Abstract: An apparatus and process for the vulcanization of laminar rubber products wherein the process comprises winding onto a drum an unvulcanized laminar rubber product together with a metallic band, applying a counter force to the metallic band as it is being wound up to prestress the wound up layers, applying substantially uniform pressure on the surface of the conducting band at the point where it and the laminar rubber products are being wound onto the drum and then applying electrical current to the wound up electrically conducting band to provide heat for the vulcanization of the wound up laminar layers. The apparatus comprises two parallel drums interconnected by the metallic band which is first wound with the laminar rubber onto one drum and when the vulcanized laminar rubber is removed the metallic band is wound onto the other drum.

Abstract: A diaper in which two strips of liquid-impervious supple sheet material are placed over the entire length of the diaper, over the elastic members secured by adhesive bonding in the stretched state onto the inner face of the liquid-impervious outer sheet on the said face provided with lengthwise lines of adhesive. The inner sheet, permeable to liquids, is coated with adhesive and is supplied, over the absorbent pad, onto the impervious sheet so as to adhere to the latter and to the strips all around the absorbent pad. The application particularly relates to diapers comprising an absorbent pad containing superabsorbent material in granular form.

Abstract: The glazing panel assembled by the method according to the invention includes a frame with webs, supporting blocks and stay blocks, a pane, and sealing strips between the pane and the webs of the frame. According to the method the frame is assembled on the pane using one elastic sealing strip, whereupon the pane is forced against one of the webs, whereby the elastic sealing strip is compressed and the other sealing strip may be fitted freely in place. The force pressing the pane towards the first web is then released, whereby the first sealing strip by transverse expansion forces the pane towards the second web and against the second sealing strip to secure the pane in the frame.

Abstract: Articles are formed of materials which have at least one layer comprising a mixture of thermoplastic and other fibers. This latter layer may be thermobonded together and then densified along at least a section of the eventual peripheral edge margin of an article to be formed from the material. Thermoplastic material containing cover sheets may also be secured to the core and densified in this manner. The entire eventual peripheral edge margin of the article is typically densified. The material is cut within the densified region or slightly outside the densified region to provide a soft peripheral edge. Absorbent materials may be thermobonded within the layer and surrounded by a densified edge to fix them within the article. The composite materials are used in manufacturing infant car seat liners and other articles. In addition, sections of the material may be densified and provided with weakened areas, such as perforations, to enable users to selectively separate the articles along the perforations.

Abstract: A method of integrating a fluid-absorbing component into a holding component of an anatomically form-fitting, generally self-adjusting absorbent garment is disclosed. An elastomeric outer cover is provided for holding a relatively inelastic absorbent insert in selected bodily registration for absorbing and containing bodily fluids. A slidable hem retaining arrangement operatively connects the insert to the outer cover, including cooperating fasteners engageable with one another through a plurality of fenestrations, allowing unrestricted elongation or retraction of the outer cover relative to the insert. The fasteners are releasably engageable with one another to allow removal and replacement of the insert when soiled. Alternatively, ultrasonic bonds may be used instead of refastenable closures, where a single-use disposable garment is contemplated.

Abstract: A method of producing a waterproof, gas-permeable composite sheet comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a film from a composition comprising 40-70 weight % of an ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer and 30-60 weight % of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer; and (b) adhering the film to a woven or nonwoven fabric by hot pressing while causing the heat shrinkage of the film simultaneously, thereby making the film microporous. The composition may further contain linear low-density polyethylene to improve film-forming properties. By subjecting the hot-pressed composite sheet to a plurality of heating-cooling steps, it is provided with high heat resistance. In addition, by foaming the film and hot-pressing it to a stretchable woven or nonwoven fabric and then stretching, the composite sheet is further provided with high stretchability.

