Abstract: A multilayer laminate is composed of a) a backing, b) a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer applied directly to the backing, and c) a wax layer applied directly to the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.

Abstract: A seismic coupling is provided for coupling a first longitudinal section of plain end plastic pipe to a second longitudinal section of plastic pipe. The coupling is provided in two halves with a left half being initially installed on the plain end of the first section of pipe. An internal shoulder is fused onto the first section of pipe and a right half of the coupling is then fused onto the left half to capture the first end of pipe within the coupling. The second pipe end is then installed within an end opening of the coupling and held in position by a connector installed between the right half of the coupling and the second pipe end. Internal seals are provided for sealing the first and second pipe ends within the interior of the coupling.

Abstract: A method and a device for connecting a plastic line part in a plastic socket. A head end (9) of the line part (6) is heated contactlessly all the way round until the end curls over to a diameter that is greater than the inside diameter of the socket (5). The line part is then pushed into the socket without using a mandrel or insert, so that the head end (9) forms a liquid-tight fused connection of high tensile strength with molten wall material of the socket (5).

Abstract: A tube-joining apparatus capable of stably and reliably joining tubes where liquid is contained and sealed. In a tube joining apparatus, a first clamp (6) and second clamp (7) for pressing and holding tubes (8, 9) are arranged in a contact state. When a second moving mechanism is driven to separate the second clamp (7) from the first clamp (6), the first clamp (6) is slid on the tubes by a shaft (121) supporting the first clamp (6) in a vertically movable manner and is moved from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2). The tubes are squeezed with a pressing force being gradually increased while the tubes are slid between slants (67, 77) of an engagement portion (68) and second engagement portion (78). Residual liquid in the tubes is removed from inside the tubes by the squeezing operation of the first clamp 6. The tubes from which the residual liquid is removed are cut by a cutting plate (41), the tubes are moved by first and second moving mechanisms, and then the tubes are joined.

Abstract: A method for producing a lightweight end wall of a containers characterized by the following stages: manufacturing a large size lightweight thermoplastics tube by spirally winding and joining together a hollow profile of thermoplastics, cutting a piece from such a tube to form a pre-form of an end wall, heating the pre-form into a mouldable state, pressing the pre-form into a dome shaped piece between a male and a female mould-half, cooling the dome shaped piece while pressed between the mould-halves, maching-tooling the edges of the cooled piece to match the cross-sectional surface of the tube mantle, and joining the mantle and the end wall together by welding.

Abstract: A method of joining two components of a vinyl frame provides first and second components each having an end and having surfaces defining at least one channel open at the end and extending into the associated component. A coupling structure is provided and has at least a first member and a second member and includes energy receiving structure. The first member is inserted to extend at least partially into the channel of the first component and the second member is inserted so as to extend at least partially into the channel of the second component so that the energy receiving structure is generally adjacent to certain surfaces defining the associated channel. Energy is directed to the coupling structure to cause the energy receiving structure to fuse with the certain surfaces, thereby joining the first and second components together. Improved component sealing and water pathways are also provided.

Abstract: An assembly for forming a hollow, ceramic arc discharge vessel for high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps is described wherein a means for self-alignment of two molded sections is provided. In particular, the sealing surface of one section of the arc discharge vessel is provided with a convex surface and the sealing surface of the other section is provided with a concave surface. The radius of the convex sealing surface is smaller than the radius of the concave sealing surface so that the sections may self-align during joining, preferably without gas entrapment in the seal.

Abstract: A method of forming a hollow ceramic body (10) comprising the steps of: forming a first section half (12) with a given wall thickness T and a second section half (14) with the given wall thickness T, the first section half and the second section half containing a binder material; forming a first joining surface (16) on the first section and forming a second joining surface (18) on the second section, the first joining surface 16 and the second joining surface 18 having a wall thickness T1 thinner than the given thickness; simultaneously heating the first and second joining surfaces (16, 18) to cause localized melting of the binder material; initially contacting the first joining surface with the second joining surface to form an interface region; and applying compression to the interface region to join the first section (12) to the second section (14) without the protrusion of any material into a discharge space (20) formed when the first section (12) and the second section (14) are joined.

