Abstract: Described is a process and system for direct printing of a decorative pattern onto an extruded PVC slat. The process includes providing a hot extruded PVC slat; directly contacting a surface of the hot extruded PVC slat with a direct printing cylinder as the slat is moved in a downstream direction, where the cylinder has a pattern with a cell structure that receives ink and rotates to directly apply the ink in the form of the pattern onto the surface of the hot extruded PVC slat. The process also includes controlling a temperature of the direct printing cylinder to inhibit drying of the ink while present on the direct printing cylinder.

Abstract: A print head is disclosed for use with an additive manufacturing system. The print head may include a nozzle, and a traveling anchor point mounted at a trailing side of the nozzle. The traveling anchor point may include an arm extending radially outward from the nozzle, and a plunger slidingly disposed in the arm. The traveling anchor point may also include an actuator configured to selectively move the plunger from a stowed position to an engaged position against material discharging from the nozzle.

Abstract: A sheet material cooling device includes a cylindrical body having an outer circumferential surface to be in contact with a sheet material, a cooling unit having a cooling surface in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body, and a first fastening member inserted from an outside of the cylindrical body toward an inside to attach the cooling unit to the cylindrical body in a state that the cooling surface is in contact with the inner circumferential surface.

Abstract: A printing device using thermal roll imprinting and a patterned plate according to the present invention includes: a first supply roll continuously supplying a patterning film; a heating roll and a first sub-roll imprinting a first pattern in the patterning film supplied from the first supply roll by pressing the patterning film from both sides thereof to form a patterning plate; an imprinting mask provided with an original pattern to be imprinted to the patterning film and mounted on the surface of the heating roll; a first recovery roll recovering the patterned plate; a rotatable inking roll inking the first pattern imprinted to the patterned plate; a doctor blade forming a second; a blanket roll forming a third pattern; and a second sub-roll forming a fourth pattern by pressing a printing film and printing the third pattern of the blanket roll to the printing film.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a roller imprinter that allows easy replacement of a transfer roller, and a method of producing an imprinted sheet. In at least one embodiment, a roller imprinter is disclosed for transferring a pattern on a surface of a transfer roller to a surface of a workpiece sheet through rotation of the transfer roller, the roller imprinter including an axis shaft or rotation for the transfer roller, and the axis of the shaft being non-coincident with the rotation axis of the transfer roller.

Abstract: A printing apparatus having an automatic printing sheet feeder integrated thereto to improve mass productivity. The printing apparatus includes a base, a moving stage, an automatic printing sheet feeder, and a printing roll. The moving stage is linearly movable along the base, and has a lithographic plate seated on the top surface thereof, the lithographic plate having a printing pattern thereon. The automatic printing sheet feeder is installed on the moving stage. The automatic printing sheet feeder includes an unwinding roll, which supplies the printing sheet, a rewinding roll, which collects the printing sheet, and a plurality of guide rolls, which guide the printing sheet to pass through the printing area of the moving stage. The printing roll is installed on the base, and performs printing by transferring ink from recesses of a printing pattern of the lithographic plate to the printing sheet on the moving stage.

Abstract: The device for satinizing and embossing packaging foils comprises at least two embossing rollers that are each provided with a toothing consisting of individual teeth, the pyramidal teeth having an essentially rectangular horizontal projection, and the sides of the teeth being essentially parallel and perpendicular, respectively, to the longitudinal axis of the embossing roller. In contrast to the prior art, the opening angle (?) between the radially aligned adjacent tooth flanks is smaller than the opening angle (?) between the axially aligned adjacent tooth flanks, and the tooth height in the radial direction, measured from the tooth tip to the tooth bottom, is greater than the tooth height in the axial direction measured from the tooth tip to the tooth bottom. This dimensioning and arrangement of the teeth provides an improved gearing with a reduced specific pressure as well as an improved processing of the paper part of the foil that results in its better folding, curling, and tubing behavior.

Abstract: Apparatuses are disclosed that include forming selected perforation designs and patterns. The perforation designs and patterns can be formed in linear or nonlinear fashion, can extend in the cross direction or the machine direction and can be formed to complement or match an embossed or printed design on the web. The perforation designs and patterns can be formed utilizing various mechanical perforating techniques.

