GB2588642A

GB2588642A - Adhesive tape dispenser

Info

Publication number: GB2588642A
Application number: GB1915756.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Verrall Luke
Original assignee: Jjs Application Tech Ltd
Current assignee: Jjs Application Tech Ltd
Priority date: 2019-10-30
Filing date: 2019-10-30
Publication date: 2021-05-05
Also published as: GB201915756D0

Abstract

An adhesive tape dispenser head assembly 10 to dispense pieces of adhesive tape onto an object (6 fig. 1) comprises a feed spool 16 to hold adhesive tape, a tape launcher 21, 18 to launch the adhesive tape 12 onto the object (6 fig. 1) and a tape cutter comprising a first and second cutting members 22 , 22b, one or both of which being movable to cut the tape 12 to a desired length. The cutting members 22, 22b may cut the tape 12 from opposite sides and may comprise a rotating cutting blade 22 and a cutting block 22b or a rotating cutting tool (704 fig. 7a) concentrically mounted within a cylindrical external body (702 fig. 7a) which includes a tape entrance 706 and a tape exit 708. First press roller 28 may press objects (6 fig. 1) against conveyor rollers (4 fig. 1) and second press roller 30 may press a recently adhered tape piece against the object (6 fig. 1).

Description

Title: Adhesive tape dispenser This invention relates to an adhesive tape dispenser head, an adhesive tape dispenser machine including said head and a method of dispensing adhesive tape.

Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an apparatus and method with launch and cutting facility for dispensing pieces of adhesive tape onto an object. Ideally, but not essentially, tape is launched from the head such that its velocity matches the velocity of an object to which it is to be adhered.

Dispensing machines having dispensing heads that include cutters are used to dispense pieces of tape onto a moving object. In such dispensing machines (e.g. as disclosed in EP2078689), cutting of the tape to a desired length and dispensing of the cut tape precisely onto the object requires co-ordination between the cutting element and the dispensing element. This can be achieved via computer control -the head is a stand-alone element with its own control electronics which receives the work information from another master system via an interface of digital signals or via a network protocol. Objects are to be fed manually, or in an automated manner, onto a conveyor that conveys the objects past the dispenser head assembly. One or more speed and position sensors can provide data on the movement of the object relative to the head to a central processor, which co-ordinates dispensing of adhesive tape from the dispensing head onto the object when the object is in a correct position during its movement path. The cutting mechanism of the dispensing head is controlled by the central processor such that a desired length of tape is cut during the dispensing process.

In existing dispensing machines (e.g. of the type described in EP2078689), when a next piece of tape is to be attached to the moving object, the free end of the piece of tape is placed or pressed onto the object at the desired position in order to facilitate correct attachment. This placement / pressing is achieved, usually, by a dispensing head component that is movable (via a pneumatic or electronic drive) between a tape depositing position, in which the component bears against the tape to keep the tape tense and deposit the tape onto the moving object and an unengaged position in which the component does not deposit the tape onto the moving object. After the tape has been placed / pressed onto the moving object, the free end of the tape adheres to the object and the movement of the object pulls further tape along onto the object. The dispensing head includes a cutter arranged to cut the tape to a desired length. The dispensing machine also may include a freely rotating pressing roller arranged to press the tape onto the moving object to provide a clean, consistent application of pieces of tape onto the moving object.

Cutting of the tape is usually achieved by stabbing, with a blade, the tense tape from one side of the tape at a predefined point or location.

Furthermore, especially when cutting magnetic tape, or heavy tape, e.g. tape that is heavy or dense or thick in relation to the object material upon which the tape is to be adhered, it is challenging to cut through the tape consistently (to achieve a good quality cut) at speed -a cutting blade tends to wear out quickly as a result of cutting inconsistency. Examples of heavy tapes include magnetic tapes, 3M (TM) VHB tapes, certain heavy webbed mesh tapes and hook and loop (Velcro (TM)) tapes. For the purpose of this specification, a tape can also be considered to be a heavy tape if it has a high unwind inertia or a slow release. Typical object materials include paper, cardboard, plastic (e.g. for laminate flooring) and fabrics -this list is not exhaustive. Objects with adhered tapes are used in many different markets, such as point-of-sale, printing, signage, flooring and promotional materials -this list is not exhaustive.

Description of Invention

Representative features are set out in the following clauses, which stand alone or may be combined, in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text and/or drawings of the specification.

Aspects of the invention are claimed in the independent claims. Optional features are claimed in the dependent claims.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are riot to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: figure 1 shows schematically parts of a tape application machine according to an aspect of the invention; figure 2 shows schematically a part of an adhesive tape dispenser head assembly according to another aspect of the invention; figure 3 shows schematically the adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of figure 2 from one side; figure 4 shows schematically the adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of figure 2 in a configuration; figure 5 shows schematically the adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of figure 2 in another configuration; figure 6 shows schematically a component of the adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of figure 2; figures 7a to 7c show schematically parts of a tape dispenser head assembly according to another aspect of the invention; figures 8a to Sc show schematically parts of the tape dispenser head assembly of figures 7a to 7c; figures 9a and 9b show schematically parts of the tape dispenser head assembly of figures 7a to 7c in different configurations; figure 10 shows schematically a part of an adhesive tape dispenser head assembly according to another aspect of the invention; figure 11 is a flowchart depicting a method according an aspect of the invention; and figure 12 shows schematically parts of a tape application machine according to another aspect of the invention.

Referring to figure 1, there is shown part of a tape application machine 100, according to an embodiment of the invention, which is used to apply pieces of tape to objects in a controlled, desired manner. The tape application machine 100 includes a conveyor system, which in this embodiment comprises three conveyor rollers 4 arranged in a standard manner. Curved arrows in figure 1 show the rotation directions of the conveyor rollers 4. Objects 6 upon which tape pieces are to be applied travel on the conveyor rollers 4 through a deposition zone 8, past an adhesive tape dispenser head assembly 10 according to the invention, which is arranged to cut and deposit tape pieces on to the objects. In other embodiments, the conveyor system may comprise a different number of rollers. In other embodiments, the conveyor system may comprise a non-roller system, such as a driven track or belt that conveys objects through the deposition zone 8 -the belt or track may be driven by rollers or axles or any other suitable mechanism.

In this embodiment, objects 6 are manually fed to the conveyor system. In other embodiments, objects 6 may be automatically fed to the conveyor system by an automated feeder. In some embodiments, there may be a guide mechanism, such as a rail to ensure correct lateral alignment of an object through the deposition zone (e.g. an edge of the object may be aligned with the guide mechanism such that the object is correctly presented in the deposition zone).

The tape application machine comprises a frame 102 to which the adhesive tape dispenser head assembly (of one embodiment of the invention) 10 is attachable. Attachment between the frame 102 and the dispenser head assembly 10 is such that the conveyor rollers 4 convey objects in a controlled manner past the attached dispenser head assembly 10. The frame comprises a gantry upon which one or more dispenser head assemblies can be mounted in a conceptually known manner. Typically multiple head assemblies can be mounted across a gantry such that objects passing thereunder can have tape pieces applied at one or more locations across their width. For ease, the invention will be described with reference to a single dispenser head assembly, although the invention might be used with multiple dispenser head assemblies. In this embodiment, the assembly is fixed and stationary relative to the frame 102. In other embodiments, the head assembly may move relative to a frame, and the object or objects upon which tape is to be adhered may be stationary. Or, both the head and the object(s) may move in other embodiments.

