Abstract: A glue applying mechanism of an edge banding machine includes a base, a glue applying unit and a glue quantity regulator. The base includes a glue tub. The glue applying unit is rotatably disposed on the glue tub of the base and includes a glue shaft and an obliquely glue applying member connected with the glue shaft. The glue quantity regulator is rotatably disposed on the base and includes a rotatable shaft, and a regulating plate and a blocking plate, which are connected with the rotatable shaft. The regulating plate is rotatable along with the rotatable shaft to cause edges of the regulating plate adjacent to the glue applying unit at the same time. The blocking plate is fixed to the rotatable shaft separately from the regulating plate. The above-described configuration of the glue applying mechanism is effective in controlling the applied glue quantity in thickness.

Abstract: A glue applying mechanism of an edge banding machine for applying glue to an oblique surface and a vertical surface of a workpiece includes a base including a glue tub, and a glue applying unit rotatably disposed on the glue tub and including a glue shaft and an obliquely glue applying member connected to the top end of the glue shaft and having a glue applying surface which is a tapered surface with a wide top and a narrow bottom. At least the partial top of the glue shaft and the glue applying surface are exposed outside the glue tub. The glue applying unit is rotatable to extract the glue in the glue tub to the outer surface of the glue shaft and the glue applying surface, enabling the glue to be applied to the oblique and vertical surfaces of the workpiece simultaneously by only one glue applying mechanism.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pressure sensitive adhesive assembly suitable for bonding to a substrate provided with an uneven surface, wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive assembly comprises a polymeric foam layer comprising a polymeric base material and a particulate filler material comprising a thermoplastic material, and wherein the polymeric foam layer has a complex viscosity comprised between 2,000 Pa·s to 80,000 Pa·s, when measured at 120 C according to the test method described in the experimental section. The present disclosure is also directed to a method of applying a pressure sensitive adhesive assembly to a substrate provided with an uneven surface, and uses thereof.

Abstract: A reinforced stretch film obtained by a method of producing a reinforced stretch film comprising the steps of: providing an elongated base sheet of plastic stretch film having a longitudinal axis, forming a plurality of cord-like, elongated reinforcement members and a plurality of plastic film strip overlays, positioning the plurality of elongated reinforcement members on the elongated base sheet, positioning a single plastic film strip overlay over each of the elongated reinforcement members, folding each edge of the elongated base sheet inward toward a center of the elongated base sheet to further strengthen and reinforce each edge and attaching the plastic film strip overlays and the folded edges to the cord-like, elongated reinforcement members and to the elongated base sheet to fixedly sandwich the cord-like, elongated reinforcement members between the elongated base sheet and the narrow plastic film strip overlays.

Abstract: The methods herein relate to assembling an elastic laminate with a first elastic material and a second elastic material bonded between first and second substrates. During assembly, an elastic laminate may be formed by positioning the first and second substrates in contact with stretched central regions of the first and second elastic materials. The elastic laminates may include two or more bonding regions that may be defined by the various layers or components of the elastic laminate that are laminated or stacked relative to each other. In some configurations, a first plurality of ultrasonic bonds are applied to the elastic laminate to define a first bond density in the first bonding region, and a second plurality of ultrasonic bonds are applied to the elastic laminate to define a second bond density in the second bonding region, wherein the second bond density is not equal to the first bond density.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for assembling elastic laminates that may be used to make absorbent article components. Particular aspects of the present disclosure involve an anvil and a spreader mechanism adjacent the anvil. During the assembly process, a first substrate may be advanced in a machine direction onto the rotating anvil. The spreader mechanism operates to activate an elastic material by stretching the elastic material in the cross direction to a first elongation. The elastic material is then consolidated to a second elongation in the cross direction, wherein the second the elongation is less than the first elongation. The consolidated elastic material is then bonded between a first substrate and a second substrate on the anvil. In some configurations, the first and second substrates may be nonwovens, and the elastic material may be an elastic film and/or an elastic laminate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to assembling elastic laminates that may be used to make absorbent article components. Methods and apparatuses herein may include an anvil adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation, wherein first and second spreader mechanisms adjacent the anvil roll are axially and angularly displaced from each other with respect to the axis of rotation. During the assembly process, a substrate may be advanced in a machine direction onto the rotating anvil. The first spreader mechanism stretches a first elastic material in the cross direction, and the second spreader mechanism stretches a second elastic material in the cross direction. The stretched first and second elastic materials advance from the spreader mechanisms and onto the substrate on the anvil roll. The combined and elastic materials may then be ultrasonically bonded together on the anvil to form at least one elastic laminate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to elastic laminates and methods for assembling elastic laminates that may be used to make absorbent article components. Elastic laminates may include one or more reinforcement layers positioned between unstretched portions of elastic materials and substrates to which the elastic materials are bonded.

Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling the fan speed of one or more secondary variable speed cooling fans of an information handling system in real time by dynamically and adaptively shadowing the fan speed of another primary variable speed cooling fan or by so shadowing the fan speed of the variable cooling fan/s of a primary cooling fan zone including other variable speed primary cooling fans of the same information handling system.

Abstract: A method for forming paper straps is provided. The method may include providing a paper strip from a base sheet and directing the paper strip through a first die to form an intermediate string. The method may further include directing the intermediate string from the first die through a second die, the intermediate string exiting the second die in a substantially non-twisted state. Related apparatuses and devices to form paper straps are also provided.

Abstract: Described is an adaptive automatic computer room air conditioner (CRAC) or computer room air handler (CRAH, CRAC and CRAH is referred interchangeably in this article) group control method. This method automatically controls each HVAC unit's on/off status, return temperature set point, fan speed or cooling valve position to secure the data center thermal environment for server's secure running and minimize the cooling energy use. The method creates a comprehensive feedback control loop between temperature sensor network, data center environment and CRACs.

Abstract: A glass ribbon coated with a flexible material, the flexible coating forming a flexible web portion that extends from an edge of the glass ribbon at least one millimeter. The flexible web portion can be used to facilitate handling of the glass ribbon in a manufacturing process, and may include registration markings, or perforations, that further facilitate precise positioning of the ribbon.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to tucking opposing side panels into a chassis of a diaper pant. The apparatuses and methods may utilize one or more conveyors that advance the chassis along a machine direction. Each conveyor may have a vacuum zone that applies a vacuum force to hold the chassis. The chassis may be positioned between a first conveyor having a first vacuum zone and a second conveyor having a second vacuum zone. The conveyors may apply opposing vacuum forces to hold the first waist region apart from the second waist region while the chassis advances in the machine direction toward a tucking device. The vacuum forces are then removed from the waist regions as the tucking device pushes the side panels toward each other. Pushing the side panels toward each other causes the inner surfaces of the waist regions to simultaneously move toward each other.

Abstract: This apparatus includes a carrying path for an electronic component, a holder unit holding and releasing the electronic component, and N number of rotary pickups including the multiple holder units, and intermittently rotating around the rotation axis. At least one of the rotary pickups is a first carrying structure. The rotary pickup adjacent to the first carrying structure is a second carrying structure installed so as to not overlap with each other, to have the respective rotation axes orthogonal to each other. The holder unit of the first carrying structure and that of the second carrying structure are each a sucking nozzle. The holder units of the first carrying structure and of the second carrying structure have a common stop position, and the electronic component is transferred at only a transfer point that is the stop position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pleating or otherwise shaping a web are described herein. The method and apparatus may have numerous applications. In some embodiments, the method and apparatus are used in the formation, filling, and sealing of unit dose packages for consumer products. A method and apparatus for forming sealing two moving webs together, which webs have portions that are non-planar are also described herein.

Abstract: Various device embodiments perform a sealing operation on a moving web, and comprise, among other things a plate assembly with an air cylinder assembly. The air cylinder assembly comprises a mount, a back plate, at least one air cylinder positioned between the mount and the back plate. The first plate assembly further includes a linear servo motor for linearly moving the air cylinder assembly with respect to the first base, and a first tooling plate with a sealing surface area. The first tooling plate coupled to the back plate.

