Abstract: A web width control apparatus for controlling the ratio between web width change and web thickness change during a web length varying operation in a web transport system of the type including a moving web of relatively extensible maerial having a series of repeat length portions therealong which are designed to be presented at a web processing station at a preselected constant design length value and in which each said repeat length portion is subject to stretching or shrinking in length depending upon the tension provided in the region of the web in which said repeat length portion is positioned; and further including a first set of nip rolls operable at a selected surface velocity and a second set of nip rolls operable at a selectively variable surface velocity with respect to the surface velocity of said first set of rolls for causing relative length change in a web portion positioned therebetween for adjustably maintaining the respect length portions of the web at said predetermined design length value at

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for securing together overlapping portions of a thermoplastic strap loop around an object. The overlapping strap portions are forced together in face-to-face contact under pressure. During or before the step of forcing the strap portions together, the energy in the strap portions is increased so as to melt at least a part of the thickness of each strap portion at the interface region. One embodiment of the method also includes forming a plurality of cavities that are distributed across the width of the molten parts adjacent the ends of the molten parts and that are surrounded by the molten parts. The step of increasing the energy is then terminated, and the strap portions at the interface region subsequently solidify, to encapsulate the cavities and form the welded joint.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for applying a tensioned elastic ribbon or ribbons transversely of a moving web or material. It is particularly well adapted for applying elastic to the waist zones of disposable diapers moving continuously in an end-to-end assembly. The apparatus has a supporting frame with a shaft providing an axis of rotation for at least one rotatable radial arm. A polygonal head is mounted at the end of each arm. This has a number of peripheral edges with clamps or vacuum orifices for holding a tensioned strand or strands of elastic ribbon. A drive rotates the radial arms and a rotating mechanism moves the heads (360/n).degree. for each full rotation of the radial arms where n is equal to the number of peripheral faces on the head. An anvil acts against the head at the time of application of the tensioned elastic to the moving web. The web is passed between the head and the anvil along a path describing a chord or tangent of the circle of rotation of the radial arms.

Abstract: This invention is generally accomplished by providing continuous self-adhesive strands of elastic to a substrate having retractable supports extending therefrom. The retractable supports in a convex pattern are contracted with the self-adhering elastic and the substrate bearing the elastic and supports is brought into contact with the web to which the elastic is to be transferred. The series of supports around which the elastic contacts are forced to retract as the self-adhering elastic is pressed against the web causing the elastic to transfer to the substrate thereby creating an elastic band on the substrate. In a preferred form the substrate is fed two strips of self-adhering elastic that are applied on each side of a series of a convex pattern of pins and then pressed together around opposing sides of the convex pattern of pins to seal the elastic to itself and sever the elastic, creating a contoured closed loop around the pins.

Abstract: A laminating device for laminating a continuous web of paper material to a continuous web of film material for forming a continuous web of laminated composite material at a laminating nip. Apparatus for dividing the paper web into at least two segregated tension zones upstream of the laminating nip and for dividing the composite web into at least two segregated tension zones downstream of the laminating nip are described. Control systems for monitoring and maintaining the tension in each tension zone at different, preset values, are also described.

Abstract: A foil applicator for applying decorative film from transfer foil to contoured edges, contoured serpentine edges and other edges of workpieces.The applicator includes a transport block having a face of substantially the same contour as the edge of the work piece with a heating means for the transport block, and a hammering means having a face of substantially the same contour as the edge of the work piece and being in close proximity to the transport block.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for bonding an elastic ribbon (51) under tension to a plastics web (10) along a curved path thereon with the aid of an adhesive, in the manufacture of diapers or like articles. The ribbon is introduced into a given cured path on a cylindrical drum (15). Arranged in the given path are suction openings which communicate with a suction source and are effective in holding the ribbon firmly by suction along the whole of its length, therewith preventing the ribbon from sliding relative to the drum and the plastics web and from twisting or tilting on the drum despite the tension in the ribbon. Means (89) are provided for breaking the connection between the suction openings and the suction source as the suction openings pass the end point of a given distance on the drum (15).