Apart from the dispenser head assembly 10, the rest of the machine is of standard construction. The inventive dispenser head assembly may be retro-fitted to an existing adhesive tape dispensing machine that is able to receive head assemblies.

The dispenser head assembly 10 includes attachment means 20 for releasably attaching the assembly to the machine 100, and in particular to the frame 102 of the machine. In this example, the attachment means 20 is in the form of a clamp module operable by a handle. The clamp module is arranged to clamp to a corresponding pad of the machine frame when correctly aligned therewith. The handle moves the clamp mechanism between an open configuration in which the assembly is not attached to the machine, and a clamped configuration in which the clamp secures against a corresponding part of the frame to secure the assembly on the machine. The attachment means may have a quick release mechanism.

The objects 6 pass through the deposition zone 8 where the depositing of tape pieces onto a passing object occurs. In this embodiment, the invention includes known means for detecting the presence of a passing object and predicting when it is in correct position in the deposition zone for having a tape piece deposited upon it. In other embodiments, the relative position between the head assembly and the object is otherwise provided -for example, in embodiments having a moving head assembly movable over a stationary object, the object may be located in a known position and orientation on a reference bed, and the moving head assembly may be calibrated such that the precise alignment relative to the object is known.

Each tape piece is of a desired size (length) and is precisely positioned on each object as it passes through the deposition zone 8. The features of this invention need not necessarily be used in combination. Each feature offers an advantage over existing machines.

In machines that use replaceable dispenser head assemblies, it is challenging to provide a compact arrangement, as the present solution elegantly provides, because of the requirement to co-ordinate a complex cutting mechanism with a depositing mechanism. Dispensing pre-cut or pre-formed adhesive labels onto an object such as a moving object (e.g. on to objects such as envelopes) is not so complicated because machines for such dispensing do not require such complex cutting means, since the labels are already formed as desired, perhaps with a pre-cut or score. In this invention, a further complex launch mechanism has also been provided. This launch mechanism provides a cleaner cut and also allows use with heavier tapes, which are traditionally difficult to cut effectively with the required speed of throughput. The launch mechanism also allows use with light substrates, which can be easily creased, torn etc. when adhering a relatively heavy tape thereto. Machines with replaceable heads are more versatile -different heads might be used in different configurations depending upon the specific tape and object combination. Different numbers of heads can be mounted in parallel onto the machine frame such that multiple pieces of tape can be applied across the width of an object passing through the machine.

Machines with replaceable heads are also easier to service and repair than those without such heads. It can be seen that replaceable dispenser head assemblies are subject to different technical requirements than machines for dispensing pre-cut labels.

The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly 10 is arranged to automatically dispense pieces of adhesive tape onto a moving object 6. The pieces of tape are cut from a roll of adhesive tape 12. In this example, the tape is a standard one-sided adhesive tape and is provided without a backing liner.

In other embodiments, heavy tapes and magnetic tapes may be cut and dispensed using the head assembly of this invention -heavy and magnetic tapes are traditionally provided with a liner, whereas other lighter tapes can be provided without a liner. Magnetic Tape and hook and loop (e.g. Velcro TM) tape are typically one-sided adhesive tapes, which have a liner that covers the adhesive side. In order for these materials to bond to the passing substrate / object, the liner needs to be removed to expose the adhesive so that it can stick to the passing substrate. Double sided adhesive tapes already typically have one side exposed as they pass from a feed mechanism through the dispenser head assembly -double sided adhesive tapes do not normally need the liner covered side to be removed; although, this can also be an option and sometimes desirable. Advantageously, this invention provides a head assembly that can be used with a broad range of tapes (light or heavy; one-sided adhesive or two-sided adhesive) whilst still providing pieces of tape that have clean, consistent cuts and whilst operating at desired speeds.

As shown in figure 2, the assembly 10 comprises: a feed spool 16 arranged to hold the adhesive tape 12.

In other embodiments (in which the tape is provided on a backing liner), the assembly 10 may also comprise a take-up spool arranged to hold the backing liner after the tape has been peeled off therefrom.

The assembly 10 also includes a tape launcher, a tape cutter and a tape brake. In this embodiment, the tape brake is formed integrally with the tape cutter. In other embodiments, the tape brake may be formed separately and attached to the tape cutter, in yet further embodiments, the tape brake may be located remotely of the tape cutter, and may be a movable remotely located tape brake In yet further embodiments, there may be no tape brake.

The tape 12 is arranged to travel downstream from the feed spool to the tape launcher, which is driven and movable to launch the adhesive tape onto the moving object passing through the deposition zone 8. After passing the tape launcher, the tape moves downstream to the tape cutter, which is arranged to cut the tape to a desired length. The tape launcher and the tape cutter (and therefore, in this example, the integral brake too) are connected to a motor 24, which drives movement thereof. In this embodiment the motor is a servomotor, which allows precise movement of the tape launcher and the tape cutter between their configurations. The precise form of the tape launcher, cutter and brake of this embodiment is described in further detail below.

The tape 12 is arranged to travel from the tape launcher further downstream to the deposition zone 8. To achieve this, the tape launcher is arranged to launch the tape such that when the tape first contacts the moving object 6 in the deposition zone, the tape is already moving in a direction substantially parallel to the object movement direction, or the tape has a velocity with a significant speed component in a direction parallel to the movement direction of the object. The aim is to have the tape and object travelling at the same speed in the same direction as far as possible at the moment of impact to reduce disruption when the tape meets the moving object. At least, upon contact, the relative velocity between the tape and the object should be less than the relative velocity between the assembly and the object -thereby an advantage relative to existing depositing systems (of the type where tape is pressed on to a passing object) is provided. In this way, this invention advantageously provides the ability to adhere all types of tape (including heavy tape or magnetic tape) reliably to an object. Heavy tape may be defined as tape that is heavier or denser or stiffer than an object to which it is being adhered. For example, pieces of magnetic tape being adhered to paper or cardboard are usually problematic to adhere repeatably and quickly without disruption. The invention also provides enhanced reliability for non-heavy tape adhesion.

The launch feature of this invention provides an improvement in reliably adhering tape to an object (particularly when the tape is relatively heavy compared to the object) compared to simply pressing stationary tape onto a moving object.

In this embodiment, the tape launcher is arranged to launch the adhesive tape onto the moving object such that, upon initial contact between the tape and the object, the speed of the tape substantially matches the speed of the object. In some embodiments, the launch speed of the tape might be from 70% of the speed of the moving object. In some embodiments, the launch speed of the tape might be up to 110% of the speed of the moving object. In some embodiments, the launch speed of the tape might be between 70% and 110% of the speed of the moving object. In embodiments in which the tape head moves and the object is stationary, or in which both move, then the tape is launched such that the relative speed between the tape and the object is about zero (zero or +/-30%) upon initial contact between the tape and the object.

Launching and cutting the tape is co-ordinated such that the right amount of tape is adhered in the right location to the object or substrate. Co-ordination can be computer controlled in a similar manner to that described in known machines, as described in the background section. Sensors in such a system may be mounted or located on the dispenser head assembly or remotely (e.g. on the machine itself). Information gathered from the sensors is traditionally useful to coordinate cutting and depositing tape. In this invention, the information is also used to coordinate launching the tape prior to cutting. In this embodiment, precise control can be achieved by using a single servomotor to drive the cutting and the launching -this is particularly important for co-ordinating the launching, which must be precise and is often at high speed. Example speeds of the conveyed object are as cited above. Instead of being sensed, speed information may be known due to knowledge of the precise relative speed and position relationship between the object and the head assembly. For example, in embodiments with a movable head and a stationary object, the head may move in a controlled manner in which its speed and position are known or monitored. This leads to relative speed and position information that is useful to co-ordinate precise launching and cutting of the tape. Precise launching includes taking into account the distance from the tape launcher to the deposition zone, and the relative speed and position information to determine when the object will be in the deposition zone.

