Abstract: A method of manufacturing reinforced tags using a press is disclosed which includes providing a continuously moving web of tag material. A web of reinforcing material is also provided and die cut into reinforcing patches. The reinforcing material has a pressure sensitive adhesive thereon. A first portion of the patches is adhered to a first major surface of the continuously moving web of tag material so it extends beyond said first major surface. A second portion of the patches is contacted with a stationary curved surface which folds the patches as they move along the folder so that the second portion is folded around an edge of the tag material and adheres to a second major surface of the web of tag material. A hole is then cut in each tag unit at a location such that it extends through the patch at a point where it is adhered to two major surfaces of each tag unit. The web of tag material is then cut into the individual tag units.

Abstract: Gypsum board having inorganic fiber, preferably glass fiber, preferably glass fiber, includes providing face sheets which have been completely impregnated with a gypsum slurry so as to penetrate through said random interstices between the inorganic fibers and to thereby cover the board surfaces with gypsum slurry. The gypsum board product is formed by passing the wet gypsum board through a board forming station having double forming plates, an upper forming plate having at least a portion thereof being set at a predetermined angle relative to a lower forming plate and having a separation between the forming plates defining a predetermined dimension substantially equal to the desired thickness of the manufactured gypsum board product. The method provides a multilayer gypsum board having a polymeric compound added to unset gypsum so as to provide a gypsum board ready for finishing.

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: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a flexible curtain as disclosed and claimed. Edges of a polymeric material are folded back on themselves. A portion of the edges are secured and a portion is left unsecured or free. The flexible curtain is used in a windlocking apparatus to prevent the unwanted intrusion of wind, water and debris into a building opening. The free, or unsecured flap of the folded edge absorbs shock associated with storm disturbances. Edge rollers are used to laminate the edges of the curtains selectively such that only a portion of the edge is secured leaving the flap unsecured. Stitching, ultrasonic welding and gluing are alternative ways and/or additional ways of providing for the securement of a portion of the edge to itself. Perforations are made in the secured portion of the folded edge.

Abstract: A method for positioning side panels during manufacture of a pant includes positioning the side panels within fluid flow devices. The side panels can move parallel or perpendicular to a pant transport plane as the pant is transported in the machine direction and the side panels reside within the fluid flow devices. The side panels can include refastenable fastening components. The method and apparatus can move the fastening components closer together in the cross-machine direction while the side panels reside within the fluid flow devices.

Abstract: A dunnage platform is in the general shape of a rectangular slab with legs extending form one side. The dunnage platform is made from an expanded polystyrene core. A chemical combination process is used to chemically combine portion of the core proximal to its surface with high impact polystyrene. In a first of two parts of the combination process, the core is placed in a forming mold with one of its two sides and two thirds of its thickness extending therefrom. A heated sheet of high impact polystyrene is brought into contact with the portion of the core extending from the mold. In a similar manner, the other of the two sides of the core is made to extend from the forming mold for contact with a heated sheet of high impact polystyrene.

Abstract: A building material having a durable exterior finish comprising a fiber cement substrate laminated with a fluorohydrocarbon protective film. The protective film provides the fiber cement substrate with resistance to weathering and maintains the surface texture of the underlying fiber cement substrate while providing an aesthetically pleasing and uniform pre-finish on the exterior surface. The protective film is bonded to the fiber cement substrate using an adhesive composition comprised of a one-component moisture cure polyurethane or polyurea adhesive composition having a reactive isocyanate compound or a two component polyurethane or polyurea composition.

Abstract: A fabric for use in an architectural covering device includes a plurality of elongated vanes preferably of tubular configuration having a pair of flaps extending longitudinally along the entire length of the vane. A continuous face sheet material has elongated folds at spaced intervals that are secured along the flaps of the vanes so as to pivotally connect the vanes to the face sheet material at predetermined spaced intervals. The fabric is adapted to be supported with an operational system in an architectural opening so that if the vanes are suspended vertically they are slidably movable laterally of the window opening and pivotally movable about vertical longitudinal axes to extend and retract as well as open and close the covering. An apparatus and method for forming the fabric is also disclosed as well as systems for finishing the endmost vanes in the fabric.

Abstract: A process according to the present invention comprises feeding first and second webs and waist elastic members in a machine direction; joining the elastic members to the first and second webs and joining the webs to each other; joining to the first web; coating the first and second adhesive zones with adhesives; joining the second web folded inward in a cross direction to the first web and the panel in vicinities of transversely opposite side edges; successively cutting away transversely middle zones of the composite web along first cutting lines and folding the composite web together with the panel inward in the cross direction; and bonding respective halves of the composite web thus folded to each other in vicinities of second cutting lines and cutting the composite web together with the elastic members along the second cutting lines to make a plurality of the diapers.

