Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying to a surface of a continuous travelling web of paper a regular mesh-like pattern of thermoplastic stripes or strands. The plastic stripes or strands are extruded from nozzles supported a short distance above the travelling web of paper, the nozzles being disposed at the bottom of extrusion heads oscillating transversely to the direction of travel of the web of paper. While the pattern of plastic stripes or strands is applied to a surface of the paper, a vacuum or suction plate disposed against the other surface of the paper draws the plastic through the pores of the paper. The web of paper is subsequently passed through a pair of compression rolls and is air-dried.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for manufacturing a synthetic resin hose having a tubular reinforcing member embedded therein, which comprises a hollow cylindrical member having diameter adjusting discs provided with yarn guide holes for guiding a plurality of bonding-agent applied warps to the outer peripheral surface of the hollow cylindrical member, and an adjusting disc for guiding braiding yarns to the outer peripheral surface of a tubular member formed by said plurality of warps; a braiding machine surrounding said hollow cylindrical member and weaving the braiding yarns into a braided member; a first heating unit surrounding said hollow cylindrical member and bonding the warp tabular member to the braided member at the contacts therebetween, thereby heat-setting a tubular reinforcing member consisting of the warp tubular member and the braided member; a resin applying unit having manifolds and die for coating synthetic resin to the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of said tubular reinforcing member;

Abstract: Apparatus for heating a cardboard blank (2) coated with a synthetic material include an inhibitor (21, 22) which inhibits heat transferred from the synthetic coating to the cardboard blank from raising the temperature of predetermined portions of the cardboard blank beyond a selected value.

Abstract: A process for the continuous modification of the surface portion only of a foamed plastic web to impart high mechanical resistance with retention of air permeability and elasticity comprises preheating the web to a temperature below its melting point, passing the preheated web through the nip of a calendar and withdrawing the web from the calender under tension. The calendar comprises a pressure roller heated to a temperature above the melting point of the web and a backing roller which is not heated.

Abstract: A machine for sealing polyethylene bags or the like of the type having conveyer bands for gripping and transporting the bags to be sealed at a constant velocity from the machine's inlet end, through a heating station, then through a cooling station to the machine's outlet end. The conveyer bands are formed from a material having good release (non-stick) characteristics with respect to the fused thermoplastic. Disposed at the heating and cooling stations, respectively, are heating and chilling bars (heat transfer bars), each being disposed in pairs on opposite sides on and in proximity to the conveyer bands. Means are provided for cyclically opening and closing both pairs of bars relative to the conveyer bands and for translating the bars longitudinally in reciprocating fashion with respect to the moving bands.

Abstract: Layers of heat sealable material are pressed between opposed jaws, cut through, and simultaneously the edges along each side of the cut line are sealed using an improved impulse sealer and method wherein a narrow, internal cooling vein(s) or channel(s), defined near the working interface of the jaws, is cooled by a pressurized stream of refrigerated gas to provide forced cooling to the sealed edges during the cooling portion of the sealing cycle.

Abstract: An improved high speed cast process for fusing fasteners, with strips of film at their base, to separately extruded film or sheet stock for making containers with integral closure means. The process makes available multiple sets of male and female fastener elements, with variable spacing, in a single extrusion operation. The apparatus is configured so that adhesion between the fastener elements and the film or sheet occurs very closely to the die lips before significant cooling of the extrudate occurs. Containers with improved profiles are obtained because the base permits the profiles to remain relatively rigid during closing and opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying to a surface of a continuous travelling web of paper a regular mesh-like pattern of thermoplastic stripes or strands. The plastic stripes or strands are extruded from nozzles supported a short distance above the travelling web of paper, the nozzles being disposed at the bottom of extrusion heads oscillating transversely to the direction of travel of the web of paper. While the pattern of plastic stripes or strands is applied to a surface of the paper, a vacuum or suction plate disposed against the other surface of the paper draws the plastic through the pores of the paper. The web of paper is subsequently passed through a pair of compression rolls and is air-dried.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus to facilitate the method of discontinuously laminating at least two thermoplastic layers together. The layers are heated and pressed together over all but a selected window portion of the layers to facilitate lamination between the layers at all points except the selected window portions. Relief grid images can be embossed in the selected window portion or holograms or other difficult to forge inserts can be provided in these window areas prior to lamination. During lamination, the reduced or absence of heating in these window portions permits lamination of the card without destruction of the selected window portion insert.

