MXPA96005081A - Flexible tape applicator and operating method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a flexible tape to a sheet, comprising: an applicator head having a path of travel, a flexible tape path extending at least partially through the plunger head, and a application area, a table adapted to retain the sheet adjacent to the applicator head, first impulse assemblies to move the applicator head with respect to the blade on the path of travel at preselected speeds, data collection assemblies to collect data relating to the speed of the first pulse means, second pulse assemblies for moving the flexible tape, and control assemblies operatively connected to the second pulse assemblies, to receive data from the data collection assemblies and to alter the speed of the assemblies of impulse of speed in response to the data collected and to maintain a proportional relationship between the speed of choice of the second impulse assemblies and the speed of operation of the first impulse assemblies, whereby the tension on the flexible belt remains substantially constant through the trajectory of the thrown head

Description

-ftWBCSPEWTES PE I? IMVEKCIQN The invention relates in general to a device for applying a flexible tape onto a planar sheet. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for placing a deformable flexible adhesive tape on a planar sheet under constant tension. Specifically, the present invention relates to a device for applying an insulating tape on a planar glass sheet as part of the manufacturing process of multiple-peel windows.

The need arises in a variety of manufacturing environments to apply a flexible tape on a planar sheet. For example, adhesive tape is often used to place machine components together.

Additionally, it is well known to apply vibration isolation strips and insulators to a variety of machines and construction components either to trap liquids and greases or alternatively to seal out contaminants. Adhesive elastomeric flexible tapes are also often applied to access panels in machine housings such as air conditioning units and compressors, when The machine housing will be subjected to the environment or arduous manufacturing environments. Additionally, these flexible tapes are often applied between parallel glass panels when manufacturing insulated windows and doors. Specifically, a number of production steps are required in the manufacture of glass units to be placed inside door and window frames. Single-panel door and window units and multiple thermally insulated panels, includes a number of structural elements; wooden, aluminum or vinyl frames to circumscribe the glass window; metallic spacers that are separated between the multi-paneled glass panels and on their peripheral edge, intermediate strut and mullion strips placed between and adjacent to each multi-pane window glass sheet, to provide an ornamental and material appearance of sealing tape applied to the perimeter edge of the glass sheets of the multi-panel unit. Recent innovations in the manufacture of multi-panel insulated windows include suspension of a polyester film coated with a heat-insulating material between the glass panels and filling the space between them with a low-conductivity gas, such co or argon or krypton to form a conductive heat transfer barrier. The film placed between the glass sheets provides a barrier to radiating heat transfer through the window to the external environment. It is well known in the manufacture of single-panel window units or multiple panels that the manner of processing and construction of the perimeter edges is critical to the performance of the window. The manner in which the perimeter edges of the glass sheets are made can have a performance degrading effect on the glass sheet when installed in an insulated window or door unit. The peri etral edge of the glass sheet can have a huge impact on the total thermal performance of the insulating window, provided that the center of the glass can register a higher value, however the glass edges will be colder. The thermal performance of the edge portion of the glass is particularly applied by the shape and method by which the tape material is applied to the periraetral edge of the glass panels. Sealant tape material for application to the perimeter edge of glass can be manufactured from a variety of materials including polyisobutylene or hot butyl fusion, polymerizable plastic material or adhesive injected by a nozzle placed adjacent to the perimeter edge of the glass sheet. By way of example, such a sealing tape is manufactured by Tremco, Inc. and sold under the S stripe mark. The Swiggle strip ** has been found to be a convenient product in the manufacture of double-glazed windows. At room temperature, the product has considerable adhesive properties and is applied to the glass sheet, to provide a watertight barrier to the area where the frame fits around the perimeter edges of the glass sheet. Moisture run-off and conductive thermal loss in this way are prevented by the air-tight adhesion of the sealing strip to the glass sheets. Additionally, the sealing strip ensures that argon or low conductivity krypton gas remains trapped between the glass panels. In a multi-panel window, the sealing tape material is applied to the perimeter edge of a glass sheet, to provide a watertight and air tight seal between the edges of the glass sheet in which it is placed, and a second sheet is placed on the sealing tape. Adhesive properties of the sealing tape material are designed to avoid fogging problems that arise due to a leakage of sealing tape, either between the sealing tape and the edge either or both of the sheets of glass or between the sealing tape and the wooden, aluminum or vinyl frame unit, where the multi-panel window is circumscribed. When the sealing adhesion of the sealing tape material fails, the moisture in the air condenses in the space between the glass panels and occurs fogged. In this way, the quality of the multi-panel window is damaged by the fogging that occurs between the glass sheets, and also, the heat-insulating qualities of the multi-panel window are degraded by the leakage of sealing tape. From the above, it is evident that the application of sealing tape material is a critical problem in the thermal performance and total fabrication of any glass unit, be it a single panel window or multiple glass panels. The prior art describes a number of devices for applying a sealing tape material to the perimeter edges of the glass sheet material. Some examples of the prior art are the U.S. Patent. No. 3,886,113 to Bowzer, U.S. Pat. No. 3,990,570 to Mercier, U.S. Pat. No. 4,088,522 to Mercier, U.S. Pat. No. 4,145,237 to Mercier, U.S. Pat. No. 4,546,123 to Leopold. In the past, the Swiggle "* tape has been applied by hand, specifically, the tape is detached by hand from a roll aligned on the edge of the glass, and press down to adhere the glass. Once the strip has been applied around the entire perimeter of the first glass panel, the second panel is placed on the strip and the whole unit is heated to bind the strip to the glass. While this method is supposedly suitable for the purpose for which it is intended, it is disadvantageous due to inconsistencies in the placement of the strip with respect to the edge of the panel, and due to the extensive time required to place precisely the insulated tape. As a result of the difficulties in manually applying the insulating strip, various devices have been developed in an attempt to facilitate the application process. Such a device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,789 issued to Kolff. While this device is also supposedly suitable for the purpose for which it is intended, it remains relatively time consuming and contains the additional problem that this device is designed to slide on the surface of the glass, as the insulating strip is applied. Because many panels on which the insulating strip is applied are coated, for example by applying the polyester film coated with a heat-insulated material between the glass panels, a device that rubs on the glass surface It has the potential to scratch or otherwise damage these coatings. In this way there is a need for an applicator to automatically apply the flexible tape material to a planar sheet such as an insulating strip to a glass panel without contacting the glass panel. Additionally, there is a need for an applicator that will apply flexible insulating tapes to a glass panel on a pre-determined tray, and which ensures that the strip remains positioned precisely adjacent to the edge of the glass panel, and that it will form precisely at each corner, providing in this way a continuous strip with respect to the perimeter of the glass panel. CQFFPBUPIQ PS Lh IMYlBffCIPlf Objectives of the invention include providing an automated application for applying a flexible tape material to a planar sheet. A further objective is to provide an applicator for applying flexible insulating tape to the perimeter of a glass panel. Another object is to provide an applicator for bringing the edge portion of a flexible tape into contact with a planar sheet.

