Abstract: The problems of applying ink jet inks to various known coating surfaces so as to overcome smearing, poor resolution and attack by water etc., is overcome by the use of the new ink jet receptive media. The media comprises in combination: (1) a waterproof ink jet receptive coating, (2) a primer coating, (3) a non-porous substrate, (4) a pressure sensitive adhesive coating, (5) a silicone coating and (6) a backer layer. The receptive coating comprises the combination of: (1) binder, (2) charge control agent, (3) cross-linking agent, (4) adhesion enhancing agent and (5) dispersant. The absorption of the ink jet ink to the substrate is maximized, thus attracting and fixing the ink and providing a waterproofing effect.

Abstract: Intercalates formed by contacting a layered material, e.g., a phyllosilicate, with an intercalant monomer having a hydroxyl and/or an aromatic ring functionality to sorb or intercalate the intercalant monomer between adjacent platelets of the layered material. Sufficient intercalant monomer is sorbed between adjacent platelets to expand the adjacent platelets to a spacing of at least about 5 Å (as measured after water removal to a maximum of 5% by weight water), up to about 100 Å and preferably in the range of about 10-45 Å, so that the intercalate easily can be exfoliated into individual platelets. The intercalated complex can be combined with an organic liquid into a viscous carrier material, for delivery of the carrier material, or for delivery of an active compound; or the intercalated complex can be combined with a matrix polymer to form a strong, filled polymer matrix.

Abstract: Compositions for producing electrically conductive controlled low-strength material and electrically conductive concrete are provided, comprising conventional components, but utilizing a non-standard, high carbon content, fly ash. One settable controlled low-strength material composition includes 1%-20% by weight of portland cement,18%-85% by weight of fly ash having a carbon content of greater than 12%, and water such that the composition sets to a material having a compressive strength of 8.3 MPa or less. One settable concrete composition includes 1%-30% by weight of portland cement, 1%-20% by weight of fly ash having a carbon content of greater than 12%, 40%-90% by weight of an aggregate, and water such that the composition sets to a concrete having a compressive strength of at least 13.8 MPa.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to cementitious dry cast mixtures for forming cementitious articles, particularly a cementitious dry cast mixture containing a dispersant, wherein said dispersant is a derivatized polycarboxylate dispersant which is a polymer comprising units derived from at least a substituted carboxylic acid monomer or substituted ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and optionally including at least one of an unsaturated hydrocarbon, an N-polyoxyalkylene maleimide, and a condensation product of an unsubstituted carboxylic acid monomer and an alkoxypolyoxyalkylene primary amine substituted carboxylic acid monomer.

Abstract: The production efficiency of silicon single crystal produced by additional charge or recharge method is improved by avoiding loss due to undissolved portion of poly-silicon rod supplied in the additional charge or recharge. A poly-silicon rod 20 as an additional charge is brought down in a silicon melt 11 in a crucible 10, while being directly supported by a seed crystal 40. The poly-silicon rod 20 is brought down to be totally supplied to the silicon melt 11, and then silicon single crystal 44 is pulled using the seed crystal 40.

Abstract: A process for preparing doped molten silicon for use in a single silicon crystal growing process is disclosed. Polysilicon is doped with barium and melted in a silica crucible containing less than about 0.5% gases insoluble in silicon. During melting and throughout the crystal growing process the barium acts as a devitrification promoter and creates a layer of devitrified silica on the inside crucible surface in contact with the melt resulting in a lower level of contaminants in the melt and grown crystal.

Abstract: A method of controlling the temperature of a semiconductor substrate for prevention of any cracks from being formed in the semiconductor substrate event though semiconductors having different temperature rise/fall characteristics are fed into a reactor in which each semiconductor substrates is subjected to an oxidation, diffusion, or a chemical vapor deposition process. The temperatures are measured at various points in the semiconductor substrates in the heated reactor; the temperature rise/fall characteristic thereof is determined by computing the rate of temperature rise and the in-plane temperature distribution out of the measured values; a temperature control program adaptable for said temperature rise/fall characteristic is automatically selected out of a plurality of temperature control programs written in advance; the semiconductor substrate is controlled on the basis of the selected temperature control program.

