Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a plastic strand (35), as a spacer with a predefined intended thickness (D), onto a glass panel (33) in order to constitute insulating glass panes, by means of a nozzle (17) which is moved along the edge of the glass panel (33) around the latter and thereby deposits the strand (35) emerging from the nozzle (17) onto the glass panel (33) so that the beginning and end of the strand (35) abut one another. The thickness of the strand (35) upon emergence from the nozzle (17) is increased, at the beginning of a segment with a defined length (L), from zero to the intended thickness (D); and in complementary fashion thereto, at the end of the strand (35) is decreased over the same length from the intended thickness (D) to zero.

Abstract: A method for rapid manufacturing multi-pane insulating glass windows where cooling gas is used to cool temperature activated adhesive or sealant on pane spacers thereby reducing the assembly time for windows used to replace broken windows in emergency conditions

Abstract: Magnetic forces are applied to a side of a spacer frame mounted on a glass sheet to maintain the side of the spacer frame in alignment i.e. the plane containing base of the spacer frame perpendicular to the plane containing the surface of the glass to which the spacer frame is adhered. Thereafter a glass sheet is mounted on the other surface of the spacer frame. The sheets are adhered to the spacer frame by a sealant layer. After the sheets are assembled, the sheets are urged toward one another to flow the sealant to seal the space between the sheets.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying an adhesive spacer material to a substrate, such as a glass lite, for the manufacture of insulated windows. The apparatus includes an infeed and an outfeed conveyor for advancing a glass lite, and a transverse beam on which is mounted a first travelling applicator head and a second stationary applicator head. A first and second feed reel are provided to supply spacer material to their respective applicator heads. The travelling applicator head is adapted to move transversely across the conveyor, rotationally through 180.degree., and vertically above the substrate. The stationary applicator head is adapted to apply a length of spacer material in a straight pattern simultaneously with the travelling head as the substrate is advanced by the conveyor. The travelling applicator head applies spacer material to three sides of the substrate, cutting notches in the spacer material and rotating 90.degree. at the corners of the substrate.

Abstract: Fire-resistant glass, produced by placing between two panes of glass a gel former containing a) an acid aluminum phosphate, b) a reaction product of boric acid with an alkanolamine and one or more alkali metal compounds, and heating the glass to convert the gel former to a gel.

Abstract: Polymer-bound adsorbent beads are usable as a direct replacement for conventional clay-bound beads in insulating glass unit manufacture to eliminate the problem of dusting associated with conventional beads. Polymer-bound beads provide good adsorption and superior crush strength compared to clay-bound adsorbent beads previously used in insulating glass units to desiccate the space between the glass panes. The polymer-bound adsorbent beads may also be used as a substitute for conventional desiccant beads in water adsorption applications such as in bottle stoppers, sachets, blister packaging, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for injecting sealant material into the corners of an insulated glass assembly suitable for use in manual and automated production. It has been found that significant saving in both time and material can be achieved by only sealing the corners of the assembly, particularly using the automated method and apparatus. The apparatus includes a pair of wiper blocks each having a surface for abutting an edge of a glass assembly arranged in substantially perpendicular configuration to each other, adapted for converging and diverging reciprocal movement from an adjoining position for molding a square corner to a separated position for wiping smooth the surface for the injected sealant material. A nozzle is positioned between the wiper blocks for injecting sealant material into the corner area and retracting in concert with the converging movement of the wiper blocks.

Abstract: There is disclosed a soft and compliant spacer body wherein the body is provided with modified substrate engaging surfaces to accommodate transverse dimensional changes when the spacer is bent about a corner or otherwise flexed in an insulated assembly. In one embodiment, the corners are cut to reduce the thickness of the strip as the same is bent or flexed about a corner. Other embodiments are disclosed. The advantage is that when the transverse dimension is maintained relatively constant about the bent corner, the result is a more effective seal between the substrate engaging surfaces and the substrates. This is augmented by the use of cellular materials and selected sealants to provide multiple sealing surfaces in a high efficiency spacer body.

Abstract: A window insulating attachment, including a translucent panel and ridges which form a chamber between the glass of the window and the panel. Air is withdrawn from the chamber through an air passage which is thereafter sealed. The partial vacuum in the chamber secures the insulating apparatus onto the window. The window and the translucent panel are spaced apart by the height of the ridges, forming an insulating layer of air, thereby reducing the transfer of energy through the window.

