Abstract: A laminated seamless belt having at least a base layer and an outer layer. The base layer contains a polyester thermoplastic elastomer as its main component. The base layer has a volume resistivity set to not less than 1.0×106(?·cm) nor more than 1.0×1011(?·cm). A volume resistivity of the outer layer is set to not less than 1.0×1011(?·cm) and not less than 10 times as large as that of the base layer. The base layer and the outer layer are formed by laminated extrusion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tubular support (12) comprising a composite layer of resin and longitudinal arranged first fibers (66), said tubular support (12) further comprising longitudinal arranged second fibers (68) that are concentrated in discrete domains along the circumference of the tubular support, said second fibers having a Tensile modulus that is higher than the Tensile modulus of said first fibers.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a seal between air ducts and/or terminal units thereof, the method comprising the step of extruding a caulking compound about the perimeter of the air duct to form a continuous seal (4). The invention is implemented by way of extruding the caulking compound by at least two layers so that a second layer (4?) is extruded radially over the first layer (4?).

Abstract: A gripping jig for assembling applies a force to a molded body in a direction perpendicular to an assembling direction. When an assembling load is applied to the molded body, the force is adjustable with an adjustment screw such that the molded body is guided to move in the assembling direction. Since the force is applied from a direction different from the assembling direction, the molded body can move in the assembling direction, and as the force is adjustable, application of the assembling load to the molded body and movement of the molded body can be adjusted. Since a plurality of molded bodies are fixed and assembled respectively, when there are variations in size of the molded bodies, if an excessive assembling load is applied, each molded body is guided to move, so that more uniform assembling load is applied to the plurality of molded bodies.

Abstract: The invention concerns an installation for manufacturing a drip irrigation pipe (8) formed of a pipe (8) provided with drippers (4), including a dripper feed station (37), followed by an extrusion station (10), including an extrusion head (14) producing a tubular blank (22) and means for welding the drippers (4) to the inner wall of said blank (22), characterized in that the dripper welding means (4) include a support surface (50) and a counter-support surface (56) between which the drippers (4) are pressed against said tubular blank (22) so as to be welded thereto, said support (50) and counter-support (56) surfaces being arranged upstream of the calibrating means (24).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a strand-shaped part, wherein a hollow section (16) of metal is extruded, the extruded metal hollow section (16) cools and/or is cooled, and a plastic strand (28) having one or more layers is extruded into the extruded metal hollow section (16) after or during cooling. The plastic strand (28) passes by a dispensing tool (24), exposed to the heat of the extruded metal hollow section (16) of an extruder (34). The dispensing tool is inserted into the metal hollow section (16) and comprises a dispensing outlet (26), which is disposed inside a region of the metal hollow section (16) in which the dispensing tool is cooled in relation to the temperature thereof during extrusion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a multilayered laminate, especially for the production of packagings, having at least one or two oriented film(s) (40) and at least one barrier layer (30), the following steps being carried out: providing two, especially sealable, outer films (40), at least one outer film (40) being an oriented outer film (40), and extruding in between the two outer films (40) an at least three-ply extrudate having a barrier layer material, the extrudate being in the form of a barrier-containing extruded bonding layer (60), and the barrier-containing extruded bonding layer (60) being bounded by two outer plies (10) which are each laminated directly onto the respective outer film (40). The invention relates also to a multilayered laminate produced by this method.

Abstract: Multi-layered film consisting of at least an inner layer (3) and an outer layer (2), with an intermediate layer (4) provided in between, whereby at least the inner and the outer layers (2-3) consist of a homopolymer of polypropylene and/or a copolymer of polypropylene, and whereby the intermediate layer (4) contains at least a mixture of a homopolymer of polypropylene and/or a copolymer of polypropylene with a thermoplastic elastomer, characterized in that the film (1) has a haze of 5% or less.

Abstract: A method of forming a tubular body for a catheter, sheath or lead comprises extruding a polymer core having an integrally formed core wall, first lumen, and second lumen, placing a first layer over an outer circumferential surface of the extruded polymer core, and bonding the first layer to the circumferential surface of the extruded polymer cover via a reflow process. The first and second lumens are mandrel free during the reflow process, and a temperature of the reflow process is below a softening point of the polymer core to maintain a collapse free first and second lumen.

