an applicator onto labels retained upon the pad to change the fluid activatable adhesive along the label's back surface from a non-tacky state to a tacky state just prior to application of the label onto container.

Abstract: A machine for continuously forming heat-reflective blanks is provided. The heat-reflective blanks each include a blank of sheet material and a thermal film patch coupled to the blank. The machine includes an intake station configured to align a first blank of sheet material and a second blank of sheet material for application of a first thermal film patch and a second thermal film patch, respectively. The intake station is further configured to maintain a spacing between the first blank and the second blank. The intake station includes adjustable hold-down bars for maintaining an alignment and the spacing of the first and second blanks. The machine also includes an applicator station configured to apply the first and second thermal film patches to the first and second blanks, respectively, to form a first heat-reflective blank and a second heat-reflective blank, and an ejection station configured to eject the heat-reflective blanks.

Abstract: A device for applying labels to a label carrier including a movable rack, which defines a plurality of magazine sites, each of the magazine sites being configured for accommodating a label magazine that is suitable for accommodating a large number of labels. The magazine rack further includes docking means with the aid of which the rack can be docked to a labeling unit prepared for applying the individual labels from a selected label magazine to the label carrier. The device further includes a supply unit through which a selected label magazine can be transferred from the magazine site within the rack to an operating position at which the labels are taken hold of by the labeling unit and applied individually to one of the label carriers.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a labeling apparatus that allows a labeling operation to be carried out continuously for a long period without the need of cleaning, even if the easy-to-peel labels are used. To accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a conveying drum for correcting a position of a label applied with glue, while transferring the label. The conveying drum includes a predetermined groove extending circumferentially along an outer surface of the conveying drum.

Abstract: The present invention realizes an automated system which automatically performs all processes including an inputting process, a bonding process, and a punching process using a robot in manufacturing an integrated part of an MEA and GDLs. Accordingly, with the automated system, it is possible to improve productivity and ensure consistent product quality.

Abstract: A specification-attaching apparatus includes a transferring unit for transferring a specification fed from a specification-feeding unit to an attaching unit that includes a suction member movable, in response to rotation of a pivot rod, in sequence among angularly spaced sucking, standby and releasing positions. The suction member is operable so as to switch from a non-sucking state to a sucking state when at the sucking position, thereby sucking the specification transferred from the transferring unit and to switch from the sucking state to the non-sucking state when at the releasing position, thereby releasing the specification sucked thereby. A container sprayed with glue by a glue-spraying unit is conveyed by a motor-driven container conveying unit to move in synchronization with and contact the suction member during movement of the suction member from the standby position to the releasing position so that the specification is attached to the container.

Abstract: The inventive device for enclosing histological and biological samples comprises a platform for an object glass and means for placing a cover glass thereto. Said means for placing the cover glass is embodied in the form of a comb arranged above the platform and provided with a mechanism for a pendulous (the first embodiment of the device) or reciprocating (the second embodiment of the device) motion above said platform. The platform is limited by a vertical arrest which is arranged on the side of the means for placing a cover glass and provided with slots for accommodating the comb teeth therein. In addition, said device can be provided with a rolling press arranged above the comb.

Abstract: A solder preform for use to attach an electronic component to a substrate. The preform is for placement by a pick-and-place machine using a vacuum nozzle which picks the preform from a preform holder. Each of the sides of the preform configured to function as a vacuum side pick up surface has an enlarged planar surface area. Methods for forming such solder preforms are also disclosed.

Abstract: A placement component rapidly moves individual bag blanks from a pack or magazine to a conveyor system in uniformly spaced relationship. Each bag blank has opposite surfaces. While the conveyor system continues to move the bags, opening tabs are automatically applied to opposite surfaces of each bag, followed by high speed application and cutting of sideways extending flexible closure strips. The bag blanks are moved continuously from the placement component to the high speed cutting section, as compared to incremental movement, for high speed manufacturing of specialized bags.

Abstract: Techniques to apply a label to an object are described.