Abstract: A vehicle tire dressing apparatus according to the present invention comprises left and right dressing applicators situated alongside a vehicle conveying track, the dressing applicators being moveable individually into contacting engagement with tires on left and right sides of a vehicle in the track. Each applicator has an applicator pad mounted to a mount bar and the mount bar is hinged to a frame which allows articulation of the applicator pad into and out of contact with the tires. The applicator pad is configured with a plurality of orifices, each of which orifices receives fluid sprayed from a complimentary spray nozzle. Each orifice has an elongated capillary which assists dispersing fluid into the pad. The spray nozzles emit fluid into the pads for a predetermined amount of time, the spraying being initiated by movement of the vehicle into proximity with the tire dressing assembly.

Abstract: A method for producing visco-elastic fluidic material flows by drawing a visco-elastic fluidic material with corresponding separate second fluid flows associated therewith to form a visco-elastic fiber vacillating in a repeating, generally omega-shaped pattern having a bowed portion with first and second side portions that first converge toward each other and then diverge outwardly in generally opposing directions. In one operation, the visco-elastic fiber vacillating in the repeating, generally omega-shaped pattern is an adhesive material deposited onto woven and non-woven fabric substrates and stretched elongated elastic strands in the manufacture of a variety of bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles.

Abstract: A powder spray apparatus is described including a powder booth with a scraper bar which reciprocates across the floor thereof to collect deposited overspray powder and supply it to intakes located at each end wall. The intakes are connected by a feed channel to one or more cyclone separators. An exhaust duct may also be provided for air-borne overspray powder which preferably forms part of the feed channel. Powder recovered from the cyclone separators may be passed to a common collection hopper by use of a venturi pump which transfers the powder from each separator to the hopper via a sieve located in a ventilated enclosure above the hopper.

Abstract: A uniform coating of radar-absorbing material (RAM) is produced on small or intricate parts by suspending the part in a vessel, slowing filling the vessel with RAM slurry without turbulence from the bottom up, subsequently draining the slurry slowly without turbulence to leave a coating of RAM on the part, and repeating the process until a coating of sufficient thickness is obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for precisely applying radioactive material to a substrate such as a brachytherapy device is disclosed. A radioactive fluid adapted to cure rapidly is deposited as discrete dots onto a surface with a fluid-jet printhead. The apparatus comprises a fluid-jet printhead in communication with a chamber containing radioactive fluid to be applied by the printhead. The printhead is microprocessor driven, and the microprocessor may be provided with feedback from a station where the radioactivity deposited on a preceding substrate in a batch is measured, permitting the system to be recalibrated on an ongoing basis as the batch of printed devices is produced. Compensation for attenuation of radiation by a casing may also be made part of the feedback technique. Also disclosed is a brachytherapy device having printed on a surface dots of radiation-emitting material, in a pattern comprising various bands, dots or areas.

Abstract: A processing tool is provided that has a reaction chamber, a base, a flange, and an adjuster. The flange is coupled between the reaction chamber and the base and may be used to quickly connect/disconnect the reaction chamber for maintenance. The flange has a first, second and third bore extending therein. The first bore opens onto a first surface thereof, and the second and third bores open onto a second surface thereof. The reaction chamber is mounted to the flange via a first connector extending into the first opening, and the base is mounted to the flange via a second connector extending into the second opening. At least the second surface of said flange is accessible with the reaction chamber, base and flange in an assembled configuration. The adjuster extends through the base and into the third bore in the flange. The adjuster is adapted to cause movement of the flange in first and second opposite directions in response to movement thereof.

Abstract: A showerhead for distributing gases in a semiconductor process chamber. In one embodiment, a showerhead comprising a perforated center portion, a mounting portion circumscribing the perforated center portion and a plurality of bosses extending from the mounting portion each having a hole disposed therethrough is provided. Another embodiment of the invention provides a showerhead that includes a mounting portion having a first side circumscribing a perforated center portion. A ring extends from the first side of the mounting portion. A plurality of mounting holes are disposed in the mounting portion radially to either side of the ring. The showerhead provides controlled thermal transfer between the showerhead and chamber lid resulting in less deposition on the showerhead.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for atomic layer deposition that minimizes mixing of the chemicals and reactive gases is disclosed. The first precursor and second precursor are only mixed with other chemicals and reactive gases when and where desired by installing and monitoring a dispensing fore-line. Also, independent and dedicated chamber outlets, isolation valves, exhaust fore-lines, and exhaust pumps are provided that are activated for the specific gas when needed.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device that can prevent chemical contamination attributed to contacting an external atmosphere, and a method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display device. The apparatus includes a cleaning chamber, a film deposition chamber for depositing a film on a layer cleaned in the cleaning chamber, and a transporter for transporting a substrate from the cleaning chamber to the film deposition chamber while preventing the substrate from being exposed to the external atmosphere.

