Abstract: A composite pipe has a metal conduit sandwiched between inner and outer conduits of PVC/CPVC, each of which are adhesively secured to the interlaying metal conduit with a dried, solvent-free thin layer of a thermosetting bilayer adhesive which provides a bond with the metal, which bond fails in cohesive failure. Narrowly defined limits on the thickness of each conduit are found to provide a bendable composite pipe with an aluminum interlayer; and to provide a rigid non-bendable composite pipe with a steel interlayer. Making the composite pipe which meets required ASTM and NSF test considerations requires unexpectedly critical process steps. A process for making the pipe is disclosed, as are PVC/CPVC fittings which allow lengths of pipe to be solvent-cemented in them so as to seal the terminal ends of the pipe against infusion of fluid under pressure in the pipe, thus preventing delaminaton.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the timber products industry, and particularly to methods and apparatus for use in the manufacture of reconstituted or reconsolidated steamed-pressed long fiber wood products. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for use in the manufacture of reconstituted or reconsolidated wood products using crushing and steam pressing methods and apparatuses.

Abstract: Labels are permanently attached to a substrate, e.g., a tissue cassette, by use of a staking device. The device comprises a staker assembly and a cassette fixture assembly. The cassette fixture assembly includes a slot and a clamping assembly for securing the cassette within the device. The staker assembly includes a set of probes that are heated and sequentially moved into a position to burn a hole in a label that is provisionally attached to the cassette, and then the substrate is melted and displaced through the hole to form a collar bond that permanently attaches the label to the cassette. The label remains attached to the cassette when exposed to harsh environmental conditions, e.g., high heat, high humidity, solvents, etc.

Abstract: Providing a method for producing a print laminate, in which a print laminate having excellent smoothness of the outermost layer of a product, high gloss and high texture on appearance of a printed paper is obtained. A thermoplastic resin layer (A) unstretched or having a stretching ratio of 1.2 times or less is thermocompression bonded on a printed paper (D) through a bonding layer (C) to form a laminate, and a smoothening operation for smoothening the thermoplastic resin layer (A) side is then conducted. The thermoplastic resin layer (A) preferably comprises a propylene random copolymer having a melting point of from 110 to 156° C.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus has a reel-out mechanism, a processing mechanism, a label bonding mechanism, a reservoir mechanism, a peeling mechanism, a substrate feed mechanism, an attachment mechanism, and a base peeling mechanism. A cooling mechanism is disposed between the attachment mechanism and the base peeling mechanism, for cooling an attached substrate, the attached substrate being made up of a glass substrate and a photosensitive web attached thereto, from which a protective film has been peeled off, together with a heating mechanism for heating a resin layer, for example a cushion layer, inside the cooled attached substrate to within a predetermined temperature range, which is at or below the glass transition temperature.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus (20) has first and second reel-out mechanisms (32a, 32b), first and second processing mechanisms (36a, 36b), first and second label bonding mechanisms (40a, 40b), first and second reservoir mechanisms (42a, 42b), first and second peeling mechanisms (44a, 44b), a substrate feed mechanism (45), an attachment mechanism (46), and a base peeling mechanism (186). A cooling mechanism (122) is disposed between the attachment mechanism (46) and the base peeling mechanism (186), for cooling an attached substrate (24a), the attached substrate (24a) being made up of a glass substrate (24) and a photosensitive web (22) attached thereto, from which a protective film (30) has been peeled off, together with a heating mechanism (182) for heating a resin layer, for example a cushion layer (27), inside the cooled attached substrate (24a) to within a predetermined temperature range, which is at or below the glass transition temperature.

