Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention prevents the formation of pin-holes during stretching of strip laminates in the cross-machine direction (CD). Pin-holes are prevented by creating slack areas (10a) along the length of the laminate (10) where the edges of the non-woven strips (14) meet with the polymer film (12), pressing the slack areas (10a) into the interdigital stretching rollers (26) without stretching the slack areas (10a), and stretching the remainder of the laminate (10) in a typical manner. The slack areas (10a) are formed prior to interdigitation by, for example, formation of a furrow, a fold or a corrugation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid repellent nonwoven protective material comprising a meltspun microfiber layer and one or more additional nonwoven layers bonded to the meltspun microfiber layer. The meltspun microfiber layer comprises a high melt flow rate olefin polymer (i.e., having a melt flow rate of at least 1500 grams per 10 minutes as measured by ASTM-D-1238-01 at 177° C.), a melt flow modifying agent and a liquid repellency internal additive. The high melt flow rate olefin polymer is substantially prodegradant-free and is present in amounts from about 78 percent by weight to about 94.9 percent by weight. The liquid repellency internal additive, such as a fluorochemical or fluoropolymer, is present in amounts from about 0.1 percent by weight to about 2 percent by weight, and the melt flow modifying agent, such as polymers and copolymers of butene, is present in amounts from about 5 percent by weight to about 20 percent by weight.

Abstract: Provided is a laminate of masticated rubber. A layer of fabric, capable of withstanding vulcanization temperatures, such as a non woven layer of polyester or polyester and nylon is bonded by means of vulcanization to at least one outer surface of the rubber laminate. Advantageously, this increases the stiffness of the rubber laminate. Further advantageously and unexpectedly, the fabric reinforced rubber laminate in accordance with the invention shows significant improvement in heat aging properties, such as heat resistance, tensile strength, hardness and tear strength.

Abstract: A wipe product includes a primary sheet of material bonded to a secondary sheet of material, with pockets formed between the bonds. The wipe product may be used by placing a user's fingers in the pockets and wiping a surface. The pockets can provide for coverage of the user's hand and for stabilization of the wipe on the user's hand.

Abstract: A floral sleeve is made from two layers of non-woven thermoplastic fabric such as polypropylene. The layers are joined at the side seams of the sleeve by first pre-sealing the edges and thereafter trimming them. Pre-sealing compresses the fabric to make it denser along a band and applying heat causes the band to retain the compressed and at least partially fused set. Trimming may be done using a hot knife that completes the fusing process of the layers to each other. Alternately, the pre-sealing step may form a satisfactory fusion between the layers and the trimming step need not effect further fusion.

Abstract: Bonded composites, absorbent articles comprising such bonded composites, and processes for bonding thin-section elements. The bonded composite has first and second thin-section elements bonded to each other, at least in part by bond elements and at least in part by adherent material. The adherent material is disposed between the first and second thin-section elements proximate and about the bond elements. The adherent material, at least in part, bonds the thin-section elements to each other at loci of the adherent material. The bond patterns are arranged and configured to preferentially direct stresses imposed on the bond pattern, inwardly into the interior of the bond pattern for distribution, dissipation, and termination.

Abstract: An emblem for embroidery stitching directly to a substrate is disclosed which provides an emblem which can be readily embroidered. The emblem includes a fabric layer with a thermoplastic adhesive coating one side of the fabric layer and a pressure sensitive adhesive coating the thermoplastic adhesive to provide an emblem which can temporarily adhere to a substrate. The emblem can thus be temporarily secured during embroidery and prevent distortion of the emblem. Following embroidery, the emblem is heat-sealed to a substrate and the thermoplastic adhesive coating penetrates through the pressure sensitive adhesive for attachment of the emblem to the substrate.

