Abstract: A process and apparatus for fabricating expandable honeycomb materials disclosed. The continuous length of material is folded along opposite side portions thereof into a generally flat tubular form having upper lower layers. Adhesive is then applied along the length of the continuous material by first heating the material, applying the adhesive in a liquid state to the heated material, and then cooling the material to solidify the adhesive. The folded tubular material with solidified adhesive lines thereon is then wound about a rack in such a manner that the tubular material is deposited in a plurality of continuous layers one on another with the lines of adhesive being disposed between adjacent layers. The wound layers are then radially cut and placed in a vertically aligned stack while they are removed the rack. The vertically stacked layers are then heated to a temperature sufficient to activate the lines of adhesive and bond the layers together.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for bonding laminar workpieces has a feed station, a heating and pressing station with two heating zones, and a delivery station with a cooling zone. A lower conveyor belt is driven through the feed station and the heating and pressing station. An upper conveyor belt is driven through the heating and pressing station, and is mounted a sufficient distance above the lower conveyor belt to carry the workpieces therebetween. Pressing rollers are mounted in the heating and pressing station for pressing the heated workpieces moving therethrough. The adhesive between the laminations of the workpieces is heat-activated in the heating zones of the workpieces is heat-activated in the heating zones to bond the laminations of the workpieces. The heated and pressed workpieces are then moved by conveyor belts through a cooling zone to resolidify the adhesive between the laminations of the workpieces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the production of an endless honeycomb band, consisting of flatly adjacent, partially bonded strips, which band can be drawn out by stretching in band longitudinal direction to form a honeycomb. Film sheets are continuously drawn off from a plurality of coils, provided on one side with equally spaced glue strips running mutually parallel in the sheet longitudinal direction and subsequently being laid one on top of another. The gluing is performed with a hotmelt adhesive, which is sprayed onto each film sheet in the form of a plurality of strips. The glue strips of the one film sheet are arranged offset with respect to the above-lying or below-lying film sheet by half a strip spacing in each case.

Abstract: An apparatus for bonding together at least two composite tapes comprising a tape head, a support surface adjacent the tape head and a supply system for supplying first and second composite tapes between the tape head and the support surface. The tape head includes a heating section and a pressure section pivotally coupled to the heating section. The heating section includes a heater for heating the tapes, and the pressure section includes a system for applying a force for urging the tapes against the support surface.

Abstract: A self propelled enclosed apparatus for coupling sections of plastic pipe by fusion together to form a pipeline. The apparatus comprises a housing having a forwardly extending boom or trough for receiving pipe sections. Pipe sections are loaded onto the boom and fed to a fusion machine in the housing. The fusion machine is provided with hydraulically operated clamps and rollers to align and hold a section of pipe in mating relationship with a pipeline and a heating plate for forming a fused joint between the pipe section and the pipeline. Cooling apparatus is provided at the joint to reduce its temperature following fusion. Kick out rollers are provided, and the fused together pipeline exits the apparatus to a trailer towed thereby to be laid on the earth's surface or in trench. The trailer, self propelled apparatus, and boom are equipped with pipe support members to provide strain relief on the joint during fusion.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for dispensing tape of a thermoplastic matrix composite material onto a recipient surface comprising in combination support means for mounting a reel of tape; feed means for unwinding the tape from the reel and advancing it along a path of travel to the mandrel; a guillotine knife in the path of travel for cutting the tape at a predetermined angle with respect to the path of travel; a slotted, box-type pre-heater for the tape located in the path of travel following the knife for providing heat to the tape; a heated pressure roller located in the path of travel following the pre-heater for providing additional heat to the tape for effecting a process operating temperature and for applying the required pressure to the tape for lamination of the tape onto the recipient surface; cooling means located in the path of travel beyond the pressure roller for reducing the process heat from the laminated tape on the recipient surface and to smoothing it for thereby obtain the desired surface finish; an

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing plastic film stock material including a sealing head utilizing heated air for continuous welding of reclosable plastic closure strips of plastic film. The sealing head is an elongated block having tapered walls which form a narrow bottom edge. The edge is curved longitudinally to match the curvature of a cooperating platen to define a small welding gap through which pass plastic webs to be welded. The sealing head includes a plurality of air distribution manifolds interconnected by passageways to provide a tortuous path for air flowing through the head from an inlet to an elongated, narrow exit slot formed at the bottom edge of the head. Multiple sealing heads are mounted on a carrier frame for positioning adjacent the platen to produce elongated welds to secure two-piece closure strips to a plastic web.

