Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming overlaps by welding a main sheet 2 and an additional sheet 5. The welding takes place by heating the contact area, which is made of a thermoplastic material, to a melting temperature, and it is based on performing differentiated heating on each of the outer surfaces 4,7 of the sheets 2,5.

Abstract: Provided is a finishing treatment method of seamless sportswear and outdoor clothing, including: welding two or more moisture-permeable waterproof fabrics with an ultrasonic welder in a state of overlapping end parts thereof each other; and finishing the end parts of the moisture-permeable waterproof fabrics with a seal sealing tape, whereby in the seamless sportswear and outdoor clothing which are finishing treated according to the embodiments of the present invention, since a sewing part such as over lock and the like is removed, a friction or compression phenomenon can be prevented from being generated from a part to which a pressure is applied, a sewing wrinkle generation phenomenon generated upon sewing and a coating face slip phenomenon of the moisture-permeable waterproof fabric due to a sewing needle can be solved, and excellent tensile strength and waterproof performance can be realized.

Abstract: A composite sandwich structure comprises a core sandwiched between composite laminate facesheets. The core includes a plurality of core sections spliced together at joints that incorporate integral features for arresting the propagation of irregularities in the facesheets.

Abstract: A belt splicer (80) for butt-welding conveyor belts with longitudinal walls and methods for splicing belts. The belt splicer (82, 83) has bridges supporting belt clamps (88) above clamp jaws (12, 13). The bridges are attached at opposite ends to the corresponding jaws. Slots (96) along intermediate spans of the bridges allow the belt clamps to be adjustable positioned along the bridges. Adjacent belt clamps can be positioned with a space between them to accommodate the walls.

Abstract: A modular composite manufacturing method. An illustrative embodiment of the method includes providing a plurality of composite modules; inspecting the composite modules; providing a curing tool; and placing the composite modules on the curing tool.

Abstract: A supply group of a packing band from reels, with an automatic change of the reel for an object-packing machine, includes a supply conveyor along which the packing band runs, a device for transversally cutting the band located at a start of the supply conveyor, a device for supporting one reel of the band of slim packing material and a device for supporting a second reel of band of slim packing material. The group includes a first entry conveyor of the first band from the first reel to the supply conveyor, a second entrance conveyor of the second band from the second reel to the supply conveyor, a device for advancing for introducing or extracting the front end of the first band to or from the supply conveyor, and a device for advancing for introducing or extracting a front end of the second band into or from the supply conveyor.

Abstract: End portions of a sheet-shaped rubber member are manually and firmly joined together. A pair of opening/closing members is arranged to sandwich and move along the end portions. An opening/closing mechanism opens/closes the pair of opening/closing members between an open position and a closed position where the end portions are joined together. A pair of guiding rollers is provided to one opening/closing member and guides each of the end portions to a joining position. A pressing roller is provided to the other opening/closing member and presses each of the end portions onto the guiding roller. A pair of joining rollers is provided to the pair of opening/closing members, respectively, and sandwiches each of the end portions guided by the pair of guiding rollers. The joining rollers roll on each of the opposing end portions and abut and join the end portions to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for butt joining sheet members has a supporting plate (2) and a movable arm (3) being moved toward one side in a longitudinal direction of the movable arm (3) with respective edges of two sheet members to be joined being sandwiched between a pair of joint units (4a, 4b) to bring the edges closer together and butt join edge faces of the sheet members, wherein drawing rolls (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) of the supporting plate (2) and the movable arm (3) are arranged ahead in an advancing direction of the supporting plate (2) and the movable arm (3), and the gear wheels (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) of the supporting plate (2) and the movable arm (3) are arranged behind in the advancing direction.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a barrier structure including a fluoropolymer layer, a polymeric layer, and an adhesive layer. The barrier structure has a chemical permeation breakthrough detection time greater than about one hour for hazardous chemicals as measured by ASTM F739. The disclosure is further directed to a method of forming the aforementioned barrier structure. The barrier material is designed to be suitable for construction of shelters, clothing, containers and other articles requiring barrier properties.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an article including a first layer, second layer, and third layer. The first layer includes a fluoropolymer having a first major surface and a second major surface. The second layer overlies the first major surface of the first layer and includes an adhesive layer. The third layer overlies the second layer and includes a polymeric material. The article has a burst performance greater than 200 N as measured by ASTM D751 and a chemical permeation breakthrough detection time greater than about one hour as measured by ASTM F739. The disclosure is further directed to a method of forming the aforementioned multi-layer article.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a barrier structure including a fluoropolymer layer and a polymeric layer. The barrier structure has a chemical permeation breakthrough detection time greater than about one hour for hazardous chemicals as measured by ASTM F739. The disclosure is further directed to a method of forming the aforementioned barrier structure. The barrier material is designed to be suitable for construction of shelters, clothing, containers and other articles requiring barrier properties.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for producing an absorbent article are provided. Generally, the apparatuses and methods allow for continuous delivering of a plurality of web material to downstream equipment during a manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the apparatuses and methods allow for simultaneously unwinding, splicing, and lamination of multiple rolls of web material rotatably mounted to a frame and delivering the web material to various downstream manufacturing processes.