A still further objective is to provide an applicator that will precisely bend the flexible tape adjacent to each corner of the planar sheet. Still another objective is to provide an applicator for applying a flexible tape to a glass panel where the flexible tape is s iggle1 ™ 1 seal. A still further objective is to provide an applicator that maintains constant pressure on the tape such that the tape is neither stretched nor compressed during application., thus ensuring that the tape maintains a constant cross-sectional configuration. A still further objective is to provide an applicator where constant pressure is applied to the tape during application to the glass panel. An even further objective is to provide an applicator wherein a detector is associated with a pressure roller to ensure that the pressure roller rotates. Another objective is to provide an applicator that moves the reel with the applicator head, thereby minimizing the distance traveled by the flexible tape from the reel to the application area.

A still further objective is to provide an applicator where the glass remains in the horizontal plane when the flexible tape is applied to it. Still a further objective is to provide an applicator that records the positioning of marks on the flexible tape with respect to the movement of the head through the Cartesian coordinate system instead of equally spacing the marks on predetermined lengths of the flexible tape. Another objective is to provide an applicator head that has a motor for unwinding flexible tape, the operating speed of which is initially adjusted to correspond to the speed of the robotic arm. Yet a further objective is to provide an applicator wherein the speed of the motor that unwinds flexible tape from the reel increases and decreases in response to the tension in the flexible tape and the amount of flexible tape in the reel to ensure that the flexible tape stay in constant tension. Another object is to provide an applicator having an applicator head mounted on a programmable robotic arm. Yet another additional objective is to provide an applicator that is simple in construction, achieves the established objectives in a simple and effective economic way and that solves problems and satisfies existing needs in the technique. These and other objects and advantages of the invention are obtained by the improved flexible tape applicator of the present invention, the general nature of which can be established to include a fixing head having a path of travel, a flexible tape path extending at least partially through the applicator head and an application zone; a table adapted to retain the sheet adjacent to the applicator head; first displacement assemblies for moving the applicator head relative to the object on the path of travel at pre-selected speeds; data collection assemblies to collect data concerning the speed of the first impulse-second pulse assemblies to displace the flexible tape; and control assemblies operatively connected to the second displacement assemblies, to receive data from the data collection assemblies and to alter the speed of the second displacement assemblies, in response to the collected data and to maintain a proportional relation between the speed of operation and the second impulse assemblies and a speed of operation of the first impulse assemblies, whereby the tension in the flexible tape remains substantially constant throughout the path of travel of the applicator head BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best way in which applicants have contemplated applying the principles, is set forth in the following description is illustrated in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly stated and set forth in the appended claims. FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the robotic arm with portions cut out and in section and illustrated with an applicator head in dot-dash lines and in combination with a planar sheet support table; FIGURE 2 is a side elevation view of the applicator head with the printer removed; FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view of the applicator head opposite to the side elevation view illustrated in FIGURE 2; FIGURE 4 is an end elevational view of the applicator head illustrated in FIGURE 2; FIGURE 5 is an end elevational view of the applicator head opposite the end elevation view illustrated in FIGURE 4; FIGURE 6 is a top plan view of the applicator head illustrated in FIGURE 2; FIGURE 7 is an enlarged view with portions broken away and in section of the encircled portion illustrated in FIGURE 2; FIGURE 8 is an enlarged side elevational view of the applicator head illustrated in FIGURE 2; FIGURE 9 is an enlarged bottom plan view of the applicator head with broken portions following the direction of line 9-9 of FIGURE 8; FIGURE 10 is an enlarged end elevational view of the applicator head, with portions broken away and viewed in the direction of line 10-10 of FIGURE 8; FIGURE 11 is an enlarged end elevational view of the applicator head with portions cut-away and in section, viewed in the direction of line 11-11 of FIGURE 8; FIGURE 12 is an enlarged view of the applicator head similar to FIGURE 2 illustrated in a first position; FIGURE 13 is an enlarged side elevation view similar to FIGURE 12 and illustrated in a second position with the printer removed; FIGURE 14 is an enlarged side elevation view similar to Figure 13 illustrated in the third position; FIGURE 15 is an enlarged enlarged end view similar to FIGURE 5 shown in a fourth position; FIGURE 16 is an enlarged side elevation view similar to FIGURE 13 shown in a fifth position. FIGURE 17 is an enlarged side elevation view similar to FIGURE 13 shown in a sixth position. FIGURE 18 is an enlarged view of the applicator head illustrated at the position of FIGURE 19 looking in the direction of line 18-18, of FIGURE 17. FIGURE 19 is an enlarged side elevational view similar to FIGURE 13 illustrated in a seventh position. FIGURE 20 is an enlarged view of the applicator head in the illustrated position of FIGURE 21 facing the direction of line 20-20, of FIGURE 19. FIGURE 21 is an enlarged side elevation view similar to FIGURE 13 illustrated in the eighth position.