Abstract: A press platen, for bonding ends of a conveyor belt, having both heating and cooling means, the heating means being electrical resistance elements positioned in grooves bars, within the platen, which bars also define cooling channels therein.

Abstract: A protective coating on a pipe is embrittled by enclosing a portion of the pipe in a body defining an annular space around the protective coating. A pressurized LN2 cryogen is expanded within this annular space for sufficient time to lower the temperature of both the protective coating and the underlying pipe to a temperature below the temperature of embrittlement of the coating. The LN2 is expanded so as to form elliptical patterns on the pipe surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are window envelopes and a method of making wherein the window envelope film from which window patches are made contains an anti-flecking agent in the form of a wax.

Abstract: The protective coating on a pipe is embrittled and removed by enclosing a portion of the pipe in a body defining an annular space around the protective coating. A pressurized liquid nitrogen cryogen is expanded within this annular space for a sufficient time to lower the temperature of both the protective coating and the underlying pipe to a temperature below the temperature of embrittlement of the coating.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for sealing plies of thermoplastic material included in laminated sheets having thickened sections in a manner such that strong side seals result with substantially no delamination of one or more plies of a laminated sheet comprises performing a first blocking operation on the laminated sheets by application of heat and pressure through a first pair of seal bars having an effectively matched cross-section such that the laminated sheets remain substantially planar during the first blocking operation. A second blocking operation is performed over the previously blocked areas by the application of heat and a soft pressure through a second pair of seal bars having an effectively matched cross section such that the laminated sheets remain substantially planar during the second blocking operation.

Abstract: A laminating device for producing identification cards includes a press for glueing a number of foil sheets together; the press includes a lower press and an upper press. Each press is provided with a heating element, which is formed as a heating resistance element, and an insulation layer which is placed between the heating element and a metallic block which forms a portion of each press, to which a pressing force is applied. Each metallic block is cooled in cooperation with the insulation layer so that its temperature during the glueing and cooling process remains constant.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for making bags or sacks from a continuous tubular film of thermoplastic material. The continuous tubular film is moved intermittently in a downward direction to a welding device, a cutter below the welding device, and a turret-like rotary conveyor below the cutter. A bag length is received by grippers on the rotary conveyor before it is welded and cut. When thus received the bag length is welded and cut, and the conveyor indexed by one step to present succeeding grippers to the tube. The tube is then advanced another bag length so that the succeeding bag is received in the succeeding pair of grippers. The process is repeated with succeeding bags. The bags on the conveyor are successively delivered to a transfer station where the grippers are opened to release the bags.

Abstract: A rotary film sealing and severing device for use with thermoplastic film for forming packages. The device includes a rotating anvil assembly and a counter-rotating film cutting assembly having a heated sealing and cutting knife. First and second liquid cooled clamping bars on either side of the knife hold the layers of film together while the film is being sealed and cut. Cooling the clamping bars prevents the film from adhering to the clamps and causes the layers of film to quickly fuse together and allows high speed operation by preventing separation of layers of film due to slow cooling.

Abstract: A method of extruding a continuous profiled fastener onto a thermoplastic film substrate, and more particularly, a method for the continuous bonding of a profiled fastener assembly to a thermoplastic cuff film substrate through the intermediary of hot extrusion.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a continuous sequence of disposable headdresses in which the edge of the cap fabric has been folded inward around a peripherally extending elastic cord to provide a smooth edge which contacts the wearer, and provides superior adhesion between the elastic cord and the cap fabric by utilizing an elastic cord and fabric which are coated with or made of thermoplastically compatible materials. The elastic cord and fabric are assembled by passing the fabric and the cord through a guide system which turns the fabric side edges down from a horizontal plane to a vertical plane while an edge guide lays the elastic cord under the fabric, and then turns the fabric under the cord to sandwich in the folded edge. Warm air preheaters heat the elastic cord and the fabric before completing the fabric fold around the cord. The folded edges with the cord inside pass between dual heat wheels which physically press the fabric to the cord and also seal the fabric edge to the inside of the crown.