The tape 12 has two sides and, in this embodiment, the tape is engaged from both sides during the launch operation. In one embodiment, the tape launcher comprises a first launch member arranged to engage the tape from one side of the tape and a second launch member arranged to engage the tape from the other side of the tape, wherein one or both of the first launch member and the second launch member are movable and are arranged to cooperatively launch the tape during the launching operation. In this embodiment, only one of the launch members is driven. In other embodiments, both launch members may be driven (by a common motor or by separate, co-ordinated motors). The second launch member is urged towards the first launch member, or vice versa or both -so that the tape is well gripped therebetween.

In this embodiment, as shown in the figures, the tape launcher comprises a first launch member and a second launch member -the first launch member is a driven, rotating launch roller 21 and the second launch member is a freely rotating contrast roller 18 arranged to work co-operatively with the driven roller 21 as described further below. The rotation of the driven, rotating launch roller 21 is driven by the servomotor 24 that is controlled by a controller (not shown). Rotation of the driven roller 21 provides a particularly advantageous solution to the problem of how to efficiently attach cut pieces of tape to an object. Other embodiments also offer advantages relative to known systems and are within the scope of the claims.

In this embodiment, the driven roller has a regularly shaped outer surface and its entire outer surface is used to grip and launch the tape. In this embodiment, the driven roller 21 comprises a launch roller sleeve 212 mounted on a driven launch roller axle 214. Advantageously, it is possible to change the sleeve to alter the function of the launching operation -the whole launching assembly need not be changed. For example, if a particular sleeve surface is required for a particular tape, then a bespoke sleeve having a suitable surface can be provided. For example, in some embodiments, a tape engaging surface of the tape launcher 21 comprises a high-grip, and optionally a low-adhesion, material, such as silicone rubber-this aids gripping and is therefore useful to transmit braking force and launching force from the launcher to the tape. Furthermore, the anti-adhesive properties mean that the tape does not stick to the rollers and so machine blockage frequency can be reduced.

In some embodiments, the or each roller surface is configured to be flexible in a radial direction such that a relatively wide range of tapes of differing thickness can be accommodated through the tape launcher.

The roller surface may comprise a silicone rubber material, such as a softer silicone rubber material. The radial flexibility is provided in one this particular example by having a roller surface with gaps between parts of the surface that are arranged to contact the tape. The gaps allow some movement of the parts of the surface that are arranged to contact the tape such that radial flexing is facilitated. The gaps and the parts of the surface that are arranged to contact the tape may run parallel to each other in a direction of travel of the tape. Radial flexing may not be required, or not much may be required, when a thin tape passes through the tape launching cutter, whereas more radial flexing may be required when a thick tape passes through the tape launching cutter -the same flexible roller surface can work with thinner tapes and thicker tapes. In some such examples, advantageously the same flexible roller surface can work with tape thicknesses from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. In some such examples, the roller surface depth (i.e. depth of silicone rubber material) is about 5 mm, and the depth of the gaps is about 1.5 mm. The skilled person will understand that this feature is not limited to these examples.

In some examples, the silicone rubber material may comprise a hard silicone rubber material, and may comprise a silicon surface layer about 0.1 mm to 2 mm thick.

When the motor drives the driven roller 21, the roller rotates and imparts movement to the tape. When the motor stops driving the driven roller, the driven roller continues rotating due to inertia (until it is later braked). Once launched tape is adhered to an object (being conveyed by driven conveyors 4), the relative movement between the object and the assembly results in tape being pulled along through the launcher, and the tape imparts movement to the roller (since it is not being driven). As explained in more detail below, in some embodiments, a one-way bearing ensures that if the motor is driven in a reverse direction, then there is no action imparted on to the launch roller -this prevents recoil of tape, which leads to more accurate tape positioning, cutting and dispensing.

The contrast roller 18 comprises a freely rotating roller arranged to co-operate with the driven launch roller 21 such that the tape is effectively gripped therebetween. When the driven roller rotates, the contrast roller 18 is caused to freely rotate too, due to the frictional interaction between the rollers 18, 21 -the contrast roller further helps to keep the tape aligned on a desired tape path through the assembly.

In this embodiment, a tape engaging surface of the contrast roller 18 comprises a high-grip, and optionally a low-adhesion, material, such as silicone rubber.

In some other embodiments, the tape launcher may engage the tape from only one side -this might be facilitated by the tape being under tension and so only requiring to be engaged from one side (against tension) to achieve the desired launch. However, engaging the tape from both sides provides an advantageous effect in allowing more precise and repeatable launch operations.

In this embodiment, the assembly also comprises a first press roller 28, which is located upstream of the deposition zone 8. When the assembly is correctly attached to the machine, components of the assembly and the machine 100 are correctly aligned, including the first press roller 28 with the conveyor system. The first press roller 28 presses passing objects 6 against the conveyor rollers 4 to facilitate consistent presentation of objects through the deposition zone -this feature is desirable for consistent and accurate adhesion of tape pieces onto each object. In other embodiments, no press mechanism may be provided, or a different press mechanism may be provided, e.g. a non-roller presser.

Once the tape has made initial contact with the object (passing through the deposition zone in a neatly presented manner in this embodiment), the tape adheres to the object.

In this embodiment, the assembly also comprises a second press roller 30, which is located downstream of the deposition zone 8. The second press roller 30 presses the recently adhered tape piece against the object 6 to facilitate reliable and consistent adhesion therebetween. In other embodiments, no press mechanism may be provided, or a different press mechanism may be provided, e.g. a non-roller presser.

Either or both of the first and second press rollers may be adjustable in height (distance from the conveyor system) via first and second height adjustment mechanisms respectively to allow adjustment for different object thicknesses and different tape thicknesses. This feature is particularly useful for heavy or magnetic tapes (which tend to be thicker than other tapes).

As mentioned above, the tape 12 is pulled along by the movement of the adhered object (since the object is being conveyed by the driven conveyor system, i. e. in this embodiment the conveyor rollers 4) -the tape therefore grips and moves the tape launcher, which rotates freely when it is not being driven.

In this embodiment, as shown in figures 1 to 6, 10 and 12, the tape cutter comprises a cutting blade 22 and a complementary cutting block 22b -in this embodiment, the cutting blade is a saw-tooth blade and the cutting block 22b is a solid block fixed to a housing plate of the assembly 10. Therefore, the tape cutter comprises a two-sided tape cutter, i.e. the tape is engaged from both sides during the cutting operation. The two-sided cutter provides a more accurate, reliable cutting mechanism than in prior systems.

In this example a brake is provided -the brake further allows provision a cleaner cut. However, the brake is not essential. The tape brake can work with two-sided cutters (which are not previously known without a brake), in which the tape cutter is arranged to engage the tape from both sides, and wherein the tape cutter comprises a first cutting member, such as a first blade, and a second co-operating cutting member, such as a complementary cutting block or second complementary blade E.g. in a scissor-type arrangement or in a guillotine type arrangement.

