Theory of Operation: (Standard)
Pressure sensitive tape is applied to the corrugated box as it passes by the
cartridge. The box will contact the front arm roller which has pressure sensitive
tape adhesive side facing outward towards the oncoming box. The front leading
side of the box will contact the front roller arm and the tape will adhere to the
box. As the box continues to move forward the front roller arm and knife arm will
be rotated into the frame of the cartridge. The amount of force exerted on the
box as tape is being applied is adjustable by changing the position of the main
spring. The front arm initial application force can be set to accommodate the
strength of the box as well as the sturdiness of the contents in the box.
As the front arm application roller transitions from the leading panel of the box
to the top major flaps the knife arm is retracted into the cartridge and the knife
blade guard is fully retracted uncovering the blade. As the knife arm rotated
into the cartridge the knife activation spring extends, generating cut force.
As the box proceeds pass the cartridge the front arm roller will no longer
contact the major flaps of the box, but the rear wipe roller will still contact the
major flaps. Eventually as the box travels the knife arm will completely stop
contacting the major flaps of the box. This will allow the knife arm to travel back
towards its home position allowing the knife blade to puncture and cut through
the tape. As the box continues move the rear wipe arm roller will no longer
contact the major flaps of the box. This will allow the wipe arm roller to spring
out of the cartridge and contact the rear tab length of tape and press against the
trailing panel of the box.
The box travelling pass the cartridge is the vehicle which pulls the tape through
the cartridge. The cartridge is design to run most pressure sensitive tapes with
no required adjustments. However in some cases it may be necessary to adjust
tape tensions. The cartridge will operate at speeds up to 80 feet/minute.