Abstract: Bonding apparatuses for textile sheet-like structures especially outer fabric and interlining, are conventionally equipped with a heating station consisting of heating plates for the sheet-like structures conveyed between conveyor belts and also with a linear-pressure device consisting of two pressure rollers. Now, in addition, the linear-pressure device is followed by surface-pressure device to stabilize the adhesive anchoring of the bonding agents.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing sanitary articles having a body contact layer of a body fluid permeable sheet, an absorptive pad and a cover layer of a body fluid impermeable sheet are disclosed. The apparatus includes a drum having a stationary flange and a rotatable drum portion. A plurality of dies are mounted on the circumferential surface of the rotable drum in a side-by-side relationship. A strip of fluid impermeable sheet is wound around about half of the circumference of the rotary drum. As the rotary drum rotates, the fluid impermeable sheet is forced by fluid pressure into the cavities of the dies, deforming the sheet to form pockets therein for receiving the absorptive pads. The fluid permeable sheet is brought into contact with the fluid impermeable sheet near the bottom of the drum while introducing absorptive members into the formed pockets. The superposed sheets are thermally fused together by means of a heat seal roller.

Abstract: A rotary film sealing and severing device for use with thermoplastic film for forming packages. The device includes a rotating anvil assembly and a counter-rotating film cutting assembly having a heated sealing and cutting knife. First and second liquid cooled clamping bars on either side of the knife hold the layers of film together while the film is being sealed and cut. Cooling the clamping bars prevents the film from adhering to the clamps and causes the layers of film to quickly fuse together and allows high speed operation by preventing separation of layers of film due to slow cooling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of introducing and joining diaphragms in slotted walls. The slotted inner connecting pipe of one diaphragm is introduced into the slotted outer connecting pipe of another diaphragm. An apparatus for fusing together the two connecting pipes is placed within the interior of the inner pipe and can move through the latter. The apparatus has a heating device for heating and fusing the two connecting pipes together.

Abstract: To make plastic carrying bags or sacks, sections are cut or are severed by hot wire welding from a gusseted tubular film by a formation of transverse seam welds and transverse severing cuts or by hot wire-welded transverse seam welds. At least in their bottom portion the sections are provided with corner seam welds, which are separately formed in the two folds and which diverge obliquely from the outer fold lines toward the top and/or bottom seam weld and terminate short of the inner fold line and merge into the latter. To prevent in the making of the carrying bags an elongation of the intermediate portion of the tubular film, the latter is initially formed with corner seam welds only in one fold of each of the two gussets before the transverse seam welds and transverse severing cuts or hot wire-welded transverse seam welds are formed. When said corner seam welds have cooled, congruent corner seam welds are formed in the respective other folds.

Abstract: A process for continuous fabrication of thermoplastic webs from at least one extruded thermoplastic web heated to processing temperature. This thermoplastic web is cooled under the application of area pressure down to a temperature at which smoothing of the surface is terminated. A calibrating and smoothing mechanism in the device for performing the process according to the invention consists of a double-band press which includes an apparatus for conducting heat away from the thermoplastic web in the reaction zone in which the area pressure is applied.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the manufacture of non-roping thermoplastic draw tape handles for insertion into thermoplastic bags and in particular for the continuous application of a reinforcing layer of material to the handled portion of the thermoplastic draw tape to reduce roping.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pultruding reinforced plastic articles. The apparatus includes a first, hot die having a long tapered portion. The hot die partially consolidates resin-impregnated fibers into an oversized form. After exiting the hot die, the partially consolidated material is passed through a second, cooling die which finally consolidates the material and forms it into the desired, final shape. The cooling die is at a temperature less than the temperature of the hot die. Preferably, the cooling die has a tapered portion which is shorter than the tapered portion of the first die. A method is disclosed for pultruding plastic articles using the apparatus.