Abstract: The starting material consists of a multistrand elastic tape (7) which is fed by the apparatus (11) and then separated by the successive separators (20, 24, 30, 31, 32, 33) into two arrays (35, 36) of four individual elastic strands. Each individual strand passes into a longitudinal groove of an adhesive application unit (37, 38), the strands passing out completely coated with hot melt liquid adhesive at high temperature. Adhesive bonding to the flexible sheet (1) moving in the direction of the arrows (2) is effected as soon as contact is made with the said sheet.A diaper pantie is obtained which on each side of the absorbent pad has a plurality of elastic strands disposed side by side.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for securing together overlapping portions of a thermoplastic strap loop around an object. After the strap is fed to form the loop, the upper strap portion is restrained while pulling the strap trailing portion to tension the loop. Lengths of the upper and lower strap portions are then gripped together in face-to-face contact to hold the loop in tension. The trailing portion is severed from the loop lower strap portion, and the restraint of the upper strip portion is terminated. A heating member is extended between the upper and lower strap portions in a direction generally parallel to the strap length. The upper and lower strap portions are pressed against the heating member to melt regions of the strap. The heating member is withdrawn, and the melted regions are pressed together as the melted regions solidify to form a joint. Included in the apparatus are coacting first and second gripper means, an anvil, a cutter, and a heating member.

Abstract: A method of automatically applying a separate label to each object conveyed past a labelling station by initially separating each label from a carrier strip comprised of first and second parallel carrier strip portions having a plurality of labels spaced therealong, each label being releasably adhered to both said first and second carrier strip portions.

Abstract: Uniform lengths of elastic tape are secured to a continuously advancing mrial web, for example, to make baby diapers. First an intermittently advancing tape is repeatedly gathered, for example, by laying tape sections into a depression of defined dimensions, to relieve the tape sections of any stretching. This assures tape sections of uniform length which are then stretched, cut and applied to the material web, for example, by an adhesive bonding. The apparatus used for performing these steps has several cooperating rollers of which the first has the depressions in its surface and is rotated intermittently while the second roller is rotated continuously. The spacings between neighboring tape sections bonded to the web preferably have a uniform length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding and tensioning strap in a strapping machine is provided. The apparatus includes a rotatable feed wheel and means for rotating the feed wheel, a first pinch roll associated with the feed wheel, and a first strap pressing means for moving the pinch roll between a strap engaging position and a position wherein the strap is not engaged. Also provided is a rotatable take-up wheel and means for rotating the take-up wheel in a direction opposite to the feed wheel rotation. A second pinch roll is provided adjacent the take-up wheel and is movable between a first position for engaging the strap and a second position wherein the strap not engaged. A high tension member is mounted for rotation between the feed wheel and take-up wheel. The high tension member defines a slot for accommodating the strap and defines a strap engaging surface on the periphery of the high tension member at an end of the slot.

Abstract: An apparatus which successively and incontinuous action ensures the winding of bands from skeins, the retraction of the unwound bands, the drying of the retracted bands, and the winding by predetermined lengths, with checking of the quality of the possible variations of the lengths.

Abstract: This invention deals with a machine or method for transferring decalcomania (decals) from a rolled carrier web or strip to a series of articles. The machine supports a supply reel containing the web and transports the web from the supply reel through a photo sensitive indexing assembly, past a decal applying pressure roller assembly, to a take-up tensioning roller powered by a motor for driving the web. The photoelectric or other appropriate device actuates the release of a brake or other holding means from a web clamping position so that a decal on the web is placed in position for transfer to an article. The web tensioning mechanism is provided to hold the web under tension during application of a decal. A photo cell assembly may be operated to adjust the position of the web so that successive decals are precisely at the transfer position.

Abstract: A laminating apparatus for laminating plastic film material to a paper backing material to form a laminated composite. The apparatus comprises mechanical stretch control means for controlling the stretch or relaxation of the film material prior to lamination with the paper material. The apparatus also comprises means for monitoring the amount of film stretch in the laminated composite and providing data therefrom to a data processing unit which provides control signals to operate the mechanical stretch controlling means. Speed control means are additionally provided for each of the paper supply means, film supply means and composite web take up means.

Abstract: A plywood is manufactured by applying an aqueous plywood adhesive fluid to the peripheral surface of a heating roll rotating at a given speed by means of a roll coater to form an adhesive fluid film, drying the adhesive fluid film into a tacky-dry film while it is carried on the surface of the heating roll, stripping the tacky-dry adhesive film from the roll surface by pulling it under tension with or without the aid of a stripping knife, interposing the adhesive film between a pair of veneers, and pressing the veneers to each other to bond them.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously and efficiently producing bouffant caps, the arrangement comprising a section for supporting and supplying a thin band-like material wound in roll form, a laying section for laying stretchable linear elements in stretched condition on opposite sides of the band-like material being continuously payed out from the supply section, a welding section for integrally attaching the laid stretchable linear elements to the band-like material, a zigzag folding section for widthwise zigzag folding the band-like material having said stretchable linear elements welded thereto, a fixed length seal section for welding at regular intervals the stretchable linear elements laid on the opposite sides of the zigzag folded material, and a cutter section for cutting the material at the middle of each weld region.

