Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of adhering an optically transmissive substrate to a compatible substrate such as plastic or glass and the resulting optical elements. A pressure sensitive adhesive layer, which is optically transmissive and is pre-applied to the optically transmissive substrate, eliminates many handling problems associated with liquid adhesive. Particularly preferred optical elements in accordance with the present invention are optical memory products and optical isolators with dichroic polarizers.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of fabricating absorbent articles. In a method of the invention, a bodyside liner, an absorbent core, and an outer cover are joined to form an absorbent article web sausage. Leg cut-outs are cut on opposing sides of the web sausage, and a waist opening is cut in a central region of the web sausage. Adhesive is applied to one of (i) a waist piece material and (ii) the web sausage about the waist opening; and also to one of (iii) extensible leg cuff material and (iv) the web sausage adjacent the leg cut-outs. A waist piece is severed from waist piece material, and is placed. over the waist opening and secured to the web sausage. Leg cuffs are severed from the leg cuff material, and are placed over the leg cutouts and secured to the web sausage. The waist piece and leg cut-outs are preferably stretched to a dimension representing about 5% to about 95% of stretch-to-stop dimensions when bonded to the web sausage.

Abstract: A tape applicator. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a tape applicator that includes a tape head having a base, a tape roll holder attached to the base and a tape application roller for applying a tape to a surface attached to said base, where the tape applicator includes a tape path from the tape roll holder to the tape application roller, and includes a x-axis actuator operatively connected to the tape head for moving said tape applicator in the x-axis direction and a y-axis actuator operatively connected to the tape head for moving said tape applicator in the y-axis direction. The present invention also relates to methods of applying tape to surface.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing laminated shingles achieves heretofore unobtained versatility by employing separate rolls of substrate materials for underlayment and overlayment webs of the laminated shingles being made. The method contemplates that each of the underlayment and overlayment webs are separately coated with an asphalt composition and granule formulation, whereby the asphalt compositions and/or granule formulations and patterns can be different for each of the webs. Each of the webs is subdivided into plural web portions, which are thereafter laminated, and transversely cut for formation of individual laminated shingles. Laminated shingles formed in accordance with the present method may comprise underlayment and overlayment substrates which differ in thickness, with differing asphalt compositions applied thereto, and/or different granule color formulations and patterns applied to the underlayment and overlayment.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing furniture or sculpture by cutting plies from a sheet material, laminating the plies into a beam element, and removing excess portions of the plies. Bars of similar diameters and lengths are cut. The beam elements are interconnected with other beam elements. The bars are inserted into some of the slots, grooves, cut-outs and tabulated apertures in beam elements. By orienting some of the beam elements or some of the bars to be in collinear alignment to a load acting upon the furniture, and by orienting some of the beam elements such that some of the individual plies are disposed with an edge facing forward, a structural object can be created.

Abstract: Application devices comprising an applicator substrate, an interposed patch, and a release substrate. The application substrate and release substrate have graspable tabs allowing the user to grasp the tab of the applicator substrate, to grasp the tab on the release substrate, and to apply the patch to a target surface without releasing the tabs as originally grasped.

Abstract: A process of making self-adhesive decorative stickers includes the steps of adhering double-sided adhesive papers to upper and lower layers of a non-malleable sheet of paper; using a mold to punch out main members of different shapes; punching upper-layer paper blank of the main members to form corresponding cutting lines; after tearing off corresponding upper paper blank for adhering decorative articles to the upper adhesive paper, tearing off the remaining upper-layer paper blank outside of the corresponding positions; and sprinkling tinsel powders evenly on the portion outside of the decorative articles and securing the decorative articles using a bonding glue so as to form a decorative sticker. After tearing off the lower-layer paper blank, the decorative sticker can be adhered to a user's body, a planar pattern, an object, etc., for decorative purposes.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a laminated circuit assembly and the assembly made therefrom including the steps of providing a relatively stiff substrate. A U-shaped slit is cut in the substrate in an area where a peripheral pull tab subsequently is to be located. The side legs of the U-shaped configuration define spaced slit portions. A relatively flexible backing sheet is adhered to a back side of the substrate. The laminated substrate and backing sheet are cut with a peripheral cut intersecting the side legs of the U-shaped slit, with the peripheral cut forming a pull tab projecting outwardly from the U-shaped slit. The pull tab can be grasped and separated from the substrate to strip the backing sheet therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of forming a multi-layer pad of a non-woven fiber batt and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces and to a multi-layer pad incorporating a non-woven fiber batt and foam layer. The process of forming a non-woven batt layer and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces comprises transporting each layer along its longitudinal dimension while compressing each layer along its lateral dimension. Concomitantly with compression, each layer is cut transversely along its lateral dimension to separate each layer into an upper segment and a lower segment and to provide conforming convoluted surfaces on the segments of each layer, the convoluted surfaces comprised of upstanding projections and depressions.

