Abstract: A corrugated cardboard plant has a corrugated cardboard production assembly having at least one device for producing at least one corrugated cardboard web which is laminated on one side, and a connecting device for generating a corrugated cardboard web which his laminated on both sides and which comprises the at least one corrugated cardboard web which is laminated on one side. The corrugated cardboard plant furthermore has a printed web/lamination web production assembly which has a printing device for printing a printed web, a printed web storage device, and a lamination web unwinding device for unwinding a lamination web.

Abstract: A splicing tape management system includes, in executing properly the management of a time limit of a splicing tape, a first storage section configured to store an identification code of a splicing tape for splicing a first carrier tape and a second carrier tape together and a usable time limit of the splicing tape while associating them with each other, and a management section configured to manage the use of the splicing tape based on the identification code and the usable time limit that are stored in the first storage section. The usable time limit is a timing when the use of the splicing tape is to be halted, the timing being determined based on a production time and a usable period after production of the splicing tape or based on a starting time in use and a usable period after starting time of the splicing tape.

Abstract: An example media handling system includes a web media holder with a core hub capable of coupling to a core of a web media roll, a sensor to take a measurement at the circumferential surface of the web media roll, and a controller to determine a length of the web media roll. In that example, the controller may determine the length of the web media roll based on a first distance measurable by the sensor when the core hub is in a first orientation, a second distance measureable by the sensor when the core hub is in a second orientation after a number of rotations with respect to the first orientation of the core hub, and reference value corresponding to the core.

Abstract: A tool for installing a liquid shim material into a clearance formed between an assembly first and second component includes a body having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a planar surface and the second end includes a first surface and a second surface arranged at an angle to the first end and to one another. At least one hole is formed in the body. The at least one hole extends from the first end to the second end and is configured to provide a passageway through the body. The tool is arranged adjacent the assembled first and second component such that the passageway formed by the at least one hole is arranged in fluid communication with the clearance.

Abstract: A method of progressive processing includes feeding a strip-shaped sheet to a press machine; pressing the strip-shaped sheet with the press machine; and joining the strip-shaped sheet with a new strip-shaped sheet by applying a tape over an end of the strip-shaped sheet located in a direction opposite a direction in which the strip-shaped sheet is fed and an end of the new strip-shaped sheet located in a direction in which the new strip-shaped sheet is fed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a splicing facility for splicing material webs. The splicing facility comprises a first dispensing device for dispensing a finite first material web from a first material web roll, a second dispensing device for dispensing a finite second material web from a second material web roll, a third dispensing device for dispensing a third material web, a first splicing device for splicing together the finite first material web and the finite second material web to an endless material web and a second splicing device for splicing together the third material web and the finite first material web or the finite second material web to the endless material web. The first splicing device and the second splicing device are arranged at different heights.

Abstract: A splice arrangement includes an unwinding arrangement for unwinding a finite first material web from a first material roll or a finite second material web from a second material roll, a braking arrangement for applying a braking force to the unwinding arrangement and/or the finite material web being unwound, a connection arrangement for connecting the finite material webs to form an endless material web, a storage trolley for the uninterrupted conveying of the endless material web, at least one material web tension-influencing device arranged before the storage trolley, and an actuation device, which is in signal connection with the at least one material web tension-influencing device for actuating the same.

Abstract: The invention concerns a splice arrangement with a first and second unwinding unit for unwinding a finite first or second material web and a connection apparatus. The connection apparatus comprises a guide, a first preparation apparatus and a second preparation apparatus. The connection apparatus also has a first and second connection apparatus for connecting the finite material webs to form an endless material web and a table unit, displaceable along the guide, for cooperation with the preparation apparatus and the connection apparatus. The splice arrangement further comprises an actuation apparatus for actuating the connection apparatus as well as the table unit.

Abstract: A printing system is described that has an intermediate transfer member in the form of a seamed endless belt for transporting an ink image from an image forming station, at which an ink image is deposited on the intermediate transfer member, to an impression station, where the ink image is transferred onto a printing substrate. The belt has along its edges formations of a greater thickness than the belt. The formations are received in channels to guide the belt and maintain the belt under lateral tension. Two drive members are provided, each located within a respective one of the channels. The two drive members are connected for movement in synchronism with one another and each has a respective laterally projecting gripper shaped for form locking engagement with the formations on a leading end of a strip from which the intermediate transfer member is to be formed.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance and method for controlling the operation of a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable drum at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving laundry for treatment in accordance with a treating cycle of operation by determining the presence of a bulky laundry item based on image data of the laundry within the treating chamber.