Abstract: The purpose of the process and the apparatus of the invention is to face weld extruded thermoplastic moldings the end faces of which lie in a plane and the end face edges of which are juxtaposed in a coplanar fashion. The end faces are pressed against a heatable and coolable plate in which grooves are formed corresponding to the cross-section of the end face. The floor of the grooves is heated up to or above the melting temperature of the plastic. The entry of the grooves is thermally insulated from the floor region and, if necessary, can be cooled. When the end faces are sunk into the grooves, the plastic is melted. The plastic melt, rising in the groove, is cooled until solid in the thermally insulated entry region. Following the welding in the floor region, the floor region is cooled below the melting temperature, and the welded bundle is separated from the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a cap (8) coated with a hot-melt adhesive on an end surface of a filter element (6), comprising a pair of vertical heating units (18, 19) installed in position (A) and an adjacent pair of vertical cooling units (20, 21) installed in position (B). The heating units (18, 19) comprises a pair of heaters (25, 29), each displaceable close to and away from the other so as to nip and release a pot assembly (9) accommodating the filter element (6) to be treated therebetween. The cooling units (20, 21) comprises a pair of coolers (30, 31) subjected to a similar movement. First, the pot assembly (9) occupies position (A) and is subjected to a heat treatment by the nip of the heaters (25, 29), causing melting of the hot-melt adhesive of the cap (8), and then transported to position (B) and subjected to a cooling treatment by the nip of the coolers (30, 31), causing solidification of the molten adhesive.

Abstract: A system for heat sealing in conjunction a pair of plastic strips each of having a series of regularly spaced transverse pockets so that the pockets together form chambers separated by webs. The two pocketed strips to be joined are brought together and the strips heat sealed around the pockets to seal the chambers from one another while passing cooling fluid over the pockets so as to avoid distortion or collapse of the pockets.

Abstract: A laminating device for producing identification cards includes a press for glueing a number of foil sheets together; the press includes a lower press and an upper press. Each press is provided with a heating element, which is formed as a heating resistance element, and an insulation layer which is placed between the heating element and a metallic block which forms a portion of each press, to which a pressing force is applied. Each metallic block is cooled in cooperation with the insulation layer so that its temperature during the glueing and cooling process remains constant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a strong, high loft, low density nonwoven fabric from a web comprising at least about 5 percent bicomponent fibers, and the fabric formed thereby; wherein the web is superimposed on a first carrier belt, an open mesh belt is superimposed on the web, and the web and belts are caused to travel in a tensioned curvilinear path adjacent a heating means to heat fuse the low melting point component of the conjugate fibers to fibers in the web.

Abstract: A machine for laminating fabric (123) to open cell cushion foam (124) while forming design lines in the foam is disclosed. The machine comprises a top hollow die (21) having perforations (38) and a complementary, hollow bottom die (54) which also has perforations (130). Hot melt adhesive (125) is interleaved between fabric (123) and foam (124). Top die (21) is preheated to just below the melt point of adhesive (125); then dies (21) and (54) are closed against the layered workpiece, with top die (21) contacting the face of fabric (123). A shot of superheated steam, e.g., at 80 psig and 700.degree. F., is ejected from perforations (38) and (130) to melt adhesive (125). Then a vacuum is applied to the perforations to pull ambient air through the workpiece and cool it. The resolidified ashesive (125) holds foam (124) in its deformed shape and laminates fabric (123) to the foam.

Abstract: Appartus and method for forming hairpieces including a plurality of tubes through which hair strands are passed and curl is applied to the strands. The lower ends of the strands are brought into contact with an alignment plate and, when all of the hair strands contact the plate, the plate is removed out of the path of the strands and the strands are moved into bonding contact with a membrane, the upper ends of the hair strands being cut to a predetermined length.

Abstract: A magnetic disc jacket heat sealing apparatus for heat sealing thermally fusible tabs of a magnetic disc jacket. The apparatus includes a base on which the jacket is placed in folded form in order to be heat sealed, with the heat sealing being carried out while the base is heated to a temperature in the vicinity of the softening point of the jacket material. Such an arrangement eliminates distortion caused by residual thermal stress ascribable to a difference in temperature between the side of the jacket heated by a sealing mold and the side of the jacket contacting the base.

