Abstract: An apparatus for joining a plurality of textile webs together in side-by-side relation includes a feeder for positioning a first textile web overlying a second textile web and advancing the textile webs along a predetermined path of travel, an ultrasonic horn and anvil for forming a relatively narrow flexible joint between the textile webs by heat fusing together adjacent portions thereof, and an unfolding frame for unfolding the textile webs about the joint so that the textile webs lie in a common plane to define the relatively wide textile fabric. More particularly, in order to form the convolute roll of the relatively wide textile fabric, the apparatus also preferably includes a driven take-up spindle positioned downstream from the unfolding frame to wind the relatively wide textile fabric into successive convolute wound layers.

Abstract: An article adapted to be used as a liquid transfer wick and method for making same. The core is comprised of a heat fusible, nonwoven textile sheet material that is chemically inert to many solvents and oils. A binder is applied to the core in an open mesh braid to maintain the core in a predetermined compact condition. The outer portions of the core are heat fused to the binder forming a unitary fray resistant structure by the application of a flow of heated air which melts outer portions of the core exposed within the binder. The flow of heated air may be increased to create cavities in the outer portions of the core, thereby forming a wick that is absorbent along the outer longitudinal surface, as well as at the wick ends.