Abstract: An automatic bundle-tying tool has a compact housing with a pair of curved pincer-shaped jaws, one of which pivots outward to accommodate a bundle of wires or similar elongated objects, and then pivots inward to abut the other, fixed jaw. Plastic tying tape drawn from a storage spool is fed around the tape guide groove formed on the internal surface of each of the mating jaws, encircling the bundle. A pair of thin tapered anvils clamp the overlapped tape against the tip of an ultrasonic welding transducer, and a reverse feed mechanism draws the tape tight around the bundle while slack tape is re-wound on the storage spool by a resilient spring biased spool hub. After ultrasonic welding, automatic spring-driven linkages unclamp and withdraw the anvils, sever the tied bundle from the tape supply and open the movable jaw to release the tied bundle. A preferred embodiment is lightweight, portable and easy to operate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding together a plurality of juxtaposed webs which are subject to being ultrasonically bonded together to form a laminate as the webs are being driven forward at a relatively high velocity. The regions of the webs to be bonded are subjected to progressively increasing compressive forces while simultaneously being subjected to ultrasonic energy as they traverse an elongate portion of a predetermined path at a predetermined velocity. After the regions are ultrasonically bonded they may be subjected to another compression prior to the bonds becoming fully set upon cooling. The method may be practiced in an apparatus which includes an ultrasonic horn and an anvil which are configured and disposed to define a bonding passageway having an elongate convergent portion; and the apparatus may include a pressure roll biased towards the anvil adjacent the downstream end of the passageway.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for attaching a continuously moving elastic ribbon to a continuously moving web such that only selected discrete areas of a finished conformable garment fabricated from the web are elasticized. The web is moved into engagement with a continuously moving first conveyor means having a plurality of spaced apart gaps in its surface and the first conveyor means travels along an inclined guide means toward a second conveyor means traveling opposite to and in the same direction as the first conveyor means. The second conveyor means carries a plurality of spaced apart web tucking means which are moved by the second conveyor means into registry with the gaps in the first conveyor means. As each of the web tuck means move in registry with the gaps, the web tuck means are inserted into the gaps to form tucks in the web due to the movement of the first conveyor means toward the second conveyor means.

Abstract: A laminating apparatus for laminating extensible plastic film material to a paper backing material to form a laminated composite. The apparatus comprises mechanical stretch control means for controlling the stretch or relaxation of the film material prior to lamination with the paper material. The apparatus also comprises means for monitoring the amount of film stretch in the laminated composite and providing data therefrom to a data processing unit which provides control signals to operate the mechanical stretch controlling means.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for forming soft, bulky absorbent webs including thermoplastic fibers. The web is bonded under conditions that heat the thermoplastic fibers to produce web bonding while avoiding direct contact with the heat source. The apparatus includes a pair of foraminous belts or wires between which the web or webs to be bonded are enclosed. The construction of the foraminous wires and belts is selected to produce the desired degree of bonding and yet maintain separation between the subsequently applied heat source and the web or webs. The combination of the web and belts or wires is then directed under tension to a heat source which may be, for example, a series of heated cans, and the opposite sides of the combination are alternately contacted by the surfaces. After heating, the web is allowed to cool and retains its bonded configuration determined by the structure of the wires or belts and the content of the web.

Abstract: This invention comprises pleating a fabric, securing an elastic member in a relaxed state to the pleated fabric and then removing the pleats from the fabric. On removing the pleats, the elastic member is stretched to provide elastic areas in the previously pleated portions and non-elastic areas in the previously unpleated portions of the fabric.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the continuous or intermittent securing of a moving elastic member or band to a moving web or webs of disposable diaper components and the like, wherein at least one component is provided with an alternating sequence of stretchable or elastic portions and non-stretchable, inelastic portions along its length.

