Abstract: Spaced seams in a disposable garment web containing a plastic component and moving rapidly along a direction of manufacture is formed by bringing an ultrasonic welder into pressurized contact with the machine web for a predetermined period of time, heating the web along the seam for a first segment of the predetermined period of time and then maintaining pressurization with the ultrasonic welder during a second segment of the predetermined time period without heat sufficient to permit the plastic material to resolidify.

Abstract: The method includes using a contoured mold (22) with copper tubing (40) coiled and embedded beneath the contoured surface. The fabric or trim cover (14) and an adhesive film (16) is placed on the mold (22) and drawn by a vacuum in to contour with the mold (22). The foam cushion (12) is placed thereon in compression. The adhesive film (16) includes a polyamide resin doped with micron sized ferromagnetic particles. Copper coil tubing (40) is energized by an oscillatory radio frequency generator (50) to produce a magnetic flux to induce eddy currents in the ferromagnetic particles to generate heat to thereby melt the polyamide resin. The adhesive film melts, creating a bond between the trim cover (14) and the foam cushion (12).

Abstract: A method for high pressure co-cure molding of lightweight honeycomb core composite articles having ramped surfaces utilizing low total density, stabilized ramped honeycomb cores. The low total density, stabilized ramped honeycomb core is formed by net shaping stabilized honeycomb core material into a ramped honeycomb core, which is prepped for lay-up and co-cure by applying a layer of low areal weight film adhesive to the upper, lower and ramped surfaces thereof. The honeycomb core material is stabilized for the net shaping operation by a layer of the low areal weight film adhesive applied to the upper and lower surfaces of the material in a predetermined picture frame format. Composite prepregs and the ramped honeycomb core are layed-up in a semi-rigid molding assembly including a rigid base member and a complementary semi-rigid mold member having at least one internal rigid reinforcement insert, which is vacuum bagged and disposed in an autoclave.

Abstract: A security device is described that is simple and reliable. It includes a base member which is adhesively attached to the surface of a large object such as a motor vehicle. A protective knife-edged boss surrounds and protects the adhesive to defeat attempts to pry the base member off the vehicle. Housed within the base member is a steel tube, and a locking cable extends through the tube to secure personal property. A cavity is provided for easy installation of the tube within the base member, and a flange is attached to the tube for preventing extraction of the tube from the base member, as well as defeating removal of the base member from the vehicle. A three-way system of adhesion is employed which provides superior results.

Abstract: A mailing container having upper and lower plain paper layers padded with at least two layers of globular paper is made with feed and unwinding devices for upper and lower paper webs and an unwinding device for the padded webs. A device connects the paper webs with padded webs adjacent an edge of the mailing containers. A device cuts the mailing containers to a predetermined format. A station for globular paper includes at least one supply roll to be unwound from the upper paper web and a lower paper web. A reactivatable hot melt adhesive is applied along predetermined zones, on at least one of the globular paper webs and on at least one web of the upper and lower paper webs before the webs are brought together. The hot melt adhesive applied to the predetermined zones between the upper and lower paper web and/or between the globular paper webs causes these webs to be permanently joined.

Abstract: A process for production of a bag having linear ribs uses an apparatus for forming linear ribs which comprises a plate mold having linear protrusions on both faces thereof and upper and lower female molds placed at both sides of the mold, having penetrated linear cavities at positions corresponding to those of the linear protrusions and capable of opening and closing as desired. Multi-layer resin films are inserted between the plate mold and the female molds. The molds are heated and pressed to each other to prepare multi-layer resin films having linear ribs. A bag is produced using the multi-layer resin film having linear ribs thus prepared. Ribs convex to the outside can be formed on the multi-layer film comprising a layer of a resin having a low melting point at the inside and a layer of a resin having a high melting point at an outer side thereof. The self-supporting bag produced by the process has a higher stiffness.

Abstract: A method of bonding a contoured seat cover with a first surface to a seat cushion with a second surface is provided which includes the steps of coating the second surface with a heat-activated adhesive, placing a flexible planar heating member between the first and second surfaces, pressing the first and second surfaces together against the heater with a force of one to five pounds per square inch, heating the adhesive with the heating member, removing the heating member while the first and second surfaces are pressed together, and allowing the adhesive to solidify and then relieving the pressure between the seat cover and the seat cushion.

Abstract: A process for fabricating panels of a core material with thermoplastic resin facings. The core material is either foam or a honeycomb structure from aramid paper. A belt press machine provides a means for rapid heating and cooling such that the core will not degrade. Since the process is so rapid, aramid fibers can be used to reinforce the resin facings without deleterious decomposition of the fibers under the temperatures used to heat the panels during forming.

Abstract: A photovoltaic solar cell module and method of manufacture is provided wherein an ionomer is used as an encapsulant.

Abstract: A photovoltaic solar cell module and method of manufacture is provided wherein an ionomer is used as an encapsulant, wherein said ionomer being modified by the presence of 0.3 to 2.0 wt. percent of a UV absorber and 0.3 to 2.0 wt. percent of a UV stabilizer.

Abstract: A method of coating the surface of semi-rigid porous materials such as open cell foam or fibrous compositions with a thermoplastic adhesive in powder form which will reactivate. The powdered adhesive in a size range of 0-600 microns will remain on the surface of such materials even when cell diameter of the foam or space between fibers is larger than adhesive particle size. High porosity is maintained in the coated product. First a thermoplastic adhesive in powder form is dispensed uniformly onto the surface of a carrier belt which is coated with a release agent and is moving continuously. The adhesive advances to a preheating station where the adhesive is plasticized and will adhere to the carrier belt to prevent movement, after which the foam or fibrous material is placed on the adhesive which is adhered to the belt. The adhesive and material advance to a second heating station where the adhesive is fully melted to allow the adhesive to bridge cells in the foam or space between fibers.

