Abstract: Applicator device for a laying machine with mobile head, for laying a composite material tape on a surface of application, said device comprising a rotary application roller carried by a mount fixed to said mobile head which applies said roller against said application surface and which advances said roller transversely to its axis of rotation so that while rolling it applies said tape on said application surface.According to the invention, this device is characterized in thatsaid rotary application roller comprises a resiliently flexible shaft deformable under flexion and a cylinder of resiliently compressible material fast with said shaft,each end of said shaft is connected to said mount by an end bearing, andat least one intermediate bearing is provided between said end bearings for connecting said shaft to said mount.

Abstract: A tape dispenser (6) is provided (FIGS. 7, 8 and 9) having a movable cover and keeper (27) which slides into a circumferential housing (5) to keep a roll of tape (2) on an axle (3) and hold a brake plate (28) in a circumferential housing (5). The cover (27) has an opening (29) for inserting the thumb to push against the brake plate (28) which operates as a brake when pressed against the roll of tape (2) inside the dispenser (6) by pushing the roll of tape (2) against the housing back (30) to prevent the roll of tape (2) from rotating when a tape-cutting blade (7) at the outside wall of the dispenser is pushed against the tape and given a slight right or left twist to cut it. Plane surfaces (14 and 17) are provided adjacent to the cutting blade (7) for pressing the tape against an object (13) to which tape is being attached to secure firm attachment of the tape before it is cut with the blade. Only one hand is necessary to firmly apply and cut tape by using this dispenser.

Abstract: An apparatus for welding overlapping edges of plastic sheeting comprises a wedge-shaped heater assembly having spaced first and second heating surfaces converging to a wedge-tip. A heating element is operably associated with each of the surfaces for causing heating thereof. A sensor is operably associated with each of the surfaces for monitoring the temperature of sheeting passing therealong. A control system is operably associated with each of the sensors and with each associated heating element for controlling oeration of each of the heating elements in response to the temperature monitored by the associated sensor. A drive system is proximate the wedge-tip for causing sheeting to be advanced over the surfaces and to be compressed together upon passing beyond the wedge-tip for thereby being welded together.

Abstract: In affixing a tape to an adhesion form by pressing the tape thereagainst with a press roller at the forward end of a tape supply head rotatable about a C axis while feeding the tape to the press roller, a method comprising detecting the positions of opposite side edges of the tape during the tape affixing operation with sensors on at least one of the front and rear sides of the press roller, calculating the amount of sidewise deviation of the tape from the resulting detection signals, calculating the required angle of rotation of the press roller about the C axis based on the calculated value, and rotating the press roller about the C axis by an amount corresponding to the amount of sidewise deviation of the tape in a direction opposite to the direction of sidewise deviation of the tape to thereby current the deviation and maintain the amount of sidewise deviation within a very small range. An apparatus for practicing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a sheet material cutting system a labelling apparatus applies labels to the top surface of work material to identify the parts cut therefrom. The labelling apparatus is a unitary self-driven and self-controlled unit using pre-printed labels each providing a visual display for identifying the associated cut part, and associated with each label is a machine sensible code identifying the position on the work material at which the label is to be applied. Control cabling for the labelling apparatus is thereby avoided and the apparatus may be designed for easy transport from one point of use to another.

Abstract: A dry wall tape applicator where the tape moves through a chamber containing a taping compound and out a dispensing opening to a seam defined by two drywall panels. The dispensing opening is formed in part by an adjustably mounted plate, the position of which is controlled by a rotatable knob having an eccentric actuating stud member engaging a slot of the plate. The plate is held within close tolerances in a slideway so that the dispensing opening defines an accurately controlled slot of uniform width. The bottom wall of the housing has a convex configuration so that when the tape is in close proximity to the bottom wall, there is a proper application of the taping compound to the tape.

Abstract: A highlighter type tape dispenser unit including a tubular housing through which a transparent, colored, and releasably attachable tape may be drawn from a suitable supply device and removably applied to a surface, such as a printed page. A cutter is included to cut off the applied tape in selected lengths. Thus, there is no need to permanently mark-up the printed material.