Abstract: A fully automated method and apparatus is disclosed to laminate various structural articles with a layer of resin impregnated fiber tape. The tape laying member removes a releasable backing layer from the tape being employed, then deposits the unbacked tape on the surface of the structural article, and finally severs the end of the tape being deposited. An automated cut and restart procedure is employed in the present tape laying member to increase tape throughput.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide for singulating thin and substantially porous material layers arranged in a stack. A pick head is positioned above the stack of material layers. An adhesive tape is stabilized against the pick head through use of a vacuum between the adhesive tape and the pick head. Contact is effected between the stabilized adhesive tape and the top material layer. The pick head is moved to move the top material layer from the stack to a predetermined location. While at the predetermined location, the adhesive tape is detached from the top material layer. The singulation apparatus and method are particularly well suited for destacking individual porous fluid transport layers (FTLs) from a magazine of FTLs during automated fuel cell assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for producing flexible magnets includes apparatus for automatically feeding a plurality of individual, pre-printed sheets into continuous webs of a magnet material and a laminate to laminate the individual sheets to the web of magnet material in a continuous process. The laminated magnet material is then advanced to a cutting mechanism that cuts the magnet material into a plurality of individual flexible magnets. A registration sensor indexes each of the individual pre-printed sheets on the magnet material to the cutting mechanism.

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring a lightweight object by pneumatic pulse, the device including a pneumatic pulse generator connected to a transfer member, wherein the pneumatic pulse generator includes bellows installed between a fixed base and a plate actuated by an actuating member so as to flatten the bellows between the base and the plate, the transfer member including a hollow guide in communication with the bellows, the hollow guide being closed by a piston sliding under the effect of a pneumatic pulse against the force of a return spring.

Abstract: A labeling apparatus and method for continuously applying a layer of a radiation curable adhesives to plastic, sheet fed, cut and stack, labels, irradiating the adhesive on the labels, prior to and/or subsequent to adhering the labels to containers, e.g., a bottle, to render the adhesive sufficiently tacky to effectively permanently seal the labels to containers in a commercial labeling machine. The plastic labels can be clear, opaque (including metallized) plastic films and can be retained in a dispensing magazine prior to the application of the radiation curable adhesive to the labels.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for bonding a semiconductor chip to substrate using a non-conductive adhesive tape. The non-conductive adhesive tape may be a polyimide tape. The apparatus may include a tape provider having a reel on which the non-adhesive tape may be spooled, rollers, and a tape cutter which cuts the tape to a suitable size. A tape holder and a tape presser may also be provided to hold the tape in place while the tape cutter cuts the tape. A tape pick-up tool may be provided to transfer the cut tape to a die bonding area on the substrate. The tape holder and the tape pick-up tool may include a suction opening for providing a suction force. The apparatus may further include a die pick up tool for transferring a semiconductor chip from a semiconductor chip provider to the adhesive tape affixed to the substrate.

Abstract: A method of preparing documents for the transmission of secure information comprises the steps of preparing a first laminar element (13; 37) with a peripheral region (15) separable from a central region (14), printing the secure information on the central region (14) of the first laminar element (13; 37), or on a central region (19) of a second laminar element (12; 36), positioning the two laminar elements (13; 37, 12; 36) in face-to-face relation, with the face of the element bearing the information facing the said other element, and securing the element together around the peripheral regions.

Abstract: A beverage can with a protective cover, a blank for it, as well as a method and device for application of a protective cover to the lid area of a beverage can, wherein the protective cover is made of embossed aluminum foil. An essentially flat blank of the embossed aluminum foil, while covering at least the can lid, is brought into contact with the beverage can and, while being shaped in a ductile manner, is molded to at least the can lid. The cans, while in an upright position, are conveyed with a conveyor apparatus beneath a placement apparatus for blanks made of embossed aluminum foil, which placement apparatus places the blanks onto the top area of the cans while pressing them, at least partially, against the lid area and/or the can edge.

Abstract: A rapid prototyping process and apparatus that provides an intermittent material feed type variable-lamination rapid prototyping using a linear thermal cutting system, wherein intermittently fed materials are cut to have variable lengths, widths, and lateral gradients with the 4-axis control-type linear thermal cutting system controlled by a computer, and based on cutting operation data generated in the computer.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a thin-film laminate for manufacturing the thin-film laminate by sequentially laminating thin-film sheets having conductive patterns formed thereon, comprising the steps of housing thin-film sheets held by a carrier films adjusted to a prescribed size in a housing case; and in the middle of conveyance of the thin-film sheets in a state held by the carrier films and taken out from the housing case to a pressing and laminating position, stripping the thin-film sheets off the carrier films while conveying the same.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying and transferring blanks, in particular revenue stamps, to (cigarette) packs a supply of blanks being stored in at least one upright magazine shaft from which the blanks are removed individually on the underside. In order to increase the capacity, a loading station with a supply unit for blanks is arranged at a distance from a transfer station assigned to the packs, to be precise in a disruption-free, easily reachable region of the packaging machine.