Abstract: A mixture of noble gases having desirable insulative properties for use as a window fill gas is derived from an air separation process without substantial further separation or concentration of the noble gases in the mixtures. The mixture of noble gases is processed to form the fill gas using relatively economical catalytic oxidation processes and drying techniques to provide a suitable fill gas. The processed noble gas or fill gas may contain from about 89 to 95% krypton, 5 to 8% xenon and 0.5 to 2% contaminants including oxygen, nitrogen, hydrocarbons and other constituents typically found in air separation processing.

Abstract: For filling the insulating glass panes with a heavy gas, one of the glass plates (40) which are to constitute the insulating glass pane is only partly joined to she other glass plate (42) before the assembling, particularly in that said one glass plate is bent so that a gaplike opening temporarily remains between the glass plate (40) and the spacer (41) and the interior space of the insulating glass pane can be filled with a heavy gas through said gaplike opening.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for applying sealant material to the void in the perimeter between spaced-apart substrates in an insulated glass assembly. An apparatus includes a traveling applicator head and a stationary head, both applicator heads including a nozzle member and independently movable wiper member which cooperate to apply a smooth and even layer of sealant material. An advantage of the cooperating nozzle and wiper members is the ability to mold corners and to apply sealant material without lifting the applicator from the glass assembly. The method is sequential and employs two cooperating applicator heads, conveyors and position sensors to permit fully or semi-automated operation. The smoothing plates move in concert with the extrusion nozzles to ensure uniform distribution of the sealant material from the spacer, and a uniform and planar surface at the perimeter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for assembling a small number of custom sealed double glazing units in which spacers can have different widths and panes of different assemblies can be differently sized. In accordance with one method of the invention, a spacer having sealant on opposing surfaces thereof is adhered to a first glass pane and a resilient member is positioned alongside a portion of the spacer. A second glass pane is positioned over the spacer so that it is partially adhered to the spacer to define an interpane space around which the spacer is adhered, but with the resilient member preventing contact with the whole of the spacer, so maintaining a gap between a portion of the spacer and the second glass pane. The resulting assembly is moved into a gas exchange chamber, and air is removed from the chamber and accordingly also the interpane space.

Abstract: Magnetic forces are applied to a side of a spacer frame mounted on a glass sheet to maintain the side of the spacer frame in alignment i.e. the plane containing base of the spacer frame perpendicular to the plane containing the surface of the glass to which the spacer frame is adhered. Thereafter a glass sheet is mounted on the other surface of the spacer frame. The sheets are adhered to the spacer frame by a sealant layer. After the sheets are assembled, the sheets are urged toward one another to flow the sealant to seal the space between the sheets.

Abstract: An insulating glass unit is shown comprising a pair of generally parallel, spaced-apart glass-panes and a spacer peripherally joining the glass panes to each other. The spacer is a tubular structure, and may include a particulate desiccant filling at least a section of the interior and conforming to the interior configuration thereof to contribute compressive strength to the spacer. The spacer desirably is made from stainless steel sheeting having a thickness not greater than about 0.005 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the spacer includes side walls sealed to the glass panes and an outer wall extending between the side walls and having a sealant free portion between the side walls that extends substantially completely about the periphery of the glass unit.

Abstract: Easily breakable glass pane for emergency exits or the like, comprising at least one first sheet that is provided with at least one hole and is joined to at least one second sheet having no holes. The pane constituted by said sheets is perimetrically shaped so that only the second sheet is mounted in a perimetric frame.

