Abstract: A tape winding device can wind a decorative tape in a spiral onto the circumference of a cylindrical object. When a cylindrical object is inserted and pushed in the axial direction into a rotating and forwarding mechanism, the cylindrical object is forwarded and given a rotation in one direction by the rotating and forwarding mechanism. When the end of a decorative tape, which is drawn out from a tape ring held in a decorative tape holding mechanism, which is mounted at an inclination to axis line of cylindrical object, is stuck to the starting part for winding the tape on to the cylindrical object and cylindrical object is again pushed and rotated and forwarded in the axial direction, decorative tape is pulled out consequent upon this rotating and forwarding and wound in a spiral on the circumference of the cylindrical object.

Abstract: A process for labelling containers or bottles by applying tubular labels made of heat shrinkable film which completely surround an outer surface area of the bottle. The process and machine include winding a precut label from a reeled film on a rotating tubular round plate supported by a roundabout labelling machine, the bottle abuts on the round plate and the label is wound on the underlying tubular portion. The tubular surface of the round plate is provided with a plurality of holes alternatively supplying or drawing air for establishing a positive or negative pressure respectively on the label surface. The overlapped vertical ends of the label are heat sealed by an electrically heated bar located at each round plate or are chemically bonded. The tubular round plate and the container on it can vertically move to transfer the container into the tubular label.

Abstract: A donor substrate for a laser induced thermal imaging method and an organic light emitting display manufactured using the same are provided. A laser induced thermal imaging apparatus includes a stage grounded by a grounding means, and a method of fabricating an organic light emitting display is capable of controlling static electricity which may be built up while an organic layer is formed using the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for producing an incrementally laminated web having a series of discrete, individual segments that are preprinted prior to being placed on the web. The system includes a supply of individual segments that are prepared by cutting one or more sheets that have been printed in a number of pre-determined areas. The segments are placed into a supply or hopper which supplies a feeder mechanism that places each segment individually on a rotary positioning cylinder. The cylinder, through use of a segment holding or receiving area then positions each of the segments on a traveling web in a particular arrangement ranging from slightly overlapping to spaced from one another.

Abstract: A method of assembling a composite structure is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the method includes receiving and positioning at least two composite structure subassemblies on a structure assembly table by operation of at least one first device and at least one second device and compacting the at least two composite structure subassemblies into a composite structure by operation of a third device.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display panel manufacturing apparatus for successively bonding a pair of film substrates, each having a plurality of display regions defined at least along a longitudinal direction, along the longitudinal direction through a sealant formed in every display region of one of the film substrates includes: a first processing unit arranged to form a bonded body by bonding the film substrates so that the respective display regions are superimposed on each other; and a second processing unit including a molding roll configured to hold the bonded body formed in the first processing unit onto a peripheral wall thereof, and arranged to mold the bonded body into a curved shape along the peripheral wall of the molding roll by curing the sealant while holding the bonded body on the peripheral wall of the molding roll.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for winding filament to create a structure. In one embodiment, the invention includes the application of filament to a rotating mandrel to create a desired shape. The invention includes the filament winding of both simple and complex shapes.

Abstract: A gluing machine for gluing the final edge of a log successively comprising an introduction group of the logs one after the other into the machine, an unwinding group of the log associated with identification means of the final edge, an opening group of the final edge from the log, a glue transfer group onto the log and a rewinding group of the final edge onto the log, in which the unwinding group of the log comprises a pair of rollers arranged one on top of the other to make a passage for the log, the pair of rollers being selectively for the feeding and for the retention in rotation of the log, at least one inclined surface of free rolling of the log being provided downstream of the pair of rollers.

Abstract: To close the tail end (L) of the web material forming the log (R) there is provided mechanical ply-bonding between the tail end and a portion of the last turn of web material, preferably a portion forming a fold (F) projecting from the log.

Abstract: An automatic taping lathe-microtome that produces a continuous ribbon of tissue by lathing an extremely thin strip off the surface of a cylindrical block containing a multitude of embedded tissue samples. Mechanisms are included for sandwiching this fragile ribbon of tissue between a pair of support tapes. Viewing holes are cut in the support tapes above and below each tissue slice such that the tapes act as slot grids allowing for direct viewing of each tissue slice in a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The resulting tissue-tape is placed on a spooling mechanism and fed into the beam of a TEM much like the film in a movie projector. This allows for random-access imaging of any section on the tape without requiring the TEM's vacuum be broken. This system is intended to give neuroscientists a tool to ultrastructure image large volumes of neural tissue and to trace multi-scale synaptic circuits.