FIGURE 22 is an enlarged view of the applicator head in the position illustrated in FIGURE 23 looking at the direction of line 22-22, of FIGURE 21; and FIGURE 23 is an enlarged side elevation view similar to Figure 14 illustrated in a ninth position. Similar numbers refer to like parts through the drawings. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY The improved flexible tape applicator of the present invention is generally indicated at 1, and is particularly illustrated in FIGS. 1-6. The applicator 1 includes a robotic arm 2, which has a mounting cushion 3. The mounting cushion 3 is sized to receive an applicator head 4, schematically illustrated in dotted-dashed lines in FIGURE 1. A support table 5 is placed below the applicator head 4 to support a planar sheet 6 thereon. While the support table may have a variety of sizes and configurations, in the preferred embodiment it is already a table with rollers or an air table to hold the planar sheet 6 and is part of a conveyor unit that extends outwardly beyond the robotic arm 2, in such a way that sheets of glass can be moved on the upper surface of the support table 5 from a work station to a position below the applicator head 4, to a subsequent position in a manufacturing line. The robotic arm can have a variety of sizes and configurations and must have at least three degrees of freedom to ensure that the applicator head 4 is mobile through the Cartesian coordinate system. In the preferred embodiment, the robotic arm is manufactured by Ñachi Robotics of 22285 Rosthel Drive, Novi, MI 48675 under Model No. SA-130. In view that the robotic arm 2 is commercially available, a description thereof will be seen only in summary and only to the extent necessary to understand the invention. The robotic arm 2 includes a base 10 having a stationary mounting cushion 11 and a support plate or bearing 12 rotatably mounted on the mounting cushion 11 to provide movement of the support plate 12 relative to the mounting cushion 11 in the direction of arrow A illustrated in Figure l. While the mounting cushion 11 can be mounted on a variety of surfaces including floors, walls and tiles, in the preferred embodiment, the mounting cushion 11 is secured to the horizontal support surface 13. A carriage 14 is attached to the mounting plate. bearing 12 and rotate with it. A first motor 9 operatively communicates with the bearing plate 12 in such a way that the first motor 9 rotates the support plate 12 with respect to to the mounting cushion 11. A base arm 15 is pivotally secured to the carriage 14 by a pivot pin 16 and compensated for uncontrolled movement by the counterweight 17. A second motor operatively communicates with the base arm 15 to move the base arm 15 in the direction of the arrow B specifically illustrated in Figure 1. An upper arm 21 is attached to the base arm 15 by a pivot pin 22 with a third motor 23 which provides rotational movement of the upper arm 21 relative to the base arm 15 in the direction of the arrow C specifically illustrated in Figure 1. As can be seen from the previous discussion, the first motor 9, the second motor 18 and the third motor 23 operate to move the upper arm 21 through the sartesian sorted system. A plurality of solenoid drive pulses 24 extend over the length of the upper arm 21 and extend between a fourth motor (not shown) and a wrist section 25. The pulse arrows 24 operate to rotate the mute section 25 in the direction of arrow D (Figure 1). The mounting cushion 3 can also be rotated in the direction of the arrow E. The robotic arm 2 thus provides a plurality of motors for moving the mounting cushion 3 through the Cartesian coordinate system in the direction of the arrows A, B and C. (Figure 1). Additionally, the wrist section 25 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow B with the mounting cushion 3, also movable in the direction of the arrow E. The robotic arm 2 first moves in the direction of the arrows A, B, and C, to position the head relative to the workpiece and then operate to orient the mounting pad 3 relative to the support table by operating the wrist section 25 to move in the direction of arrow B and by rotating the mounting cushion 3 in a direction indicated by the arrow E. Having now generally described the robotic arm 2, the applicator head 4 comprises a U-shaped frame 30 (Figures 2 to 6) having a body 31 and a pair of legs upper and lower parallel and spaced 32, extending outwardly with which the body and the upper and lower legs 32 define a U-shaped support 33. The body 31 includes a pair of parallel and spaced vertical beams 34 and a pair of end clamps 35 q They extend intermediate to the vertical beams 34 adjacent to each end. The upper leg 32 includes a pair of substantially horizontal, parallel and spaced support beams 36, each of which is contiguous to the side of the body 31. With reference specifically to Figures 3 and 4, a mounting bracket in the form of U 37 solos outside the body 31 and includes a set of bearings 38 mounted. A shaft 41 extends through the U-shaped mounting bracket 37 and the body 31 and ee rotatably holds within the pair of bearings 38. A spool 42 of a flexible tape 43 is fixedly mounted on the shaft 41 within the support 33 and intermediate to the upper and lower legs 32. The spool 442 is retained on the shaft 41 by a hand knob 44, threadedly attached to the end of the shaft 41. The hand knob 41 is removable to allow the spool 42 to be replace as required. An impulse pulley 45 is also mounted on the shaft 41 within the U-shaped mounting bracket 37. A motor mounting plate 46 (Figure 5) is fastened to the body 31 and supports a pulse motor 47. The motor pulse 47 includes a pulse arrow 48 with a pulley 49 mounted on top whereupon the pulley 49 is to blow are the driven pulley 45. A pulse belt 52 extends around the driven pulley 45 and the impulse pulley 49, such that the pulse motor astivation 47 will cause the pulse arrow 48 and the interconnected pulse pulley 49 to rotate. The rotation of the impulse pulley 49 causes the driven pulley 45 and the interconnected shaft 41 to rotate. As the shaft 41 rotates, the spool 42 rotates thereby dislodging the flexible tape 43.

A U-shaped roller mounting bracket 53 (Figure 5) is attached to the motor mounting plate 46 and retains a sliding rod 54 on the reel 42. A U-shaped mounting plate 53 also extends outwardly. on the side of the body 31 by bolts 55 (Figure 6). A sliding rod 56 extends through openings formed in the U-shaped mounting bracket 53 and is substantially parallel to the sliding rod 54 and is supported on the spool 42. A coil spring 57 extends over each end of the rods. sliders 54 and 56 and is coaxial with them. A follower 58 is slidably mounted on each slide rod 54 and 56 and includes a pair of parallel and spaced side walls 59 (Figures 4 and 5) and a pair of horizontal support rollers 60 mounted thereon. A pair of parallel and spaced vertical guide rollers 61 extend upwards on both sides of the support rollers 60 and are spaced a distance equal to the width of the flexible tape 43. The support rollers 70 in this manner engage flexible tape 43 over its ansho, is a vertical guide roller 61 that swirls a flexible syntax edge 43. Each follower 58 is demountably mounted on a guide rod 54 and 56 and moves on the associated guide rod in response to the movement of the flexible tape 443 through of the axial length of the sarrette 42. Specifically, as the spool 42 rotates by its interconnection with the impulse motor 47, each revolution of the spool 42 will unwind an additional wrap of flexible tape 43. As each successive wrap of the flexible tape 443 is removed from the spool 42, the At which point the flexible tape 43 is removed from the spool 42, it will axially displace the length of the spool 42. As the point of removal of the spool 42 moves axially, the followers 58 respond to it by moving about the length of the sliding rods. 54 and 56. The coil springs 57 prevent the asymmetric follower 58 from slipping out of the sliding rod 54 and 56 asloped resistantly. An L-shaped roller support plate 64 is mounted to the body 31 adjacent to the lower leg 32 and includes a horizontal portion 65 and a vertical portion 66. With referensia specifically to Figures 3 and 5, a pair of spaced guide rollers. and parallels 67 having a central axis substantially parallel to the shaft 41 are mounted to the upper portion of the vertical portion 66 of the roller support door 64. Guide rollers 67 in this manner engage the flexible tape 43 across its width. A U-shaped clamp 69 is mounted on the roller supporting plate 66 just below the rollers 67. A pair of second guide rollers 68 having an axis central substantially perpendicular to the shaft 41, are mounted on the U-shaped clamp 69, with each roller 68 engaging an edge of the flexible tape 43. A third guide roll 72 and a fourth guide roll 74 are provided to the support plate of roller 64 and are parallel to and spaced from the first guide roller 67, are the roller 73 which is mounted to the bottom of the roller support plate 64 with a roller mounting plate 74. A first roller support clamp 75 extends out of the body 31 of the frame 30 opposite the first roller support plate 64 (Figures 2 to 4). The first roller support bracket 75 includes a pair of parallel spaced side walls 76. The side walls 76 support a rod 80 having a roller 81 rotatably mounted thereon. A spacer roller 82, parallel to and spaced from the rod 80, is also supported on the side walls 76 of the first roller support bracket 75. A second roller support bracket 83 having a pair of side walls 84 holds a rod 85 having a separating roller 86 rotatably mounted thereon. Separator rollers 86 and 82 and the roller 31 are cantilevered outward from the first and second roller support brackets 75 and 83, respectively.

