Abstract: An apparatus for automatically adhering tapes adheres a double-faced adhesive tape to a tip portion of a stock paper roll around which a stock paper is wound and adheres at least one fixing adhesive tape so as to bridge the tip portion and the stock paper roll. The apparatus includes a device for transporting the double-faced adhesive tape. The transporting device includes an endless belt transporting the double-faced adhesive tape while at the same time holding the double-faced adhesive tape on its transporting surface. The apparatus further includes a device for feeding the double-faced adhesive tape. The feeding device feeds the double-faced adhesive tape to the transporting surface of the endless belt while simultaneously stripping a strip paper adhered to one face of the double-faced adhesive tape. The apparatus further includes a device for feeding the fixing adhesive tape.

Abstract: A machine which fabricates an undergarment assembly having an openable front panel. The assembly is made from two continuous half width webs. The first and second web paths are transversely spaced. It includes devices to add a V-folded reinforcing strip along the edge of one web. Devices are included to add elastic strands adjacent the central crotch section and a re-closable tape across the front panel opening. One of the webs is printed with adhesive at spaced longitudinal intervals to bond portions of the two overlapped webs in central areas to define a bonded full width rear panel. The machine cuts leg openings and pad securement flaps on the outer margins of each half web. After assembly, the web is severed into unit products for delivery and packaging. The delivery system includes vacuum rolls for transferring flat product or longitudinally and transversely folded product for package size reduction.

Abstract: Methods, an apparatus and a system in which reclosable bags and components thereof are formed are disclosed. The reclosable bags 2001 are made from base web material that has transversely applied fastener tape segments thereon. The web material is used in a vertical form, fill and seal bag forming method. The method includes the steps of supplying a continuous strip of tape, having male and female fasteners profiler across the web for sealing thereon. In one embodiment a continuous strip of barrier material, and a continuous strip of fastener having first and second interlocked fastener profile strips are positioned on the continuous strip of tape; and secured thereon, the barrier tape is folded to obtain a fold and two opposing barrier tape fastener strip connecting portions; and, the fold is slit to form two separate continuous strips of barrier material strips and two continuous strips of tape.

Abstract: The machine of the present invention fabricates an undergarment assembly having an elasticized pad support panel secured to inner surfaces of the rear panel and the openable front panel. The machine makes the garment assembly from two half width webs, one of which has a reinforced edge. The machine arrangement includes first and second transversely spaced web paths and components to bond tensioned elastic strands to spaced dots of adhesive located on a third pad supporting web that is secured to adhesive areas applied adjacent, but not in, the garment crotch area with spaced adhesive applied to the innermost surfaces of the rear and front panels. The machine includes devices to add side margin and front panel connecting tapes, and die cutting rolls to cut leg openings in side margins. The machine includes components to divert cull product and deliver flat unfolded product, or longitudinal and transverse folded products for packaging.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing individual layered structures and the structures themselves. A continuous layered structure is provided. The continuous layered structure has designated cutting regions and includes a particulate material between the layers. At least one of the layers is permeable to liquids. A thermoplastic material in liquid state is applied to the continuous layered structure over at least part of the designated cutting regions to provide the designated cutting regions with a joining means. The thermoplastic material is made of natural or synthetic polymers, or mixtures thereof. The thermoplastic material has a softening point, as measured according to the ASTM Method E 28-67, lower than 120° C.; a viscosity at 130° C. lower than 0.05 Pa.s; and a temperature range in which the viscosity changes between 0.05 Pa.s and 0.35 Pa.s which is greater than 5° C. The thermoplastic material is allowed to set.

Abstract: A device that continuously applies self-adhesive handles to moving articles using a pivotable paddle that can rotate approximately 180 degrees from a vertical stopped position. The rotation of the paddle is synchronized with the movement of the articles so that an adhesive tape can be applied to a moving article by placing a first end of the tape on a downstream face of the article, and a second end of the tape is applied to an upstream face of the article, thereby forming a handle on the article. Clamps are used to temporarily connect the paddle to the tape as well as pull the tape while a knife is used for cutting the tape.

