Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a tubular assembly 40 comprising an inner portion (24) and a further portion (23) surrounding the inner portion. The inner portion (24) comprises reinforcement (37) and the further portion (23) being formed from a strip (50) of material comprising two opposed longitudinal marginal side portions (53). The apparatus comprises an assembly station (220) comprising a wall (253). The apparatus comprises means for advancing the inner portion (21) along a first path (231) extending passed the wall (253), and means for advancing the strip (50) along a second path (232) and causing the strip to encircle the wall (253) and thereby wrap about and surround the inner portion (21). The apparatus further comprises means (321) for introducing resinous binder into the reinforcement (37) as the strip (50) is being wrapped about the inner portion (21).

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for producing ready to use RFID devices in a convenient and economical manner. The apparatus of the present invention may be collocated with a manufacturer of consumer goods.

Abstract: Apparatus possessing elongate, long-axially aligned componentry for making hollow, composite-material rebar including (a) a hollow mandrel disposed upstream in the apparatus, (b) a hollow pultrusion die circumsurrounding the mandrel for forming a composite-material hollow core in the space between it and the mandrel, and (c) a hollow, continuous-transfer-molding die spaced downstream from the pultrusion die, having a central long axis about which it is rotatable, operable to form, along the length of a core which has been formed in the pultrusion die, (1) an elongate, composite-material, core-circumsurrounding, hollow sleeve having an outer surface, and (2), unitarily with the sleeve, and in a manner distributed along the length of the sleeve's outer surface, an external-purchase-enhancing structure possessing radial-dimensionality.

Abstract: A method for impregnating a fibrous material with a curable resin to form a prepreg is disclosed. The method includes conveying a web material through at least one moving pressure nip formed between a moving pressure roller and a moving supporting surface, wherein the moving pressure roller and the moving supporting surface travel at different velocities relative to each other resulting in a relative velocity between the web material and the pressure nip. The at least one moving pressure nip travels in the same direction as the web material while applying sufficient pressure to compress the web material and to affect impregnation of the fibrous material with the curable resin. Also disclosed is a system for implementing the disclosed impregnation method.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a light guide film may comprise a feed roller, a receiving roller, a separating device, a hot press printing device and a recombining device. Firstly, the separating device may separate a protective layer from a substrate layer of the light guide film. Secondly, a surface of the substrate layer to be manufactured may be impressed with light guide dots by the hot press printing device, and the recombining device recombine the peeled protective layer to the substrate layer. And lastly, the finished light guide film is recycled by the receiving roller. The apparatus may have advantages such as high output and low cost, and it may manufacture a large dimensioned product.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously forming a continuous element made of expanded plastic material comprises: a loading section of a mass of granules made of expandable plastic material; a sintering section of the continuous element made of expanded plastic material extending downstream of the loading section; a stabilizing section of the continuous element made of expanded plastic material extending downstream of the sintering section; a forming tunnel extending along the sintering and stabilizing sections and defined between a pair of lateral walls and a pair of gas permeable conveyor belts, supported by respective supporting tracks. Further, at least one of the supporting tracks of the gas permeable conveyor belts comprises at least one portion extending in the sintering section and angularly tiltable with respect to a transversal centerline plane (?) of the forming tunnel for varying the height of the tunnel in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Continuous compression molded process and apparatus for fabricating thermoplastic composite parts from pre-formed thermoplastic composite laminates with tooling dies have a staggered bevel feature at an entry side of the tooling dies. Staggering the length of the bevel feature in each section between bends in a surface contour along the width of the incoming edge of the tooling dies prevents excess material from being trapped and forming wrinkles in the finished thermoplastic part. The length of the taper in each section along the width of the tooling dies is aligned with a pulsed advancement distance of the pre-formed part.

Abstract: A system for producing a composite preform, especially for continuous preforming of reinforcing material for a composite component, is provided. The system includes: a feeding device for feeding one or more layers of preform material from a material supply along a process path; a heating device arranged in the process path for heating the one or more layers of the preform material fed along the process path to soften or activate a resin or binder in the one or more layers; and a forming device arranged in the process path downstream of the heating device and configured to shape or mould a cross-sectional profile of the one or more layers of preform material as the one or more layers are fed along the process path. A method for producing a composite preform is also provided.

