Abstract: In various embodiments, a non-circular electrical cable having a reduced pulling force attributable to the exterior surface of an outer sheath, and method of producing the same is provided. In various embodiments, an outer sheath of the cable may comprise a first and second sheath layer, the second sheath layer being located external to the first sheath layer, and comprising a nylon material configured to reduce the pulling force necessary for installing the cable. In various embodiments, the first sheath layer may be extruded using a tube extrusion method into a substantially circular shape, and the second sheath layer may be extruded using a pressure extrusion methods onto the exterior surface of the first sheath layer while maintaining the at least substantially circular shape of the sheath. The sheath may then be pulled onto the surface of a plurality of conductors to form the non-circular electrical cable.

Abstract: A protective textile sleeve for providing protection to an elongate member contained therein; a method of construction thereof, and a method of bonding at least a portion of the sleeve to at least one of itself and an elongate member extending through a cavity thereof is provided. The sleeve has a wall of interlaced yarn, with the wall having an outermost surface and an innermost surface. The innermost surface is configured to bound a cavity extending between opposite open ends. The sleeve further includes an adhesive coating bonded to at least a portion of at least one of the outermost and innermost surfaces. The adhesive coating has a first, dried non-adhesive state and a second, wetted adhesive state, wherein the second adhesive state is activated via application of a water-based liquid thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-adhesive wall covering comprising a glass textile with a closed structure, consisting of glass fibers and of a water-permeable polymer binder, and an adhesive coating comprising both a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) and a water-activable latent adhesive. The definitive attachment to the wall of this repositionable self-adhesive covering takes place, after hanging, by applying one or more coats of water-based paint.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting and sealing a moving length of a fabric by heating, sealing, and finally cutting the fabric in a linear process to form an even, fused edge. The fabric undergoes a sequence of manipulations efficacious for cutting and sealing the fabric to a desired pattern and edge width. The method and apparatus help to minimize frayed edges on the fabric by bonding and fusing the fibers prior to cutting. The fabric is initially drawn through the apparatus in a predetermined pattern, such as a window blind. A heating portion directs a hot gas onto a section of the fiber desired for creating the edges. The heated section is compressed under a seal, which helps fuse perpendicular and parallel cross sections of fibers. The newly sealed section is then immediately cut with a cutting portion to form at least one fused edge.

Abstract: An inflatable-cushion inflation and sealing device is disclosed. The device includes an inflation assembly configured for inflating with a fluid a cushion cavity disposed between first and second layers of film. The inflation assembly includes a fluid conduit configured for longitudinal reception between first and second overlapping portions of an inflation channel adjacent to and in fluid communication with the cushion cavity. The device further includes a cutting element disposed proximate the fluid conduit and configured and 10 oriented to cut open inflation channel by a cutting motion that includes rotation thereof. Also, the device includes a sealing assembly configured to seal the overlapping portions to each other and to form a longitudinal seal configured to seal the fluid in the cushion cavity.

Abstract: A process for producing a nonwoven web material with improved edge quality, and the product thereof, are disclosed. The process may include the steps of forming a batt of polymeric fibers; consolidating the batt in a z-direction and thereby forming a nonwoven web material, conveying the nonwoven web material to a nip between a bonding roller and anvil roller, and impressing a pattern of bond impressions into the nonwoven web material, the bond impressions lying a long a cut path. When the web is subsequently cut along the cut path, fibers proximate the cut path are immobilized by the bonds, providing for relatively neater, cleaner cut edges and reducing the number of loose fibers that may be released into the plant environment in downstream processing operations.

Abstract: An undergarment includes at least one piece of fabric that forms the undergarment. The undergarment has leg openings. The fabric includes edges that surround the leg openings, whereby at least one of the edges surrounding the leg openings has a plurality of fibers and at least some of the fibers have free ends terminating at the at least one of the edges surrounding the leg openings. A bead of a cured polymer is disposed over the at least one of the edges surrounding the leg openings. The cured polymer bead forms a finished edge that is stretchable for adjusting to movement of the fabric.