Abstract: An extrusion system for covering a flexible conductor (14) with a crystalline thermoplastic elastomer insulating material by tubing the plastic onto the conductor includes a core tube (61) which is mounted in an extruder crosshead (41) such that its free end is positioned within the interior of the extruder die (59). The free end of the core tube is spaced from the die opening a predetermined percentage of the land length of the die. In this arrangement, which has been found to be suitable for a crystalline thermoplastic elastomer having a crystallization initiation temperature which is capable of being substantially near to its melting point temperature, the crosshead and the core tube are arranged to provide a streamlined flow path of the insulating material toward the die opening.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing separator sleeves and/or pockets, for the reception of battery plates, seals the edge gaps of a sandwich of two separators and a plate with an extruded ribbon of plastics material. The sandwich is automatically assembled in an assembly section, from stacks of separators in separate magazines and a stack of plates in a further magazine. The assembled sandwich is fed to a sleeve-sealing section, with a conveyor which conveys the sandwich past extruders which seal the side edges. Water-cooled blocks cool and size the sealed edges, and rotary cutters under the control of sensors trim off excess plastics material extruded between successive sandwiches. At the end of the conveyor the sealed sleeves are fed on to a delivery table, if sleeve products are required, or passed on to a further conveyor of a pocket-sealing section if pockets are required.

Abstract: In an apparatus for joining a plurality of band-shaped layers of material in passage wherein rotating steel belts (18) for pressing together the laminates are heated, the apparatus being designed as a dual belt press (10), a heat damming protective shield is disposed at the intake side both above and below the cover layers (13, 15), said protective shields being designed as cooling pockets (20) and being adjustably fastened to the dual belt press (10). The cooling pockets (20) may be designed in such a manner that a coolant can flow therethrough and the cover layers (13, 15) are shielded from the radiation heat of the steel belts (18) until very near the pressing region of the guide rollers (17).

Abstract: This invention is concerned with the tack spinning of materials and has particular reference to the formation of tack spun materials by applying a theromplastic polymer to a backing or carrier sheet to form a pattern or layer thereon and then heating the layer and contacting the layer with a second surface whereby separation of the carrier from the second surface results in separation of the thermoplastic polymer within its plane to draw fibres therefrom on progressive separation. The preferred embodiment of the invention involves two backing sheets prepared between a pair of nip rollers to form a sandwich structure with a layer of thermoplastic tack spinnable material and separating the same on the downstream side of the nip to provide the fibres disposed substantially transverse to the plane of the carrier sheet. The invention also describes novel apparatus for performing this operation.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed capable of wrapping both cold-applied and hot-applied strips of sheet material in tape form around a pipe or conduit having a generally circular cross-sectional external shape. The apparatus includes a frame having a desired number of frame cross members for structural support and having a hinged rotatable frame portion; a plurality of guide roller assemblies connected to the frame; a guide roller tensioning assembly; a sheet material feeding assembly; a sheet material tensioning assembly; a guide roller angular adjustment assembly, adjustable to vary the angle of the guide rollers with respect to the conduit being wrapped for varying the amount of sheet material overlap; a cold-applied tape backing material take off and wrapping assembly, and a burner assembly, alternatively attachable to the frame instead of the cold-applied tape backing material take off and wrapping assembly, when hot applied tape is used.

Abstract: A ridge remover for smoothing and shaping rod surfaces where jointure marks occur in fibrous rod manufacture when made using a porous belt garniture device.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a plastic container having occludable closure strips comprises a source for the closure strips, a rotatable casting cylinder having a pair of spaced apart circumferential grooves defined therein, a mechanism for advancing the closure strips to the casting cylinder, an extruder for casting a plastic film onto the casting cylinder so that it becomes connected to base portions of the closure strips, and a chill roll for receiving the combination of plastic film and closure strips to provide cooling.

Abstract: An improved high speed cast process for fusing fasteners, with strips of film at their base, to separately extruded film or sheet stock for making containers with integral closure means. The process makes available multiple sets of male and female fastener elements, with variable spacing, in a single extrusion operation. The apparatus is configured so that adhesion between the fastener elements and the film or sheet occurs very closely to the die lips before significant cooling of the extrudate occurs. Containers with improved profiles are obtained because the base permits the profiles to remain relatively rigid during closing and opening.