Abstract: A two-ply, book-style album comprises an inside tray sheet (12) and an outside cover sheet (14). The sheets (12, 14) are preferably formed from high-density polyethylene, and are thermally heat sealed together via a peripheral seal (34) and spine rules (36). The spine rules are formed into the front or obverse surface of the inside tray sheet (12) to define living hinges. An apparatus (70) and method for automatically manufacturing the albums (10) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A machine for manufacture of products formed by welding of plastic film sheets is disclosed comprising a welding station, a cutting station, and a conveying apparatus which serves to guide the plastic sheets through the stations. The conveying apparatus consists of a moving carriage with grasping devices for grasping the plastic sheets. The carriage comprises a cam slot extending perpendicular to its direction of motion. A driven cam follower engaged in the cam slot drives the carriage from a first position, in which the grasping devices grasp the sheets, into a second position at the end of the feed carriage travel, at which the sheets are released. A conveyor belt supports the film sheets between the various stations. A lift mechanism activates the welding press during the reverse motion of the carriage; it is driven by the drive shaft driving the crank arm. The speed of the motor driving the drive shaft may be varied during each machine cycle to optimize its operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing a reclosable bag film. The bag film is produced by extruding a bag film web having a relatively thinner first portion and relatively thicker second portions which are formed unitarily with the first portion. Closure members preferably in the form of male and female fastener profiles, are formed separately from the web portion and joined to the thicker second portions before the thicker second portions have become cooled to an ambient temperature.

Abstract: A cooling chamber for use in in-line association with a continuous extruder for rapidly cooling freshly extruded product, e.g. vinyl fluid hose, to prevent deformation of the fresh extrudate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a tissue block for sectioning in a microtome includes positioning the tissue block on a platform. A vacuum-retracted membrane of plastic film material is used to draw an underside of the tissue block or specimen into planar contact with the platform. The user adjusts any peripheral edges of the tissue block that are not properly oriented so the underside is in a planar position. The tissue block is frozen on the platform once it is properly oriented. The membrane is subsequently peeled away from the platform and O.C.T. compound is applied to the tissue blocks. The O.C.T. compound after hardening and the tissue block are transferred to a second platform carried by a mounting device such that the tissue underside is exposed. The tissue specimen is ready for sectioning as part of the Mohs fresh tissue surgical technique.

Abstract: A non-adhesive coated area substantially accurately coinciding with the width of a blade is formed on an adhesive sheet fabricated by forming the adhesive layer by coating an adhesive on the entire one side surface of a release sheet, scraping the adhesive layer by a blade having a suitable width to form a non-coated area in the adhesive layer, and then bonding a surface sheet to the adhesive layer having the non-coated area.

Abstract: A cassette which retains a plurality of stacked resin sheets is loaded on a retaining member of a driving device. A plurality of press-heating stations and a number of cooling stations which is smaller than the number of press-heating stations are disposed around the driving device, and the retaining member is sequentially sent to each of the stations by means of the driving device. In each press-heating station, each of the resin sheets in the cassette retained by the retaining member is thermowelded, and the press-heated resin sheets are cooled in the cooling station. The cassette comprises a cassette body for accommodating a plurality of stacked resin sheets, and a pressing plate brought into contact with the stacked resin sheets so as to press them by means of a resilient member such as a coned disk spring. Thus, the resin sheets are moved from one press-heating station to another while being maintained in a pressed state.

Abstract: A flat film 11 is delivered from a supply roll 12 to a folding device with a tube forming part 17 and is folded into a tube envelope 23. The butt or overlap seam of the folded tube envelope 23 is covered with a sealing strip 14. The folded tube envelope 23 together with the sealing strip 14 is guided between a partial periphery of a sealing drum 2 and an electrically heated heating band 3 and is sealed under heat and pressure applied by the heating band 3. Electrical current is supplied to the endlessly revolving heating band 3 via feed rollers 6 and 7 from a current source 20 connected, via lines 21 and 22, to sliding contacts 8 which rest against the two sides of each feed roller. An endlessly revolving, cooled steel band 26 is in contact with the seam of the sealed tube envelope 18 and is guided around a cooling roller 9.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous manufacture of an endless strip of thin chipboard includes means for depositing wood chips mixed with a bonding agent onto a horizontally-disposed section of a continuously revolving pretensioned conveyor belt. This apparatus is further provided with a heated compression drum adjacent the discharge end of the conveyor belt. An endless steel belt partially encircles the compression drum surface to provide a compression gap between the steel belt and the drum surface. The improvement comprises a first deflector roller mounted adjacent the point where the chips enter the gap; a second deflector roller beneath said depositing means; and the conveyor belt being endless, made from textile material and trained around the first and second deflector rollers to convey the chips to the gap.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for heat-treating gelatin capsules containing a medicament to cause heat-seal of the telescoped cap and body wall portions thereof, the apparatus comprising a housing defining an elongate generally cylindrical passageway sloping downwardly from inlet to outlet for receiving and discharging capsules passing therethrough, a capsule conveyor comprising an elongate rotatable shaft mounted on the longitudinal cylindrical axis of the passageway for rotation and carrying a plurality of generally circular conveyor plates, each plate supportably mounted in spaced relation along the shaft and having extending ramp portions communicating with the top surface of the next adjacent plate in the direction of the housing passageway outlet to define a generally Archimedean screw-shaped path for passage of gelatin capsules through the housing passageway from inlet to outlet, air-distributing means comprising an elongate manifold attached to the housing having a first section communicating with the passageway