Abstract: A method of preventing a handheld electronic device from slipping in relation to a smooth hard surface having a low coefficient of friction is disclosed. The method includes forming a decorative layer from a label stock; forming a contoured surface on an anti-slip layer; bonding the decorative layer and the anti-slip layer together to form an anti-slip skin; and adhering the anti-slip skin to the handheld electronic device. The contoured surface prevents the handheld device from slipping on the hard surface.

Abstract: A method for preforming a textile semi-finished product, including arranging a textile having at least two layers of fibers, interwoven fibers and/or fiber bundles that are at least in part arranged on top of each other. The method also includes; fixing-in-position of the fibers of the textile against each other and then cutting-to-size of the textile. The fixing-in-position of the textile involves irradiating via a laser beam in order for the melt-on binder of the textile to be melted on only in a localized fashion and not evaporated. The fixing-in-position occurs along a fix-in-position line, the cutting-to-size occurs along a cut-to-size line, and the fix-in-position line is located at a distance relative to the cut-to-size line that is so small that any fraying of the textile is reduced or suppressed altogether.

Abstract: A system is provided for joining fabrics by lines or arrays of dots of adhesive, the system comprising: a blue light source; a dispenser, disposed proximally with the blue light source, the dispensing system being configured to deposit at least one drop of a monomer on first and second proximate fabric surfaces; a conveyance whereby the light source and the dispensing system change position relative to the first and second fabric surfaces.

Abstract: A method of bonding a first substrate and a second substrate includes the steps of rotating first substrate with an adhesive mass thereon, and second substrate contacting the mass and overlying the first substrate, controlling a vertical height of a heated control platen spaced apart from and not contacting the second substrate so as to control a temperature of the adhesive mass, so as to at least one of bond the first and second substrates in alignment with one another, or achieve a sufficiently planar adhesive interface between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a method for bonding protective tapes to the cut edges of an electrode plate within a short period to prevent short circuit in an electrode assembly. An electrode plate cutting & tape bonding process includes (1) cutting an electrode plate into pieces 100a and 100b, (2) forming a gap W between edges 106 and 107 of the pieces 100a and 100b, (3) bonding protective tapes 51 and 52 to both sides of the pieces 100a and 100b, covering the edges and the gap, and (4) conveying the pieces 100a and 100b connected together. Next, the tapes 51 and 52 are cut into pieces 51a & 52a and 51b & 52b. Then, the electrode plate piece 100a with the tape pieces 51a & 52a and 51b & 52b is wound together with a negative electrode plate, with a separator sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: An undergarment includes at least one piece of fabric that forms the undergarment. The undergarment has leg openings. The fabric includes edges that surround the leg openings, whereby at least one of the edges surrounding the leg openings has a plurality of fibers and at least some of the fibers have free ends terminating at the at least one of the edges surrounding the leg openings. A bead of a cured polymer is disposed over the at least one of the edges surrounding the leg openings. The cured polymer bead forms a finished edge that is stretchable for adjusting to movement of the fabric.

Abstract: A garment having a finished edge that is an unopposed edge. The unopposed finished edge has a first bead of a polymer material in spaced relation to the unopposed edge. The first bead of a polymer material provides an unopposed, finished edge that is stretchable for adjusting to movement of said piece of fabric. The fabric also has a plurality of second beads of a cured polymer material provided on said fabric adjacent said first bead of a cured polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for producing a groove near an intended edge part of a conveyor belt, which groove is intended to be filled with a filler having sealing properties, in which the groove is formed by removing conveyor belt material from one of the surfaces of the conveyor belt and in which, during the step of removing conveyor belt material, the conveyor belt is bent at the position of the groove to be formed near the intended edge part, and also to a conveyor belt in which a groove is produced in this manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a machine for producing a seam (12) which is not susceptible to coming undone, with at least one interlooped and/or interlaced stitching thread and with stitching passes in or through at least one thickness of the material of an object, called the sewn object (3). The seam (12) is produced with at least one stitching thread having a thermoplastic material at least on its exterior. At least one infrared laser beam (17, 18) is applied locally to the seam (12) on the exterior of the sewn object (3), which laser beam is adapted to soften punctually the thermoplastic material present on the exterior of at least one strand of thread extending on the exterior of the sewn object (3) and adjacent to at least one other strand of thread. An air jet enables mingling of the softened fibers and at least one pressing device (6) is then applied to the softened and mingled thermoplastic material of at least one strand of thread of so as to join punctually the adjacent strands together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fray-free cutting at the perimeter of an area of a textile sheet on a textile-receiving surface, including applying an anti-fray substance onto the sheet along a path at the perimeter by an anti-fray substance applicator movable along the surface as directed by a controller based on programmed information regarding the perimeter, and cutting the sheet at the perimeter by a cutter movable along the surface as directed by the controller based on the programmed information.