Abstract: A forming apparatus for forming at least one continuous strip of containers comprises a feed line for the indexing along a preset route according to an advancing direction and with a preset advancing step two continuous webs in film material that face each other. The webs pass through a heat-sealing station provided with a separator the end of which is arranged to be inserted between two open longitudinal flaps of the webs. During the phase of heat-sealing of the webs the separator is kept in position to exert downward pressure against said flaps by means of an axial fluid actuator. The invention ensures that at the forming station, that is contiguous with and subsequent to the heat-sealing station the flaps are sufficiently separated to receive the nozzles that blow in the forming fluid.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus has a joining mechanism for bonding a photosensitive web to a glass substrate such that a cushion layer thereof faces the glass substrate, thereby to produce a joined substrate. The manufacturing apparatus also has a cooling mechanism for forcibly cooling the joined substrate with cooling air, a heating mechanism for heating the cushion layer to a temperature in a predetermined temperature range up to a glass transition temperature thereof, and a peeling mechanism for peeling off a base film of the photosensitive web from the heated joined substrate. The cooling mechanism, the heating mechanism, and the peeling mechanism are successively arranged in the direction in which the joined substrate is fed along.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for finishing the edge of a garment fabric and the like, including, on a bearing framework, a guide element for guiding an adhesive strip, leading to a top wheel and a bottom wheel. Said top and bottom wheels operate, at a base defining a working surface, on an edge portion of a fabric to apply the adhesive strip thereto. Heating means for heating the adhesive strip and cooling means for cooling the made piece are moreover provided.

Abstract: A process for laminating a substrate, where the process may include: disposing at least one a thermoplastic film on a porous substrate; heat softening the at least one thermoplastic film; conjoining the at least one thermoplastic film and the porous substrate to form a laminated substrate; and cooling the laminated substrate; wherein the conjoining comprises suctioning the thermoplastic film into the porous substrate. An apparatus for laminating a substrate, where the apparatus may include: a system for disposing a thermoplastic film on a tufted substrate; a heater for heat softening the thermoplastic film; and a vacuum for suctioning the thermoplastic film into the tufted substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for producing multilayer laminates of polymeric electrolyte material incorporating one of more electrode layers. The apparatus (40) comprises an extrusion apparatus (42) for extruding a polymeric material (76) and a pair of heated rollers (46, 48) between which the material (76) and electrodes (60, 68, 72) are pressed in order to produce a continuous extrudate (80). The method may also include producing a gellable mixture comprising a crystallisable polymer and an aprotic organic liquid, forming the mixture as an elongate tape and contacting the tape with an electrode material. A compression and heating step may be present.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for inflating an inflatable web in which, in one embodiment, the inflatable web is conveyed along a path of travel with an inflation element positioned between unsealed edges of the web and proximate the inflation ports of the web's inflatable chambers, and a tracking sensor is used to detect the transverse position of the web with respect to the inflation element. A web tracking system is employed to continually adjust the transverse position of the web to maintain it within a predetermined range with respect to the inflation element. In this manner, the consistency of inflation of the inflatable chambers is improved.

Abstract: A bonding device that is not affected by heat and that is capable of maintaining wafers to be bonded parallel to each other so as to increase and stabilize the accuracy with which the wafers are bonded. A first space is formed between a first block member and a first pressure shaft, and a second space is formed between a second block member and a second pressure shaft. In this way, little heat is transferred from the first block member and the second block member to the first pressure shaft and the second pressure shaft, respectively, and therefore, a substantially uniform temperature is maintained inside the first block member and the second block member. Stresses caused by a difference between thermal expansion of the first block member and the second block member and thermal expansion of the first pressure shaft and the second pressure shaft are relieved by deflection of the first support pillar members and the second support pillar members.

Abstract: A tape placement head for applying thermoplastic tape to an object includes a heated feeder which guides the tape/tow to a heated zone. The heated zone has a line compactor having a single row of at least one movable heated member. An area compactor is located in the heated zone downstream from the line compactor. The area compactor includes a plurality of rows of movable feet which are extendable toward the tape/tow different distances with respect to each other to conform to the shape of the object. A shim is located between the heated compactors and the tape/tow. A chilled compactor is in a chilled zone downstream from the heated zone. The chilled zone includes a line chilled compactor and an area chilled compactor. A chilled shim is mounted between the chilled compactor and the tape/tow.