Abstract: A modeling apparatus for producing a model by lamination of sheet material including a support platform which can be raised and lowered, a sheet feed mechanism for feeding sheet material over the platform, a superstructure mounted over the platform, a cutting mechanism for cutting the sheet material to form shaped portions, an adhesive applicator for applying adhesive to the shaped portions, and a control mechanism.

Abstract: A foil applicator for particle board and the like has a stack of foils positioned above the transport path for the boards and provided with a suction feeder which delivers the foils to a platform from which the foils are fed by belt feeders to the upper surface of the board. At the upstream of the stack, a further platform is provided and receives foil sheets from the stack and feeds those foil sheets to a suction belt inverter which delivers the sheets in an inverted form to the conveyor for application to the top or bottom of the board.

Abstract: An automatic brickwork stencil making machine formed in two production lines on a table top base. A roll of adhesive coated tape in each line is processed to pick up tabs positioned perpendicular to the moving tape, a tamper secures the tab on the tape, and a take-up spool driven by a motor rolls up the completed product for use in making brickwork layouts on vertical or horizontal planar surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a cutter includes a cutter cylinder that has a cutter blade on a peripheral surface thereof. The cutter blade extends in a longitudinal direction. A rotary die cutter has a receiving cylinder on a peripheral surface thereof to receive the cutter blade. A sheet conveying device is provided for feeding a nonmetallic sheet between the cutter cylinder and the receiving cylinder of the rotary die cutter at a speed synchronous with that of the cutter blade. An inverting device is also provided for pulling back the sheet after the tip portion thereof is severed by action of the cutter cylinder and the rotary die cutter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic slide staining system that will process stained slides, such as cytology or histology specimens. The invention includes a slide storage device, a slide transport apparatus, and a first platen including a plurality of staining stations. The stained slides are placed in the storage device and then are removed and processed at various stations via the transport apparatus. The invention can be altered so that a cover slip apparatus can be incorporated within the system. This permits a cover slip to be placed on the stained slide after a complete transverse of the slide staining stations.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering successive lowermost strip- or sheet-shaped commodities, such as labels, from a stack of commodities to a conveyor employs a rotary and reciprocable transfer member which pneumatically removes successive lowermost commodities from the stack, pneumatically attracts the commodities during transfer from the stack, and ceases to attract the commodities upon arrival at a station where the commodities are taken over by the pneumatically operated conveyor, such as an indexible or continuously driven rotary drum-shaped conveyor. The transfer member is reciprocated between the magazine and the conveyor by a reciprocable carriage which further serves to reciprocate a fluid flow regulating member acting as a valve to establish and interrupt the flow of air from one or more inlets of the transfer member to a suction generating device. The movements of various mobile constituents of the apparatus are synchronized, and such constituents can receive motion from a common prime mover.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically merging and attaching documents, such as photocopies of remittance checks or the like, to envelopes from which the documents originated is disclosed. The system uses a series of bins and conveyors to automatically retrieve, synchronize, merge and reassociate each document to its respective envelope.

Abstract: A device for attaching a supplement to an exposed surface of signatures transported one after another in a transporting direction along a guide arrangement includes a rotating gripping roller for picking up the supplements at the circumference of the rotating gripping roller with a controlled gripping tool. The rotating gripping roller has a rotational axis arranged approximately at a right angle to the transporting direction and at least approximately parallel to the exposed surface of the transported signatures. An adhesive feeder is provided along a transporting path for supplements. A forward feed is operatively arranged with the rotating gripping roller to operate in cycle with the rotating gripping roller for placing the supplements approximately tangentially with respect to the rotating gripping roller so that the supplements are on the circulation path for the controlled gripping tool.

Abstract: A device that continuously applies self-adhesive handles to moving articles using a pivotable paddle that can rotate approximately 180 degrees from a vertical stopped position. The rotation of the paddle is synchronized with the movement of the articles so that an adhesive tape can be applied to a moving article by placing a first end of the tape on a downstream face of the article, and a second end of the tape is applied to an upstream face of the article, thereby forming a handle on the article. Clamps are used to temporarily connect the paddle to the tape as well as pull the tape while a knife is used for cutting the tape.

Abstract: An automatic cassette wrapping machine includes three interconnected stations: a station for loading cassettes and inserting cassettes into an assembly line; a station for receiving the cassettes and engaging the cassettes with paperboard sheaths having preapplied glue; and a station for receiving the sheath encased cassettes and stacking the cassettes in shippable pluralities. The cassette assembly machine is fully automated and includes a central processing unit receiving signals from sensors positioned throughout the machine to coordinate all aspects of machine operation.