Abstract: On-site binding for carpets and the like wherein a covered welting material is provided with a strip with adhesive on both sides. One side is covered with peel-off wax paper which is removed to adhere the welting material flush against the edge of the carpet's pile. The adhesive underside of the paper has an extension of the welting material adhered thereto. A thermal plastic glue is applied between the carpet pile and welting material whereby the welting material binding is secured the carpet by the underlying strip (with adhesive on both sides) and the thermalplastic bead.

Abstract: The raw edges of a belt having an elastomeric carcass encasing one or more fabric mats are stabilized by treating the edges with a low viscosity, quick hardening adhesive which is quickly wicked into the fabric cords or yarns in the region of the edge and hardens within a few seconds so as to form a durable bond between adjacent yarns and between the yarns and the elastomeric carcass.

Abstract: A method and a machine for producing a seam which is not susceptible to coming undone, with at least one interlooped and/or interlaced stitching thread and with stitching passes in or through at least one thickness of the material of an object, called the sewn object. The seam is produced with at least one stitching thread having a thermoplastic material at least on its exterior. At least one infrared laser beam is applied locally to the seam on the exterior of the sewn object, which laser beam is adapted to soften punctually the thermoplastic material present on the exterior of at least one strand of thread extending on the exterior of the sewn object and adjacent to at least one other strand of thread.

Abstract: A method of making a fabric having a finished edge includes providing a fabric having a plurality of fibers with free ends of the fibers at an edge of the fabric, disposing a curable polymer such as silicone over the edge of the fabric so that the curable polymer engages the free ends of the fibers at the edge of the fabric, and, after the disposing step, curing the polymer for finishing the edge of the fabric. The polymer binds the free ends of the fibers to prevent fraying of the fabric. The fabric is cut into a pattern piece for a garment before the step of disposing the curable polymer on the edge of the fabric.

Abstract: An insulating label stock including a thermal insulating layer, which may be fiberfill batt, is provided. The batt is laminated to at least one layer of film, paper or fabric. Also provided is a method of making the insulating label stock. The insulating label stock may be wrapped around a container, such as a can, bottle or pouch. Further, the insulating label stock may be coated with a coating material so that it is printable, thus imparting both insulating properties and print capability to a container.

Abstract: A charge roller that includes a metal core, an elastic member configured wrapped around the metal core, and film members is disclosed. Each of the film members is wrapped around each end of the elastic member in a circumferential direction of the metal core such that at least a part of each of the film members exists at every position around the ends of the elastic member in an axial direction of the metal core. Portions of the film members do not overlap each other in an radial direction of the metal core.

Abstract: An article of clothing has a trim of thermoplastic material, which encapsulates a peripheral region of a fabric layer and is provided with a multiplayer structure preferably including at least one retroreflective layer. The article of clothing is manufactured in accordance with a sealing method utilizing RF, sonic sealing, heat sealing, and vibration sealing performed simultaneously with cutting excess of the thermoplastic material.

Abstract: The label has two non-folded longitudinal sides (1) and two foldable narrow sides (2) and consists of a backing fabric (11) with warp threads (4) and basic picks (5), in addition to embroidery picks (12) made of a fusible thread material forming the pattern. The embroidery picks (12) forming the pattern extend parallel and at a distance to the unfolded longitudinal sides (1) of the backing fabric (11). The non-folded longitudinal side (1) is an edge of a cut formed in the backing fabric outside the area (13) of the pattern. The label has the advantage that the edges of the cuts on the longitudinal sides are soft and skin friendly thereby substantially improving wearing comfort. Due to the fact that the edge of the cuts produced by the basic picks have practically no brows and the picks extend parallel in relation to the longitudinal side of the labels, and even appearance is achieved on the entire length of the label since the picks cover evenly the back part.