Abstract: A rubber sheet bonding apparatus useable particularly in forming tires, for supplying an unvulcanized rubber sheet (11) to a forming drum (1) to bond it around the outer peripheral surface of the drum (1) and to form a joint at a portion along the periphery thereof so that the rubber sheet (11) is formed cylindrical, in which in order to prevent incomplete joints due to contraction of the rubber sheet (11), the front portion of the rubber sheet (11) is stretched by a given amount and after that, the rubber sheet (11) is supplied to the drum (1) and wound around a major portion of the entire periphery of the drum (1), and then the trailing rubber sheet portion is cut such that the trailing rubber sheet portion is equal in length to the remaining portion of the periphery of the drum.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the continuous or intermittent securing of a moving elastic member or band to a moving web or webs of disposable diaper components and the like, wherein at least one component is provided with an alternating sequence of stretchable or elastic portions and non-stretchable, inelastic portions along its length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for elasticizing the leg areas of disposable diapers is disclosed. Portions of a continuously moving elastic ribbon are attached to a continuously moving web at spaced apart locations along the length of the web corresponding to the leg areas of a finished diapers. The web is moved over at least one arcuate surface and the portions of the ribbon that are not attached to the web are drawn through a slot in the surface so that the unattached ribbon portions separate from the web and travel a shorter path than the web. While the unattached portions of the ribbon are passing through the slot, they are clamped intermediate their ends by clamping means. While the unattached ribbon portions are held clamped, they are cut at their ends by cutting means.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacturing a laminated panel wherein a plurality of layers are laminated together under heat and pressure in a press having upper and lower platens, the uppermost layer being a thin film of fluoroplastics material. The film is suspended from the upper platen and stretched in a substantially horizontal plane spaced therefrom, the press thereupon being closed to press the film into contact with the adjacent layers of the laminate. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a laminating press having upper and lower platens, and rolls positioned outside of the press and adjacent the ends of the upper platen for suspending a film of fluoroplastics material longitudinally beneath the upper platen.

Abstract: A machine for folding and gluing a continuous web in high speed operation. A continuous web which has solidified glue thereon in selected regions is folded. Heat is applied to the folded web to melt the glue, particularly in specific areas of the folded web. Pressure is applied to the specific areas to urge together the folded portions of the web and the melted glue therebetween. Then the folded web travels between heat transfer members which rapidly cool the folded web and the glue between folded portions thereof. Thus, the glue is solidified and the folded portions are firmly adhesively attached together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for elasticizing the leg areas of disposable diapers is disclosed. A continuously moving elastic ribbon is attached to a continuously moving web at spaced apart locations along the length of the web corresponding to the leg areas of a finished diaper. The web is moved over an arcuate surface and the portion of the ribbon that is not attached to the web is drawn through a gap in the surface so that the unattached ribbon portion separates from the web and travels a shorter path than the web. While the web and unattached ribbon portion are separated, the unattached ribbon portion is cut so that only the ribbon portion attached to the web will have an elasticization effect on the finished diapers.

Abstract: An improved elastic leg disposable diaper and process for manufacturing same; wherein the diaper includes elastic strips extending and being secured to the diaper continuously along the full length of the outside longitudinal edges of the diaper and wherein the elastic strips are secured in the crotch area in stretched elastically-contractible condition forming gathered and extendible side portions in the crotch area for elastic compliance of such side portions to the legs of the wearer.

Abstract: The label indexing and applicator apparatus of the present invention includes laminating means for bonding labels in a controlled index from a rolled strip of flexible and stretchable label stock to a surface of a substrate to form a laminate. The apparatus includes means for unrolling the strip label stock at a tension less than the tension sufficient to impart any substantial longitudinal stretch thereto. Electric motor brake means are connected to and drive one of the nip rollers to grippingly drive the strip label stock therethrough at a controlled linear speed which is less than the pulling speed thereby to effect tension sufficient to impart a longitudinal stretch of controlled magnitude on the strip label stock. Control means are connected to the sensor means and the electric motor brake for receiving detection signals and for controlling and varying the drive speed of the electric motor brake.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making toothed belts and toothed belt made using such method and apparatus are provided wherein the belt is made primarily of polymeric material and is comprised of at least parts of a plurality of successive turns of a single helically wound toothed strip wherein the turns are bonded together in adjoining side-by-side relation and the toothed belt has improved teeth comprised of teeth initially provided in the single toothed strip by compressed, displaced, and reshaped portions of hot strip means of substantially self-supporting quadrilateral cross-sectional configuration employed to define such single strip.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making electrical phase insulators for dynamoelectric machines are disclosed wherein a phase insulator includes two spaced apart planar portions formed of an insulating material interconnected by at least one connector made of an insulating material. First and second strips of planar insulating material are supplied and positioned at spaced apart locations at a securing station. At least one strip of connector material is supplied to a conditioning station and stretched for elongating and assuring straightness of the at least one connector strip. The stretching of the connector material is accomplished by gripping a second section of the connector strip at a location longitudinally spaced apart from a gripped first section and relatively moving the first and second sections thereby elongating a confined portion of the connector material located between the first and second sections.