Abstract: A PVC-free multilayer tube, preferably for medical purposes, with more dependable peelability, comprises at least three layers, of which a base layer comprising a first plastics material has been bonded to at least one connection layer comprising a second plastics material by means of at least one buffer layer arranged between the base layer and the at least one connection layer, the buffer layer comprising a third plastics material, wherein the multilayer tube can be used to mold a coil or a loop with a diameter of down to 50 mm without undesirable kinking. Each of the first and second plastics materials is comprised of at least 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the base layer and the connection layer, respectively, of polyolefins, while the third plastics material has a proportion, based on the total weight of the buffer layer, of more than 75% by weight of a thermoplastic elastomer which is not a polyolefin.

Abstract: A vessel closing laminate comprising: a seal laminate (1) comprising a bottom subassembly of layers including a foil layer (5); and a seal substrate attached to the uppermost layer of the bottom subassembly of layers wherein the seal substrate has a bottom foam layer (2) and a top plastic material layer (10) and further includes a free tab (50) lying wholly within the circumference of the seal; a wax layer (11) on top of the plastic material layer of the seal substrate; and an absorbent liner (12) adhered to the plastic layer of the seal substrate by means of the wax layer.

Abstract: A tube for medical applications comprises a chlorine-free material and has a layer defining an outer surface of the tube. The tube is manufactured from a polymer material having a solubility parameter within the range 9.9±1.5 (cal/cm3)1/2.

Abstract: A method for forming a self-expanding stent-graft. The method includes coupling a shape memory member to a polymer cladding to form a polymer clad member, winding a length of the polymer clad member about a mandrel so that the polymer cladding has overlapping regions that form seams, and heating the wound polymer clad member to join and seal the overlapping regions to one another.

Abstract: Coated devices for introduction into bodies and methods for making and using them are provided, such as delivery sheaths, guidewire lumen cores, and elongate leads. In one embodiment, a tubular device includes a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a body lumen, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The tubular device includes a relatively thin inner polyurethane liner including a coating on an inner surface thereof, e.g., providing a lubricious and/or hydrophilic lumen, and an outer layer surrounding the liner. In another embodiment, a lead is provided that includes a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one electrode on the distal end. A polyurethane cover surrounds at least a portion of an outer surface of the lead that include a coating, e.g., including a lubricious and/or hydrophilic material. Optionally, the cover may be removable from around the lead body.

Abstract: An airbag comprises a pair of fabric layers and a thermoplastic covering on the fabric layers applied by extruding the covering onto a surface of each of the fabric layers. The covering is configured to seal the airbag when heated such that no stitched seam is used to seal the airbag. A primer may be applied between a fabric layer surface and covering to aid in adhesion of the covering to the fabric layer. The airbag can also include internal seams formed by the heat sealed, thermoplastic covering composition.

Abstract: A thin ribbon spirally wound polymer conduit and method of forming, wherein a helical reinforcing bead is interposed adjacent overlapping layers of ribbon. Further, a method of continuously forming spirally wound conduit wherein a sacrificial layer, preferably having a different base polymer to that of the conduit, is first applied to the former before the conduit is formed overtop.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for manufacturing a flexible packaging laminates for filling liquids in pouches such as edible oil pouches comprising: —taking granules of polypropylene and medium density polyethylene in the proportion 1-1.5:1.5-2.5 ratio, —melting the said granules at 200/230 deg. C. in 3 layer lawn film extruder to form a co-extruded film, —printing said film by Rotogravure printing technique at 40-60 deg. C., —laminating said printed film with conventional 5 layer co-extruded nylon film at 60-80 deg. C., —curing the said laminated film at 35-45 deg. C. for at least 2 days, —slitting said laminated film to the desired size for using on Form Fill Seal machine (FFS Machine) at temperature 160-180 deg. C. for making pouches to fill liquids such as edible oil pouches.