Abstract: A gypsum wallboard may have a paper-covered first face with shaped regions formed along side portions near the wallboard edges, and a fibrous mat-covered second face. The fibrous mat material covering the second face extends around the wallboard edges and is overlapped by portions of the paper on the first face. The wallboard can be manufactured by depositing a gypsum slurry onto a moving web of the fibrous mat material, applying a web of the paper to the deposited gypsum slurry, and forming shaped regions in the side portions of the top surface.

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: Tubular-shaped flexible members for air springs are made of rubber or rubber-like elastomers and are reinforced by reinforcement layers. In order that the air spring flexible member can roll telescopically off a roll-off piston, the tubular-shaped flexible member sections must be brought into a slightly conical or bottle-like configuration and then vulcanized in this form. A method forms and vulcanizes an air spring flexible member blank and utilizes an apparatus which includes a mold defining a bellied inner wall defining a common hollow space for receiving the air spring flexible member blank therein. A pressure bellows unit includes a pressure bellows extending axially in the common hollow space as well as first and second end pieces joined to the pressure bellows at corresponding longitudinal ends thereof.

Abstract: A method/apparatus closes and finishes an open end of a product that can be fused together with heat. The apparatus includes a bending stage, a fusing stage, and a pressing/cooling stage, which all can be integrally formed, with the bending stage positioned upstream of the fusing stage, and the pressing/cooling stage positioned downstream of the fusing stage. The apparatus can further include a trimming stage positioned upstream of the bending stage for preparing the ends of a panel. The product has a pair of spaced layers with edges that form an open end. Either one or both of the layers can be heated and rolled toward the other layer while being heated so that they contact and fuse together. The layers can overlap and fuse at their contact surfaces, or the edges can abut to form a butt joint, or the edges can overlap slightly.

Abstract: New processes and apparatus for forming lap seams and making prefastened disposable absorbent articles are disclosed. The apparatus can include an interior folding mechanism adapted to position a first panel in an interior position and an exterior folding mechanism adapted to position a second panel in an exterior position relative to the interior position. The interior folding mechanism can include a mandrel defining a curved peripheral surface and an interior forming shoulder in proximity to the mandrel. A fluid pressure device can establish an air flow between the mandrel and the interior forming shoulder. The forming shoulder can modify the direction of the air flow as the first panel travels in a machine direction to increasingly fold the panel over the curved peripheral surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of fabricating an absorbent article. In one method of the invention, combination containment flaps and leg cuffs are formed on a common substrate. A plurality of elastomeric elements are included in the combination article to assist in forming containment flaps. Discrete leg cuff pieces are applied to the substrate at longitudinally spaced locations. In some embodiments, a cutting device slits the substrate substantially along a center line extending the length of the substrate, forming two continuous substrate portions. A glue gun applies adhesive to the substrate portion. The substrate portions are folded lengthwise, using the adhesive to form integral containment flaps and leg cuffs in a composite substrate. The composite substrate is secured to an absorbent article web sausage in forming absorbent articles. In another embodiment, the substrate is a first substrate which supports elastomeric elements used in forming leg cuffs and containment flaps.

Abstract: A vacuum-assisted tape applicator includes means for transporting the tape toward the object;, means for applying the tape onto adjacent first and second sides of the object; and means for cutting the tape to form a tag. The means for applying includes means for contacting the tape to the first side of the object with the longitudinal centerline of the tape, substantially perpendicular to the common edge; means for contacting the tape to the second side of the object with the longitudinal centerline of the tape substantially parallel to the direction of object travel; and means for wiping the tape from the longitudinal centerline toward the transverse edges to minimize bubbles under the tape and wrinkles in the tape. The apparatus can include means for holding the tape during application. The length of the leading leg of the tag can be adjusted and the applying force can also be adjusted to reduce crushing the corners of the object.

Abstract: New processes and apparatus for forming lap seams and making prefastened disposable absorbent articles are disclosed. The apparatus can include an interior folding mechanism adapted to position a first panel in an interior position and an exterior folding mechanism adapted to position a second panel in an exterior position relative to the interior position. The interior folding mechanism can include a mandrel defining a curved peripheral surface and an interior forming shoulder in proximity to the mandrel. A fluid pressure device can establish an air flow between the mandrel and the interior forming shoulder. The forming shoulder can modify the direction of the air flow as the first panel travels in a machine direction to increasingly fold the panel over the curved peripheral surface.