The tape cutter is arranged to move between a non-cuffing position and a cutting position, in which the tape cutter is arranged to cut the tape to a desired length. At the cutting position, the blade 22 intercepts the post-launch flow path of the tape 12 to cut the tape. The blade 22 cuts the tape against the complementary cutting block 22b.

The tape brake is arranged to exert a braking force on the tape via the tape launcher when the tape cutter is at or near the cutting position. The braking force is sufficient to bring the tape to a standstill or to decrease the tape speed to a desired speed to allow a cleaner cut. The brake has the effect of reducing the tape speed as the cutter reaches the cutting position (i.e. first engages the tape during the cutting operation), or before the cutter reaches the cutting position.

In this embodiment, as shown in figures 1 to 6, 10 and 12, the tape brake comprises a mechanical brake in the form of a brake claw 23. The brake claw 23 is made of a strong, light metal alloy in this embodiment -in this case, the alloy is an aluminium ally, such as ERGAL. Using a mechanical brake facilitates consistent, repeatable braking at precisely the correct moment (relative to the cutting operation).

In this embodiment, the brake 23 comprises an impinging brake arranged to obstruct movement of the tape launcher by impinging into a surface of the tape launcher -the tape brake comprises a relatively non-resilient material, such as a metal or metal alloy, and a surface material of the tape launcher (in this case, the driven roller 21) comprises a relatively resilient material, such as a silicone rubber, or other rubber, material. The brake may impinge into the surface at an impinging angle (other than perpendicularly, in some embodiments) in order to provide effective braking.

In some embodiments, the brake comprises a friction brake arranged to obstruct movement of the tape launcher via friction between the brake and the tape launcher, such as by rubbing or clamping against the tape launcher -the tape brake may then comprise a brake surface material such that the relative coefficient of friction between the brake surface material and a tape launcher surface material is above a first threshold sufficient to provide near-immediate braking of the tape launcher upon engagement of the tape brake with the tape launcher.

In this embodiment, the brake claw 23 is formed integrally with a cutting blade base 222 to which the blade 22 is mounted. The tape cutter 222, 22 is located adjacent to the driven tape launch roller 21 and is located downstream of the tape launcher. A compact arrangement is thereby provided. In some embodiments, the brake claw may be formed integrally with the cutting blade.

In this embodiment, the tape brake is arranged to, during the braking operation, move to contact the tape launcher against a direction of movement of the tape launcher. For example, if the tape launcher is a roller moving clockwise to launch tape, a brake claw or block may contact the launch roller in such a way as to urge movement of the roller anticlockwise.

The head assembly 10 comprises a drive mechanism, which comprises the motor 24 that drives the tape launcher and the tape cutter (and therefore, in this example, the integral brake too). In this embodiment, the motor is an efficient, high torque motor, such as a servomotor.

In this embodiment, the motor directly drives the tape cutter -the motor 24 is connected, via a piston rod 25, to the cutting blade base 222. In other embodiments, a cutter gearing arrangement may be provided between the motor and the cutter.

In this embodiment, the drive mechanism also comprises a launcher gearing arrangement, and the motor drives the tape launcher via the launcher gearing arrangement. The launcher gearing arrangement includes a unidirectional bearing arrangement between the motor and the tape launcher, such that driving the motor in a first direction causes the tape launcher to be driven and driving the motor in a second, opposite direction causes no effect on the tape launcher -e.g. if the tape launcher is already moving, then inertia will keep it moving. If the tape launcher is at rest, it will remain at rest.

The motor is driven between two positions, e.g. a first motor position, TDC (top dead centre) and a second motor position, BDC (bottom dead centre). Movement from the TDC to BDC position can be considered as movement in the first direction, and movement from the BDC to TDC position can be considered as movement in the second direction.

At the first motor position, the tape cutter is in its non-cutting position, and at the second motor position, the tape cutter is in its cutting position. The first and second motor positions are the maximum extent positions of the motor. In this embodiment: in the cutting position, the blade is at its lowest extent and therefore cuts the tape; and in its non-cutting position, the blade rests at its furthest position (at its highest extent) from the tape.

Movement of the motor from the first motor position to the second motor position causes (via the connections to the tape launcher (via the launcher gear arrangement) and the tape cutter): the tape cutter to move from its non-cutting position to its cutting position; and the tape launcher to be unaffected (since the unidirectional gearing arrangement means that the tape launcher is not engaged to the drive of the motor).

The tape launcher is arranged, after the launching operation, to allow the tape to flow freely past via the action of the adhered tape on the object-this feature facilitates dispensing of varying lengths of adhesive tape. In this embodiment, after a previous launch, the driven launch roller is configured such that it (the driven roller) continues moving (freewheeling) under the pulling action of the relative movement between the object to which the tape is adhered and the head assembly.

The freewheeling movement occurs until the impact of the tape brake on the tape launcher -in this embodiment, movement of the tape cutter to the cutting position is arranged to cause engagement of the tape brake with the tape launcher to brake the tape -at which point the tape brakes (due to the gripped engagement between the tape launcher and tape). The pulling of the tape by the adhered object is no longer the only significant force on the tape -the pulling force is overcome by the greater braking force.

In this embodiment, the tape launcher is in constant contact with the tape and the tape brake is arranged to obstruct movement of the tape launcher, and thereby brake the tape. In some other embodiments, the tape launcher, after launching, is arranged to release the tape such that the tape launcher is no longer in contact or in engagement with the tape. The tape is thereby allowed to flow freely (past the tape launcher). In such embodiments, the tape brake may be arranged to move the tape launcher back into contact with the tape, and thereby brake the tape. E.g. the tape launcher may be movable between a tape engaged configuration and a tape released configuration. After launching the tape launcher may move from the tape engaged configuration to the tape released configuration. During braking, the brake may contact the launcher in such a way as to cause movement of the launcher back to the tape engaged configuration from the tape released configuration. E.g. the brake might push the launcher back to the tape engaged configuration. If the launcher is in the form of a launch roller, the launch roller may have an unrecessed surface portion arranged to grip and launch the tape and a recessed surface portion arranged to release the tape allowing it to freely flow, and the brake may be arranged to cause the roller to rotate back to the tape engaged configuration.

The tape cutter, brake and launcher are arranged such that a braking point occurs when the tape cutter is at or near the cutting position. Braking occurs at about the same time as (i.e. just before the blade contacts the tape or at the same time as the blade contacts the tape) the cutting.

When the tape is not being braked, the tape is free to move towards the object. When the tape is adhered to the object, the tape is pulled along by the action of the moving object without the driven roller being driven by the motor.

In this embodiment, after cutting, the arrangement is then held until a next tape piece is to be adhered to the object. The mechanism of this embodiment is efficient because each stage of motor movement carries out a useful function.

The head assembly 10 further comprises guide means arranged to guide the adhesive tape on its path from the feed spool to the tape launcher and also thereafter to the deposition zone. In this embodiment, the guide means comprises multiple freely rotating guide rollers 26 along the path -these guide rollers 26 may be arranged in pairs or in isolation. The guide rollers 26 can be positioned to maintain tension in the tape, and also to keep the tape away from components of the assembly other than the tape launcher and tape cutter. The guide rollers may have surfaces made of a low friction material. In other embodiments, the guide means may be a non-roller guide means, such as a stationary contact rod with a low friction surface that allows the tape to slip therepast.

