Glue Dots International LLC

John P Downs

James J Cigelske, Jr

Burton J Peterson

Dennis E Lohr

Angela M Obst

Richard A Thiede

An automated system and method for applying thermoplastic adhesives to work pieces from a roll of adhesive segments applied to an adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape. The present invention may be implemented in a system that automatically advances the adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape to position an adhesive segment thereon in the apparatus for application thereof to a work piece. Accurate indexing and advancement of the adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape preferably is provided by optical indexing of the carrier release tape, e.g., by the optical detection of a transverse line or other index marking printed or otherwise provided on the adhesive segment carrier release along with the adhesive segments deposited thereon.

Adhesive segment indexing method and apparatus and roll of adhesive segments for use therewith

A handheld adhesive segment applicator apparatus for use in combination with carrier release tape having pressure-sensitive adhesive segments attached thereto is disclosed which has a mechanism interacting an indexing instrumentality on the carrier release tape to facilitate the dispensing of individual adhesive segments. The indexing mechanism consists of a plurality of patterned scores, cuts, or indentations located in the surface of the carrier release tape, thereby allowing for an advancement mechanism in the handheld adhesive segment applicator apparatus to engage the carrier release tape. The indexed adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape may thereby be dispensed by the handheld mechanical adhesive segment applicator apparatus.

Handheld mechanical adhesive segment applicator apparatus and method

Hot melt thermoplastic adhesive is predeposited on a carrier strip having front and back release surfaces. The carrier strip is rolled into a coil compressing the thermoplastic hot melt into disks which may later be removed for use. The disks are spaced so that the carrier strip may be deformed to expose a single disk to a planar surface permitting simplified dispensing of the disks.

Thermoplastic adhesive dispensing method and apparatus

Dispensing apparatus for a thermoplastic adhesive tape

Process of making a thermoplastic adhesive dispensing tape

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Colgate, WI, United States of America

John P Downs