Abstract: A leaflet dispensing apparatus having a main structural body on which is mounted a carousel including a plurality of magazine for storing leaflets and an intermediate chute for transferring the leaflets from the carousel to a dispensing wheel. The dispensing wheel is adapted to remove a leaflet from the intermediate chute and to transport the leaflet to a dispensing area where a dispensing blade pushes the leaflet onto or into a container being transported by a conveyor located adjacent to the leaflet dispensing apparatus. The magazines for storing leaflets are the vehicle for reloading the carousel. The magazines may be discarded after use or may be re-used.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying end papers to the front and rear sides of inner books which are continuously moving along a transport path includes end paper channels extending along the transport path and feeders for isolating individual end papers from stacks and delivering the end papers into the channels for simultaneous conveyance with the inner book. The feeders position the end papers such that they are oriented substantially parallel with the sides of the inner book while delivering the end papers into the channels in the direction of inner book movement. The moving end papers are overtaken by the mechanisms which impart movement to the books and the simultaneous moving end papers and inner books are subsequently pressed together to bond the end papers to the inner book.

Abstract: The present invention is an automatic slide staining system which will process stained slides, such as cytology or histology specimens. The present invention includes two embodiments for the staining system. The first system includes a slide storage device, a slide transport apparatus, a first platen including a plurality of staining stations, and a heating station. In order to utilize the first embodiment of the system of the present invention, the stained slides are placed in the storage device. The slides are removed from the storage device and are processed on the various stations via the transport apparatus. The first system can be altered slightly so that a cover slip apparatus can be incorporated within the system. In order to do so, the heating station is removed. A cover slip dispensing apparatus replaces the heating station. This will permit for a cover slip to be placed on the stained slide after a complete transverse of the slide staining stations.

Abstract: A mail processing machine including a base, a mail item feed station and a station for storing said items after processing in the base, said base including a printhead adapted to print postage imprints on mail items from a magazine of the feed station and conveyor rollers for transporting said items along a transport path of said base to a magazine of the storage station, control means, display means and processing means being additionally provided for controlling said machine, and the transport path of the base of the machine is inclined at a particular angle to the horizontal, in the range a few degrees, preferably 10.degree., to a few tens of degrees, preferably 30.degree..

Abstract: An apparatus for labelling packages with postage meter labels performs a method in which postage metered label combinations are received from a label feeder and postage meter, the label is stripped from its release sheet, and then the label is applied to its respective package. The labelling apparatus and method are designed for use in a high speed electronic finishing system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for application of a header label to the bag. The bag, which has previously been filled with a product, is presented to the apparatus at an upstream bag presentation and accepting station and is gripped proximate its top. It is then transferred from the upstream bag accepting station to a downstream bag release station. Before being released, the bag travels to an intermediate label application station where a label is readied and applied to the bag. Thereafter, the bag proceeds downstream, with the label, and the label is sealed to the bag. A series of grippers are employed for accepting a stream of discreet bags in a continuous manner. The grippers are recirculated continuously so that the apparatus operates continuously so long as bags are presented for application of a label.

Abstract: An automatic sock labeling machine including a conveyor element actuatable with a translatory motion along an advancement direction and extending from a station for loading the socks on the conveyor element to a station for unloading the labeled socks. The path of the conveyor element includes: a station for positioning, in each instance, a label so that it straddles the top of a pair of mutually superimposed socks; a station for fixing the label to the pair of socks; and, if necessary a station for printing markings at the foot of one sock of the pair of socks.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic slide staining system which will process stained slides, such as cytology or histology specimens. The present invention includes two embodiments for the staining system. The first system includes a slide storage device, a slide transport apparatus, a first platen including a plurality of staining stations, a heating station, and a housing. In order to utilize the first embodiment of the system of the present invention, the stained slides are placed in the storage device. The slides are removed from the storage device and are processed on the various stations via the transport apparatus. The first system can be altered slightly so that a cover slip apparatus can be incorporated within the system. In order to do so, the heating station is removed. A cover slip dispensing apparatus replaces the heating station. This will permit for a cover slip to be placed on the stained slide after a complete transverse of the slide staining stations.

Abstract: A produce labeller has first and, optionally, second selectively actuable label supply cartridge for selectively supplying labels from the fast or second selectively actuable label supply cartridge to corresponding fast and second label transfer positions in a fast plane. A rotatable label transfer piston housing is provided, rotatable in the first plane on a drive shaft. The rotatable label transfer piston housing has mounted radially therein in the fast plane radially spaced apart resiliently biased radially telescoping label transfer pistons for picking up labels from the fast or second selectively actuable label supply cartridge at the fast or second label transfer position, and rotationally carrying the labels from the first or second label transfer position to a label deposit point. The labels are carried on exposed ends of the radially spaced apart resiliently biased radially telescoping label transfer pistons, one label per exposed end, by selectively actuable vacuum apertures on each exposed end.

