Abstract: An inflator/sealer machine useful for inflating and sealing an inflatable cushion having a resistance wire that extends across the inlet of the inflatable cushion. The machine includes an inflation tube, a seal bar, and an anvil. The inflation tube is connected to a source of inflation fluid and has an outlet that is larger than the inflation aperture of the inflatable cushion. The inflation tube and anvil are adjustable between a tube/anvil engaged position and a tube/anvil disengaged position. In the tube/anvil engaged position, the inflation tube outlet opposes the anvil and can engage the inflation aperture of the inflatable cushion between the inflation tube and the anvil to inflate the cushion. The seal bar and the anvil are adjustable between a bar/anvil engaged position and a bar/anvil disengaged position. In the bar/anvil engaged position, the anvil opposes the seal bar to compress the inlet heat seal zone of the inflatable cushion between the anvil and the seal bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of aerospace composite laminates 10 is provided, including a non-contaminating outer layer 24 and an insulated base 12. The present invention further includes a constant temperature heating element 22 positioned between the non-contaminating outer layer 24 and the insulated base 12. A battery pack 32 is positioned within the insulated base 12 to power the constant temperature heating element 22. The present invention can further include an ergonomic element 34 mounted to the insulated base 12 to facilitate handling of the apparatus 10 for the application of aerospace composite laminates.

Abstract: A laminator (10) includes a housing (12) to which folding trays (18, 20) are pivotally attached adjacent inlet and outlet slots (132, 136) in the housing. The trays define slots (30, 32) which serve as carrying handles for transporting the laminator when not in use.

Abstract: In order to realize in a device for welding of a foil tube, comprising two welding jaws, which can be moved against one another and clamp the foil tube between one another, a simple gearing, it is suggested that two rods are provided in the gearing, that each rod is connected on the one side through a joint provided on a movable part of a linear drive to the part movable transversely with respect to the direction of movement of the welding jaws, and that each rod is connected on the other side to a joint of a jaw carrier.

Abstract: The laminator for laminating protective, appearance changing film layer onto surfaces of CD's, DVD's, and other discs has a heated laminating roller that will press a web carrying the film onto the disc in regions on which pressure can be applied. In order to maintain the roller at a uniform surface temperature, the roller is continuously rotated whenever the roll heater is energized and the roll temperature is above a selected level so that the roller will maintain uniform temperature between laminating operations. The laminator has a supply roll for the web carrying the film, and a circuit board carrying a memory device is mounted on the interior of a hollow core of the supply roll in a manner that permits making contact with stationary members on the laminator to read information for enabling operating. A hub ring on the laminator is movable to a position to be spaced from a disc so no lamination takes place above the hub ring.

Abstract: In order to achieve, in a device for welding of a foil tube comprising two welding jaws, which can be moved against one another and clamp the foil tube between one another, a relatively low building height of the device and a high welding force, it is suggested that a gearing has four rods, of which two inner rods are pivotally fastened through a stationary joint, and two outer rods are each connected through one joint to an inner rod and a further joint to a jaw carrier, and that a movable part of a linear drive is connected to the inner rods through a connecting member in order to pivot the inner rods and thus the jaw carriers away from one another or toward one another during a movement of the movable part along its active line.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a row of encapsulated interconnected vials with the mold. The method includes forming a plurality of cavity profiles linked together by arms, and inserting a plurality of core pins into the cavity profiles. The method includes injecting a plastic fluid about the core pins to form a row of interconnected vials. The method includes removing the row of interconnected vials and positioning the row into a holding tray. The method further includes placing the liquid into the row of interconnected vials with an injection device. An open end of the row of interconnected vials is heat-sealed. The step of heat-sealing may include applying heat, measuring the temperature, and measuring the time heat is applied.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sealing a split-flange zipper tape in a center fold of a web of bag making film without sealing or tacking the two sides of the split zipper web together.

Abstract: The device for actuation of rollers using a feed tray in a laminator. The roller actuating device of the present invention mechanically and simply actuates both a pair of heating rollers for thermal coating of films on both surfaces of an object material and a pair of compressing rollers for compressing and feeding the film-coated object material to the outside. The roller actuating device has a simple structure, thus allowing a user to easily manipulate the laminator.

