Patent ID: 9669588
Date: 2017-06-06
CPC Classifications: B29C,B31B,B31F

Claim:
1. A system for starting strip material in a substrate processing machine that includes a first running substrate, a running second substrate, and a nip point where the first and second running substrates join together, the system comprising: a strip material guide apparatus configured to direct strip material from a strip material source into the nip point to join the strip material with the first and second running substrates, the strip material guide apparatus including at least one guide arm operable to set a transverse position of dispensed strip material relative to the running substrates; and a gas stream generator coupled to the guide arm adjacent to a strip material outlet of guide arm, the gas stream generator operable to generate a stream of gas flowing in a general direction of the first running substrate, the second running substrate, or the nip point; wherein the gas stream generator is operable to cause a leading end of a strip material dispensed from the guide arm to be conveyed via the stream of gas toward the first running substrate, the second running substrate, or the nip point, such that the leading end of the strip material becomes engaged by the substrate processing machine at the nip point and the strip material joins with the first and second running substrates; wherein the system further comprises a strip pincher coupled to the guide arm configured to grip and cut the strip material.