Abstract: There is described a laminating apparatus for coupling electrodes of non-rectangular shape with a separating film for the manufacture of electric energy accumulating devices, wherein a pair of laminating rollers has a roller driven by an elastic arrangement loaded with a variable force adjusted by an endless screw conveyor controlled by a brushless motor, during the passage of the electrodes, so as to vary the laminating force according to the width of the electrode laminated instant by instant, in order for the laminating pressure to remain almost constant.

Abstract: Embodiments using immersion de-taping are described. A substrate having a substrate tape attached thereto is provided. The substrate includes electrically conductive connectors attached to the substrate tape. A fluid is provided between the substrate and the substrate tape. While the fluid is between the substrate and the substrate tape, the substrate tape is removed from the substrate. Another embodiment is an apparatus comprising an immersion tank, a substrate chuck, first and second fixed rollers, and a moveable roller. The substrate chuck is configured to secure a substrate and to place the substrate into the immersion tank. The first fixed roller is operable to dispense a clamp tape. The second fixed roller is operable to roll the clamp tape. The moveable roller is operable to extend into the immersion tank and to adhere the clamp tape to a substrate tape on the substrate.

Abstract: An insulation cutter for a liner application machine in an assembly line and method of operation that cuts an insulative thermal blanket by stopping the liner application machine momentarily to allow for a rotary cutter to traverse the width of the belt (and the width of the thermal insulation blanket) and potentially return back to its original position. The machine is then restarted and allowed to continue to feed.

Abstract: Methods include providing a plurality fabric material layers, applying a plastisol layer between each fabric material layer forming plurality fabric material layers thereby creating a belt carcass, pressing the fabric material layers together with the plastisol layer(s) at a pressure of at least 5 psi to produce a preformed fabric carcass while heating the preformed fabric carcass while heating the preformed fabric carcass to a temperature which is within the range of about 360° F. to about 450° F. for a period of at least 6 minutes, disposing a thermoplastic elastomer polyvinyl chloride alloy composition onto the upper and lower surfaces of the fabric carcass, pressing the thermoplastic elastomer polyvinyl chloride alloy composition onto the upper and lower surfaces of the fabric carcass, and splicing opposing distal ends of the belt in a stepped splice configuration. The layers may be devoid of covering strips of lattice fabric disposed adjacent an abutment of any proximally positioned fabric layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for continuous fastener feeding for sequentially delivering single fasteners to a fastener installation device are disclosed. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a first fastener reel for supporting a first fastener tape securing a plurality of fasteners and a second fastener reel for supporting a second fastener tape for securing a plurality of fasteners. A fastener tape joining device positioned downstream of the first and second fastener reels receives the respective first and the second fastener tapes and selectively engage the first and second fastener tapes when one of the fastener tapes becomes depleted of fasteners.

Abstract: A printer includes a first housing part, a second housing part, a printing part that prints on the first paper sheet and the second paper sheet, a conveying part that includes a holding part that is configured to hold the overlapping first paper sheet and the second paper sheet respectively pulled out from a first paper roll and a second paper roll, and conveys the first paper sheet out of the first paper sheet and the second paper sheet held by the holding part to the printing part, a first paper sheet sensor that detects the presence of the first paper sheet, and a controlling part that makes the conveying part convey the second paper sheet held by the holding part to the printing part when the first paper sheet sensor detects that there is no first paper sheet to be conveyed to the printing part.

Abstract: Methods to exchange printing substrate rolls in a printer are described. In an exchange method, ink is printed to a first printing substrate web being unwound from a first printing substrate roll. The first printing substrate web is exchanged with a second printing substrate web being unwound from a second printing substrate roll. A transition region of the first and the second printing substrate webs is printed to during the exchange of the first and the second printing substrate webs. The transition region can be formed by gluing the second and the first printing substrate webs atop one another. A predetermined pattern can be printed onto the transition region during the exchange of the printing substrate rolls. The predetermined pattern can be chosen such that all nozzles of at least one print head are used for printing.