Abstract: A high-temperature pressing apparatus silica is provided for the manufacture of wood composite boards, in which the temperature of the platens in the pressing apparatus can be effectively regulated to improve energy efficiency, reducing press cycle length, and minimize the possibly of press fires. The apparatus comprises a press having platens for forming the board; and a means for regulating the temperature of the platens. The regulating means includes means for circulating a heating fluid through the platens, means for detecting the temperature of the heating fluids as it exits the platens; and means for responding to the detected temperature for heating the fluid supplied to the platens.

Abstract: A swing arm assembly includes a swing frame, a laminating roller, and a motor. The swing frame is rotatably mountable to a frame of a card laminator for pivotal movement relative to the frame between open and closed positions. The laminating roller is movably mounted to the swing frame. The motor is mounted to the swing frame and is configured to drive a roller actuator to move the laminating roller relative to the swing frame between a laminating position and a recessed position.

Abstract: An improved method of and apparatus that is continuously automatically operative in an in-line system is described for applying under vacuum, heat and mechanical pressure a dry film photoresist-forming layer to printed circuit boards (200) that already have been prelaminated by the loose application thereto of the dry film resist as discrete cut sheets within the confines of the surface of the boards whereby a laminate without entrapped air bubbles and closely conforming to the raised circuit traces and irregular surface contours of the printed circuit board is obtained. Featured is a conveyorized vacuum applicator (12) comprising two independent vacuum lamination chambers (18,20) in end-to-end relation. The first vacuum chamber operates at ambient temperature to draw off all of the air entrapped between the dry film resist and the surface of the printed circuit board at conditions that do not result in premature tacking of the dry film to the surface of the board.

Abstract: A laminating device 10 includes a vacuum grid 19 for holding a glass substrate 12, a curved pad 20, facing the glass substrate 12, for holding a laminated element 16 of a wafer 13 and an adhesive tape 15, and a driving element 22 for moving the curved pad 20 toward the vacuum grid 19. The curved pad 20 has a curved surface region 46 so that the distance to a smooth surface region 39 of the vacuum grid 19 is gradually increased from the center C toward the outside. By the driving element 22, the vacuum grid 19 and the curved pad 20 become close to each other in a substantially vacuum chamber. As a result, the glass substrate 12 and the laminated element 16 are gradually laminated to each other while removing a very small amount of air that may be present therebetween to the outside.

Abstract: A laminating machine includes two side frames and two rolls rotatably mounted between the side frames. One of the rolls has a first gear securely mounted thereon, and the other roll has a second gear securely mounted thereon. A movable plate is pivoted to one of the side frames. A unidirectional motor is mounted to a side of the movable plate and has an output shaft on which a clutch gear is securely mounted. The clutch gear is optionally meshed with one of the first gear and the second gear upon pivotal movement of the movable plate between a first position and a second position, allowing the object to be laminated to be moved forward or rearward depending on the need of the user.

Abstract: A bonding machine for lamellar pieces of wood to be joined to a board has at least one clamping and pressing device and at least one drive. The clamping and pressing device has at least two pressing members which are configured to be loaded independently of one another against the board by a pressure force. The pressing members extend parallel to the pieces of wood and transversely to a feeding direction of the board. The drive has piston-cylinder units configured to adjust the pressing members.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a thin film pattern on the surface of a substrate. This apparatus is provided with: a transfer member having a thin film carrying surface which carries a thin film pattern; and a thin film transfer mechanism for joining the transfer member to a substrate for transferring, to the substrate, the thin film pattern on the thin film carrying surface. The thin film pattern may be a wiring film pattern. A gelatinous film may previously be formed on the substrate, and the thin film pattern may be transferred as embedded in the gelatinous film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for binding documents by individually binding each media sheet to previously bound media sheets using imaging material as the binding material.

Abstract: With a thin film bearing surface of a substrate directed toward an insulation film which is formed on a surface of a quartz plate, the substrate and the quartz plate are moved closer to each other and the insulation film is tightly adhered to the thin film bearing surface (adhering process). The quartz plate alone is then selectively peeled off, thereby completing transfer of the insulation film onto the substrate (peeling process). In this manner, the insulation film is disposed on the thin film bearing surface of the substrate, and a transportation mechanism then houses the substrate in a substrate cassette. Meanwhile, after the quartz plate is transported by the transportation mechanism to a cleaning unit and cleaned by the cleaning unit (cleaning process), the quartz plate is returned to a plate-like member cassette and waits in this cassette until reused next time.