Abstract: A device for cutting a moving web of textile material as it passes the device, and for sealing the cut edges of the material, having an electrically heated cutting member capable of severing the material as it passes the cutting member, and an electrically heated sealing member downstream from the cutting member relative to the direction of the moving web and positioned to contact and seal the edges of material cut by the cutting member as the edges pass over the sealing member. The sealing member is heated to a temperature somewhat higher than that of the cutting wire, the sealing member having a width larger than that of the cutting member transverse to said direction, and preferably being in the form of a cylinder. The invention also includes a process using the special cutting member/sealing member combination.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a fabric product includes providing a layer of fabric; applying a liquid polymeric material to the layer of fabric in accordance with a pre-selected pattern including at least a peripheral area which corresponds to a shape of the fabric product; curing the polymeric material along the peripheral area, thereby polymeric material-strengthening the layer of fabric at least along the peripheral area; and cutting within and through the polymeric material-strengthened peripheral area to shape the layer, thereby forming a plastic seal around a peripheral edge of the shaped layer of fabric.

Abstract: A web including a fibrous material and superabsorbent material is fed to a station. The web has a first surface, a second surface, a first side edge and a second side edge. At the station, the operation of applying a superabsorbent material movement obstruction agent and cutting the web into individual absorbent members having a pair of opposing cut ends are carried out simultaneously.

Abstract: A method for forming an apertured web which may be used as a topsheet on a disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper. The web (240) is fed in as machine direction through a first nip (250) formed by a pair of rollers one of the rollers having a smooth outer surface and the other roller having an outer surface with a plurality of projections extending from it's outer surface. At least one of the rollers of the first nip (250) is heated. The first nip (250) apertures the web with a plurality of apertures each having a fused perimeter. The web (240) is then cooled to solidify the fused perimeter of the apertures. The web (240) is then fed through a second nip (280) formed by a pair of rollers to break the solidified fused perimeter of the apertures. One of the rollers of the second nip (280) has an outer surface with a plurality of grooves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite comprising a thermoplastic resin and a glass fabric that can be used in the form of a linear extrudate as a structural member or as a repair unit. The resin glass fiber composite structural member can be manufactured in an extrusion process. The linear extrudate can have a cross-section of any arbitrary shape or can be a regular geometric shape. The profile is made by first preforming the glass fabric into a useful shape, combining the preform fabric with melt resin and extruding the resin and glass fiber in a useful shape. When contacted with melt resin, the glass fiber becomes intimately contacted with and substantially coated with the melt resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a smart label inlet web, in which method a smart label is protected from external effects by means of a surface film coated with an adhesive, the adhesive being in contact with the smart label. The adhesive is cured by radiation. The invention also relates to a smart label inlet web comprising a surface film, a smart label and a back web attached to each other. The surface film is attached to the smart label with an adhesive cured by radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breast prosthesis for breast-amputated women with a flexible plastic body comprising two plastic sheets connected to each other along their common edge and a plastic mass enclosed between the two plastic sheets, wherein the plastic body has a front side formed to resemble the contour of the natural breast and a back side capable of facing the torso of the person, and an elastically deformeable thin part secured with its edge to the back side of the plastic body. In order to improve the wear comfort of the breast prosthesis, the thin part is secured to the plastic body inside the common edge of the connected plastic sheets.

Abstract: A method of fastening buttons by welding whereby a fusing device is used upon an accumulation of button threads thereby to create a substantially smooth surface. A device for using the method includes a thermal mandrel which may have a cutting surface on its outer edge. Multiple mandrels may be used to simultaneously fuse multiple buttons.