Abstract: This lay-up device for automatic positioning of a web of fibers on a mold comprises a lay-up head adapted to move under the control of a numerical control unit, in translation along three axes X, Y, Z and in rotation about the vertical axis Z as well as about a horizontal axis oriented in the direction of feed motion of the machine; the lay-up head (2) carries a roller (10) for applying the web of fibers (4) to be deposited on the surface (6) to be covered; the roller (10) is mounted on a support (18) connected to the head (2) by means of an articulation (20) about a horizontal axis of rotation X' which extends substantially in the direction of feed motion of the machine; this articulation, which is deformable without play (20) and has very slight flexibility, is constituted by a full portion reserved between two slits (22-22') formed between the main support (16) and the auxiliary support (18) of the head (2).

Abstract: An improved carton sealing sticker and cutter, comprising a closed housing body including all elements, a cutter device which can press blade to extend out during tape delivery to cut it off, a safety device which controls blade not to extend out while tape is not delivered for use, a guide plate guiding tape delivery and positioning it and a tape sleeve ring having brake function engaged to the housing body. All elements are connected in the closed housing body. The end part of tape roll 23 sleeving tape sleeve ring is drawn out to stick to guide plate and extends appropriately long. Blade 24 of cutter device may extend out for cutting only in use state; safety device in ordinary time controls blade not to extend out to ensure safety.

Abstract: A spatially-clocked system in a program controlled tape layer corrects for tape displacement error by rotating the tape application member after a predetermined length of tape is applied rather than on a temporal basis. An interpolator is provided to determine spatial clock period displacement in a temporally-clocked control system.

Abstract: A hand tool for applying pressure to plastic laminate material during the adhesion thereof to a suitable substrate. The device consists of a hard-rubber roller rotatably mounted within and extending beyond one corner of a pressure block. The block is adapted to fit the installer's hand so that the heel can be positioned over the corner adjacent the roller mounting corner of the roller while the installer's fingers can grip the remaining corner of the block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and to apparatus for the defined dispensing and application to a substrate surface of sections having equal and/or unequal lengths of a tape, particularly of a pressure-sensitive or thermally activatable adhesive tape, to a substrate surface. To this end, the tape is continuously adhesively affixed to the surface. Starting at an initial placement position; before the leading edge (in the direction of application) of the tape section is secured, it is severed partly, leaving at least one web of material, at a predetermined distance from the trailing edge thereof by a specially configured cutting mechanism. After the subsequent adhesive placement of the entire tape section on said surface, the tape is separated at said at least one web of material by utilizing a braking effect as the tape or the tape dispensing and applying apparatus continues to move relative to the surface.

Abstract: A tape scale applicator (100) has a guiding channel (142) for aligning a metrological scale (126) relative to a substrate (150) to which the scale is applied. The applicator (100) is attached to a mounting bracket (153) for a read head (used to read the scale) provided on a member (154), which moves relative to the substrate (150). The applicator (100) is used to apply the scale (126) to the substrate in order to ensure that the scale (126) has a precise alignment with the read head, once the read head is connected to the mounting bracket (153). The tape scale (126) has a backing strip (140) which is removed via a second channel (170) as the scale (126) passes through the guiding channel (142).

Abstract: A rollout apparatus for rolling trapped air from a resin impregnated fiber mat has two carriage assemblies mounted for reciprocated movement in opposite direction. Each of the carriage assemblies carries depending rollers that engage an impregnated fiberglass mat laid on a mold. The carriage assemblies oscillate simultaneously in opposite directions so that the turning forces generated by the receiprocation cancel each other, thus providing a smooth vibration-free mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application to a substrate of an adhesive film initially adhering to a carrier tape provided in the form of a coil comprises an applicator (23; 123) by means of which the adhesive film (3; 103) is peeled of the carrier tape (4; 104) as the latter is moved therepast. A takeup reel (11; 111) is provided for rewinding the carrier tape (4; 104) after it has passed the applicator (23; 123), there being an operative connection (13; 113) provided between the takeup reel (11; 111) and the carrier tape coil (7; 107). The apparatus (1) for the application of the adhesive film is characterized in that the diameter of the takeup reel (11; 111) is at least as great as the greatest possible diameter of the carrier tape coil (7; 107), that the takeup reel (11; 111) and the carrier tape coil (7; 107) are disposed on a common axis (9; 109) and that the operative connection is designed as a disc clutch (13; 113). The disc clutch (13; 113) is preferably designed as a magnetic clutch (19, 21; 119, 121).