Abstract: A retroreflective sign includes a rigid sign board and a retroreflective sheeting having a structured surface. The structured surface has cube corner elements formed therein, and is bonded to a surface of the sign board to define a plurality of cells. The cells protect the cube corner elements from moisture and dirt, which could adversely impact the retroreflective performance of the film. By sealing the structured surface directly to the sign board, rather than to an intermediate seal film and then to the sign board, a simpler prefabricated sign construction is achieved. In some embodiments, interconnected raised sections are used to define the seal cells. The raised sections can be incorporated into the structured surface of the retroreflective sheeting or into the surface of the sign board. Methods for making the disclosed sign boards are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously sealing and creating a thermal perforation between two thermoplastic layers that comprises providing two thermoplastic layers. A drum is provided that has at least one sealbar and perforation assembly. The two thermoplastic layers are contacted to the sealbar and perforation assembly. The thermoplastic layers are sealed with two generally opposing parallel seals and simultaneously create a thermal perforation in the thermoplastic layers generally parallel to the opposing seals. The thermal perforation is located between the two opposing seals.

Abstract: A packaging filler product and machine for making the product wherein the product includes an air-filled pouch having sealed edges and spots connecting the opposing sheets of the pouch together. The machine includes a frictional belt system for gripping a bulk supply of pouched package material and that urges the bulk material past an inflation device for serially introducing air to the interior of each pouch of the package material followed by employing a heater that heat seals the opening into the interior of each pouch. A trim cutter eliminates unnecessary material and individual pouches are separated from the bulk supply by using perforations provided between adjacent pouches. A feed mechanism including the belt system is provided for moving the bulk supply of pouches from a supply spool past the heater and through the trim cutter. Tensioning and idle rollers guide the bulk supply of pouches through the machine in an in-line series.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a bag assembly from a tube and a tubular flexible membrane operates in accordance with a four step process. This process includes the steps of clamping the tube within an open end of the membrane, injecting liquid adhesive into the open end of the membrane, clamping the membrane and tube where the adhesive was injected, and heating and curing the assembly.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the manufacture of a spunbonded fabric consisting of thermobonded curled bicomponent fibers where the bicomponent fibers consist of two plastic materials with different properties. The process according to the invention consist of three steps: the fibers spun from the two plastic materials are drawn off uncurled and stretched in a first step. In a second step the fibers are placed on a sieve belt and thermobonded. In a third step the bicomponent fibers of the obtained nonwoven fabric are finally curled by lengthwise and/or transverse stretching and heat treatment.

Abstract: A bladder which is particularly useful for a sole assembly of a shoe is formed of multiple layers of barrier film to provide multiple pressurized layers of cushioning fluid or gas when the bladder is filled. A multiple gas layer bladder enhances cushioning response by relying more on the response characteristics of the gas and reducing the amount of foam and the dependence on foam as a cushioning material. The internal film layers provide a truss-like geometry in cross section and act as tensile members to impart a generally smooth surface contour to the bladder. The bladder is constructed to provide complex regionalized cushioning profiles which are coupled to the anatomy of the foot and expected loads at known points.

Abstract: A process for producing an elastic composite film having a textile surface including at least one unwinding fibrous web being irreversibly extended at right angles to its direction of transport. The increase in the width of the fibrous web due to transverse extension is formed into foldlets by pulling tension acting in the direction of transport of the fibrous web. The fibrous web, which is under pulling tension and modified by transverse extension, is applied atop a transversely elastic film web of a thermoplastic elastomer and is adhered or welded thereto at contact sites which are spaced apart at right angles to the direction of transport of the webs.

Abstract: A method of forming a laminate structure comprises providing a first substrate and a second substrate each having first and second substrate surfaces respectively, and wherein the surfaces are present in an opposed spaced apart relationship; contacting at least one of the first or second substrate surfaces with a release material such that a portion of the first or second substrate surface is covered with the release material while the remainder of the first or second substrate surface is not covered with the release material; bringing the first and second substrate surfaces of the first and second substrates into contact with each other; and subjecting the substrates to conditions such that the portions of the first and second substrate surfaces not covered with release material become bonded to one another and a laminate structure is formed.

Abstract: A process for producing a manufactured item of a material at least partly recycled comprises the following steps: setting a primary continuous layer (2a); setting a filling material (3); associating a predetermined amount of filling material (3) with the primary continuous layer (2a); mechanically linking the filling material (3) to the primary continuous layer (2a) to define the manufactured item.

