Abstract: An apparatus and related method for manufacturing a full-fashioned glove from similar or dissimilar polymeric material includes a controller that actuates various components in the apparatus, a thumb mold that forms a thumb portion from two layers of a first material and a hand mold which forms a plurality of fingers and a cuff from the first material and a second material. Both the thumb mold and hand mold have appropriate cavities with apertures therethrough wherein a vacuum source, actuated by the controller, draws the appropriate material toward the surface of the mold prior to closure thereof. Upon closure of the molds, a fusing element is energized by the controller and the materials are fused to one another to form the appropriate portion of the full-fashioned glove. After the glove is removed from the remaining materials, it can be employed in various types of manufacturing industries.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for manufacturing a full-fashioned glove from similar or dissimilar polymeric material includes a controller that actuates various components in the apparatus, a thumb mold that forms a thumb portion from two layers of a first material and a hand mold which forms a plurality of fingers and a cuff from the first material and a second material. Both the thumb mold and hand mold have appropriate cavities with apertures therethrough wherein a vacuum source, actuated by the controller, draws the appropriate material toward the surface of the mold prior to closure thereof. Upon closure of the molds, a fusing element is energized by the controller and the materials are fused to one another to form the appropriate portion of the full-fashioned glove. After the glove is removed from the remaining materials, it can be employed in various types of manufacturing industries.

Abstract: A device for electronically seam fusing similar or dissimilar multiple polymeric materials by placing the materials between two opposing plates, wherein the plates have cooling tubes disposed within the plates and have the required combination of heating elements, non-stick heat barriers, and configuration enhancers disposed thereon. The opposing plates are then closed by a force which is regulated by a control feature which also governs the timing, length and temperature that is utilized by the heat elements and cooling tubes of the invention. Upon completion of the electronic seam fuse cycle, the multiple layers of polymeric materials are fused together, and separated if desired, thus creating a seam that is as strong or stronger than the individual material. The selection of seam fusing process parameters is determined by employing an optimization process that considers the impact each process parameter has in combination with one another.

Abstract: A device for electronically seam fusing similar or dissimilar multiple polymeric materials by placing the materials between two opposing plates, wherein the plates have cooling tubes disposed within the plates and have the required combination of heating elements, non-stick heat barriers, and configuration enhancers disposed thereon. The opposing plates are then closed by a force which is regulated by a control feature which also governs the timing, length and temperature that is utilized by the heat elements and cooling tubes of the invention. Upon completion of the electronic seam fuse cycle, the multiple layers of polymeric materials will be fused together, and separated if desired, thus creating a seam that will be as strong or stronger than the individual material.

Abstract: A collapsible protective hood connectable to a source of air is suitable for use in clean rooms, for biological, nuclear, or hazardous material protection, and the like. The hood is generally made of a minimum number of panels which are electronically seam fused together without the use of any adhesive. The hood can optionally contain sleeves, optionally be of a long length, and optionally have a long interior flap. The inflatable collar, when inflated, generally supports the weight of the hood on the user's shoulders and preferably contains a plurality of air-breathing holes which provide air to the user. In another embodiment, the collar extends to above the user's head wherein air holes are provided and the slight pressure within the hood maintains it in an inflatable shape. The protective hood is made out of flexible non-woven material or woven material generally in the form of a laminate and can be readily collapsed in generally a flat shape for storage or transportation purposes.

Abstract: Gloves and other articles are manufactured from a pair of thermoplastic sheets which are drawn along a process line in adjacent, facing relation. A portion of one of the sheets is pushed outwardly to form an outwardly projecting loop, and a thumb-shaped line is formed between adjacent sides of the loop. The loop and adjacent portions of the thermoplastic sheets are then advanced to a finger and hand-forming station, where a thermobonded line of the shape of fingers and hand is formed between the thermoplastic sheets in registry with the thumb-shaped line, while retaining an open wrist portion. One may then cut away the resulting glove at the wrist portion.

Abstract: Gloves and other articles are manufactured from a pair of thermoplastic sheets which are drawn along a process line in adjacent, facing relation. A portion of one of the sheets is pushed outwardly to form an outwardly projecting loop, and a thumb-shaped line is formed between adjacent sides of the loop. The loop and adjacent portions of the thermoplastic sheets are then advanced to a finger and hand-forming station, where a thermobonded line of the shape of fingers and hand is formed between the thermoplastic sheets in registry with the thumb-shaped line, while retaining an open wrist portion. One may then cut away the resulting glove at the wrist portion.