Abstract: To produce a thatch roofing material from waste plastic bottles, an apparatus includes a device for cutting the bottles into one or more strips. The device may include a decontouring unit that removes contours from the bottles and a heated clamp that fuses the strips together lengthwise to create a plastic tape. A bottle may be formed into rectangular stock by removing the top and bottom and longitudinally cutting the middle part. The rectangular stock may be cut into the cut strips, such as with a wire cutter. The plastic tape may be used to create folded thatch components by cutting, from the plastic tape, one or more slats and one or more thatch roofing material strips, and folding and attaching the thatching roofing material strips to the slats. Serrated ties may be cut from the plastic tape and used to fasten the folded thatch components to a building structure.

Abstract: The application describes and illustrates a timing belt, particularly a toothed belt, having a first end, a second end, a rear side, a front side, and having a plurality of teeth arranged on the rear side and/or the front side, wherein the first end has at least one cutaway, wherein the second end has at least one tine that is insertable into the cutaway, and wherein the first end and the second end are detachably connectable to each other and the teeth of the first end have an offset relative to the teeth of the second end in the connected condition under no tension.

Abstract: Apparatus for splicing expiring and replenishing webs of a web material includes first and second spaced platens having respective facing inner surfaces defining a passageway for transit of the expiring web, where the platens are adapted for displacement toward and away from one another in a reciprocating manner. The first platen is adapted to engage an end of the replenishing web, while the second platen is adapted to engage and position the moving expiring web. Moving the platens together with their respective inner surfaces in close proximity to one another causes a cutting die on the first platen to sever the expiring web forming outfeeding and infeeding ends of the expiring web, and to attach the expiring web's outfeeding end to the replenishing web. Attached to the second platen in facing relation to the first platen and engaging the expiring web is an ironing pad to ensure firm contact and adhesion of expiring web to the replenishing web.

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: An image forming apparatus includes a control unit that applies a tension to a recording medium in a first region between a rotational shaft and a driving roller using a torque applied to the rotational shaft and the driving roller, and applies a tension to the recording medium in a second region where a support member supports the recording medium using a torque applied to the driving roller and a holding unit. The control unit selectively executes an image forming mode where the head is caused to execute image forming by applying a tension to the recording medium in the second region while applying a tension to the recording medium in the first region, and a medium detaching mode where the tension in the first region is released when the recording medium is stopped, while applying a tension for detaching a medium to the recording medium in the second region.

Abstract: A method for polishing photonic chips is described. A gauge is placed in a photonic chip adjacent to an edge to be polished. The gauge includes a set of bars of various lengths. The bar lengths can be progressively ordered from shortest to longest or vice versa. The photonic chip is then secured in a chip polishing jig to get ready for polishing. When the photonic chip is being polished, an operator can visually inspect the gauge by looking at the polishing edge to estimate a polishing depth in order to determine a stopping point for polishing. Once the stopping point has been reached, the polishing of the photonic chip can be stopped.

Abstract: A belt (1) comprises a tension layer (4), a first end portion (2) at a first longitudinal end, a second end portion (3) at a second longitudinal end, and an end connection for connecting the two end portions (2, 3). Here, the end connection comprises a first connection element (21), which is fastened to the first end portion (2), and a second connection element (31), which is fastened to the second end portion (3), wherein the first connection element (21) and the second connection element (31) are releasably interconnectable and are formed from an elongation-resistant material. The first connection element (21) and the second connection element (31) are each formed in one piece and, together with the tension layer (4), form a single neutral bending plane.

Abstract: A feeding unit from reels of sheet-like material , in particular but not exclusively printed plastic film with print-position marks for automatic packaging machines, comprising two unrolling shafts of respective reels of material for feeding in turn said material towards a unit that cuts and welds the tail of material of a running out reel and the head of a fresh, loaded reel. Such a unit comprising suction, cutting and welding devices (7, 8) movable so as to approach and move away from each other to press the material (F1, F2) over a welding plane. Each device is formed by a group of mutually stacked suction and cutting modules, at least two of such modules having respective guides for slidable in a transversal direction with the respect to the feeding direction of the material, whereby it is possible to select and adjust the number of modules according to a desired welding height.

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: A method of preparing a pipe for joining to another pipe, the method including the steps of fixing a cutting tool to one side of a fusion welding machine; fixing a pipe to an other side of the welding machine; moving the cutting tool with respect to the pipe so that the cutting tool engages an internal wall of the pipe to thereby cut the internal wall of the pipe, preparing the pipe for joining to another pipe.