Abstract: A machine and method for welding thermo-plastic rain gutters or other work pieces together. The machine includes a frame assembly and a protective shroud. Handles or a wheeled carriage are provided for transporting the machine to a work site. A stationary plate and a moveable plate are each secured to the frame assembly. Work piece holders and corresponding clamps specially configured for clamping rain gutters or other work pieces are disposed on the stationary and moveable plates together with a spacer plate for positioning and holding the ends of two work pieces in a position for welding the ends together. A heater is provided for heating the ends of the work pieces to a desired welding temperature and a press is provided for pressing and holding the molten ends of the work pieces together for welding.

Abstract: A primer formulated with a colorless dye detectable only under black light is provided. The present invention is non-detectable on a porous surface and color does not appear over time upon exposure to natural or synthetic lights. Under black light, sometimes referred to as ultra violet energy or long wave black light, the colorless dye appears as purple. However, once the black light is removed, the primer ceases to glow and returns to its natural, colorless state.

Abstract: Plastic tubes are welded by first placing the plastic tubes across aligned tube slots in a pair of side by side tube holders. The tubes are clamped to create a fluid free area. The clamps in one of the tube holders are shifted laterally away from the other tube holders to increase the fluid free area of each tube. A cold cutting device cuts through the clamped tubes to create four stub ends. The four stub ends are heated/melted. The stub ends are realigned so that the one stub end in one holder is aligned with the other stub end of the other tube holder and the realigned stub ends are pressed into contact with each other to create a weld seam.

Abstract: End-to-end joining of sleeves. A first glue strand is applied to the end joint surface of one of the sleeves, the first glue strand having properties that cause an immediate fixing of the end joint surfaces of the sleeves. A second glue strand is applied to the end joint surface of one of the sleeves, the second glue strand having properties that causing wetting of the sleeve material in the joint surface and its immediate vicinity. The end joint surface of a first one of the sleeves is positioned against the end joint surface of a second one of the sleeves so that the first glue strand causes an immediate fixing of the end joint surfaces, and the second glue strand is allowed to set. The apparatus includes alignment devices for positioning the sleeves adjacent glue nozzles and for positioning the sleeves in end-to-end contact.

Abstract: A seismic coupling is provided for coupling a first longitudinal section of plain end plastic pipe to a second longitudinal section of plastic pipe. The coupling is provided in two halves with a left half being initially installed on the plain end of the first section of pipe. An internal shoulder is fused onto the first section of pipe and a right half of the coupling is then fused onto the left half to capture the first end of pipe within the coupling. The second pipe end is then installed within an end opening of the coupling and held in position by a connector installed between the right half of the coupling and the second pipe end. Internal seals are provided for sealing the first and second pipe ends within the interior of the coupling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pipe cleaner apparatus that is attached to a pipe fusion machine. The pipe cleaner removes dirt, snow, mud, and other debris from the outer surface of pipe sections prior to the butt fusion process. The pipe cleaner may be a wiper through which the pipe slides, or may be a multi-piece scraper with spring loaded flaps that clean the outside surface of the pipe.

Abstract: A tube sealing device for sealing a resilient thermoplastic tube. The tube sealing device includes a base that supports a resilient thermoplastic tube in a fixed position relative to the base. The heating tool and the cooling tool are coupled to the base for movement relative to each other. Relative movement between the heating tool and the base aligns the heating tool with a portion of the resilient thermoplastic tube. The heating tool operates to contact, pinch and heat the portion of the resilient thermoplastic tube. Relative movement between the cooling tool and the base aligns the cooling tool with the same portion of the resilient thermoplastic tube. The cooling tool operates to contact, pinch and cool the resilient thermoplastic tube to form a seal.

Abstract: A conduit (100) comprising a plurality of conduit segments (112A–112C) each having a body (120A–120C) and a segment lining (136A–136C) made of a lining material. Each body includes a joint face (132A–132C) having secured thereto a portion (140A–140C) of the corresponding segment lining. A monolithic lining (108) is formed from the segment linings by abutting the conduit segments with one another so that the joint faces face one another and the portions of the segment linings contact one another. The portions of the lining on the joint faces are heated to a temperature above the melting point of the lining material so that they fuse with one another so as to form a fusion (148A, 148B) located between the joint faces.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods for joining flexible polymer workpieces using light energy. These methods, referred to as laser welding, can be used to join thermoplastic or thermoset polymers. The laser welding method of the invention is applicable to the creation or repair of any article requiring the bonding of two flexible polymer components or a flexible polymer component and an inflexible polymer component.