Abstract: A substrate cooling unit comprises a cooling plate on which the substrate is placed, a cooling temperature adjusting element which adjusts the cooling plate to a predetermined temperature, a temperature controller which controls a temperature of the cooling temperature adjusting element according to a transfer function, a temperature sensor attached to the cooling plate, and a control parameter changing section which changes at least any one setting of a proportional operation coefficient, integral time or derivative time among control parameters in the transfer function based on a temperature of the cooling plate detected by the temperature sensor after the substrate that is an object to be cooled is placed on the cooling plate.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer is processed while being supported without mechanical contact. Instead, the wafer is supported by gas streams emanating from a large number of passages in side sections positioned very close to the upper and lower surface of the wafer. The gas heated by the side sections and the heated side sections themselves quickly heat the wafer to a desired temperature. Process gas directed to the “device side” of the wafer can be kept at a temperature that will not cause deposition on that side section, but yet the desired wafer temperature can be obtained by heating non-process gas from the other side section to the desired temperature. A plurality of passages around the periphery of the wafer on the non-processed side can be employed to provide purge gas flow that prevents process gas from reaching the non-processed side of the wafer and the adjacent area of that side section.

Abstract: An article having a metallic surface treated with polymeric complexing agent is described. Particularly suitable polymeric complexing agents are phosphonoalkylated polyethyleneimines and/or carboxyalkylated polyethyleneimines and/or vinylimidazole polymers. As a rule, the treated metallic surface forms the total inner surface or a part of the inner surface of a process apparatus or of a container. The surface is protected by the treatment, in particular from the adhesion of polymer.

Abstract: The cleaning pads (102, 104) that are used to clean work pieces (200), such as semiconductor wafers, are cyclically compressed against one another and rinsed with a rinsing fluid. By cyclically compressing the cleaning pads (102, 104) together and rinsing them, the debris that the cleaning pads remove from the work pieces (200) and that becomes embedded in, and adhered to, the cleaning pads (102, 104) is subsequently removed therefrom.

Abstract: A process including providing a hollow imaging drum having a first end, a second end, an outside surface, an inside surface and coating material on both the inside surface and the outside surface at at least the first end, simultaneously contacting the coating material on both the inside surface and the outside surface at the first end of the drum with resilient foam material, flowing liquid solvent for the coating material to the foam material where the foam material contacts the first end of the drum, the foam material being insoluble in the flowing solvent, producing relative movement between the foam material and the drum to simultaneously wipe both the inside surface and the outside surface of the first end of the drum with the foam material and solvent material and simultaneously remove coating material from the inside surface and the outside surface of the first end of the drum, and flowing the solvent away from the drum to carry away coating material removed from the inside surface and the outside sur

Abstract: The present invention provides new and improved methods and apparatus for removing contamination from surfaces of substrates. Existing techniques include plasma ashing, glow discharge or UV/ozone processes. The present invention includes cleaning the substrate surfaces by transporting the substrates to be cleaned through a first zone where the substrates are heated preferably in a nitrogen atmosphere and then to a second zone where the substrates are surrounded by an atmosphere of ozone. The organic contamination is thereby vaporized into vapor products including CO, CO2 and H2O.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, in which a substrate is successively transferred through a first film-forming chamber for forming a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, a second film-forming chamber for forming an i-type semiconductor layer, and a third film-forming chamber for forming a semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type, thereby forming successively a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, an i-type semiconductor layer, and a semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type on the substrate. The method comprises the step of simultaneously transferring the substrates arranged within the first, second and third film-forming chambers and each having a semiconductor layer into adjacent chambers on the downstream side.