Movement of the motor from the second motor position to the first motor position causes (via the connections to the tape launcher (via the launcher gear arrangement) and the tape cutter): the tape cutter to move from its cutting position to its non-cutting position; and the tape launcher to launch the tape at a desired speed -the desired speed being based upon object speed information.

In this embodiment, the launcher gear arrangement comprises a cutter clearance mechanism arranged to move the blade clear of the tape prior to initiating movement of the tape launcher. This provides a further technical advantage of ensuring that the tape is not launched against the cutter during the initial phase of the launch, which can cause issues such as causing the tape to undesirably curl prior to the cutter being withdrawn from the tape's path. Furthermore, the cutter clearance mechanism in some embodiments allows sufficient movement for the brake to be disengaged from the launcher prior to commencing driving the launcher.

In other embodiments, there is no launcher gear arrangement. Instead, in some such embodiments, separate, co-ordinated motors are provided for the tape launcher and the tape cutter. Movements of the tape launcher and the tape cutter are co-ordinated (e.g. by computer control) to provide a desired launching, braking and cutting sequences.

In this embodiment, the launcher gearing arrangement comprises a blade support in the form of a blade support plate 27 arranged between the blade 22 and the tape launcher such that movement is transmitted from the motor 24 to the tape launcher roller axle 214 via the piston rod 25, blade 22 and blade support plate 27. An efficient, compact co-ordinated movement arrangement is thereby provided.

The launcher gear arrangement comprises a gear arrangement between the blade support plate and the tape launcher roller axle 214. In this embodiment, the blade support is arranged to move generally linearly when the motor moves between its first and second motor positions. The launcher gear arrangement comprises a rack and pinion geared arrangement. The blade support plate 27 has a blade support rack 271 formed therein and the tape launcher comprises a tape launcher axle pinion 211 formed on the tape launcher driven roller axle 214.

As stated above, the tape launcher comprises a tape launcher axle 214 and the driven tape launcher roller sleeve 212 is mounted on said axle. The axle 214 is fixed relative to a housing plate of the head assembly, and the blade support moves between its extreme positions under the action of the motor. As the blade support moves substantially linearly, rotational movement is transferred to the driven tape launcher axle via the rack 271 and pinion 211 gearing arrangement, which comprises a first set of gear teeth formed in the blade support rack arranged to mesh with and drive a second set of gear teeth formed on the tape launcher axle pinion, in this example.

In its cutting position, the cutting blade is within an intended travel path of the next piece of tape to be launched. Therefore, in this embodiment, the assembly includes the cutter clearance mechanism for facilitating clearance of the blade from the tape path prior to launching. The cutter clearance mechanism comprises an un-toothed portion 2710 at one end of the blade support rack 271. Figure 6 shows this feature in more detail. The tape launcher axle pinion 211 has regularly configured teeth that enter the untoothed portion of the rack when the tape cutter is near its cutting position, i.e. near the second motor position. As a result, when moving from the second motor position to the first motor position, i.e. when launching a next tape piece after a previous cut, the launch of the tape is delayed compared to a withdrawal movement of the cutting blade from the tape path. The cutter is thereby cleared from engagement with the tape and the blade is removed from the trajectory of the soon-to-be-launched tape. The rack 271 includes a set of teeth comprising an initial undersized tooth 2711, followed by further regular sized teeth 2712.

The blade support and rack are configured to engage with the pinion and launch roller axle to drive movement of the pinion as the rack moves under the action of the motor. During movement from the second motor position to the first motor position, after the un-toothed portion 2710 has moved past the pinion 211, the undersized tooth 2711 engage with the teeth of the pinion, followed by the further regular sized teeth 2712 engaging with the teeth of the pinion to cause rotation of the pinion (and thereby the launcher). The feature of the undersized tooth 2711 being smaller (in length) than the regular teeth 2712 facilitates improving the launching movement when the two gear parts 271, 211 begin to move together. The undersized tooth 2711 also facilitates allowing a soft start of the launching movement, since the first gear part 271 is already in motion while the second gear part 211 is still stopped. Furthermore, the brake is allowed to come out of engagement with the launch roller prior to being driven by the motor.

In other embodiments, there may not be a mechanism (such as an un-toothed portion) for allowing complete clearance of the blade from the tape path prior to launching.

The blade support, in this embodiment, also constrains and guides movement of the blade, so that the blade is consistently presented to the tape during cutting. The blade support guides movement of the blade in an arc relative to the tape, in this embodiment. An inclination angle of the blade relative to the tape is about 110 degrees upon entry into tape (when the tooth of the blade touches the tape) and is about 120 degrees upon exit from tape (when the blade has definitely cut the tape). The blade movement isn't entirely straight line -some rotational movement relative to the tape is also provided in this embodiment. In other embodiments, the specific angle might be different. In order to achieve this change in inclination angle (which results in a better cut), the blade 22 is rotatably mounted on the cutting blade base 222.

In other embodiments, a different drive mechanism may be provided. For example, multiple motors may be provided. The tape launcher may be powered independently of the tape cutter, such as by independent motors. Launching and cutting would still be closely co-ordinated, e.g. via a computer controller to provide co-ordinated launching and cutting.

In another embodiment (see figures 7 to 7c, 8a to 8c, 9a and 9b), the assembly comprises a different tape cutter. The tape launcher may be the same or similar to the previously described launcher (i.e. a driven roller and a contrast roller), or may be any other suitable launcher, such as those described in this specification. For ease of reference, only the tape cutter, and elements that interact with the tape cutter will be described.

The tape cutter of this embodiment (see particularly figures 7a to 7c) comprises two parts: an external body 702 and a cutting tool 704. The external body 702, apart from some apertures, has a generally cylindrical shape -advantageously, it is possible to manufacture a cylindrical form very accurately. An interior of the body 702 is rectified to provide a generally cylindrical interior surface. The cutting tool is a rotating cutting tool 704 that is concentrically mounted with the body 702, and is arranged to rotate therein. The body and the cutter are mounted to the or each assembly plate.

In this particular example, the tape cutter is formed from an internally rectified and cut cylinder, and the rotating cutting tool comprises a rotating blade that is mounted concentrically within the rectified cylinder -advantageously, high accuracy when manufacturing the tape cutter is thereby achieved. As a result, accuracy of positioning between the body 702 and the cutting tool 704 is increased, thereby providing a more accurate and reliable cutting operation. Therefore, wear and tear on the tape cutter components is reduced and better cut pieces of tape are presented for adhering to the object. The assembly can be reliably operated at higher speeds.

The external body 702 has a first, inlet aperture 706, through which tape that has passed through the tape launcher enters the tape cutter, and a second, outlet aperture 708 through which tape exits the tape cutter, either as it is being launched or pulled by the object to which it is adhered, before or after being cut by the cutting tool 704.

The cutting tool 704 is rotatably mounted to the assembly plate, in this example, at two locations where two precision bearings are used to accurately drive rotation of the cutting tool 704.

The tape cutter of this embodiment comprises a rotating cutting blade and a stationary cutting block, wherein relative movement between the cutting blade and the culling block is coordinated to cut the tape. In this particular example, the cutting block is located just upstream (compared to tape flow direction) of the cutting blade 704 and is arranged to support the free end of the tape after the cutting operation -advantageously, the free end of the tape does not flap around after cutting.