Abstract: A laminating apparatus includes a roller, an electro-heating shaft, a power transmitting and resilient member and a power transmitting and securing member. The roller is in contact with a thin film, moves through the thin film to heat and laminate the thin film to a sheet material. The electro-heating shaft is wrapped by the roller, transforms electric energy into thermal energy to heat the thin film, and drives rotation of the roller to move through the thin film. The power transmitting and resilient member is in contact with an axial end surface of the electro-heating shaft in an axial direction of the electro-heating shaft for transmitting electricity from a power source to the electro-heating shaft. The power transmitting and securing member is coupled to the electro-heating shaft for compressing the power transmitting and resilient member therebetween, thereby continuously transmitting the electricity from the power source to the electro-heating shaft via the power transmitting and securing member.

Abstract: The invention is a sealing system and a method of operation thereof. A sealing system which forms spaced apart thermal seals along a moving at least one web (60) by contact of the moving the at least one web with heated portions (74) of sealing elements (56) mounted on a sealing wheel (50) during rotation in accordance with the invention includes seal forming elements (56) which peripherally contact the at least one web to form the thermal seals by heat transfer to the at least one web; and wherein each seal forming element has an outer section (62) on which is located at least one electrical heater (78), an inner section (64) which contacts the sealing wheel and an intermediate section (70) which includes thermal insulation (68) which insulates the outer section from the inner section.

Abstract: A lamination system comprises a thermocompression bonding means for bonding laminate films on top and/or back surfaces of cards, applying heat and pressure using a pair of heat rollers. The lamination system is provided with contact type temperature detection devices for detecting surface temperatures of the heat rollers and a heat roller attaching/detaching device for attaching or detaching the heat rollers. The heat roller attaching/detaching device places the temperature detection devices in contact with surfaces of the heat rollers when the heat rollers are being installed in the lamination system, and places the temperature detection devices apart from the heat rollers when the heat rollers are to be attached to, or detached from, the lamination system.

Abstract: A thermo-welding device used for a thermoplastic resin molded goods is provided to drastically reduce cooling time and increase productivity. The device is used with a welding boss (5a) formed on the molded goods (5) made of thermoplastic resin inserted into a fixing hole 6a formed on the fixed object (6). A tip section of the welding boss (5a) projecting out from the fixing hole 6a is heated and fused to form an extended portion (5c) outside the fixed object (6) to apply to the welding boss (5a) of a molded good (5) in the thermo-welding device used for fixing the fixed object (6) to the molded good. In a portion of the periphery of a heating element having in a tip section thereof an applying side 21 to heat and fuse the welding boss 5a, a slit 23 is provided to exhaust air after the air cools the inside of the heating element 20.

Abstract: The present invention falls into the category of devices designed to print decoration onto objects in general and in particular onto containers. A non-stick film (1), onto which is deposited an image (5) produced using solid thermoplastic colours, moves between a pressing element (4) and an object (6). The action of a heat generator (7) causes the colour to change from a powdery state to a semi-liquid plastic state.

Abstract: A boot provides a water-tight seal around a protrusion on a roof. A top portion thereof surrounds a predetermined portion of the protrusion. A bottom end thereof has a bottom opening and a horizontally flat bottom edge. The top portion may form the boot alone or in combination with a base portion that is connected to the bottom edge. The top portion extends substantially vertically when the base portion resides on the roof. The boot may be open to allow installation on existing protrusions. A top end of the top portion may have a slit running vertically down a predetermined distance thereof to allow the top opening to be adjusted around the protrusion. The boot is installed by placing the bottom opening over the protrusion with the base portion substantially flat on the roof. The top opening is pulled into a fit and sealed around the protrusion.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing glued laminated wood such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is disclosed. The glued laminated wood is made of a number of wood sheets such as veneer sheets which are laminated together by a hot press with a thermosetting adhesive into a continuous length of multiple-layered board wherein the end joints of the wood sheets are disposed in a staggered array. There is provided an initial base material having an end which is shaped in the form of a flight of steps including a series of alternate horizontal surface having a lengthwise dimension smaller than the length of the wood sheet and a vertical surface having a height corresponding to the wood sheet thickness, and the glued laminated wood board is formed extending from the end of such initial base material. The hot press includes a pair of heat plates each having an effective pressing area capable of covering the entire surface of the wood sheet.