Abstract: Methods of perforating a web substrate are disclosed that include forming selected perforation designs and patterns. The perforation designs and patterns can be formed in linear or nonlinear fashion, can extend in the cross direction or the machine direction and can be formed to complement or match an embossed or printed design on the web. The perforation designs and patterns can be formed utilizing various mechanical perforating techniques.

Abstract: Support apparatus for embossing rolls comprising a fixed structure (1) with two sides (10), which provide multiple supports for one or more embossing rolls (2) having the respective horizontal axes between said sides (10) and being connected with corresponding motors (45) which make the rolls rotate around the respective axes at a preset angular velocity, characterized in that each of said supports is of the collar type (3) coaxial with and external to the axis of the respective embossing roll (2) and made by two elements (30, 31), one (30) being fixed and the other one (31) mobile, the mobile element (31) realizing the closing and, respectively, the opening of the collar (3) around the axis of the embossing roll (2) by means of an actuator (4; 62) controlled by a corresponding control device.

Abstract: A stamping mold includes a base, a mold holder and a stripper. The base defines a first through hole and includes a protruding block. The mold holder defines a second through hole and a plurality of receiving holes, and each receiving hole receives a mold insert and selectively corresponds to the protruding block. The mold holder is located on a top of the base and touches the protruding block. The stripper includes a cover defining a plurality of holes and a positioning shaft. The stripper is located on the mold holder via the positioning shaft passing through the second and the first through hole, and a free end of the positioning shaft is blocked under the base. The mold holder can rotate about the positioning shaft. When the stripper moves to a lowest location, the mold insert on the protruding block protrudes from the corresponding hole of the cover.

Abstract: For a device (100 for rotary processing of rolled material capable of being conveyed along a transportation path between a rotatably mounted processing sleeve (110) and a rotatably mounted anvil sleeve (120), single-ended suspension of a processing axle (111) and an anvil axle (121) is achieved in that the anvil sleeve (120) rotatably mounted on the anvil axle (121) suspended at one end only is coupled to the anvil axle (121) by means of a bearing (122) mounted in a central region mid-way between the opposing edges (125, 126) of said anvil sleeve (120).

Abstract: An embossed sheet forming apparatus has phase controlling means (33, 34) axially shifting a second embossing roller 11, a front embossed profile detector 74 for detecting an embossed profile on a front surface of a both-sided embossed sheet 100, a rear embossed profile detector 75 for detecting an embossed profile on the rear surface, both surfaces phase difference computing means 80 comparing a detection signal from the front embossed profile detector 74 and a detection signal from the rear embossed profile detector 75 for calculating an embossing phase difference in a sheet width direction between the embossed profiles on the both surfaces, and phase adjustment control processing means 77 inputting a phase difference signal representing the embossing phase difference from the both surfaces phase difference computing means 80 for outputting a command to the phase controlling means (33, 34) to cancel a deviation of the phase difference.

Abstract: An embossing assembly for sheet material includes at least two embossing rollers, the ends of which are rotatably mounted in the side panels of an embossing machine. Each of the side panels is divided into a fixed portion and at least one movable portion. The ends of the embossing rollers are mounted in supports which are removably fixed in seats formed in the fixed portions of the side panels or in the movable portions of the side panels of the machine. In this manner, when the movable portions of side panels are moved with respect to the fixed portions of side panels, a space is cleared for removal of at least a portion of the embossing roller supports.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the treatment of packaging foils, comprising a first embossing unit having at least one embossing roll provided with embossing structures (7) that are arranged in a basic grid for satinizing and/or with embossing structures which deviate from the basic grid for the application of logos and/or of authentication features, the work cadence (A1) of the first embossing unit being synchronizable to a process cadence (P) of the packaging process, as well as a first regulating unit of the first embossing unit that is synchronizable to the process cadence (P) of the packaging installation, and a second regulating unit of the second embossing unit, the second regulating unit serving for the synchronization of the work cadence (A2) of the second embossing unit to the work cadence (A1) of the first embossing unit.