Abstract: A three-dimensional laminated structure and method for making same are provided. The method involves die-cutting a plurality of sheets, including cutting through the sheets around part of the periphery of selected sections, aligning and bonding the sheets, and forming the selected sections out-of-plane with a forming tool.

Abstract: A method of making multiple laminated shingles from a single sheet of roofing material. When four shingles are to be made, the sheet is cut into five strips, namely first and second double shims, first and second single tooth strips, and a double tooth strip. Each double shim is then laminated below the tooth portion of a single tooth strip and the tooth portion at one side of a double tooth strip, to produce a single lamination strip. The lamination strip is then slit lengthwise and crosscut by a single conventional shingle cutter to produce four sets of shingles across the width of the lamination strip. The process can produce other numbers of shingle sets. In all cases, the various strips needed are, after being cut, reassembled into a single lamination strip so that they can be slit and crosscut by a single standard shingle cutter.

Abstract: A method of producing individual personal-sized bars of soap with a water-resistant supporting medium being provided integral with each bar for enabling its suspension for air drying after each use. The preferred method incorporates an intermittent feeding technique whereby a portion of the medium protrudes beyond one end of a soap bar. An alternative method incorporates a feeding technique resulting in soap bars wherein the medium and the soap material of each bar are the same length. A hole is provided either through the medium alone in the preferred method, or through both the soap and the medium in the alternative method. The method may include the additional step of providing a soap-compatible adhesive to opposite sides of the supporting medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that produces shaped and laminate articles and recovers the excess material or flash as a part of the manufacturing process. The apparatus uses a combination of rotary die and anvil roller assemblies in successive multiple stations to cut and separate each raw material into final product portions and recyclable flash portions as each raw material enters the apparatus. The apparatus separately reclaims each raw material flash portion and delivers the flash of each material in a recyclable form to an auxiliary recycling operation. In recovering the flash, the apparatus does not adversely affect the speed or quality of production of the final shaped or laminated product. To ease removal of the flash, the apparatus applies lubricant to the blades of the rotary die. To avoid damage to web material, the apparatus uses vacuum belts to convey the web material and web product through the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for making a combination mosaic and collage. A sketched composite picture or decorative design on museum board, sealed wood surface, or a flat primer painted surface is made. A combination of overlapped pasted fragmented, photographic pieces is fixed on paper. The combination is then copied on a color copier machine. The resulting material is then fragmented, pasted and set into the sketched composite picture or decorative design. A collage is then assembled or fixed onto the mosaic's composite picture or decorative design.

Abstract: A two-sided card laminating apparatus simultaneously applies and bonds laminate sheets to opposing faces of a two-sided card substrate. The apparatus includes two opposing laminating assemblies symmetrically mounted in mirror image relation on opposing sides of a substrate supply path. Individual sheets of laminate are cut from webs of lamina and transferred onto the card substrate at a convergence zone disposed on the substrate supply path. Each of the laminating assemblies includes a web of lamina, a cutter, and nip rollers disposed between the web and the cutter. The nip rollers advance the web in an upstream direction through the cutter into engagement with a transfer roller. As the laminate exits the cutter, the leading edge is captured between the outer surface of the transfer roller and a laminate guide where it is grabbed by the outer surface of the transfer roller.

