Abstract: A ribbon applicator configured to guide ribbon to a web includes a support structure and a cantilever arm supported by the support structure. The cantilever arm is moveable through a range of motion relative to the support structure. A guide roller guides the ribbon onto the web. The guide roller is pivotally mounted on the cantilever arm for pivotal movement of the guide roller with respect to the cantilever arm.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide method and apparatus for making a disposable diaper improved so that a region of the continuous elastic predetermined to extend across the middle of the crotch region may be attached to continuous web in a desired condition.

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: Provided is a manufacturing method for a pneumatic tire including the steps of: shaping a cylindrical film formed of a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer composite in which a thermoplastic resin is blended with an elastomer, folding the film into a sheet shape, laminating rubber layers on both surfaces of the folded film, opening the laminate of the film and the rubber layers into a cylindrical shape, fitting the laminate thus opened on a tire making drum, forming the tire pneumatic tire including the film as an air permeation preventing layer, and curing the uncured tire.

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: 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 process is provided for making a fastening element for absorbent sanitary products having first and second parts that are symmetrical with respect to an intermediate plane, each part including a base branch connectable to the first part, and a distal branch connectable to the second part. The base branch and the distal branch are connected together according to a general book-like configuration. A dorsal part of the book-like configuration for connection between the base and the distal branches is set at a distance from said intermediate plane, the base branch connects the two parts to form a single body, each of which can connect mutually facing edges of the end parts of an absorbent sanitary product and to ensure the fastening of the flaps set on the sides. The fastening element can enable releasing and refastening the product and/or adjusting the fit of the product to the wearer's body.

Abstract: A multi-layered balloon is provided where each layer is formed such that each layer is made from tubing that optimizes the inner wall stretch thus providing maximum balloon strength. The high pressure, multi-layer balloon is provided with layers that allow for slipping, such that the balloon has a very high pressure rating and toughness, yet excellent folding characteristics. Methods for producing such multi-layer balloons using existing balloon forming equipment are also provided. The multi-layer balloons can have alternating structural and lubricating layers, or layers with low-friction surfaces. The multi-layer balloons are preferably manufactured using a variety of methods including nesting, co-extrusion, or a combination of nesting and co-extrusion. The multi-layer balloons have balloon layers having substantially similar, or the same, high degree of biaxial orientation of their polymer molecules such that each balloon layer of the multi-layer balloon will fail at approximately the same applied pressure.

Abstract: Two paper webs, saturated with a B-phase phenolic resin and dried, are conveyed through separate low melting point metal alloy baths, one web after being corrugated, to convert the resin to a fully cured phase, whereafter the webs are joined to form a structurally rigid waterproof single face corrugated web.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a pneumatic tire, which is capable of reducing tire failure without leading to reduction in productivity, the method including: folding a cylindrical film made of thermoplastic resin or thermoplastic elastomer composition into a sheet shape; stacking rubber layers on both surfaces of the folded film in a manner that the rubber layers protrude from both edge portions of the film; forming a laminate by cutting protruding parts of the rubber layers into rubber protruding portions each having an amount of protrusion (h) in a range from 3 mm to 20 mm; expanding the laminate into a cylindrical shape and fitting the laminate onto a tire making drum; pressing down each rubber protruding portion toward the surface of the drum by use of a pressure roller; pasting other components of a tire onto the laminate to form an uncured tire; and curing the uncured tire.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pants-type diaper of the present invention includes: a step of carrying a diaper body in a longitudinal direction X; a first folding step of folding a side panel 3 along a first line L1 extending in the longitudinal direction; a first attachment step of attaching first end portions 31 of a pair of side panels 3 to end portions 20a (21a), opposing each other in a girth direction Y, of the front portion 20 or the back portion 21; a second folding step of folding the diaper body 2 along a second line L2 extending along the girth direction Y so that the front portion 20 and the back portion 21 lie on each other; and a second attachment step of attaching second end portions 32 of the pair of side panels 3 to end portions, opposing each other in the girth direction Y, of the back portion 21 or the front portion 20, to which the side panel 3 has not been attached in the first attachment step.