Abstract: The improved impulse heat generation and sealer apparatus of the present invention comprises preferably a metallic heat sink block bearing a shallow groove on the face surface thereof. The shallow groove is lined with a thin layer of an electrical insulator/heat conductor and the groove is filled with a preferably metallic electrically conductive material to form a smooth and preferably co-planar surface with the face surface of the metallic block. This smooth surface is coated with a thin layer of a release coating. A resilient mating surface is provided in preferred embodiments for reciprocating motion, whereby an electrical impulse rapidly generates heat in the groove filler material to bond together sheets of a polymeric material disposed between the mating surfaces, and the heat is rapidly dissipated to prevent damage to the sealed sheets. In other embodiments, the heat sink structure may be utilized in heat radiators or any other fast cycling heat exchanger.

Abstract: There has been provided a method for manufacture of decals wherein the decal is printed with an offset rotogravure process utilizing solventless thermoplastic inks. By controlling the temperatures of the gravure rolls, the offset rolls and the back-up rolls, a continuous process is maintained which is capable of printing all layers of a decal without intermediate drying steps. The decal produced and claimed is, in a preferred embodiment, a ceramic heat release decal especially suited for the manufacture of decorated tableware.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously forming a corrugated tube from a strip of synthetic resin in a softened state by the use of a plurality of rotating rollers arranged in a circular array such that said rollers define an imaginary cylinder about its central axis with the axes of said rollers being parallel to each other but angled relative to the central axis of the imaginary cylinder whereby as the rollers rotate the strip is helically wrapped around and advanced axially along said imaginary cylinder with portions of adjacent turns of the strip overlapping and joined together to form a continuous tube; characterized in that each of said rollers is provided with a plurality of axially spaced annular ridges therearound, said ridges of the respective rollers being so arranged that the associated successive ridges of each adjacent rollers are aligned in a spiral path around said imaginary cylinder.

Abstract: A machine for applying particularly configured pieces of thermally-activated tape to a heated substrate, such as a continuous strip of lead frames, it is capable of long term, high speed operation without becoming fouled with tape pieces or residual adhesive. A drop-through die assembly to blank the tape pieces is mounted for reciprocal movement to and from the metal strip normally supported in spaced relation beneath the assembly. Cooling fluid is circulated through the die and stripper plate of the die assembly for dissipating heat generated in the punch during the blanking operation. This cooling feature together with the normally spaced arrangement of the die assembly and the heated substrate, serves to maintain the temperature of the punch well below the activating temperature of the tape, whereby the tendency of the punch to collect a build-up of adhesive and tape pieces is virtually eliminated.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a bag of plastics material having an opening closable by a flap which is provided with a band of adhesive for securing the flap to the bag after closing of the opening, the band of adhesive being covered by a releasable strip of plastics material.

Abstract: A bonding apparatus for applying a thermoplastic-adhesive coated core material to a moving substrate as disclosed. Heat exchanger guide means directs a continuous length of hot melt strand to an output orifice at a bonding station. The hot melt adhesive is softened by the unique heat exchanger means to its flow point, just before the strand leaves the output orifice. A rapidly replaceable bonding shoe presses the hot melt strand onto a substrate moving past the bonding station, as soon as the heated strand leaves the output orifice, thus bonding the strand to the moving substrate. Biasing means selectively provides presettable compression or tension forces to the bonding shoe, as required by the particular bonding application. Optional cooling apparatus positioned immediately downstream from the bonding station, further compresses the hot melt strand on the substrate and cools the adhesive to bonding consistency.

Abstract: A stapling apparatus and method together with thermoplastic staples used therewith are disclosed and each staple is made entirely of thermoplastic material and has a bight and a pair of legs the outer portions of which are permanently heat shaped in clinched relation followed by immediate cooling.

Abstract: Apparatus for joining the aligned edges of superposed plies of sheet material by means of an adhesive joining strip comprises a retractable nozzle for applying adhesive to the strip, and a forming plate which is curved for guiding the strip towards said edges and which defines a channel for bending the strip into U shape so that the edges come to lie between the limbs of the U.

