System for printing and applying tape onto surfaces
Assignee3M Innovative Properties Company
InventorsLloyd S. Vasilakes, Michael R. Mitchell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for printing variable information on a tape to form a tape segment, applying the tape segment onto an object, and cutting the tape segment includes a printer for printing information onto the tape segment. A controller controls the printer in response to input to vary the information printed onto the tape. The printed tape segment is transported to a location for application onto the object and is cut. The unwind tension of the tape as the tape is removed from the tape roll is controlled to present the tape to the printer at a substantially uniform speed and to reduce jerkiness of the tape. The information is registered such that it is placed at a predetermined location on different tape segments.
Claims24
A tape handling system, comprising:
- (a) a tape mount roller;
- (b) a prestrip roller;
- (c) a printer for printing on tape;
- and
- (d) a first accumulator moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein movement of said first accumulator from said first position to said second position causes said printer to begin printing;
- (e) a tape applicator;
- wherein said tape handling system includes a tape path from said tape mount roller to said tape applicator, wherein said prestrip roller is located on said tape path between said tape mount roller and said printer, and wherein said first accumulator is located on said tape path between said printer and said tape applicator.
An apparatus including a tape handling system and tape applicator, comprising:
- a) a tape handling system, comprising:
- (i) a tape mount roller;
- (ii) a prestrip roller;
- (iii) a printer for printing on tape;
- and
- (iv) a first accumulator moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein movement of said first accumulator from said first position to said second position causes said printer to begin printing;
- wherein said tape handling system includes a tape path from said tape mount roller to said first accumulator, wherein said prestrip roller is located on said tape path between said tape mount roller and said printer, and wherein said printer is located on said tape path between said prestrip roller and said first accumulator;
- b) a tape cutter;
- and
- c) a tape applicator for applying the tape to an object;
- wherein said apparatus includes a tape path from said tape handling system to said tape applicator, and wherein said tape cutter is located on said tape path between said tape handling system and said tape applicator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.