A mounting sock 87 (Figure 6) is held intermediate to the horizontal beams 36 of the upper leg 36 and is replenished to the mounting cushion 3 of the robotic arm 2. A complementary relationship between the mounting sock 87 of the spreading saber 4 and the assembling sojin 3 of the robotic arm 2 ensures that the spreader 44 can be mounted to the robotic arm 2 for movement through the sartesian system of coordinates and for rotation relative to a sentral axis. A first optimum or asymmetric debris 90 is colossally adjacent to the end of a horizontal beam 36. The detector 90 includes a beam outlet 91 (Figures 4 to 6) colossal to test a beam on the reel 82 of flexible tape 43. Partially, the detector 90 projects a beam onto the envelope indicated generally at A 'of Figure 4, which is positioned adjacent the end of the spool 43. Similarly, an optical or acoustic detector 92 having a beam outlet 43 is placed on the horizontal arm 36 whereby the beam exiting the detector 92 projects into the envelope of the flexible tape 43 adjacent to the other end of the reel 42, this envelope is generally indicated as B 'in Figure 4. Both detectors 90 and 92 are construed astronomically at a sontrol unit 94 (Figure 6) are also stationary to the impulse motor 47. The control unit 94 is also cona, and res information of the robotic arm 2. Specifically, the control unit 94 receives information related to the vectorial velocity of the robotic arm 2 to initially adjust the speed of the impulse motor 47. With reference to Figures 3 and 7, a floating arm assembly 95 the body 31 of the frame 30 opposite the connection point of the impulse motor 447 of the body 31 of the frame 30 is assembled. The assembly of the floating arm 95 includes a pivot clamp 60 through 96 and an L-shaped cylinder clamp 97 extending outward therefrom. The center pivot clamp 96 includes a pair of spaced apart and parallel legs 98. A pivot pin 99 is mounted to and extends between the legs 98 to pivotally support a floating arm 100. The floating arm 100 is formed with a mounting clamp in the form of U 101 having a pair of spaced apart and parallel legs 102. The legs 102 of the U-shaped mounting bracket 101 extend intermediate the legs 98 of the central pivot bracket 96. Each leg 102 is formed with an orifisium 103. to support the pivot pin 99. The pivot pin 99 in this manner extends through the legs 98 of the sentral pivot clamp 96 and through the legs 102 of the U-shaped mounting bracket 101 to provide pivotal movement of the floating arm 100 respects the pivot bracket central 96. A u-shaped floating frame 104 is placed in the U-shaped mounting bracket 101 and supports a floating roller 105 through its open end. A cylinder 1L0 is mounted on a pivot 111 to the L-shaped cylinder clamp 97 and includes a rod 112 mounted intermediate the legs 102 of the U-shaped mounting bracket 101 of the floating arm 100 via a pivot pin 113. The pivot pin 113 extends through the rod 112 and a hole 114 that extends through each of the legs 102. The deflection of the floating arm 100 in this manner causes the rod 112 to be inserted inside and retract out of the cylinder 110. An electronic detector 105 is associated with the cylinder 110 to measure the movement of the rod 112 relative to the cylinder 110 and sends this measured data to the control unit 94. Alternatively, the radial position of the floating arm 100 can be measured and sent to the control unit 94. With reference to Figures 3 to 4, a printer clamp 126 is connected to the horizontal portion 65 of the roller support plate 64 and holds an applicator assembly 120. With reference specifically to Figures 8 to 12, and according to one of the features of the present invention, a pneumatic cylinder 121 is mounted on a clamp 126 (Figures 10 and 11) and includes a piston cylinder rod 122 mounted on a retaining clip 123. A printer 124 is mounted within retaining clips 123 with the operative end extending down towards the flexible tape 43 as described in detail below. The printer 124 can take a variety of sizes and shapes by including thermal printers and ink jet printers, with an ink jet printer that is employed in the preferred embodiment. A sliding rod 125 extends outwardly from the retaining clip 123 and is substantially perpendicular to the mounting aperture 126 and is housed within an aperture formed in a slide block 127. The pneumatic tire 121 is thus provided to the printer 124. moves towards and away from the flexible tape 43, with the coupling between the sliding rod 125 and the sliding block 127, ensuring that the movement of the printer 124 is substantially perpendicular to the mounting bracket 126. A control unit 128 is provided. to activate the printer 124 at preselected travel distances of the applicator head 4 for purposes described below. A second pneumatic cylinder 130 (Figure 8) is mounted in the horizontal position 65 of the support plate roller 64 and includes a cylinder rod 131 coned to a mounting shaft 132. A pair of sliding rollers 134 move within a guide block 135 mounted in the horizontal position 65 to guide the movement of the axis of the assembly suing is shunted by the second pneumatic cylinder 130. A pressure roller 136 is rotatably mounted on the mounting shaft 132 and substantially substantially vertical, the second pneumatic cylinder 130 being both in the extended and retracted position. The pressure roller 136 engages the upper edge portion of the flexible tape 43. A third pneumatic cylinder 140 is mounted in the horizontal position 65 of the roller support plate 64 and is mounted substantially horizontal and includes a cylinder rod 141 ( Figure 8). The cylinder rod 141 is connected to the mounting block 142 on a pivot 143. The mounting block 142 carries the pressing pin roller 144 that extends downwardly from the lower end of the mounting block 142. The mounting block 142 rotatably mounted on the roller support plate 64 by a cylinder rod 145. The mounting block 142 is rotatably mounted on the intermediate cylinder rod 145 to the pivot 143 and the push pin roller 144. The operation of the third cylinder 140 of this way causes the cylinder rod 141 move in this manner causing the mounting block 142 and the associated pressing pin pin 144 to rotate respect to the sill rod 145. A fourth pneumatic cylinder 146 is mounted on the roller support plate 64 and is substantially parallel with the third cylinder pneumatic 140 and includes a cylinder rod 147. The cylinder rod 147 is fitted to a mounting block 148 in a pivot 149. Similar to the mounting block 142, the mounting block 148 is also pivotally mounted to the cylinder rod 146 and conveys a pressure roller 150. The astivation of the pneumatic piston 146, in this way provides that the cylinder rod 147 moves inside the pneumatic cylinder 146, thereby causing the mounting block 148 and the interconnected pressure roller 150 to rotate. with respect to the pivot 145. A fifth pneumatic cylinder 153 is supported from the horizontal portion 65 of the roller support plate 64 and includes a rod that of cylinder 154. Cylinder rod 154 is pivotally mounted to a pair of movable mounting blocks, independently mounted 155 by a pair of pivots 156. Each mounting block 155 is pivotally mounted to a stabilizer block 158 and has a pressure roller 157 mounted on top. The activation of the fifth pneumatic cylinder 153 in this way causes the The cylinder rod 154 moves in and out of the pneumatic cylinder 153. As the cylinder rod 154 moves, the mounting blocks 155 pivot relative to the stabilizer block 158, thereby raising and lowering the pressure rollers 157 in the manner described to continuity Adísionalraentß, the fifth pneumatic cylinder 153 and the inter-stationary pressing rollers 157 are mounted to a pair of horizontally extending sliding rods 159, which are received through openings formed in a guide block 160. The sliding rods 159 can move within the block guide 160 for moving the position of the pressing rollers 157 relative to the pressing rollers 150 and 144. The movement of the sliding rollers 159 can be manual or automatic by means of a pneumatic cylinder 8 (Figure 8) in order to move the pressing rollers 157 between a forward and retracted position. A horizontal roller 163 is rotatably mounted on a mounting bracket 164 for contacting the upper edge of the flexible tape 43 and intermediate colossus to the presser roll 150 and the presser rollers 157. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a first stationary roll 165 is positioned adjacent the press pin pin 144 which is spaced from the roll 144 by a distance equal to the width of the flexible tape 43.