Abstract: A glass substrate is cleaned by contacting a preliminarily polished glass surface with functional water having a positive ORP potential for a predetermined period of time in the last rinsing step in order to repair the structure of the glass so as to achieve higher surface hardness and improved corrosion resistance.

Abstract: Washing items are washed simultaneously with softening washing water comprising alkali metal ion and at least one of carbonate ion and bicarbonate ion. The washing water before being softened is obtained by electrolyzing an aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate having a pH of 9.5 or more and an electric conductivity of 150 mS/m or more. The softened washing water has a total hardness of 40 ppm or less.

Abstract: A substrate having a surface on which silicon is epitaxially grown; wherein the substrate is cut from an oxygen induced stacking fault generation area of a single crystal silicon rod grown by the Czochralski method.

Abstract: A method for case hardening a chromium bearing nickel or ferrous based alloy, for example stainless steel, article, the method including the steps of activating the surface of the article; and carburizing the activated surface at a temperature below that temperature which would promote the formation of carbides. In one embodiment the surface is activated by disposing a layer of iron over the surface of the article.

Abstract: Metal surfaces, particularly the zinciferous surfaces of zinc-coated steel, can be given a chromate conversion coating that is superior in terms of blackening resistance and white rust resistance by drying into place on the surfaces a layer of a treatment liquid that contains water, hexavalent chromium atoms, trivalent chromium cations, nitrate ions and one or more types of metal ions selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Zn and Al, the molar ratio of the total of these metal ions to nitrate ions being in the range from 0.05 to 1.0, the molar ratio of trivalent chromium ions to hexavalent chromium atoms being in the range of 0.11:1.0 to 1.0:1.0, and the molar ratio of nitrate ions to total chromium atoms being in the range of 2.1 to 5.5. Preferably, the coating formed has a chromium content of 10 to 100 mg/m2.

Abstract: A process for controlling the layer weight during the phosphating of steel strip zinc-coated on one or both sides, using a phosphating solution which contains 1 to 6 g/l zinc ions and 10 to 30 g/l phosphate ions, characterized in that a Fe(II) ion content within the range of 3 to 100 mg/l is established in the phosphating solution. The higher the Fe(II) content, the lower is the layer weight. An alteration in the Fe(II) content of 3 to 20 mg/l results in an alteration in the layer weight of about 0.1 g/m2.

Abstract: A method of treating a surface of a stacked aluminum alloy ingot during a heating process. Spacer blocks are positioned adjacent aluminum alloy ingots to form a stack, wherein the spacer block has a support surface contacting a contact surface of the aluminum alloy ingot, and at least one of the support surface and the contact surface include a fluorine containing material. The stack is heated to at least a temperature at which the fluorine containing material decomposes or vaporizes such that a layer of a fluorinated oxide compound is formed at the interfaces between the ingots and the spacer blocks.

Abstract: A free-machining, precipitation-hardenable, martensitic stainless steel is described that provides a unique combination of machinability, processability, and toughness. The broad compositional range of the steel alloy of the invention is as follows, in weight percent: C 0.030 max. Mn 0.75 max. Si 0.75 max.. P 0.040 max. S 0.15-0.35 Cr 14.0-15.5 Ni  5.0-6.0 Mo 0.50-1.2 Cu  3.0-4.0 Nb 0.10-0.30 B 0.010 max. N 0.030 max. The balance of the alloy is iron and the usual impurities found in commercial grades of martensitic precipitation-hardening stainless steels intended for similar use or service.

Abstract: An improved guiding member for use within a body lumen having a unique combination of superelastic characteristics. The superelastic alloy material has a composition consisting of about 30% to about 52% (atomic) titanium, and about 38% to 52% nickel and may have one or more elements selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, platinum, palladium, vanadium, copper, zirconium, hafnium and niobium. The alloy material is subjected to thermomechanical processing which includes a final cold working of about 10 to about 75% and then a heat treatment at a temperature between about 450° and about 600° C. and preferably about 475° to about 550° C. Before the heat treatment the cold worked alloy material is preferably subjected to mechanical straightening. The alloy material is preferably subjected to stresses equal to about 5 to about 50% of the room temperature ultimate yield stress of the material during the thermal treatment.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy plate for an automobile has a chemical composition containing 0.8 to 1.5% by mass of Si, 0.4 to 0.7% by mass of Mg and 0.5 to 0.8% by mass of Cu. The crystal grain size is 10 to 40 &mgr;m. Cu content obtained by analyzing the outermost surface of the aluminum alloy with an oxide film according to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is {fraction (1/10)} to ½ of the Cu content of the bulk of the aluminum alloy plate.