Abstract: A method of making an absorbent core for use in an absorbent article. The method comprising the steps of: a. providing a first absorbent fibrous web material; b. providing a second absorbent fibrous web material; c. providing a pair of rolls forming a nip through which the first and second absorbent fibrous web materials can be processed, the pair of rolls being selected from the processes consisting of, ring rolling, SELF, micro-SELF, and rotary knife aperturing; d. deforming portions of the first absorbent fibrous web material by processing through the pair of rolls; e. deforming portions of the second absorbent fibrous web material by processing through the pair of rolls; and f. combining the first and second absorbent fibrous web materials to form the absorbent core.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for the production of a diaper having a main part comprising a front region, a back region, and a crotch region located there between that comes to rest between the user's legs in the longitudinal direction, and side sections attached on both sides. The method is characterized in that a material web forming the side sections is supplied in the longitudinal direction; the material recesses for attaining an oblique course or contouring of the side sections are formed by placing an opening with a continuous circumferential edge in the material web; the material web is then divided in the longitudinal direction and said separation runs through the opening; sections are removed from the two partial webs transversely to the longitudinal direction in order to form the side sections to be applied on both sides; and the sections are attached to the respective back region and/or to the front region.

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: 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 device for the manufacture of three-dimensional beam type elements in composite material with reinforcing fibres preimpregnated with polymeric resins, starting with laminates (21, 22) layed and precut without polymerization, said device comprising a head (15) that comprises in its turn a roller train (17), it being possible for said head (15) to move longitudinally along a fixed bedplate, in such a way that, as said head (15) moves, the roller train acts on the laminates (21, 22) without polymerization, compacting and forming them, thus forming the laminates (21, 22) with their final geometry in one go, in such a way that said laminates (21, 22) are ready for their subsequent integration. The invention also relates to a method of manufacture of three-dimensional beam type elements in composite material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a producing method of a laminated filter that carries out a corrugating operation and an adhering operation of filter media in the same step. A corrugation forming apparatus (20) sandwiches first and second filter media (12, 14) in their superposed state, and heats and presses the first and second filter media (12, 14) at the softening temperature of the second filter medium (14) to corrugate the filter media (12, 14), and thermally adheres the first and second filter media (12, 14) to each other. With this, it is possible to carry out the corrugating operation and the adhering operation of the first and second filter media (12, 14) in the same step.

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 flexible printed circuit film includes a film including a first region of an adhesion region and a second region outside of the adhesion region, a signal wire formed on the second region, and reinforcement wiring connected to the signal wire and formed on the first region and the second region. The reinforcement wiring includes a bent portion having a plurality of inner corners and a plurality of outer corners, and the inner corners of the reinforcement wiring are spaced apart from a boundary between the first region and the second region. Accordingly, even though an external force is applied to the flexible printed circuit film, the reinforcement wiring may be prevented from being easily damaged.

Abstract: A process for forming curved thermoplastic composite material. According to an illustrative embodiment, the process includes providing a length of straight thermoplastic material; pre-forming the length of straight thermoplastic material into a selected cross-sectional configuration; pressing the length of the straight thermoplastic material; and imparting a curved shape to the length of straight thermoplastic material by providing a curved section and passing the length of straight thermoplastic material through the curved section of a process assembly.

Abstract: A sheet bonding machine for bonding first sheet and a second sheet together includes a transport part, an angling member, and a pressure bond part. The transport part is configured to transport the first sheet and the second sheet and contact the first and the second sheet against each other at a predetermined angle. The angling member is configured to bend at least one of the first sheet and the second sheet. The pressure bond part is provided downstream of a contact position between the first sheet and the second sheet and configured to bond together with pressure the first sheet and the second sheet contacted against each other.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method for forming a composite material mainly composed of carbon fiber. It is difficult to form an H-shaped structural member formed of a prepreg material having carbon fiber fabric impregnated with epoxy resin into a member having curvature. Thus, the structural member is divided into two bendable constructional elements 110 and 120, which are bent to given curvature then adhesively-bonded to form a structural member having curvature.

Abstract: A double-walled liner and an apparatus and method for manufacturing said liner, wherein the outer liner of the double-walled liner is seamed longitudinally and transversely, and wherein the apparatus includes: a frame; a supply section for providing webs of inner and outer liner material; a folding section for folding the webs and including a V-form frame structure comprising mutually converging arms which converge towards an apex.

