Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and apparatus for laminating polymeric sheet materials wherein the use of a separate adhesive and/or the use of heat as a bonding means are avoided. In particular, methods and apparatus are disclosed wherein at least one polymeric sheet is exposed to a flowing of gaseous cold plasma to form free radicals on the surface thereof. Said free radicals serve to effect bonding upon application of such treated polymeric sheet to a second polymeric sheet. In preferred embodiments, approximately 180,000 to 500,000 volts of electromagnetic energy are applied to a stream of gaseous material, such as argon gas, and utilizing a radio wave frequency discharge of approximately 12.56 megaHertz. In some preferred embodiments, the cold plasma may be applied at an effective pressure of approximately 1.1 Torr in the reaction area.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an improvement in force directing apparatus for transmitting force in respective longitudinal directions from a first shaft to a second shaft where the longitudinal axis of such shafts may be misaligned. The shaft coupling apparatus hereof comprises a compound collar means, and a compound force-directing washer means disposed within the collar means. The collar means preferably comprises two portions which are threadably secured to each other, and which contain a central bore portion therein. A compound force-transmitting washer means is disposed therein and includes washer means formed from the group consisting of materials which differ in chemical composition and materials which differ in hardness. Such compound force-transmitting washer means functions to minimize cold flow and self-adhesion which would otherwise over time and use bind the washer layers together.