Abstract: Themoformable multilayer film having a longitudinal and transversal thermoshrinkability equal to or greater than 20%, which thermoshrinkability is not substantially influenced by thermoforming, and devices for producing packages from the thermoformable multilayer film.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an elastomeric nonwoven laminate including a plurality of elastomeric strands joined to a nonwoven web in a controlled distribution is provided. The apparatus includes an extruder for extruding a plurality of elastomeric strands onto a cooled surface of a rotating drum, which transports the strands in parallel alignment to a nip formed between two rollers rotating about parallel axis. The drum transfers the plurality of strands to the nip in a controlled distribution where it is bonded with the nonwoven. The apparatus also includes elements which automate the apparatus for creating the elastomeric nonwoven laminate.

Abstract: A tape placement head for applying thermoplastic tape to an object includes a heated feeder which guides the tape/tow to a heated zone. The heated zone has a line compactor having a single row of at least one movable heated member. An area compactor is located in the heated zone downstream from the line compactor. The area compactor includes a plurality of rows of movable feet which are extendable toward the tape/tow different distances with respect to each other to conform to the shape of the object. A shim is located between the heated compactors and the tape/tow. A chilled compactor is in a chilled zone downstream from the heated zone. The chilled zone includes a line chilled compactor and an area chilled compactor. A chilled shim is mounted between the chilled compactor and the tape/tow.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for fabricating a laminate product having a pair of sheet materials spaced by a plurality of flexible parallel vanes which are secured to the sheet material so that planar movement of the sheet materials in opposite directions cause the vanes to shift between open and closed positions. The vane material is formed from a web of material by dyeing the material, drying the dyed material, applying spaced longitudinally extending lines of adhesive on opposite faces of the material, and cutting the material into a plurality of side-by-side strips with each strip having a bead of adhesive on each face and along opposite side edges. The cut material with adhesive applied thereto is taken up on a transfer roll and moved to a vane/strip handling station where the strips of material are processed and delivered to a laminating station in parallel overlapping relationship with each other.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a support arrangement for objects to be decorated, a valve device fixed to said support arrangement and provided with a shutter element actuatable for opening and/or closing a circuit traversable by a fluid from and/or to an enclosure arranged around said objects, wherein said shutter element is such as to be actuatable only when said support arrangement is in a preset configuration. An apparatus comprises a frame, arranged to support objects to be decorated and associated with a carriage, wherein said frame and said carriage are configured as distinct units provided with a cooperating arrangement such as to enable said units to mutually couple and/or uncouple. A method for measuring the temperature of objects to be decorated wrapped by an enclosure inside an oven comprises using a remote temperature gauge device. A method for measuring the temperature of objects to be decorated wrapped by an enclosure inside an oven comprises using a laser thermometer device.

Abstract: An assembly for use in continuously forming a plurality of lengths of flexible noise attenuating cutting line for use in rotary vegetation trimmers. The assembly includes a breaker plate having a conically shaped inner portion and a planar outer portion. A plurality of extrusion dies are disposed in the outer portion wherein each die defines a die hold configuration at its lower end for the extrusion of one or more monofilament polymer strands therethrough, and a drive assembly is provided for rotating each of the dies at a predetermined speed such that upon directing a flow of molten monofilament polymer material onto the breaker plate, the material is directed from the inclined central portion onto the planar outer portion where it is extruded through the rotating dies to create a plurality of twisted strands of polymer material that upon cooling, stretching and heating, define lengths of flexible noise attenuating cutting line.

Abstract: A water-proof film laminating machine has a laminating machine body, a top roller, a bottom roller, multiple connecting devices, a cylinder, a first holder, a second holder and a cooling device. The holders are connected to the connecting devices and driven by the cylinder. The holders provide heat to melt a film attaching on a texture and the holders can be adjusted to focus on the film precisely. The cooling device cools down a high temperature from the melting film. When the water-proof film laminating machine is in use, a texture is put between the rollers and the film is attached on texture by melting the film. By adjusting the holders, the film will attach to the texture precisely and be cooled down quickly.