Abstract: Methods are provided for forming a butt splice to join a first web of material to a second web of material is provided. The first web of material is cut or trimmed to form a first edge. The second web of material is cut or trimmed to form a second edge, and the second edge is positioned with respect to and registered with the first edge to define a gap therebetween. A curable liquid adhesive, such as an ultraviolet (UV)-curable liquid adhesive, is dispensed or applied within the gap, and the liquid adhesive is cured to form the butt splice that joins or splices the first web of material to the second web of material.

Abstract: The invention relates to ultrasonic gap welding of flat woven fabrics. Specifically, the invention relates to a method of ultrasonic welding the seam termination yarn ends of a fabric using a controlled gap. A mechanical stop may be employed to control the distance or gap between the horn and anvil to a predetermined level based on the depth of welding and amount of weld energy. By adding another degree of control, the ultrasonic gap welding technique of the present invention is able to achieve fabric seams that are stronger than conventional seams, and even those enhanced with gluing, and is conducive to formation of fabric seams by spot welding or along the termination yarn ends of the fabric.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for splicing together old and new thermoformable sheets in order to supply a continuous thermoforming operation. The apparatus is used to join together thermoformable sheets by: providing a first thermoformable sheet with a trailing edge and a second thermoformable sheet with a leading edge; forming a terminal edge portion with a hot element along the trailing edge and a complementary terminal edge portion along the leading edge by severing a scrap sheet from each portion; laterally retracting each scrap portion away from the trailing edge and the leading edge; and joining together the first thermoformable sheet and the second thermoformable sheet by interlocking together the terminal edge portion with the complementary terminal edge portion.

Abstract: A machine and method for welding first and second fabric panels together. The machine includes a welding head which travels along a frame, applying heat and pressure to an overlapped region of the panels. An infrared camera is positioned to monitor the seam temperature after formation. The camera takes a thermal image across the width of the seam and transmits the data to a central processing unit (CPU). Programming in the CPU compares the thermal image data with a pre-programmed ideal temperature profile. Based on the comparison, the CPU makes adjustments to one or more of the speed of travel of the welding head, and the heat and pressure applied by the welding head, if necessary. The CPU activates an alarm to alert the machine operator if the adjustments aren't successful. The machine further includes a marking assembly for identifying regions on the welded seam which may require post-production testing.

Abstract: An impact resistant membrane and methods of preparing and utilizing the membrane are disclosed. The membrane comprises a loft layer, a first polymeric layer bonded to a first surface of the loft layer, and a second polymeric layer bonded to a second surface of the loft layer. The membrane can be fabricated by providing a loft layer and applying a polymeric layer on a first surface and on a second surface of the loft layer. The membrane has a higher resistance to failure due to impact and thus protects the underlying structure membrane for a longer time. A method of facilitating protecting a structure comprises providing a single ply membrane having a loft layer and a polymeric layer disposed on at least two surfaces of the loft layer.

Abstract: A photocarrier-injecting variable optical attenuator that operates by injecting photocarriers into a light transmitting waveguide from a second, injection light source. The light transmitting waveguide may be defined by a ridge extending from a slab of a light transmitting medium. The light transmitting waveguide is transparent to signal light. Light emitted from the second, injection light source is optically absorbed by the light transmitting waveguide to introduce photocarriers in a plurality of configurations, thereby attenuating the signal light.