Abstract: A magnetic support and transport system comprising a plurality of permanent magnets for interacting with ferrous T-bars of a ceiling grid to counteract gravitational attraction. A plurality of rollers maintain an air gap between the magnets and the grid. A remotely controlled electric motor drives at least one of the rollers and thereby transports the system along the T-bars. Opposing pairs of guides maintain alignment of the system with the T-bars. Each pair of the guides is adapted to automatically retract upon encountering transversely oriented T-bars. When used for grid resurfacing and redecorating applications, the system can support a tape dispenser adapted to transfer adhesive pressure sensitive tape to downwardly exposed surfaces of the grid. A modified embodiment of the present invention is adapted to support surveillance equipment.

Abstract: An applicator tool for use in applying an insulating strip on the surface of a window pane used in the assembly of multi-pane windows. The applicator tool includes a directing roller which directs the insulating strip onto the glass while maintaining only rolling contact with the surface of the glass. The directing roller is removable, is capable of adjustment in the vertical direction, and is capable of adjustment to vary the distance from the edge of the glass the insulating strip is placed. The applicator further includes two guiding rollers which maintain rolling contact with the edge of the glass. Transport rollers may be used on the applicator tool when insulating strip is applied to glass located on a flat surface. The tool also includes a rectangular block for use in molding the insulating strip around a corner.

Abstract: A filament winding system includes a head that selects the number of tows to be within a winding band while winding and positioning the winding band directly on the mandrel according to contours of the mandrel. Half of the tows are conveyed in an upper portion of the head and the remaining half are conveyed in a lower portion of the head with both halves meeting at an applicating roller at the discharge end of the tows. The head includes cut and add assemblies wherein the individual tows are selectively cut and later can be added to the band.

Abstract: A wall covering is provided for a wall board system, in which the wall board bears one half of a hook and loop fastening system. The wall covering bears the complementary half of the fastening system on one side and has a decorative finish on the other. An apparatus for applying the wall covering in roll form, by unrolling the wall covering under tension and providing spaces for the attachment of trim pieces on the edges of the wall board is also described, as well as a method for applying the wall covering.

Abstract: A method for controlling the tape affixing direction of an automatic tape affixing apparatus including a tape affixing head movable in X axis, Y axis, Z axis, A axis and C axis and a control device for moving the tape affixing head on an adhesion form, the tape affixing head carrying a tape supply reel, a tape-take-up reel, a tape presser roller and a tape drive roller includes the steps of; calculating a normal vector of each fine section of a surface of the adhesion form and a vector of a ridge between fine sections based on X-, Y- and Z- coordinate values of points in fine sections, the fine section being formed by dividing the surface of the adhesion form in the form of a lattice; calculating the affixing direction vector of a control point of a tape from the normal vector and the ridge vector; and controlling the moving course of the tape affixing head in accordance with the affixing direction vector. Accordingly, the tape affixing direction can be controlled with high accuracy.

Abstract: A device for controlling the tension of a tape for use in an automatic tape affixing apparatus includes a tape affixing head movable in X axis, Y axis, Z axis, the tape affixing head carrying a tape supply reel, a tape take-up reel, a tape presser roller, and a tape positioning mechanism; a control motor for controlling the torque of each of the tape supply reel and the tape take-up-reel; a sensor for the winding radius of each of the tape supply reel and the tape take-up reel; a rotary encoder for detecting the feeding amount of the tape; control means for controlling the control motor; the control means generating a torque control signal based on a signal of the winding radius of each reel from the sensor, a signal on the position of the tape from the rotary encoder, and the feeding resistance of the tape and then sends the torque control signal to the control motor so that the tape portions before and after the tape positioning mechanism are kept at the same tension.