Additionally, the pressure roller 136 is soldered intermediate to the pinch roller 144 and first stationary roller 165, thereby defining a pinch zone 167. The application zone 167 is the area where the flexible tape 143 is applied to the sheet. planar 6. A second stationary roll 166 collides adyasente to the press roll 150 and also spaced from there a distance to the ansho of the flexible tape 43. A press roll 136 is formed with a plurality of holes 168. A third optical detector 169 (Figure 9) projects an optical beam on the pressure roll 136 adjacent to the point where the holes 168 will pass. The optical beam projected on the pressure roll 136 will alternately reflect off the roll 136 and pass through a hole 168. The optical detector 169 ensures that upon receiving alternate signals, the pressure roller 136 rotates. Alternatively, if the optical detector 169 receives a steady lack of reflection, at a location where the optical beam passes through the orifices 168, a sonar signal is sent to the sontrol unit 94, to stop the movement of the detector. the applicator 4 as these signals reflect that the pressure roller 1366 does not rotate.

Next with reference to Figures 10 and 11, a hydraulic cylinder 174 is mounted in the horizontal position 65 of the roller support plate 54 and includes a cylinder rod 175. The cylinder rod 175 is attached to the horizontal mounting block 17 having a pivot arm 177 mounted on each end by a pivot pin 178. Each pivot arm 177 is pivotally mounted to a scissor blade 179 on a pivot pin 180. The scissor blades 179 are mounted on a common pivot pin 181 placed intermediate to the pins 180 and a cutting edge 182. The actuation of the hydraulically loaded cylinder 174 in this manner will prevent the cylinder rod 175 from moving to and away from the support table 5 thereby providing the mounting block 176 and the interstage pivot arms 177 move. As the pivot arms 177 move, they cause the interconnected scissor cushions 179 to rotate relative to the pivot pin 181, thereby causing the cutting edges 182 to move toward and away from the flexible tape 43. A vacuum door 190 ( Figure 8) is transported by vertical portion 66 of the roller support plate 64 and congested to a source of vessel (not shown). Vessel door 190 removes a paper syntax backing 191 of the flexible tape 43 and transfers it to a remote site in a manner described below. The path of the flexible tape 43 starts inside the flexible tape applicator 1, when it is loaded on the support 33 on a spool 42. The flexible tape is then removed from the spool 42 and a backing of paper tape 191 is removed by the door vacuum 190 and collect in a bag for subsequent disposal. The flexible tape 43 then passes intermediate to the guide roller 81 and the separator roller 82. The paper tape backing 191 is initially fed to the vasium frame 190 and is the source of the fluid that provides sufficient force in the paper syntax backing 191 , to continue removing it from the flexible blank 443 adjacent to the separator roller 82. The paper tape backing 191 thus passes over the separator roller 82 and under the separator roller 86 to ensure that it does not entangle with the flexible tape 43 which remains on the reel 42. The flexible tape 43 is then passed over the guide roller 81, and on the floating roller 105 supported by the floating arm 104 and the follower 58 on the support rollers 60 and the intermediate guide rollers 61 supported by the guide rod 56. Similarly, the flexible tape passes over the support roller 60 and through an intermediate roller 61 of the follower 58 mounted on the sliding rod 54 adjacent to the engine of impulse 47. The flexible tape 43 is positioned precisely when it is passed through followers 58 as the width of flexible tape 43 is counted by both support rollers 60 and a lateral position remains constant as a result of sontasting between guide roll 61 and the edge of the flexible tape 43. The flexible tape 43 in this manner leaves the follower 58 movably mounted on the sliding rod 54 and passes intermediate to the first guide rollers 67 which contact the flexible tape 43 on its widest dimension when viewed in cross section. The flexible syntax 43 then passes intermediate to the second guide rollers 68 which are the flexible syntax on the largest dimension so that it is seen in cross section. The first guide rollers 67 and the second guide rollers 68 in this way interact to ensure that the flexible tape 43 remains colossal just before the flexible tape 43 passes over the third guide rollers 77 and the four guide rollers 74. So far, the flexible tape 43 has remained oriented in an identical manner to its orientation when it is removed from the reel 42. As the edge of the flexible tape 43 coasts the planar sheet 6, the flexible syn 43 is rotated 90ß, so that he edge colossus adyasente to the planar sheet 6 (Figures 2 and 13). The flexible syntax 43 then passes between the pressure rollers 157 and the pressure roller 150 and the second stationary roller 166, respectively. The stationary roller 166 and the pressure roller 150 are formed with a circular flange extending outwardly lower 162. As the flexible tape 43 passes between the pressure roller 150 and the second stationary roller 166, it also passes below the horizontal roller 163 and on the beams 162. The flexible tape 43 then passes to the application zone 167 intermediate the pinch roller 144 and first stationary roll 165 below the pressure roll 136. The second cylinder 130 provides constant air pressure in the roller pressure 136 to provide a constant downward force on the flexible tape 43 and securely adhere it to the planar sheet 6. Having described the path of travel of the flexible tape 43 through the flexible tape applicator 1, the method of operation will be described with specific reference to Figures 1 and 13-25. First refer to Figure 1, the first motor 9, the second motor 18 and the motor terser 23 of the robotic arm 2, are operated to move the mounting sock 3 in the starting position with respect to the planar sheet 6 held in the table . Subsequently, the pulse arrows 24 can be rotated to rotate the wrist portion 25 in the direction of the blade B, and the mounting cushion 3 in the direction of the arrow E to correctly guide the applicator head 4 with respect to the planar sheet 6. The applicator head 4 in this manner is in the position illustrated specifically in Figure 12, wherein the flexible tape 43 colossus intermediate the presser pin roller 144 and first stationary roller 167 below the pressure roller 136 The robotic arm 2 is then astivated to move the applicator 4 in the position indicated by the arrow F (Figure 14) where the second cylinder 130 applies constant pressure on the pressure roller 136, to hold the end of the flexible tape 43 to the planar sheet 6. Without embedding, the flexible tape 43 contacts the planar sheet 6 only in the application area 167, as the flanges 1662 maintain the flexible tape 43 on the planar sheet 6, to ensure that it is not placed inaccurately. The applicator head 4 then moves in the direction of the arrow G specifically illustrated in Figure 14, until the pinch pin roller 144 reaches the edge of the planar sheet 6. When this position is reached, the robotic arm 2 is activated to rotate the spreading head 4 in the direction of arrow H illustrated specifically in Figure 15.