Abstract: In a method for making a hybrid leaf spring at least one layer of composite material is provided and a metal primary leaf. The layer of composite material and metal primary leaf are positioned adjacent one another in a mold having an interior cavity defined by at least one cavity wall. A layer of adhesive material is located between and in engagement with the layer of composite material and the metal primary leaf. The adhesive is cured by controllably heating the metal primary leaf so that energy in the form of heat is conducted therefrom into the adhesive layer bonding said metal primary leaf and layer of composite material together.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a cylindrical electrophotographic photoconductor, an adhesive is applied to an inside of an opening end portion of a photosensitive drum, and the adhesive is detected by using a CCD laser displacement sensor. Then, a flange for supporting a center shaft to the inside of the opening end portion of the drum is fitted through the adhesive. The flange can be securely attached to the drum.

Abstract: A method for producing a stretch-thinned elastic article having dimensional stability over time and at elevated temperatures in which a thermoplastic block copolymer is melt-processed into a stretchable article such as a film or fiber. The article is then conditioned at an elevated temperature greater than or equal to a glass transition temperature (Tg) of a hard phase of the thermoplastic block copolymer. The article is stretch-thinned at the elevated temperature to a desired percentage stretch, forming a stretch-thinned article, after which it is cooled to a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the hard phase of the thermoplastic block copolymer. Films produced by this method are suitable for use in durable and disposable articles including personal care articles such as diapers, incontinence wear, training pants, and feminine care articles, as well as wound dressings, wipes, towels, napkins, and protective apparel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of providing a seal between an aircraft structure (14) and a removable panel (26) mountable on the structure to close an opening (12) therein. According to the invention, the method comprises applying a sealant compound (28) for example a polysulphide rubber compound, to one of the structure and the panel, forming a rebate (46) in the sealant compound, and providing a sealant tape (48) to fit within the rebate. Subsequently, the panel is fastened to the structure with the seal (50) comprising the sealant compound and the sealant tape being sandwiched between the structure and the panel and encircling the opening.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for highly efficiently forming a tire reinforcing layer, such as a carcass ply or belt ply, either directly or indirectly on a rubber member which is supported on a rigid core having a toroidal shape. According to the invention, a continuous strip of reinforcing material comprised of a plurality of single cords or twisted cords is cut into reinforcing elements having a predetermined length. The reinforcing elements are successively fed to the rubber member from one side of the core, synchronously with an indexing movement of the core about its center axis. The reinforcing elements are then urged against the outer surface of the rubber member on the core along their longitudinal direction and thereby progressively pressure-joined to the rubber member.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a tire the beads of which are without anchoring bead wires and are reinforced by complexes of layers of reinforcement elements of low angle, around which complexes the radial carcass reinforcement is anchored by winding, said process being characterized in that each complex is produced independently of the carcass reinforcement blank, the manufacture of said complex including using at least one raw blank of reinforcement elements which are oriented at a higher angle than the angle to be obtained in the vulcanized state, subjecting said ply to pre-extension before formation of a two-layer sleeve, the pitch, angle and width characteristics of which are obtained by pantograph effect upon a second extension.

Abstract: A process for producing multi-layer game ball products includes the steps of extruding an inner layer precursor as a parison in a partial melt state, forming an outer layer, introducing the inner and outer layers into a mold and expanding the parison within the mold to form the multi-layer game ball product. The outer layer may take the form of pre-cut panels vacuum supported in the mold and an intermediate layer may be provided for dimensional stability in the product. Subsequent to expanding the parison a filler such as foam may be injected into the center space for forming a core.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of manufacturing multilayer garments with the use of temporary fusible adhesives, wherein the adhesive has a molecular weight of less than 5000.