Abstract: A method of an apparatus for joining plastic fastener strip continuously to a film. The film of substantial width is run continuously longitudinally through a joining station. A selected longitudinal area of the film is maintained in a stable tensioned condition relative to the remainder of the film as it runs through the joining station. In the joining station, there is joined and secured to the tensioned area a fastener strip running in the same direction and at the same speed as the film. The selected area tensioning is effected by maintaining such area offset relative to the remainder of the film. Downstream from the joining station the film and fastener strip assembly is progressively conditioned until thoroughly stabilized.

Abstract: Apparatus for bonding heat bondable materials through the application of pressure and heat employs a diaphragm pressed by fluid pressure against the materials. The diaphragm comprises a web having a flexible heating element which is bonded to its non-material pressing side and has a configuration corresponding to the desired seam configuration. The web carries heat dissipating means to conduct heat away from the diaphragm and the materials in the seam configuration and heat directing means to conduct heat from the element to the seam area. Preferably the heating element, heat directing means and heat conducting means are formed from metallic foil bonded to both sides of the web and having portions etched away to provide electrically insulating channels separating one from another.

Abstract: An improvement on commercial machines which bind documents using plastic strips. The punch mechanism may be automatically actuated when the paper sheets are properly aligned on a punch platen or actuated manually at the user's discretion. Distance of the holes from the edges of the sheets may be indexed.

Abstract: Two or more layers of nonpolar thermoplastic film are bonded together by application of an RF current. The layers of thermoplastic film are pressed against a thin electrode plate, which lies atop a thin sheet of dielectric material supported on a conductive electrode die having a face or configuration to define the shape of the seal to be formed between the layers. RF current is applied to the electrode plate and to the electrode die, generating localized heat in the portions of the dielectric sheet overlying the die until the thermoplastic material has softened sufficiently to form a seal. A release agent, such as a sheet of polytetrafluoroethylene, can be provided on one surface of the electrode plate to prevent the thermoplastic material from sticking to the electrode plate.

Abstract: There is disclosed a radiant energy device for bonding thermoplastic films without contact between the plastic films and the radiant energy sources in the form of resistance wires heated to incandescence by pulses of current timed to occur when the plastic films have been supported in tension and the wires have been brought to a point of close proximity to but spaced from the films. The wires are received in contoured reflecting cavities to focus and control the radiant energy, and the cavities are ducted to a source of coolant fluid which is applied in pulses timed in relation to the current pulses to cool and solidify the plastic seals and to cool the system to a reference temperature level at the conclusion of each cycle so that uniform sealing standards can be maintained. Resiliently biased, movable end supports for the wires maintain uniform tension under changes of wire length with temperature so that the distance of the wires from the films is uniform and unchanging at all points along its length.

Abstract: What is disclosed are methods and apparatus for coating a hollow synthetic resin tube with a pre-formed film coating by applying the film coating to an exterior surface of such a tube directly after extrusion, while the resin thereof is thermoplastic, and then passing them through a shaping channel while maintaining a modest pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the tube, whereby the film coating and tube are adhered by the compression thereof against the walls of the shaping channel.

Abstract: A continuous bag sealing machine for heat sealable bags is provided. The machine includes a conveyor belt upon which the bag to be sealed is moved. The upper portion of the bag is gripped by a double pair of "V" belts and is moved through the machine to a hot air nozzle which fuses and seals the top of the bag. As the bag is heated, it is simultaneously stretched to more securely fuse the bag together. A cool air nozzle hardens the seal and a cutting device cuts off the top of the bag. One pair of "V" belts transport the cut-off scrap of the bag out of the device.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for continuously making film with one or more fastener profiles thereon to be used for making reclosable plastic bags. The film is extruded through a T-shaped head having a thin slot die opening, and at least one fastener profile is extruded through a preform die block positioned so that the film and profile will engage and fuse to each other while the plastic is still in the state of fusion. The die block is mounted adjustably to be moved into different positions along the film head with the positions varying across the film width to control the location of the profile relative to the edges of the film or relative to other profiles on the film, with the width of the film also being controllable.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of separating a glass mask from a pellicle ring adhesively mounted thereon. This is accomplished by maintaining a coolant in contact with the mask for a period of time sufficient to cool the adhesive bond between the mask and pellicle ring to below its embrittlement temperature so that when a shearing force is applied to the ring with respect to the glass mask will cause shearing of the adhesive bond at the adhesive glass mask interface. When pressure is applied to the ring across the adhesive, separation at the surface of the mask occurs and the ring is released from the mask without damage to the mask or the ring and without leaving significant amounts of adhesive on the surface of the mask. Pellicles removed in this manner can be rebonded at a later time to a glass mask using the same adhesive and without using additional adhesive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a longitudinal hem along one edge of a fabric using a hot melt adhesive for securement of the hem. The fabric is advanced along a predetermined path of travel while one longitudinal edge portion of the fabric is directed through an elongate heating chamber and heated to an elevated temperature. The heated edge portion of the fabric then passes through a folding station and the fabric is folded to form a hem. A stream of molten hot melt adhesive is deposited between the overlying fabric layers which define the longitudinal hem and pressure is applied to the hem to cause the molten adhesive to spread and penetrate into the fabric layers and to also prevent relative movement between the fabric layers until the adhesive has sufficiently cooled to secure the hem together.