Abstract: An apparatus for producing helically wound double-walled fused thermoplastic pipes, corrugated outside and smooth inside. The apparatus includes extruder means forming two bands of a thermoplastic material, a former shaping the corrugated configuration of and helically winding the first extruded band, a cooled element pressing the second band to the inside of the corrugations and having passages communicating with the second band and with a vacuum means.

Abstract: A method for continuously manufacturing a thin wall tube of an extrudable material, preferably a polyolefine, having a wrapper of a metal foil.A thin wall extrudate is discharged from an extruder and a web of a metal foil having an adhesive layer thereon is fed against the outside of the tube and brought to fully cover the envelope surface of the tube with said layer facing the tube.Thereafter the tube is fed into an opening in a housing forming a pressure and temperature zone.The lamination pressure for laminating the metal foil to the tube is made selfadjusting by adapting the temperature and/or the efficient opening diameter of said opening to the inherent deformation resistance of the tube.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a fabric from a fibrous web comprising at least 5 percent thermoplastic fibers, said method comprising superimposing the web on a first carrier belt, superimposing a second carrier belt on the web, causing the web and belts to travel about at least two heated rolls, and cooling the web between the belts.

Abstract: Fluid is directed against an article of indefinite length to support the article as it is moved along a passline. The fluid may be used to modify the temperature of the article. The method and apparatus disclosed are particularly applicable to supporting a telecommunications cable while cooling extruded jacketing material on the outer surface of the cable.

Abstract: The disclosed tool has a base plate with opposed upper and lower faces. A handle is mounted off the upper face. A layer of an anti-friction material may be present on the lower face of the base plate. The base plate has a plurality of through holes between the upper and lower faces, arranged in a closely spaced array over the whole lower face. Other than the interruption these holes may provide, the lower face is flat and smooth. The tool is used with the lower face being placed on, pressed against, and moved along a connecting seam, from the upper side of the carpet, that is being established between two adjacent carpet pieces by means of a lapping tape having a heat-activated adhesive thereon, which upon cooling becomes bonded to the carpet edges. The tool effectively holds the carpet pieces in place while the adhesive is cooling and simultaneously dissipates heat from the carpet and seam to set the seam quickly.

Abstract: A film tubing device for use in a packaging apparatus comprising a former arranged in a transfer path of a continuous length of a heat-meltable film, the former including an inner former member on which the film is wrapped with its longitudinal side edges overlapping each other, the former further including an outer former member having a longitudinal outlet through which the overlapping side edges of the film project out, a pair of longitudinal sealers disposed adjacent to the longitudinal outlet as slightly spaced from the outer former member for nipping the overlapping side edges of the film, the sealers being heated for heat-sealing the overlapping side edges of the film, a thin air guide plate arranged between the outer former member and each sealer to define a clearance between the guide plate and the outer former member, and an air supplying nozzle for feeding cooling air into the clearance.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for laminating plastics film(s) (12) to an element (14), for example wire netting. The apparatus (10) comprising a pair of resilient rollers (18 and 20) which presses the element (14) and plastics film(s) (12) together. Beforehand the plastics film(s) (12) passes a heating means (40) to reach a fusion temperature and an applicator (50) dispenses adhesive onto the element (14). A strong bond results between the plastics film(s) (12) and the element (14). A method is also described.