Abstract: When a laminating apparatus M is constituted with a vacuum suction step S1 for vacuum sucking an enclosed space in a work tray 2 accommodating a laminated-substrate W, a thermocompression-bonding step S2 for heating and pressuring the work tray 2 having finished the vacuum suction step S1, and a cooling step S3 for cooling the work tray 2 having finished the thermocompression-bonding step S2, a conveyer route R of a rectangular frame form to circulatorily convey the work tray 2 along a horizontal direction is provided, and in a processing conveyer section Rp composing one side of the conveyer route R, the vacuum suction step S1, the theremocompression-bonding step S2, and the cooling step S3 are sequentially disposed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device includes preparing a lower substrate and an upper substrate; depositing a sealant on one of the two substrates; dropping a liquid crystal on one of the two substrates; bonding the two substrates to each other; bonding the two substrates to each other by hardening the sealant; and thermal quenching the two bonded substrates. Since thermal quenching of the two bonded substrates is additionally performed after hardening of the sealant is performed using a liquid crystal dropping method, orientation of a liquid crystal layer, which is scattered by the hardening of the sealant, is returned to its original state, thus preventing domain defects.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods and devices for producing products in web form. In particularly advantageous embodiments, the instant invention relates to methods and devices for forming films by coating a coating mass formed from organic raw materials in an aqueous basis onto a reusable transfer support web to form a composite. The composite is then dried and the dried coating transferred onto a intermediate support material. The dried coating and intermediate support material are directed to a winding station. Upon separation from the dried coating, the dried reusable transfer support web may be directed to treatment and cleaning stations and is subsequently reused.

Abstract: An apparatus for burning green sheets of a plasma display panel comprises a feeding part that feeds a green sheet to a plasma display panel substrate, a heat and pressure roller that heats and compresses the green sheet and the plasma display panel substrate from above the plasma display panel substrate, and a heating module that applies heat to a contact portion between the green sheet and the plasma display panel substrate. The heat and pressure roller applies heat and pressure to the green sheet to bring the green sheet into intimate contact with the plasma display panel substrate and to remove residual solvent from the green sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an elastomeric nonwoven laminate including a plurality of elastomeric strands joined to a nonwoven web in a controlled distribution is provided. The apparatus includes an extruder for extruding a plurality of elastomeric strands onto a cooled surface of a rotating drum, which transports the strands in parallel alignment to a nip formed between two rollers rotating about parallel axis. The drum transfers the plurality of strands to the nip in a controlled distribution where it is bonded with the nonwoven. The apparatus also includes elements which automate the apparatus for creating the elastomeric nonwoven laminate.

Abstract: Photosensitive material includes a support, and a photosensitive layer overlaid thereon and containing resin. A photosensitive layer laminator transfers the photosensitive layer from the photosensitive material to a glass substrate. In the photosensitive layer laminator, heat/pressure rollers apply the photosensitive layer to a transfer region on the substrate with heat and pressure. A photosensitive material feeder transports first and second photosensitive materials to the substrate set at the heat/pressure rollers. The first and second photosensitive materials have a width smaller than a width of the transfer region, and are disposed to extend along one another. Furthermore, a tension adjuster adjusts tension applied to the first and second photosensitive materials in an upstream direction from the heat/pressure rollers.

Abstract: A plate for hot pressing capable of keeping the degree of vacuum of its inside in the form of being separated from a deaeration apparatus, a hot press apparatus having press sections the alteration of the arrangement layout of which is easy, and a card manufacturing apparatus capable of manufacturing various kinds of cards by itself are provided. A plate for hot pressing (101) is provided with a check valve device (101h) for keeping a vacuum state inside a base material accommodating section (101c) formed between a pair of plate members (101a) and (101b), and respective press sections (103A)-(103C), (104A) and (104B) constituting lamination sections (103) and (104) are arranged in series respectively. Conveyance rails (108A) and (108B) for conveying the plate for hot pressing (101) are disposed doubly on an upper side and a lower side, and conveyance means (118A), (118B), (151A) and (151B) conveying the plate for hot pressing (101) cyclically are provided.