Abstract: A carpet seaming iron comprising a sole plate, an ultra thin guide strut and a flat planar heater core comprising heating ribbon arranged in three separate patterns for providing high, medium and low heat to the front, middle and rear sections of the sole plate. A thermostat is provided with an auxiliary heater controlled by a switch for controlling the power applied to the heater core so as to selectively provide a high and low temperature in each of the heat zones. A heat insulator on the heater core and a heat shield on the top of the iron base keeps temperatures below that which melt carpet backing, e.g. 300.degree. F. Indicating lights are provided for indicating when power is applied to the iron and when power is applied to the heater core. The ultra thin guide strut restricts the extent to which the edges of a pair of carpet halves are separated during the seaming process for providing easier operation and a better seam between the carpet halves.

Abstract: A compliant tape dispensing and compacting head and method by which tape is dispensed and compacted onto a contoured surface. Tape is dispensed from a plurality of tape supply reels onto the contoured surface and subject to the action of a compacting head. The compacting head is capable of being biased in the compaction direction, i.e., against the contoured surface, and adjusted by the biasing force to follow the contour of the contoured surface so that each discrete tape strip has a compacting force applied thereto which is normal to the contoured surface at the tape strip location.

Abstract: A manually-operated device for applying a very thin material, such as roll leaf, from a roll onto a flat surface so as to imprint the material and produce an artistic result. The device has a dispenser for holding the roll of material, and the material is guided through a predetermined path under a heated stamping roller, the temperature of which is automatically controlled and maintained at a desired temperature. By using handles on the sides of the device, the user advances the roller over the material, which is dispensed smoothly, so as to apply the material to the selected surface. The device includes a manually-operated cutter to facilitate cutting of the material on a straight line when the desired amount has been applied.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes an apparatus for laying an adhesive strip along the peripheral edges of a glass sheet positioned on a work table with a view to forming a double-glazed insulated glass panel. The apparatus comprises a handle with a housing mounted at one end thereof and includes therein a series of rollers for positioning and laying the adhesive strip on the glass sheet. A third roller, whose axis is perpendicular to the axis of each of the strip-laying rollers, applies pressure to the strip being laid.

Abstract: An automatic tape affixing apparatus includes a tape affixing head movable in X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis, A-axis and C-axis directions; a tape presser roller having a plurality of roller members disposed widthwise; a roller supporting shaft for supporting the roller members in such a way that the roller members are rotatable and vertically movable independently of one another; first cylinder means including a plurality of cylinders for providing pressing force to the respective roller members through bearings so that the roller members are pressed against an adhesion form; a roller carrying member supported movably in a vertical direction by said tape affixing head for supporting the first cylinder means and said roller supporting shaft; and second cylinder means supported by the tape affixing head for providing pressing force to the roller carrying member, whereby, a tape can be affixed on a curved surface of the adhesion form by vertically moving roller members independently of one another, and also an end port

Abstract: An automatic tape affixing apparatus includes a tape affixing head movable in X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis, A-axis and C-axis directions, a roller carrying member being vertically movably supported by the tape affixing head, a tape presser roller rotatably supported by the roller carrying member, a sensor for detecting a vertical relative moved amount of the roller carrying member relative to the tape affixing head, and control means for controlling vertical movement of the tape affixing head in accordance with a signal from said sensor so as to eliminate the vertical relative moved amount of the roller carrying member, whereby when the roller carrying member is moved relative to the tape affixing head, the sensor detects the relative moved amount and the tape affixing head is vertically moved in accordance with the relative moved amount so that the relative moved amount of the roller carrying member to the tape affixing head is eliminated.

Abstract: Preimpregnated fiber reinforced tapes, so-called prepregs, are dispensed and deposited in a molding and bonding apparatus by a device in which a supply spool or roller carrying the tape is supported by a carrier having an adapter for connection to an arm of a conventional industrial robot. The carrier also supports feed rollers for advancing the tape and a cutter for cutting the tape. The feed rollers are secured to a support which in turn is secured to a fixed member by guide elements and biasing springs for a vertical guiding of the support movement. All drive members are controllable, so that all functions can be performed under the control of a computer in accordance with a program stored in the computer. Thus, the tape dispensing, application, and cutting takes place substantially automatically.