Abstract: A pipe construction system which utilizes a multiplicity of arcuate pipe segments 11, 12 to form a pipe section 10 and which sections are assembled together to form a length of pipe. Each segment 11, 12 has two longitudinal edges 13 of increased radial thickness and having a groove 14 formed in the circumferential direction whereby an interlocking and sealing member 15 may be located in the aligned grooves 14 of two adjacent segments 11, 12. One end of a pipe section 10 assembled from the segments defines a socket 22 for receiving a spigot 23 defined at the other end of a like section. The spigot end of each segment has a pocket 25 formed along said edge 13 but within the thickness of the major area of the segment, which pocket 25 mates with a corresponding pocket 25 of an adjacent segment whereby sealant may be disposed in the mating pockets.

Abstract: A device for connecting components (1, 2, 3) made of fusible plastic, especially pipes (12, 60) of a fuel pipeline or a fuel line to a fuel tank (8) of a vehicle. The device includes a heating element (4) having ends (44, 46) which are used to supply electrical energy. The device is easy to use, simple to mount, and produces a functionally reliable welded joint between the components (1, 2, 3). To achieve this, one component (3) includes a retaining body (16) for a retaining tool (50), and the two ends (44, 46) of the heating element (4) extend onto the retaining body (16) where they can engage contact elements (56, 57) on the retaining tool (50).

Abstract: The present invention relates to fabrication methods and apparatus for irrigating medical catheters. Such catheters include at least one section of standard thermoplastic catheter tubing coupled to a section of porous tubing (e.g., ePTFE and the like). A source of fluid couples to the porous portion of tubing to dispense diverse fluids. The manufacturing technique overcomes the inability of such porous material to liquefy and/or bond to most available adhesives by creating a mechanical-based coupling. One aspect of the present invention involves pre-treatment of a portion of a porous material such as ePTFE; that is, a “pre-imbibing” process is employed wherein the ePTFE is saturated with a solution of solvent and dissolved thermoplastic resin. After the solution evaporates a resin-based interstitial residue provides suitable structure that fuses to adjacent thermoplastic material during application of heat, such as during thermal bonding.

Abstract: An electrofusion joint assembly includes a meltable member, such as a pipe or fitting, and a heating element secured to the pipe or fitting. The pipe or fitting may be tapered to facilitate receiving another pipe to form an electrofusion weld joint. Fasteners are used to secure the heating element and extend through a meltable zone and into a non-melt zone. Power supplied to the pipe melts the pipe proximal the heating element.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus wherein each pair of jaws (42) is mounted on a carriage (29, 31) freely mobile on longitudinal slide rails and subjected to the action of springs (28, 32) pushing them towards a retractable stop borne by the frame of the other carriage, while the frame (1) of one of the carriages (29) is itself mounted sliding on transverse slide rails (8) and is coupled to drive means (10) capable of moving it on said rails (8) between an initial position, wherein the pairs of jaws (42, 43) are aligned, and a connecting position, wherein the pairs of jaws are offset and the retractable stops retracted, and the hot blade is borne by a carriage vertically mobile, in both directions, on vertical slide rails (20), said carriage (27) having the shape of a wedge whereof the two lateral sides are profiled and co-operate each, after the retractable stops are retracted and while the blade (27) is being raised, with a roller having a horizontal axis projecting rearward of the corresponding frame or

Abstract: The present invention has a purpose of providing a tube connecting apparatus capable of stably, accurately executing control of wafer temperature even when connecting of tubes is conducted continuously. A tube connecting apparatus (1) includes a heater (70) for heating a wafer holder (5a), a thermister (71) which detects the temperature of the wafer holder (5a), a heater heating control device (69) which controls the heater (70) based on output of the thermister (71), and a wafer heating control device (68) which performs heating control of a wafer (6) through constant power control. Before the start of heating the wafer (6) by the wafer heating control device (68), the control of the heater (70) is performed by the heater heating control device (69) for temperature control so that the wafer holder (5a) is heated to a fixed temperature (about 65° C.).