Abstract: Useful hinged, structural members and profiles are disclosed comprising thermoplastic-reinforcing fabric composite materials. The hinged members and profiles have at least two rigid areas of thermoplastic-fabric composite joined on a common fabric through flexible, hinged regions. The hinged regions can comprise fabric free of any thermoplastic composite forming material or alternatively can be coated with flexible materials on one or both sides of the fabric. The invention extends to co-extrusion methods wherein thermoplastic materials are applied to pre-determined portions of the fabric under pressure so that the thermoplastic coats, and preferably wets, fibers of the reinforcing fabric. The structural members thus extruded are formed into useful lengths and readily converted into complex profiles by simple bending at the hinged regions. In this way, complex profiles that would be difficult to produce by conventional extrusion processes and bulky to ship can be easily made at the job site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite comprising a thermoplastic resin and a glass fabric that can be used in the form of a linear extrudate as a structural member or as a repair unit. The resin glass fiber composite structural member can be manufactured in an extrusion process. The linear extrudate can have a cross-section of any arbitrary shape or can be a regular geometric shape. The profile is made by first performing the glass fabric into a useful shape, combining the preform fabric with melt resin and extruding the resin and glass fiber in a useful shape. When contacted with melt resin, the glass fiber becomes intimately contacted with and substantially coated with the melt resin.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to compositions comprising a rubber-like polymer and low boiling point alkanes which can be used to provide a flexible, durable, permanent repair for snags, holes, runs or ladders in hosiery such as pantyhose and nylon stockings. In a preferred embodiment, the rubber-like polymer is a gum-like residue obtained from drying commercial rubber cement adhesive. A composition comprising 2% weight to volume of this residue in an equal volume solvent system of pentane and hexane is applied to the snag and allowed to dry. When the repair is made while the stocking is being worn, a thin, transparent shield can be inserted between the stocking and the skin of the person wearing the stocking. The shield protects the skin from the composition yet does not adhere to the skin or stocking. The shield therefore can be easily removed after the composition is dry or can be left in place between the skin and the hosiery.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing individual layered structures and the structures themselves. A continuous layered structure is provided. The continuous layered structure has designated cutting regions and includes a particulate material between the layers. At least one of the layers is permeable to liquids. A thermoplastic material in liquid state is applied to the continuous layered structure over at least part of the designated cutting regions to provide the designated cutting regions with a joining means. The thermoplastic material is made of natural or synthetic polymers, or mixtures thereof. The thermoplastic material has a softening point, as measured according to the ASTM Method E 28-67, lower than 120° C.; a viscosity at 130° C. lower than 0.05 Pa.s; and a temperature range in which the viscosity changes between 0.05 Pa.s and 0.35 Pa.s which is greater than 5° C. The thermoplastic material is allowed to set.

Abstract: A method of making evaporative cooler pads having a mat of absorbent material substantially uniformly distributed throughout the mat to provide the desired thickness and density to efficiently cool by evaporation warm air that is passed through the mat attached to an evaporative cooler system. The absorbent material can comprise excelsior in the form of aspen wood fibers. This material is cut into mats of the desired size and separated from other mats to create gaps between the mats. A mesh netting encloses the mat and the gap between mats. A stitching machine adds stitching to the mat and to the netting in the gaps between mats to bind the netting to the mat and to interconnect the netting layers in the gap. Adhesive material is applied to the netting and stitching in the gaps to retain the mat inside the netting. A cutting assembly cuts in the gap between the mats to form individual cooler pads.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for sealing a corner of a fabric article. The invention includes a conveyor for maneuvering the fabric article along a predetermined path and has an air gun positioned adjacent to the path. The air gun has maneuvering means for motion about the path. The air gun blows air onto the corner of the fabric article as the article is maneuvered along the path adjacent to the air gun.

Abstract: A fibrous work piece, e.g. a glass fiber mat or blanket, is simultaneously cut, sealed and encapsulated using a focused, high energy liquid jet containing a sealant. The sealant in the focused, high energy liquid jet is deposited on and seals the edges of the kerf formed by the cutting operation to encapsulate dust and short length fibers formed by the cutting of the fibrous work piece. The focused, high energy liquid jet is emitted from a nozzle and the sealant is introduced into and mixed with the liquid before the liquid exits the nozzle. Portions of the fibrous work piece can be compressed by hold down shoes or by one or more high pressure air streams directed onto the work piece adjacent where the work piece is being cut to facilitate the formation of a cleaner edge on the kerf being cut in the fibrous work piece.