Abstract: A pre-loaded display strip, apparatus for producing the display strip and methods for producing the display strip are disclosed. The display strip comprises a strip, a hanger at one end of the strip, and a plurality of items adhesively secured to the strip in staggered locations. Apparatus for producing the display strip comprises a station for producing display strip material having discreet portions or pieces of two sided tape thereon or display strip material having a single piece of two sided tape extending the length thereof with discreet portions of the two sided tape exposed. Items or packaging for items are adhesively secured to the two sided tape. A structure composed of two layers of one-sided adhesive tape, adhesive side out, and methods for the production of the structure are also disclosed. A display strip with discreet pieces of adhesive sleeve strips made from one-sided adhesive tape is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing cellular laminate structural panels includes one or more supply stations of a flexible strip material including folding rollers for sequentially folding the strip material into cellular structures and feeding the cellular structures into a conveyor where the cellular structures are held in compression. The apparatus further includes a laminating station where the folded cellular structures are laminated to an upper and/or lower sheet material to which lines of a bonding medium have been applied prior to engagement with the cellular structures. The folded cellular structures are heated before engaging the sheet material so as to enhance the bonding of the sheet material to the cellular structures and subsequent to bonding, the laminate is passed through a cooling station to set the bonding medium.

Abstract: This invention relates to a low cost loop material for a hook and loop fastener having at least one sheet of flexible nonwoven material intermittently bonded to inelastic oriented film. The invention further relates to methods for producing these loops.

Abstract: A method of determining an adjusted color to be used for computing colorants for printing on a specified substrate, comprising: specifying an apparent color; estimating diffuse reflection from an outside surface of colorants when printed on the specified substrate; and adjusting the specified color for the effects of the estimated diffuse reflection to determine a color to be used for computing the colorants.

Abstract: A method for agent-based operation of a robotic device. In the method, at least one condition is detected in various locations of a room with a plurality of sensors. In a plurality of agents associated with respective areas of the room, the plurality of agents being configured to control at least one condition in the respective associated areas, sensed data is received from at least one of the plurality of sensors. In addition, it is determined whether the received sensed data are outside of respective predetermined ranges, and information related to the sensed data in response to the sensed data being outside of the predetermined ranges is transmitted to the robotic device. In the robotic device, the information received from one or more of the plurality of agents is processed to determine whether components of a cooling system are to be manipulated to vary a characteristic of cooling fluid supplied to the various locations of the room.

Abstract: A substrate of label stock or the like has pressure sensitive adhesive on one side, covered by release material. The release material is folded back or removed along one edge of the substrate, exposing the pressure sensitive adhesive along that edge. A transparent laminate is secured to the substrate by the exposed pressure sensitive adhesive. A photograph of other document can be secured inside the device by lifting the unadhered portion of the laminate, placing the photograph between the laminate and the substrate, removing the release layer to expose the remainder of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer, and pressing the photograph and laminate against the lower substrate. The photograph is preferably smaller than the laminate product, so that the laminate is secured to the substrate around all edges of the photograph.

Abstract: The pressure element (7) is designed for gluing a bandlike covering (4) by means of an adhesive onto a narrow face (3) (edge) of straight or curved (profiled) cross section of a board element (2) or for gluing a film onto a profile bar having a surface of straight or profiled cross section. The pressure element (7) has an elastically deformable pressure face (30). High adhesive bonding strength and high surface quality are achieved in a simple, uncomplicated and cost-effective way by means of only a few pressure elements.

Abstract: A method for producing tapes in pairs for the manufacture of closing tapes for baby diapers. The tapes are formed mirror-symmetrically and secured on the baby diapers in pairs. The method comprises the following steps: a web of material is separated in four strips, whereby two strips are processed as plane support tapes. The two other strips are guided via reversing stations over the support tapes and folded to form release tapes that each comprise a short leg and a long leg. Closing tapes that comprise male or female closing elements for a mechanical self-closure, are laminated to the support tapes in the direction of transport of these support tapes. The release tapes are applied to the support tapes in the direction of transport, whereby the short leg is glued to the support tape, and the long leg at least partly covers the closing tape that has been applied to the support tape. There is also a device for producing the tapes using the method described above.

Abstract: A method is provided for continuous mass production of winged absorbent articles, including T-shaped absorbent articles, by attachment of wing portions to the chassis of the absorbent article which comprises a topsheet, a backsheet and a core sandwiched between the topsheet and the backsheet. The method comprises feeding at least one web of wing-making material, which may be at least partly elasticated, simultaneously attaching landing zones in spaced apart relationship on a surface of the web, attaching tape tabs on the edge of the web, folding the web longitudinally in a generally Z-fold configuration, feeding the chassis of the absorbent article in the general direction of the web, severing individual folded wing portions from said web and attaching the winged portions to the chassis at predetermined spaced intervals.