Abstract: Method for connecting two intermediate products for forming a fiber composite product, wherein the two intermediate products respectively are composite fiber material with a layer of matrix material and reinforcing fibers extending therein by connecting areas that adjoin one another in an overlapping region of the interconnected intermediate products, with the method including applying an adhesive layer with an adhesive film with connecting particles onto the connecting areas of the intermediate products, arranging the second intermediate product on the first intermediate product or vice versa so the connecting areas at least partially overlap one another, and connecting the two intermediate products. A structural component is also disclosed with at least a first and a second fiber-reinforced intermediate product.

Abstract: An extrudable polyvinyl chloride composition comprising from 80 to 99.9 percent by weight polyvinyl chloride for use in extruding a first part and a second part, wherein a fusion joint between the first extruded part and the second extruded part is formed by: A) composition at least a portion of a first terminal edge of the first extruded part and a first terminal edge of the second extruded part; B) engaging the melted terminal edges; and C) maintaining pressure between the engaged terminal edges to create a fused joint having a strength that is at least 50% of the tensile strength of the extruded part as measured by ASTM D638-2a. The extruded parts can be pipe sections.

Abstract: In order to provide an adhesive tape for producing a joint during a static reel change between two flat web materials wound up onto reels, having a carrier and a self-adhesive compound, with which the exposure of the self-adhesive compound during the further processing of the webs bonded to each other is avoided, it is proposed that, in the self-adhesive compound, a gap be formed in the longitudinal direction of the adhesive tape, in order to form two self-adhesive compounds having a spacing (V), as viewed in the width of the adhesive tape. Furthermore, a corresponding method is proposed.

Abstract: A rubber sheet jointing apparatus is provided with first holding means for releasably holding a joint end portion of one of two rubber sheets, second holding means provided movably relative to the first holding means for releasably holding a joint end portion of the other of the two rubber sheets, and operating means for pressure-contacting the end surfaces of the two rubber sheets respectively held by the first and second holding means by moving the second holding means relative to the first holding means. Mutually facing surfaces of the first and second holding means are respectively provided with holder portions which are formed as rugged portions each taking a comb tooth shape and which are able to partly overlap to mesh with each other.

Abstract: Producing a solar trough collector includes fastening a mirror to a structure so that the mirror connects to the structure and has a holding container and a mirrored side facing away from the holding container, the mirror and structure forming joining components, aligning the mirror and structure into a joining position to form a joining gap between joining surfaces; at least temporarily fixing the joining components in the joining position by laying the mirrored side downward in a first holding device, suspending the structure in a second holding device arranged above the mirror, and moving holding devices into the joining position; filling the joining gaps with a joining medium; and allowing the joining medium to harden in the gap to form a permanent connection, wherein the holding devices are held in position until the joining medium has at least partially hardened.

Abstract: A method for producing a continuous polymer film includes: (1) overlapping and bonding the rear end section of a preceding raw film and the front end section of a following raw film, along a bonding line; and (2) supporting both end sections by means of a plurality of gripping tools and obliquely stretching the bonded raw film while conveying the bonded raw film in order to produce a polymer film. In the bond between the rear end section of the preceding raw film and the front end section of the following raw film, the angle (?1) between the bonding line for the polymer film and the width direction of the polymer film and the angle (?1) between the in-plane slow axis of the polymer film and the width direction of the polymer film fulfill formula (I). |?1??1|?10°??Formula (I):.

Abstract: A method of making an insulating glass (IG) window unit includes: having a coated article including a multi-layered low-E coating on a glass substrate; at least two flexible protective sheets adhered to a top surface of the low-E coating via at least an adhesive layer, and a protective coating over the low-E coating and/or over at least one of the flexible protective sheets in order to substantially fill one or more gaps formed between the low-E coating and the flexible protective sheet(s) and/or between the flexible protective sheets; and following cutting, edge seaming, and/or washing, removing at least part of the temporary protective coating by peeling the protective sheets off and removing at least part of the protective coating when peeling off the protective sheets.

Abstract: A method for joining a first sheet (10) to a second sheet (11) includes providing a first rigid plate (6); providing a gas absorbing layer on the first rigid plate; positioning the first sheet, the first sheet has at least a first layer (52) and a second layer (54), on the gas absorbing layer (8); positioning the second sheet, wherein the second sheet has at least a first layer and a second layer, on the gas absorbing layer; wherein an edge of the of the first sheet abuts an edge of the second sheet; placing a second rigid plate on top of the first and second sheet; wherein the second rigid plate is transparent; applying pressure to the first sheet edge and second sheet edge; and laser welding the edge of the first sheet to the edge of the second sheet with a first laser through the second rigid plate.