This process is repeated in the corner of the planar sheet 6 until the applicator head returns to the corner of the planar sheet 6, where the continuous flexible tape 43 is initially placed on the planar sheet 6. The forward movement of the head Applicator 4 stops just before the pressing rollers 157 counter the existing flexible tape 43 colossal in the planar sheet 6. The fifth pneumatic cylinder 53 is then activated to move the cylinder rod 154 downwards, causing the mounting blocks 155 and the intercontrant pressing rollers 157 rotate relative to the stabilizing block 158 and in a substantially horizontal position illustrated specifically in Figures 18 and 19. The pressing rollers 157 thus rotate in the direction indicated generally at I in Figure 18. When activating the fifth pneumatic cylinder 153 for raising the pressing rollers 157 to the position illustrated in Figures 17 and 18, the robotic arm 2 is astivated to move the spreading magazine 4 in the direction of the j-shaped J illustrated in detail in Figure 17, until the roller 150 pressurizer is only immediately adhered to the start of flexible tape 43. Subsequently, the fourth pneumatic cylinder 146, is activated to retract the cylinder rod 147 and cause the mounting block 148 and the pressure roller 150 interstellar rotate respect the sill rod 145, providing that it moves to an angled orientation just above the flexible tang 43 is illustrated in detail in Figures 20 and 21. Subsequently, when the push pin roller 144 moves to a position by activation of robotic arm 2, adjacent to the beginning of the continuous flexible belt 43 the third pneumatic cylinder 140 is activated to push the cylinder rod 141 further into the pneumatic cylinder 140, thereby causing the mounting block 142 and the interconnected pressurizing pin roller 144 rotates relative to the cylindrical rod 145, thereby causing the pressing pin roller 144 to rotate upward to an angular orientation relative to the flexible tape 43 (Figures 21 and 22). The robotic arm 2 is again instructed to move the applicator head 44 to a position where the scissors blades 179 collapse just beyond the planar blade 6. Once in this position, the hydraulic cylinder 174 is actuated, moving in this way the cylinder rod 175 and the interconnected mounting block 176. The movement of the mounting block 176 causes the scissor cushions 179 to rotate with respect to the pivot pin 181. This pivotal movement provides that the end edges 182 interstinate and they spread the flexible syntax 43.

After the hydraulic cylinder 174 is actuated causing the scissor blades 179 to rotate relative to the pivot pin 191 to sever the flexible belt 43, the air cylinder 8 is activated to move the pressure rollers 157 from the retracted to the expanded position. Since the pressure rollers 157 hold the flexible tape 43, the end of the flexible tape 43 moves to a starting position within the application areas 167, intermediate the stabilizer roll 165 and the pinch roller 144 below the roll. of pressure 136. The flexible syntax 43 in this manner is only allowed for application on the next planar sheet. Through the operation of the flexible tape maker 1, the third optical detector 169 continuously projects a beam of the pressure roller 136. Since the pressure roller 136 frictionally engages the flexible tape 43, it rotates as a result of the movement of the applicator head. 4 relative to the planar sheet 6. This rotation causes the third optical detector 169 to receive an intermittent beam from the light source as the light beam passes alternately through the holes 168 and is blocked by the intermediate pressure roll 136 to the holes 168. However, in case the third optical detector 169 receives a continuous light signal or a continuous reflected signal, the third optical detector 169 will send a signal to the robotic arm to interrupt the operation. The signal to interrupt the operation will occur when the flexible tape 443 does not initially adhere to the planar sheet 6, so that the operation of the flexible tape applicator 1 does not result in the application of flexible syntax 43 to the planar sheet 6. Once that the flexible tape applicator 1 has stopped, the machine can be checked with a minimum of non-operational time. Also, during the operation of the flexible tape applicator 1, followers 58 are continuously moved on the sliding rods 54 and 56. Specifically, since the flexible syntax 43 passes through the follower 58, an angular pressure is provided to followers 56 by the flexible tape 43. The followers in this way ensure that the use of a reel having successively convoluted reels of flexible syntax 43 will not unduly influence the path of travel of the flexible tape 43 through the flexible tape applicator 1. In addition, already that coil springs 57 are positioned adjacent each end of the sliding rods 54, 53 and 56, the path of travel of the followers 58 relative to the sliding rods 54 and 56 is pre-determined, at that length of the rods sliders 54 and 56 positioned intermediate the coil springs 57. Through the application of flexible tape 43 to the planar sheet 6, the printer 124 can print pre-determined spaced out webs on the flexible syllable interior 43. These marsas, a of the suals is illustrated partially in Figure 24 and is usually indicated in 192, indicating the point in the sual an intermediate amount will be placed for the manufacture of a divided light window. While the marsas 192 can be aplimated by simply squeezing the printer 124 at equal intervals of flexible syntax 43 which pass through a flattener 44, these aplissation methods can produce an unequal marsa. Specifically, since a length of the flexible tape 43 is used to create each corner, that amount of flexible tape 43 will displace equally spaced marks, such that the marsas following each corner will be displaced by an amount equal to the amount of flexible tape 43 used to create the corner. As such, the printer 124 does not index out of the amount of flexible tape that passes through the applicator head 4 but instead, receives indexing information from the robotic arm 2, so that the printer 124 is instructed to print a mark 192 at predetermine distances of travel of the head applicator 4 on the planar sheet 6. In this way, the marks 192 formed in the flexible tape 43 will be placed precisely in all the 4 corners of the planar sheet 6 in order to ensure that the struded intermediate posts are precisely separated. The printer 124 receives information related to the preselected distances resorbed by the spreading magazine 4 of the robotic arm 2 and active at pre-selected intervals on the path of travel. A variety of other information may also be applied to flexible tape 43 such as manufacturer and customer information, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The sontrol unit 94 regulates the velocity of the impulse motor 47. The sontrol unit 94 receives feed data from three sources. The velocity of the impulse motor 47 is thus inisially adjusted to rework the vestorial velocity of the robotic arm 2, such that the unbonded flexible belt sanctity of the impulse motor operation 47 initially corresponds to the amount of flexible tape required if the applicator head 4 moves at a vector velocity similar to that of the robotic arm 2. The detectors 90 and 92 in this manner provide multiply feed data and the detector 115 provides clipping feed data from the floating arm assembly. .