Abstract: A device for gluing a tail cant of a roll or log of wound web material, includes a support for the roll, a dispenser of glue, a movable blade on which a gluing application edge is provided, the blade (5) being oriented parallel to the roll-longitudinal axis (CD). The glue application edge (10) of the blade (5) has interrupted glue application surface.

Abstract: A cutting and transfer drum in a continuous-film labeling machine, which allows disassembly into sectors comprised between two contiguous blades, each sector being provided with elements for locking in the active position, which comprise a rotating rod which is provided with an actuation crank, said rod having a portion which is adapted to mate with a reference element provided on the sector, elements adapted to retain the sector in the locking position, a cam adapted to make contact with an abutment provided on the sector, so as to ensure a contact pressure of the sector on a supporting ring which ensures the retention of the fluid that provides suction.

Abstract: An improved device for gluing the end flap of a log and a gluing method which can be implemented in a machine for producing logs, in which the logs (14), which come from a re-reeling machine, are fed to a gluing device (11) comprising in succession a bottom unwinding roller (16) and a top feed belt (17), and, immediately downstream of the unwinding roller (16), at least one stretch of inclined surface (21), of a pre-set length, followed by a vacuum-suction roller (24), set on top of which is a top roller (25), and then by a glue dispenser (27), there being provided on top of the unwinding roller (16) a blower element (19) for blowing an end flap (29) of the log (14) and, underneath, a photo-electric cell (20) for detecting the end flap (29), in which the log fed to the unwinding roller (16) is set with a position of the free end staggered by an angle (?), which is a function of the diameter of the log and of the pre-set length of the stretch of inclined surface (21), in such a way that, when the log thus posi

Abstract: An electrode plate includes a both-surface coated part 14 in which an electrode active material layer 13 is provided on both surfaces of a current collector core material 12, a core material exposed part 18 in which the negative electrode active material layer 13 is not provided, and a one-surface coated part 17 in which the negative electrode active material layer 13 is provided on only one surface of the current collector core material 12. A plurality of grooves 10 are formed in both surfaces of the both-surface coated part 14 and the grooves 10 are not formed in the one-surface coated part 17.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to create an embossing device for at least two-layered planar products such as toilet paper, tissues, or similar, which makes it possible to easily make high-quality planar products that are provided with decorative patterns. Said aim is achieved by an embossing device for at least two-layered planar products such as toilet paper, tissues, and similar, comprising at least one first and at least one second couple of rollers, each of which is composed of an embossing roller and a squeezer. The embossing roller of the first couple is provided with a plurality of embossing points at a number of about 20 to 70 per cm2, preferably up to about 45 per cm2, said embossing points being evenly distributed across the entire embossing area of the embossing roller, in order to create a planar microembossed design on at least one layered web. The embossing roller of the second couple encompasses first and second areas that are distributed across the embossing area thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing granular inert material with a resin binder in order to form, on a rotating cylindrical mandrel, a tubular manufactured article composed of an inner layer which adheres to the surface of the mandrel, an outer layer and an intermediate layer constituted by a uniform agglomerate obtained from an amalgamation of the granular inert material with the resin binder, comprising at least one mixing line composed of a feeder which is connected to a duct for feeding the granular inert material and a discharge outlet, a mixing device which has an intake port which is suitable to receive the granular inert material from the discharge outlet of the feeder and connections for feeding the resin binder in the mixing device, the mixing device being suitable to form the uniform agglomerate and to apply it onto the inner layer so as to form the intermediate layer.

Abstract: Described herein are devices for applying conductive gels to electrodes and the gel-laminated electrodes produced thereby. The devices permit the reuse of the electrodes by easily applying fresh gels to them for each subsequent use. In a first example embodiment, all of the components of the laminating device are provided in a single housing. In a second example embodiment, the gel applying and drive components are housed within the device, and a replaceable cartridge houses the gels and the gel delivery components. Also described herein are dispensers for storing and dispensing conductive gels that can be readily applied to and removed from an electrode.