Abstract: Convertible embossing device comprising a structure (1) with two fixed sides (10) and two mobile sides (11) with respective external faces (EF, EM) and internal faces (IF, IM) and provided with, in correspondence of the respective internal faces (IF, IM), two upper recesses (12, 13) and two lower recesses (12?, 13?) with a circle-arc profile intended to support the end flanges (20, 30) of the two embossing rolls (2, 3) orthogonal to the sides (10, 11) of the same structure (1), wherein the mobile sides (11) are joined to the fixed sides (10) and the respective upper and lower recesses (12, 13, 12?, 13?) define, by cooperating with one another, two pairs of circular seats for the flanges (20, 30) of the rolls (2, 3), and in that, in a second operating position, the mobile sides (11) are distanced from the fixed sides (10) and the upper recesses (12, 13) of the sides (10) and (11) define, each one by cooperating with corresponding semi-circular closure flanges (15, 16), two pairs of circular seats for the flang

Abstract: An embossing device having a first embossing unit for satin finishing a strip of packing material, and a second embossing unit for impressing graphics on the strip of packing material; the second embossing unit has two embossing rollers, at least one of which only has embossing pins in areas for impressing the graphics.

Abstract: Instruments for modifying flat substrates to emboss, imprint or cut one or more patterns thereon includes an operative unit for modifying the substrate and structure which positions the substrate relative to the operative unit to enable the unit to interact with the substrate and modify it. Several different combinations of operative units and positioning structure are envisioned with each providing a different form of the substrate. The different combinations may be used together to create a piece of art from individually modified substrates.

Abstract: Device for printing Braille characters on cardboard blanks travelling in a folder-gluer along a substantially planar path, the device comprising rotary embossing tools carried by two respective parallel shafts rotatably mounted above and below of the plane of said path and operable for printing Braille characters on their blanks during their run through the folder-gluer. The tools are supported on shafts and the tools are adjustable axially and angularly with respect to each other.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide a means to rapidly develop and modify prototype surface coverings for customer review and approval, and fill the commercial pipeline while more conventional production equipment is obtained, installed and tested. The present apparatus to rapid prototype and fill the commercial pipeline includes a digital printing system to print a film and a press for laminating and embossing the printed film to a substrate. The press uses an embossing plate or roll, which is made from ebonite or by three-dimensional printing equipment. These plates and rolls can be produced within two or three days or less.

Abstract: Apparatus for working pliable material comprises a body, at least two rotatable shafts coupled to the body, an embossing assembly detachably coupled to an end of at least one of the shafts, and a cutting assembly and/or a creasing assembly being alternatively coupled to the end of the shaft in place of the embossing assembly. In one embodiment, the apparatus is powered by hand via a rotatable handle coupled to at least one of the shafts. The assembly may further comprise an adjustment wheel and an adjustment shaft for accomodating various material types.

Abstract: The device for satinizing and embossing flat materials comprises an embossing roll and at least one mating roll, said rolls being connected to a driving system and adapted to be driven individually or in common and to be resiliently pressed against one another while the individual teeth are flattened, and the embossing teeth being designed such as to produce in the corresponding locations of said flat material during its passage embossed marks whose appearance varies according to the viewing angle of the observer and/or the kind and/or the position of the lighting source, the embossing teeth which produce said variable marks having a different geometrical shape and/or surface than the satinizing teeth intended for satinizing. To this end, the surfaces of said embossing teeth and/or portions of the tooth space bottom are provided with microstructures. These microstructures allow producing largely forgery-proof marks which may furthermore provide a very decorative effect.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing envelopes and a product manufactured in accordance with such process is disclosed. The process requires printing of an ink design on an envelope, coating of the ink design with a varnish and subsequently embossing the combined ink and varnish design so that a foil look is obtained on the envelope.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for embossing and/or glazing films. The device for embossing includes a first and second embossing roll, through which flat material can be fed under pressure, in order to create a pattern. An additional embossing roll is connected downstream of the second embossing roll, this additional embossing roll interacting with the first or preceding embossing roll. The patterned flat material may be fed between these embossing rolls, in order to be embossed again with essentially the same pattern. In a simplified embodiment, only a total of two rolls are used. In order to achieve as precise an embossing as possible, with special effects, the first driven embossing roll is provided with teeth, while at least one other embossing roll comprises rings or longitudinal ribs, or is smooth.

Abstract: A plurality of curved plates which are adapted to be mounted on an embossing roll are identically engraved with an embossing pattern that matches the plate dimensions, permitting them to be interchanged or replaced without disrupting pattern discontinuity. In one embodiment, the pattern is created to match a given plate by laying out a skew grid matching plate corners, and using grid parallelograms as pattern unit cells. In another embodiment, an existing doubly periodic pattern is minimally distorted to match the plate geometry.

