US Patent 7416008 Automatic waste-area removal apparatus

An apparatus and laminate allow removal of at least one sub-area of a face layer sheet from a laminate composed of a backing layer with the face layer sheet adhering thereto to leave at least one product area of the face layer sheet in place on the backing layer. The apparatus may comprise a work surface for receiving the laminate thereon; at least one adhesive applicator mounted adjacent to the work surface; an actuator associated with the applicator(s); an actuator controller to cause application of an adhesive to predetermined portions of the waste area(s); a laminator beside the work surface including a supply of carrier web oriented for temporary lamination with the laminate using the applied adhesive; and a delaminator positioned to receive the carrier lamination and delaminate the laminate therefrom with the waste area(s) adhering to the carrier web.