Abstract: A high-pressure composite pipe includes a pipe-shaped inner layer made of a synthetic resin, and a reinforcing layer made of a stretched polyolefin resin sheet and wound on an external circumferential surface of the inner layer, with a winding direction of the reinforcing layer being oriented at a predetermined angle relative to an axis of the pipe, and a method for joining high-pressure composite pipes each including a pipe-shaped inner layer made of a synthetic resin, a reinforcing layer made of a stretched polyolefin resin sheet and wound on an external circumferential surface of the inner layer, and an outer layer made of a synthetic resin and laminated on the reinforcing layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, apparatus, and design of a fusion welded pipe wherein the effects of an inner bead of the fusion weld are minimized. The internal shape of the pipe prior to welding may be configured in several different shapes so that the beads or lips produced by the fusion welding process are unobtrusive and do not interfere with the function of the pipe. In a likewise manner, the outer shape of the pipe prior to welding may be configured so that the lips are unobtrusive on the external surface of the pipe.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for producing plastic containers from thermoplastic sheets where the thermoplastic sheets are processed in parallel to form a low permeation plastic container. A plurality of thermoplastic sheets are progressively heated to a first temperature in a pre-conditioning stage. A group of the thermoplastic sheets are selected from the plurality of thermoplastic sheets and rapidly heated to a second temperature in a final heat stage. The group of thermoplastic sheets are then processed in a forming stage to form the low permeation plastic container.

Abstract: The invention is a method for joining two components of a fluid system. The method involves forming a first flange on a first fluid component and placing the first flange in an abutting relationship with a second flange that is formed on a second fluid component. The abutting relationship may be such that conduit portions of the fluid components are axially aligned. The flanges may then be bonded together such that the bond encircles the conduits and prevents fluid from entering or exiting the system from the bond. A bond of this type also places the first and second components in fluid communication. The fluid system may be incorporated into a sole structure of an article of footwear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining the ends of two profile sections (5, 6) such as two sealing, trimming or finishing strips for use in motor vehicle body construction, is shown. The two profile sections (5, 6) are clamped in respective retaining devices (18, 20) and a length of heat-responsive foil-like material (24) is unwound from a roll (22) into a position between the facing ends of the profile sections. Heaters (26-32) carried by a heater unit (34) are then moved into position between the ends of the profile sections (5, 6) and the foil (24). The outermost heaters (26, 30) heat the ends of the profile sections, and the innermost heaters (28, 32) heat the foil. The heaters (26 to 32) are then withdrawn, and the two retaining devices (18, 20) are then moved towards each other so as to move the ends of the two profile sections into contact with opposite sides of the heated foil (24) which thus heat-bonds the ends of the profile sections together.

Abstract: A method for building a sheet pile wall includes providing a first sheet pile having a leading sheet pile interlock with an interlock chamber, driving the first sheet pile into the ground while protecting the interlock chamber from ground material and providing a second sheet pile having a trailing sheet pile interlock with an interlock head. The method further includes coating a fixing agent as a surface layer on the interlock head of the trailing sheet pile interlock, engaging the coated interlock head of the trailing sheet pile interlock in the interlock chamber of the leading sheet pile interlock and driving the second sheet pile into the ground so that the trailing sheet pile interlock interlocks with the leading sheet pile interlock.

Abstract: An apparatus for aiding an individual using a plastic hose or pipe in an assembly or installation. The apparatus heats an end of the hose or pipe to soften the plastic, or other heat softenable material, thus making the end pliable, thereby allowing the hose or pipe to be more easily mated with a corresponding component. The apparatus is adapted for preventing the interior and/or exterior of the hose or pipe from deforming during the heating process.

Abstract: A device for welding plastic profiles, including at least two carriages for holding plastic profiles, stoppers for adjustment, stoppers for welding and at least one heating element. The motion of the plastic profiles can be controlled by the device during the welding in such a way that optionally at least two plastic profiles which have to be connected with each other move against each other or one plastic profile stops and the other moves toward it.