Abstract: An embossing method and apparatus (20) comprises a rotary embossing device (32) having a radial direction (28) and an outer peripheral surface (34). The embossing device (32) includes at least one embossing-component (48) which extends at least radially outward from the peripheral surface (34), and is configured to provide for a first embossing-pattern (38). The embossing device (32) also includes a rotary shaft member (46). A base embossing-segment (50) is operatively joined to the rotary shaft member (46) and configured to carry a first base-section (40) of the first embossing-component (48). In a particular aspect, a first, supplemental embossing-segment (52) is operatively joined and selectively positionable on the rotary shaft member (46), and is configured to carry a first supplemental-section (42) of the first embossing-component (48).

Abstract: Improved air embossing systems, improved air lances, and improved methods of air embossing fabrics, which are able to produce an unprecedented level of fine detail, crisp transition between unembossed and embossed regions, lack of undesired embossing artifacts, and a high degree of uniformity across the width of an embossed fabric, when compared to the performance of typical, conventional air embossing systems are disclosed. The disclosed air embossing systems utilize generally cylindrical, rotating stencils with air lances positioned therein for directing a stream of air through apertures in the stencil and onto the embossable surface of a fabric.

Abstract: Disclosed is an embossing method and material made by the method, including at least a pair of embossing rolls having unmatched embossing patterns engraved independently from each other, and having enlarged sidewall clearances between adjacent, inter-engaged protrusions and recessions of the embossing patterns. The sidewall clearances can range from about 0.002? (about 0.050 mm) to about 0.050? (about 1.27 mm). The width of the protrusions can be greater than about 0.002? or about 0.050 mm. The peripheral surface of at least one of the embossing rolls can comprise a metal, a plastic, a ceramic, or a rubber. Also disclosed is an embossed web material capable of being used as a wrap material for food products, made by the above process.

Abstract: A system for embossing a substantially continuous web of material including a supply for supplying at least one substantially continuous web of material, feeding the substantially continuous web of material, an embossing device for embossing a predetermined pattern in the web material and a takeup device for taking-up the embossed web material; wherein at least one roll of the system includes an elongated core formed of a substantially rigid material and an elongated sleeve formed of a material less rigid than the elongated core with the elongated sleeve being releasably secured to the core such that the elongated sleeve is axially and circumferentially fixed with respect to the core when in operation and can be selectively axially removed from the core. Preferably, the sleeve includes an embossing pattern laser engraved thereon so as to permit the embossing pattern being run by the system to be readily changed.

Abstract: A method for embossing expanded graphite sheet material comprises removing at least a portion of the gas from within the material by exposing the material to a pressure less than atmospheric pressure, and then embossing the material. The pressure to which the material is exposed is preferably no greater than about 400 torr. An apparatus for embossing expanded graphite sheet material at a pressure less than atmospheric pressure comprises: an embossing device, a compression device adapted to urge the embossing device against the material, an embossing chamber comprising the at least one embossing device and adapted to receive the material and to be substantially gas-tight at least when the embossing device is urged against the material by the pressing device, and an evacuation device for reducing the pressure within the embossing chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and methodology to provide embossing of recycled pulp, which may contain contaminants such as glue or paper particles, without adversely affecting the processing machinery. This enables the recycled pulp to be embossed in a manner similar to that of non-recycled pulp which provides an absorbency, softness and appearance to the finished product which compares favorably to paper products made from non-recycled pulp. The embossing is carried out by matched embossing rollers in which one of the rollers is relatively soft (Shore A hardness of 50-65) and the other roller is relatively hard (Shore A hardness above 90). Recycled pulp, even containing contaminants, may be embossed in this manner without causing excess wear or possible damage to the embossing rollers.

Abstract: The device for embossing and/or calendering foils comprises at least one first and one second embossing roll between the flat material is passed under pressure in order to produce a pattern. The second embossing roll is followed by at least another embossing roll which cooperates with the first or the preceding embossing roll and between which the patterned flat material is passed in order to receive essentially the same pattern in a re-embossing procedure. In the case of complex treatments, it is advantageous to synchronize the embossing rolls. Particularly in the case of paper having a thin metallization, the following additional embossing roll which re-embosses the pattern allows to avoid higher contact pressures causing increased wear, and a substantially improved folding behavior is obtained.