Abstract: A high-altitude balloon having prestrained gores made from an asymmetrical gore pattern. The invention includes the balloon, the method of assembling the balloon, and a table specially designed to implement the method. The method can be used to assemble balloons of varying shapes and sizes, within a determinable range of ratios of gore width to gore length. The method involves cutting and sealing edges of a pair of flexible plastic sheets along a straight edge of a table, then inverting the seam so formed until it is aligned with a curved index line on the surface of the table. The curved index line is longer than the seam created along the straight edge so stretching is required during inverting. Successsively cutting, joining and inverting pairs of sheets in this manner produces a balloon with a plurality of symmetrical gores that give the balloon a predetermined shape when inflated.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for applying an elastic material (14) to a backing material (18) includes an applicator assembly (12) for applying a length of elastic material (14) to a bonding template (16), and a bonding template (16) for supporting the length of elastic material (14) relative to the backing material (18) for a bonding operation. Ultrasonic horns (104,106) bond the length of elastic material (14) to the backing material (18). The applicator assembly (12) includes rolls (32,36) for tensioning the elastic material (14) and a vacuum mechanism for selectively retaining the length of tensioned material (14) and releasing the tensioned elastic material (14) to the bonding template (16). A mechanism is provided for transferring the tensioned elastic material (14) from the applicator assembly (12) to the bonding template (16) while maintaining the elastic material (14) in the tensioned condition.

Abstract: A freely standing thin pellicle film of cellulose acetate buterate is formed by spinning on a rotating substrate. After forming, the film is lifted off of the substrate and secured to a metallic frame. The pellicle is for use in the mid ultraviolet range of 280 to 360 nanometers, but can be used also in the deep ultraviolet range, e.g. wavelengths as low as about 240 nanometers. The pellicle prevents dust particles from being focused on a surface which is to be exposed by the ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A moving web is folded at predetermined lengths at its opposite side portions so that the opposite side portions are opposed to each other at a predetermined angle with its central portion. Then part of each of the opposite folded portions is outwardly folded. These foldings occur so that a first folding line and a second folding line being opposed to each other at each side of the web include portions in non-parallel relationship. Elastic bands are affixed onto the web along the second opposite folded portions longitudinally and substantially in parallel to each other. When the web is flattened from the folded condition, the paired elastic band affixed onto the web at its oppsite sides each has a diagonal orientation symmetrically with respect to the direction in which the web moves.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of producing protective films or the like used as protective covers for photomasks or reticles. To peel a thin film off a substrate, a peeling jig constituted by a flexible annular frame with an adhesive applied thereon is pressed against the thin film applied on the substrate; a portion of the peeling jig is grabbed after the peeling jig and the thin film are adhered together; and the peeling jig and the film are peeled off the substrate. Before adhering the peeled film onto a side end surface of a pericle frame, of the two edges of the pericle frame, at least the edge formed by an inside surface thereof and the side end surface thereof is chambered.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the production of a gas-pervious composite film comprising the steps of unaxially or biaxially drawing a film composed of a crystalline polyolefin resin, a rubbery polymer, and a filler thereby forming a drawn film, joining said drawn film to a meshed sheet by hot pressing at a temperature exceeding the temperature at which said drawn film begins to undergo thermal shrinkage thereby fastening said drawn film to said meshed sheet and, simultaneously, causing thermal shrinkage of said drawn film and consequently imparting a microporous texture to said film.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable elastomer having a first length is produced by uniaxially orienting a copolymer having hard block and elastomeric soft block polymer segments to a second length which is substantially greater than a third length at which partial permanent deformation occurs. Upon removal of the tensioning force, the stretched elastomer naturally relaxes to the third length which is substantially greater than the first length but less than the second length. Upon application of heat, the elastomer shrinks and recovers its elastic properties. The heat-shrinkable elastomer can be coextruded by conventional techniques as a core layer disposed between nonelastic outer layers or skins, and the resulting coextruded elastomer can be uniaxially tensioned as above. Articles or garments such as disposable diapers advantageously use the heat-shrinkable elastomer of the present invention as a means to shirr portions thereof, such as waistbands.