Abstract: A vacuum-assisted tape applicator includes means for transporting the tape toward the object; means for applying the tape onto adjacent first and second sides of the object; and means for cutting the tape to form a tag. The means for applying includes means for contacting the tape to the first side of the object with the longitudinal centerline of the tape substantially perpendicular to the common edge; means for contacting the tape to the second side of the object with the longitudinal centerline of the tape substantially parallel to the direction of object travel; and means for wiping the tape from the longitudinal centerline toward the transverse edges to minimize bubbles under the tape and wrinkles in the tape. The apparatus can include means for holding the tape during application. The length of the leading leg of the tag can be adjusted and the applying force can also be adjusted to reduce crushing the corners of the object.

Abstract: In a method of forming a composite web structure that is finishable to form a disposable absorbent garment, a topsheet assembly is formed having a pair of longitudinally-extending, elasticized leg cuffs. The topsheet assembly is then applied on a core assembly to create a first web structure assembly. A backsheet assembly is also formed which includes a backsheet material, and this backsheet assembly is applied on the first web structure assembly to form a second web structure assembly. Then, the second web structure assembly is cut at one or more locations to form the finishable composite web structure. The step of forming a topsheet assembly generally includes providing two webs of topsheet material and two webs of elastic material; applying each web of elastic material onto one of the webs of topsheet material to form two subsequent webs; and folding each of the subsequent webs about the elastic material to create an assembly having elasticized leg cuffs.

Abstract: A thermoplastic trim strip is mounted to an edge face of a wood-core furniture panel by applying a face of the trim strip directly to the edge face and bonding the trim-strip face directly to the panel-edge face. The panel has outer faces terminating at the edge face and the trim strip is provided with edge lips that project past the broad faces when the strip is bonded to the edge face. The edge lips are melted over onto the panel faces and trimmed off where they project past the panel faces. A thin layer of glue can be applied between a face of the trim strip and the edge face and the trim-strip face is bonded to the panel-edge face by means of the glue layer.

Abstract: A cementitious panel comprising a cementitious core which is fabric-reinforced at the surface thereof and whose longitudinal edges are reinforced by a network of fibers. A panel may be obtained wherein the surface edge reinforcement layers are relatively strong and hard such that a nail or screw may be driven through the edge of panel without pre-drilling and without breaking, even when nailed or screwed almost at the very limit of the edge of the panel. Such a panel may provide a long lasting substrate for humid or wet areas such as shower rooms and bath rooms.

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 label applicator for dispensing and applying labels to articles includes a label leading edge indicating sensor and an adjustable peel bar held at a pickup position. A label support may be used with larger labels that have been partially peeled from a backing strip and remain at the pickup position. Printed labels to be applied to an article have a portion of the surface area of an adhesive side removed from the backing strip before the label is taken by a label pick-up-and-applicating device. A print head may be included in the label applicator between the indicating sensor and the adjustable peel bar. A number of labels may be picked-up simultaneously from the backing strip by a number of pick-up heads to be applied to a number of separate articles.

Abstract: A pants-type diaper, is provided which is equipped with leg-hole elastics which effectively encircle the leg-holes without traversing the crotch region. Also provided are methods for producing such diapers. Typical products of this type are provided with an outer laminate, formed of an inner liner material and an outer backsheet material between which the leg-hole elastics are disposed. The invention provides for the removal of a strip of inner liner material carrying undesirable crotch-region elastic strands prior to lamination or combining of the remaining inner liner with a complementary outer layer backsheet.

Abstract: This invention concerns a continuous manufacturing process of sections (11) or plates from soft matter (2) which is extruded under heat and encased by at least one strip sheet (3, 3′), said encased matter subsequently being calendered, shaped to the desired profile and finally cut into lengths, process which is particularly remarkable in that the matter used is a mixture containing a non-synthetic binder and water, so that the mixture becomes sticky by undergoing said heat treatment in an aqueous medium, which assures adhesion of the casing onto the matter during calendering, while the product undergoes at least one drying operation after said calendering operation. The binder is advantageously starch-based and the mixture may also contain a plasticizer, for example containing urea. The invention also concerns an installation for implementation of the process and the products thus obtained.