Abstract: A device for welding plastic profiles, including at least two carriages for holding plastic profiles, stoppers for adjustment, stoppers for welding and at least one heating element. The motion of the plastic profiles can be controlled by the device during the welding in such a way that optionally at least two plastic profiles which have to be connected with each other move against each other or one plastic profile stops and the other moves toward it.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a contoured, consolidated cellulosic article, with variable basis weight, is disclosed. The method employs a former to create a mat having a substantially uniform thickness which is pre-pressed to retain its shape. The pre-pressed mat is then machined along at least one surface to result in a desirable contour. The contoured mat is then consolidated within a secondary press. The secondary press preferably includes platens shaped complimentarily to the surfaces of the mat.

Abstract: A master processing apparatus for use with a pair of removable feed rolls carrying a supply of stock material includes a frame and a master processing assembly operable to cause adhesive bonding between the stock materials and a master. The apparatus includes a cutting assembly and a movable feed tray. A master engaging structure engages the master as it is being processed.

Abstract: An assembly 10 comprising a battery box 11 and a lid 12. The lid 12 defines a well 13 for receiving a secondary closure 14, with the well providing fining access to the battery box 11. The secondary closure is applied to a battery box lid by a secondary closure applying apparatus. This comprises essentially three units: a lid and battery box assembly locating unit 16, a heated platen unit 17 and a closure applicator 18. By engaging lid 12, rather tan box 11, any offset positioning of the lid relative to the box, is substantially removed. Orientation of platen and closure 14 is made in response to the detected position of the well 13 and/or lid 12.

Abstract: To provide a heat-sealing apparatus capable of achieving an excellent heat-sealing wherein no generation of defective sealing is found even when heat-sealing under severe conditions with a fluid, such as when filling/packing a vegetable juice abundant in water-insoluble vegetable fiber, without providing a ridge on the action face of a high-frequency coil.

Abstract: The device to join a sheet of smooth cardboard (N4) to a sheet of corrugated cardboard (N1; N2; N3), comprises a series of heated plates (3) aligned according to a longitudinal direction of feed (F) of the cardboard and, above said heated plates, pressure elements (53) to press the cardboard against said heated plates, which are fastened by elastic elements to a supporging structure (41). The supporging structure comprises a plurality of frames (41) aligned according to the longitudinal direction (F) and the inclination of the frames is adjustable to modify the pressure profile applied by said pressure elements to the cardboard (C).

Abstract: A hot laminating apparatus for laminating a sheet material and thin films to be hot laminated has heat shield to keep the working temperature thereof. It includes a transmitting and heating roller disposed at one side of a transmission passage of the hot laminating apparatus for heating a thin film in contact therewith and transmitting the sheet material with the thin films through the transmission passage. The hot laminating apparatus further includes a heat shield disposed around the transmitting and heating roller, and covered with a heat-reflective material on an inner surface thereof for reflecting the dissipated thermal energy back to the transmitting and heating roller.

Abstract: A belt press use a combination of vacuum and atmospheric pressure to provide the majority of the compressive force between platens. A first platen has a substantially rigid proximal side and a plurality of vacuum ports communicating therewith. The compressive force is generated by pulling a vacuum at the vacuum ports associated with the first platen while allowing atmospheric pressure to act against its distal side. Heat may be applied via at least one of the platens while generating the compressive force. Evolved gases are vented via the vacuum ports while applying the heat by continuing to pull the vacuum during heating. When the now-joined belt ends have cooled after the application of heat, the compressive force is relieved by ceasing the pulling the vacuum at the vacuum ports associated with the first platen. The second platen of the belt press may be similar to the first platen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a flexible curtain as disclosed and claimed. Edges of a polymeric material are folded back on themselves. A portion of the edges are secured and a portion is left unsecured or free. The flexible curtain is used in a windlocking apparatus to prevent the unwanted intrusion of wind, water and debris into a building opening. The free, or unsecured flap of the folded edge absorbs shock associated with storm disturbances. Edge rollers are used to laminate the edges of the curtains selectively such that only a portion of the edge is secured leaving the flap unsecured. Stitching, ultrasonic welding and gluing are alternative ways and/or additional ways of providing for the securement of a portion of the edge to itself. Perforations are made in the secured portion of the folded edge.