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: A face mask and method of making it are disclosed. The face mask has a layered construction including an elongated elastic nonwoven sheet having a central portion and first and second lateral end portions on opposite sides of the central portion; a filtering web portion bonded to the central portion of the elastic nonwoven sheet; and a first flap bonded to the central portion of the elastic nonwoven sheet, wherein the first flap is smaller in area than the filtering web portion, and wherein the first flap is bonded along one of the top edge or the bottom edge of the central portion. A dispenser including a plurality of the face masks, a stack of a plurality of the face masks, and a continuous layered web having a plurality of face masks disposed thereon are also disclosed.

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 method is disclosed for processing two different thermoplastic films (F1, F2, F3) in a thermoforming system, wherein cuts (9 . . . 14) of the one or the other film are selectively and variably brought on request in a conveyor means through the thermoforming system, such that different successive cuts (9 . . . 14) are conveyed by the conveyor means to a thermoforming station (18) and processed therein, and two successive cuts (9 . . . 14) are joined into a film strip (12), either edge to edge or with an overlap (15, 16).

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: 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 coupled portion of mutual laminate films sufficiently contributes to the formation of a packaging bag in that the coupled portion itself has excellent air tightness and liquid tightness. The tensile strength required for the laminate film is given to the coupled portion, whereby a temporary stop of a packaging apparatus is useless when a connecting portion of the laminate film is passed through the apparatus, thereby enhancing the operation efficiency and improving the yield of the material. Oriented base film layers are joined in a mitre form at the coupled portion between a rear end portion and a front end portion of laminate films comprising oriented base film layers and sealant layers.

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: The present invention concerns a method of splicing two sealing strips and a sealing strip formed by the method. The sealing strip is placed at longitudinal edges of a packaging material web, used for packaging containers for liquid foods. The sealing strips to be spliced are cut each forming an oblique edge of about 45°, as seen in plan view. The oblique edges are then placed one on top of the other forming an overlapping area. The overlapping area is in the form of an oblique band having a length of about 3 mm. The ends of the sealing strips are then fused together by heating both from one side at the overlapping area.

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: A process and a device for the splicing of label bands having a conveying device for the forward movement of a first forward label band and of a second trailing label band along a transport path, and a splicing station for exerting a splicing pressure during the transport. In order to ensure that the splicing can be carried out reliably and precisely, even at high band speeds there is provided within the transport path in front of the splicing station, a separating device for the formation of a defined end edge on the trailing end of the forward label band.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus capable of easily splicing ACF tapes that are thin and are hard to handle. The tape splicing apparatus splices two ACF tapes (210) each having an ACF (212), and includes: a first holding unit that holds one of the ACF tapes (210); a second holding unit that holds the other one of the ACF tapes (210); a positioning unit (115) that positions the ACF tapes (210) to be overlapped in a thickness direction; and a pressing unit (116) that presses the overlapped ACF tapes (210) in the thickness direction.

Abstract: A connection method for interconnecting end portions of a thermoplastic resin long body in which conductive unstretchable members are embedded within the thermoplastic resin along a longitudinal direction, wherein the unstretchable members in each of specific sections in the both end portions of the thermoplastic resin long body are heated using an induction heating portion so that the thermoplastic resin coating the unstretchable members is removed by melting for the unstretchable members to be exposed, after which the both end portions are interconnected while they are held in a state where the unstretchable members being exposed in the respective end portions are butt-connected to each other.

Abstract: A method for producing a heat-resistant resin endless belt includes preparing a heat-resistant resin sheet including a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; forming a first inclined thinned portion at an end of the first surface and a second inclined thinned portion at an end of the second surface as the inclined thinned portion is formed to be gradually thinned toward the end, the end of the first surface being opposite to the end of the second surface; applying an adhesive composition by a screen printing method on at least one of the first and second inclined thinned portions; joining the first and second inclined thinned portions of the sheet to each other; and hardening the adhesive composition, in which the adhesive composition is an additive polymerized silicon adhesive composition containing ferric (III) oxide at between 6.5 and 9.