Abstract: A method for mass producing thin IC cards having beautiful surfaces using a non-polluting polyethylene telephthalate material in which a hot-melt type adhesive is applied and formed on a joint surface of a cover sheet formed from polyethylene telephthalate, and in which a hot-melt adhesive is used as a sealing adhesive at an opening of a core sheet that is held by the cover sheets. To improve the heat-resisting bonding strength of this hot-melt adhesive, a thermosetting resin may be mixed with the hot-melt adhesive.

Abstract: A module for adapting an apparatus which strips a liner from labels and applies the labels to substrates, said module enabling said apparatus to apply linerless labels, said module comprising: a source of linerless label sheet, a source of liner sheet, a roll for guiding said linerless label sheet after removal from said source of linerless label sheet, a die cutter and an anvil roller defining an area through which said linerless label sheet moves between said die cutter and anvil roller to_form cut-out linerless labels, a laminator roller adjacent said anvil roller defining an area between said anvil roller and said laminator roller through which both the liner and cut-out linerless labels from said linerless label sheet move between said anvil roller and said laminator roller to form a temporary support of said liner for said cut-out linerless labels, and a means positioned with respect to the apparatus that strips a liner from labels and applies the labels to substrates to feed the cut-out linerless label

Abstract: Methods an apparatus and a system in which reclosable bags and components thereof are formed. The reclosable bags 2001 are made from base web material that has transversely applied fastener tape segments thereon. The web material is used in a vertical form, fill and seal bag forming method. The method includes the steps of supplying a continuous strip of tape, having male and female fasteners profiler across the web for sealing thereon. In one embodiment a continuous strip of barrier material, and a continuous strip of fastener having first and second interlocked fastener profile strips are positioned on the continuous strip of tape; and secured thereon, the barrier tape is folded to obtain a fold and two opposing barrier tape fastener strip connecting portions; and, the fold is slit to form two separate continuous strips of barrier material strips and two continuous strips of tape. In another embodiment a coating is applied to the tape itself to prevent sealing of the folded slit tape to itself.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a multi-component workpiece including cutting a first web of material moving at a first speed into first components, cutting a second web of material moving at a second speed into second components, transferring one of the first components onto a first surface moving at the first speed, transferring one of the second components onto a second surface moving at the second speed, adjusting the speed of the second surface to match the speed of the first surface, transferring the second component onto the first component, adjusting the speed of the first surface to match that of a third moving web, transferring the mated first and second components into the third moving web, readjusting the speed of the first surface to the first speed, and readjusting the speed of the second surface to the second speed. In a particular embodiment, the process manufactures a multi-component absorbent personal hygiene articles.

Abstract: A combination of a preprinted pressure sensitive label and an electronic article security system target is provided, preferably as a supply of labels on a backing material web with the target between. The labels preferably extend about at least about 1/8th inch around the edge of the target to directly adhere to the products. Articles may be selectively marked with targets so concealed to deter theft with fewer targets. The combinations may be formed by applying first the target, then the label, to the article. Preferably, label and target combinations are supplied on a web and are then applied to the products. Combination label and target supplies may be formed by separating the preprinted labels from their backing material webs, applying the targets to either the label or the backing material, and then combining the label with either the same backing material web or a different one.