Abstract: A carrier strip or filament of cold drawable material is utilized to transport discrete lengths of elastic ribbon within a manufacturing apparatus. The elastic ribbons are extruded onto the carrier strip or around the filament and adhere thereto. The carrier strip and elastic ribbon are jointly stretched a predetermined amount. The stretched carrier strip and stretched elastic ribbon are bonded to a component of a final product, as, for example, the backing sheet of a disposable diaper, wherein the elastic ribbons are employed to elasticize the leg areas. The carrier strips greatly facilitate machine handling relatively short lengths of stretched elastic ribbons without waste. The carrier strips may be transversely guided along a predetermined path to follow the hourglass contour of the margins of a diaper having form fitting legs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a strong, high loft, low density nonwoven fabric from a web comprising at least about 5 percent bicomponent fibers, and the fabric formed thereby; wherein the web is superimposed on a first carrier belt, an open mesh belt is superimposed on the web, and the web and belts are caused to travel in a tensioned curvilinear path adjacent a heating means to heat fuse the low melting point component of the conjugate fibers to fibers in the web.

Abstract: This invention is generally accomplished by providing continuous self-adhesive strands of elastic to a substrate having retractable supports extending therefrom. The retractable supports in a convex pattern are contracted with the self-adhering elastic and the substrate bearing the elastic and supports is brought into contact with the web to which the elastic is to be transferred. The series of supports around which the elastic contacts are forced to retract as the self-adhering elastic is pressed against the web causing the elastic to transfer to the substrate thereby creating an elastic band on the substrate. In a preferred form the substrate is fed two strips of self-adhering elastic that are applied on each side of a series of a convex pattern of pins and then pressed together around opposing sides of the convex pattern of pins to seal the elastic to itself and sever the elastic, creating a contoured closed loop around the pins.

Abstract: A veneer sheet having lathe checks is pressed in at least one of two opposite directions in the same plane as the veneer sheet itself and substantially perpendicular to the directions of its fibers, while another sheet is being bonded to at least one of its two oposite sides, namely, its tight side having no lathe checks and its loose side having the lathe checks. Before the veneer sheet is pressed in this manner, glue may or may not be filled into the lathe checks thereof. Or glue is filled into the lathe checks of the veneer sheet, and is merely hardened, without bonding no other sheet thereto, while the sheet is being pressed in at least one of the foregoing two opposite directions.

Abstract: The method of this invention provides for the molding of a composite article such as a woven seat for use in furniture or automobiles wherein a woven fabric material and a plastic frame structure coact to enhance their respective strength characteristics. The fabric material is maintained under tension during the molding operation concurrently with the perimetral portion thereof being imbedded in a bonded relation with the frame structure. The strength characteristics of the woven fabric material are thus increased due to the uniform load distribution over the total area of the fabric seat resulting from the bonded securement of the perimetral portion with the frame structure.

Abstract: A fiber optic frequency shifter comprises an optical fiber having two propagation modes and an acoustic transducer for generating an acoustic wave. The transducer is positioned relative to the fiber to cause the wave fronts of the acoustic wave to acoustically contact the fiber at an angle of incidence which is less than 90.degree. greater than 0.degree.. Preferably, the wavelength of the acoustic wave is substantially equal to the beat length of the fiber times the sine of the angle of incidence.

Abstract: A stretchable cloth adhesive tape useful for taping which comprises a tape support woven from warps and wefts and having stretchability in at least one direction and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on one surface of the support. The tape support is fixed in a state stretched at least 3% of its maximum elongation upon being stretched to a limit.

