A method of applying a film, preferably of PET, to a surface, preferably the front surface of the panel of a CRT. Resin is first applied to the surface in a predetermined pattern. The film is then pressed against a part of the surface near one edge of it by a roller. The roller is then moved across the surface to press the film onto the resin. The pressure exerted by the roller is reduced in the middle of the surface as compared with that exerted at the edge. Two different pressures may be used in the middle part.

A device includes a pair of taping units disposed symmetrical to a conveying line, along which containers advance spaced out from one another by a spacing suited to allow insertion of the taping units therein at a taping station. Each taping unit has an operating head, movable in a direction transversal to the conveying line, and a pair of rocker means articulated to the operating head, suited to intercept a strip of adhesive tape, which extends from a longitudinal wall of the container located downstream of the taping station, and to diverge elastically in phase of insertion into the spacing, while cutting means, associated with the operating head are suited to cut the strip held by the rocker means and means for driving the cutting means are actuated when the operating head is inserted in the spacing.

Apparatus for applying labels to an article being conveyed along an article conveyor path comprises first and second label applicator pad members hingedly connected together, and a single air cylinder actuator, comprising a piston rod fixedly connected to the first label applicator pad member, which is movable between a RETRACTED position and an EXTENDED position. An applicator roller is disposed upon the second movable label applicator pad member, and in accordance with the label application mode of operation, the applicator roller adheres a downstream half-end portion of a label onto a side face of the carton, wraps the label around a trailing end corner region of the carton, and applies an upstream half-end portion of the label onto the trailing end face of the carton when the piston rod is moved to the EXTENDED position while the article is being conveyed past the label applicator pad members by the article conveyor.

A buffing apparatus is provided for use in association with a case sealing arrangement, to buff lead and rear depending tape tails against a tape/carton combination. The buffing apparatus includes a single buffing member moved, by means of a motive mechanism, between paths and motion. The first path of motion is defined such that the buffing member is moved against a lead tape tail, and then is retracted so that a rear tape tail can pass thereover. The second path of motion is defined such that the buffing member is brought upwardly against the rear tape tail, to buff same into position, while returning the buffing member to the first extreme position. For preferred embodiments, the first and second paths of motion are identical, but opposite, to one another. In one embodiment, the paths of motion are defined by a cam track/follower arrangement. In a second embodiment, a link mechanism is described, which accomplishes a desired motion. The preferred link mechanism illustrated and described, includes: a triangular coupler link arrangement; a follower arm arrangement; and, an acute-angle input crank arm arrangement. The combination of link members define an advantageous path of motion for an engaged buffing member. A method of buffing lead in tape tails according to the present invention is also disclosed.