Abstract: A machine for applying a heat meltable composition includes a drive module, a light source module, and a nozzle module. The drive module attaches to the end of an elongate arm for moving the material with respect to the nozzle. The light module includes a laser for irradiating the composition as it passes through the nozzle and is applied to the material. The nozzle includes a mechanism for withdrawing the composition after flow is terminated to prevent the formation of strings in the composition. The modules are controlled by a process that provides a sequence of steps upon receipt of control signals from an operator foot pedal.

Abstract: A nozzle for application of an extrudable material to a substrate optically couples an electromagnetic beam to the extrudable material. The nozzle forms a flow channel with a window at one end. The extrudable material is admitted to the flow channel such that it flows across the bottom surface of the window and through the flow channel. The nozzle is removably held in a head to permit replacement of the nozzle when worn or for installation of a nozzle having different characteristics for a different application.

Abstract: An expandable collapsible product is made by providing a pleated sheet (8,10) having legs (20) which are made by securing two parts of a fold (17) together. Two sheets are combined by securing the end of a leg (20) to a crease (16) or a leg (20) of an opposite sheet. The sheet material is folded to prefereably provide alternating taller folds (17) and shorter folds (16), and the taller folds are modified to provide the legs (20) by gluing parts of the taller folds (17) together. Gluing is accomplished by moving glue heads across the sheet at high velocity through the use of linear motors. The glue lines are heated after being laid down by the use of electro-magnetic radiation, preferably from a high-powered laser. The finished product is used as insulated window coverings, or the like.

Abstract: An extrudable material, such as a hot melt adhesive, is applied to a substrate with simultaneous irradiation by a laser beam. The energy of the laser is absorbed by the adhesive and the substrate to cause the adhesive to spread into the fabric. When applied to a gap between two substrate sheets, the extrudable material creates a very strong bond. When one of the substrate materials is porous, the extrudable material will penetrate the thickness of the material and contact a lower layer to form a bond. The extrudable material is applied through a nozzle, and the laser beam is directed through the nozzle to be coaxial with the flow path of the extrudable material. The coaxial arrangement facilitates movement of the nozzle and beam in complicated patterns and ensures simultaneous application of the extrudable material and the laser beam.

Abstract: An expandable collapsible product is made by providing a pleated sheet (8,10) having legs (20) which are made by securing two parts of a fold (17) together. Two sheets are combined by securing the end of a leg (20) to a crease (16) or a leg (20) of an opposite sheet. The sheet material is folded to preferably provide alternating taller folds (17) and shorter folds (16), and the taller folds are modified to provide the legs (20) by gluing parts of the taller folds (17) together. Gluing is accomplished by moving glue heads across the sheet at high velocity through the use of linear motors. The glue lines are heated after being laid down by the use of electro-magnetic radiation, preferably from a high-powered laser. The finished product is used as insulated window coverings, or the like.

Abstract: An expandable collapsible product is made by providing a pleated sheet (8,10) having legs (20) which are made by securing two parts of a fold (17) together. Two sheets are combined by securing the end of a leg (20) to a crease (16) or a leg (20) of an opposite sheet. The sheet material is folded to preferably provide alternating taller folds (17) and shorter folds (16), and the taller folds are modified to provide the legs (20) by gluing parts of the taller folds (17) together. Gluing is accomplished by moving glue heads across the sheet at high velocity through the use of linear motors. The glue lines are heated after being laid down by the use of electro-magnetic radiation, preferably from a high-powered laser. The finished product is used as insulated window coverings, or the like.

Abstract: A honeycomb product is made by providing a pleated sheet having legs which are made by securing two parts of a fold together. Two sheets are combined by securing the end of a leg to a crease of an opposite sheet. The sheet material is folded to provide alternating taller and shorter folds, and the taller folds are modified to provide the legs by cementing parts of the taller folds together. Gluing is accomplished by moving glue heads across the sheet at high velocity through the use of linear motors. The glue lines are heated after being laid down by the use of electromagnetic radiation, preferably from a high-powered laser. The finished product may be used as insulated window coverings, or the like.