Abstract: When manufacturing a foil-wrapped breast prosthesis with a filling consisting of a curable compound, the curing is performed after placing a filled prosthesis bag formed by two joined foil sheets in a mould cavity without closing the mould cavity and maintaining vacuum at least in the beginning of the curing, whereby especially an increased degree of freedom is obtained with respect to shaping the rear side of the prosthesis, so that this, among other things, can be provided with thin edge parts for obtaining good fitting to the body. To ease the mounting of the bag and the accurate positioning of this in the mould cavity, the latter is formed in a first mould part of a shaping tool, which furthermore comprises a tightening frame having a packing, which provides an unambiguously oriented tightening of the bag when this is placed in the mould cavity.

Abstract: Laminated resealable booklets on labels having an unadhered pull tab are made on a label press or the like by separating release material from label material in a web of label stock, neutralizing the adhesive on the label material in predetermined locations, and adhering the active adhesive on the label material to the release material. A succession of initial bases are die cut, and the resulting waste matrix is removed. Booklets are then laminated over a portion of the initial bases, and of course the laminate also covers the spaces between adjacent initial bases. The laminate and initial bases are then die cut to form the label products. Each label product includes a booklet, a base label portion of the initial base which the booklet covers, and a portion of the adjacent initial base which is not adhered to the release liner. The unadhered portion of the adjacent initial base forms the pull tab.

Abstract: A composite web including an elastically stretchable web and an inelastically stretchable web bonded together is stretched on a course defined between at least two nip roll pairs to obtain an elastically stretchable composite sheet. The composite web is brought into contact with a peripheral surface of at least one roll of each nip roll pair over an area of the peripheral surface defined by a quadrant of this roll's circular cross section.

Abstract: A method includes adhesively mounting an adhesive lower surface of a protective layer to a top surface of a die such as an image sensor die or a micromachine die. A special-purpose area on the top surface of the die is contacted and protected by said protective layer. The protective layer includes a polymerizable material, which includes the adhesive lower surface. The method further includes rendering the adhesive lower surface to be nonadhesive. The adhesive lower surface is rendered nonadhesive by polymerizing the polymerizable material of the protective layer with ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer composite material which consists of at least two thermoplastic layers. At least one first layer is a of thermoplastic fiber fleece. The layers are bonded to one another at bonding zones by thermal bonding and the materials of the layer are at least partially fused together in the area of the bonding zones. Said bonding zones impart a three-dimensional structure to the composite material. The inventive composite material is characterized in that the three-dimensional structure of at least one bonding zone has the shape of a curvate edgeless trough in the cross-section and the longitudinal section. Said trough is configured by a bottom area forming a bonding center and by lateral areas which are attached thereto without transition. The layers are thermobonded to one other only in the bottom area of the trough.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device and method for making a roll of tissue using opposingly located adhesive applicators that apply adhesive to opposingly located anilox rolls. Adhesive is transferred from the anilox rolls to opposingly located print rolls. The print rolls apply a void-free layer of adhesive to opposing sides of a central ply which passes between the print rolls. As the central ply passes between opposingly located nip rolls, at least one additional ply is laminated to one side of the central ply and at least one other ply is laminated to the opposing side of the central ply.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making garments that can cool or heat the wearer of the garment. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing a pattern board having a channel configuration formed thereon that defines at least one channel circuit, disposing a first fusible fabric over the channel configuration of the pattern board, disposing a length of tubing over the channel configuration and depressing the tubing into the channels, disposing a second fabric over the tubing and first fusible fabric to form a first laminate assembly, and applying heat and pressure to the laminate assembly to form a laminate garment structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making garments that can cool or heat the wearer of the garment. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing a pattern board having a channel configuration formed thereon that defines at least one channel circuit, disposing a first fusible fabric over the channel configuration of the pattern board, disposing a length of tubing over the channel configuration and depressing the tubing into the channels, disposing a second fabric over the tubing and first fusible fabric to form a first laminate assembly, and applying heat and pressure to the laminate assembly to form a laminate garment structure.