Abstract: To produce insulating glass panes (10) filled with heavy gas, an insulating glass pane (10) still open at least in the area of its lower edge is filled from underneath with heavy gas. To do this the two vertically oriented edges of the insulating glass pane (10) are sealed by seals (30, 31). The upper edge of the insulating glass pane is not sealed. At at least one site (156, 157) in the area of the lower edge, the heavy gas from a channel (122) which runs along a belt conveyor (9) which supports the insulating glass pane (10) is blown via openings which pass between side-by-side portions of the conveyor belt of the belt conveyor (9), into the insulating glass pane (10). To adjust the effective length of the channel (122) to the length of the insulating glass pane (10) to be filled with heavy gas, a piston (130) is contained in the channel. As soon as the space between the glass sheets (11, 13) of an insulating glass pane (10) is entirely filled with heavy gas, the insulating glass pane (10) is closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for setting a gap between glass substrates (13, 14) of a glass panel (P), wherein the glass panel is clamped by a constant force regardless of its thickness. The apparatus includes a flexible and annular movable plate (4) biased by coil springs (5, 5) toward an annular immovable plate (1) so as to clamp the glass panel (P). The immovable and movable plates (1, 4) have a first gasket (3) and a second gasket (6) respectively to clamp the glass panel (P). At an outward part of the first and second gasket a third gasket (8) is disposed between the immovable and movable plates at a level such that the distance between the bottom of the second gasket (6) and the top of the first gasket (3) before the glass panel is placed between the first and second gaskets (3, 6) is smaller than the thickness of the glass panel when the biased movable plate (4) presses the third gasket (8).

Abstract: A thermally insulating glass panel comprising two spaced-apart sheets of glass enclosing a low pressure space, and interconnected by a peripheral joint of fused solder glass and an array of pillars transversely between the glass sheets. The pillars may be made entirely of metal. Alternatively, the array may be made of a combination of solder glass-containing pillars and non-solder glass-containing pillars. Additional support pieces may be arranged between the glass sheets before the peripheral joint of solder glass is fused.

Abstract: An insulating unit has a pair of glass sheets about an edge assembly to provide a compartment between the sheets. The edge assembly has a U-shaped spacer made of metal, metal coated plastic, gas and moisture impervious polymer, or gas and moisture impervious film coated polymer. The outer legs of the spacer and the glass provide a long diffusion path to limit the diffusion of argon gas out of the compartment. The edge assembly has materials selected and sized to provide edge assembly having an RES-value of at least 75. A spacer for use in insulating units includes a plastic core having a gas impervious film e.g. a metal film or a halogenated polymer film. Also taught herein are techniques for making the unit and spacer.

Abstract: A fire-resistant glass comprising:(a) at least two plate-shaped vitreous materials arranged parallel and apart, the sides of the plate-shaped vitreous materials facing each other being treated with a silane coupling agent,(b) a spacer provided between the plate-shaped vitreous materials at their peripheries via an adhesive,(c) a sealing agent adhered to the outer surface of the spacer, and(d) an aqueous gel filled into the space formed by the plate-shaped vitreous materials and the spacer, the aqueous gel comprising a polymer of a particular (meth)acrylamide derivative, a particulate metal oxide, an aqueous medium and an antifreezing agent.This fire-resistant glass has an excellent fire-resistant property; is stable over a long period of time and is unsusceptible to deterioration.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for applying sealant material between spaced-apart substrates in an insulated glass assembly. The method is sequential and employs extrusion nozzles and smoothing plates. The smoothing plates move in concert with the extrusion nozzles to ensure uniform distribution of the sealant material from the spacer, spacing the substrates, to the perimeter of the substrates. The smoothing plates ensure a uniform and planar surface at the perimeter. The method of operation is automated and accordingly, the sealant can be applied in an expedited manner with a high degree of precision and uniformity.

Abstract: A laminated glass pane having at least one rigid glass sheet and one flexible plastic material sheet is described, which has a peripheral strip disposed over at least a part of the edge of the pane over at least one edge of a flexible plastic sheet. The peripheral strip has two layers of respectively different materials, a first layer designated the "internal layer", is comprised of a material having a softening temperature which is less than or equal to the temperature employed in autoclaving the sheets which are components of the pane, and a second layer designated the "external layer", is comprised of a material having a softening temperature which is greater than the temperature employed in autoclaving the sheets.

Abstract: In a device for filling with heavy gas insulating glass panes (10) which are not yet pressed, there is a seal means (80) which can be moved between the plates of the device and which is movably guided via carriages (90, 91) on guide rails (92, 93) mounted on one of the plates (2). The seal (80) can be swivelled by a drive (100) around a horizontal axis (99) so that it is can be swivelled from a position in which it encloses an acute angle with a front side (102) of the plate (2), in which position it is pushed along the plate (2) into its active position in which it is aligned parallel to the front side (102) of the plate (2). The seal on the downstream side edge of the plates can move via parallelogram connecting rods so that it can be moved from a readiness position located next to the plates into a sealing position which adjoins the vertical edges of the plates.