Abstract: In order to provide a spacer profile for an insulated glazing unit, which profile has a cross-section based on a rectangular shape, is provided with two parallel spaced side walls which, when said insulated glazing unit is assembled, will be placed against the panes of glass to be kept apart from each other, and is further provided with first and second transverse walls which extend between said side walls and of which the first will be adjacent to the edge of the glazing unit and the second will face the space between the panes, with the intention of enabling simple handling of said profile when assembling the spacer frame whilst maintaining a high absorptive capacity for water vapor, it is proposed that said spacer profile comprises a binder matrix and, embedded therein, a particulate adsorbent material for water vapor, and that the binder matrix is permeable to water vapor.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a hose assembly with an inner fluoropolymer layer having a somewhat smooth inner surface and an outer polyamide layer having an undulated surface.

Abstract: A method for producing an extrusion-laminated or heat-laminated extruded film tube is described, in which the film tube is provided with a functional layer.

Abstract: A thin ribbon spirally wound polymer conduit and method of forming, wherein a helical reinforcing bead is interposed adjacent overlapping layers of ribbon. Further, a method of continuously forming spirally wound conduit wherein a sacrificial layer, preferably having a different base polymer to that of the conduit, is first applied to the former before the conduit is formed overtop.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible hose for a vacuum cleaner and a fabricating method thereof. The fabrication method includes the steps of: extruding a primary extrusion molding band 13 having a larger size than a size of a finished state while embedding an electric wire 1 in the primary extrusion molding band 13 at a first extruder 12; molding a multi-extrusion molding band 10 in the size of the finished state at a sizing mold 14; and winding the multi-extrusion molding band 10 at a predetermined angle at a bonder and bonding a bonding portion 2 of the electric embedding portion 3 with a bonding end 4 of the semicircular portions 5 positioned on both sides of the multi-extrusion molding band 10 by using adhesive 8.

Abstract: A multi-layered pipe of arbitrary length and cross-section is produced by co-extrusion of a segmented thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (COPE) outer body over the exterior surface of an annular tubular core of CPVC/PVC having a wall thickness, measured in the radial direction, in the range from about 0.95 mm (38 mils) to about 1.375 mm (55 mils). The COPE is cohesively bonded to the annular core coextensively with essentially the entire length of the pipe. Though the COPE is easily degraded in contact with water, and CPVC and blends of CPVC with less than 25% by weight of PVC are typically rigid when extruded as pipe, a laminated pipe of COPE and CPVC/PVC with the specified wall thickness and overall dimensions which in the laminated pipe satisfy an applicable plumbing code (SDR-11 in the U.S.) has essentially the same performance characteristics as commercially available CPVC pipe which is a monolayer and not a laminate.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy comprising substantially axially stiff and longitudinally flexible elongated members made of material which is bioabsorbable in living tissue and a plurality of radioactive seeds dispersed in a predetermined array within the elongate member. The radioactive seeds can be dispersed within assembled half-shells made of the same material. The housing for the radiation seeds can also be manufactured from extruded material. A system for manufacturing the interstitial radiation therapy seed strands that automatically makes the seed strands at the patient's bedside. The delivery system and method further customize the member based on a prescription.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hose includes the step of extruding a tube assembly comprising (i) a first inner non-foamed layer, (ii) a first outer non-foamed layer positioned around the first inner non-foamed layer, and (iii) a first foamed layer interposed between the first inner non-foamed layer and the first outer non-foamed layer. The method further includes the step of positioning a textile reinforcement on the tube assembly. Additionally, the method includes the step of extruding a cover assembly over the textile reinforcement, the cover assembly comprising (i) a second inner non-foamed layer, (ii) a second outer non-foamed layer positioned around the second inner non-foamed layer, and (iii) a second foamed layer interposed between the second inner non-foamed layer and the second outer non-foamed layer.

Abstract: A method for making an endoluminal prosthesis for implantation within a body lumen to maintain luminal patency, the prothesis including a support structure, such as a wire member, and a polymer component, such as a polymer cladding. The method may include joining a wire member to a polymer cladding, helically wrapping a length of the joined support wire member and polymer cladding such that adjacent windings of the polymer cladding have overlapping regions, and heating the joined support wire member and polymer cladding above the melt point of the polymer cladding.