Abstract: The present invention is characterized by comprising a two-pack adhesive of an A agent selected from components, an acrylic monomer, a peroxide, a reducing agent, an epoxy resin precursor and a curing agent and containing at least one or two of the acrylic monomer, the peroxide and the reducing agent, and a B agent containing all of the remaining components which are not selected in the A agent. The use of this adhesive makes it possible to stably obtain the bonding free from a thermal stress with the excellent heat resistance and the good reliability.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of fabricating an absorbent article. In one method of the invention, combination containment flaps and leg cuffs are formed on a common substrate. A plurality of elastomeric elements are included in the combination article to assist in forming containment flaps. Discrete leg cuff pieces are applied to the substrate at longitudinally spaced locations. In some embodiments, a cutting device slits the substrate substantially along a center line extending the length of the substrate, forming two continuous substrate portions. A glue gun applies adhesive to the substrate portion. The substrate portions are folded lengthwise, using the adhesive to form integral containment flaps and leg cuffs in a composite substrate. The composite substrate is secured to an absorbent article web sausage in forming absorbent articles. In another embodiment, the substrate is a first substrate which supports elastomeric elements used in forming leg cuffs and containment flaps.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a self-mailer using a folding apparatus for folding sheets into folded materials and a tabbing apparatus for sealing the folded materials with tabs in a continuous flow. Typically a folded material exits the folded apparatus with the open end of the folded material leading and this traveling direction of the folded material is not suitable for tabbing. A path directing apparatus is placed between the folding apparatus and the tabbing apparatus so as to cause the folded material to enter the tabbing apparatus with the open end of the folded material leading. As such, the entire process can be carried out without manually reversing the traveling direction of the folded material. In addition, a printer and a labeling device can be added to the self-mailer producing system to put on an address label, a postage indicia and a return address while keeping the process steps in a continuous flow.

Abstract: A method and unit for applying labels to packets of cigarettes, traveling in a given direction along a first path with a given spacing and arranged a given distance apart, provide for feeding a gripping head along a second path, and applying each label to a first face of a respective packet by inserting the gripping head between one packet and the adjacent following packet to roll the gripping head and apply the label along the first face, which is perpendicular to the given direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laminating a decorative lamination film to an extruded substrate is disclosed. The decorative lamination film may be clear, translucent, pearlescent, or opaque and it is compressed against the extruded substrate between a pair of rollers. In the context of vertical blind louvers, the rollers and the decorative lamination film are wider than the extruded substrate, the side edges of the extruded substrate being temporarily pressed upward in contact with the lamination film. The roller in contact with the lamination film is heated to a temperature sufficient to melt a central length of the lamination film that is contact with the extruded substrate, and thereby under increased pressure, but not so hot as to melt the unused side lengths of the lamination film. The unused side lengths, therefore, do not melt and naturally separate from the central length.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of fabricating an absorbent article. In one method of the invention, combination containment flaps and leg cuffs are formed on a common substrate. A plurality of elastomeric elements are included in the combination article to assist in forming containment flaps. Discrete leg cuff pieces are applied to the substrate at longitudinally spaced locations. In some embodiments, a cutting device slits the substrate substantially along a center line extending the length of the substrate, forming two continuous substrate portions. A glue gun applies adhesive to the substrate portion. The substrate portions are folded lengthwise, using the adhesive to form integral containment flaps and leg cuffs in a composite substrate. The composite substrate is secured to an absorbent article web sausage in forming absorbent articles. In another embodiment, the substrate is a first substrate which supports elastomeric elements used in forming leg cuffs and containment flaps.

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 dust bag comprises a filter bag consisting of a filter material. In a first wall portion of the filter bag, an inlet opening is provided through which the air flow to be cleaned gets into the filter bag. On the inner surface of the wall portion opposite the inlet opening, there lies a protective layer of a resistant material of great tensile strength. This protective layer extends as a strip through the filter bag and prevents damage to the inner surface of the filter bag caused by particles striking the same.

Abstract: A method of making a slitted or particulate absorbent material for an absorbent article such as sanitary napkins, diapers, incontinence devices, and the like. The method can be carried out in situ on another component of the absorbent article in a manufacturing process without cutting the other component. In one embodiment, the absorbent material is placed between two canier webs, and a force is applied to the composite of the absorbent material and the carrier webs. The force breaks the absorbent material, but only deforms the carrier webs to provide a self-contained web of particulate material between two carrier webs.