Abstract: A method for obtaining an incision in an embossing roller using a hob, with a low-cost technique that enables protuberances that are rounded on top to be obtained, which improve the quality of the embossed material and reduce the wear of the mechanical components of the embossing units. The shape of the protuberances is obtained by machining the cylindrical surface of the roller that is placed between the tailstocks of the lathe using a hob that has teeth, the profile of which in cross-sectional view is complementary to that of the cross-section of the protuberances illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows schematically in cross-sectional view a portion of the surface of the roller with protuberances in the machining step and a portion of the hob with the teeth that are generating the grooves that define the side faces of the protuberances. As seen in FIG. 6A, the grooves between the teeth of the hob have a profile that is curvilinear in a cross-sectional view.

Abstract: A gluing device of an end edge of a log in a machine for producing logs, wherein logs (14) delivered from being formed are fed on an inclined surface (13) disposed under an upper conveyor belt (17) towards a suction roller (18), connected to a vacuum source, the gluing device having a glue applicator (23, 24) disposed downstream of the suction roller (18), in which device the glue applicator comprises a glue picking up member (24) in a container below (23), which can move engaged between a position immersed in the glue and a position engaged with an end edge (19) of a log (14) disposed unwound on the suction roller (18).

Abstract: In one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided for preparing a cassette spool. The apparatus includes: a supply reel for supplying and unrolling tape material on original backing paper; at least one cutting member for cutting unrolled tape material while on original backing paper; at least one removing member for removing uncut unrolled tape material from original backing paper; an identification member for identifying on unrolled original backing paper a start of unrolled cut tape material; and a cassette spool for rolling up unrolled cut tape material on original backing paper. In further embodiments, methods are provided for preparing a cassette spool with cut tape material on original backing paper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, an apparatus, a system and a light guide, in particular a backlighting, or front lighting light guide for user interfaces of electronic devices. To allow mass-production at low costs, it is proposed that a light guiding substrate is provided as a continuous foil, and that diffractive gratings are embossed on at least one side of the foil by rolling.

Abstract: A method of labeling of a container including a medication includes, in at least one embodiment, reducing the size of the label using a label apparatus and reducing the label size using the label apparatus, applying a surface securing adhesive to at least one surface securing section of the label using an adhesive application apparatus, and attaching the at least one surface securing section of the label to the container with the securing adhesive. The method also includes applying a label securing adhesive to the label to maintain the label in the reduced orientation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high release nip roll assembly comprising a nip roll with a covering comprising a high release material. The release properties of the nip roll material can permit intermittent contact without the coating adhering to the surface of the roller and wrapping the nip. Also disclosed is a high release nip roll belt is made of a high release material on the top and bottom surfaces of the belt. The belt can be positioned at each end of a nip roll so that areas of the nip roll typically vulnerable to molten thermoplastic material contact are protected by a belt. Also disclosed is a belt making apparatus. Also disclosed is a frame assembly for moving a belt longitudinally along a nip roll. Also disclosed is a rope guide assembly for threading a belt in relation to a nip roll and at least at least one belt roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a rolled article has a rotary supporting mechanism for rotatably supporting opposite ends of a photosensitive roll, an end drawing mechanism for drawing a sheet end of the photosensitive roll to a prescribed length, a pressing mechanism for supporting opposite surfaces of the sheet end, and an applying mechanism for applying a joint tape to the sheet end supported by the pressing mechanism in a transverse direction of the photosensitive roll.

Abstract: A system and method for wrapping fabric around a mandrel including providing a drum of fabric and a mandrel, removing a portion of the fabric from the drum and securing the fabric to the mandrel, rotating the mandrel such that the fabric wraps around the mandrel, and applying pressure to the fabric as the fabric is being wrapped around the mandrel to consolidate the fabric about the mandrel.

Abstract: A device for the metered distribution of glue on an end edge of a log, a log or a core for log comprising a feed (26) for logs (19) or cores (25) towards a wire (12) wound in a closed circuit on at least two end pulleys (13), at least one of which is continuously rotated by a gearmotor (14), a means for the delivery of glue under pressure (30, 40) located above said wire (12) in a position upstream of a wire branch designed to release a strip (21) of glue on an end edge (18) of a log (19), a log (19) or a core (25) for log, in addition to an element (15) for recovery of the glue (20) arranged below a return branch of the wire.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a wet roll including a body of a roll of wet wound sheet material, where the body of the roll is connected to a tail of the roll, means for applying an adhesion promoter between the body and the tail and means for contacting the body and the tail. The body and tail of the roll contain a wetting solution.