Abstract: In the resin film forming method for extruding a fused resin from an extruder die to form a resin film, the second resin forming both ends in width direction of the resin film uses a resin greater in extension viscosity than the first resin forming the center in width direction of the resin film. Thereby, even if production conditions such as resin condition and operating conditions change, faults such as neck-in and its resultant thickening at both ends of the resin film can be suppressed. In the production of a laminate by nipping a support and a resin film of a thermoplastic resin by means of a nip roller and a cooling roller while coating the resin film onto the surface of the support, the accompanying air following the rotation of the cooling roller to the nip point is shut off by blowing a gas permeable through the resin film from a gas jet nozzle toward the surface of the cooling roller.

Abstract: A method for making a screen assembly for use in a vibratory separator, the method, in certain aspects, including producing a heated first screen assembly; cooling the first screen assembly while a second heated screen assembly is being made; and cooling the second screen assembly while a third heated screen assembly is being made—with heating apparatus adjacent cooling apparatuses.

Abstract: An apparatus for laminating at least two sheets of material includes a supply station at which rolls of the sheet material are rotatably supported, a laminating station in which the materials are laminated together with heat and compression and a take-up station where the laminate is accumulated on a take-up roll. The laminating station includes upper and lower sections of a pressure box between which upper and lower endless drive belts pass which entrap the laminate materials therebetween and transfer the materials through the lamination station. Heating and cooling sections of the pressure box are provided with floating heating and cooling bars and a single underlying heating plate and a single underlying cooling plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying weft yarns in a cross direction to warp yarns assembled on a beam in parallel aligned relationship and having an adhesive scrim thereon includes a supply roll of the warp yarns on such a beam which are fed downstream of the apparatus by first laying the warp yarns onto a transfer belt to reduce the tension in the yarns and controlling them for application of the weft yarns. A transfer belt and warp yarns are first folded between folding bars into a cylindrical configuration where they are formed around the perimeter of an elongated mandrel having a heated section at its upstream end and a cooling section at its downstream end. The adhesive scrim is softened as the warp yarns pass over the heated section of the mandrel and shortly thereafter, weft yarns are wrapped around the warp yarns and the supporting transfer belt within a rotating tube having a plurality of longitudinally and circumferentially spaced spools of weft yarn disposed on its outer surface.

Abstract: Method for forming a dye sublimation image in a substrate, particularly a plastic substrate, and apparatus to perform the method. According to the method taught by the present invention, a substrate is disposed on a perforated platen and a dye carrier having an image formed thereon of a dye sublimation ink is disposed on the substrate such that the image is in contact with the substrate. The substrate, dye carrier and at least a portion of the perforated platen are then covered with a flexible membrane. A clamping pressure is then applied to the substrate and the dye carrier through the membrane. Once the clamping pressure is attained, the substrate and dye carrier are first heated, then cooled. The invention disclosed herein further teaches a number of novel apparatus to effect the method, resulting in significantly superior dye sublimation imaging than heretofore attainable in rigid plastic sheets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for binding documents by individually binding each media sheet to previously bound media sheets using imaging material as the binding material.

Abstract: In a wrapping apparatus, particularly for enclosing articles consisting of or containing groups of cigarettes in wrapper material, the articles are received in a pocketed drum in which at least one overlapped region of the wrapper material is heat scaled. Preferably opposed side seams and an end flap of the wrapper are sealed, so as substantially to complete the enclosure of the article while on the drum. Side seal heaters carried by the drum may be mounted on respective annular carriers which are rotatably displaceable to remove the heaters from contact with the articles if the drum is stopped for an extended period. End seal heaters may be pivotally mounted on the drum and operated by a cam arrangement to fold an end flap of the wrapper into an overlapped position.

Abstract: A thermo-welding device used for a thermoplastic resin molded goods is provided to drastically reduce cooling time and increase productivity. The device is used with a welding boss (5a) formed on the molded goods (5) made of thermoplastic resin inserted into a fixing hole 6a formed on the fixed object (6). A tip section of the welding boss (5a) projecting out from the fixing hole 6a is heated and fused to form an extended portion (5c) outside the fixed object (6) to apply to the welding boss (5a) of a molded good (5) in the thermo-welding device used for fixing the fixed object (6) to the molded good. In a portion of the periphery of a heating element having in a tip section thereof an applying side 21 to heat and fuse the welding boss 5a, a slit 23 is provided to exhaust air after the air cools the inside of the heating element 20.

