Abstract: The invention provides a stitcher and a method of stitching a helical splice having an angle ? on material mounted on a drum, the method comprising the steps of: rotating the drum at a constant speed U, traversing a stitcher assembly at a constant velocity V, wherein the stitcher assembly velocity is coordinated with the drum speed so that the stitcher engages the ply along the helical splice. The invention further provides a stitcher having a roller rotatably mounted to a support frame having a longitudinal axis, wherein the roller is pivotally mounted to the support frame so that the roller can pivot about the longitudinal axis of the handle.

Abstract: A linerless, self-fusing elastomeric tape having an adhesive layer and a mesh that serves as a release liner in storage and further is a part of said tape in a sealing function. The adhesive layer includes blends of a first halogenated rubber component and a second non-halogenated modified rubber component. In application, the stretched mesh includes a plurality of openings such that when the adhesive layer and mesh is stretched, the mesh allows cross-linking between the layers of the adhesive layer through the plurality of openings allowing the layers to extrude through the openings of the mesh for purposes of bonding.

Abstract: A stretchable, intra-curing halogenated based rubber composition having increased strength and capable of being stretched without breaking. The composition comprises blends of a first halogenated rubber component and a second halogenated modified rubber component. The present invention further relates to methods for preparing these compositions.