US 5,863,381 A · Film joining apparatus

Abstract

A film joining apparatus includes a first transport path (31) along which an old film (12) is transported and onto which a new film (15) whose leading end has been taken out is set, a second transport path (32) which is connected to the first transport path (31) and along which the old film (12) is transported, and a branch path (34) which is branched from the first transport path (31) and the second transport path (32) at a connecting section (33) therebetween. The apparatus further includes a heat fusion unit (40) disposed at the branch path (34) to join the tail end of the old film (12) and the leading end of the new film (15) by heat fusion, and a blower (39) disposed facing the connecting section (33) and adapted to jet an operating gas. The leading end of the new film (15) is introduced into the deepest portion of the branch path (34) in advance. When the operating gas is jetted from the blower (39), the old film (12) is pushed into the branch path (34) due to the pressure of the operating gas, so that the tail end of the old film (12) reaches the deepest portion of the branch path (34). Since it is not necessary to insert a pusher or the like into the branch path (34), static electricity is prevented from being generated in the pusher, the branch path (34), etc.

Claims12

Dependent claims

A film joining apparatus comprising:

(a) means for defining a first transport path along which an old film is transported and onto which a leading end taken out from a new film is set;
(b) means for defining a second transport path, which is aligned with and spaced by a gap from said means defining said first transport paths and along which the old film is transported, whereby said first and second transport paths together form a linear transport path;
(c) means for defining a branch path which is bypassed by said linear transport path, said branch path being branched from said linear transport path at said gap;
(d) a heat fusion unit disposed remote from said linear transport path and in line with said branch path for joining a transverse section of the old film near a tail end thereof and a transverse section of the new film near the leading end by heat fusion;
and
(e) a blower disposed facing said gap for emitting a jet of an operating gas against the leading end of the new film and the tail end of the old film, to divert the ends from said linear transport path, and to force the ends along said branch path and then through said heat fusion unit to a location on a side of said heat fusion unit opposite said gap.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Film joining apparatus

Life of this patent

Film joining apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12