Abstract: There is disclosed an insulating strip and assembly suitable for use with glass substrates. The strip includes a continuous self supporting integral layer, for example, of a polyethylene terephthalate overlying sealant material and a continuous axial channel for independently receiving desiccant material. The strip provides enhanced insulation capacity with high adhesiveness.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of curved insulating glass, for use on automobiles, is made providing separate paths for the two sheets of glass making up the insulating double-glazed glass, until an assembly station (M) is reached. Two separate centering stations (D and D1) are also provided. The apparatus has, in the single assembly station (M), a pressing device to press the insulating glass (V) until the desired thickness is obtained.

Abstract: A method for making a glazed unit having three sheets. The unit includes a pair of outer glass sheets secured to outer legs of a spacer having a generally U-shaped cross section. On the base of the spacer between the outer legs is provided a layer of pliable material having a generally U-shaped cross section and having a desiccant therein. A third or intermediate glass sheet has its edge portion in the groove formed by the layer of pliable material. Movement of the third sheet toward an outer glass sheet is limited by the cooperation of the layer of the pliable material and portion of the outer legs of the spacer at the corners of the unit bent inwardly to move the layer of pliable material at the corner toward the unit during fabrication of the unit.

Abstract: Fireproofing glasses containing gels free from organic gel formers are characterized in that they have been prepared with gel formers which containa) acidic aluminium phosphates andb) reaction products of boric acid with alkanolamines,a) and b) being present in a weight ratio of 100:55 to 100:0.5, calculated as solids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for assembling a small number of custom sealed double glazing units in which spacers can have different widths and panes of different assemblies can be differently sized. In accordance with one method of the invention, a spacer having sealant on opposing surfaces thereof is adhered to a first glass pane and a resilient member is positioned alongside a portion of the spacer. A second glass pane is positioned over the spacer so that it is partially adhered to the spacer to define an interpane space around which the spacer is adhered, but with the resilient member preventing contact with the whole of the spacer, so maintaining a gap between a portion of the spacer and the second glass pane. The resulting assembly is moved into a gas exchange chamber, and air is removed from the chamber and accordingly also the interpane space.

Abstract: An insulated glass unit comprises two sheets of glass separated by an aluminum spacer, a thermosetting resin sealant such as a polysulphide or polyurethane sealant or a hot melt butyl sealant being applied around the edges of the unit to seal the sheets together. The spacer is connected by corner keys made of aluminum tape. Curing or melt-bonding of the sealant is accelerated by the application of microwave energy, suitably by passing the unit through a tunnel with microwave generators on each side thereof. The unit passes through the tunnel on a conveyor held upright by pinch chains. The conveyor and pinch chains are made of a nonpolar material such as polypropylene.

Abstract: The insulating glazing unit in accordance with the invention consists in its simplest form of two panes 1 and 2 which are joined together by means of a shaped body 13 constituted by a textile spacer fabric. By means of its high elasticity, flexurally rigid rib fibers 16 the textile spacer fabric renders possible a force transmitting coupling of the panes and the formation of a dimensionally stable and self-supporting sheet body. This sheet body is suitable in particular for the production of frameless window lights.

Abstract: An improved illuminated sign for adhesive bonding to the inner surface of a pane of transparent material such as the glass of an automotive window comprises a backing panel, a planar electroluminescent lamp, and an indicia-bearing member. The indicia-bearing member is smaller in planar extent than an assembly of the backing panel and the lamp. Strips of double-sided adhesive tape are applied to the border of the backing panel. The second adhesive surface of the tape is used to bond the assembly of the backing panel, the lamp and the indicia-bearing member to the inner surface of an automobile window or the like.

Abstract: The glazing element in accordance with the invention comprises in its simplest form a pane and a textile spacer fabric arranged at the covering surface of the pane. The spacer fabric comprises at least two covering layers, which are connected together by rib fibers extending approximately transversely in relation to the panes. The glazing element in accordance with the invention possesses thermal insulating properties and may be utilized as safety glass, more particularly for roofs or overhead glazing arrangements.