Abstract: A method for forming a fusion bond between polymeric materials. Preferably, a detector detects thermal radiation being emitted from a fusion bond site while a laser beam impinges on and heats at least a portion of the bond site. In an aspect of the present invention the detector can provide an electrical signal to a signal processor for controllably adjusting the laser beam power. In another aspect of the present invention, the electrical signal may be substantially correlated to the temperature of at least a region of the bond site. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus for forming a fusion bond between polymeric materials. The apparatus includes a workpiece support, a laser, a detector, and a signal processor. The workpiece support preferably positions a first and second polymeric body so that a fusion bond site is formed. The laser impinges on at least a portion of the fusion bond site such that it emits thermal radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical vascular catheters adapted to be inserted into a blood vessel from an incision through the skin of a patient for introducing other devices or fluids for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and particularly to an improved distal soft tip or segment attachment with a relatively stiff proximal catheter shaft. A tubular sleeve is bonded through the application of pressure and heat to a distal portion of the catheter shaft and a proximal portion of the distal segment of soft distal tip bridging the attachment junction. In the preferred method, the catheter shaft distal end is aligned with the distal segment or soft tip proximal end and the sleeve is fitted over the attachment junction. A heat shrink tube is fitted over the sleeve and adjoining portions of the catheter shaft and the distal segment or distal soft tip and heat is applied.

Abstract: A tire/wheel assembly in which a run-flat support member 3 is inserted into a cavity of a pneumatic tire 2, the run-flat support member 3 including a circular shell 4 in which the outer circumferential side thereof is used as a support surface and the inner circumferential side thereof is opened to have two leg portions, and an elastic ring 5 supporting the ends of the two leg portions on a rim 1. The circular shell 4 is configured by jointing side edges 7, 7 of at least two shell segments 4a, each having a single convex circumferential surface.

Abstract: A device for welding a plurality of thermoplastic plastic parts (parts to be joined) forming a hollow body with an opening by a laser, comprising a vacuum holder having a vacuum chamber which communicates with a vacuum pump, is open on one side and, together with the hollow body, forms a closed chamber that can be evacuated. When a vacuum is applied, the vacuum holder holds the hollow body stationary, holds the joined parts together and enables testing of the tightness of the weld.

Abstract: A method of joining two components of a vinyl frame provides first and second components each having an end and having surfaces defining at least one channel open at the end and extending into the associated component. A coupling structure is provided and has at least a first member and a second member and includes energy receiving structure. The first member is inserted to extend at least partially into the channel of the first component and the second member is inserted so as to extend at least partially into the channel of the second component so that the energy receiving structure is generally adjacent to certain surfaces defining the associated channel. Energy is directed to the coupling structure to cause the energy receiving structure to fuse with the certain surfaces, thereby joining the first and second components together. Improved component sealing and water pathways are also provided.

Abstract: An underhood air cleaner (10) includes a plastic housing (12) having an inlet (14) for receiving dirty air, a filter element (18) for filtering the air, and an outlet (42) for discharging clean filtered air. A plastic outlet duct (40) is butt welded (50) to the housing outlet (42) in axially non-overlapping relation, to eliminate axial overlap previously required for a hose clamp, to reduce the amount of underhood space required by an engine air cleaner in the axial direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of joining sleeves, e.g. paperboard sleeves, which within the paper industry are employed for rolling up manufactured paper webs, wheets webs or the like, in which at least the one joint surface is provided with a first glue strand of a glue of such properties that the glue gives an immediate fixing of the joint parts and said at least one joint surface is provided with a second glue strand of a glue of such properties that the sleeve material in the joint surface and its immediate vicinity are wetted, and thereafter sets, e.g. by drying.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for making a golf ball. Two cups are molded from an elastomer separately from an inner sphere. In one embodiment of the method, the cups are molded on both sides of a single mold part with hemispherical protrusions that form cavities in the cups. An inner sphere is placed within the cavities, and the cups are joined, by preferably crosslinking the cups together or applying adhesive there between. To retain the characterisitics of the cup material where the cups meet, an embodiment of the cups can be formed with nonplanar mating surfaces that mesh with each other. The nonplanar mating surfaces preferably have a pattern that is symmetrical about the inner sphere, such as concentric ridges, for example a tongue and a groove.

Abstract: An oil strainer comprises upper and lower partial bodies, made of synthetic resin, joined together to form a roughly tube-shaped strainer main body, the interior of which is provided with a filter. The oil strainer has a flange section for attachment with bolts, and the flange section is provided with at least one bolt hole which passes through the interior of the roughly tube-shaped strainer main body. With this structure, it is possible to provide an oil strainer which can be installed on a small installation surface, which is able to reduce resin fatigue, and which can prevent impairment of the seal due to loosening of installation members.

