Patent ID: 6041502
Filing Date: 2000-03-28
Classification: B41J,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of removing a fluid seal having an adhesive coating on opposite sides thereof from a carrier member, comprising the steps of:providing a plurality of fluid seals on a carrier member, the fluid seals having opposing surfaces, each surface of the fluid seals containing an adhesive coating thereon having a predetermined thickness, the adhesive coating on one fluid seal surface being in contact with the carrier member, and the adhesive coating on the opposing surface of the fluid seal being covered by a release cover member;feeding the carrier member through a punch mechanism;aligning each fluid seal with a fixed location within the punch mechanism;clamping the carrier member at locations on opposing sides of the punch mechanism when the carrier member is at the fixed location in the punch mechanism;mounting one end of a set of parallel needles on a support plate, the needles having sharp points at an end opposite the ends which are mounted;moving the carrier member and set of needles relative to each other and in a direction so that the set of needles approach and penetrate the carrier member;lifting at least one fluid seal from the carrier member by the needle points; andsupporting the at least one fluid seal lifted from the carrier member on the sharp points of the set of needles to enable ready access by an apparatus that will pick up and install the at least one fluid seal on a device, the sharp points of the needle set and the predetermined thickness of the adhesive coating preventing the adhesive coating on the fluid seal which contact said sharp points from becoming attached thereto.