Patent ID: 6868884

Claim:
A tape dispenser for supporting a roll of tape having a liner, separating the tape from the liner and applying the tape to a glass surface, comprising: a) a frame; b) a tape spool rotatably mounted to said frame by a slip clutch tensioner; c) a drive roller rotatably mounted to said frame by a servo motor that includes a first sensor that measures a length of such tape that travels past said drive roller; d) a platen having an angular front end portion that causes such tape to separate from such liner; e) a rewind spool rotatably mounted to said frame by a motor and a second slip clutch tensioner, said tape spool, drive roller, platen and rewind spool defining a path of travel from said tape spool, around said drive roller, around said front end portion of said platen, to said rewind spool; f) a die connected to said frame, said die being located along said path of travel and being configured to score such tape; g) a pressure roller rotatably mounted to said frame by a pneumatic actuator, said pressure roller being configured to apply pressure to such tape as such tape is applied to such glass; h) a position sensor coupled to such pressure roller for determining a distance between said dispenser and the glass surface when the roller contacts the tape and/or the glass surface; and i) an actuator for moving the tape dispenser to a specified distance above the glass surface based on an output from the position sensor.