Abstract: There is described a multiple-pane sealed glazing unit having two or more parallel glazing sheets which are spaced apart and sealed at the peripheral edges. Incorporated within the unit is a decorative feature comprised of patterns applied to two or more of the glazing sheets and where at least portions of these patterns register with each other and are of sufficient width as to provide the visual appearance of solid members spanning the spacing between at least two of the glazing sheets. In one preferred embodiment, the registering patterns are striped criss-cross patterns and provide the visual appearance of traditional muntin-bar windows. In a second preferred embodiment, the registering patterns are also striped criss-cross patterns and provide the visual appearance of traditional leaded-glass window panels. In a third preferred embodiment, the registering patterns provide the visual appearance of traditional lattice-work, sun-screen panels.

Abstract: The tubular tool for use in effecting a gas exchange in multiplate insulating glass units provided with a sealant spacer has a sharpened end (1) like a plug drill and is provided with a handle portion (2) at the other end. The handle portion (2) has a port (3) for connection to a device which exchanges gas in a space between glass plates of the insulating glass unit. The wall of the tubular tool (20) is provided with throughgoing openings (4) in a portion between the sharpened end (1) and the handle portion (2). The tubular tool also can have a portion without throughgoing openings having a length approximately equal to a thickness of the sealant spacers both at the sharpened end and at the handle portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for turning a sheet-like workpiece, e.g. a rectangular sheet of glass, and for applying a sealing strip continuously along its edges, includes an air flotation/section support bed (14, 15) covered by an air-permeable mat (16), a sealing strip applicator (32, 59) on a carriage (33), suction cup assemblies (63, 72) mobilely mounted on respective mutually perpendicular slides (24, 25) for gripping the sheet (22) at two adjacent corners thereof, the movement of the assemblies (63, 72) being coordinated such that, while gripping the sheet (22), one assembly (72) is moved towards the initial position of the other assembly (63) and simultaneously the latter (63) is moved towards the corner diagonally opposite the corner at which the first assembly (72) was initially disposed.

Abstract: In thermally insulating glass, an improved spacer is made with material and designed to be less thermally conductive then conventional metal spacers by providing a complete thermal brake between metallic side support members so that no metallic path is provided across the insulating material. The insulating material contains a moisture absorbent.

Abstract: Curable adhesive compositions comprise combinations of organosiloxane MQ resins and liquid polyorganosiloxanes of specified viscosity and functionality. The compositions are substantially free of unreactive materials and are applied in the molten state. Depending upon the concentration of reactive groups on the resin and polyorganosiloxane, the compositions may also include a silane containing an average of more than two hydrolyzable groups per molecule. Preferred compositions develop excellent adhesion to a variety of organic and metallic substrates during curing under ambient conditions.

Abstract: For filling the insulating glass panes with a heavy gas, one of the glass plates(40) which are to constitute the insulating glass pane is only partly joined to the other glass plate (42) before the assembling, particularly in that said one glass plate is bent so that a gaplike opening temporarily remains between the glass plate (40) and the spacer (41) and the interior space of the insulating glass pane can be filled with a heavy gas through said gaplike opening.

Abstract: The plate-shaped component (1) has a sealing (2) surrounding its side faces (2a) and is easily exchangeable. The surrounding sealing (2) is an integral part of component (1) and has varying thicknesses along its length. This allows compensating for dimensional variations of the plate-shaped component (1) by suitable production processes, such as casting or spraying, and keeping the fixed external dimensions of the component (1) surrounded by sealing (2). An overhanging area (3), positioned on component (1) and surrounded by sealing material, serves as a stop and permits component (1) to be flush-mounted in a housing (7) from the inside. A wedge-shaped elevation (4) of sealing material, which acts as a pinch or fold and is positioned in the overhanging area (3), improves the flush mounting still further. For outdoor installation, the plate-shaped component (1) may be additionally provided with heating as well as temperature measuring means (5, 8).