Abstract: A continuous strip of framing material suitable for use in making filter products that can be provided of indefinite length and which is storable as a flat product capable of being wound into roll form. Moreover, the continuous strip of framing material includes features to create a three-dimensional frame structure for wrapping about filtration media in a manner to provide a strong and effective filter product assembly.

Abstract: An isolated tracer includes an elongated tube, a layer of insulation covering the tube, and a layer of tape compressing the insulation to provide a desired conductance rate for the isolated tracer. The isolated tracer is made by passing a pipe concurrently through a funnel-shaped die with a layer of insulation and wrapping tape around the insulation after it leaves the die. The insulation is compressed to a desired amount to provide a desired conductance rate by adjusting tension on the tape as it is wound about the insulation covering the tube.

Abstract: The printed web of paper, from which label booklets are formed, is provided in a punching unit with punch cuts, which form at least one row of punched areas and non-punched areas, wherein the punched areas remain joined to the non-punched areas respectively along a line running in the transverse direction of the web of paper. In the folding unit each punched area is deflected out of the plane of the web of paper by a blast of compressed air, is folded over contrary to the running direction by means of a pressure roller and pressed onto the associated non-punched area. In the laminating unit a transparent web of plastic provided with a self-adhesive coating on its underside is laminated over the folded web of paper and pressed so that a multilayered web is formed, which on its underside lies on a support web, which is provided with an anti-adhesive coating on its side facing the web of paper.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of achieving low tension, highly conformable elasticized areas in a nonwoven web construction such as may be suitable for the waistbands or leg openings of disposable absorbent pant garments, cuffs on sleeves of medical garments, or the like. A web, or webs, of nonwoven material which make up the substrate for the elasticized area are provided to be very light weight and flexible and provide the minimal amount of substrate to which an elastomeric liquid barrier material is affixed. The absorbent, or liquid retention, section of an absorbent garment article made according to the present invention will have its own barrier layer facing the backsheet, in order that the backsheet may be composed of a light and conformable material.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for making an elastic composite sheet including a pair of rolls adapted to bond respective surfaces of a inelastic sheet and a elastic sheet and fed together into a nip of the rolls. One of the rolls is formed with ridges while the other roll is formed with grooves and the ridges are engaged with the grooves with spaces left between surfaces of the ridges and the grooves to form the inelastic sheet on its surface with stripe-like crests and flat troughs each defined between each pair of the adjacent crests; and the inelastic sheet is bonded along its troughs to the surface of the elastic sheet.

Abstract: A method for producing an electrically conductive filler by placing a web of core material onto an interior surface of a web of conductive layer material. The webs of core material and conductive layer material are directed through a forming station for folding the conductive layer around the core. The filler having a substantially non-conductive core and a conductive layer. The conductive layer is wrapped around the core to form a closed loop thereby establishing conductivity from a bottom of the filler to a top of the filler by paths on each of two sides of the filler.

Abstract: A roll-to-roll method of creating extended text labels includes introducing first and second web materials to a continuous, in-line, single pass, roll-to-roll press in a machine direction. In the machine direction of the press, selected graphics are printed on the first and second web materials. The first web material is selectively cut to create a foldable portion therein, with the foldable portion being in a substantially transversely folded relationship relative to the machine direction. The foldable portion of the first web material is then folded, and the first web material including the foldable portion and the second web material are joined to form a married web. The married web is then selectively cut such that at least one extended text label is created therewithin.

Abstract: An automated process of making a medical test implement, such as a LEAP Testing Implement, includes the steps of providing a handle element, providing a deformable test element, and mechanically mating the deformable test element to the handle element so that at least a portion of the deformable test element extends from the handle element. The deformable test element deforms when a predetermined load is applied thereto.