Abstract: A retreading method wherein a base composition and a cap composition are applied to a carcass (10) as two ribbons (14) and (16) extruded from separate extruders (18) and (20). The ribbons (14) and (16) can be layered and applied to a ready-to-retread carcass (10) simultaneously or, alternatively, the base ribbon (14) can be applied to the ready-to-retread carcass (10) first and the cap ribbon (16) applied thereafter. The carcass (10), with ribbons (14/16) applied thereto, is then inserted into an enclosed heated mold (22) and cured to complete the retread.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing flexible tubes comprising a skirt and a head provided with a neck and a shoulder linking the neck to the skirt, the apparatus having a first zone devoted to manufacturing the skirts, a second zone devoted to manufacturing the flexible tubes, a third zone devoted to finishing the flexible tubes thus produced, a first transfer device transferring the skirts in continuous motion from the first zone to the second zone, and a second transfer device transferring, in continuous motion synchronized with the former, the tubes from the second zone to the third zone.

Abstract: A flow meter is disclosed that is comprised of a base, a driver, pick-offs, and a flow tube made from a fluoropolymer substance. The base of the flow meter is comprised of a first leg and a second leg. The first leg includes a tube opening and an adhesive opening and the second leg includes a tube opening and an adhesive opening. The flow tube passes through the tube openings of the first leg and the second leg. The tube opening of the first leg has a diameter slightly larger than the flow tube to create a gap between the tube opening and the flow tube. The adhesive opening of the first leg provides access to the gap so that adhesive may be applied to the flow tube and an inner surface of the tube opening to affix the flow tube to the base. The adhesive opening in the second leg performs the same function.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for continuously and endlessly vulcanizing a hose is disclosed and claimed. Pressurized air or other gas is intermittently supplied through a woven jacket, a mandrel, a check valve and into the interior of an extruded rubber hose. The hose is sealed as it is pulled over the mandrel. Pinch rollers seal the other end of the hose. One or more non-contact heaters vulcanize the hose from outside-in. Pressurizing the inside of the hose maintains proper diametrical dimensions of the hose.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method and an apparatus for making a spirally-wound tube from a hollow thermoplastic profile (1) having a substantially rectangular cross-section, which method comprises the steps of: winding the thermoplastic profile (1) around a drum (2) and joining adjacent loops together by welding, and smoothing the outer weld joint (13) by means of extra heat and a smoothing body resting against the weld joint (13).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fabricating a drip irrigation pipe, comprising a pipe (5) wherein a plurality of dripping elements (4) are bound, communicating with the outside through holes formed in the pipe wall. The method according to the invention provides that the pipe (5) is extruded and the individual dripping elements (4) are bound therein by consecutively feeding the dripping elements (4) inside the pipe through the extruding head (1). The speed of the dripping elements (4) is higher than that of the pipe upon extrusion at least in the area of first contact between the pipe and the dripping elements (4). The invention also relates to a plant for implementing said method.

Abstract: A condensing heat exchanger is formed of norbornene polymer, preferably a norbornene homopolymer or copolymer. A plurality of norbornene polymer pellets are melted and extruded to form a first tube. The tube is then blow molded into a mold. A second extruded tube is also blow molded into a U-shape, and the first tube is positioned in the U-shaped opening to form a cell. The ends of the cells are attached to a holding plate by thermal adhesion or heating and flaring. Norbornene polymer possesses exceptional thermal resistance to the high temperature flue vent gases and has physical and chemical resistance to the acidic condensate formed by the condensing heat exchanger.

Abstract: A thermoplastic tube for transfer of hydrocarbon fuel comprising an inner fluoroplastic layer and an outer polyamide layer bonded to the fluoroplastic layer wherein an adhesion promoter is included in at least one of the layers is disclosed. The adhesion promoter is an unsubstituted or substituted phenol salt of 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5,4,0]undec-7-ene on a novolac carrier which functions to increase the adhesive bond strength between the two layers. The adhesion promoter provides a chemically bonded adhesion in addition to the mechanical adhesion associated with extrusion or lamination of the layers.