Abstract: In a process and a device for producing blocks of expanded polystyrene, a loose mass (7) of polystyrene spheres is expanded in a mold (2-3), where a rear surface (9) of the polystyrene block (8) previously produced delimits the mold forming chamber. Therefore, through adherence the newly formed block (7-8) is joined to the rear end (9) of the block previously formed, and the block (8) made in this way is fed forward until it forms the rear end (9) for another newly expanded block (8), and so on to produce a sort of continuous block (8), which can be formed for cutting to any desired size, without producing any waste.

Abstract: Apparatus possessing elongate, long-axially aligned componentry for making hollow, composite-material rebar including (a) a hollow mandrel disposed upstream in the apparatus, (b) a hollow pultrusion die circumsurrounding the mandrel for forming a composite-material hollow core in the space between it and the mandrel, and (c) a hollow, continuous-transfer-molding die spaced downstream from the pultrusion die, having a central long axis about which it is rotatable, operable to form, along the length of a core which has been formed in the pultrusion die, (1) an elongate, composite-material, core-circumsurrounding, hollow sleeve having an outer surface, and (2), unitarily with the sleeve, and in a manner distributed along the length of the sleeve's outer surface, an external-purchase-enhancing structure possessing radial-dimensionality.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of atomized fluid to a permeable web material is disclosed. The apparatus has a fluid source and a receipt plenum. The fluid source is disposed in proximate fluid contact with the first surface of the web material. The fluid source has a positively pressured permeable roll having atomized fluid and at least one aperture disposed therein. The apertures provide fluid communication between an inner portion of the roll and a surface thereof. The fluid is disposable from the inner portion to the surface through the apertures into contacting engagement with the permeable web material. The receipt plenum has an opening disposed adjacent to the second surface of the web material that provides a source of negative pressure to the second surface of the web material that causes the fluid to traverse through the web.

Abstract: Climbing products containing rails decorated using veil products colored, patterned, painted or in combination with marking methods such as company names and logos and resin formulation designed to withstand exposure to UV radiation with minimal change in appearance which create specific appearances for applications, enhance weathering performance, and facilitate processing efficiency. A combination of a filler free resin or resin with filler and coated veil systems to create a synergistic weather resistance surface with self-contained color, pattern, picture, logo or combination of said same for climbing products. A system for producing components at a rate of greater than 5 ft/min. Various methods, system, a ladder rail.

Abstract: According to the invention, an apparatus is provided for extruding a medical instrument which can be inserted into a human or animal body. The apparatus comprises a device for supplying rod-shaped bodies, an extrusion device comprising a housing, said housing having a surrounding side wall which, at the frontward end as seen in the manufacturing direction, is provided with a nozzle wall comprising a discharge nozzle and, at the rearward end as seen in the manufacturing direction, is provided with a spindle sleeve. The space in the housing between the spindle sleeve, the side wall and the discharge nozzle delimits an extrusion space and the housing is provided with a polymer supply device in the area of the extrusion space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing a turf yarn for artificial turf. According to the invention, several monofilaments or ribbons are produced from one respective polymer material in two parallel extrusion processes, the turf yarn being formed by combining several monofilaments or ribbons obtained in the first extrusion process with several monofilaments or ribbons obtained in the second extrusion process. In order to improve especially the elasticity of an artificial turf carpet made from said turf yarn, the monofilaments or ribbons obtained in one of the extrusion processes are crimped before being combined, the crimped monofilaments or ribbons and the flat monofilaments or ribbons being produced in parallel next to each other and being joined in a winding station by means of a tie thread.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gypsum board forming device which provides improved slurry spread. The device includes a forming table with an arcuate or angled profile that promotes a uniform slurry spread. An arcuate or angled hinge plate can also be included to further promote the uniform distribution of slurry prior to an extrusion plate.

Abstract: A powder molding device, including: a pre-molding unit (6) for molding a sheet-form powder (14) having a first density higher than a density of the powder and not having fluidity by compressing a powder; and a molding roll (8) for molding a sheet-form molded product (16) having a second density higher than the first density by compressing the sheet-form powder.