Abstract: A filter rod making machine wherein successive increments of a stream constituting a converted tow of filamentary filter material for tobacco smoke are contacted by a compressing tool which is vibrated at a frequency and/or amplitude sufficient to prevent over-heating of the tool and/or of filaments of filter material, such as acetate fibers. Conversion of the tow into the stream and the wrapping of the compressed stream into a running web of filter paper are carried out in a conventional manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing cellular laminate structural panels includes one or more supply stations of a flexible strip material including folding rollers for sequentially folding the strip material into cellular structures and feeding the cellular structures into a conveyor where the cellular structures are held in compression. The apparatus further includes a laminating station where the folded cellular structures are laminated to an upper and/or lower sheet material to which lines of a bonding medium have been applied prior to engagement with the cellular structures. The folded cellular structures are heated before engaging the sheet material so as to enhance the bonding of the sheet material to the cellular structures and subsequent to bonding, the laminate is passed through a cooling station to set the bonding medium.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for making a laminate comprising at least the following steps: placing a metal sheet on a form tool or a substrate, placing an adhesive layer on top of the first metal sheet, placing a second metal sheet on top of the adhesive layer such that at least one of the metal sheets overlaps at least one edge of the other metal sheet, applying heat and pressure to the thus obtained stack, where during the application of pressure at least one of the metal sheets is bent towards the plane of the other metal sheet. Thus, complicated structures can be optimized for a certain application and, besides, manufactured in one go using comparatively inexpensive tools.

Abstract: A flexible duct construction and method of manufacture is provided in which the duct is formed from a continuously wound elongate member comprising a core of insulating material, a reinforcing wire element and a casing comprising a strip of substrate material extending around the core and the reinforcing element. In the preferred method of manufacture, adhesive is applied to one side of the strip of substrate, the casing has a tail part extending from a generally circular part which encapsulates the core and the reinforcing element, and the elongate encapsulated insulating member is wound helically so that the circular part of one winding overlies and adheres to the tail part of the previous winding.

Abstract: A product, apparatus and process for lamination of a sheet of polymer film onto a sheet of light weight web material. An incoming sheet of material is slit into narrow webs, which may be folded by a folding guide, and separated by use of turning bars and guides. The narrow webs then enter an embossing or laminating station. The lamination process joins the two sheets which are of different widths to allow the process to produce stock for different final products. The laminate of folded webs and polymer may be slit and/or unfolded prior to being stored on a take-up reel.

Abstract: A longitudinally reinforced liner for cured in place pipe rehabilitation of an existing pipeline having a plurality of high-strength low-elongation fiber bundles disposed between resin impregnable layers of the liner is provided. The bundles of reinforcing fibers are continuous lengths of reinforcing fibers laid out adjacent to each other and parallel onto about one-half of the middle region of the upper surface of the outer resin impregnable layer. An inner resin impregnable layer formed into a tube is laid up against the outer layer and the reinforcing fiber bundles and a plurality of bundles of reinforcing fibers are laid out along the exposed surface of the flattened inner layer. The edges of the outer layer are wrapped around the inner layer and bundles of reinforcing fibers and the secured to form an outer tubular layer with the reinforcing strands remaining in position between the two layers.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an automotive sunshade panel formed from a metallic hollow panel and having flanged edges and a two-dimensional curved surface or a three-dimensional curved surface formed at least partially of its central portion excepting the peripheries of the metallic hollow panel. For use in the present invention, a fabric may be laminated to at least one side of the metallic hollow panel. The metallic hollow panel is formed into a one-side expanded Roll-Bond® panel, a both-side expanded Roll-Bond® panel, a both-side flat three-layer Roll-Bond® panel or a honeycomb panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite comprising a thermoplastic resin and a glass fabric that can be used in the form of a linear extrudate as a structural member or as a repair unit. The resin glass fiber composite structural member can be manufactured in an extrusion process. The linear extrudate can have a cross-section of any arbitrary shape or can be a regular geometric shape. The profile is made by first preforming the glass fabric into a useful shape, combining the preform fabric with melt resin and extruding the resin and glass fiber in a useful shape. When contacted with melt resin, the glass fiber becomes intimately contacted with and substantially coated with the melt resin.

Abstract: A laminated pad and method of manufacturing such pad wherein the laminated pad includes a grip portion and a work surface. The work surface may be comprised of any of a variety of substances including absorbent material, abrasive material, or polishing material. The grip portion may be upstanding for facile gripping with one's fingers.

Abstract: A colinear laminate honeycomb panel permits the use of two or more different materials to form a single panel. In this manner, a retractable cover for an architectural opening may be formed that has a different appearance depending upon which side of the panel is being viewed. The resultant panel is formed by attaching a plurality of elongated precursor tubular cells, wherein each precursor tubular cell itself comprises at least two strips of material held in proximity to one another by a common carrier strip.