Abstract: An electrofusion joint assembly includes a meltable member, such as a pipe or fitting, and a heating element secured to the pipe or fitting. The pipe or fitting may be tapered to facilitate receiving another pipe to form an electrofusion weld joint. Fasteners are used to secure the heating element and extend through a meltable zone and into a non-melt zone. Power supplied to the pipe melts the pipe proximal the heating element.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-layer outer panel for a game ball includes three-dimensionally forming a top layer of an outer panel, as well as one or more backing materials disposed underneath the top layer, into a shape substantially corresponding to the surface of the ball. Multi-layer outer panels are then attached to or interconnected to surround an inflatable bladder, thereby producing a game ball while minimizing overstretching of the outer material or the backing material and improving resistance of the outer panels to delamination.

Abstract: The invention is a method for joining two components of a fluid system. The method involves forming a first flange on a first fluid component and placing the first flange in an abutting relationship with a second flange that is formed on a second fluid component. The abutting relationship may be such that conduit portions of the fluid components are axially aligned. The flanges may then be bonded together such that the bond encircles the conduits and prevents fluid from entering or exiting the system from the bond. A bond of this type also places the first and second components in fluid communication. The fluid system may be incorporated into a sole structure of an article of footwear.

Abstract: A conduction welding apparatus and method for bonding abutted thermal plastic tubular end portions is particularly suitable for welding PFA. In a preferred embodiment, a folding weld head embraces the abutted the tubular end portions to be welded, each tubular end portion including a flange spaced from the surfaces to be joined. The weld head includes means for securing the flanges within the weld head and further include bias means. The bias means provide an inward axial bias on the adjoined tubular end portions when the tubular end portions are displaced axially outward from the weld head due to the expansion of the plastic during the weld process. The bias means in a preferred embodiment is substantially inoperative prior to the weld and provides bias, or a substantial increase in bias, when the flanges are displaced due to the expansion of the molten PFA during the weld process.

Abstract: Medical device components and processes are disclosed. For example, tube-shaped catheter components and processes of making tube-shaped catheter components are disclosed. Devices and systems, including medical devices and systems, such as catheters, containing tube-shaped catheter components are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a T pipe for connecting a reduced branch pipe to a main pipe and to a method for producing such a pipe. The invention is characterized in that said T pipe comprises a thermoplastic connection piece (1) including a connection (2) for the branch pipe as well as a base part (3) essentially matching with the curvature of the main pipe and being essentially rectangular viewed in the direction of the central axis of said connection (2), said base part being butt welded to a pipe ring (4) having a size similar to that of the main pipe and a width similar to that of the base part (3), instead of a piece removed from said ring pipe and having a size similar to that of the base part (3).

Abstract: A blinds slat has a major portion being strips of bamboo and a minor portion being one or more pairs of wooden strips that are located at or near opposite side extremities of the slat. The resulting composite bamboo and wooden slat as exemplary resistance to warping and other deleterious effects of exposure to sun and moisture. Also disclosed is a method for producing the slats that is particularly advantageous in avoiding environmental harm, in that only small amounts of wood are used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and to a machine for splicing the trailing end of a running expiring web (e.g., a web of cigarette paper) to the leading end of a fresh web while the ends of the webs travel next to each other, in the same direction and at an at least substantially identical speed between a rotary knurling surface and a complementary second rotary surface which may but need not be a knurling surface. The rolls which constitute or mount the carriers for the two surfaces are driven in such a way that each n-th (e.g., each tenth) revolution results in the making of a splice between the leading and trailing ends of the webs. The forwardly and/or rearwardly extending remnants of the fresh and expiring webs are torn off the spliced-together webs at the respective ends of the splice.

Abstract: A master processing apparatus for use with a pair of removable feed rolls carrying a supply of stock material includes a frame and a master processing assembly operable to cause adhesive bonding between the stock materials and a master. The apparatus includes a cutting assembly and a movable feed tray. A master engaging structure engages the master as it is being processed.

Abstract: There is provided a duct and an associated preform and method. The duct is formed of a thermoplastic material and is lightweight, strong, flame and smoke resistant, and non-toxic. The duct is formed from a flat laminate and does not require a specialized, disposable mandrel for supporting conventional thermoset plies. Preferably, the duct is formed from a preform, which is cut according to the desired shape and size of the duct so that trimming after the duct has been formed is not required. Additionally, features such as holes and spud locations can be provided by cutting or marking the preform before forming the duct. Each duct can be formed of multiple articulated segments that are joined by connectors.