Abstract: A bonded fabric, especially for women's underwear, is formed by coating a binder powder onto the surface of a first polyamide knit layer and fritting the binder powder thereon before applying to it a needled polyester layer which in turn is bonded by a second binder layer to a second knit polyamide. A third binder layer bonds a knitted lace to the second polyamide layer which is identical to the first.

Abstract: Apparatus for receiving fitments from a supply and transferring such fitments until one fitment is positioned in a predetermined location adjacent to a flexible thermoplastic sleeve which is used to make a pouch. In this position, a pilot pin engages the fitment and holds the fitment while the transfer mechanism is retracted and thereafter a press forces the fitment into engagement with the pouch and the fitment is welded to the pouch by a welding mechanism located within the sleeve.

Abstract: A linear seal joining a plurality of polybutylene sheets is produced by (1) clamping the sheets between a pair of heat conducting members with free edges of the sheets protruding to form a relaxed skirt, (2) concentrating fusing heat on the skirt to form a tacky weld joining the free edges, and (3) subjecting the weld to an aqueous surfactant fluid by which unwanted tackiness of the weld is eliminated. Apparatus is disclosed for performing the foregoing process. A polybutylene product of the foregoing process is disclosed.

Abstract: In a can body forming process and equipment therefor, the cooling action to be added to the joining portions at the opposite ends of a can body blank is effected only at the lower part of the can forming cylinder so that said joining portions can be joined substantially without undergoing internal strain and with a higher forming accuracy.

Abstract: A process and die are disclosed for preparing a foamed article of thermoplastic resin having a particular cross section configuration. The die of the invention is provided with a plurality of apertures in its face through which the resin is discharged. The apertures in the face of the die are distributed in a shape corresponding to the cross section of the foamed article which is produced. The apertures are further divided into a plurality of groups in which there is at least one zone which is void of apertures so that the apertures in the same group are actually restricted to a narrow band. The zone on the surface of the die which is void of apertures has a thickness more than twice the average distance between two adjacent apertures belonging to the same group.

Abstract: An insulation comprising a polyether polyester thermoplastic copolymer obtained by reacting 1,4 butane diol terephthalate with terephthalate esters of polytetramethylene glycol is coated over an irregularly configured conductor, such as for example, a tinsel conductor, suitable for use in telecommunications cordage by moving the copolymer through an extruder and along a flow path formed between a core tube and wall of a die cavity. The die cavity adjacent to the throat of the die has a frustoconical portion formed with an approach angle of sufficient magnitude to minimize the pressure drop through the extruder to extrude the copolymer at a temperature slightly above the melting point of the copolymer.

Abstract: Apparatus for the manufacture of bags from a web of plastic material while applying the principle of loop formation, comprising a plurality of supports, traveling in a first endless path said supports carrying and holding the web by means of suction, further comprising heatsealing members moving in a second endless path, a part of which coincides with a portion of said first endless path for severing and heatsealing the web at spaced intervals so as to form bags, said supports with the bags passing through a cooling zone downstream of said common portion of both paths, said apparatus comprising means for taking the bags off from the supports.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing cylindrical tubes from paper or similar fibrous materials. A layer of plastics material which becomes tacky when heated provided on a paper web is heated through the paper web then pressed against a plastics foil web with one edge of the plastics foil web extending beyond the corresponding edge of the paper web. The joined webs are wound helically onto a mandril with the extended edge of the plastics foil web overlapping a corresponding opposite second edge of the plastics foil web. A string of molten adhesive is applied along the extended edge on the mandril. The mandril is cooled to maintain the foil layer nearest the mandril below its melting temperature.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for manufacturing a synthetic resin hose having a tubular reinforcing member embedded therein, which comprises a hollow cylindrical member having diameter adjusting discs provided with yarn guide holes for guiding a plurality of bonding-agent applied warps to the outer peripheral surface of the hollow cylindrical member, and an adjusting disc for guiding braiding yarns to the outer peripheral surface of a tubular member formed by said plurality of warps; a braiding machine surrounding said hollow cylindrical member and weaving the braiding yarns into a braided member; a first heating unit surrounding said hollow cylindrical member and bonding the warp tubular member to the braided member at the contacts therebetween, thereby heat-setting a tubular reinforcing member consisting of the warp tubular member and the braided member; a resin applying unit having manifolds and die for coating synthetic resin to the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of said tubular reinforcing member;

