Patch-applying device for data cards

Claim 1

A device for forming a patch from a strip of pressure sensitive tape and for applying the patch to a data card to cover and close a perforation therein which comprises a base, a male die supported on said base, a plate mounted for movement toward and away from the base, there being an opening in the plate overlying the male die, a hollow cutter die surrounding the opening, the plate being exposed and unobstructed overlying the opening, means for guiding the strip of tape between the dies, the dies being arranged to cut a patch from the strip of tape when the plate is advanced toward the male die with a card thereon having a perforation centered in alignment with the opening and to attach the patch to the portion of the face of the card overlying the opening and surrounding the perforation, the male die being mounted on a first telescoping member and the plate being mounted on a second telescoping member, there being slots in the second telescoping member receiving and guiding the tape, and resilient pad members mounted on the first telescoping member on opposite sides of the male die engageable with the tape for holding the tape in engagement with the plate on opposite sides of the dies as a patch is cut from the tape and applied to a card.