The body 702 comprises the generally rectangular cutting block, in this example, in the form of a flat, metal strip 710 between the inlet and outlet apertures 706, 708 -in use, when the cutting blade 704 rotates to perform the cutting operation, the blade 704 first meets the tape at the position of the metal strip to facilitate a clean cut. In addition, after the cut, the metal strip 710 has the effect of supporting the tape. Also, when the tape is flowing freely past, the metal strip 710 is configured to allow smooth flow of the tape therepast. In other embodiments, the metal strip may take a different form (e.g. it may not be metal; it may be made of any other suitable material, or the strip may have a different shape to that shown in the figures; it may not be flat).

The culling tool 704 comprises a single, helicoidal blade in this embodiment (see figure 7c). In other embodiments, the blade may take a different form; e.g. it may be an angled blade, such as a blade with a straight edge (that is angled relative to the flowing tape). Advantageously, where the cutting blade comprises a generally helical or angled cutting blade, the blade initially pierces the tape and then slices cleanly across the width of the tape (instead of having to cut across the entire width of the tape at the same time as with a flat, untangled blade).

The blade 704 is able to rotate within the body 702 via the high precision bearing and is directly driven by the servomotor 24.

In use, after an initial homing procedure On which a user presses a button to cause components of the assembly to move to a position in which tape can be loaded), the servomotor is able to move (under instruction from the controller) the blade 704 between two positions: 1. a first, ready-to-cut position, in which the blade is before the cutting point; and 2. a second, ready-to-cut position, in which the tape culler is in position waiting to launch the tape.

For illustration, figures 9a and 9b respectively show the assembly just before the cutting tool 704 performs the cutting operation, and just after the cutting tool 704 performs the cutting operation.

The present embodiment facilitates tape culling without the need for braking since launching and cutting works in a continuous process without stopping the substrate -this is achieved because of the precise cylindrical culler being able to cut as tape is being fed therethrough.

Control considerations for controlling the launch, cutting, holding, and optionally braking, are as described for other embodiments.

Advantageously, this cutting system can cut any kind of material like paper, structure tape, hook and loop (e.g. Velcron") tape. Different control settings will apply, via the electronic controller, for different tape requirements. In this example, the cutting system facilitates precision manufacturing of its components. The cylinder and cutting blade may be made from hardened steel. The inlet hole surface, or other elements, may be plasma coated to avoid undesired adhesion with the tape.

Furthermore, in this particular example (see figures 8a to 8c), the second press roller 30 overlaps into the internally rectified and cut cylinder via the outlet aperture 708. In some embodiments, the second press roller 30 may overlap into the internally rectified and cut cylinder via a further dedicated aperture. Or, in other embodiments, the second press roller may not overlap into the internally rectified and cut cylinder. In embodiments in which the second press roller 30 does overlap into the internally rectified and cut cylinder, an extremely compact arrangement is provided. The overall physical footprint of the assembly can be reduced, and space saved on the machine. Furthermore, this feature allows the cuffing operation to be performed closer to the contact point at which the launched tape contacts the object.

In this embodiment, the controller (not shown) is arranged to control operation of the tape launcher and tape cutter based on various received information. The received information includes object speed information relating to the relative speed of the object compared to the head assembly, and presence information relating to detection of the presence of the object at a first location (or, in other embodiments, a relative position of the object compared to the head assembly). As a result, tape is able to be deposited on objects that arrive in the deposition zone irregularly spaced apart (as shown schematically in figure 1), as well as when regularly spaced apart. Presence information and object speed information triggers timing of appropriate action of the tape launcher and tape cutter.

In this embodiment, the conveyor rollers 4 are driven at a desired speed in response to user input via a machine user interface. Therefore the object speed is known. This object speed information is sent to the controller via the machine or via the user interface, e.g. via wired or wireless communication means.

In other embodiments, there may be provided a conveyor roller speed sensor arranged to measure the actual speed of rotation of one or more of the conveyor rollers 4. In other embodiments, there may be provided a conveyor system speed sensor arranged to measure the actual speed of movement of the conveyor. Object speed information is thereby generated. This object speed information is then sent to the controller, e.g. via wired or wireless communication means.

In other embodiments, there may be provided an object speed sensor located on the machine to detect the object speed and generate object speed information. This object speed information is then sent to the controller, e.g. via wired or wireless communication means.

In other embodiments, the assembly may comprise an object speed sensor to detect the object speed and generate object speed information. This object speed information is then sent to the controller, e.g. via wired or wireless communication means.

In some embodiments, the movement between the object and the head assembly is precisely predetermined or plotted, and the object speed information and presence (or position) information is known in advance -sensing is not required to arrive at the information. This may apply especially in cases where the head assembly moves and the object is stationary.

In embodiments where the object speed information is sensed by an object speed sensor, the object speed may be sensed close to the deposition zone, e.g. after the object has passed the first press roller 28, e.g. the object speed sensor may be located (either on the assembly or on the machine) between the first press roller and the deposition zone. Or, the object speed sensor may be located more remotely, but may sense speed in the region close to the deposition zone (e.g. between the first press roller and the deposition zone.

In this embodiment the head assembly 10 comprises a launch sensor 40 arranged to detect the presence of the object at the first location. The first location is upstream of the deposition zone 8, and conveyed objects pass by the first location shortly before arriving at the deposition zone, in this embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, the first location is in between the first press roller 28 and the deposition zone 8. A compact arrangement is thereby provided.

The launch sensor 40 generates the presence information. This presence information is then sent to the controller, e.g. via wired or wireless communication means.

In other embodiments, the assembly does not comprise the launch sensor. Instead, the launch sensor is located remotely of the assembly, e.g. on the machine itself. In other embodiments a launch sensor is not needed because the precise pattern (velocity and position) of movement between the object or objects and the head assembly is pre-programmed.

In this embodiment, the assembly 10 comprises the controller. In other embodiments, the controller is located remotely of the assembly and communicates with the motor by, e.g., wired or wireless connection.

In response to the object speed information, the tape is launched at a specific speed, and cutting is synchronised therewith (based on the length of tape required). In response to the presence information, the tape is launched.

Given the object speed information and the presence information, the controller controls movement of the servomotor to drive movement of the tape launcher between its various configurations in a desired manner to achieve precise launching and cutting of tape pieces. Precisely launched tape (including magnetic or heavy tape) adheres reliably to objects as a result. In this embodiment, the controller is arranged to control operation of the servomotor to drive the tape launcher to launch the tape immediately in response to an object's presence being detected. In some embodiments the object speed information is taken into account to introduce a delay as required for accurate desired initial contact position between the tape and the object.

The controller similarly controls movement of the tape cutter to the cutting configuration based on the required length of tape (e.g. programmed by a user) and the object speed information. Due to accurate attachment between the assembly and the machine, the time taken for the tape to travel between the tape launcher and the deposition zone, and the predicted time of arrival of the object at the deposition zone is precisely known or calculable.

Therefore, in response to the object speed information, the tape is launched at a certain speed, and cutting is synchronised. Similarly, in response to the presence information, the tape is precisely launched.

Modifications may be made to the invention without departing from its scope. For example, the tape launcher may not comprise rollers -it may comprise a linearly moveable launch mechanism.

The invention covers a dispenser head assembly and also a machine having the claimed assembly, as well as a method of automatically dispensing tape onto moving objects in an efficient manner.

The assembly comprises a back plate and a front plate -components of the assembly are attached to one, other or both plates. Figures 3 onwards show one plate removed for ease of viewing components.

The plates facilitate stable, aligned mounting for components, protect the components of the assembly, and also provide safety (accident prevention) for operators of the assembly and machine from the moving parts. A service window (as shown in figure 10 may be provided in one of the plates. The service window is easily openable / removable to repair or replace components of the assembly accessible therethrough.