Abstract: An organic shell inlay blank is provided including a first layer of organic shell matter having two opposed surfaces defining a first thickness therebetween rendering the first layer flexible, a second layer of organic shell matter having two opposed surfaces defining a second thickness therebetween rendering the second layer flexible. One of the surfaces of the first layer substantially overlaps and is secured to one of the surfaces of the second layer. A bonding agent secures the layers together to form the inlay blank. A method for manufacturing an organic shell inlay blank includes the steps of cutting a plurality of flexible pieces of organic shell matter from an organic shell, stacking the pieces in a substantially overlapping relationship with a bonding agent between the pieces, and urging the pieces together while the bonding agent cures to form the inlay blank.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a multi-component workpiece including cutting a first web of material moving at a first speed into first components, cutting a second web of material moving at a second speed into second components, transferring one of the first components onto a first surface moving at the first speed, transferring one of the second components onto a second surface moving at the second speed, adjusting the speed of the second surface to match the speed of the first surface, transferring the second component onto the first component, adjusting the speed of the first surface to match that of a third moving web, transferring the mated first and second components into the third moving web, readjusting the speed of the first surface to the first speed, and readjusting the speed of the second surface to the second speed. In a particular embodiment, the process manufactures a multi-component absorbent personal hygiene articles.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for making a plurality of substrates laminated on two sides by applying a plurality of laminate sheets to corresponding plurality of substrates. The apparatus includes a lamina supply member capable of holding a supply of lamina from which successive sheets of lamina can be cut. One or more cutters are disposed in the apparatus such that the cutters are capable of cutting through the lamina to provide successive sheets of laminate. One or more heaters are provided for bonding sheets of laminate to corresponding sides of a substrate whereby the corresponding top and bottom laminated substrate is formed. The supply of lamina is characterized by a current leading edge. The supply of lamina is cut through along a cutting line at a predetermined distance from the current leading edge of the lamina. This provides a first sheet of laminate having a trailing edge at the cutting line. Cutting also provides the lamina supply with a successive leading edge at the cutting line.

Abstract: A method for rapid prototyping including generating cutting data including generating a support structure, deriving a silhouette curve, slicing three dimensional data into two dimensional sectional data, generating bridges for every island in the two dimensional sectional data, and generating cutting data and grouping the cutting data into first and second cutting data groups.

Abstract: An open web beam composed of wooden top chord and an open web central structure terminated on at least one end by wooden members in the form of a closed web wherein the closed web is reinforced by insertion of a portion of the closed web into a strut and the two chords which have been slotted or grooved for this purpose. The closed be being oriented strand board using structural adhesive without interfering mechanical fasteners in the web.

Abstract: An improved diaphragm substantially resistant to abrasive wear for use in certain applications in which at least a portion of such diaphragm is in contact with another surface which would tend to abrade such diaphragm, such diaphragm comprising at least one layer of a flexible material selected from a group including natural rubber, synthetic rubber, fabric reinforced rubber, plastic and mixtures thereof and an abrasion resistant polymeric material having a predetermined thickness. This abrasion resistant polymeric material is adhered to such diaphragm at least in the portion that such diaphragm is in contact with another surface and is subject to abrasion. This type of abrasion generally occurs in the flange area of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A machine and a process for formation of a continuous composite tape for the production of wrappings for food products, along with the tape and a wrapping formed using the same; the machine being such that it includes; supply means to provide materials for forming the tape, a unit for bonding of said materials, applicator groups to apply glue on the materials and on the continuous composite tape thus formed, devices for applying the glue along preferred areas; the process being such that it includes the operations of application of the glue on preferred areas of the continuous composite tape and of bonding thereof; the wrapping being such as to provide a perforated flap at its opening and a layer of glue capable of allowing sealing during the packing operation.

Abstract: A computer printer compatible label assembly that includes a carrier sheet recognizable by any of a wide variety of computer compatible printing devices. The carrier sheet includes a plurality of self-adhesively secured labels each formed from a resilient, durable thin film. After printing, the label is transferred from the carrier sheet to a document for either temporary or permanent labeling.

Abstract: Composite products and processes for the manufacture thereof, including, but not limited to composite products that could feasibly replace nearly all decorative and/or structural lumber products.