Abstract: A method of making a spacer frame assembly including the steps of providing a supply of thin, flexible relatively narrow sheet metal ribbon stock, feeding the ribbon stock endwise to a first forming station, stamping the ribbon stock to form spacer frame corner structures at the first forming station by defining zones of weakness at frame corner locations spaced along the stock, stopping the movement of stock through the first forming station while stamping, feeding the stock to a second forming station, and roll forming the stock at the second forming station to define a rigid linearly extending frame element having opposite side walls and a base wall, the corner structures disposed at least in part in the opposite channel side walls.

Abstract: To fill insulating glass panes with a heavy gas, one of the glass plates (40) of which the insulating glass pane is formed is initially only partly joined to the other glass plate (42) during assembly and to that end is flexed along one edge so that a gap is temporarily left between the glass plate (40) and the spacer (41) and a heavy gas can be introduced through that gap to fill the interior space of the insulating gas pane.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a rigid spacer, containing a silicone bound desiccant which is useful for a multi-pane sealed window. An infrared radiation curable silicone is used as a binder for a desiccant such as a zeolite which is injected in a continuous manner into a U-shaped or V-shaped semi-rigid spacer such as a steel channel.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a horizontal conveyor (2), which comprises an endless conveying element (5) having supporting surfaces (11, 12 ), on which the insulating glass panes (20) stand. Backing means (16) for the insulating glass panes (20) extend above the horizontal conveyor and define a plane of travel (34) for the panes. The horizontal conveyor (8) is displaceable in a direction which is at right angles to the direction of conveyance and parallel to that one supporting surface (11), which is adjacent to the plane of travel for the panes.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a horizontal conveyor (1), on which the glass panes (4) are conveyed while they are supported by backing means (2), which by their supporting forward surface define a plane of pane travel (3), a tool (18) for processing the glass panes (4) along their edge and a drive motor for displaying the tool (18) in a direction which is parallel to the plane of pane travel (3) and transverse to the direction of travel (5). For a control of the movement of the tool (18), electronic line cameras (8) are provided, which are so directed toward the plane of pane travel (3) that their scanning lines extend in or parallel to the plane of pane travel and at right angles to the direction of travel (5). For measuring the distance traveled, a displacement pick-up (15) is provided, which is synchronized with the horizontal conveyor (1). The signals from the line cameras (8) and from the displacement pickup (15) are delivered to an evaluating computer (16) for controlling the tool (18).

Abstract: An insert for mounting in the corner of a door or window frame opening includes two mounting flanges bonded along two edges of a glass panel. The flanges define an L-shape. Mounting within the frame is by fasteners which extend through apertures through the flanges.

Abstract: The starting end and the finishing end of a seam extruded onto a sheet of glass, for example a windshield of an automobile, are joined to complete an edge gasket. A separate supplementary mold receives part of the glass containing the ends of the seam, and a compatible polymerizable composition is poured into the mold to complete the gasket.

Abstract: A method of making a spacer frame assembly including the steps of providing a supply of thin, flexible relatively narrow sheet metal ribbon stock, feeding the ribbon stock endwise to a first forming station, stamping the ribbon stock to form spacer frame corner structures at the first forming station by defining zones of weakness at frame corner locations spaced along the stock, stopping the movement of stock through the first forming station while stamping, feeding the stock to a second forming station, and roll forming the stock at the second forming station to define a rigid linearly extending frame element having opposite side walls and a base wall, the corner structures disposed at least in part in the opposite channel side walls.

Abstract: For the manufacture of curved insulating glazing panes having close tolerances of form, surface and thickness, the curved single glass sheets (2; 22) are brought to their desired shape via rigid suction mold plates (1; 21) and are glued together in this condition. A device suitable for carrying out this method consists of a press having two rigid plates (3; 23), template strips (4, 5; 24, 25) and positioning stops (8, 10; 28, 30) corresponding to the theoretical shape of the glass sheets, and also retractable suckers (15; 26) disposed between the template strips (4, 5; 24, 25), being mounted on the rigid plates (3; 23).

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes an apparatus for laying an adhesive strip along the peripheral edges of a glass sheet positioned on a work table with a view to forming a double-glazed insulated glass panel. The apparatus comprises a handle with a housing mounted at one end thereof and includes therein a series of rollers for positioning and laying the adhesive strip on the glass sheet. A third roller, whose axis is perpendicular to the axis of each of the strip-laying rollers, applies pressure to the strip being laid.