Abstract: A fineable dental blank assembly. The assembly can include a blank and a support coupled to the blank to facilitate machining of the blank. The blank can be adapted to be machined to form at least a portion of dental appliance, and can be formed of at least one of a glass, a glass-ceramic, a porcelain, and a ceramic. The support can be formed of at least one of a high melting point metal (or metal alloy) and a ceramic, wherein the blank and the support are separately formed. The assembly can further include a bonding composition positioned between the blank and the support. Other means for coupling the blank and the support can include a direct bond and/or mechanical inter-engagement. The assembly can be configured to withstand temperatures necessary to fire at least a portion of the assembly in a downstream firing process.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape package suitable for mass production. The production method according to the present invention aims at producing a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape package which is a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape package 10 accommodating a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape 14 having a support 18 and an adhesive agent layer 12 provided on one surface of the support 18, the pressure-sensitive adhesive tape package comprising a release sheet 16 to which the adhesive agent layer of the adhesive tape is releasably attached. In this method, the adhesive tape 14 is bonded to the release sheet base material 116, and folded in two. Subsequently, a plurality of adhesive tapes 14 is heat sealed and temporarily attached to one release sheet base material 116, and the release sheet base material 116 is cut.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner filter bag is provided. The vacuum cleaner filter bag includes at least one side fold formed by two fold legs, and the vacuum cleaner filter bag is designed as a tubular bag, wherein, in a turned-in state, the at least one side fold has at least three edges, wherein two of the edges are formed by a respective weld seam, and wherein the side fold can be turned out with the edges formed by a weld seam.

Abstract: In a material web which is printed in a digital printing station and moved in an advancement direction, a first material-web strand, which is formed by at least one printed material-web portion, is combined with a second material-web strand, which is formed by two printed material-web portions, by folding. The two material-web strands are connected to one another by an adhesive. Subproducts are then severed from the thus interconnected material-web strands by cross-cutting. These subproducts comprise a first printed sheet, severed from the first material-web strand, and a second printed sheet, connected to the first printed sheet and severed from the second material-web strand. The subproducts are then positioned one upon the other to form a stack, the subproducts being connected to one another by an adhesive in the region of the subsequent folding line. The stacked subproducts are then folded about a folding line to form an end product.

Abstract: A fabrication method of forming a thermoplastic composite laminate material with tailored and varying thickness in a continuous process. This process utilizes automated equipment or hand lay-up to collate parts or components into a multi-layer stack. Each stack contains all plies, including ply build-up areas, tacked in the proper location to maintain orientation and location. The consolidation tooling contains all necessary part features and is coordinated to the customized multiple ply stacks to form a single integrated thermoplastic composite laminate potentially having areas of differing thickness from these multiple ply stacks.

Abstract: A forming device for gathering the width of a traveling web is disclosed. The forming device includes opposing arrays of flute-forming bars that can be interlaced to define therebetween a longitudinal flute-forming labyrinth effective to reduce the width of a web traveling therethrough by a preselected take-up ratio. The flute-forming bars are curved beginning at an entry end of the forming device such that they converge in a lateral direction as they proceed in the machine direction. In this manner, individual elements of the web traveling between the respective arrays in the machine direction follow contour lines along the curved bars or between adjacent ones of the curved bars so that no such element crosses any flute-forming bar in the cross-machine direction as the web travels and is fluted. A corrugating die for introducing a near-net shape to the intermediate-fluted web is also disclosed, as are a corrugating line incorporating these operations and methods for its operation.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a dry textile preform, including: pulling a textile fabric sheet; grabbing a first side portion of the sheet between rollers, the rollers forming a first flange of the first side portion of the sheet inclined at a predeterminable angle to the plane of extension of the sheet; grabbing a second side portion of the sheet opposite to the first side portion between other rollers, the other rollers forming a second flange of the second side portion of the sheet inclined at a predeterminable angle to the plane of extension of the sheet; adjusting a difference between the rolling speed of the pair of first rollers and the rolling speed of the pair of second rollers to form a curvature radius of the sheet; and adjusting distance between the rollers perpendicular to the movement direction of the sheet to form a web portion between the first flange.