Abstract: An extruder (1) and a method for producing high-fiber volume reinforced thermoplastic resin structures (50), as well as a tape (156) having opposing resin rich portions (302) and a fiber rich portion (304) disposed therebetween and a method for impregnating at least one fiber roving (142) with a polymer resin to form a tape (156. The extruder (1) includes an impregnation die (3) having a channel (4) that applies pressurized molten thermoplastic resin to a plurality of rovings (142) drawn through the channel (4), and a die (3) faceplate (5) facing the downstream side (34) of said die (3). The faceplate (5) has a plurality of sizing holes (42) or a slot (75) arranged along a line that the resin-impregnated rovings (142) are simultaneously drawn through that remove excess resin and pultrude the resin-impregnated rovings (142) into rod-shaped or sheet-shaped structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool changing device of a work station in a thermoform packaging machine, used for allowing a work insert to be pushed out of the work station laterally relative to the production direction, a chain guide be movable vertically to the tool insert.

Abstract: A method and system for affixing multi-core fiber (MCF) within a ferrule includes a UV light source and a light guide. MCFs are placed into epoxy filled holders, e.g., channels or v-grooves, of a ferrule. A first MCF in a first holder is clocked to orient its cores to a desired position. The light source is activated, and the light from the light guide is launched into a cladding layer of the first MCF. The light in the cladding layer will stay in the cladding layer until it reaches the portion of the first MCF in contact with the epoxy, where the light will leak out due to the similarity in the index of refraction. The leaking light will at least partially cure the epoxy to affix the first MCF within the first holder. The process may then be repeated for the remaining MCFs, so that each MCF may be clocked and affixed selectively rather than collectively.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an injection molding device for wrapping wires with three-color spiral insulation layers and three-color wires. The injection molding device comprises: a spinning block, a fixed mould, and a handpiece that are coaxially mounted. Each of the axes of these three components is provided with a center bore. The third plastic feeding pipe is arranged between the side wall of the handpiece and the center bore; a first plastic feeding pipe and a second plastic feeding pipe are arranged between the side wall of the fixed mould and the front end face thereof. This injection molding device is used to wrap wires up with three-color insulation layers. Three-color spiral wires are easy to identify and operate.

Abstract: A method of making a sheet structure comprising a first polycarbonate layer which comprises a UV-absorbing compound and a second polycarbonate layer comprises: (i) selecting a liquid formulation comprising a vehicle, for example a trimellitate or low molecular weight acrylic and an UV absorbing additive; and (ii) mixing the liquid formulation with polycarbonate when said first polymeric material is in a molten state, for example in an extruder.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an absorbent is provided with a stacking unit which sequentially forms a plurality of stacks S and discharges these stacks in the machine direction separated by gaps, pattern plates respectively having deep recesses so that thick parts are formed around back ends of the stacks in the machine direction, a wrapping unit which wraps the stacks which are sequentially discharged from the stacking unit by a wrapping web to thereby form continuous wrapped stacks, a conveying unit which conveys the continuous wrapped stacks in the machine direction, a pressing unit which presses the conveyed continuous wrapped stacks to stretch the stacks and thereby form connected parts C at which adjoining stacks are connected, and a cutting unit which cuts the continuous wrapped stacks at the connected parts C to thereby form the absorbents into predetermined shapes.

Abstract: A system for producing a pultruded component includes a fixture for providing fibrous reinforcements, a system for providing a polymeric resin, and an impregnation die for coating the fibrous reinforcements with the polymeric resin precursor. The impregnation die includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The fibrous reinforcements include fiber tows made of a plurality of fibers. The system also includes a curing die for forming the pultruded component. The first chamber of the impregnation die is configured for coating exterior surfaces of the fiber tows with the polymeric resin precursor. The second chamber of the impregnation die is configured for coating the plurality of fibers within the fiber tows with the polymeric resin precursor.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is used for making a fibrous nonwoven web with uniform, directionally-oriented projections by depositing fibrous material onto a first forming surface with holes positioned above a second forming surface with both forming surfaces traveling at different speeds to one another. As the fibers are deposited onto the first forming surface, a portion of the fibers are drawn down into the holes of the first forming surface forming the projections which contact the second forming surface. Due to the speed differential between the two forming surfaces the projections are uniformly skewed in the same direction. The resultant material is particularly suited for use as a wiping material which can be more abrasive in one direction but which is softer to the touch when wiped in the opposite direction thus making it a dual purpose material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a high-strength composite sheet, in which a peroxide-containing polymer film is used to allow uniform molecular weight distribution and improved embeddability. The method includes: attaching a peroxide-containing polymer film to one or both sides of a reinforcement material; pressing the peroxide-containing polymer film using a heating press such that the peroxide-containing polymer film is embedded into the reinforcement material, to thereby form a composite film; and cooling the pressed composite film using a cooling press.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced base material, which is capable of manufacturing a fiber-reinforced base material of high quality while preventing generation of defects such as wrinkles during stacking of the base material sheet. The method for manufacturing the fiber-reinforced base material formed by stacking a base material sheet including a reinforcement fiber onto a mold having a double-curved surface shape, includes steps of: supplying the base material sheet onto the mold from a base material roll while applying distribution varying in a width direction (X direction) to a length of the base material sheet in a sheet-supplying direction of the base material sheet (Y direction) in correspondence with the double-curved surface shape of the mold; and applying pressure to the base material sheet in contact with the mold.