Abstract: A splice tape for a thermally imaging web. A polymer tape layer, which is thin and strong, has an adhesive layer on its lower side and a thermally imaging composition on its upper side. The thermally imaging composition is similar to the thermal imaging layer on the web. When two ends of a web are joined, the splice tape is placed thereon to join the two ends. The splice tape may be printed at the same time as the web. The thinness of the splice allows the printing to be consistent at the splice, minimizing blank areas.

Abstract: A splicing adhesive tape having a first carrier and a first splittable connector element having a left and a right boundary edge, wherein at least one of said two edges is not straight and comprises protrusions that are round at the locations thereof protruding out the farthest, and a second splittable connector element having a left and a right boundary edge, wherein at least one of said two edges is straight, wherein the first and the second splittable connector element are disposed adjacent to each other on the carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for protecting the untrimmed edge of paperboard or paper (1), in which method the untrimmed edge (4) of two adjacent paperboards or papers are protected and attached abuttingly together by sealing a separate profile (3) on both sides of the abutment of the edges (4) by means of ultrasound.

Abstract: An extrudable polyvinyl chloride composition comprising from 80 to 99.9 percent by weight polyvinyl chloride for use in extruding a first part and a second part, wherein a fusion joint between the first extruded part and the second extruded part is formed by: A) composition at least a portion of a first terminal edge of the first extruded part and a first terminal edge of the second extruded part; B) engaging the melted terminal edges; and C) maintaining pressure between the engaged terminal edges to create a fused joint having a strength that is at least 50% of the tensile strength of the extruded part as measured by ASTM D638-2a. The extruded parts can be pipe sections.

Abstract: A splicing device (13) and a method for the transport and feeding of plastic film (8) to a processing station. In this processing station the articles are wrapped in the plastic film (8) and the film (8) can subsequently be shrunk. This device includes a supply of film rolls with at least three separate film rolls (1 to 6) that are subsequently fed to a conveyor. The device furthermore includes a fixation device (20, 24, 26) arranged between the conveyor and the film rolls (1 to 6). The fixation device (20, 24, 26) fixes and joins the beginnings of film of new full film rolls (2 to 6) to the sheet of film currently fed into the processing device.

Abstract: Magnetic tape systems, magnetic tape and reel systems, magnetic tape drives and methods of manufacturing the systems and drives comprise, for the magnetic tape system, two lengths of magnetic tape of substantially equal width dimension; and a cleaning tape positioned between and joining the two lengths of magnetic tape, forming a combined multi-part tape having the cleaning tape contained between the two lengths of magnetic tape. In the tape drive, the tape, two reels, each reel supporting at least a distal end of the combined multi-part tape, and a magnetic tape head assembly are contained in a common enclosure, such that the magnetic tape drive is self-contained. Manufacturability is enhanced by having a very long combined multi-part tape made from two lengths of magnetic tape joined together by a cleaning tape.

Abstract: A textile web from which elastically stretchable diaper closures can be stamped is made by first passing a pair of nonwoven textile webs longitudinally through a first laminating station at a predetermined first speed and inserting a plurality of longitudinally extending and transversely spaced strips of an elastic polymer between the webs at the first laminating station. This laminates the webs and strips together into an intermediate laminate having longitudinally extending zones where the webs are directly laminated to each other alternating with longitudinally extending stretch zones where the elastic strips are laminated between the webs. This intermediate laminate then passes through a second lamination station downstream of the first lamination station at a predetermined second speed smaller than the first predetermined speed. In the second lamination station respective inelastic strips are adhered to opposite faces of the intermediate laminate in the zones between the stretch zones.

Abstract: Substrate material processing equipment includes: a substrate material conveying section receiving a substrate material from a first line and conveying it to a second line; a first substrate material dividing section dividing the substrate material; a substrate material recovery section recovering the substrate material from its start edge formed by division; a substrate material supply section supplying a substrate material to an end edge of the substrate material which is formed by division; a first substrate material joining section joining the end edge of the substrate material to a start edge of the substrate material supplied from the substrate material supply section; a second substrate material dividing section provided between the substrate material supply section and the first substrate material joining section; a third substrate material dividing section provided between the first line and the substrate material recovery section; and a second substrate material joining section joining a start edge

Abstract: A base material processing device includes a first base material conveying section which receives from a first line and conveys a to-be-processed flexible base material, a base material dividing section which divides the flexible base material conveyed by the first base material conveying section, a route changing section which receives the flexible base material from its start edge formed by division by the base material dividing section and changes its conveyance route to a second line, and a second base material conveying section which is provided before the second line and holds and conveys to the second line a to-be-processed flexible base material.