Abstract: In a system for constructing a three-dimensional object by selective attachment of a plurality of sheets of flexible material, each sheet being cut along at least one contour line so as to subdivide the sheet into at least one object forming region corresponding to the shape of a layer of the object bounded by a corresponding contour of the object and at least one residue region not required in the constructed object, at least part of each object forming region being attached to object forming regions of adjacent layers, a method for facilitating the removal of the residue regions including producing selective attachment of at least part of a plurality of the residue regions to the residue regions of adjacent sheets in such a manner as to form, from at least part of the residue regions of a plurality of the sheets, a plurality of residue elements non-rigidly interconnected such that manual removal of each of the residue elements initiates removal of a subsequent one of the residue elements.

Abstract: A stack assemblage of metallic, paper, or paper-like sheets or strips of material secured to one another to define a honeycomb core structure when the assemblage is expanded and flange tabs provided on the opposite edges of said stack. When the stack is expanded, the flange tabs can be deformed into flange orientation on the opposite edges of said stack. The method of fabricating the flange tabs and flanges on the assemblage and the expanded core structure.

Abstract: A process and apparatus related to a workstation adjacent to a traveling web including a device for intermittently performing an operation affecting the web. An important application involves ultrasonically welding multiple layers of a traveling web. First and second rollers on opposite sides of the workstation are simultaneously shifted in a direction counter to the machine direction each time a bonding force is applied. The overall running speed in the machine remains at a constant velocity due to the resultant festooning effect and thus the dwell time for bonding is increased. Thus the effective operating speed of processed having finite limits may be increased at least 33%. The first and second rollers are eccentrically rotationally mounted, respectively, on third and fourth hollow rollers which are provided with eccentrically positioned hollow cylindrical openings which, in turn, are mounted, respectively, on shafts positioned perpendicularly to the machine direction.

Abstract: A high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter made from a layer of electrostatically-charged thermoplastic fiber scrim that is point-bonded to a layer of glass fiber batting to form a composite layer defining an area, wherein the point-bonding is distributed over substantially all of the area of the composite layer and the bond points constitute approximately 1% to approximately 6% of the total surface area of the welded filter material, and wherein the composite layer is substantially uncompressed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to honeycomb structures having cell walls of increased thickness wherein multiple layers of cell wall material are not bonded together except on two opposite cell wall sides. The invention also includes a process for making such honeycomb structures.

Abstract: Heat insulation blanket (10) includes a layer of inner cells (16) containing a phase change material, and opposed outer cells (18 and 19) containing dead air or other undisturbed gas. When placed in an attic or other insulated area, the phase change material changes phase when the outside atmospheric temperature passes the phase change temperature, resulting in a delay in the transfer of heat between the interior space and the atmosphere because of the heat required for or given up by the PCM during its change of phase. The outer plies of sheet material that form the superposed cells of the cell blanket are formed with a coating of heat reflective material that faces the interior of the cell blanket, whereby the reflective surfaces are protected against deterioration and retain their capacity to reflect radiant heat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite material adapted for mechanical fastener use as the loop component complementary to a hook component. The composite material is made by laminating a film with an amorphous polymer layer to a prebonded nonwoven web, using a bond pattern different from the pattern on the nonwoven so as to provide loose filaments or fibers between the laminate bond points. Desirably, the composite also has a WVTR of at least about 100 g/m2/24 hours and a hydrohead of at least about 50 mbar. In use as a component of a disposable personal care product such as a disposable diaper, the loop fastener component may be substantially the entire backing to provide comfort, protection and highly variable fit.

Abstract: A device and method for the manufacture of medical devices, specifically, endovascular grafts, or sections thereof. Layers of fusible material are disposed upon a shape forming member and seams formed between the layers in a configuration that can produce inflatable channels in desired portions of the graft. After creation of the seams, the fusible material of the inflatable channels may be fixed while the channels are in an expanded state. A five axis robotic seam forming apparatus may be used to create the seams in the layers of fusible material.

Abstract: An apparatus for making expandable honeycomb structures suitable for use as window coverings. In one embodiment, folded tubular strips with adhesive lines are fed continuously through a cutter which cuts them into predetermined lengths. The cut strips are then accelerated to a stacker for further processing before the next cut strip arrives. In another embodiment, webs of material are fed continuously in a downstream direction, adhesive lines are applied, a middle web is slitted into strips, and the strips bonded along opposite edges to the outer webs. By choosing for the outer webs transparent or porous material, and for the middle web opaque material, a light or air controlling honeycomb structure results.

