Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a bundle of sheet material for transport. The automated apparatus includes a cutting assembly for cutting slats, or spacers, from scrap sheet material, a pick and place assembly for positioning and securing the slats to the underside of a bundle, and a stacking assembly for stacking bundles prior to removal for shipping or storage. The slats, once cut, are automatically placed in guide channels and then positioned beneath the bundle while glue is applied thereto. The glued edges are then automatically pressed against the bundle to secure the slats to the bundle, thereby creating space beneath the bundle to allow a forklift to manipulate the bundles.

Abstract: An apparatus for making SMC comprising a conveyor belt assembly having a feed end and a transfer end. The conveyor belt assembly including a belt having an outer surface and an inner surface. A cutting support structure disposed between the feed end and the transfer end, and in contact with the inner surface. A cutting wheel having a perimeter surface and disposed adjacent to the cutting support structure. A feed tension member proximate the outer surface and disposed between the feed end and the cutting wheel. The feed tension member positions the fiber rovings onto the outer surface to be cut by the cutting wheel. The feed tension member, cutting wheel and belt cooperate to feed the fiber rovings at a feed rate, cut the fiber rovings into a plurality of parallel discontinuous fibers, and convey the fibers at substantially the same rate as the feed rate.

Abstract: A method for assisting in the removal of a pressure sensitive label from a slender glass vessel wherein said label is wrapped around the circumference of the vessel and extends along the length of the vessel includes positioning a planar cutting blade at two angles relative to the label, drawing the blade down along the length of the label, cutting the label into two opposite cut edges with one edge adhering to the vessel and the other cut edge being raised slightly away from the circumference of the vessel and forming a space between the two cut edges.

Abstract: The invention concerns a kit for protecting dressings and/or traumatized skin regions of the body. The kit includes a case containing at least one non-dedicated flexible and water-impermeable base sheet or global sheet with dimensions enabling a plurality of single or individual adapted covering parts to be cut out. The base sheet is preferably made of a non-allergenic material and easily divisible into pieces or fractions of smaller dimensions, for example with a pair of scissors. The kit also includes a package containing a water-impermeable and non-allergenic pasty adhesive, having properties enabling adherence both to the skin and to the protective sheet.

Abstract: A cutting segment for a False Drum (100,200,300) having a cylindrical outer surface (202,306) comprises a slot (204,224,330) extending generally axially from end-to-end of the cylindrical surface, a door panel (322) having substantially the same size and shape as the slot; and a mechanism (320) for opening and closing the door panel. The mechanism for selectively opening and closing the door panel includes an elongate lever (324), one end of which supports the door panel, the other end of which is pivotally attached to a stationary portion (point) of the drum, a spring (326) extending between an inner surface of the door panel and another stationary portion of the drum; and an inflatable pneumatic tube (328) disposed between the lever and yet another stationary portion of the drum. There is thereby provided a method of supporting material overlying the cutting slot of the False Drum, by opening the slot when cutting the material, and closing the slot when not cutting the material.

Abstract: A cutting segment for a False Drum (100,200,300) having a cylindrical outer surface (202,306) comprises a slot (204,224,330) extending generally axially from end-to-end of the cylindrical surface, a door panel (322) having substantially the same size and shape as the slot; and a mechanism (320) for opening and closing the door panel. The mechanism for selectively opening and closing the door panel includes an elongate lever (324), one end of which supports the door panel, the other end of which is pivotally attached to a stationary portion (point) of the drum, a spring (326) extending between an inner surface of the door panel and another stationary portion of the drum; and an inflatable pneumatic tube (328) disposed between the lever and yet another stationary portion of the drum. There is thereby provided a method of supporting material overlying the cutting slot of the False Drum, by opening the slot when cutting the material, and closing the slot when not cutting the material.

Abstract: A method for dispensing discrete length reinforcement fibers. A continuous length of a reinforcement fiber is wound around a base end of a form, the base end having a generally circular cross-section, to form generally circular coils. The coils are moved axially from the base end of the form to an elongated portion of the form, the elongated portion having an elongated cross-section, to change the shape of the coils from the generally circular shape to an elongated shape. The elongated coils are cut to form discrete length reinforcement fibers. The discrete length reinforcement fibers are then dispensed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing labels and for applying each of the labels to an end wall of a cigarette packet. The method includes separating the labels from a continuous web moving in a horizontal direction with the width of the web parallel to a vertical plane. Only one side of the web is provided with printed areas for a succession of the labels, and severance cuts are provided in the web to form the labels between the areas. Separation of the labels occurs at the cuts. After the labels are separated, they are continuously transported by a suction conveyor belt moving in a vertical plane substantially parallel to the vertical plane of the web. The labels are held separated from each other by negative pressure from the belt which acts on the printed side. Glue is applied to the print-free side of the labels on the belt by a phased and non-contact application of at least on row of successive glue spots extending along the longitudinal dimension of the label. Then the labels are applied to the packets.

Abstract: A method for dispensing reinforcement fibers to make a preform or laminate includes winding a continuous length of a reinforcement fiber into coils around a form having a longitudinal axis, moving the coils axially with respect to the form to engage a cutter, cutting the coils to form discrete length reinforcement fibers, applying a resinous material to the discrete fibers, and dispensing the discrete length reinforcement fibers.

Abstract: An elastic band cutting apparatus is disclosed which includes a movable blade mounted proximate an elastic band stock holding structure for displacement to effect cutting of the tubular stock. The apparatus also includes a movable anvil which cooperates with the blade to engage the cut elastic bands so as to grip the same between the blade and anvil. After cutting is completed, one of the anvil and blade are displaced with respect to the blade so as to break any bonds which have formed during the shearing process. The apparatus further includes stock feeding assembly which will advance the stock to the cutter and eject previously cut and separated bands onto band manipulating apparatus. A method for cutting and separating elastic bands also is disclosed.

Abstract: An automatically controlled cutting machine for cutting sheet material employs a cutting wheel and a hard, smooth and continuous surface on which the sheet material is spread for cutting. To prevent shifting during cutting, the material is releasably attached to the support surface by adhesives, freezing, electrostatics and other securing means. The cutting wheel is forced downwardly against the hard support surface by a number of means to insure severing of the sheet material and may be ultrasonically vibrated to facilitate the severing process.