In all embodiments, the dispenser head assembly is inventive in isolation of any machine to which it is installed, and may be used with different machines. A machine including the inventive dispenser head assembly comprises a further aspect of the invention.

The tape launcher may comprise a pair of co-operating endless tracks instead of a pair of co-operating rollers. The tape launcher may comprise an endless track instead of a roller.

Instead of a servomotor, another precisely controllable motor may be used in any embodiment.

In some embodiments, objects may be moved past the dispenser head assembly with a different moving arrangement other than a conveyor belt or conveyor rollers.

In some embodiments, any one or more of the controller, the launch sensor and the one or more object speed sensors may be on the head assembly (as described in one of the above-mentioned embodiments). In other embodiments, any one or more of the controller, the launch sensor and the one or more object speed sensors may not be on the head assembly -instead, any one or more of these components may be located on the machine only. In yet further embodiments, any one or more of the controller, the launch sensor and the one or more object speed sensors may be located remotely of on the head assembly and the machine -in the case of the launch sensor and the one or more object speed sensors, their location relative to the deposition zone would be known.

In general across all embodiments, tape cutting and depositing (especially for heavy or magnetic tape) is improved relative to known systems by launch speed matching (i.e. ideally, the tape is launched such that the relative velocity between the tape and the object is about zero upon initial contact between the tape and the object) or two-sided cutting or two-sided launching or braking before cutting or any combination thereof, amongst other things.

The described embodiments largely relate to a fixed head assembly past which moving objects, upon which tape is to be deposited, move. In other embodiments, the inventive head assembly can be used with other arrangements. Any suitable relative movement mechanism arranged to provide relative movement between an object or objects upon which tape pieces are to be adhered and the head assembly can be provided. E.g. in figure 12 there is shown an X-Y plotter type machine 900, having a frame 902 to which is attached (via attachment means 920) a moving head assembly 910 (able to move across the machine in at least two orthogonal directions) and a fixed object 906 or substrate to which tape is to be adhered. The object is located on a stationary work bed 904 -the positional alignment between the bed 904 and the object 906 is known, as is the positional alignment between the head assembly 910 and the frame machine 900 (via the frame 902), as is the positional alignment between the bed 904 and the machine 900 -therefore, the precise alignment between the head assembly and the object 906 is also known. The size of the work area! bed is usually a few m2, e.g. 2m x 3m. In such machines, typically each object is aligned with the bed in a known position, and a controller (located on the assembly or on the machine) has access to, and is able to use, this information to control movement (including speed and position) of the head relative to the bed to deposit tape on the object in a desired manner. The head assembly of this invention can be used to provide reliable, consistent, high quality adhering of tape piece(s) in a similar manner to that described in relation to previous embodiments. The controller controls launching and cutting of the tape from the moving head assembly on to the stationary object taking into account the relative position and the relative speed between the head assembly and the object. All features of the previous embodiments can work with this embodiment. In other embodiments, both the head assembly and the object(s) move, and launching and cutting are controlled by taking into account the relative position and the relative speed between the head assembly and the object(s).

Referring to figure 11 a method 800 of an embodiment dispenses pieces of adhesive tape 12 onto a moving object 6. The method comprises: obtaining 802 object speed and presence information; and based on the object speed and presence information, using 804 the tape launcher, brake and cutter of any previously described embodiment to launch, cut and dispense pieces of adhesive tape onto the object. Upon initial contact between the tape and the object, the speed of the tape substantially matches the speed of the object. In this example the method is carried out by a computer controller. In some embodiments, at step 802, the controller has information passed to it by one or more sensors; in other embodiments, at step 802, the controller has knowledge (e.g. from pre-programming of the relative movement pattern between the object and the head assembly) of the object speed and presence (or position) information. The controller may request information on the relative movement between the head assembly and the object; or in other embodiments, the controller is passed said information without requesting.

Using 804 the tape launcher, brake and cutter of the invention to cut and dispense pieces of adhesive tape onto the object comprises (e.g. in response to detecting the presence of the object, or knowing that the object is a specific time or distance away from the deposition zone) moving 8040 the cutter away from the cutting position (i.e. moving the cutter out of the way of the tape path), launching 8041 the tape, releasing 8042 the tape (for a required time to achieve desired tape length -based on the tape launching speed, which itself is based on object speed information), braking 8043 the tape, shortly thereafter cutting the tape 8044 (at a co-ordinated time based on the required tape piece length taking into account the launched tape speed) and holding 8044 the tape (for as long as required based on the object speed and the desired spacing between tape pieces). As previously indicated, step 8040 is optional -some embodiments do not include this step.

Subsequently, in response to the next presence detection or when the next piece of tape is to be applied according to position information, the method comprises again moving 8040 the cutter away from the cutting position and then launching the tape -this may occur immediately or after a calculated delay time.

The delay time is calculated based on the speed of object (from the object speed information) and the presence information and knowledge of the distance the tape has to travel from the tape moving cutter to the deposition zone where it first contacts the moving object. In some embodiments, the release and holding steps are optional.

In some embodiments, the moving object is conveyed on a conveyor system. In some embodiments, obtaining object speed information comprises determining the object speed from the conveyor system speed (e.g. by measuring the speed of the conveyor belt, or the conveyor roller(s) or a desired conveyor speed input by a user).

In other embodiments, obtaining object speed information comprises measuring the object speed (e.g. via an object speed sensor).

In other embodiments, the object speed information is input via a machine user interface or assembly head user interface, which is arranged to receive a desired speed input from a user, and obtaining object speed information comprises receiving (by the controller) a signal from the user interface (without having to directly sense speed of the object or of the moving conveyor system) In some embodiments, object speed information (gathered via any of the above-mentioned options) is fed continuously to the controller. In other embodiments, the object speed information may be fed periodically (e.g. a few times a second, or every few seconds) to the controller. In other embodiments, the object speed information is passed to the controller when the desired speed is set (e.g. by a user via the user interface at the start of the tape depositing process for a particular roll of tape), and then again when the desired speed is changed (for example if a user alters a desired object speed on a machine user interface) or at the start of a new roll. In between desired speed changes, there may be no further object speed information passed to the controller -it is assumed that the speed is unchanged; or, there may be an object speed information update passed to the controller if no further object speed information has been passed to the controller for a predetermined time interval, e.g. 5 minutes -(useful in case conditions (e.g. environmental conditions) have changed sufficiently to materially affect the operation of the machine and thereby the object speed).

The described methods can work with a head assembly according to any of the described embodiments.