Abstract: A front end portion of a following film is superimposed on a rear end portion of a preceding film to form a superimposed portion, and is joined thereto by a double-sided adhesive tape. The length of the double-sided adhesive tape in a film conveyance direction is shorter than that of the superimposed portion. The double-sided adhesive tape adheres to the rear end portion with leaving a rear space from a rear edge, and to the front end portion with leaving a front space from a front edge. The length of the rear space in the film conveyance direction is a maximum shrinkage of a first area, being a part of the front end portion superimposed on the rear space, or more. Likewise, the length of the front space in the film conveyance direction is a maximum shrinkage of a second area or more.

Abstract: A belt-like material-feeding apparatus for continuously feeding a belt-like material to an intermittently-treating unit comprises a splicing unit which splices a second belt-like material to a first belt-like material being fed to the intermittently-treating unit to thereby switch the belt-like material being fed to the intermittently-treating unit from the first belt-like material into the second belt-like material, and a control unit for controlling the splicing timing of the splicing unit based upon the treating timing of the intermittently-treating unit. When it is judged that a splicing region formed between the first belt-like material and the second belt-like material by the splicing operation of the splicing unit, is going to be treated by the intermittently-treating unit, the control unit controls the splicing unit so as to retard the splicing operation.

Abstract: Adhesive tape suitable for flying splice of flat web material having non-polar surfaces which has been wound to form rolls, the adhesive tape comprising an upper self-adhesive composition (1, 11), a splittable carrier (2, 12) and a lower self-adhesive composition (3, 13) on the bottom face of the splittable carrier (2, 12), wherein as upper self-adhesive composition (1, 11) a silicone-free self-adhesive composition is used which has a bond strength to a polyethylene substrate of 1.5 N/cm or more (measurement method tesa test A) and an initial tack corresponding to a rolling distance of 200 mm or less (measurement method tesa test D), and as lower self-adhesive composition (3, 13) a self-adhesive composition is used which has a bond strength to a polyethylene substrate of 1.5 N/cm or more (measurement method tesa test A) and a complex viscosity of 10,000 Pa·s or more at 1 rad/s and 40° C. (measurement method tesa test F).

Abstract: A center support sleeve for a bonded rail joint bar that includes a body having a head portion, a web portion, and a base portion. The head portion depends from the web portion, which depends from the base portion. The head portion and the base portion are bent in the same direction thereby defining a recess area therebetween. The web portion of the body also defines a plurality of holes.

Abstract: A box having a top surface and a resealable cover, the resealable cover comprising a top layer and a base layer. The top layer comprises a first clear film layer, an adhesive layer, and a second clear film layer disposed on a resealable adhesive layer. The base layer comprises a third clear film layer an adhesive layer, and a fourth clear film layer. In one embodiment, ink printing may be disposed between the first adhesive layer and the second clear film layer and/or between the second adhesive layer and the fourth clear film layer.

Abstract: A method for seaming artificial turf at its edges is provided. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a tape having a lower surface resting on a support surface, an upper surface underlying the edges of the artificial turf, and a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive provided on the upper surface of the tape. After application of heat sufficient to soften the hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive, the layer of hot melt adhesive is bonded to the lower surface of the edges of the turf to the tape while the adhesive extends into valleys of the underside of the turf. Also provided is a heating cart for heating the adhesive and a method of using the heating cart to heat the adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a manufacturing apparatus for forming a ceramic preform from an extrudate having a first end and a second end. A cutter forms the first and second ends of the extrudate complementary to each other such that the first and second ends of the extrudate align with each other in a spaced relationship to define a preform having a substantially uniform exterior surface and a substantially uniform thickness. The present invention provides for a method of forming the preform from the extrudate having the first and second ends utilizing a mandrel. The method includes the step of aligning the second end complementary to the first end of the first layer in a spaced relationship to define the preform having the substantially uniform exterior surface and the substantially uniform thickness.