Abstract: A tape holder that dispenses tape sections with non-sticky or adhered portions at both ends, includes a base, a feed device disposed at a tape exit of the base, a side cutter gate disposed at one side of the feed device, and an auxiliary tape support connected to the feed device. The base has a tape receiving recess for receiving a large adhesive tape reel and a small substrate tape reel such that the adhesive side of the adhesive tape faces the substrate tape below. Both tapes may be pulled at at the same time and placed at the feed device where a portion of the tapes are pressed to form adhered portions. The side cutter gate has a cutting edge that cuts the substrate tape below or both tapes at the same time. After a desirable length of the adhesive tape has been pulled out, another adhered portion can be formed at the other end of the length.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing adhesive dressings having an adhesive support, absorbing material compresses laying on the support and a protective layer, includes a cutting element for cutting compresses to a desired size and placing them at the desired intervals onto the adhesive layer. The cutting element includes a first cylindrical counter roll that has a smooth surface and a second roll acting on the first roll. The second roll has projecting sectors, alternated with recessed sectors, provided with at least a transversal cutting knife for cutting the absorbing tape by compressing the same against the counter roll. The tape is drawn during the synchronous rotation of the rolls by the projecting sectors cooperating with the surface of the counter roll.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-row, multi-column laminated product including the steps of providing a printed rectangular paperboard sheet having a leading edge, two perpendicular side edges and a trailing edge parallel to the leading edge, feeding the leading edge of the sheet in a first direction and cutting out a narrow transverse segment in the middle of the sheet to produce a transverse gap, leaving connecting portions at each end of the transverse gap, the transverse gap being parallel to the leading edge, gripping the paperboard sheet and feeding its leading edge in the same first direction and continuously cutting the paperboard sheet into adjacent panels in a direction parallel to the side edges and perpendicular to the leading edge, thereby to remove strips of waste from between adjacent panels, and feeding the leading edge into a laminating roller nip with laminating sheets prior to cutting into the transverse gap and continuously gripping the sheet between its side edges at a distance from the laminat

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving discrete parts travelling at a first speed and apply the parts to a substrate web travelling at a second speed includes at least one rotatable transferring mechanism, a driving mechanism and at least one driven mechanism. The rotatable transferring mechanism is connected to an output shaft and moves along an orbital path through a receiving zone where the parts are received and an application zone where the parts are applied to the substrate web. The driving mechanism utilizes at least one rotatable noncircular drive gear connected to an input shaft to transmit rotational energy to the driven mechanism. The driven mechanism utilizes at least one rotatable noncircular driven gear connected to the output shaft or to a jackshaft to accept the rotational energy from the driving mechanism and transmit the energy to the transferring mechanism.

Abstract: A label for displaying information regarding a container and suspending the container from a support, and methods for forming the same. The label includes a base label having a base adhesive on the lower surface thereof. A connector strip is secured to the upper surface of the base label along a longitudinal edge by at least one adhesive patch. A hanger is secured by the legs thereof to the connector strip. The hanger is foldable between a stored position wherein the hanger lies adjacent the upper surface of the base web and a hanging position wherein the hanger is folded away from the base label for receiving the support through the opening. A remaining portion of the upper surface of the base label is not covered by either of the connector strip and the hanger when the hanger is in the stored position. The label may further include at least one removable self adhesive secondary label forming a part thereof.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a multi-layer laminated shingle, wherein each shingle layer comprises granule and bituminous coated web, with the layers laminated together and with the butt zone of the base layer disposed against a bottom surface of the tab zone of the secondary layer and with the tab zone of the base layer disposed against the bottom surface of the butt zone of the secondary layer. The shingle lends itself to having tabs spaced by voids. Because the tabs in the base layer are inverted, the base layer's butt zone is visible through voids in the tabs of the secondary layer. The method of making the shingle lends itself to complementally cutting out the tabs of two side-by-side shingles from a given line. Enhanced nailing area is provided, and stacking of shingles for packaging is facilitated.