Abstract: An automatic tape affixing apparatus including a tape affixing head movable in X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis, A-axis and C-axis directions, a tape presser roller attached to the tape affixing head by a roller carrying member, the tape presser roller including a plurality of roller members disposed in a widthwise direction, the roller members being rotatably supported by a holding shaft held by the roller carrying member and being movable with respect to an adhesion form independently of one another, a guide mechanism for pivoting the tape affixing head along an arc locus the center of which is the tape presser roller and which is around an A axis, a displacement sensor for detecting the variation of distance between roller members in the opposite end portions of the tape presser roller and the roller carrying member, and control means for receiving a detection signal from the displacement sensor and pivoting the tape affixing head along the guide mechanism so as to make the distance in one end portion identical with

Abstract: A hand-held device for applying a film to a substrate, especially a cover film to a paper substrate, by pressing a carrier foil provided with the film against the substrate with an applicator foot, provides that individual segments of the pressing edge of this foot can be individually deflected resiliently to allow the foil and the film to be accommodated to irregularities of the substrate and differences in the yieldability thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for introducing and joining diaphragms in slotted walls. The slotted inner connecting pipe of one diaphragm is introduced into the slotted outer connecting pipe of another diaphragm. Furthermore apparatus for fusing together the two connecting pipes is placed within the interior of the inner pipe and can move through the latter. The apparatus has a heating device for heating and fusing the two connecting pipes together.

Abstract: A self propelled enclosed apparatus for coupling sections of plastic pipe by fusion together to form a pipeline. The apparatus comprises a housing having a forwardly extending boom or trough for receiving pipe sections. Pipe sections are loaded onto the boom and fed to a fusion machine in the housing. The fusion machine is provided with hydraulically operated clamps and rollers to align and hold a section of pipe in mating relationship with a pipeline and a heating plate for forming a fused joint between the pipe section and the pipeline. Cooling apparatus is provided at the joint to reduce its temperature following fusion. Kick out rollers are provided, and the fused together pipeline exits the apparatus to a trailer towed thereby to be laid on the earth's surface or in trench. The trailer, self propelled apparatus, and boom are equipped with pipe support members to provide strain relief on the joint during fusion.

Abstract: An automatic tape affixing apparatus for affixing a composite tape to an adhesion form includes a tape affixing head movable in X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis, A-axis and C-axis directions, the tape affixing head carrying a tape supply reel, a tape take-up reel, a presser roller, a drive roller, a driven roller for pressing the tape against the drive roller, the driven roller being provided with a rotary encoder for detecting the rotation amount of the driven roller, and an auxiliary roller disposed on a take-out side of the drive roller for deflecting the tape closer to the drive roller than a tangent line at a contact point of the drive roller and the driven roller, so that the same shaped symmetrically formed on the take-in and take-out sides of a pressed contact portion of the drive roller and the driven roller, and detection of the feeding amount of tape is not consequently influenced by tape feeding direction alteration.

Abstract: A composite tape laying machine removes each severed portion of a composite tape of a tape assembly from its backing that is not to be applied to a mold or the like. A removal tape of a material, which has a greater adherence to the composite tape than the backing has to the composite tape to which the composite tape is releasably adhered, is moved into engagement with each non-selected severed portion at least at the start of each non-selected severed portion. When the non-selected severed portion has a varying width, the removal tape is removed from engagement with the non-selected severed portion at the start of its maximum width. When the non-selected severed portion has a constant width, the removal tape is removed from engagement therewith substantially prior to the termination of the non-selected severed portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of filler taping a screen frame and a method of filling a screen frame. The screen frame is held in such a manner as to be indexable 90 degrees, a tape is attached simultaneously on opposing two sides of the screen frame through linear motion. At the same time, a filling liquid is applied simultaneously on opposing two sides of the screen frame on the rear surface thereof. Subsequently, the screen is rotated 90 degrees, and taping and filling are similarly effected with respect to the remaining two sides.

Abstract: Thin plates are stacked across the width of a composite tape strip. A pressurized membrane extends along the top edges of the plates, biasing the plates down against the tape strip. The membrane yields to vertical movement of the plates sliding relative to one another, in response to contour changes occurring across the tape strip.