Abstract: A ceramic holder 2 is mounted on the lower end of a connecting block 30 of metal mounted on the lower end of a tool main body 1 of metal, such ceramic holder 2, a ceramic heater 4 and a ceramic presser 5 being sintered. In addition) the coefficient of linear expansion of the ceramic holder 2 is approximately equal to those of the ceramic heater 4 and ceramic presser 5; furthermore, the thermal conductivities of the ceramic holder 2 and ceramic presser 5 are greater as the pressure side of the ceramic presser 5 as seen from the ceramic heater 4 is approached and are smaller as the attaching surface side of the ceramic holder 2 is approached.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electric heat sealing apparatus which comprises an upper support board, a lower support board and a lateral board which define a moving space therebetween. A sealing plate is placed in the moving space and can be driven by a set of drivers to move vertically in the space. A sealing portion and a cutting portion extent downwardly from a rim of the sealing plate and a narrow groove is formed therebetween. On the course of packing, plastic films can be sealed and cut simultaneously owing to a vertical movement of the cutting and the sealing portions. Further, a neat and airtight sealing effect can be achieved due to the design of the narrow groove.

Abstract: The purpose is to simplify the heat transfer process and extend the performance range of the corresponding installations. The purpose is achieved by arranging for opposite movements of the conveyor (4) with the cylindrical packings (5) and those of the conveyor (7, 7′) with the decoration, rotating the objects (5) by means of the movement of the conveyor (7, 7′) and applying the necessary heat to the conveyor (7, 7′). Such processes and devices are used in the foodstuffs and beverages industry among others to decorate cylindrical packings of different materials.

Abstract: A lamination system comprises; a film transfer means for transferring along a first transfer path a continuous film chosen from more than two kinds of films different in width, a cutting means provided along the first transfer path for cutting the film in a predetermined length, a card transfer means for transferring an ID card along a second transfer path that converges with the first transfer path at a predetermined point of conversion, a thermocompression bonding means for laminating the film cut on a surface of the ID card at the downstream of the point of conversion. The lamination system is provided with guide members for restricting the transverse movement of the film within a distance corresponding to the maximum width of the films, and alignment means for aligning the film along a desired side end of the first transfer path.

Abstract: An article laminating apparatus is provided for use with a cartridge having a detectable element indicative of a characteristic of laminating materials. The apparatus includes a frame enabling the cartridge to be removably mounted thereto and an article processing assembly carried on the frame. A control system controls the article processing assembly to perform an article processing operation. The apparatus also includes a detector operable to detect the detectable element on the cartridge. The detector is operable to transmit a signal to the control system based on the detectable element on the cartridge. The control system is operable to adjust at least one parameter of the operation based on the signal.

Abstract: Bags for produce or the like are prepared by advancing a thermoplastic sheet and a mesh sheet, each having an upper edge, along a process line. The plastic sheet has a bottom portion which is folded to define a lower edge of the thermoplastic sheet at the fold line. One seals the folded portion of the solid-wall thermoplastic sheet to a lower edge of the mesh sheet. Transverse slits are then formed in the sheets, and the sheets are heat sealed together near edges of the slits to form separate bags between the slits. The slits extend across both lower edges of the bags, but are preferably spaced from the upper edges. One drops produce between the sheet upper edges into the bags, and the bags are then heat sealed adjacent to the upper edges thereof, and subsequently separated by cutting. A novel heat seal die is also shown.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the use of a remotely actuated localized pressure and heat apparatus for the consolidation and curing of fiber elements in, structures. The apparatus includes members for clamping the desired portion of the fiber elements to be joined, pressure members and/or heat members. The method is directed to the application and use of the apparatus.

Abstract: A roller heating system for a laminating machine comprises a first rolling shaft and a second rolling shaft, wherein the first rolling shaft and the second rolling shaft are parallel with each other, and a heating mechanism is mounted on the respective surface of the two rolling shafts. Then, a heat conduction layer wraps up the respective surface of the above-mentioned rolling shafts as well as the heating mechanisms. When the lamination proceeds, the heat mechanisms firstly heat the heat conduction layers to a working temperature and at the same time, the first and second rolling shafts respectively rotate in a predetermined direction, and then an article covered with laminating plastic films is fed into the roller heating system. The heat conduction layers heat the laminating plastic films to melt the fusion gum of the inner surfaces of the laminating plastic films, and subsequently the laminating plastic films are forced by the compression of the first and second rolling shafts to adhere to the article.

Abstract: A hot laminating apparatus has a single-sided transmitting and heating roller. A heating plate is used instead of a transmitting and heating roller at the opposite side of the transmission passage in order to heat the thin film in contact therewith and cooperate with the single-sided transmitting and heating roller to transmit the thin films to be laminated. The heating plate is efficient in heating the thin film and generally less expensive than the transmitting and heating roller.