Abstract: A machine for the manufacture of inflated plastic dunnage and other fluid filled units is disclosed. In a disclosed and pictured dunnage embodiment, the machine includes a hollow shaft rotatably mounted on a frame. In the preferred embodiment the shaft is solid. With either embodiment a drive is operably connected to the shaft for causing the shaft to rotate about its axis and a drum mounted on the shaft to rotate with the shaft. The drum is in the form of a pair of closely spaced discs having perimetral, cylindrically contoured sealing surfaces for support and, in cooperation with driven metal belts, transport of a web being formed into dunnage units. Sets of heating and cooling shoes having spaced arcuate surfaces are complementally positioned adjacent the drum surfaces with the cooling shoes downstream from the heating shoes in the direction of dunnage formation rotation. A nozzle is mounted generally tangentially of the drum at a location midway between the discs.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for securing a flexible covering about a frame having a peripheral edge and at least one corner. A portion of the flexible covering is folded over the peripheral edge of the frame at or about the corner and an excess portion of the covering is provided. Ultrasonic welding is used to create a seam of contacting portions of the flexible covering. In an embodiment, the excess portion of the flexible covering is removed in connection with the welding operation. An apparatus for securing a flexible covering about a frame is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding thermoplastic materials with a stir welding system using a rotating element pin or element with a geometry to induce frictional energy from the rotating element. A floating constraining surface that has a motion independent of the rotation the pin (preferably stationary) is used to constrain ejection of material from the zone where the weld is being formed. Molten material is retained in the weld region, avoiding weakness and voids at the weld joint. Optionally a system for introducing thermal energy into the weld zone in addition to the frictional energy is used. The system for introducing the thermal energy may be in association with the constraining shoe and/or the rotating tool, or a system independent of these.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lamination apparatus and in particular to a dual belt driven, continuous pressure lamination apparatus that utilizes pressure, heat and cooling to bond at least two substrates (plies) with an adhesive between the layers of the substrates. The pressure laminator of the present invention has been specifically designed to permit the permanent joining of at least two fabric substrates with an adhesive between the fabric substrates, with little or no shrinkage occurring during the lamination process. The resulting non-woven fabric advantageously has the appearance of a woven fabric, but has superior strength characteristics there over. The pressure laminator of the present invention can have other uses, for example, printed circuit board substrate manufacture, and the like, as will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in this art.

Abstract: A device for laminating at least one substrate to an adhesive-coated substrate for forming a laminate, in which the adhesive-coated substrate is supplied to a laminating point formed between a driven roller and a laminating roller, the substrate being supplied by means of the laminating roller to the substrate provided with adhesive and bonded with this substrate in a laminating point; and to a device for coating a layer on a substrate for the production of a coated length of material; the laminate formed from the substrates, or the coated length of material, being guided directly after the laminating point at least over a few angular degrees along the laminating roller; and the laminating roller being constituted as a temperature-adjustable roller.

Abstract: In the resin film forming method for extruding a fused resin from an extruder die to form a resin film, the second resin forming both ends in width direction of the resin film uses a resin greater in extension viscosity than the first resin forming the center in width direction of the resin film. Thereby, even if production conditions such as resin condition and operating conditions change, faults such as neck-in and its resultant thickening at both ends of the resin film can be suppressed. In the production of a laminate by nipping a support and a resin film of a thermoplastic resin by means of a nip roller and a cooling roller while coating the resin film onto the surface of the support, the accompanying air following the rotation of the cooling roller to the nip point is shut off by blowing a gas permeable through the resin film from a gas jet nozzle toward the surface of the cooling roller.