Abstract: Stretched surface recording disk (SD) 10 comprises an annular support 12 having raised annular ridges 42 and 28 at its inside and outside diameters 22 and 30 with a base portion 24 in between the two ridges, and an annular recording medium film 14 held in radial tension and stretched across the base portion by adhering the film to attachment surfaces 48 and 36 near the inside and outside diameters respectively. The SD is annealed twice during manufacture to relieve stress in the stretched film 14. This annealing results in SD essentially free from track anisotropy and stress distribution anisotropy in the plane of the disk. As a result, data tracks are more stable than in previous SD, track density can be greater, and the SD is generally more reliable.

Abstract: An advancing, reinforced, thermoplastic tape is pressed on a partially built, composite structure as the mating surfaces are heated to the melting point by a beam of high temperature, radiant energy. The center of the beam is directed at the structure, in advance of the nip between the tape and structure.

Abstract: This invention deals with a machine or method for transferring decalcomania (decals) from a rolled carrier web or strip to a series of articles. The machine supports a supply reel containing the web and transports the web from the supply reel through a photo sensitive indexing assembly, past a decal applying pressure roller assembly, to a take-up tensioning roller powered by a motor for driving the web. The photoelectric or other appropriate device actuates the release of a brake or other holding means from a web clamping position so that a decal on the web is placed in position for transfer to an article. The web tensioning mechanism is provided to hold the web under tension during application of a decal. A photo cell assembly may be operated to adjust the position of the web so that successive decals are precisely at the transfer position.

Abstract: In a flexible, fiber optic belt 16 for the coherent transmission of light from an LED light source 22 a planar array of fiber optic filaments 34 extend along the length of the belt 16 and are positioned by transverse elements 79 along the major neutral plane of the belt. The fiber optic belt 16 is restrained to movement only in the direction normal to the major neutral plane by means of one or more rigid flat strips 25 parallel to the major neutral plane and the light source 22 is thermoelectrically cooled to improve the availability of light supplied by the diodes. In a method for producing the fiber optic cable, transverse positioning elements 79 are layered on a cable mold 56, one or more fiber optic filaments 34 are placed upon the transverse positioning elements 79. Fiber optic filaments 34 are pressed onto an adhesive layer adjacent to the LED's 48 and bonded by the melting of the adhesive.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying adhesive film to an annular frame having a substantially circular disc of uniformly tensioned film adhered to one surface thereof, said film covering the whole of the central aperture of the frame and not extending beyond the outer periphery of the frame at any point, said frame being substantially undamaged by contact with a cutting device used in forming the disc of film.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming an elasticized portion of an article having a thermally-elasticizable strip along a marginal portion in which heated air is directed towards the strip at at least two different angles relative to the plane of the strip and at a velocity sufficient to cause oscillation of the marginal portion bearing the thermally-elasticizable strip; these conditions are maintained for a dwell time long enough to render the strip elastic when cooled to ambient conditions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a compression loaded torsional coupling device for use in drive shafts to provide a resilient interface between input and output portions of the shaft. Elastomeric cushions between fins extending in alternating fashion from opposed coupling members provide the resiliency. The coupling is produced by a unique process. Elastomer is first inserted into alternating gaps between adjacent fins. This elastomer is then compressed by applying a torque to rotate the coupling members with respect to each other. Elastomer is then placed in the remaining gaps. The torque is then released, permitting the compressive forces to redistribute in the elastomeric material around the circumference of the coupling.

Abstract: A method and system for tensioning and applying a foam core tape having pressure sensitive adhesive faces to a body side molding. The method is effected to obtain the necessary stretch in the foam core tape to coordinate with any dimensional changes which may occur in the body side moldings to which it is bonded. The system includes a tensioning roll disposed between a supply roll and the point of application of the tape to the body side molding. The peripheral surface of the tensioning roll frictionally engages the foam tape and the rotation of the tensioning roll is controlled by suitable braking mechanism to effect a desired stretch in the tape prior to its application to the body molding.

Abstract: A method for tensioning a thin film on a support ring to achieve an optically flat membrane. The support ring is optically flat with a slight bevel at its outside edge where the membrane is epoxied to the support ring.