Abstract: A splicing device to join a first web material coming from a reel being fed (BA), to a second web material (NB), coming from a reel standing by (BB), comprising two heads (107A, 127A; 107B, 127B), each of which comprises: a roller (129A; 129B) associated with a clamping bar (143A, 145A; 143B, 145B) to hold an initial edge of the second web material (NB); a counter-pressure member (109A; 109B) cooperating with said roller (129A; 129B) to press said first and second web material (NA, NB) against each other; a cutting member (111A; 111B); a moving unit (113A; 113B), on which said counter-pressure member (109A; 109B) and said cutting member (111A; 111B) are carried. A first common control member (121) is provided to cause, by the movement it imparts to the moving unit of one or other head alternately: pinching of the first and second web material between the roller (129A; 129B) and the counter-pressure member (109A; 109B); cutting of the first web material; and release of the second web material.

Abstract: A continuous splicer includes first and second closely spaced rotating cylinders each having a respective cutting element and tape retaining arrangement disposed on its outer periphery. With a depleting web fed by the first cylinder and a replenishing web fed by the second cylinder, an end of the replenishing web is adhesively joined to the depleting web while in motion and the depleting web is severed by the first cylinder's cutting element in forming a splice of the two webs. As the replenishing web depletes, a third web may be inserted on the first cylinder and automatically or manually spliced to the original replenishing web without stopping or re-configuring the splicer. The splicer is capable of delivering the webs at a constant rate or a rapidly changing and/or dynamic cycling rate, and applies relatively low web tension for operation with delicate, narrow and extensible webs.

Abstract: A tube clamp apparatus and a tube connecting apparatus having high durability and improved operability when an operator locks these apparatuses are provided. A tube connecting apparatus comprises a first clamp and a second clamp, each pressing to hold two flexible tubes 8, 9. The tubes are placed at a lower jaw portion of the second clamp and pressed to a flat state by pressing force applied thereto a direction of an arrow F. A hook section 310 having hook portions divided into plural pieces is set up at an upper jaw portion of the second clamp, and the hook portion B 312 is made of a POM elastic member having, on one side thereof, a protruded portion 314 protruded from other adjacent hook portions. When pressing force is applied to the upper jaw portion, the hook portion B 312 protruded from the other adjacent hook portions is elastically deformed and engaged with a POM-made roller B 317 to prevent back-tracking of the hook section 310.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fiber strip splicer for taping machines, formed by two mobile assemblies comprising respective modules (6,6?) between which the capture for joining the fiber strip (3) that is being fed to the application process and a strip (3?) intended to continue with the supply when the first strip ends is possible, the modules (6, 6?) incorporating heating means (10) to activate the fiber strips in the joining, a blade for cutting the excess of the finished fiber strip (3) after the joint, and a catch (16) for securing the end of the new fiber strip (3?) on standby for the joining.

Abstract: There is described a process for adhering a first elongate foam element having a first end portion to a second elongate foam element having a second end portion. The process comprises an initial step of melting a first surface portion of the first end portion to produce a first molten portion. Next the first end portion is abutted to the second end portion. Thereafter, the first molten portion is caused to solidify to create a seam bond between the first end portion and the second end portion. Thus, the present invention relates to adhering two elongate foam elements together at their end portions. The bond between the foam elements is created by melting at least a portion of the surface of one or both of the end portions of the two foam buns. This creates insitu a molten region which acts as an adhesive when the end portions of the two buns are abutted or otherwise contacted with each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for splicing an elongate multi-layered workpiece includes: (a) drives and guides cooperating to drive the workpiece along a working path; (b) a cutter for severing the workpiece; (c) a layer manipulator for separating layers; (d) an applicator for applying adhesive; and (e) a deflector unit for deflecting the workpiece from the working path. The cutter effects the severing to present first and second workpiece segments. The layer manipulator effects inter-layer separation in one segment to present an interlayer zone in the one segment. A drive inserts the other segment in the interlayer zone. The layer manipulator urges the layers together to capture the other segment within the interlayer zone to establish a multi-layer structure. A drive and at least one of the workpiece deflector unit and the applicator situate the multi-layer structure adjacent to the applicator for finishing the splicing by applying adhesive to the multi-layer structure.

Abstract: Belt material is wrapped around a small diameter mandrel. Instead of cutting the belt to length, the material is then continued to be wrapped around the mandrel, forming a belt material overlap, and held under tension. An ultrasonic welding horn is then traversed across the width of the belt overlap. As this horn is traversed across the overlapped joint, the horn not only joins the belt material wrapped around the mandrel but, as the trailing edge is held under tension, the horn also separates or severs the trailing edge of the material from the welded seam.