Abstract: A drum is rotatably mounted next to a tool. Resin-preimpregnated filament tows are independently fed to the drum, through several collimating guides positioned along the drum. The drum operates reciprocally: when it rotates in one direction, segments of the tows are gathered or wound up onto the drum and preheated; upon counterrotation in the other direction the gathered segments are unwound and forcibly compacted against the tool, or against previously laid filaments. In the gathering part of the operating cycle the drum does not translate with respect to the tool, but rather spins in place at a dwell point. In the depositing part of the cycle, however, the drum effectively rolls along the tool (or filament-pack) surface. Heat from the drum penetrates deeply into the pack of already laid filaments, when present, to facilitate generalized consolidation of the workpiece--enough in many cases to make autoclave postconsolidation unnecessary.

Abstract: A fiber placement machine has a head for controlling fiber tows running from an upstream supply creel to a downstream work laydown zone, and the head includes a bracket supporting a presser member which impresses and compacts the fiber against a workpiece. The head includes a relatively rigid fiber guide assembly and a drive for moving the fiber guide to an advanced position near the presser member and a retracted position away from the presser member. In the advanced position, fiber tows run uninhibited through channels in the fiber guide. However, when it is desired to cut the fibers, the fiber guide is run to the retracted position, at which point the guide is clamped to the incoming fiber tows. After the exiting cut fiber has been laid down on the workpiece by the presser member, the incoming fibers may be restarted by driving the fiber guide and its clamped fiber tow to an advanced position where the fiber tow end may be grabbed in the nip formed between the presser member and the workpiece.

Abstract: A segmented tape shoe for pressing tape into place along a predetermined path on a contoured lay-down surface. The tape shoe includes a plurality of tape shoe segments independently held in a close widthwise array by a shoe body. Each of the tape shoe segments has a substantially uniform width and a longitudinal cross section that is transversely urgeable against the composite tape. In one embodiment, each of the tape shoe segments is independently urgeable by pneumatic pressure. In another embodiment, the tape shoe segments can have a resilient layer covered by a low-friction skin.

Abstract: This invention relates to portable machines for welding together individual thermoplastic sheets in situ. The machine heats different and opposing thermoplastic sheets using independently controlled electric, radiant heat sources and then compresses the sheets beneath an endless compression belt to complete the weld thus forming a unitary membrane.

Abstract: There is disclosed a strip applicator for dispensing and applying a strip from a roll thereof for covering joints or the like in wallboard or ceiling boards. The applicator has a main frame, a spaced-apart upper handle member and a spaced-apart lower roll mounting member, each being positioned in a spaced-apart planar relationship. The frame has first means for mounting the handle member in a first plane displaced from the frame member, and second means for mounting the roll mounting member in a plane displaced from and opposite to the plane of the handle member. Strip guiding means are mounted by the frame in operative relationship to the second mounting means, the strip guiding means are adapted to receive a strip from a roll thereof mounted on the lower roll mounting member and to guide the strip from the lower roll mounting member to and past the frame member whereafter the strip is adapted to be placed into juxtaposition with a joint between adjacent boards by the applicator roller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for joining films by heat sealing, where these films are in rolls (9) and in particular a few microns thick. In a first stage, this process consists in spreading out a first film (1) on an assembly table (5) while hemming one of its longitudinal edges with a junction tape (3) and an positioning tape (4) sealed on that side of the junction tape (4) which is opposite the film. Once the desired film length has been reached, the film is transversely cut off and the positioning tape (4) then is used to handle this first film (1) and to assure its alignment with a segment of the film (2) packed on the roll (9). The second joining stage then consists in spreading out the film (2) on the table (5) while sealing a longitudinal edge of said film (2) to the outer side of the junction tape (3) following separation of the positioning tape (4) from this junction tape (3).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining overlapping sheets of thermally sealable material is disclosed. The method includes applying moving pressure to the sheets to define a moving compressed portion on the sheets, inserting heating means between the overlapping sheets and positioning and maintaining the heating means against an upstream face of the moving compressed portion so that the heating means and moving compressed portion move in unison. The sheets are heated by the heating means as such movement in unison takes place to form a liquified interfacial region between the sheets when the sheets are engulfed by the moving compressed portion. The sheets are joined to each other when the liquified interfacial region cools and solidifies. The heating means is sized and configured to cooperate and move in unison with a selected compressing means which compresses and moves the moving compressed portion along the sheets.