Abstract: A repositionable, adhesively mounted, blank signage sheet including (i) a sheet having imprintable first and second major surfaces which are essentially void of communicative indicia, (ii) repositionable adhesive strips disposed on the first major surface of the sheet along each of the margins, with each adhesive strip offset from the edge of the sheet so as to define adhesive-free tabs along the first and second edges of the sheet, and (iii) release liners covering the marginal adhesive strips.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for automatically affixing cards to a moving printed web which has a plurality of repeat lengths, each of the cards being automatically applied at the same relative location in each of a plurality of repeat lengths of the printed web. The apparatus includes a card feed device adapted to receive a web of cards having no registration holes formed therein and having a plurality of weakened links disposed between pairs of adjacent cards. The card feed device is adapted to cause the web of cards to pass through the card feed device so that there is substantially no slippage between the card feed device and the web of cards. The apparatus also includes a card handler operatively coupled to separate the web of cards into individual cards and cause them to be applied to the printed web and a controller adapted to control the card feed device so as to cause each of the cards to be applied to the printed web in a predetermined position in each of the repeat lengths of the printed web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of forming coreless rolls of pressure sensitive adhesive tape involves the use of a mandrel assembly having a specific circumferential tape supporting segment thereon for winding tape. The circumferential tape supporting segment has a tape engaging surface portion that, in a radial orientation, is compressible yet sufficiently stiff to support the tape as it is successively wound about the mandrel to form a tape roll, and that is sufficiently pliant to permit ready axial removal of a wound tape roll from the shaft. The innermost wrap of pressure sensitive adhesive tape about the mandrel is masked by an adhesive liner. That liner is formed from one portion of a liner/tab segment which had been applied to the tape previously, and prior to winding, the tape is severed, and the remainder of that liner/tab forms an end tab on the outermost end of the previously formed coreless tape roll.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having absorbent cores comprising multiple absorbent layers which are joined to each other. In particular, absorbent structures which have one of the absorbent layers being shorter in the manufacturing direction than at least one of the other layers and which are joined to one of the other layers by crimping and a process of crimping of a central patch of a fibrous web to a tissue.

Abstract: An industry standard width composite paper web includes one layer comprising a plurality of narrow web portions derived from trim rolls of paper which are laminated to a second carrier web of the selected standard width. In an alternate embodiment, the carrier web itself may comprise a plurality of narrow trim roll web portions. The web portions comprising each layer may be spaced from one another slightly, and the gaps between web portions in both layers must offset laterally with respect to one another to maintain composite web integrity.

Abstract: An adhesive is applied to a material under compression such that the adhesive penetrates the material when the material is a porous material (e.g., a fiberglass batt). Upon release from being compressed, the material returns to nearly its original size and shape and some of the adhesive penetrates into the material a given distance. Many mats of the material bearing the adhesive at selected locations can be placed on a common carrier for easy dispensing using a dispenser. The common carrier can be refurbished for reuse.

Abstract: Various systems for attaching flexible fabric material to rigid vanes in the construction of window coverings are disclosed. The various systems for attaching the fabric material to the vanes create varying aesthetic patterns while providing long-term durability. The systems described can be used to connect single or double sheets of fabric material to the faces of rigid vanes while enabling the vanes to be oriented vertically or horizontally.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module that serves as a shingle, tile or other building material that may be placed onto the exterior of a structure. The photovoltaic module generates a voltage when exposed to light and this voltage may be directed onto transmission lines of a power utility and/or into an external battery that may serve as a source of power for the building on which the photovoltaic shingles are laid. The practice of the present invention provides for a variety of mechanical and electrical connectors for securing together the photovoltaic modules and/or for connecting the photovoltaic modules to the exterior structure. Furthermore, the structure of the modules is such that the modules are automatically electrically connected together when laid on the building.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving a first carrier tape in a first direction along a path, and a second tape toward the first tape, both in an incremental manner. After each increment of movement of the first tape, the second tape is advanced a proportional increment into overlying contact with the first tape. A press squeezes the first and second tape layers together, and a cutting mechanism is actuated to sever the overlying segment of second tape. The incremental movements of the first and second tapes are regulated so that the length of each second tape segment laid on the first tape is equal to the distance of travel of the first tape in the first direction. The direction of movement of the first tape is reversed so that at least one layer of second tape can be applied to the first tape.

Abstract: In a simple and low cost method for making a sign, such as a vehicle registration sign, indicia are formed by toner material applied by an electronically controllable printer to a portion of a film web or to one of a row of separate film portions, the surface of which web portion is preferably one reflecting light from vehicle headlamps. The printer is an ionographic one wherein the toner material is fixed on the surface of the web portion with pressure and in a cold state. The printed web portion is then combined with other parts including a transparent front plate adhesively bonded to the web portion and an injection moulded plastic frame to protect the web portion from mechanical damage and to seal it against injury from dirt and moisture.