Specifically, the impulse motor 47 receives continuous feeding of the detectors 90 and 92 to determine which layer of the flexible tape 443 is removed from the spool 42. Since the flexible tape 43 is colossal on the sarret 42, in sonorous wraps axially on the spool 42 and concentrically about the axis of the spool 42, each optical detector 90 and 92 measures the distance between the edge wrapping and a detector to determine that the flexible syntrometry shell 43 is removed from the spool 42. With referensia, specifically to FIGS. and 6, the damper 92 measures the distance between the flexible tape and the detector and compares that distance with the measured distance of the detector 90 to the reel 42. The distance measured by the detector 92 will indicate that the current layer of flexible tape 43 has withdrawn below the detector 92 since the distance is greater under the detector 92 than under the detector 90. Once the tape has been removed below the detector 90, the distance The sensor 90 will be used to indicate which flexible tape layer 43 is removed from the spool 42. Knowing that flexible tape layer 43 is removed from the spool 42, the speed of the pulse motor 447 is allowed to multiply from the speed setting initial by the control unit 94 to relate to the vectorial velocity of the robotic arm 2. Specifically, as each layer of tape flexible 43 is removed from reel 42, the circumference of the sarret also decreases. As the syntax of the flexible syntax envelope 43 decreases, the sanctity of syntax withdrawn during any simple revolution of the reel 42 also decreases. The speed of the pulse motor 47 must then be increased to rotate more often to remove a given stretch of flexible tape each time an additional tape wrap is removed from the spool 42. The detectors 90 and 92 thus provide information on the partisular level of flexible tape 43 being removed, such that the speed of the driving motor 47 can be adjusted accordingly. Alternatively, the pulse motor 47 should be braked when less flexible tape is required. Specifically, since the applicator 4 turns a corner, very little flexible tape 43 is used, but a significant amount of time passes during the corner formation with respect to the straight line operation. The floating arm assembly 95 creates a pressure feed reading by the detector 115, this pressure supply can be used to sprout the velocity of the pulse motor 47. Specifically, as the flexible tape 43 is fed out of the spool 42 onto the roller floating 105, is carried out under tension.

A change in the tension of the flexible tape 43 will change the pressure on the cylinder rod 112, causing it to move inside the pneumatic cylinder 110. The detector 115 determines the amount of deflection of the floating roller 105 as a result of the tension in the flexible tape 43. The detector 115 sends this information to the control unit 94 which can increase the speed of the pulse motor 47 to increase the amount of flexible tape 144 supplied by the drive motor 47 in a situation where the The floating arm assembly 95 is in the position illustrated in the dotted lines in Figure 7, ie when the pressure of the flexible tape 43 is large as the applicator assembly 120 requires more flexible tape 43 than the drive motor 47 currently unbands from the spool 42. Alternatively, the assembly of the floating arm 95 can create a signal that is read by the detector 115 indicating that the drive motor 47 feeds the A flexible tape is provided and the applicator assembly 120 does not use the amount of flexible tape that is currently unwound from the reel 42. This feed will trim the veil of the motor 47 until the velocity of the motor 47 corresponds to the linear speed of the robotic arm 2.

In summary, a flexible syntax applicator 1 includes a robotic arm supporting an applicator head 4 suspended on a support table 5. The applicator head 4 is formed with a support 33 for receiving a reel 42 of flexible tape. A pulse motor 47 is provided to rotate the spool 42 and the flexible tape passes over a floating arm assembly 95 connected to a pneumatic cylinder 110. Either the pressure in the pneumatic cylinder or the position of the cylinder rod with respect to the cylinder. is measured, to form an analog signal that is related to the amount of pressure exerted by the flexible tape on the floating arm assembly 95. The signal is turned on from the detector 115 to move the motor 47, such that custom-made that the pressure in the floating arm assembly 95 increases, the speed of the driving motor 47 increases. Conversely, if the pressure in the floating arm assembly 95 decreases, the speed of the driving motor 47 decreases. The pressure exerted on the floating assembly 95 in this manner is proportionally related to the sanctity of flexible tape 43 which is applied to the planar sheet 6. A plurality of optical detectors are provided for measuring the sheet of flexible material 43 that is currently removed from the sheet. reel 42 Before application of a continuous flexible tape to a planar sheet, a plurality of pneumatic cylinders are operated to move the rollers out of the way, to ensure that the applicator head does not accidentally detach flexible tape 43 from the planar sheet 27. Accordingly, the improved flexible tape applicator is simplified, proportions a effetive, safe, effective and economic device that achieves all the objectives listed, allows to eliminate difficulties encountered with the previous devices and solve problems and obtain new results in the technique. In the previous dissolution, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity and comprehension but unnecessary limitations should not be implied, beyond the requirement of the previous téshisa, because these terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be widely considered. Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is a good example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to detailed illustrated details or dessritos. Having now disentangled the sarasteristy disentangling and prinsipios of the invention, the sual form is constructed and uses the improved flexible tape applicator, the construction features and the advantages, new and useful results obtained, new and useful device structures; Elements assemblies, parts and combinations are established in the annexed claims.

Claims (32)

1. - Aplisador for apiling a flexible tape to a sheet, comprising: an applicator head having a resorption path, a flexible syntax tray extending at least partially through the applicator head, and an application zone; a table adapted to retain the sheet adyasente to the applicator head; first impulse assemblies for moving the applicator head with respect to the object on the path of resorption to preselessioned velosities; data resolution assemblies for resolving data relating to the speed of the first drive means, * second drive means for moving the flexible tape; and control assemblies operatively connected to the second pulse assemblies, to receive data from the assemblies for data retrieval and to alter the velocity of the second pulse assemblies in response to the resoled data and to maintain a proportional relation between the velocity of operation of the second impulse assemblies and the operational velosity of the first impulse assemblies, are what the tension in the flexible syntax remains substantially constant through the path of travel of the applicator head,

2. - Applicator as described in claim 1, wherein the table is substantially horizontal.

3. Applicator as described in claim 1, wherein the first pulse assemblies comprise a robotic arm; wherein the applicator head is transported by the robotic arm; wherein the robotic arm includes means for moving the flattering mass in a plane parallel to the table, and wherein the flattening mass includes means for moving the flattening mass in a direction perpendicular to the table.

4. Applicator as described in claim 3, wherein the robotic arm is a 6-axis robotic arm.

5. Applicator as described in claim 3, wherein the second pulse assemblies include a pulse motor adapted to feed flexible syntax to the spreading head on the flexible syntax tray.

6.- Somo apleator is described in claim 5, wherein the applicator head includes a support adapted to support a reel of flexible tape, wherein the impulse motor is transported by the applicator head adyasente to the sarrete.

7. - Applicator as described in claim 6, wherein the shaft is adapted to support the spool; and wherein the pulse motor is operatively connected to the shaft for rotation of the spool.

8. Applicator as described in claim 7, wherein the data collection assemblies include first collossed detector assemblies adjacent to the reel to determine the layer of flexible tape that is removed from the reel whereby the control unit receives information from the first detector assemblies and increases the engine speed As each successive layer of flexible tape is removed from the reel.

9. Applicator as described in claim 8, wherein the first detesting assemblies project a pair of optimized deterstores solosados on the reel to project an optical beam on the reel to measure the distance from the detector to the layer of flexible tape.

10. Dome applicator is described in claim 8, wherein the assemblies for data collection include a floating arm adapted to sontastar the flexible syntax and deflect in response to tension in the flexible tape second detector assemblies to measure the deflection of the floating arm , where the mounts are manually operated, they are the second mounts

detectors to receive data relating to the deflection of the floating arm, are what the deflection of the floating arm in one direction causes the control motors to increase the speed of operation of the second impulse assemblies and to divert the floating arm in another direction provided that the sontrol mounts decrease the speed of operation of the second impulse assemblies.