Abstract: Apparatus (30) for making pre-shaped insulating sheets (10) for use in a stator or in a rotor comprising shaping elements (40-44) such to produce, starting from a continuous strip (15) made of electrically insulating material having a flat or substantially flat cross section, a strip portion having a cross section comprising a central septum (20) and two lateral portions (21-23, 21?-23?) joined to a respective end portion of the central septum (20), each of the lateral portions comprising a first section (21,21?) joined to the central septum (20), a second section (22,22?) joined and perpendicular, or essentially perpendicular, to the first section (21,21?), a third section (23, 23?) joined to the second section (22,22?) and inclined with respect to the latter towards the central septum (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing protective tubes. The inventive method comprises the following steps consisting in: producing a plurality of flat warp knit bands using a Rachel loom; and shaping said flat bands such that the longitudinal ends of each flat band join together and overlap each other, thereby forming a tubular shape. The inside diameter of the tube and the overlapped segment can be controlled and defined by the method and said inside diameter can be virtually limitless.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a tray, a folding section connected to the tray, and a tape application system. The tray has a channel for receiving an elongate insert for a composite material with a number of layers for a release system. The folding section is capable of folding a number of layers around the elongate insert to cover the elongate insert as the elongate insert is moved through the folding unit. The tape application system is capable of applying a tape to the number of layers for covering the elongate insert to form the release system.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing coated profile members (10), wherein a foil (16, 36) is cut to a predetermined width and wrapped around the profile member so as to form a butt seam extending in a longitudinal direction of the profile member, and the foil (16, 36) is cut by a cutting beam (24) in a condition in which an edge strip of the foil projects beyond the profile member (10), while a face of the profile member is used as reference for the position of the cutting beam.

Abstract: Tooling apparatus for forming a composite charge into a contoured composite blade stringer includes an elongate punch and an elongate die flexible along their lengths. The charge is press formed by using the punch to drive the charge into the die. The punch and the die are mounted between a pair of flexible plates. A press coupled with the plates contours the charge by bending the plates into a desired contour.

Abstract: A fabrication method of forming curved thermoplastic composite laminate parts with tailored and varying thickness in a continuous process. Automated equipment or hand lay-up are used to collate parts or components into a multi-layer stack. Each stack contains all plies, including ply build-up areas, tacked in the proper location to maintain orientation and location. Ply consolidation tooling contains all necessary part features and is coordinated to the customized multiple ply stacks to form a single integrated thermoplastic composite laminate potentially having areas of differing thickness from the multiple ply stacks.

Abstract: A work conveying mechanism according to the present invention includes a rotation drum in which an adsorbing pad for adsorbing an absorber is provided. The work conveying mechanism rotates the rotation drum and arranges the absorber on a third web being conveyed. In an outer shape of the work adsorbed by the adsorbing pad, an outer edge portion thereof is closer to a shaft center side of the rotation drum than a central portion thereof is. A work conveying mechanism includes a roller mechanism provided on a side of the third web opposite to the rotation drum side and configured to locate the third web on the adsorbing pad side. At a passing point, the roller mechanism arranges an outer edge portion of the third web in a width direction on a shaft center side of the rotation drum closer than a central portion thereof is.

Abstract: A process for wrapping an edge flap of a workpiece having a covering sheet extending over a front face thereof and edge flaps protruding outwardly beyond the front face. The workpiece is positioned on a table, with one edge and the protruding flap overhanging and protruding outwardly beyond the table. The workpiece is disposed in proper location by positioning elements and clamps fix it to the table. adhesive is applied to the edge flap. A wrapping arrangement is provided with wiping blades so that upward movement of the wiping arrangement causes a first wiping blade to engage the edge flap and wipe it upwardly into engagement with an edge face, following which the wiping arrangement moves the second blade over the workpiece so that a second wiping blade engages the end part of the flap and wipes it downwardly into engagement with the back face of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a tray, a folding section connected to the tray, and a tape application system. The tray has a channel for receiving an elongate insert for a composite material with a number of layers for a release system. The folding section is capable of folding a number of layers around the elongate insert to cover the elongate insert as the elongate insert is moved through the folding unit. The tape application system is capable of applying a tape to the number of layers for covering the elongate insert to form the release system.

Abstract: A process for making a corrugated stretch laminate comprising the steps of providing a first carrier web having a first surface and a second surface; applying a first elastomeric composition in a fluid or molten state to the first surface of the carrier web to form at least one first elastic member; incrementally stretching in a first direction at least a portion of the carrier web to form a stretch composite preform; elongating the stretch composite preform in the first direction; joining a first substrate to the elongated stretch composite preform; and allowing the elongated stretch composite preform to recover to form said corrugated stretch laminate.