Abstract: A rotary press to lay patterns of a material on a strip material comprises a working cylinder bearing embossing plates of the patterns of the aforesaid material to be laid and an opposed anvil cylinder. The working cylinder is rotated. A heater for the working cylinder. A device to exert a defined prestress between the working cylinder and the anvil cylinder. Ball-bearings between the anvil cylinder and its shaft. A device adjusts the space between the working cylinder and the anvil cylinder, independent of the device to exert the defined prestress.

Abstract: A decorative relief pattern is applied to one or both sides of thermoplastic slat material by rolling an embossing roller in contact with the side(s) to receive the pattern. The embossing roller has an inverse relief pattern which is an inverse of the relief pattern applied to the slat material. A transfer roller applies an ink layer to the embossing roller, with the resulting thickness of the ink layer varying according to features of the inverse relief pattern. Depressed areas of the inverse relief pattern receive relatively little ink. An air stream from an air knife is applied to the ink layer, with ink being preferentially cleaned from relatively smooth areas of the inverse relief pattern. Then, a portion of the ink remaining on the embossing roller is transferred to the slat material along with the formation of the embossed pattern in the slat material.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for the embossing of a sheet of flexible graphite material between a pair of embossing rollers. The embossing rollers include a primary embossing roller and a backup roller. The primary embossing roller has an embossing pattern defined thereon. One or both of the rollers include a raised stabilization area adjacent a periphery of the embossing pattern. The raised stabilization area preferably has a roughened outer surface for better gripping the sheet of flexible graphite material. The raised stabilization areas apply a stabilizing force to the sheet adjacent the periphery of the embossing pattern, thereby limiting egress of the material laterally away from the embossing pattern. The roughened surfaces increase the grip of the raised areas upon the sheet, thus aiding in pulling the sheet between the rollers and also aiding in the application of lateral stabilization forces to the sheet.

Abstract: An embossing system for embossing and perforating at least a portion of a web is provided comprising a first embossing roll having embossing elements and at least a second embossing roll having embossing elements, wherein the elements of the first and second embossing rolls define perforate nips for embossing and perforating the web and wherein at least a predominate number of the perforate nips are substantially oriented in the cross-machine direction. Moreover, substantially all of the nips defined by the embossing elements of the first and second embossing rolls can be substantially oriented in the cross-machine direction. Further, the cross-machine embossing elements are at an angle of about 85° to 95° from the machine direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for zone controlling the temperature of a rotating roll. The apparatus includes a roll having a surface at a first temperature and a belt disposed adjacent at least a portion of the surface of the roll. The belt contacts the roll surface in a contact region and has a second temperature that is different from the first temperature of the roll such that the belt affects a temperature change in at least a portion of the surface of the roll in the contact region as the roll is rotated.

Abstract: A length of scale (1) which has a profile consisting of a sequence of troughs (18) and crests (16) is subjected to a process to make the shapes of the crests more regular, thus increasing and making more predictable the signal reflected from the crests on the scale. The process comprises passing a length of scale (1) between upper (20) and lower (22) cylindrical rollers. The lower roller (22) may be driven or the length of scale (1) may be pulled through. Reference marks or identification marks may be added to the scale by appropriately marking the upper roller (20). Alternatively, the marks may be added at an initial embossing step which imparts the troughs and crests profile to the scale or at a separate subsequent step.

Abstract: A printing process combining conventional and Braille printing using an offset-type printing machine. The process involves the following operations: putting on a page the text and/or images that are to be printed in a conventional manner and putting on a page the text and/or images that are to be Braille printed; printing one photolyte for every page that is to be printed in a conventional manner and one for every page that is to be Braille printed, preparing a printing plate by photolyte, the plate having a support side and a printing side containing the motif corresponding to the one on the photolyte, fixing the Braille printing plate by its support side to the counter-pressure cylinder in one of the printing stations, fixing the conventional printing plates by its support face to the plate cylinder in the other printing stations and printing the sheets to be printed that have gone one by one through the rubber cylinders and the counter-pressure cylinders.

Abstract: An embossing roller that both embosses and combines sheet materials such as paper or the like. The invention eliminates the need for separate embossing and combining operations. A relief pattern is defined on the surface of the roller such that the relief pattern can be embossed onto multiple ply sheet material by compressing the material against another surface. At least a portion of the raised surface of the roller that defines the relief pattern is provided with projections that combine the multiple plies of the multiple ply material.

