Abstract: An apparatus for forming a panel of interconnected tubular vanes and cord ladders for use in a Venetian blind includes a vane-forming system where a strip of vane material is supplied, folded, and pressed into a desired configuration prior to being cut to a predetermined length. The length is determined by the width of the panel to be formed and is effected by a vane-sizing system including a template for positioning a plurality of cord ladder assemblies at predetermined locations for connection to tubular slats formed upstream from the assemblies. The tubular vane material has inert adhesive along a flap on one edge which is heated to activate the adhesive and after having been folded along a generally longitudinal centerline, the flap is folded over the corresponding upper edge of the vane and secured thereto in a sliding compressor.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating tubular vanes and adhering the vanes to a plurality of associated ladder tapes for use in a blind assembly for an architectural opening is described. The apparatus includes a first section for unrolling resin impregnated fabric tape, folding the tape, and cutting the tape to a predetermined length. In a second section of the apparatus, the cut and folded tape is bonded to together along its longitudinal edges to form a tubular vane. In the third and final section, the completed vane is positioned between the vertical cords of a plurality of associated ladder tapes and the vane is adhesively bonded to a cross rung of each. After the vane has been bonded to the cross rungs, the ladder tapes are advanced and prepared for receipt of the next vane. The resulting subassembly of vanes is used to fabricate blind assemblies through the addition of headrails and bottom rails.