Abstract: Apparatus for bonding an insulating material to a metal strip having a conveyor for moving a strip of insulting material along a path of travel and a mechanism for placing perforations in the strip and cutting the strip into sections of predetermined length. The conveyor has raised registration studs that pass through the perforations. A metal strip that also contains perforations is brought into moving contact with the section with its perforation being registered on said studs and a heat curable bonding material is introduced between the metal strip and the insulation sections. A second conveyor is then moved into pressure contact with the moving sections and metal strip registered on the first conveyor and heat is applied to cure the bonding material.

Abstract: The process of forming a part from laminae of powders of materials such as metals, ceramics, intermetallics and composites of such materials, that include forming laminae; forming a stack of the laminae characterized as having a configuration from which a part is to be formed; heating the stack to consolidation temperature, and applying pressure to the heated stack to consolidate the laminae in the stack.

Abstract: Laminated siding pieces and a method of producing them. A laminated siding workpiece is provided including a substantially flat piece of display material having a first major surface that is laminated to a bevelled piece of support material. The substantially flat piece of display material is cut through to form a laminated siding piece having a flat piece of display material, possessing a freshly cut major surface, laminated to a bevelled piece of support material.

Abstract: A composite window shade is constructed of short lengths of cellular fabric that may be from the same dye lot or that may be of different colors or textures to achieve desired decorative or functional results by trimming the lengths to have attachment strip surfaces and bonding of the surfaces using a glue applicator machine through which each length of cellular fabric to be attached is passed to place beads of hot melt glue and then pressing the attachment strip surface of the length of fabric to be attached to the attachment strip surface of the length of fabric to which attachment is to be made and maintaining pressure thereon until bonding occurs.

Abstract: A method of applying leg cuffs to a web including a bodyside, a cover, and an absorbent core therebetween including cutting leg cut-outs on opposite sides of the web, applying adhesive to the web adjacent the cut-outs or to a leg cuff material, placing the leg cuff material on a leg cuff applicator, cutting the leg cuffs material to make the leg cuffs, extending the length of the leg cuffs to be longer than the longitudinal length of the cut-outs, placing the extended leg cuffs over the cut-outs, and securing the leg cuffs to an outer surface of the web.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching adhesive tape to a leadframe. The apparatus includes: a support frame; an adhesive tape on a reel mounted to the frame; a stationary cutter base mounted to the frame with an opening therethrough having a peripheral outline where the opening receives a leading terminal end of the tape and a portion of the tape following the leading terminal end, a channel in the base to guide the tape into the opening, and a block to hold the tape in the channel and in the opening; and a cutter which moves through the opening to cut a decal from the tape within the opening and to apply the decal to a leadframe. The cutter and the decal having an outline substantially matching the peripheral outline of the opening such that wasted tape is eliminated.

Abstract: A method of producing sub-images for use in forming a larger image from a series of the sub-images. The method includes printing each of the sub-images of the series of sub-images and a portion of the larger image surrounding the sub-image on a separate sheet of material. Each sub-image is printed on the same location on the respective sheet. Then the sheets are cut to the size and shape of the sub-images. When the sub-images are positioned to form the larger image, the sub-images are in a non-overlapping and contiguous relationship.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a three-dimensional object. There is provided a lamination unit for holding and pressing a block of material; a slicing unit for cutting the block to form a horizontal layer having a first working surface and a cut block having a second working surface; a profiling means for profiling at least one of the working surfaces into at least one planar element; and an electronic means for receiving XYZ information corresponding to the shape of the object, for processing the XYZ information into a plurality of computerized cross-sectional representations of the shape, and for controlling the operation of the lamination means, the slicing means, and the profiling means.

Abstract: A method of producing rolls of ribbons including printing indica at a plurality of locations on at least one of two webs; applying peelable adhesive at a plurality of locations on at least one of the two webs; bonding the two webs together using the adhesive where the indicia and the adhesive are registered with each other; die cutting only one of the webs after bonding to form a plurality of peelable lid shapes, having lift tabs for each peelable lid shape, on the other web; die cutting the other non-cut web to form a plurality of parallel ribbons of interconnected lid shapes with each one of the interconnected lid shapes associated with one of the peelable lid shapes; bending the lift tabs onto their respective peelable lid shape; and winding each of the ribbons into a roll on a central core.