Abstract: An improved form of vacuum press is disclosed for use in laminating transparent protective film to photographs and the like and for dry-mounting the same to suitable substrates or backing materials.The press comprises a rigid work support assembly for supporting a workpiece, and a cover assembly hinged to the work support assembly for movement into and out of engagement with the top of the work support assembly, with the cover assembly comprising a frame, a flexible, air-impermeable membrane extending across an interior opening in the frame and attached thereto at its edges, and sealing means for forming an airtight chamberbetween the work support assembly supporting the workpiece and the cover assembly when the cover assembly is in engagement with the top of the work support assembly.

Abstract: Method and machine for fabricating plasticboard wherein areas of bonding are created with localized heating and pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a longitudinal hem along one edge of a fabric using a hot melt adhesive for securement of the hem. The fabric is advanced along a predetermined path of travel while one longitudinal edge portion of the fabric is directed through an elongate heating chamber and heated to an elevated temperature. The heated edge portion of the fabric then passes through a folding station and the fabric is folded to form a hem. A stream of molten hot melt adhesive is deposited between the overlying fabric layers which define the longitudinal hem and pressure is applied to the hem to cause the molten adhesive to spread and penetrate into the fabric layers and to also prevent relative movement between the fabric layers until the adhesive is sufficiently cooled to secure the hem together.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the manufacture of adhesive covers in which cover material is conveyed through an apparatus wherein a hot melt adhesive is applied to selected portions of the cover material, a release agent is applied to the adhesive and the adhesive on the cover material is cooled. The apparatus includes a novel hot melt adhesive applicator which is adapted to break the string of adhesive stretching from the hot melt bead on the cover to the applicator nozzle. One embodiment of the unit involves an in-line arrangement in which individual covers are processed. Another embodiment involves an in-line arrangement in which web of cover material flows continuously through various operations and is then cut at the end into individual covers. Another embodiment involves an in-line arrangement in which a web of transparent cover material is incorporated in the process and combined with a web of cover material overlapping a portion of the latter.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for laminating surfacing materials, such as high and low pressure laminates, paper, wood veneers, metal foils and the like, to core material, such as plywood, particle board, flake board, hard board, rigid plastic foams and the like.The disclosure includes a machine for laminating, particularly utilizing high viscosity, hot melt adhesives within the ambient conditions of a factory. A sandwich is formed at ambient temperature with the adhesive between the laminate and core either as sheet material or precoated on the laminate or the core. The method employs a progressive heating of the adhesive and adjacent parts of the sandwich from ambient temperature through tackiness to an activating temperature followed immediately by a physical migration of the adhesive to wet out adjacent surfaces followed by a cooling of the sandwich to a mechanical bonding adhesive temperature.

Abstract: A resilient, thermally bonded, non-woven fibrous batt having a uniform compression modulus in one plane which is more than the compression modulus measured in a direction perpendicular to that plane, and a substantially uniform density across its thickness is obtained by preparing a batt comprising at least 20% by weight of crimped and/or crimpable conjugate fibres having or capable of developing a crimp frequency of less than 10 crimps per extended cm. and a decitex in the range of 5 to 30. The batt is thermally bonded by subjecting it to an upward flow of a fluid heated to a temperature sufficient to heat the batt to a temperature in excess of the softening temperature of the low softening component but below the softening temperature(s) of the other component(s) of the conjugate fibre to effect inter-fibre bonding. The thermally bonded batt is then cooled by an upward flow of cool air.