Abstract: A windshield assembly system for assembling windshield assemblies for vehicles includes a conveyor for delivering at least two plys of glass to an assembly station, a first robot for lifting one of the two plays from the conveyor, a second robot for gripping and removing at least one adhesive sheet from a stack of adhesive sheets and placing the removed adhesive sheet adjacent the other one of the two plys, whereby the first robot places the one of the two plys adjacent the removed adhesive sheet to assemble the windshield assembly. The apparatus includes a sheet edge separator such as a knife or blade movable along a longitudinal edge of the top sheet for separating at least a portion of the top sheet from the stack of adhesive sheets.

Abstract: A system for dependably supplying stacks of labels to a high speed labeling machine. The system includes four primary parts. A plurality of cartridges for carrying stacks of labels, each of the cartridges has a release mechanism at the lower end of the cartridge. A carousel for carrying the cartridges in a vertical orientation with release mechanism of the cartridges directed downward. An arcuate chute having a centerpoint of the arcuate pathway defined by the chute. The upper port of the chute is situated in the system to receive the release mechanism of the cartridges carried on the carousel. A retractable paddle carried on a first end of a lever arm, the lever arm having a pivot mount in common with the centerpoint of the arcuate chute, and a counterweight at a second end of the lever arm. The carousel includes a vertical movement to sequentially lower each of the cartridges into contact with the upper port of the chute and release any stack of labels therein onto the retractable paddle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for producing smart cards, characterized in that it comprises a station (1) for milling recesses in batches of plastic cards associated with a station (3) for inlaying integrated circuits in said recesses, said milled cards being conveyed from milling station (1) to inlaying station (3) by a transfer system (2) making possible an adaptation to the speed differences of the stations (1, 3) and to the positioning differences of these stations (1, 3).

Abstract: The device forms part of a high speed labeling machine of the type utilizing cold-applied gums, typically as in bottling plant, and serves to support and drive the rotary unit by which single labels are gummed and transferred to the point of application; to advantage, the gumming roller and the center station which rotates the single labels into position are suspended from above, thereby avoiding the damage caused to seals by solidifying and encrusted gum spilled in normal operation, and facilitating the operation of washing the machine (whether automatically or by hand) given that there is no need to dismantle any component part.

Abstract: The invention is used in a labeling machine for applying liquid to the surface of the bottles after the labels are applied for the purpose of rendering scratches, abrasions, chipping and chafing of the bottle surfaces invisible. To minimize the space taken by the combination of the labeling machine and the new liquid applicator device, the device is associated with the outfeed starwheel of the labeling machine. The liquid applicator device includes a fixed arcuate friction and applicator surface on which the bottles roll by reason of being orbited in the outfeed starwheel and, while rolling, the bottles receive their coating of liquid from the applicator surface. The applicator surface is spongy and maintains a coating of the liquid on it which is applied to the surface by means of spray nozzles which are timed to spray the applicator surface by projecting a fanshaped spray through the space between successive bottles as the bottles are moving orbitally by the rotating outfeed starwheel.

Abstract: Labels (10), especially revenue stamps, are usually affixed to cuboidal cigarette packs (11). The labels have to be supplied and held ready for being received by the packs (11) in sufficient numbers. The labels (10) are successively severed length- or breadthways from a continuous web of material (17) and are then directly fed into a magazine (14), from which the labels are extracted at the lower end as required. Without any conversion, the type of labels to be processed can be changed by way of (temporarily) manually inserting labels into the magazine which is appropriately designed for this option.

Abstract: The container labeler (2) includes broadly a container conveyor (8) and one or more label applying assemblies (4,6). The label applying assembly includes a label supply hopper (10) which stores a stack of labels (16), a transfer assembly (24) which removes labels one-at-a-time from the label supply hopper, a drive assembly (50) which drives the label from the transfer assembly to an adhesive application assembly (62), and a label pressing member (76) which presses against a container (12) on the container conveyor (78) to form a nip (74). The adhesive application assembly applies adhesive to the back of the label and delivers the label to the nip. The container conveyor includes rotating pedestals (96) upon which the containers rest so that the label from the adhesive applying assembly is applied to the container by the movement of the label into the nip and the rotation of the container.