Abstract: A label wrapper assembly for wrapping a label on an elongated object. The assembly includes a support frame having a first wall spaced from a second wall. A wrapper frame is interposed between the first and second walls, and has a first end and a second end. The wrapper frame includes an opening for receiving the elongated object extending through the wrapper frame between the first and second ends, wherein the wrapper frame revolves around the elongated object to wrap a label thereon. In one embodiment, the first end is rotatably mounted to only one of the first and second walls, and the second end is adjacent to the other of the first and second walls. In another embodiment, a clamp mechanism is mounted to each of the walls, wherein each of the clamp mechanisms clamp onto the elongated object extending through the wrapper frame to hold the elongated object as the wrapper frame revolves around the elongated object.

Abstract: A label wrapper block assembly for mounting in a rotatably mounted wrapper frame in a label wrapper assembly includes a base having opposing ends joined by a top surface and a bottom surface. A channel extends between the ends in the top surface for receiving an object being wrapped by the label wrapper assembly. At least one biasing member is extendible into the channel for urging the label against the object received in the channel. In one embodiment, the at least one biasing member is a flexible material stretched across the base top surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for winding filament to create a structure. In one embodiment, the invention includes the application of filament to a rotating mandrel to create a desired shape. The invention includes the filament winding of both simple and complex shapes.

Abstract: A gluing unit for one terminal edge of a log and a method applicable inside a machine for the realisation of a log, in which the logs (14) coming from a rewinding machine are fed towards a gluing unit (11) comprising in sequence a lower unwinding roller (16), and a upper feeder belt (17, 26), and immediately downstream of the unwinding roller (16) at least one section of a sloping plane surface (21, 23) of a pre-established length, followed by a vacuum suction roller (24) above which is positioned an upper roller (25), and then a glue distributor (27), an element (19) being envisaged above the unwinding roller (16) which blows on a terminal edge (29) of the log (14) and underneath a photocell (20) to detect the final edge (21), an evacuation surface (34) for the glued log being envisaged, wherein the log fed by the unwinding roller (16) is placed with the position of the free end out of alignment by an angle (?) according to the log diameter and the pre-established length of the sloped surface section (21, 23

Abstract: New processes and apparatus for forming lap seams and making prefastened disposable absorbent articles are disclosed. The apparatus can include an interior folding mechanism adapted to position a first panel in an interior position and an exterior folding mechanism adapted to position a second panel in an exterior position relative to the interior position. The interior folding mechanism can include a mandrel defining a curved peripheral surface and an interior forming shoulder in proximity to the mandrel. A fluid pressure device can establish an air flow between the mandrel and the interior forming shoulder. The forming shoulder can modify the direction of the air flow as the first panel travels in a machine direction to increasingly fold the panel over the curved peripheral surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a tube construct from a planar sheet matrix includes a stand supporting two opposing mounts and spanning between the opposing mounts are a mandrel, a porous rod, and a spring-loaded roller held in parallel arrangement; a guide for aligning and engaging the mandrel on the opposing mounts; and a means for imparting a tangential force on the planar sheet matrix to prevent wrinkling. The porous rod has a lumen running its length and has pores that communicate between the lumen of the porous rod through to the surface of the rod for water to uniformly pass through. The spring-loaded roller runs along the length of the porous rod creating a line of contact between the roller and the mandrel. The mandrel is contacted with a planar sheet of matrix and is rotated such that successive portions of the matrix contact the porous rod and become lightly moistened by the water passing through the pores of the porous rod and become wrapped around the mandrel to form a tube construct.

Abstract: Rolls easy to be produced are provided. The invention provides a roll which is composed of a main tape cylindrically wound up. The main tape is provided with a first and second holes, respectively, in its winding terminating position and winding initiating position. First and second adhesive tapes are stuck over the holes, respectively. In the bottoms of the first and second holes, adhesive layers of the first and second adhesive tapes are exposed. Therefore, the main tape is stuck on a core at its winding initiating position and on the roll itself at its winding terminating position. Information may be printed on a surface of the first adhesive tape.

Abstract: A pair of rollers (2), constituting the seat and the traction means for the formwork (3) to be reinforced, are established on a bench (1). A pair of upper pressure rollers (12) act, at the same time, on the formwork. On the same bench (1) there are also placed, laterally with respect to the formwork (3), a pair of longitudinal guides (15) for the movement, in parallel to the formwork (3) of a carriage (14) wearing the fiberglass mesh delivering reel (13), said reel (13) being furthermore mounted on the carriage (14) with the possibility to rotate around the vertical axis, in order to vary the orientation of the fiberglass mesh with respect to the formwork (3).