Abstract: An electret sheet is clamped on an apertured support around the aperture so that a sheet portion stretches all across the aperture. A tension-producing ring is advanced against the sheet portion normal to its stretch direction to produce progressively increasing tension therein. Concurrently, a loudspeaker on one side of the sheet emits constant-amplitude sound waves of fixed frequency and directed against the sheet portion to cause it to vibrate at that frequency. When, because of the increasing tension in the sheet portion, it's vibration amplitude rises to a predetermined value at or near resonance, the advance of the mentioned ring is ended, and the sheet portion is adhered to another ring which retains in that portion the tension then existing in it. Such tensioned sheet and adhering ring are then used to make electret diaphragms for electret microphones.

Abstract: A screening device having an inflatable screen frame and a rigid screen frame member. The frame assembly expands with inflation in a self-controlled manner to tension the associated screen cloth and to fix the frame within the screening device. A method of making screen assemblies is also disclosed using heated screen cloth to fuse the frame thereto.

Abstract: A method of effecting practical, simple and economical production of ore-concentrating pads of numerous configurations and sizes. Nails are employed to secure extruded strips to a backing sheet and an underlying support, following which the strips are pivoted about the nails and progressively secured to the backing sheet. The nails are then removed and the resulting pad is vacuum-applied to a concave bowl and adhesively secured therein. The shapes and positions of the strips are such that there is very close sealing engagement beween adjacent strips, after the pad is made into bowl shape, yet there is great elasticity permitting practical vacuum application to the bowl. In one embodiment, the strip-formed pad is used as a mold over which plaster of paris is molded, and the plaster of paris is used as a guide for a tracing machine adapted to make a mold for the mass-manufacture of large numbers of concentrating pads.

Abstract: A corn popping machine and method of assembling the same for the popping, storing and displaying of popcorn, which includes a three-sided panel member of a generally U-shape forming three side walls to the popping machine. A top chassis plate is secured to the top edge of the panel member by securing means and includes means for attachment of corn popping equipment and electrical connecting and controls. The lower edge of the panel member is secured to a base member having channels to matingly retain the lower edges of the panel member. Doors are attached to the corn popping machine and cover the vertical opening between ends of the U-shaped panel. The method of assembling the corn popping machine includes the steps of attaching the top chassis member and the base member to the top and bottom edges of the panel member respectively.

Abstract: An improved wire grid glass tablet for digitizing graphic information which includes a glass plate with a resin layer bonded to one side and having orthogonal grids of wires, made of a ductile material which is stretched beyond the yield point, embedded in the resin layer near the surface thereof to maximize signal-to-noise ratio coupling to the wires.

Abstract: In a process for producing wooden building components acted upon by flexural forces in the built-in condition, and made up of at least two members that are bonded together, the load capacity is increased by stressing at least one part of the component in the direction of its length by a linear force and is then bonded to another part of the component while still being acted upon by said force. In a preferred form of the invention at least one part of the component is acted upon by a pulling force and another part is acted upon by a compression force with a pre-stressing effect. The use of the process makes possible the production of bonded wooden structural members free of transverse forces.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for forming soft, bulky absorbent webs including thermoplastic fibers. The web is bonded under conditions that heat the thermoplastic fibers to produce web bonding while avoiding direct contact with the heat source. The apparatus includes a pair of foraminous belts or wires between which the web or webs to be bonded are enclosed. The construction of the foraminous wires and belts is selected to produce the desired degree of bonding and yet maintain separation between the subsequently applied heat source and the web or webs. The combination of the web and belts or wires is then directed under tension to a heat source which may be, for example, a series of heated cans, and the opposite sides of the combination are alternately contacted by the surfaces. After heating, the web is allowed to cool and retains its bonded configuration determined by the structure of the wires or belts and the content of the web.