Abstract: A novel method of manufacturing collage puzzle pieces comprising the steps of: (a) providing a template in sheet form having a plurality of channels in the form of line perforations so as to define a plurality of puzzle pieces patterns, the channels being interrupted at selected locations so that at least one portion of each puzzle piece pattern is connected to at least one adjacent puzzle piece pattern; (b) mounting at least one selected graphic art object on an adhesive-coated substrate so as to form a workpiece; (c) assembling the workpiece and the template so that the template overlies the at least one graphic art object; (d) drawing a cutting blade along the full length of each channel defining a selected puzzle piece pattern so as to cut the underlying workpiece along lines conforming to the shape and location of the selected puzzle piece pattern, whereby to form a connected puzzle piece in the workpiece; (e) separating the template from the workpiece; (f) severing the connected puzzle piece from the wo

Abstract: This invention relates to a label continuum comprising a long label substrate, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed by transferring to the back of the label substrate and a release layer formed on the surface of the label substrate, and in the invention the label substrate is rolled up such that the release layer and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer are false-stuck to each other.

Abstract: A method of converting, on an in-line printing press, two webs of material into a roll including a web and a plurality of peelable lids thereon. Alternatively, a plurality of underlying lids can be formed from the other web of the roll, in registration with the peelable lids, where these lids are created by die cutting the two webs while bonded. Also, one of the lids has dispensing holes and the other lid is printed with selected indicia and/or logos.

Abstract: A composite structure including stacked layers of dielectric material hav a center conductor in the form of a cylindrical via which is surrounded by an annular dielectric region and an outer ground plane comprised of contiguous pairs of generally circular ground plane segments where each pair of ground plane segments are separated by a pair of spaces or gaps therebetween and wherein the gaps of adjoining layers are mutually oriented by a predetermined angle of rotation, preferably 90.degree..

Abstract: The present invention is directed to elastic fibrous nonwoven web laminates which exhibit elastic properties in at least one direction and, if desired, two or more directions due to the use of at least one fibrous nonwoven web facing layer which contains a plurality of slits. The resultant laminates are useful in a wide variety of applications not the least of which include garments, surgical drapes and other supplies as well as personal care absorbent articles including diapers, training pants, sanitary napkins, incontinence garments, bandages and the like. Processes for forming such laminates are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making multi-tier laminate substrates for electronic device packaging is provided wherein a spacing mechanism is used to protect the bond fingers of a trace on a lower tier of the laminated substrate when a milling bit is used to cut an opening above a die cavity in the multi-tier substrate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an integral three dimensional object from laminations includes the steps of fabricating a plurality of first sheets of a first material composition, cutting each of the first sheets to form a contoured layer representing a cross-section of the three dimensional object and to form a waste material and discarding the waste material. The contoured layers are stacked in a desired sequence to form a stack of contoured layers which are then laminated. Subsequently, the contoured layers of the stack are secured to each other to form the integral three dimensional object. This method works particularly well with ceramic material sheets. If desired, a second type of sheet made of a fugitive material can also be cut to form a contoured layer representing a void in a cross-section of the three dimensional object. The contoured layers of the second sheets are then stacked along with the contoured layers of the first sheets to form the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a clutch plate includes forming arcuate segments from a friction material sheet, applying the arcuate segments to the ring in a fixed location with a temporary adherent, preferably to define intermediate spaces between the arcuate segments, and bonding the arcuate segments to the annular ring surface to form an automatic transmission clutch plate. Preferably, a set of multiple arcuate segments with independent edge boundaries are applied in a single workstation, and one or more sets may be applied to each annular surface by appropriately indexing the ring with respect to the application equipment. Preferably, the arcuate segments are formed by stamping the segments from sheets, the cuttings arranged at closely spaced positions on the sheet to reduce friction material waste. Preferably, the stamping die displaces the cut arcuate segment to its fixed location on the annular ring.