Abstract: A pressing cushion (1) for use in laminating presses has a textile support (2) with threads (3, 4, 5), at least some of which constitute thermally conductive threads (3, 4, 5) that bring about, either directly or by contact with other thermally conductive threads (3, 4, 5), a thermal transfer from one outer side to the other outer side of the pressing cushion (1). The support (2) includes a cushion layer (7) made of a flexible rubber material, wherein the thickness of the cushion layer (7) is less than that of the support (2). The cushion layer (7) is embedded into the support (2) in such a way that thermally conductive threads (4, 5) protrude beyond the cushion layer (7) on both outer sides of the pressing cushion (1).

Abstract: An improved anisotropic bonding system and method connects two conductive surfaces together using an anisotropic material having elastic conductive particles dispersed in an insulating, heat-curable carrier. The system monitors bond resistance in real-time during the bonding process and controls the application of pressure to the bond based on a feedback signal corresponding to the bond resistance. When the bond resistance reaches a predetermined value, the applied pressure is reduced to a holding/clamping level to prevent over-compression as the curing schedule completes curing of the insulating carrier. By monitoring and responding to the bond resistance in real time during the bond compression process, the system prevents bond resistance increases caused by over-compression and conductor damage.

Abstract: Disclosed is an embosser for producing matte finish photographs from a glossy finish photograph. The embosser receives a sheet of glossy prints as generated by an inkjet printer with a clear laminate over the print to protect the inkjet generated photographic image. Pressure and embossing rollers biased to spaced apart positions within the embosser are selectively operable to move one against the other to create a nip through which the laminated print passes. At the option of an operator the laminated print may be allowed to pass between the spaced apart rollers undisturbed thereby generating a glossy photograph. At the option of the operator the rollers are moved one against the other to create the nip so that passage of the print now results in an embossment of the lamination thereby producing a matte finish photograph. Also disclosed is a method for alternatively generating a glossy or matte finish print and a matte finished print wherein the matte finish is formed in situ.

Abstract: A transfer device in which a material which transmits a laser beam LB is employed as an upper mold, and a photothermal conversion layer is formed thereon. A transfer film, at which a transfer material layer is formed, and a workpiece are superposed and pressured between the upper mold and a lower mold. During this pressuring, the laser beam is irradiated in accordance with a pattern of an organic electroluminescent light-emitting layer that is to be formed on the workpiece. Thus, the photothermal conversion layer is heated and the transfer material layer is softened. As a result, the transfer material layer is cleaved and detached from a temporary support, and a component in the transfer material layer that is to form the organic electroluminescent light-emitting layer is transferred to the workpiece. Accordingly, efficient transfer processing is enabled when a transfer material is transferred to a transfer object by a thermal imaging process.

Abstract: A heat sealer includes a base configured to be mounted on a tabletop, a first jaw connected to the base, and a second jaw operatively aligned with the first jaw. An actuator is coupled to the second jaw to provide relative motion with respect to the first jaw. A heating device is coupled to the first and second jaws for heating the jaws to a set temperature to enable material to be contacted and welded when the first and second jaws are in a closed position.

Abstract: A coating press contains a press frame, press cylinders supported by the press frame, an upper press platen connected to the press cylinders, a lower press platen supported by the press frame, at least one pressure plate, and at least one pressure compensating cushion disposed between the upper press platen or the lower press platen and the pressure plate. The pressure compensating cushion is a hydraulic cushion having a lateral edge closure, a hydraulic medium, and covers including an upper cover and a lower cover. The upper and lower covers along with the lateral edge closure define a pressure-tight inner space filled with the hydraulic medium. A press controller is further provided.

Abstract: A two-sided card laminating apparatus simultaneously applies and bonds laminate sheets to opposing faces of a two-sided card substrate. The apparatus includes two opposing laminating assemblies symmetrically mounted in mirror image relation on opposing sides of a substrate supply path. A web of lamina is Individual sheets of laminate are cut from webs of lamina and transferred onto the card substrate at a convergence zone disposed on the substrate supply path. Each of the laminating assemblies includes a web of lamina, a cutter, and nip rollers disposed between the web and the cutter. The nip rollers advance the web in an upstream direction through the cutter into engagement with a transfer roller. As the laminate exits the cutter, the leading edge is captured between the outer surface of the transfer roller and a laminate guide where it is grabbed by the outer surface of the transfer roller.