Abstract: A process for autogeneously bonding two cellulosic laminae to form a multi-lamina substrate by high pressure lamination. The attachment occurs at selective bond sites wetted with a functional fluid such as water prior to bonding. The process is applicable to multi-lamina substrates formed from laminae treated with chemical softening agents.

Abstract: The present invention is a porous structure formed with areas of porous material and areas of reduced porosity or non-porous material. Preferably, the structure is formed in the arrangement of a desired pattern of porous and reduced porosity or non-porous areas. The patterned structure is formed through the collapse of selected portions of the porous structure in the shape of the desired pattern to render these portions of reduced porosity or non-porous while the remaining portions of the structure remain porous. The use of heat and/or pressure is preferred to collapse the selected areas. The collapse may be aided by the use of a softening solvent or solvent/non-solvent mixture. The process can be applied to any polymeric porous structure of any pore size such as ultrafiltration or microfiltration, made by any process such as by track etch, stretching, casting, sintering or extrusion. In addition, it may be used with woven or nonwoven fabrics.

Abstract: An attachment apparatus for disc protective sheet which is adapted for attaching disc protective sheet for protecting disc rotatably accommodated within a cartridge body formed by connecting or joining a pair of upper and lower halves with respect to the surface opposite to the disc of the half.

Abstract: The present invention is direct to angular border on three dimensional sheet material and method of producing. This invention is producing an attractive and finely finished article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making garments that can cool or heat the wearer of the garment. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing a pattern board having a channel configuration formed thereon that defines at least one channel circuit, disposing a first fusible fabric over the channel configuration of the pattern board, disposing a length of tubing over the channel configuration and depressing the tubing into the channels, disposing a second fabric over the tubing and first fusible fabric to form a first laminate assembly, and applying heat and pressure to the laminate assembly to form a laminate garment structure.

Abstract: A method for making a screen assembly for a vibratory separator, which, in certain aspects, includes placing a first layer of screening material below a glue application apparatus, and applying with the glue apparatus an amount of glue in a pattern to a portion of the first layer of screening material, unrolling part of a second layer from a second roll and positioning the part of the second layer adjacent part of the first layer to which glue has been applied, moving the part of the second layer and the part of the first layer between opposed rotatable spaced-apart rollers to press together the part of the second layer and the part of the first layer to form a pressed-together layer of first and second layers of screening material. In certain aspects hot glue is used and is cooled following application of the second layer on the first layer.

Abstract: A method of controlling an ultraviolet (UV) glue size for liquid crystal display (LCD) devices includes using a frame seal or a patterned device layer as a size-controlling material. At first, a pixel electrode matrix structure is formed on a substrate. A frame seal material is then provided along the periphery of the pixel electrode matrix structure and a size-controlling material is provided. The size-controlling material is harder than the UV glue. The size-controlling material is formed with a predetermined shape around a predetermined place in which a UV glue is formed using the predetermined place as the center of the size-controlling material. The predetermined shape of the size-controlling material includes a U-shape, an arch-shape, a line-shape or a L-shape. Next, the UV glue is formed in the predetermined place, which is preferably the corners of the pixel electrode matrix structure.

Abstract: Efficient high speed methods for making garments with fastening components include positioning first fastening components on one surface of a product assemblage on opposite sides of a machine center line at selected first cross machine direction locations. In particular embodiments, second fastening components are positioned on another surface of the product assemblage on opposite sides of the machine center line at selected second cross machine direction locations. The product assemblage can be processed through bonding devices disposed at selected cross machine direction locations to bond the fastening components to opposite surfaces of the product assemblage. In other embodiments, the product assemblage can be processed through bonding devices subsequent to positioning the first fastening components.

Abstract: A process for making wipe-out sheet that includes the steps include placing a deregistered tow upon a web of a base sheet, covering transversely opposite side edge regions of the deregistered tow and transversely opposite side edge regions of the base sheet with ribbon-like sheets and heat-sealing the ribbon-like sheets with the base sheet along the side edge regions of the base sheet.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide a composite sheet having a layer of inelastically stretchable continuous fibers improved so that a possible unevenness in fiber diameter may be minimized.