Abstract: A pair of laminating rolls are respectively connected to a first and a second actuating arm themselves pivotally mounted to a slotted actuating link. The link is itself pivotally mounted to a single actuator. The link is arranged such that opening and closing forces are simultaneously applied to the arms to open and close the laminating rolls.

Abstract: A heat treating roll for heating selected spaced areas of stretched thermoplastic elastomeric material so as to "kill" the elastic properties of the heat treated areas wherein insulated arcuate shoes are disposed in grooves in the roll with an air space between the shoes and the bottoms of the grooves and with the outer surface of the shoes disposed radially outward from the ungrooved surface of the roll so that the insulated shoes are pressed by companion chill roll while the heated surfaces of the roll are not and the elastic material is transferred from the nip between the heated roll and the chill roll to stabilize the elastic/inelastic properties of the heat treated elastomeric ribbons.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making electrical phase insulators for dynamoelectric machines are disclosed wherein a phase insulator includes two spaced apart planar portions formed of an insulating material interconnected by at least one connector made of an insulating material. First and second strips of planar insulating material are supplied and positioned at spaced apart locations at a securing station. At least one strip of connector material is supplied to a conditioning station and stretched for elongating and assuring straightness of the at least one connector strip. The stretching of the connector material is accomplished by gripping a second section of the connector strip at a location longitudinally spaced apart from a gripped first section and relatively moving the first and second sections thereby elongating a confined portion of the connector material located between the first and second sections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming a strap loop and securing it about an article. The strap free end is pressed against a guide surface and moved in a path to form a primary strap loop while permitting the primary strap loop to twist off of the guide surface. With the free end of the strap held against further movement, the trailing portion of the strap is fed to expand the loop to a predetermined larger size. The article is inserted in the loop and the trailing portion of the strap is withdrawn to tighten the loop about the package. The trailing portion of the strap is severed from the tightened strap loop and the overlapping portions of the strap are sealed by a friction-fusion weld.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting elastic strips into elastic leg diapers wherein elastic strips are adhesively secured continuously along the crotch area and in relaxed condition along the waist areas including a mechanism for feeding a continuous strip of elastic at a constant rate, a mechanism for feeding a continuous sheet of diaper material at a constant rate, and an oscillating arm for guiding the sheet of diaper material and inducing periodic variations in the velocity or distance of the diaper material with respect to the elastic feeding mechanism, thereby alternately stretching and relaxing predetermined lengths of continuous elastic strips as they are adhesively secured to the diaper material.

Abstract: A tape-applying apparatus (10) is advanced toward a body (15) upon which a strip of tape (16) is to be applied to urge a plurality of stitching rollers (72,74) against the body (15). Further advancing of the apparatus (10) will move an applicator roller (42) and the end of the tape (16) into engagement with the body (15). As the body (15) is moved past the tape-applying apparatus (10), the tape (16) is pulled over the applicator roller (42) and is stitched to the body (15) by the stitching rollers (72,74). When sufficient tape (16) has been applied, the housing (20) of the tape-applying apparatus (10) is urged away from the body (15) which moves the applicator roller (42) out of contact with the body (15). A brake apparatus (94) on the housing (20) is activated by a cam recess (80) on the holders (50) for some of the stitching rollers (72). The brake apparatus (94) engages the applicator roller (42) to arrest further feeding of tape (16) to the body (15).

Abstract: A method of continuously making a composite tape transducer consisting of the steps of electrically charging dielectric layers on opposite sides of a conductive inner strip to form electrets, applying wider outer laminates symmetrically to opposite sides of the electret-covered inner strip and sealing together the marginal edge portions of the outer laminates to enclose the electret-covered inner strip.