Abstract: A composite structure is provided. The structure includes at least one ply of preimpregnated material formed into a curved elongated member of continuous fibers onto a mandrel. The fibers have a select orientation. The curved elongated member has a length and a cross-sectional geometry that varies along the length.

Abstract: An impregnation section of a die and a method for impregnating at least one fiber roving with a polymer resin are disclosed. The impregnation section includes an impregnation zone configured to impregnate the roving with the resin and a gate passage in fluid communication with the impregnation zone for flowing the resin therethrough such that the resin coats the roving. Additionally, the impregnation section includes a surface disposed upstream of the impregnation zone in a run direction of the roving for contacting the roving. The method includes traversing at least one fiber roving over a surface, flowing a polymer resin through a gap, the gap being in the range between approximately 0.1 millimeters and approximately 4 millimeters, coating the roving with the resin, and traversing the coated roving through an impregnation zone to impregnate the roving with the resin.

Abstract: A method of producing a laminated body of structural thermoplastic foam, the method comprising the step of successively extruding a plurality of foam layers from an extrusion die, each next layer being extruded onto a previously extruded layer to form a stack of mutually bonded layers.

Abstract: A technique with which a nanofibrous resin spun by electrospinning can be introduced into inner parts of fibers. The process for fiber composite material production is a process which comprises spinning a nanofibrous resin toward split fibers continuously conveyed along a given conveyance route and thereby combining the split fibers with the resin to produce a fiber composite material. The process involves a resin spinning step in which the nanofibrous resin spun with an electrospinning device is flown toward the split fibers. In the resin spinning step, the direction in which the nanofibrous resin proceeds is made to be the same as the conveying direction of the split fibers by blowing an air stream from a blower on the nanofibrous resin.

Abstract: Systems and methods of generating a recycled output are disclosed. This recycled output may include a fabric produced by fusing reclaimed plastic bags. The reclaimed plastic bags are fused together using a material manufacturing system. This system is typically configured to heat the plastic bags to a temperature wherein the plastic bags fuse together but do completely melt. Some embodiments include the addition of different types of plastic or non-plastic materials to the recycled output. Also disclosed are systems and methods of controlling textures and patterns within the recycled output.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing plastic parts interspersed with reinforcing fibres, with a mixing chamber (20) for producing a mixture of chemically reactive polymer components, with an outlet chamber (38), which is arranged downstream of the mixing chamber and in which a cleaning ram (28) in which a fibre conveying channel (32) is formed is guided in a reciprocatingly movable manner.

Abstract: Two resin films each provided with an orally administrable edible agent layer are joined so that administrable agent layers face each other, drawn into a nip between a pair of press rolls, pressurized at back surfaces to bond the administrable agent layers together, and conveyed in a direction substantially conforming to a tangential direction at a pressurization zone of the press rolls. A delamination roll disposed in the conveying direction is used to draw only one of the two resin films sandwiching the bonded plural administrable agent layers in a direction different from the conveying direction, while continuously conveying the other resin film retaining the plural administrable agent layers in the conveying direction. This allows only one of the joined two resin films to be delaminated. The obtained pressure bonded product, that is, an orally administrable edible agent of laminate film form can be punched out into predetermined shapes.