Abstract: A method for welding synthetic resin members includes the steps of detecting a temperature of a high frequency electrode or an ultrasonic horn (or an anvil) by a temperature detector, cooling the high frequency electrode or the ultrasonic horn (or the anvil) by cooling means when the temperature detected by the temperature detector during a high frequency or ultrasonic vibration exceeds a preset temperature range, thereby reducing the temperature rapidly down to the preset temperature range, and stopping an operation of the cooling means when the temperature of the high frequency electrode or the ultrasonic horn (or the anvil) is reduced to the preset temperature range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic film heat seal apparatus which comprises a heat seal bar covered with at least one low adhesive sheet. The heat seal bar is pressed against superposed layers of plastic film so that the layers of plastic film can be heat sealed with each other by the heat seal bar to have a heat sealed portion whenever the layers of plastic film are intermittently fed in a direction and temporarily stopped. The low adhesive sheet is interposed between the heat seal bar and the layers of plastic film for protection of the layers of plastic film when the heat seal bar is pressed against the layers of plastic film. The heat seal bar is then retreated and spaced from the layers of plastic film to permit the layers of plastic film to be fed again after being heat sealed. The heat sealed portion includes upstream and downstream edges in the plastic film feeding direction.

Abstract: A tool and method for bonding two carpet pieces by use of a vacuum which forces air to move upwardly through the carpet and to cool the hot glue adhesive. The invention goes beyond providing a uniquely strong bond by leveling the carpets on both sides of the bond seam. Thus it also has the ability to bond a thin side of carpet with a thicker side of carpet because of leveling of the carpet on both sides of the bond seam thus hiding the seam more perfectly (many times when a carpet manufacturer shears a carpet one side will be thicker than the other side). Alternately, thin carpets may be bonded without risk of having a weak bond. When several carpets are bonded together with multiple seams, the carpet may be stretched more than conventionally bonded carpets due to the great strength of bonds made in accordance with this invention. All species of the invention enjoy a substantial savings in time needed for seaming.

Abstract: The gluing together of flat materials between belt faces (21, 22), facing one another, of belt conveyors (15, 16) arranged over one another is effected usually with the application of heat and pressure. However there are pressure sensitive materials that with the gluing may only be impinged with a slight pressure. Here already the weight of the sagging belt face (21) of the upper belt conveyor may lead to an excessive pressure loading and a permanent deformation of the materials caused by way of this. The invention solves the mentioned problem in that the upper belt face (21) located above the materials to be glued is held up without contact, e.g., by means of suction nozzles or magnets. The sagging of the belt face (21) is alleviated by way of this and an undesirable high pressure loading of the materials to be glued is avoided. By way of the contactless holding-up of the belt face (21) the suction nozzles or magnets do not interfere.

Abstract: Automotive trim strips (32) are made by extruding a thermoplastic material onto a foil carrier (24). The foil carrier (24) has a receiving surface having a low strength adhesive for releasably receiving the thermoplastic material (22). The thermoplastic material is end formed to contour ends of the thermoplastic material such that an automotive trim strip (32) is formed having a predetermined final length. The automotive trim strips (32) are then cooled. The foil carrier (24) is removed presenting a substantially flat surface for receiving adhesives for permanently attaching the automotive trim strip (32) to the vehicle.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for consolidation joining a thermoplastic preform to form a duct. The apparatus includes first and second longitudinally extending support structures. The first support structure at least partially defines a cavity for supporting the preform in a desired configuration of the duct. The second support structure extends in the cavity such that the preform can be supported between the first and second support structures. The second support structures can include an elastomeric device that is configured to adjust radially and urge the interface of the preform against the first support structure. A heater is configured to heat an interface of the preform to above a glass transition temperature. The resulting duct is has a longitudinal consolidation joint and defines a passage.

Abstract: A die bonding sheet sticking apparatus and a method of sticking a die bonding sheet which, in the production of small electronic components, for example, semiconductor chips, effect sticking to a back surface of wafer a die bonding sheet capable of functioning not only as a protective tape at the time of dicing but also as an adhesive for die bonding at the time of die bonding of semiconductor chips after dicing onto a lead frame.

Abstract: A laminator for lamination to a substrate by use of continuous laminated material is provided. The laminated material includes a support, and a photosensitive transfer layer overlaid on the support. A heat/pressure roller attaches the laminated material to the substrate with heat and pressure with the transfer layer opposed to the substrate. A cooler cools the substrate with the laminated material. A peeler peels the support from the transfer layer on the substrate from the cooler, to transfer the transfer layer to the substrate.