Abstract: A process for forming a heat weld between a catheter shaft and a surrounding balloon comprises selecting an elongate catheter shaft formed of thermoplastic polymeric material that is opaque to red and near-infrared light, and selecting a balloon formed of thermoplastic polymeric material that is transparent or translucent to red and near-infrared light. While a neck of the balloon is fitted in close contact around a distal portion of the catheter shaft, a laser beam of red and near-infrared light is applied through the balloon neck to impinge on the underlying opaque distal shaft, which is heated thereby. Heat from the shaft is conducted into the surrounding balloon neck so that adjacent annular portions of both components melt and mix. The molten materials are allowed to cool, forming a secure weld joint between the neck and the shaft. The process yields strong, flexible bonds between balloons and catheter shafts that may be selected from a wide variety of materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single- or multilayer shirred stick packaging casing in the form of a shirred stick based on synthetic or natural polymers which has a high shirring density of up to 1:500 at a length of the shirred stick of from 10 to 200 cm, and to a process for producing the packaging casing.

Abstract: An integrated process for making an inflatable laminated article comprises extruding a first film and a second film, followed by cooling the first film and the second film so that the films will not fuse to one another upon contact with each other. The films are then brought into contact with one another, and selected portions of one or both films are heated so that the films are heat sealed to one another in a selected area having a desired pattern. The unsealed area between the film provides inflatable chambers between the first film and the second film. An alternative process utilizes a film tubing in lay-flat configuration to produce a laminated inflatable article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a film tube (10) based on cellulose which is produced by extruding an aqueous cellulose-N-methyl-morpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) solution through a ring nozzle (21) onto a lining (3). The film tube (10) is manufactured by means of a vertically descending spinning in a spinning vat (12) in which a spinning bath (11) is located. The film tube (10) which is submerged in the spinning bath (11) passes through an air gap (9) between the underside of a nozzle block (7) and the upper surface of the spinning bath (11) and, internally, is pressurized, supported and slightly stretched in a transversal manner by compressed air. The film tube (10) is filled with an inner bath solution (31) via a supply tube (18). An idle roller (13) is situated near the bottom of the spinning vat (12) in order to guide the film tube (10) around and, afterwards, out of the spinning vat (12) in an upward sloping manner. The film tube is laid flat along a contact section (27) of the idle roller (13).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medium-carrying hose, preferably for pressure medium and for use in, for instance, an engine unit, the wall of the hose comprising at least one wall portion (5). The wall portion (5) is connected with at least one expansion portion (4) to form a continuous hose casing, so that the circumference of the hose is variable between a minimum value, when the expansion portion (4) is unexpanded, and a maximum value, when the expansion portion (4) is maximally expanded. The expansion portion (4) extends in the transverse and the longitudinal direction of the hose, the wall portions (5) being displaced relative to each other both in the transverse and in the longitudinal direction of the hose as the circumference increases and the expansion portion (4) expands. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a hose.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing multiple channel membranes includes extruding a polymer solution through an extrusion nozzle wherein several needles are arranged through which a gas or liquid containing a coagulating agent is injected during extrusion, wherein the outer side of the extruded material is first brought into contact with a mild coagulation agent and subsequently with a strong coagulation agent. By using the method a membrane is obtained having parallel channels extending in extrusion direction, in which an active layer is situated in the channels, whereas the outer surface with respect to the active layer has no or hardly any resistance to flows of liquid. By using the method it is possible to make shapes, such as recessed portions, in the membrane circumference. Also disclosed is the use of such membranes in filtration and separation techniques.

Abstract: An improved hose is used to install loose fill insulation. The hose includes projections extending from an inner surface which serve to condition the insulation as it proceeds through the hose and is dispensed. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed so as to be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hose. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed so as to be angled, by an angle less then ninety (90) degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hose. In a third embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed with a serrated edge. In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed as part of a cap member which is disposed around the periphery of the hose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hose that includes a tubular innermost portion, a reinforcing layer surrounding the innermost portion, and an outermost layer surrounding the reinforcing layer, where the innermost portion includes a wrapped layer. The innermost portion may be only the wrapped layer or may include an inner tube as well. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing hose with a wrapped layer. A film is wrapped around an inner tube or a mandrel, followed by the application of a reinforcing layer and an outermost layer.