Abstract: Processes for producing a holographic material involve producing the holographic image on a polished, substantially smooth surface and then transferring the holographic image to a substrate. A metallic coating is applied to a smooth surface of a printing element to provide a coated surface, the coated surface is embossed to provide the holographic image, and the holographic image is transferred to a substrate via a bonding material, thereby producing the holographic material. The holographic material may be used to provide a decorative cover for an object or item, such as a floral grouping or a potted plant.

Abstract: A colinear laminate honeycomb panel permits the use of two or more different materials to form a single panel. In this manner, a retractable cover for an architectural opening may be formed that has a different appearance depending upon which side of the panel is being viewed. The resultant panel is formed by attaching a plurality of elongated precursor tubular cells, wherein each precursor tubular cell itself comprises at least two strips of material held in proximity to one another by a common carrier strip.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal panel in which two substrates are faced to each other with spacers interposed therebetween, applied with heat pressure in an overlapped condition, and adhesive arranged between the two substrates is cured for fixing, characterized in that at least of a pair of pressurizing plates for applying pressure to the two substrates is a graphite plate and in that upper and lower pressurizing plates are made to be of different rigidity. The graphite plate of low rigidity is made to stick to the substrate, and shifts between substrate can be prevented while securing uniformity in gap between substrates.

Abstract: In a transcribing method for making a steering wheel rim of an automobile using water pressure and a printed transcribing sheet having a different pattern or brightness at the left and right sides, two symmetrical printed transcribing sheets are prepared using computer graphics for fitting to the steering wheel rim. In a first transcribing step, a first sheet is transcribed using a masking method. The surface where the first transcribing is performed is cleaned and masked, and the steering wheel rim is rotated by 180°. In a second transcribing step, on the surface of the steering wheel where no transcribing has been performed, a second printed transcribing sheet is transcribed to the steering wheel rim.

Abstract: Medical dressings are disclosed that include multiple exposed pressure sensitive adhesives. One of the pressure sensitive adhesives includes a bioactive agent and is substantially contact transparent. In some embodiments, all of the adhesives are substantially contact transparent. Also provided are methods of manufacturing the medical dressings. By providing multiple exposed pressure sensitive adhesives, the pressure sensitive adhesive formulations can be varied to provide desired properties in different areas of the dressing. A pressure sensitive adhesive that exhibits relatively high tack to skin may be provided around the periphery of the dressing while a pressure sensitive adhesive incorporating a bioactive agent is provided in the center of the dressing. Alternatively, a higher tack pressure sensitive adhesive may be provided at two opposing sides of the dressing with a bioactive adhesive located in between the opposing portions of higher tack adhesive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a dripper line by feeding the dripper units (DU) into the extruded tube (ET) at a linear velocity, at the instant of their initial contact with the inner surface of the tube, which is greater than the linear velocity of the inner surface of the tube where initially contacted by the dripper units. The dripper units are fed between a track (10) within the extruded tube and a moving backing surface (20) externally of the tube spaced from the track to determine the final thickness of the extruded tube and the dripper unit welded thereto.

Abstract: A finished product from lignocellulose, such as a length of wood or chipboard, is impregnated with a composition containing a thermosetting resin in a nonaqueous solvent, and a styrene polymer in a nonaqueous solvent. Excess impregnating composition is removed from the impregrnated material. The solvent or solvents are also removed. The thermosetting resin may thereafter be subjected to temperature conditions for polymerization to form a finished product.

Abstract: An apparatus for etching a glass substrate 30 includes a first bath 13 containing an etchant, at least one porous panel having a plurality of jet holes 16 in the first bath, the porous panel containing the etchant to jet the etchant against the glass substrate, a container 20 storing the etchant, and a pump 24 supplying the etchant from the container to the porous panel, the pump being connected to the container and the porous panel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a connection of portions of a moving folded web of disposable undergarments is provided. The apparatus preferably includes a registration conveyor positioned to register and convey a folded web of disposable undergarments moving along a predetermined path of travel and a web connector positioned adjacent the registration conveyor to connect portions of the folded web as the folded web is conveyed along the predetermined path of travel. A method preferably includes registeringly conveying a folded web of disposable undergarments along a predetermined path of travel and connecting portions of the folded web as the folded web is conveyed along the predetermined path of travel.