11. Applicator as described in claim 1, wherein the assemblies for data collection include a lotante arm adapted to count the flexible tape and deflect in response to tension in the flexible tape and second detector assemblies to measure the deflection of the arm. floating; wherein the sontrol assemblies are operatively somunisan with the second detector assemblies, to receive data regarding the deflection of the floating arm, with which the deflection of the floating arm in one direction causes the control assemblies to increase the speed of operation of the second assemblies of impulse and deflection of the floating arm in another direction provous that the control assemblies decrease the speed of operation of the second impulse assemblies. 12f- Sieve puncher is described in claim 11, wherein the floating arm is transported

in the applicator head on the flexible tape path.

13. Applicator as described in claim 12, wherein the second detector assemblies include a cylinder and a piston; wherein one of the cylinder and the piston is connected to the floating arm whereby the deflection of the floating arm causes one of the cylinder and the piston to move with respect to the other of the cylinder and the piston, to alter the pressure inside the cylinder; and wherein the second detector assemblies further include pressure measurement assemblies for measuring the pressure in the cylinder, to determine the sanctity of deflection of the floating arm.

14. - Aplisador as dessribe in the reivindisasión 13, wherein the second detector assemblies include a cylinder and a piston; wherein one of the cylinder and the piston is connected to the floating arm, so that the deflection of the floating bra, causes that of the cylinder and the piston to move with respect to the other of the cylinder and the piston; and wherein the second detector assemblies further include pressure measurement assemblies for measuring the actual distance traveled by the piston in the cylinder to determine the amount of deflection of the floating arm.

15. - A sprayer as described in claim 8, wherein the applicator head includes a plurality of pressures adjacent to the application zone and wherein the floating arm is soldered intermediate to the impulse motor and to the plurality of pressure rollers on the tray of flcsxible tape.

16. Applicator as described in claim 15, wherein at least one of the rollers is connected to retractor assemblies to retract the roller on the flexible seat.

17. Soluble sizer is disclosed in claim 16, wherein the retraction means comprises a cylinder; and wherein the cylinder operates to retract a roller on the flexible tape.

18. Applicator as described in claim 17, wherein at least one stationary roller is soldered ethically and spaced from the pressing roller and wherein the flexible syntax is placed intermediate the stationary roller and the pressing roller on the path of flexible tape .

19. Applicator as described in claim 18, wherein a pressurized roller assembly is soldered intermediate to the pressing roller and the stationary roller to apply a desing force on the flexible syntax.

20. - Applicator as described in claim 20, wherein pressure assemblies are provided to supply a downward force on the pressure roller.

21. Applicator as described in claim 20, wherein the pressure assemblies comprise a fluid cylinder connected to the pressure roller.

22. Applicator as described in claim 19, wherein the bumper assemblies are soldered adjacent to the pressure roller to determine if the pressure roller rotates.

23. Applicator as described in claim 19, wherein the detector assemblies comprise a collimated optical detector adjacent to the pressure roller; where at least one orifice is formed through the roller is what the optimum tester directs a beam on the roll to determine if it rotates by determining if the orifisium passes through the optimum tester.

24.- A sprayer as described in claim 1, wherein the printer assemblies are transported by the applicator head to apply at least one intermediate post mark on the flexible tape.

25. Applicator as described in claim 24, wherein the printer assemblies are

they transport by the applicator head after the plurality of rollers so that the printer prints the flexible tape after it has passed through the rollers.

26.- Applicator as described in claim 25, wherein the printer is adapted to print on the flexible tape when the flexible tape collapses on the planar sheet.

27.- The somoder is described in claim 26, wherein it also comprises control assemblies to determine the distance traveled by the applicator head with respect to the table and to activate the printer at pre-determined distances of travel of the applicator head with respect to table.

28.- Apliator as described in claim 27, wherein it also comprises second assemblies for collecting data electronically connected to the robotic arm to receive postion information from the robotic arm.; wherein the sontrol assemblies are electronically connected to the second assemblies for data retrieval, they are what the control assemblies control the printer, in response to the position information received from the second data retrieval assemblies.

29.- Apolloser somo dessribe in the vindication 27, where the retraction assemblies are

Connect to the printer to move the printer to and away from the sheet.

30. Applicator as described in claim 11, wherein the tray of flexible syntax has a loncritud; and where the length is constant from the floating arm to the application area.

31.- Method for applying a flexible tape to a sheet comprising the steps of: moving a plunger head having a flexible syntax tray on a predetermined path while simultaneously applying flexible tape to the sheet at predetermined speeds; measure the tension in the flexible tape on the flexible syntax path and draw a voltage signal; send the voltage signal to the one sontrol unit; provide flexible syntax impulse assemblies to move the flexible syntax to the spreading saber while applying flexible tape to the sheet; and controlling the speed of pulse assemblies for flexible tape with the control unit, in response to the voltage signal, to maintain a proportional relationship between the operating speed of the flexible tape drive assemblies and the predetermined speeds, with what the tension in the flexible tape remains substantially constant through the path of travel of the applicator head.

32. - Method as described in the claim

31, which includes the additional step of determining the tension in the flexible tape by passing the flexible tape over a floating breaststroke; determine the deflection of the floating arm; and changing the rotation speed of the pulse assemblies in direct relation to the amount of deflection of the floating arm. 33.- Method as described in the claim

32, wherein the additional stages of providing an engine like impulse motors to rotate a flexible tape reel; and increasing the speed of the motor that rotates the reel as the measured deflection increases and decreasing the rotation speed of the motor that moves the reel as the measured deflection decreases. 34.- Sod method is dessribe in the vindication

31, wherein it includes the additional step of providing a spool having a plurality of concentric layers of flexible material; determine that the flexible material is removed while the flattening mass moves over a path of travel; increase the speed of the impulse assemblies as subsequent layers of flexible tape are removed from the spool. 35.- Method as disclosed in claim 31, which includes the additional step of printing marks of

intermediate stile on the flexible syntax after the flexible syntax solves in the sheet. 36.- Method as described in claim 35, which includes the additional step of determining the distance traveled by the applicator head with respect to the sheet; and activating the printer at pre-selected distances on the path of travel of the applicator head with respect to the sheet for printing intermediate post marks. 37.- Method as described in the claim

32, wherein it comprises the additional steps of providing a number of rollers adjacent to the application area and retracting at least one of the rollers to allow it to be petse on the flexible tape.

RBSPMEH PE IMVBWTION An applicator to apply a flexible tape to a planar sheet, which has a base, a table, a robotic arm and an applicator head. The applicator head is transported by the robotic arm and includes a support to receive a reel of flexible tape. The robotic arm moves the applicator head through the Cartesian coordinate system with respect to the table. A motor feeds flexible tape from the reel, on a floating arm through a plurality of rollers. A floating arm detector measures the pressure or position in a cylinder connected to the floating arm and sends a signal to the motor to increase the speed if the floating arm pressure is high and the motor speed decreases if the floating arm pressure it is low. A plurality of optical detectors determines the layer of flexible tape that is currently removed from the reel and adjusts the speed of the motor to regulate the variant length of the material that is removed per revolution as the flexible syntax layers of the sarrete are removed.

RS / flrp / 13 / TRE3? A