Abstract: The invention relates to the covering with sheet material of flexible symmetrical angulate tubes, especially components of packages. By utilizing the resilient cross-sectional deformability of the tubes, there is provided a method and apparatus where the tube is mounted onto a cylindrical mandrel having a circumference corresponding essentially to the inner circumference of the tube and thereafter applying the sheet material around essentially the entire circumference of the tube.

Abstract: A method of effecting practical, simple and economical production of ore-concentrating pads of numerous configurations and sizes. Nails are employed to secure extruded strips to a backing sheet and an underlying support, following which the strips are pivoted about the nails and progressively secured to the backing sheet. The nails are then removed and the resulting pad is vacuum-applied to a concave bowl and adhesively secured therein. The shapes and positions of the strips are such that there is very close sealing engagement between adjacent strips, after the pad is made into bowl shape, yet there is great elasticity permitting practical vacuum application to the bowl. In one embodiment, the strip-formed pad is used as a mold over which plaster of paris is molded, and the plaster of paris is used as a guide for a tracing machine adapted to make a mold for the mass-manufacture of large numbers of concentrating pads.

Abstract: A run-flat pneumatic tire having an annular structural compression element in the inside surface of the crown thereof, which compression element is stabilized by a multiplicity of closely spaced spoke-like radial elements in the tire sidewalls such that de-pressurized operation of the tire without damage is possible. The compression element is a helix with closely spaced coils wound from a rod of a cross-sectional shape selected from various solid and tubular configurations. Round, square, and rectangular coil cross-sectional configurations are shown as are interlocking convex/concave, tongue/groove arrangements. Methods of installing the helical compression element in the tire as by winding up the helix to reduce its diameter such that it can pass through the beads, or by introducing one end of an end coil of the helix over one of the beads into the interior of the tire and providing a relative rotation to feed the helix into the tire are taught.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a reinforcing tape to an intermittent fastener chain. A fastener chain having alternate element-containing and element-free sections is advanced intermittently in the longitudinal direction thereof. When the fastener chain is stopped, a strip of reinforcing tape is moved transversely across an element-free section from the side edge thereof and is folded over the side edge, after which pressure is applied to the side edge from the top and bottom sides of the chain to adhere the strip of reinforcing tape to the side edge. The attachment of the tape is divided into a first attaching step of applying pressure solely to the vicinity of the side edge from both sides of the fastener chain, and a second attaching step of applying pressure to the entire portion of the element-free section having the strip of reinforcing tape folded thereon, from both sides of the fastener chain.

Abstract: A highly accurate rapid gimbal assembly method utilizes two fixtures for establishing the critical gimbal assembly parameters of yield and axis of intersection and an adhesive for bonding each mating surface of the gimbal assembly for holding the components of the gimbal assembly in their adjusted positions. The fixtures include an inner/outer gimbal fixture for holding the inner and outer gimbals in relative position for bonding and a gimbal/post fixture for holding the gimbal assembly in alignment on the support post for bonding. These fixtures and assembly method eliminate the need for use of shims between the mating surfaces for establishing alignment of the critical parameters.

Abstract: A laminated structure, such as a disposable diaper is provided which includes elastic in the margin to provide gasketing about the legs and, if desired, an improved fit about the waist. A method is provided for placing elastic only in the areas to be gathered and removing the unused elastic. In the method stretched elastic is intermittently adhered to a web substrate along a longitudinal line at the terminating portion of the gasketed area. The elastic is then severed adjacent the adhered portions and the unused elastic is removed.

Abstract: In order that the stresses upon travel will be as small as possible in the region of the shoulders of a tire, it is molded between a mold and a core which together define a central zone and two lateral zones and, in each of the latter two, the median line of the sidewalls has a point of inversion of curvature located at a distance from the crown of the tire which is greater than the distance of the point of inversion of curvature of the median line of the sidewalls of the tire when mounted on its rim.