Abstract: A process and system for applying an adhesive to a core during the production of rolled paper products is disclosed. The system of the present invention is generally directed to the use of pumping devices that meter out constant volumetric amounts of an adhesive onto a core through a plurality of adhesive applicators simultaneously. The systems includes, for instance, a positive displacement pump system in which a fluid at substantially constant pressure is fed to a pumping device for dispensing the adhesive to a plurality of adhesive applicators in constant volumetric amounts.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a roll of contaminant removal tape and methods of forming rolls of contaminant removal tape. The apparatus includes a turret assembly having a first winding cylinder, a first vacuum source providing vacuum to the first winding cylinder, and a web breaking assembly moveable between a first web breaking assembly position and a second web breaking assembly position. The web breaking assembly includes a blade, which is moveable between a first blade position and a second blade position.

Abstract: A stay-in-place method of manufacturing a composite form that is used to provide a strong and durable concrete structure. The form includes a composite shell having an inner wall surface defining an enclosure into which concrete may be poured and allowed to harden. The composite shell may be made of one or several layers of fabric having a resin matrix impregnated therein. The concrete hardens to form a concrete core within the enclosure and a liner is affixed to the inner wall surface of the composite shell to protect the composite shell from alkalinity in the concrete core. The liner includes at least one sheet of a water-impermeable material to protect the concrete core from water and other corrosive elements. The fabric layers are selected such that the fibers elongate as the concrete is poured into the enclosure due to a weight of the concrete and partially shrink back to compensate for shrinkage of the concrete as the concrete dries to form the concrete core.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to fabricate a photosensitive drum for an image forming apparatus. The apparatus includes a photosensitive belt supply roll and a double-sided tape supply roll; a bonding unit to bond a photosensitive belt and a double-sided tape together; a cutting unit to cut the bonded photosensitive belt and double-sided tape at a predetermined length from a double-sided tape cover; a rotating unit to rotate the cut photosensitive belt and double-sided tape around a rotary drum having a predetermined size; and a winding unit to wind the double-sided tape cover which is separated from the photosensitive belt and the double-sided tape. An inexpensive photosensitive belt is wound on a large-sized rotary drum by applying tension. Thus, it is possible to mass-produce the photosensitive drum at a low cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for taping long objects (2) using tape (3) from a spool (4). The device (1) comprises a radial bearing ring (5) wherein a rotating inner part (6) is arranged. The radial bearing ring (5) is associated with a cut-out section (7) and the inner part (6) is associated with a radial side recess (8). On one side, the inner part (6) has a tape receiver (9) which is approximately centrically arranged and which is connected to a pendulum bearing (10) in a perpendicular manner with respect to the recess (8).

Abstract: An apparatus for decorating an object with the heat-transfer label of a heat-transfer label assembly includes a decorating unit for applying the heat-transfer label onto the object during an extended period of decoration a conveying mechanism for continuously, rotationally advancing and supporting the object during the extended period of decoration. The decorating unit includes a preheater for heating the heat-transfer label assembly before the period of decoration, a generally flat, heated contact plate which is adapted to pivot so as to continuously urge the heat-transfer label into contact with the object throughout the extended period of decoration and a transport assembly for advancing the heat-transfer label assembly from the preheater to the heated contact plate. The heated contact plate includes a rubber layer constructed of an 80 durometer silicone and a 0.10 inches thick, TEFLON fiberglass cloth covering mounted on the rubber layer.

Abstract: A gluing unit for one terminal edge of a log and a method applicable inside a machine for the realisation of a log, in which the logs (14) coming from a rewinding machine are fed towards a gluing unit (11) comprising in sequence a lower unwinding roller (16), and a upper feeder belt (17, 26), and immediately downstream of the unwinding roller (16) at least one section of a sloping plane surface (21, 23) of a pre-established length, followed by a vacuum suction roller (24) above which is positioned an upper roller (25), and then a glue distributor (27), an element (19) being envisaged above the unwinding roller (16) which blows on a terminal edge (29) of the log (14) and underneath a photocell (20) to detect the final edge (21), an evacuation surface (34) for the glued log being envisaged, wherein the log fed by the unwinding roller (16) is placed with the position of the free end out of alignment by an angle (&agr;) according to the log diameter and the pre-established length of the sloped surface section (21

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a press fabric for a paper machine includes the attachment of a strip of top laminate layer material to a base fabric using a heat-activated adhesive film. The top laminate layer material may be a woven fabric, a nonwoven mesh, or a thermoplastic sheet material, and, in any case, has the heat-activated adhesive film bonded to one of its two sides. The strip of top laminate layer material and heat-activated adhesive film together form a multi-component strip, which is spiralled onto the outer surface of the base fabric, with the side of the strip of top laminate layer material having the heat-activated adhesive film against the outer surface, in a closed helix, and bonded thereto with heat and pressure. The portions of the multi-component strip overhanging the lateral edges of the base fabric are then trimmed, and a staple fiber batt is needled into and through the top laminate layer formed by the multi-component strip to firmly attach it to the base fabric.