Abstract: An adhesive tape (24), a sealing element and a process for producing the sealing element, preferably in motor vehicles. The sealing body is made of silicone, and a first self-sticking adhesive surface (18), which has at least in part a silicone cement, of an adhesive tape (24) is applied to the sealing body. The adhesive tape (24) is provided with a second self-sticking adhesive surface (20) for attachment to the application site. There is an adhesive layer (32) between the carrier element (14) of the adhesive tape (24) and the silicone cement of the first adhesive surface (18).

Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of non-reinforced load carriers (1) of thermoplastic material. Sheet-shaped work pieces (2) and extended bar sections (3) are manufactured by means of an extruder. The work pieces (2) and bar sections (3) are allowed to cool and post-shrink after the manufacturing. An upper and a lower deck member (11 and 12 respectively) are molded in a number of molds comprising mold halves. A first mold contains shaping cavities being a negative representation of the upper deck member (11). A second mold gives shape to a lower deck member (12). The work pieces (2) are molded against each one cavity by means of vacuum and are pressed together while still hot whereby a hollow unit is formed. Skids (3′) are molded in a similar way. The parts are allowed to cool and post-shrink whereupon they are joined with each other via a number of joining areas (10).

Abstract: A method for preparing an end of a thermoplastics tube (1) is provided, wherein the tube is manufactured by spirally winding and welding together of a hollow profile (1a) having a substantially rectangular cross section. The method includes the following steps: cutting the end of the tube by a planar transversal section; extruding a second hollow profile (2) having a rectangular cross section and an outer shape essentially similar to Fat of the hollow profile (1a) from which the tube (1) is manufactured; spirally winding the extruded second hollow profile (2) around a drum having a diameter corresponding to inner diameter of the tube (1); cutting a loop (2a) from the second hollow profile (2) in a length corresponding to circumference of the tube end; joining the ends of the loop (2a) to each other, whereby a ring (2b) is formed having the same inner and outer diameters as the spirally wound tube (1); placing the ring (2b) against the cut tube end; and welding the ring (2b) to the tube end.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for laying a strip for the manufacture of a tire by extruding uncured rubber through a die to form a rubber tube on a rotary support and flattening the tubular form to form a band which is adhered to a receiving surface on the rotary support.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing paint rollers includes the steps of extruding a cylindrical plastic core through a rotating extruder head, and securing an absorbent sheet material onto an outer surface of the core in a continuous process.

Abstract: An ultralow expansion brake rubber hose comprising an inner rubber tube, a first reinforcing layer, a second reinforcing layer and an outer rubber layer, wherein a thermosetting resin which penetrates the reinforcing fibers constituting the first reinforcing layer and which is cured at vulcanizing temperatures is cured by vulcanization to turn the first reinforcing layer into a solid cured layer. By turning the first reinforcing layer into the solid cured layer, the mutual slippage between the reinforcing fibers of the first reinforcing layer can be prevented, and a brake rubber hose having low expansion and excellent durability can be obtained.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microdialysis catheter, comprises the steps of extruding a flexible material to form an elongate catheter body having a substantially cylindrical outer surface and a plurality of continuous internal channels extending in the longitudinal direction of said catheter body; sealing a free end of said catheter body; providing in said surface at a distance from said free end an opening extending into said catheter body to communicate with a portion of a first of said channels; providing communication between said first channel and a second of said channels at a distance from said free end shorter that said distance; and covering said opening by a microdialysis membrane.

Abstract: A method of forming tubular irrigation drip tape includes the steps of a) extruding a web of material having a pair of longitudinally extending, substantially parallel marginal edges; b) heating a center area of the web between and substantially parallel to the marginal edges utilizing a first focused infrared heating device; c) applying one or more secondary flow path components to the center area; d) heating the marginal edges, utilizing a second and third focused infrared heating device; e) folding the web such that the marginal edges overlap to form a seam; and f) applying pressure to the seam.