Abstract: A method for making a semifinished product for tubular labels comprises the steps of unwinding a ribbon (3) from a bobbin (4), feeding the ribbon (3) through a compensation magazine (5), inside of which the ribbon (3) temporarily stands, and bending said ribbon (3) into a tubular shape between the step of unwinding the bobbin (4) and the step in which the ribbon (3) stands in the compensation magazine (5). A modular unit (1) for making a semifinished product for tubular labels comprises an unwinding station (2) for unwinding a ribbon (3), a compensation magazine (5) into which the ribbon (3) is unwound waiting for further processing, and a tube-making module (11) arranged between the unwinding station (2) and the compensation magazine (5).

Abstract: A wrinkle control process for manufacturing a closed cross-sectional, composite laminate structure on a male tool cured under temperature and pressure. The process includes the step of creating a plurality of filled or unfilled depressions at strategic locations in the laminate prior to curing. The depressions are created by depression forming elements that have a predetermined size designed to create a depression in under plies, alone or combined with intensification techniques. The depressions may be left unfilled or be partially or completely filled. Depression forming elements are removed after cure or remain part of the structure.

Abstract: A boxer-style pant and a method of making a boxer-style pant having side seams, a contracted crotch region, and hanging legs. A web is provided. The web may be a single pant assembly, or a continuous web of multiple pant assemblies connected to one another. The web may be folded against a support structure. In certain embodiments, a multi-lane production system may be used wherein the web is folded against multiple support structures each parallel to a direction in which the web is conveyed, with each lane or machine direction array of pant assemblies folded against just one support structure. The web is cut to define leg openings, and contracted in selected areas along the web between the leg openings. Front and back regions are then joined together to form the side seams. An absorbent structure may be attached to the web.

Abstract: A dust filter bag is in the shape of a flat bag for a vacuum cleaner, which is formed from a first layer and a second layer made of a weldable material. The layers are welded together circumferentially along the circumference thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for the concurrent converting of multiple web products includes at least a first unwind station and a second unwind station. The apparatus further includes a first web transformation station associated with a first web material unwound from the first unwind station, and a second web transformation station associated with the second web material unwound from the second unwind station. The first and second web transformation stations are disposed such that less than twice the width of the widest web material separates a portion of the first web material in the first web transformation station from a portion of the second web material in the second web transformation station. The method of the invention includes steps of unwinding web materials from rolls at each of the first and second unwind stations and transforming the respective web materials using the first and second web transformation stations.

Abstract: A spool winding assembly for winding a composite strip onto a spool having a hub is disclosed. The strip includes an elongate plastic strip having a flat base portion and a plurality of laterally spaced apart lengthwise extending rib portions upstanding from the base portion; and a plurality of elongate reinforcing members extending lengthwise within respective rib portions, the rib portions and the reinforcing members forming composite ribs. The assembly includes: a main frame, a spool holder for rotatably supporting the spool relative to the main frame, a spool drive unit for driving the spool with respect to the main frame, a carriage mounted for lateral movement with respect to the spool, a bender mounted to the carriage for receiving the strip as it is fed towards the hub of the spool and for deforming the strip to give it a curved base portion, and a bender drive unit operably connected to the bender for driving the strip through the bender.

Abstract: A filter bag for a vacuum cleaner includes a tubular bag made of a casing which has at least one nonwoven layer. The casing has a first end region which is sealed at least partially and a second sealed end region situated opposite the first end region. The first end region is folded and forms a base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming an edge protector from a panel, including the steps of a) forming a channel in the panel; b) applying adhesive into the channel; c) folding the panel to close the channel; and d) holding the channel closed until the adhesive has formed a bond.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a preform, and apparatus therefor, wherein a preform with a branched portion in its cross-section profile is continuously manufactured by delivering a raw form of reinforcing fiber base material with a branched portion in its cross-section profile, among multiple reinforcing fiber base materials for constructing the preform, intermittently in the longitudinal direction thereof; at each delivery discontinuation, performing heat and/or pressure application to the raw base material so as to tentatively obtain a preliminary shaped matter with given configuration; and uniting the obtained preliminary shaped matter with given configuration with raw forms of other reinforcing fiber base materials for constructing the preform.