Abstract: To make diapers having elasticized regions, unstretched segments of elastic ribbon are deposited on a first rotating roll which has vacuum holes in its periphery for attracting the body of a segment and a mechanical element for temporarily securing one end. The first roll rotates segments successively to a place adjacent a second roll which has a larger radius and, hence, higher peripheral velocity than the first roll. The second roll has grippers spaced apart by an amount substantially equal to the desired stretched length of the segments. The leading end of each segment on the first roll is engaged by a gripper on the second higher speed roll so the segment stretches after which a lifter on the first roll releases the trailing end for it to be engaged by a gripper to hold the stretched segment on the second roll. Quick setting glue is applied to the stretched segments and the top porous sheet material comprising the diaper is run in contact with the segments to pick them up.

Abstract: A tensioning device for the take-up roll in an automatic laminating apparatus is characterized by a clutch member attached to the roll, the clutch member having a clutch material thereon biased into an abutting interface with respect to a drive member. The drive member is rotated at a first predetermined angular velocity. The clutch material continuously slips along the interface with the drive member to impart a second, lesser, angular velocity.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically filling a vehicle tire bead-core with an elastomeric filler having one or more drums, for encasing the bead-core in which the filler is applied when the drum rotates around its own axis.The apparatus is provided with means suitable for stretching the filler when it is pulled into rotation with the bead-core on the drum to stiffen the filler and resist bending, and therefore maintain the filler substantially in the drum midline.The apparatus is further provided with means for discharging the bead-core/filler assembly in a plane unchanged with respect to that determined by the stretching means in order to permit the collection of the various filler/bead-core assemblies one after the other.

Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous method for making electrical heating mats suitable for installation on room floors, walls and ceilings, which method includes the steps of cutting transverse cuts in a longitudinal composite metal/plastic foil material (2) and stretching the foil in a controlled way in order to provide a meander pattern of electrical resistance strip material, the method also including steps of making unit length mats with predetermined ohmic resistance and steps of providing terminations.

Abstract: Several flat cable embodiments (10, 10', 10", 10'", 10"") are disclosed, as are methods and apparatus (30) for the selective manufacture and connectorization of same. In accordance with one preferred flat cable embodiment (10), adapted for telephone under carpet applications, two precisely offset arrays of rectangularly shaped conductors (13, 14) are separated by a center film (16), with each array being adhesively bonded through an associated adhesive coating (21 or 22) to only the respectively adjacent one of two outer films (18 or 19).

Abstract: A printer system for printing upon labels mounted on a web of release material, includes a stationary reel support upon which a supply reel and a take up reel are mounted for free rotation thereon. A printer is mounted adjacent a supply path extending from the supply reel to the take up reel, and a web drive arrangement is provided for engaging the web and transporting the web past the printer. A reel actuating arrangement, such as an inertial arm, is provided for applying a web unreeling force to the web of material adjacent the supply roll, which force is dependent upon and varies with the radius of the supply roll. A clutch is interposed between the supply reel and the take up reel for rotating the take up reel as the web is unreeled from the supply roll mounted on the supply reel such that substantially the same amount of web of release material is wound onto a take up roll on the take up reel as is unreeled from the supply roll.

Abstract: A composite material and a method for producing a composite material of a highly, multidirectionally elastic nature which includes ultrasonically welding an upper layer to a lower layer along substantially parallel, spaced apart weld seams, feeding elongated strands of an intermediate layer between the upper and lower layers and between the weld seams during the welding operation, and applying a tensile stress to at least one of the upper, lower and intermediate layers during the welding operation with such tensile stress being different from the tensile stress on at least another of the upper, lower and intermediate layers.

Abstract: Slit-sealing apparatus for high density plastic sheets is disclosed. The sheets to be slit-sealed are passed over rollers, at least one of the rollers having a brake so that the plastic is put in tension. A curved tensioning bar is urged against the sheets to deflect the sheets and increase the tension, tension being greater in the area to be slit. Slitting is accomplished by an elongate knife blade angularly disposed with respect to the web of material so that the material is slit, then the material drags along the sides of the knife blade. The knife is heated to seal the edges, and the slit edges are held in tension until they reach the next roll. The sealed edges are then heated for final setting to achieve a strong seal.

Abstract: Several flat cable embodiments (10, 10',10",10"',10"") are disclosed, as are methods and apparatus (30) for the selective manufacture and connectorization of same. In accordance with one preferred flat cable embodiment (10), adapted for telephone under carpet applications, two precisely offset arrays of rectangularly shaped conductors (13, 14) are separated by a center film (16), with each array being adhesively bonded through an associated adhesive coating (21 or 22) to only the respectively adjacent one of two outer films (18 or 19).