Abstract: The process for the embellishment of skins (91) comprises the following operations: application of an embellishing film (6) on a support belt (4); drying the embellishing film; coupling the skins (91) to the embellishing film after addition of a gluing material; applying pressure to the skins (91) and to the embellishing film (6); separating the skins (91) together with the embellishing film (6) which have been glued together from the support belt (4). The gluing material is applied directly to the surface (910) of the skins (91) prior to coupling skins to the embellishing film (6).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for severing an elastic web traveling at a first speed into discrete parts and applying the parts onto a product web of interconnected disposable absorbent articles traveling at a second speed are disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of transfer segments which are configured to rotate about a common first axis. The apparatus also includes a drive ring which is configured to rotate about a second axis which is offset from the first axis of the transfer segments. A plurality of coupler arms are pivotally connected to the drive ring. As the drive ring is rotated, a cam end of each of the coupler arms is guided along a curvilinear path and a crank end of each of the coupler arms slidably engages a respective transfer segment thereby pivoting the coupler arms about the pivot points and rotating the transfer segments at a variable speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that utilizes a plurality of corrugated cardboard panels from shipping containers or other sources of used corrugated to make a laminated web is disclosed. The process begins with opening or flattening the used cardboard and then removing any end flaps or manufacturer's seams to form a plurality of panels. These panels may then be cut to specific shapes or uniform widths as necessary for different embodiments. A plurality of panels are then assembled end to end and face to face, using an overlapping arrangement and a suitable adhesive, to make a multiple thickness corrugated web. The panels may be overlapped or angled to improve the strength of the web. This multiple layer web can be wrapped with layers of paper or other suitable material to add strength, moisture resistance or other desired qualities.

Abstract: In an apparatus for forming pipe insulation discrete panels of generally rigid planar board insulation are fed through a sizing apparatus to control thickness, then fed into a vertically oriented conveyor where adjacent ends of the panels are adhered to one another to form a continuum of panels passing through the conveyor. A horizontally moving severing station cuts the panels into transverse trapezoidal segments, such that each succeeding segment is reversed relative to the adjacent segments with the severing plane being common. A tipping mechanism tips the segments according to their orientation such that all of the segments are received on a horizontal conveyor in the same orientation. An accumulator conveyor abuts the base of each segment against each adjacent segment such that a solid surface is formed for the application a backing to integrate the trapezoidal segments. Alternatively, the panels are sized and end glued on a horizontal conveyor prior to forming a series of trapezoidal segments.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment such as a diaper is provided at side edges of side sheets thereof with fastening regions and laterally projecting tabs facilitating the fastening regions to be operated. Simultaneously with obtaining the side sheets having a series of alternating concave and convex edge portions by longitudinally cutting a continuous web along a concave-convex cutting line, second concave and convex edge portions which are alternately repeated and smaller than the first-mentioned concave and convex edge portions are provided utilizing the same cutting line. Of these second concave and convex edge portions, the latter define the tabs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for severing an elastic web traveling at a first speed into discrete parts and applying the parts onto a product web of interconnected disposable absorbent articles traveling at a second speed are disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of transfer segments which are configured to rotate about a common first axis. The apparatus also includes a drive ring which is configured to rotate about a second axis which is offset from the first axis of the transfer segments. A plurality of coupler arms are pivotally connected to the drive ring. As the drive ring is rotated, a cam end of each of the coupler arms is guided along a curvilinear path and a crank end of each of the coupler arms slidably engages a respective transfer segment thereby pivoting the coupler arms about the pivot points and rotating the transfer segments at a variable speed.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a form and label combination product with a reduced tendency to curl is provided. Paper stock forms the form and label face while liner stock covers the hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive. A dryer dries the paper stock so the combined paper stock and liner expand substantially the same amount when reaching moisture equilibrium with the environment and have a reduced tendency to curl.