Abstract: A method of converting, on a single line printing press, two webs of material into individual rolls of ribbons of dual-layered, peelable-bonded-together lids. Each lid has a peelable, overlying lid formed from one of the webs and an underlying lid formed from the other web where these lids are created by die cutting the two webs while bonded. Also, one of the lids has dispensing holes and the other lids is printed with selected indicia and/or logos. The ribbons are wound in multiple layers around cores for shipment to processors of food particles, such as salt or cheese, to be secured to individual, cup-like containers.

Abstract: A method for forming carton blanks from a continuous laminate having at least a layer of a relatively rigid material and a layer of a relatively flexible fluid impervious material by dividing the continuous laminate into individual carton blanks and at the same time making modified cut lines and fold lines in the individual carton blanks to form top and bottom panel portions, sidewall panel portions and a glue tab panel portion, wherein the modified cut lines extend through the relatively rigid material but not through the relatively flexible fluid impervious material and then removing only the relatively rigid material at various locations to leave the desired carton blank. In some instances, the laminate will contain continuous strips of a relatively flexible material between the relatively rigid material and the relatively flexible fluid impervious material and secured only to the relatively flexible fluid impervious material.

Abstract: A multi-tier laminate substrate with an internal heat spreader and method for making a multi-tier laminate substrate with an internal heat spreader for electronic device packaging are provided wherein a spacing mechanism is used to protect the bond fingers of a trace on a lower tier of the laminated substrate when a milling bit is used to cut an opening above a die cavity in the multi-tier substrate.

Abstract: A label-equipped ply with readable liner and method, the ply having a label diecut therein which constitutes only a portion of the ply area, a release backer adhered to the ply back surface and which has an exposed face, the backer being adapted for carrying reverse orientation data imaging on its exposed face and composed of a material capable of being read through the backer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making laminate materials, and more particularly the present invention relates to a method for making laminate materials having a capillary zone or passageway to acquire, move and/or store fluid within the laminate material. Such laminate materials are particularly suitable for use as a topsheet, an acquisition layer and/or an absorbent core in absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, catamenials, sanitary napkins, bandages, incontinent briefs and the like.

Abstract: A labelling system (10) dispenses a web (36) of label material having a coating (43) of non-tacky activatable adhesive, subsequently activates the adhesive, cuts the web (36) preferrably using a pair of laser beams (52a, 52b) to produce labels (80) therefrom, and then applies the labels to respective packages (18). In another embodiment (90), a carrier sheet (104) is separated from an adhered web (102) whereupon the web (102) is then cut using a laser beam (52) to form labels (112) and a waste matrix (114). The labels (112) are then rejoined to the carrier sheet (104).

Abstract: A multi-ply, re-sealable label intended for retail use to provide extended text and graphics for consumer information. The label construction includes multiple plies of flexible printed materials using bonding agents and release coatings which allow for numerous openings and re-closures. The label incorporates a consumer-friendly peel-tab for easy opening and re-closure, and materials with a natural "memory" to facilitate re-closure and re-sealability without the use of a tacky adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing high quality laminated veneer lumber from pre-flattened wood veneer, for such uses as in architecture and furniture, and a method of mass production thereof using veneer which is flattened in advance. A sheet of veneer is first obtained by cutting a log with a rotary lathe or the like, and flattening and cutting the veneer into a predetermined length. Sheets of veneer thus obtained are cut on both edges in the grain direction to form symmetrically diagonal end faces, and are bonded with one another at these end faces with their grain directions aligned to form an elongated sheet of veneer. The resultant elongated sheet veneer is cut into a predetermined length to form laminated veneer material having seams. Plural sheets thus formed laminated veneer material are laminated and bonded with their grain directions aligned to form laminated veneer core.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved fastening tape for use on a disposable absorbent garment. The fastening tape comprises a first substrate and an interlocking material attached to said first substrate. The interlocking material extends the entire width of the fastening tape, and the interlocking material is longitudinally spaced from both transverse edges of the fastening tape. Also disclosed is a process for manufacturing the fastening tape. The process involves providing a continuous length of an interlocking material having a width and traveling in a first direction. The interlocking material is attached to a first substrate to form a composite. The composite is then cut along a second direction to form fastening tapes suitable for attachment on a disposable absorbent garment. The second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.