Abstract: A method for reinforcing fabric edges to prevent raveling or fraying of a release liner fabric during cutting and subsequent use. The method is carried out by coating the yarn crossovers with a flexible, thin film of a radiation polymerized resin and then curing the coating system at high production speeds. The fabric is cut in those areas where the cured coating is applied, thereby providing a band or border of cured resin of sufficient width to prevent raveling of the fabric edge. The method is particularly suitable for the fabrication of release liners used for the protection of rubber sheeting for manufacturing automobile tires.

Abstract: Fusion cutting of thermoplastic sheets and textile webs involving bonding of the cut edges is achieved with excellent quality without the accumulation of dirt particles, if the material to be cut is subjected, in the area of the intended cut, to pre-stamping and cutting in immediate succession, under heat and with precise guidance of the separator device in relation to the pre-stamping device, said pre-stamping and cutting being effected in such a way that the plane of symmetry through the pre-stamping device, which plane of symmetry extends perpendicularly to and in the same direction as the material web, is identical to the plane of symmetry extending through the separator device.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for sealing a corner of a fabric article. The invention includes a conveyor for maneuvering the fabric article along a predetermined path and has an air gun positioned adjacent to the path. The air gun has maneuvering means for motion about the path. The air gun blows air onto the corner of the fabric article as the article is maneuvered along the path adjacent to the air gun.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for producing preselected lengths of rope from a supply of thermoplastic rope, and includes a rope feed system for advancing rope longitudinally along a rope path and a guillotine assembly coupled to the feed system. The guillotine assembly has a thermally conductive blade support mounted for reciprocal movement orthogonally with respect to the rope path, and a thermally conductive blade removably attached to the blade support. The blade is in good thermal contact with the blade support and movable with the blade support between a first position clear of the rope path and a second position in which the blade crosses the rope path. An electrical heating element is attached to the blade support to heat the support and thereby heat the blade to a temperature sufficient to fuse the rope locally.

Abstract: The method comprises straightening the threads of the fringe of a rug, carpet or the like, and applying a product on the fringe without displacing the straightened threads and causing the product to be engaged with the threads of the fringe, so that the threads stay evenly aligned.

Abstract: A method and device for continuously or discontinuously manufacturing flat sheets of multiple-layer materials, laminates, or similar articles for use in the furniture and electrical industries. In order to prevent molten resin from leaking out at the edges of layer of material while they are being bonded under heat and pressure, the free edges of the stacked layers of bonding material are welded together before the material is transformed into a composite sheet or composite web by heat and pressure.

Abstract: A passive fire protection system for the protection of conduits, cable trays, support rods, and structural steel against flame and heat in a severe total environment type fire such as a hydrocarbon fire which includes a multi-layered (laminated), flexible material containing a plurality of layers of intumescent materials. This multi-layered material is configured such that it provides a containment system for the carbonaceous foam resulting from the expansion of the intumescent materials.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the manufacture of narrow fabrics include manufacturing a wide fabric run with hollow fabric areas extending along predefined cutting lines, wherein each hollow fabric area is manufactured by providing a front fabric portion and a rear fabric portion, and wherein the edges of the front and rear fabric portions are connected to each other to form a hollow space. The fabric run is cut along the cutting lines such that the front and rear fabric portions are not connected to one another.

Abstract: Fiber optic light emitting panel assemblies include one or more light emitting layers which are sealed along the side edges and/or an end edge to hold the fill threads in position and keep the light emitting portions from fraying at the edges. A thin film, sheet or coating may be applied to one or both sides of the light emitting portions of the panel assemblies. At one or both ends of the light emitting portions is a light cable which may be formed by randomly distributing the optical fibers which comprise the light cable into a plurality of discrete bundles each including fibers extending from different locations across substantially the entire width of the light emitting portions, bringing the discrete bundles together to form a single bundle of all of the fibers in each light cable, and applying a connector assembly to the cut ends of all of the fibers in each light cable.

Abstract: A fastening component for releasable engagement with a complementary fastener includes a substrate and a first fastener formed of a flexible fabric. An adhesive substance is disposed between and bonded to the first fastener and the substrate. The adhesive substance has a first zone with a first basis weight greater than zero, and a second zone with a second basis weight at least about 1.5 times greater than the first basis weight.