Abstract: A process for producing lightweight thermoplastic composite products in a continuous manner is disclosed. An oven is provided for heating a dry unconsolidated fabric sheet of commingled fibers of thermoplastic and re-enforcing fibers or carbon fibers to a temperature sufficient to ensure melting and flow of the resin in the voids of the commingled fibers. The unconsolidated composite sheet is conveyed through the oven and then through a first pair of heated rollers at an outlet of the oven whereby to maintain the fabric sheet heated to prevent abrupt cooling at the surfaces while compressing it under pressure. A further pair of rollers at a further reduced temperature is provided whereby the heated sheet is gradually lowered in temperature and the pressure is maintained thereon during consolidation of the commingled fibers to ensure complete flow of the resin in the voids between the reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: A fabrication method of forming a thermoplastic composite laminate material with tailored and varying thickness in a continuous process. This process utilizes automated equipment or hand lay-up to collate parts or components into a multi-layer stack. Each stack contains all plies, including ply build-up areas, tacked in the proper location to maintain orientation and location. The consolidation tooling contains all necessary part features and is coordinated to the customized multiple ply stacks to form a single integrated thermoplastic composite laminate potentially having areas of differing thickness from these multiple ply stacks.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for substantially continuously forming thin-walled sleeves that may be incorporated into tubular devices sized for introduction into a patient. In one embodiment, a pair of sheets including coated surfaces oriented towards one another are directed through a cutting apparatus to cut the sheets into multiple pairs of strips. The pairs of strips are bonded together to create a plurality of sleeves having lumens defined by the coated surfaces. In another embodiment, a sheet having a coated surface is fed through a cutting tool to separate the sheet into a plurality of strips, and the strips are formed into sleeves, e.g., by feeding the strips through a die or mandrel using a substantially continuous process. Optionally, the sleeves may be subsequently cut into individual tubular devices and/or further processed, e.g., by providing one or more layers around the sleeves to create catheters, sheaths, or other apparatus.

Abstract: A sheet finishing apparatus includes a cutter unit which is disposed on a conveyance path of a sheet, and forms a cut for tag formation in the sheet from a starting point close to a center line of the sheet orthogonal to a conveyance direction, a folding unit which is disposed downstream of the cutter unit on the conveyance path, bends the sheet around the center line, and raises an area defined by the cut in the sheet by the bending to form the tag.

Abstract: A method is provided for making an elastic composite for incorporation into a disposable absorbent garment. An elastic element applicator is provided that is configured to move a section of a continuous strand of elastic element generally about a plane. A first web of material is conveyed in a first web moving direction such that the first web intersects the plane. Then, the applicator is operated to move the elastic element about the plane, thereby applying the section of elastic element onto the first web along a direction generally transverse to the web moving direction and such that the first web draws the continuous elastic strand from the elastic element applicator as the first web is conveyed away from the plane. The elastic element applicator may be in the form of a spin cylinder or bracket that is operated to spin the elastic element about the moving first web, thereby applying the elastic element on the first web.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a connector by fastening a plurality of the fasteners in an array on a face of a backing sheet and forming an aperture in a first sheet portion for receiving each fastener. Each aperture extends between the opposing first and second surfaces of the first sheet portion. Each fastener is inserted into each respective aperture such that the face of the backing sheet is directed inwardly to lie against the first surface. A second sheet portion is abutted with the second surface and joining the first and second sheet portions such that they are joined along at least two opposing edges common to both the first and second sheet portions. The backing sheet is fixed to the first or second sheet portion and inverting the first and second sheet portions such that the face of the backing sheet is directed outwardly. Each fastener protrudes outwardly from each aperture and the backing sheet lies between the first and second sheet portions.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for substantially continuously forming thin-walled sleeves that may be incorporated into tubular devices sized for introduction into a patient. In one embodiment, a pair of sheets including coated surfaces oriented towards one another are directed through a cutting apparatus to cut the sheets into multiple pairs of strips. The pairs of strips are bonded together to create a plurality of sleeves having lumens defined by the coated surfaces. In another embodiment, a sheet having a coated surface is fed through a cutting tool to separate the sheet into a plurality of strips, and the strips are formed into sleeves, e.g., by feeding the strips through a die or mandrel using a substantially continuous process. Optionally, the sleeves may be subsequently cut into individual tubular devices and/or further processed, e.g., by providing one or more layers around the sleeves to create catheters, sheaths, or other apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low-fibrillation molded body containing a tape (1) essentially consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene, characterized in that the tape is composed of at least four plies (7,8,9,10) of essentially equal width arranged essentially parallel to each other, said plies being obtainable by folding.