Abstract: A pipe joining device for forming a junction in pressurised and rehabilitated pipes between a first pipe and a branch pipe, the pipe joining device including a substantially rigid body at least in part of thermoplastic, the body including a first pipe sealing portion adapted to form a seal with the first pipe and a branch pipe sealing portion adapted to form a seal with the branch pipe.

Abstract: A welding machine having a frame that includes end supports spanned by a top beam with a truncated V-shaped cross-section and a method of using the same. A vacuum track assembly disposed vertically beneath the top beam retains fabrics to be welded on a perforated surface using suction. A welding head travels along the top beam and applies heat and pressure to the surface to weld the fabrics together. The top beam and vacuum track assembly are extendable by including additional unit segments from which the beam and assembly are constructed.

Abstract: An extrudable polyvinyl chloride composition comprising from 80 to 99.9 percent by weight polyvinyl chloride for use in extruding a first part and a second part, wherein a fusion joint between the first extruded part and the second extruded part is formed by: A) composition at least a portion of a first terminal edge of the first extruded part and a first terminal edge of the second extruded part; B) engaging the melted terminal edges; and C) maintaining pressure between the engaged terminal edges to create a fused joint having a strength that is at least 50% of the tensile strength of the extruded part as measured by ASTM D638-2a. The extruded parts can be pipe sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes for flying splice of flat web materials, having at least one splittable carrier and two layers of adhesive, at least one of the adhesives being a silicone PSA, more particularly an electron-beam-crosslinked silicone PSA, and also to a method of producing them. The silicone PSA advantageously has at least one polydiorganosiloxane having the structure —Si(R2)—O—[Si(R2)—O]n—Si(R2)—, where the 2n+4 substituents R independently of one another are monovalent hydrocarbon radicals and n is an integer, and also at least one resin (“MQ resin”) constructed from (R2)3SiO1/2— units (“M units”) and SiO4/2 units (“Q units”), the substituents R2 of the M units being independently of one another alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkylsilyl groups, hydroxyl groups or hydrogen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for splicing together old and new thermoformable sheets in order to supply a continuous thermoforming operation. The method for joining together thermoformable sheets includes: providing a first thermoformable sheet with a trailing edge and a second thermoformable sheet with a leading edge; forming a terminal edge portion with a hot element along the trailing edge and a complementary terminal edge portion along the leading edge by severing a scrap sheet from each portion; laterally retracting each scrap portion away from the trailing edge and the leading edge; and joining together the first thermoformable sheet and the second thermoformable sheet by interlocking together the terminal edge portion with the complementary terminal edge portion.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for operating a corrugator wet end splicing of three short orders between a longer first order and a longer fifth order utilizes a primary splicer and a tandem splicer in which the first two short order webs from paper rolls on the tandem splicer can be prepared for splice while the first longer order is running by threading the first of the short order webs from the tandem splicer to the primary splicer for splice preparation on the primary splicer and preparing the second short order for splice on the tandem splicer. The first and second short order webs are spliced on the primary and tandem splicer, respectively, immediately after completion of the longer first order. The third short order web is provided by a fourth roll mounted on the roll stand for the primary splicer immediately after completion of the longer first order.

Abstract: A rubber sheet jointing apparatus is provided with first holding means for releasably holding a joint end portion of one of two rubber sheets, second holding means provided movably relative to the first holding means for releasably holding a joint end portion of the other of the two rubber sheets, and operating means for pressure-contacting the end surfaces of the two rubber sheets respectively held by the first and second holding means by moving the second holding means relative to the first holding means. Mutually facing surfaces of the first and second holding means are respectively provided with holder portions which are formed as rugged portions each taking a comb tooth shape and which are able to partly overlap to mesh with each other.

Abstract: An off-line stretching device includes a film supply chamber, a tenter section, a relaxation chamber, a cooling chamber, and a winding chamber. The film supply chamber includes a splicing section, where a rear end of a preceding film and a front end of a trailing film are overlapped to be spliced to each other by thermal welding. The thermal welding is performed from above and below the film while a temperature of welding heads of a heat sealer, contacting with the film, is kept at a level equal to or less than a decomposition temperature of the preceding and trailing films. The spliced film is stretched in the tenter section and subjected to heat treatment for stress relaxation in the relaxation chamber, to shrink in a film width direction.