Abstract: A method for assembling a multi-piece absorbent article. A chassis is fed to a first assembly station at a first velocity. An ear web is fed to a second assembly station at a second velocity which is less than the first velocity. An adhesive tape substrate is fed to the second assembly station at a third velocity which is less than the second velocity. The adhesive tape substrate is cut into individual tape tabs. The individual tape tabs are bonded to the ear web at the second assembly station. The ear web having the individual tape tabs bonded thereto is then fed to the first assembly station where it is cut into individual ear pieces which are then bonded to the chassis to form a multi-piece absorbent article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laminating apparatus including a sheet conveyor for conveying a sheet to be laminated, a film conveyor for conveying an elongated laminate film, a pressurizer for overlapping the sheet and the laminate film and for pressurizing the sheet and the laminate film, a film cutter for cutting the laminate film overlapped with the sheet, a sheet detector for detecting the sheet conveyed by the sheet conveyor, and a controller for controlling the film cutter. The controller is so controlled that the laminate film is cut in registration with the leading and trailing ends of the sheet on the basis of detection by the sheet detector.

Abstract: Various systems for attaching flexible fabric material to rigid vanes in the construction of window coverings are disclosed. The various systems for attaching the fabric material to the vanes create varying aesthetic patterns while providing long-term durability. The systems described can be used to connect single or double sheets of fabric material to the faces of rigid vanes while enabling the vanes to be oriented vertically or horizontally.

Abstract: A multilayered flexible sheet for absorbing liquids comprises a nonsegmented flexible layer comprised of woven or nonwoven materials having the capacity to absorb liquids and a segmented flexible layer of woven or nonwoven materials having the capacity to absorb liquids being tacked face-to-face to the nonsegmented layer, the segments of the segmented layer being separated by substantially straight boundaries extending across one dimension of the sheet. The multilayered sheet can be easily folded along the boundaries between the segments of the segmented layer and therefore can be used unfolded as walk on mats, wipes, absorbent pads and response pads or folded as pillows or socks for absorbing liquids.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a machine which receives a strip or strips of material, rotates the strip or strips, and transfers the strip or strips to sheet material. The machine comprises a plurality of tables including first and second adjacent tables, and a conveyor connected to the tables for moving the tables sequentially through first and second zones and through at least one turning zone which is between the first and second zones, the adjacent tables when in the first zone having an initial orientation and having adjacent edges which are closely spaced. The turning zone includes a mechanism for moving the tables along an arcuate path and thereby separating the adjacent edges, and another mechanism for rotating the tables to a second orientation while the adjacent edges are separated, and the adjacent tables when in the second zone have the second orientation and have adjacent edges which are closely spaced.

Abstract: A method of producing a succession of self-adhesive labels on a length of release material; the method comprising the steps of:(a) applying a succession of patches of pressure-sensitive adhesive to a surface of a length of release material; and(b) applying a succession of individual labels to the patches of pressure-sensitive adhesive whereby each applied label is adhered to the release material by a respective patch of adhesive;and wherein the shape and dimensions of the patches and of the applied labels are selected whereby substantially the entire rearwardly-directed surface of each applied label is coated with the pressure-sensitive adhesive and the edge of each patch is within the periphery of the respective applied label.

Abstract: A label-equipped web method wherein the label is die-cut from base stock constituting the sheet and held in place by a pressure-sensitive adhesive-equipped release liner, the web constituting the release liner having a pattern of coatings thereon including a pattern of release material applied at a first site so as to leave bands uncoated and thereafter coated at a second site with pressure-sensitive adhesive so as to permanently attach the liner to the sheet in the band area to resist shearing forces tending to dislodge the liner.

Abstract: Absorbent articles of the present invention are specifically adapted for the adult male anatomy. The articles include a moisture barrier having a length measured between front and back ends of less than about 46 centimeters. A liner is bonded to the moisture barrier sandwiching an absorbent assembly therebetween. The moisture barrier is gathered along each of its side edges between forward and rearward terminal points. The forward terminal points are spaced from the front end of the moisture barrier by at least about 7 centimeters, and the rearward terminal points spaced from the back end of the moisture barrier by less than about 5 centimeters. Elasticized containment flaps disposed on the liner extend longitudinally toward the front end to a position at least about 16 centimeters from the back end of the moisture barrier. The moisture barrier is also gathered along its back end.

