Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for processing workpieces on a moving continuous web using ultrasonic energy. The ultrasonic system includes one or more sets, each set containing first and second ultrasonic application devices, corresponding to an ultrasonic horn and a corresponding anvil. A first element of the set is mounted on a rotating work drum which carries the web of workpieces while the workpieces are being processed with ultrasonic energy. The second element of the set is mounted for rotation with the work drum. As the work drum rotates, the second element rotates with the drum. With each rotation of the work drum, the second element extends over the work drum and the first element, ultrasonic energy is applied to the workpiece, and the second element withdraws from over the work drum and the first element.

Abstract: This invention pertains to processing continuous webs such as paper, film, composites, and the like, in dynamic continuous processing operations. More particularly, it relates to controlling tension in such continuous webs during the processing operation. Tension is controlled in a dancer control system by connecting a corresponding dancer roll to a servo motor or the like, sensing position, tension, and velocity parameters related to the web and the dancer roll, and providing active gain force commands to cause translational movement in the dancer roll to control temporary, short-term tension disturbances in the web. In some applications of the invention, the dancer control system is used to attenuate short-term tension disturbances. In other applications of the invention, the dancer control system is used to create short-term tension disturbances.

Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus for use in constructing a garment including a stretched elastic. Specifically, the invention contemplates incorporating stretched elastic into a continuous web, including one or more segments which exert retractive forces in directions counterproductive to the function of either the web, the garment, or both, and nullifying that portion of the stretched elastic which would be counterproductive. The elastics may be cut at appropriate loci. The stretch may be intermittently reduced or eliminated on one or more selected ones of the elastics as the elastics are incorporated into the web. A special coating may be used on the processing rolls to maintain the width dimension of the web at loci disposed after incorporation of elastic stretched across the transverse dimension of the web. Transverse bonds may be formed on the web using a rotary carrying drum, and energy application devices which rotate with the drum, to increase bond forming time.