Abstract: Preimpregnated fiber reinforced tapes, so-called prepregs, are dispensed and deposited in a molding and bonding apparatus by a device in which a supply spool or roller carrying the tape is supported by a carrier having an adapter for connection to an arm of a conventional industrial robot. The carrier also supports feed rollers for advancing the tape and a cutter for cutting the tape. The feed rollers are secured to a support which in turn is secured to a fixed member by guide elements and biasing springs for a vertical guiding of the support movement. All drive members are controllable, so that all functions can be performed under the control of a computer in accordance with a program stored in the computer. Thus, the tape dispensing, application, and cutting takes place substantially automatically.

Abstract: An improved fiber guidance system for a fiber placement machine where a fiber placement head is moved by a manipulator wrist with respect to a relatively stationary creel assembly, and a plurality of fiber redirect rollers are used, each having a caster-like mounting base, one roller assembly being mounted to the machine member with the creel assembly, and one member being mounted to the fiber placement head, so that a band of fibers is trained around the first and second redirect rollers under tension and the redirect rollers will swivel about their bases in accordance with spatial orientations of the placement head and in accordance with tension of fiber band, thereby maintaining approximately equal tension at the outer fibers at each side of the fiber band.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic welding apparatus for welding a pair of horizontally overlapping thermoplastic materials in sheet form along the overlap thereof. The apparatus includes, in a preferred embodiment thereof, a chassis having a material guide including a pair of overlapping channels, vertically spaced from one another and said materials, to receive the overlapping portions of the materials and to maintain and to produce a separation between the materials. Located within the separation are an electrically heated prismatic member and a first and a second means to produce first and second streams of heated air to heat the materials to plasticity. A pair of pressure rollers acting against the materials and in a preferred embodiment a pair of guide rollers mounted on a guide plate attached to the aforementioned material guide are provided to urge the materials against one another so that they weld to one another.

Abstract: A fiber placement head is moved by a manipulator wrist with respect to a relatively stationary creel assembly, and a plurality of fiber redirect rollers are employed, each having a mounting base. One roller assembly is mounted to the machine with the creel assembly, and one roller assembly is mounted to the fiber placement head, so that a band of fibers is trained around the first and second redirect rollers under tension, and the redirect rollers are motor-driven to swivel about their bases in accordance with spatial orientations of the placement head, therby maintaining control and preventing fibers from jumping off the rollers.

Abstract: A bracket carries a plurality of wafer members stacked across the width of a fiber band. At least one wafer member is stationary with respect to the bracket, and at least one wafer member is movable, in a direction normal to the fiber laydown surface. In-line apertures are provided through the wafer members, and a fluid operated bladder is commonly disposed through the apertures and inflated to bias the movable wafer members against the fiber laydown surface when the stationary member is impressed against the fiber laydown surface. The wafer members have a compliant contact surface for contacting the band of fibers, and the movable wafer and contact means may thereby float with respect to the bracket to adapt to contour variances across the band width on the laydown surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tool for removing air bubbles trapped between overlapping membrane layers. The tool includes a body about which is spaced a plurality of pressure rollers. The pressure rollers have axes of rotation generally perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the body. A drive shaft has a first end attached to the body and extends along the axis of rotation of the body. The second end of the drive shaft provides attachment to a rotating driving source. When pressure is applied to the drive shaft as the drive shaft is made to rotate, the pressure rollers simultaneously engage the surface of a membrane so as to sweep a circular path thereabout. A method of using the tool is also disclosed, wherein the tool is located adjacent a seam where the layers are overlaid and is translated along the seam as the tool is rotated.

Abstract: An apparatus for sticking onto a screen plate a photosensitive laminated film obtained by forming a layer of a photosensitive agent on one surface of a base film, wherein a blade is provided on the front side of rollers that hold the photosensitive laminated film to press-adhere said photosensitive laminated film onto the screen plate. The tip of the blade presses the photosensitive laminated film onto the screen plate such that an angle is defined between the photosensitive laminated film and the screen plate to get rid of the air. Therefore, no bubbles are trapped therebetween.