Abstract: A spool winding assembly for winding a composite strip onto a spool having a hub is disclosed. The strip includes an elongate plastic strip having a flat base portion and a plurality of laterally spaced apart lengthwise extending rib portions upstanding from the base portion; and a plurality of elongate reinforcing members extending lengthwise within respective rib portions, the rib portions and the reinforcing members forming composite ribs. The assembly includes: a main frame, a spool holder for rotatably supporting the spool relative to the main frame, a spool drive unit for driving the spool with respect to the main frame, a carriage mounted for lateral movement with respect to the spool, a bender mounted to the carriage for receiving the strip as it is fed towards the hub of the spool and for deforming the strip to give it a curved base portion, and a bender drive unit operably connected to the bender for driving the strip through the bender.

Abstract: Continuous manufacture of at least a layer of latex foam with recesses of unlimited length to be divided in a plurality of blocks of latex foam by transverse cuts. The layer has a thickness between 10 and 20 cm and more. The process includes advancing along a predetermined longitudinal direction a metal laying surface provided with protuberances, gelating, curing. The process includes: a) Before depositing the latex foam inserting, by interference fit, supporting elements of resilient deformability having a predetermined thickness between pairs of protuberances of horizontal rows, the supporting elements of unlimited length; b) Carrying away the supporting elements with the advancing laying surface between an injection latex foam station and a layer extracting station; c) Embedding with latex foam the supporting elements. Advantageously the process forwards the blocks to a washing station and squeezes the blocks to a thickness reduction between 3% and 5% of their initial thickness.

Abstract: Disclosed is an extrusion mold for tire treads that extrudes semi-finished tires, for example, a cap tread, a wing tread and a sub tread. The preformer includes a first preformer die-holder having a wing tread flow-path, a cap tread flow-path and a sub tread flow-path formed therein, a second preformer die-holder, and a final die inserted into the second preformer die-holder and ejecting an extrudate. The improvement of the preformer die includes a middle upper preformer die and a middle lower preformer die between the first and second preformer die-holders to be brought into contact with the final die. The middle upper preformer die is formed with a wing tread-connecting guide groove and a cap tread-connecting guide groove communicating with the wing tread flow-path and the cap tread flow-path, respectively. The middle lower preformer die is formed with a sub tread-connecting guide groove communicating with the sub tread flow-path.

Abstract: A twin roll caster and a method for operating a machine of this type. The machine comprises two casting rolls that delimit a casting gap between them on its longitudinal sides; two side plates that delimit the casting gap on its narrow sides; and at least one oscillation device, which moves the side plate in an oscillating manner about an axis of oscillation extending substantially axially parallel to the axes of rotation of the casting rolls. The degrees of freedom of the side plate movements are increased because the oscillation device comprises two actuators which are articulatedly coupled to the respective side plate and each apply a torque rotating about the respective axis of oscillation on the side plate and a control device that emits control signals, upon which the actuators individually or together with each other, carry out adjustment movements aligned against one another or parallel to one another.

Abstract: A pipe body extrusion device includes a fixed unit, a holding bracket, a packing bolt, a drive unit, a pipe expanded and molded piece, a clip unit, and an operating unit; in which the holding bracket is for clipping a round pipe and putting into a holding space of the fixed unit, the packing bolt is locked into the fixed unit and then the holding bracket is clipped to be positioned, the drive unit is screwed and locked at the fixed unit including a drive rod, the pipe expanded and molded piece is installed at the drive rod and through the clip unit for rapidly integrating or disconnecting with the drive rod, and the operating unit is for driving the drive rod for leading the pipe expanded and molded piece near or away from the round pipe; thus, the present invention has the features of integral structure, simple operation, and enhancing operational efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to the device for production of nanofibres through electrostatic spinning of polymer matrices in electrostatic field of high intensity induced through difference of potentials between the spinning electrode (3) and the collecting electrode (4), which comprises the cylindric body (41), while the nanofibres are deposited on the substrate material (5) conducted between the spinning electrode (3) and collecting electrode (4). The cylindric body (41) of collecting electrode is mounted rotatably coincidentally to direction of motion of substrate material (5). The cylindric body (41) may be provided with the tips (416).

Abstract: A composite structure is provided. In one embodiment, the structure includes at least one ply of preimpregnated material formed into a curved elongated member of continuous fibers onto a mandrel. The fibers have a select orientation and the curved elongated member has a defined length. The curved elongated member further has a cross-sectional geometry that varies along the length.

Abstract: Medical device polymeric tubing segments suitable for forming catheter shafts or as balloon parisons are formed with discrete regions having different orientation relative to each other. Wall thickness may also be varied of the length of the segment.