Abstract: A method of producing a creep resistant composite elastic material wherein an elastic fibrous web is bonded to at least one gatherable layer to form a composite elastic material is provided. By passing the composite elastic material into a nip formed between an anvil calender roller and a point un-bonded calender roller, wherein the point un-bonded calender roller has recessed areas in the surface of said roller, a material which is creep resistant, dimensionally stable, and has inherent latency, is formed.

Abstract: An elastically stretchable composite sheet includes an elastic layer and an inelastic layer formed with stretchable fibers having a relatively small diameter and bonded to at least one surface of the elastic layer. In the inelastic layer bonded to the elastic layer is formed with thermoplastic synthetic fiber, at least 80% by weight of stretchable fibers includes thermoplastic synthetic fiber containing lubricant of 0.1˜5.0% by weight.

Abstract: A modular reciprocating heat seal jaw assembly is disclosed for sealing reclosable fastener strips to a web of thermoplastic film and for sealing the web of thermoplastic film into a series of reclosable bags. The jaw assembly includes first and second sealing jaws and means for slidably mounting the sealing jaws on a pair of parallel shafts near the lateral ends of the first and second sealing jaws in a horizontal configuration. A mechanical system is providing for selectively effecting reciprocal movement of the first and second sealing jaws together and apart as required. A modular frame is provided for supporting the ceiling jaws and the first and second pairs of parallel shafts and for maintaining the lateral and vertical position of the first and second sealing jaws as they are moved toward or away from each other. The modular frame and heat seal jaw assembly may be inserted into existing form-fill-seal machine to make them more efficient and accurate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for effecting ultrasonic bonds in sequentially advancing workpiece segments, in a nip defined by a rotary ultrasonic horn and rotary anvil roll. The ultrasonic bonding apparatus comprises support structure comprising anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus. A closed loop control apparatus is connected to one or both of the anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus. The closed loop control apparatus comprises a programmable logic controller, a load cell, and an adjustor. Information output from the load cell triggers the closed loop control apparatus through the programmable logic computer and the adjustor to move one or both of the anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus toward or away from the other in dynamic response to the information output from the load cell, thereby regulating pressure in the nip with ongoing real-time adjustments to distance between the anvil support apparatus and the horn support apparatus.

Abstract: A disposable cup comprises a side wall having an outer surface, an inner surface, and at least one air pocket formed on the inner surface. The air pockets are formed by shrink film being adhered to the inner surface in at least one pattern and adapted to pull away from the inner surface in accordance with the pattern upon application of heat at a temperature range sufficient to cause the formation of air pockets. The formed air pockets thermally insulate a portion of the outer cup surface located directly behind the air pockets.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally bonding a cover material onto an absorbent, fibrous web has a substantially cylindrical, rotatable sealing roller and a rotatable anvil roller disposed adjacent the sealing roller to provide a nip therebetween. The cover material and fibrous web can be sealed and calendered in the nip of this apparatus. The sealing roller includes a sealing element and an ironing element, and both of these elements have thermally conductive material and a leading and a trailing end in the direction of rotation. The sealing roller has at least one pair of sealing and ironing elements positioned sequentially on the circumferential surface of the sealing roller in the direction of rotation. At least one end of the ironing element is thermally insulated from an adjacent end of an adjacent sealing element.

Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for creating ultrasonic bonds in sequentially advancing absorbent article workpiece segments, in a bonding nip. The ultrasonic bonding apparatus comprises a frame, anvil support apparatus, horn support apparatus, closure apparatus, a load cell support member, and a load cell. The ultrasonic horn and the anvil roll collectively are mounted and configured such that the ultrasonic horn and the anvil roll can be brought together, via the closure apparatus, to define the nip therebetween. The load cell is mounted to the load cell support member such that force representative of force exerted on the anvil roll at the nip is detected by the load cell. In preferred embodiments, the invention includes outputting information from the load cell and adjusting force in the nip in response to the information received from the load cell.