Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a laminate of calendered films in one pass including feeding means for feeding a base fabric; heating means for preheating the fabric to raise the temperature of the fabric and remove residual moisture; a first calendering means for forming a calendered film and applying said film to the base fabric; roller means for joining the first calendered film to said base fabric; a second calendering means located subsequent to and spaced apart from the first calendering means for forming a second calendered film and applying the second film to the uncoated side of the base fabric; roller means for joining the second calendered film to said base fabric to form the double laminated film; means for cooling the double laminated film; and means for collecting the laminated film.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a thin film of material from a portion (23) of a sheet of fabric (22) and its method of operation, includes a grinder wheel (19) spaced from a nip roller (29) which is carried by an arm (32). The initial spacing between the grinder wheel (19) and the nip roller (29) is established by an adjusting mechanism (37) which pivots the arm (32), that spacing being determined by the expected thickness of the fabric (22). Pinch rollers (27) move the fabric (22) through the space, and a thickness-sensing wheel (44) rides on the fabric (22) upstream of the nip roller (29). Upon a change in the thickness of the fabric (22), a sensing arm (45) which carries the sensing wheel (44) pivots which, through a link arm (54), pivots a regulator arm (61) which carries a follower roller (70) that rides on the arm (32). Such allows the nip roller (29) to move toward or away from the grinder wheel (19) dependent on the thickness of the fabric (22) sensed by the movement of the sensing wheel (44).