Abstract: The method of making a shaped tube of absorbent material for the sanitary napkin, in one embodiment, involves the steps of: (a) providing a web of absorbent material, the web of absorbent material having a length, a width, a longitudinal centerline oriented in the direction of the length of the web of absorbent material, a first surface and an opposed second surface; (b) providing a cover for the first and second surfaces of the web of absorbent material; (c) at least partially covering the first and second surfaces of the web of absorbent material with the cover to form a composite web having longitudinal side margins; (d) folding the composite web at least once with folds defining fold lines that are arranged about the longitudinal centerline of the web of absorbent material; and (e) autogenously bonding a portion of the cover that covers the first surface of the web of absorbent material to a portion of the cover that covers an opposing portion of the second surface of the web of absorbent material.

Abstract: Methods an apparatus and a system in which reclosable bags and components thereof are formed. The reclosable bags 2001 are made from base web material that has transversely applied fastener tape segments thereon. The web material is used in a vertical form, fill and seal bag forming method. The method includes the steps of supplying a continuous strip of tape, having male and female fasteners profiler across the web for sealing thereon. In one embodiment a continuous strip of barrier material, and a continuous strip of fastener having first and second interlocked fastener profile strips are positioned on the continuous strip of tape; and secured thereon, the barrier tape is folded to obtain a fold and two opposing barrier tape fastener strip connecting portions; and, the fold is slit to form two separate continuous strips of barrier material strips and two continuous strips of tape. In another embodiment a coating is applied to the tape itself to prevent sealing of the folded slit tape to itself.

Abstract: A plurality of binder strips (2) are removably arranged successively one after another on a band-shaped carrier film (1), with the lengthwise direction of the binder strips arranged perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the carrier film. Each binder strip (2) includes an adherent portion (3) having an adhesive on a bottom surface thereof, and a non-adherent portion (7) having holes punched therein suitable for being received on a ring binder or prong fastener or the like. The carrier film (1) has registration marks (6) provided thereon, so that the carrier film can be automatically advanced and sharply deflected over a release edge (14) in an apparatus, whereby the successive binder strips (2) are released from the carrier film (1) and adhered onto a page (16) of sheet goods being advanced through an adjacently located sheet folding machine.

Abstract: A method for adhesively joining two members includes the steps of mixing non-compressible beads with an adhesive, applying the resulting mixture to one of the members and hemming one member over the other in overlapping relationship. Apparatus for performing this method includes a container for containing a mixture of an adhesive and a plurality of non-compressible beads, an applicator for applying the mixture to one of the members, and hemming means for hemming one member over the other in overlapping relationship. A metering device for dispensing adhesive fluid is constructed with a dispensing rod having a cooling means for facilitating operation of the metering device. The present invention finds particular utility in bonding together the inner and outer panels of an automotive door assembly.

Abstract: An improved method is disclosed for the fusing, joining or seaming of cellulosic materials. The method utilizes a hydroxide solution of selected organometallic compounds or metal oxides to rapidly crosslink opposing, overlapping cellulosic surfaces to provide secure seams. In particular, the invention is directed to the production, either on-line or off-line, of tubular cellulosic casings for the manufacture of sausages and sausage-like products. The seams according to this invention have such high shear strength that extremely narrow bond widths are possible. The narrowness of the bond site eliminates or minimizes striping or discoloration of the finished product.

Abstract: Reflective aluminum trim for use in automobiles, trucks, boats and a variety of household and industrial appliances is produced by forming aluminum strip into a desired shape, followed by selective application of a fluoropolymer protective coating to only a partial portion of the show surface of the shaped strip and the application of a thermoplastic to the portions of the show surface not covered by the protective coating. The resulting trim piece has a highly reflective aluminum show surface which has a high distinctness of reflected image. The thermoplastic is preferably co-extruded onto the shaped aluminum strip using an adhesive to bond the thermoplastic directly to an un-coated portion of the aluminum surface. Prior to application of the thermoplastic, a single heating step may be used to cure both the protective coating and the adhesive.

Abstract: A method of forming electrically insulated magnet wire and a coil formed therefrom. The method involves feeding a flexible electrical insulation tape along a path which converges with a path along which the wire to be wrapped is conveyed. Along the tape travel path at a location upstream of the point where the tape and wire converge, a quantity of heat activated adhesive that has been heated to a sticky state is applied to the passing tape. Then, before the adhesive coating sets, the adhesive coated tape reaches the point of convergence with the wire and is adhered to the wire to provide an electrical insulating wire wrap. The method of the invention provides for a longitudinal, partial wrapping of a conductor wire that furnishes suitable turn-to-turn insulation in coils formed with the wrapped wire.