Abstract: Method of manufacture of sound box stringed instruments, particularly violins, wherein a state of stress is produced in the arc-shaped sound box by providing a curvature opposite to that produced by the stretched strings, the side rim is elastically bent, suitable battens are cemented on to preliminarily bent sides, the side rim is bent to the final shape and cemented to the arc-shaped top plate with the arc-shaped bass beam cemented into it in a traditional way and the said sound box is closed by an arc-shaped bottom plate.The device for shaping the side rim consists of an oval ring (1) with at least four holes (2) situated in the axis of the said ring (1). The device is preferably provided with at least four threaded sleeves (3) to receive set screws (4), (5) and adjusting screws (6) at the point of the holes (2).

Abstract: A dispensing container has a spout formed of opposing walls of supple, imperforate material joined along their side edges with at least a portion thereof being formed over a curved surface. The aforementioned portion of the spout is thus set in a curled condition in the direction of discharge with the walls in face-to-face contact to effect a valving action. The spout can include a metering chamber to permit a desired quantity of fluid contents to be separated and milked through the curled portion to the discharge end of the spout. If desired, the entire dispensing container can be similarly formed over a curved surface so that the empty end of the container opposite the spout will also assume a curled conformation as the container's contents are discharged through the spout.

Abstract: A method of fastening a button or the like to a garment such that the garment will be buttoned up after the fastening operation, wherein said button is composed of plastic and initially comprises a button head and a stem projecting from the button head, the stem having an outer end for piercing the garment and for deformation by ultrasonic vibration, a central section characterized by a substantially smooth profile, and an inner section flaring into the button head, the method comprising the steps of: providing a button hole in a first portion of the garment; placing said first garment portion in an overlying relation with a second portion of the garment; positioning said button such that the button head is disposed on the side of said first garment portion opposite to said second garment portion and such that the stem extends through the button hole and pierces at least partly through said second garment portion; and deforming the outer end of the stem by ultrasonic vibration thereof.

Abstract: A platen including an annular surface adapted to heat seal a piece of film to the lip of a cup, and a central projection which is hotter than the annular surface to cause greater shrinkage in a central portion than in the surrounding portion of the sealed piece of film. This shrinkage of the central portion and the resultant gathering of the surrounding portion results in a planar central portion of the sealed film with radially projecting ridges and grooves around its periphery. The ridges and grooves draw visual attention to the central portion and features, such as perforations for a straw-hole, located therein.

Abstract: A method of an apparatus for joining plastic fastener strip continuously to a film. The film of substantial width is run continuously longitudinally through a joining station. A selected longitudinal area of the film is maintained in a stable tensioned condition relative to the remainder of the film as it runs through the joining station. In the joining station, there is joined and secured to the tensioned area a fastener strip running in the same direction and at the same speed as the film. The selected area tensioning is effected by maintaining such area offset relative to the remainder of the film. Downstream from the joining station the film and fastener strip assembly is progressively conditioned until thoroughly stabilized.

Abstract: An improved method of making a high precision trough shaped parabolic reflector apparatus is described. A smooth surfaced sheet of flexible material is bent and formed over a convex mold comprising a number of precision shaped parabolic arcs mounted to a base. Means are provided for clamping the flexible sheet of material and drawing it into close conformity with the convex mold. The backside or convex side of the sheet of material is then cemented to a support framework comprising a number of approximately parabolic, but not necessarily precision formed web or rib members which are joined together by a torsion tube or similar structural stiffening means. The type of cement utilized accurately fills any discontinuities and/or inaccuracies in the arcuate shape of the approximately parabolic ribs so that the ribs and the flexible sheet are bonded rigidly together as a unit without distortion or strain on the sheet.

Abstract: The longitudinal cables of a belt whose longitudinal centerline differs from that of the equipment on which it is produced and whose cable-to-cable spacing differs from that of the cable tensioner, are tensioned in a generally symmetrical pattern about the longitudinal centerline of the belt. An effective number of cables are directed from the proper edge at the comb into the center of the belt. One half of the remaining cables are moved over the same number of spaces, at the comb, toward the proper edge of the belt.