Claims

Claims 1. An adhesive tape dispenser head assembly arranged to dispense pieces of adhesive tape onto an object, the assembly comprising: a feed spool arranged to hold adhesive tape; a tape launcher arranged to launch the adhesive tape onto the object; and a tape cutter arranged to cut the tape to a desired length, wherein the tape cutter comprises a first cutting member and a second cutting member, wherein one or both of the first cutting member and the second cutting member are movable and are arranged to cooperatively cut the tape during the cutting operation.
2. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of claim 1 wherein the tape launcher is arranged to launch the adhesive tape onto the object such that, upon initial contact between the tape and the object, the speed of the tape substantially matches the speed of the object.
3. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first cutting member is arranged to cut the tape from a first side of the tape, and the second cutting member is arranged to cut the tape from a second, opposite side of the tape.
4. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of any preceding claim wherein: the first cutting member comprises a first cutting surface and the second cutting member comprises a second cutting surface; or one of the first cutting member and the second cutting member comprises a cutting surface and the other of the first cutting member and the second cutting member comprises a counterpart cutting base.
5. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of any preceding claim wherein any one or more of the cutting surfaces and base comprises a non-linear edge, such as a helical or curved or wavy cutting surface edge or a helical or curved or wavy cutting base edge.
6. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of any preceding claim wherein the tape cutter comprises: a rotating cutting blade and a stationary cutting block, wherein relative movement between the cutting blade and the cutting block is coordinated to cut the tape.
7. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of claim 6 wherein the cutting block is located upstream of the cutting blade and is arranged to support the free end of the tape after the cutting operation.
8. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the cutting block comprises a generally rectangular cutting block.
9. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of any of claims 6 to 8 wherein the cutting blade comprise a generally helical cutting blade. 10
10. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of any preceding claim further comprising a press roller located at or near to the location of initial contact between the adhesive tape and the object; and optionally wherein the press roller comprises an adjustable press roller arranged to be adjustable to facilitate varying initial contact points based upon the precise in-use configuration or the object thickness or the adhesive tape thickness or a combination thereof.
11. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of any of claims 6 to 10 wherein the tape cutter is formed from an internally rectified and cut cylinder and the rotating cutting blade is mounted concentrically with, preferably within, the rectified cylinder.
12. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of claim 11 wherein the internally rectified and cut cylinder comprises one or more cut-out regions defining the cutting block, a tape entrance and a tape exit for allowing tape to flow through the internally rectified and cut cylinder.
13. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of claim 12 wherein the press roller overlaps into the internally rectified and cut cylinder via one of the one or more cut-out regions or via a further cut-out region.
14. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of any preceding claim wherein: the first cutting member comprises a first cutting roller and the second cutting member comprises a second cutting roller; or the first cutting member comprises a first cutting roller and the second cutting member comprises a stationary cutting element; or the first cutting member comprises a first linearly movable cutting member and the second cutting member comprises a second linearly movable cutting member; or the first cutting member comprises a first linearly movable cutting member and the second cutting member comprises a stationary cutting element, such as a cutting block or base.
15. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of claim 14 wherein the tape cutter comprises: a movable guillotine cutter having a cutting blade and a cutting block, wherein relative movement between the cutting blade and the cutting block is coordinated to cut the tape; or a cutting blade roller and a cutting block roller, wherein relative movement between the cutting blade and the cutting block is coordinated to cut the tape; or a first cutting blade roller having a first cutting blade and a second cutting blade roller having a second cooperating cutting blade, wherein relative scissor movement between the first and second cutting blades is coordinated to cut the tape.
16. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of any preceding claim wherein the tape launcher is driven by a first motor and the tape cutter is independently driven by a second motor.
17. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of any preceding claim wherein the tape launcher is located upstream of the tape cutter.
18. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of any preceding claim wherein the tape launcher is further arranged, after the launching operation, to allow the tape to flow freely past.
19. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of any preceding claim wherein the tape launcher is further arranged to hold the tape after the tape has been cut and prior to subsequent launch of the tape.
20. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of any preceding claim further comprising brake means arranged to brake the tape just before the tape is cut, and optionally the brake means comprising a mechanical brake located on the tape cutter, wherein movement of the tape cutter into a cutting configuration is arranged to cause engagement of the mechanical brake with the tape launcher to brake the tape prior to cutting.
21. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of any preceding claim wherein the tape launcher is arranged to engage the tape from both sides during the launch operation.
22. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of claim 21 wherein the tape launcher comprises a first launch member arranged to engage the tape from a, or the, first side of the tape and a second launch member arranged to engage the tape from a, or the, second, opposite side of the tape, wherein one or both of the first launch member and the second launch member are movable and are arranged to cooperatively launch the tape during the launching operation.
23. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of any preceding claim wherein the tape launcher and the tape cutter are provided on a combined cutting and launching means movable between a first configuration in which the combined cutting and launching means is arranged to launch the adhesive tape onto the moving object and a second configuration in which the combined cutting and launching means is arranged to cut the tape to a desired length.
24. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of claim 23 wherein the combined cutting and launching means comprises a rotating roller comprising a launch portion arranged to grip and move the tape to launch the tape, and a cutting portion having a cutting surface, such as a cutting blade, arranged to cut the tape, and wherein the roller is arranged to rotate between first and second configurations.
25. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of claim 24 wherein the rotating roller further comprises a non-engaging portion arranged to allow the tape to flow past the combined cutting and launching means.
26. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of claim 24 or claim 25 wherein the rotating roller further comprises a holding portion arranged to hold the tape after the tape has been cut and prior to subsequent launch of the tape.
27. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of any of claims 24 to 26 wherein the rotating roller further comprises a brake portion arranged to brake the tape just before the tape is cut.
28. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of any of claims 24 to 27 wherein the combined cutting and launching means comprises a pair of rotating rollers, and wherein both rollers are aligned and cooperate to form any one or more of: the launch portion; the cutting portion; the non-engaging portion; the holding portion; and the brake portion.
29. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of any preceding claim wherein the tape launcher and the tape cutter are arranged to receive instructions from a controller arranged to control and co-ordinate operation of the tape launcher and the tape cutter.
30. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of claim 29 wherein the controller is arranged to control operation of the tape launcher and the tape cutter based on: object speed information relating to the speed of the object; presence information relating to detection of the presence of the object at a first location; or both.
31 The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of claim 30 wherein: the object is conveyed on a conveyor and the object speed information is determined from the conveyor speed; the object speed information is directly sensed by an object sensor-or the object speed information is input via a user interface.
32. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of claim 30 or claim 31 further comprising a launch sensor arranged to detect the presence of the object at the first location.
33. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of any of claims 30 to 32 further comprising any one or more of: the controller; the object speed sensor; and the launch sensor.
34. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of any preceding claim further comprising guide means arranged to guide the adhesive tape from the feed spool to the tape launcher, and optionally wherein the guide means comprises one or more guide rollers, such as one or more free rollers.
35. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the adhesive tape is provided on a backing liner layer, the feed spool is arranged to hold the adhesive tape and the backing liner layer, and the assembly further comprising a take-up spool arranged to collect the backing liner layer, and optionally the adhesive tape dispenser head assembly further comprises a spool gear mechanism between the feed spool and the take-up spool.
36. The adhesive tape dispenser head assembly of any preceding claim further comprising attachment means arranged to facilitate attachment of the assembly to a tape applicator machine.
37. A tape application machine comprising a conveyor for conveying an object upon which tape is to be applied and an adhesive tape dispenser assembly according to any preceding claim attached thereto and arranged to dispense pieces of adhesive tape onto the object.
38. The tape application machine according to claim 37 comprising any one or more of the controller, the launch sensor and the one or more object sensors of any of claims 29 to 36.
39. A method of dispensing pieces of adhesive tape onto an object comprising: obtaining object speed and presence information; in response to the object speed and presence information, using the tape launcher and the tape cutter of any of claims 1 to 36 to cut and dispense pieces of adhesive tape onto the object such that, upon initial contact between the tape and the object, the speed of the tape substantially matches the speed of the object.
40. The method of claim 39 wherein the object is conveyed on a conveyor and obtaining object speed information comprises: determining the object speed from the conveyor speed; measuring the object speed; or the object speed information is input via a user interface.