Patent ID: 6533891
Filing Date: 2003-03-18
Classification: B29C,B29D,B29K,B29L,B65H

Abstract:
A device for applying a reinforcing splice strip over a butt splice between two elastomeric sheets characterized by:a first applicator head for loading and releasably holding the splice strip in a first load position; a second applicator head for loading and releasably holding a second splice strip; means for moving the first and second applicator heads from the first load position to a second position spaced from the butt splice; means for moving the first and second applicator heads from the second position to a third position; means for releasing the splice strip from the first and second applicator heads wherein the first and second applicator heads are fitted to allow depressing the splice strip over the butt splice while at the third position; means for selectively applying a vacuum pressure at a plurality of ports at the first and second applicator heads for separately holding the splice strip on the first applicator head and the second splice strip on the second applicator head; a vacuum chamber mounted on a shaft that moves through an arc about an axis Aâ€”A extending longitudinally through the shaft so that the first applicator head and the second applicator head rotatingly move between the first load position and the second position; wherein the first applicator head and the second applicator head are positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the axis Aâ€”A whereby one applicator head is in the first load position while the other applicator head is in the second position, and the first applicator head and the second applicator head move through an arc of 180Â° about the axis Aâ€”A between the first load position and the second position; a dispenser for feeding material from a roll of splice material to either the first or the second applicator head; and a gripper to clamp on to a free end of a strip forming the roll of splice material, and to load the strip on one of the first and second applicator heads while the one applicator head is in the first load position.