Abstract: A fastening component for releasable engagement with a complementary fastener includes a substrate and a first fastener formed of a flexible fabric. An adhesive substance is disposed between and bonded to the first fastener and the substrate. The adhesive substance has a first zone with a first basis weight greater than zero, and a second zone with a second basis weight at least about 1.5 times greater than the first basis weight.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for inserting valves between the front and back panels of inflatable bodies, such as air or helium inflated novelty balloons or air-inflated dunnage bags, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of conveying an upper web and lower web through a conveyor assembly in a contiguous relation and conveying the webs to a spreader bar which projects between the peripheral edges of the webs to form an open zone between the peripheral edges of the webs. A valve insertion mechanism separates the webs at the open zone and inserts the valve between the top and bottom webs at the open zone. As the valve insertion mechanism is withdrawn from between the webs, the webs are brought back into a contiguous relation which frictionally retains the valve between the webs. The webs are then further conveyed, with the valve now frictionally retained in position therebetween, to a downstream die station without any attachment of the valve to either of the webs prior to reaching the die station.

Abstract: Multiple thin-film photoelectric conversion elements formed on a flexible insulating substrate are organized as a single photoelectric conversion module via a manufacturing process that substantially eliminates the probability of damaging the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion elements during the manufacturing process. Each photoelectric conversion element includes a rear electrode layer, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a transparent electrode layer laminated on one side of a substrate, and an auxiliary connecting electrode layer formed on the other side of the substrate. The manufacturing process for the conversion module involves utilizing an apparatus which includes two perpendicularly overlapping belt systems and a cutting/heating unit. The first belt system applies a thermally adhesive resin film to the light-receiving surface of the conversion elements mounted on a substrate. The cutting/heating unit identifies and cuts out non-defective conversion elements.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a secure identification card utilizing a preassembled card core. The card core includes a base layer of a tamper and wear resistant material and an image receiving layer. A series of clear, tough panels each of predetermined dimensions similar to the dimensions of a card core are formed in a roll of laminate film with each panel held to the roll by frangible corners. A card core is moved into registry with a panel on the roll of laminate film with the image receiving layer of the card core contacting a layer of heat sealable material on the panel. The card core is heat tacked to the panel to maintain both in registry. The tacked card core and panel are laminated to form a secure identification card. The secure identification card is removed from the roll of laminate by breaking the frangible corners.

Abstract: A method of producing a depth enhanced printed product uses a screen printer. An optic screen of finely spaced lines are formed as a cured emulsion on a mesh silk-screen. A clear gel is extruded through the mesh screen onto the front side of a clear plastic sheet, creating an array of lenses. An image is previously printed on the back side of the plastic sheet using an offset printer. An optic grid of lines are superimposed in the image. The optic grid has a relationship with the lenses to create special effects such as depth enhancement.

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: Disclosed is an oriented, heat shrinkable, thermoplastic vacuum bag having a protective heat shrinkable reverse printed patch attached thereto, thereby protecting the bag from puncture by sharp protruding bones in bone-in cuts of meat which are vacuum packaged within the bags while simultaneously providing desired graphics protected from abrasion. The protection is especially directed to prevention destruction of the desired graphics when used on bags for packaging bone-in cuts of both fresh and smoked or processed meat. The reverse trap printed bag produced by this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for bonding a sheet material to an elongated base material, in which the sheet material is transferred by a transferring device towards the base material, and the sheet material is bonded by a bonding device to the base material. A static electricity generating device is attached to the bonding device for generating static electricity on the sheet material to cause the sheet material to adhere to the bonding device, so that the sheet material is prevented from falling from the bonding device prior to the bonding step. Furthermore, an apparatus and method for manufacturing a flexible flat cable, applying the above bonding apparatus and method is also disclosed. In this apparatus and method, a pair of insulating tape sheets are transferred towards electric conductors.