Abstract: Pile weatherstripping having rows of pile and longitudinal fins both within and external to the rows of pile. The heights of the fins with respect to the height of the pile may be independently varied and controlled. A travelling endless band receives a pair of first webs providing internal fins on opposite sides of the band. The first webs are indexed to the edges of the band, which defines the heights of the fins. Each web may be independently indexed. Alignment of the webs on the band is provided either by an aligning fixture or by coining the webs to provide lines of indentations which index the webs at the edges of the band. The yarn which forms the pile is wound around the first webs. Second webs providing the external fins are indexed through the yarn and first webs to the edges of the band and are also aligned by a second aligning fixture or by coining. Backing strips are attached, as by ultrasonic welding, along the edges of the band. Then the yarn is slit without cutting into the webs.

Abstract: Continuous process for manufacturing, in a cold press (11), plastic laminates with copper laminae and intermediate layers of prepreg, by multicomposition bands (78, 98,118) with copper laminae (62, 63, 82, 83, 103, 103) and bands (73-75, 93-95, 113-115) of prepreg continuously fed in from reels (60, 61, 70-72) which, placed one upon another, pass through the press (11),endothermic heating being provided by circulating electric current in the fractions of copper laminae (62, 63, 82, 83, 102, 103) which remain pressed in the press (11) during cyclic closing stages.

Abstract: A masking device is produced by folding a first material to form a pleat that serves as an extension or handle, for the device. By folding the first sheet of material at three fold lines, a pleat is formed. If the piece of material is coated with adhesive prior to the folding process, two adhesive-coated surfaces will face each other within the body of the pleat, helping to attach two segments of the pleat together to form a more permanent and more rigid extension. The extension, or handle, extends from an unfolded portion of the first piece of material and facilitates the removal of the masking device from either a backing sheet or a surface which is protected by the masking device. The handle also facilitates the application of the masking device to the surface to be protected.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming compound shaped surfaces. A skin conforming to the visual shape of the surface being formed is prepared from a blank sheet of material that is cut to size and includes any desired stamped-out detailing or notched edges or lines. Disposable strips of material are used to form hems in the skin. A preforming die is used to create tight bends or outer contours in the skin. A liner of the desired size and detailing is formed along with two-shaped side flanges. A plurality of ribs or silhouettes are provided and placed into the skin to form and maintain the desired final shape. The pre-formed liner is then assembled to the skin, the ribs being disposed between the liner and the skin.

Abstract: A thin film membrane formed to a predetermined shape is produced by bending the membrane to create a loop and softening the membrane that makes up the loop with either thermal energy or a swelling solvent. The softened loop is then drawn between plates or about a mandrel to form a membrane with a predetermined fold radius. The fold region produced by the method of the instant invention does not require an adhesive sealant to prevent unfiltered liquid from diffusing through the membrane. The method is especially well suited for preparing membranes for use in the production of spiral wound filters.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of manufacturing a filter assembly having a filter frame member (402) and the filter assembly (500) produced thereby. The method includes the step of supporting a filter media (202) preferably using a pair of support members (102 and 204). The support members (102 and 204) hold the filter media in place and allow portions of the filter media (202) to be exposed around the media's periphery. Next, a filter support frame (402) is placed around and in proximity to the exposed filter media. The filter support frame (402) is then welded, preferably ultrasonically, to the exposed portions of the filter media. Once welded, the pleated filter assembly is removed from the support members (102 and 204).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for applying unvulcanized gumstrips in precise overlapping relation on the marginal edges of an unvulcanized tire reinforcement belt or breaker to enhance the adhesion between the reinforcement belt or breaker and surrounding components of a finished, vulcanized tire.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for attaching an elastomeric film laminate web to the longitudinal side edges of an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin. The method involves using a system of different adhesive applying mechanisms (that is, glue guns) and different applications of adhesive in a spiral pattern to provide precise control over the pattern and the amount of adhesive applied to bond the web of material to the absorbent article.

Abstract: A strip of stretch-wrap material having flat, double thickness hems at opposite margins thereof is disclosed. The hemmed strip is formed on apparatus including a first roller having a width less than the width of stock material fed into the machine, whereby opposite margins of the stock material project beyond opposite ends of the roller, and a second roller for guiding the strip at an acute angle from the first roller for causing the opposite marginal portions to fold. The strip is maintained under tension by a take-up roller or other means, and guide bars are provided for further folding the marginal portions beyond 90.degree. angles so that they continue to be folded inwardly against the main body of the strip.