Abstract: A forming die for forming a head on a rope includes a first die block provided with a first die cavity which is provided with at least one first clamping rib, and a second die block provided with a second die cavity which is provided with at least one second clamping rib. Thus, the second clamping rib of the second die block is movable to abut the respective first clamping rib of the first die block to form an annular clamping rib which presses the head of the rope to form an annular clamping groove in a peripheral wall of the head so that the head is fixed on the rope closely by compression of the annular clamping groove to prevent the head from being detached from the rope due to a larger pulling force.

Abstract: A resin molding device which molds a resin tube 1 from a molten resin has a tube molding portion 14 and a spindle 15 as jigs which define inner and outer diameters of the resin tube.

Abstract: In order to provide a polylactic acid polymer composition to be thermoformed and a polylactic acid polymer sheet to be thermoformed which show good formability during thermoforming while maintaining impact resistance and heat resistance, and a thermoformed article obtained from the polylactic acid polymer sheet, according to the present invention, a polylactic acid polymer composition is used which comprises a mixture of an essentially amorphous polylactic acid polymer and a crystalline polylactic acid polymer, wherein the essentially amorphous polylactic acid polymer is present at the rate of more than 50% of the crystalline polylactic acid.

Abstract: Three simple tools are used to both preform and mold a composite layup into a J-beam. A first composite charge is preformed into a C-channel using a first tool, and a second composite charge is formed into a Z-channel using both the first tool and a second tool. The C-channel and Z-channel are laid up between the first and second tools, following which a perform composite cap and third tool are added to complete the layup and the tool assembly. The layup may be molded using vacuum bagging techniques and subsequently cured while held in the tool assembly.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method that can form in successive processes tooth-marks longitudinally at a regular pitch on the back side of a passenger-conveyor moving handrail. The manufacturing apparatus includes: a material feed port through which a thermoplastic resin is fed; a heater that heats the fed thermoplastic resin; a molding machine that extrusion-molds the thermoplastic resin having been fluidized; and a tooth-mark forming tool, which is a tooth-mark forming device, that forms tooth-marks longitudinally at a regular pitch on the back side of a preformed moving-handrail material having been extrusion-molded, while it is in a state in a plastically deformable temperature range.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a hose including a weaving machine and a liner feeder for forming the hose by weaving a jacket about a liner as the liner is being fed into the weaving machine, where the liner is provided with an adhesive layer on an outer surface, the adhesive layer being doped with a radiation absorbing element. The apparatus includes a feeder for receiving and for flattening the hose and an oven located downstream from the feeder, including a bore through which the hose passes, the oven including a module for applying radiation to the hose so that the radiation absorbing element heats following the application of radiation for bonding the liner to the jacket. A winder is located downstream at a predetermined distance away from the oven for pulling and winding the hose and provided with a pressurizer for internally pressurizing a portion of the hose located between the winder and the feeder so that when the hose is in the oven, the pressurizer forces the liner against the jacket.

Abstract: A method for producing a food shaped as a continuous bar by placing a continuous inner material on a continuous strip of an outer layer material that is transferred on a former belt, comprising the steps of placing food material that includes the inner material placed on the strip of the outer layer material in a channel space defined by the former belt while it is running; and shaping part of the former belt that is located at the channel space as a sleeve by pushing and joining edges of the former belt by a pushing device to allow edges of the outer layer material to be joined.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for forming a densified surface layer on a thermoplastic blanket. The apparatus includes first and second continuous belts, a treatment zone defined between those belts, first and second heating and densifying units and a cooler downstream from the heating and densifying units. The method includes the steps of continuously forming a densified surface layer on a face of a thermoplastic blanket and making the thermoplastic blanket with the densified surface layer to a desired thickness within strict dimensional tolerances. A densified thermoplastic blanket product is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a support member having a flat surface adapted to receive and support a seam region of a flexible belt comprising thermoplastic polymer material having a predetermined glass transition temperature, a heatable member having a smooth heatable flat surface for compressing at least a portion of the seam region of a flexible belt placed on the smooth flat surface of the support member to heat the portion to at least the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic polymer material, the smooth surface of the heatable member having a profile which is parallel to the smooth flat surface of the support member, and wherein the heatable flat surface comprises a low surface energy or abhesive material.