Abstract: The general application of the invention is a finishing process for an air-laid nonwoven web composed of short cellulosic fibers, bound by a thermoplastic binder and having a less than perfect homogeneous fiber distribution. In the invention, the process includes deforming under hot stress the web between an undeforming hard engraved cylinder and a slave cylinder having a hardness between about 60 and 90 degrees shore hardness D. The slave cylinder is resilient and deformable at the pressure applied to it by the engraved cylinder. In particular, the invention applies to the manufacture of webs and of disposable, decorative napkins.

Abstract: Holographic labels are used on a variety of articles of manufacture for security, authenticity, or aesthetic appeal. Manufacturing a holographic label or sticker typically entails microembossing, that is, imprinting or cutting, microscopic grooves into a clear plastic sheet with a shiny aluminum coating. The grooves diffract light and form a three-dimensional image, such as the dove commonly found on Visa™ brand credit cards. Unfortunately, conventional microembossing machines, or microembossers, suffer from a number of problems. For example, these microembossers include two large base rollers that move back and forth in sequence to contact a shimroller. The clumsy back and forth movement not only limits how fast embossing can occur but also causes misalignment of embossed images. To address this and other problems, the inventors devised an exemplary microembosser which includes a single base roller and a shimroller which one or more unique features.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is an embossing press, including an embossing roller and a counter cylinder, for producing embossed seams by joining at least two paper layers or fleece layers, arranged one above the other and conveyed in a straight line. For this, the embossed seams extend at a slant or at a right angle relative to the conveying direction of the paper layers or fleece layers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for printing and embossing elongated substrates provide for both length and position registration with respect to the printed and embossed patterns. The ink pattern to embossed pattern error is corrected by stretching or relaxing the substrate between the printing and embossing assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the rendering unintelligible of data stored on digital and analog recording media employs a means for embossing the media and a means for driving the media to traverse a path defined by the means for embossing. In one embodiment, the means for embossing includes knurled rollers that distort the surfaces of recording media passed therebetween. In one embodiment, the means for driving the recording media through the means for embossing includes a motor and at least one drive gear operatively associated with the means for embossing. The process for rendering recorded data unintelligible includes the steps of providing a means for embossing, providing a means for driving recording media through the means for embossing, and urging recording media through the means for embossing.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing a pattern into absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, diapers, and adult incontinence pads is disclosed. The apparatus for forming a pattern of embossments in an absorbent article comprises an embosser assembly having a patterned die roll and an anvil roll. In one embodiment, the anvil roll comprises a multi-layered structure, that comprises a metal hub, encircled by a compressible layer and enclosed by a sleeve which reduces machine dynamics, such as vibration, associated with the embossing apparatus and significantly improves the embossing line process and quality. The embosser assembly also has a mechanism for applying compressive pressure on the components of an absorbent article when the components are placed between the die roll and the anvil roll.

Abstract: A tool (40) for imprinting a pattern in a has a handle (42). A stamp (44), connected to the handle (42), has a pattern (54) formed on a face (52) of the stamp (44). The face (52) of the stamp (44) forms a concave surface.

Abstract: The general application of the invention is a finishing process for an air-laid nonwoven web composed of short cellulosic fibers, bound by a thermoplastic binder and having a less than perfect homogeneous fiber distribution. In the invention, the process includes deforming under hot stress the web between an undeforming hard engraved cylinder and a slave cylinder having a hardness between about 60 and 90 degrees shore hardness D. The slave cylinder is resilient and deformable at the pressure applied to it by the engraved cylinder. In particular, the invention applies to the manufacture of webs and of disposable, decorative napkins.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for countering the rotation of a striped pipe during extrusion is provided. A sensor for detecting the stripe sends a signal to a pipe rotating means which, in response to the signal, rotates the pipe to correct any turning occurring during extrusion, forming and cooling of the pipe.

Abstract: Embossing a web between unmatched male and female embossing elements, wherein the sidewall slope of the female element is different than the sidewall slope of the male element, provides an embossed web having markedly improved embossing pattern definition and, in the case of roll products, greater roll bulk at equivalent roll firmness. The unmatched male and female embossing elements are preferably made by laser engraving rubber embossing rolls.