Abstract: An apparatus for rewinding paper into rolls discontinuously without stopping unwinding comprising an unwinding device of at least two plies of paper arranged in series with an embossing device of the at least two plies and with a rereeling machine which stops when a log is completed, wherein a gluing device of the at least two plies of paper and an build up device of the at least two glued plies for feeding the rereeling machine are associated with the embossing device, with it being foreseen that the build up device is actuated at each stopping of the rereeling machine for all of the time taken to discharge a finished log and for the insertion of a core so that the devices upstream of the rereeling machine do not stop and thus the flow of paper is not interrupted.

Abstract: A web winding apparatus comprises one or more wind mandrels (3) each supported for rotation about its central axis, and a core forming apparatus (1) for forming a core on the or on each mandrel (3) in turn from a continuous web (5) of gummed material. The core forming apparatus (1) comprises means (6) for presenting the free end of the continuous web (5) to a winding mandrel (3), means for rotating the winding mandrel about its central axis to cause the web (5) to wrap around the winding mandrel (3), means (10) for applying water to the web (10) to activate the adhesive and thereby bond together the layers of paper wrapped on the winding mandrel (3) and means for cutting the continuous web from the core when the core has reached a predetermined diameter.

Abstract: Gluing unit of a tail end of a log fitted in a load-bearing structure (12) of a machine to produce logs, in which the structure (12) comprises an inclined surface (13) for feeding logs (14) and in which fitted at the end of the inclined surface (13) is a rotating selector (15), equipped with a series of pockets (15a), to receive individual logs (14) and feed these towards an actual gluing unit (11). This gluing unit (11) comprises in succession a lower unwinding roller (16) and an upper conveyor belt (17) and, moreover, immediately downstream of the unwinding roller (16) a feed roller (18) followed by a suction roller (19), connected to a vacuum source, and a glue dispensing device (20), and also provided above the unwinding roller (16) and feed roller (18) with a blowing component (27) to blow a final end (21) of the log (14) and a photocell (28) which interacts to detect the final end (21) of the log (14).

Abstract: A device and method for the manufacture of medical devices, specifically, endovascular grafts, or sections thereof. Layers of fusible material are disposed upon a shape forming member and seams formed between the layers in a configuration that can produce inflatable channels in desired portions of the graft. After creation of the seams, the fusible material of the inflatable channels may be fixed while the channels are in an expanded state. A five axis robotic seam forming apparatus may be used to create the seams in the layers of fusible material.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing composite webs including a substrate with one or more reinforcing discrete polymeric regions located on or within the composite web are disclosed. Molten nonelastomeric thermoplastic material of the discrete polymeric region is forced against the substrate by a transfer roll. If the substrate is porous, fibrous, etc., a portion of the nonelastomeric thermoplastic composition may infiltrate the substrate and/or encapsulate fibers of the substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a golf club shaft with a bent angular tip using a straight and non-flexible main shaft body mandrel and a secondary tip mandrel disposed at an angle therewith.

Abstract: A frame, a drive mechanism for rotating a mandrel, at least two spindles mounted to the frame, a tensioner, and a belt extending between the first and second spindles may be used to roll pre-preg strips or similar sheets of composite materials around the mandrel. The belt travels over the spindles, and the spindles guide the belt through changes in its direction of travel. The mandrel is mounted in the drive mechanism in contact with the belt, which changes its direction of travel around the mandrel. The lower surface of the belt bears against upper portions of the spindles, and the mandrel contacts the upper surface of the belt. As the drive mechanism rotates the mandrel, pre-preg sheets are fed between the mandrel and the belt and are thereby wrapped around the mandrel. The belt presses the pre-preg sheets against the mandrel. The wrapped mandrel may then be removed from the apparatus and cured in any suitable manner known in the art to produce a composite tubular article.