Abstract: A device for electronically seam fusing similar or dissimilar multiple polymeric materials by placing the materials between two opposing plates, wherein the plates have cooling tubes disposed within the plates and have the required combination of heating elements, non-stick heat barriers, and configuration enhancers disposed thereon. The opposing plates are then closed by a force which is regulated by a control feature which also governs the timing, length and temperature that is utilized by the heat elements and cooling tubes of the invention. Upon completion of the electronic seam fuse cycle, the multiple layers of polymeric materials will be fused together, and separated if desired, thus creating a seam that will be as strong or stronger than the individual material.

Abstract: A process for the production of structural and semi-structural composites formed by compressing planar layers of nonwoven preform materials formed from aqueous blends of reinforcing fibers and thin thermoplastic fluoropolymer flake. The flakes have an irregular periphery with microfibrils extending therefrom, having a Canadian Standard Freeness of from 800 to 883. The planar layers which are unconstrained in the in-plane direction are preconsolidated by heating the layer to above the melting point of the fluoropolymer, the applying pressure normal to the plane of the layer causing the fluoropolymer to flow thus orienting the fibers in the plane of the layer. The composites are useful in applications which require higher strength and/or modulus, and where chemical and/or heat resistance is needed, as in chemical processing.

Abstract: A bonding method of for external leads which includes the steps of registering the external leads of an IC component with electrodes of a circuit substrate, setting an external lead retaining surface of a bonding tool on a flat outer tab obtained by coating plural outer end parts of the external leads of the registered IC component with resin, and bringing the external leads in touch with the corresponding electrodes. A laster beam irradiates one of the external leads registered on one of the electrodes to thereby bond them, and cooling gas is jetted on a bonding part of the external lead to cool a bonding part of the external lead and the electrode. During the irradiating step, the one of the external leads registered on one of the corresponding electrodes can be pressed against the electrode to bond the bonding part of the electrode and the external lead.

Abstract: A tagged packet carries a tag which is attached to the main body of the packet by a thread. The thread comprises polypropylene so as to be attachable by heat sealing to the body. The body is made up of layers of sheet material also comprising thermoplastic material to allow the body to be closed by heat seals. The thread is secured to the face of the body at one edge at the same time as that edge is heat sealed and the heating for the thread seal is applied from the opposite face of the body whereas the adjacent regions of edge seal spaced from the thread has the heating applied through the first face. This arrangement gives closer control of the different conditions required for securing the thread and for sealing together only the sheet material of the body.

Abstract: A temperature-controllable roller 1 is used as the sealing tool, on whose circumferential surface a plurality of plastic film webs are sealed together under the action of heat and pressure. The plastic film webs, which are conveyed about compression rolls, run at equal or different mutual distances onto the circumferential surface of the temperature-controllable roller. These compression rolls rest against the circumferential surface of the temperature-controllable roller and exert pressure onto the latter. The webs of plastic film run through the contact nips between the compression rolls and the temperature-controllable roller. The plastic film webs are provided on one or both sides with sealing layers, which are incipiently melted by the action of heat, so that a sealing of the plastic film webs in layers one on top of the other occurs on the circumferential surface of the temperature-controllable roller.

Abstract: The fabrication of a plastic-wood composite wherein a raw wood is prepared by drying and crushing of at least the outer cell layers of the veneer using a heated platen. A plastic sheet with a coating of more easily fluidized material is then combined with the wood through heat and pressure. Cooling then fixes the composite structure to define a plastic covered composite having the appearance of coated wood.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a honeycomb structure in which a plurality of thermoplastic layers are fused together at selected locations. The thermoplastic layers at each of the selected locations are melted together to form a welded portion which includes first and second exterior surfaces. The welding of the thermoplastic layers is controlled so that no more than one of the exterior surfaces is melted. This partial melting of one layer prevents undesirable welding to adjacent layers. An apparatus for carrying out the method for welding thermoplastic honeycomb structures is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for fabricating panels of a core material with thermoplastic resin facings. The core material is either foam or a honeycomb structure from aramid paper. A belt press machine provides a means for rapid heating and cooling such that the core will not degrade. Since the process is so rapid, aramid fibers can be used to reinforce the resin facings without deleterious decomposition of the fibers under the temperatures used to heat the panels during forming.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for welding halogen-free thermoplastic foils or plates, wherein one or more layers or inserts such as, e.g., reinforcement layers, are placed between the foils. The apparatus includes a welding tool which can be heated to the desired welding temperature and a countertool which can be adjusted to a temperature below the melting temperature of the foils. The countertool has a profile which corresponds to the desired welding or stamping contour, particularly a cutting edge. A heat-conducting separating foil can be placed in the welding apparatus for transmitting thermal energy produced by the welding tool and required for plasticizing the thermoplastic foils to the thermoplastic foils, wherein the foils can be separated from the separating foil after cooling. The method includes the steps of three-dimensionally pre-shaping at least one of the foils, so as to form an indentation and a foil support edge raised relative to the indentation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing shipping rolls of wrinkle free ballistics type film faced composite sheet material which when assembled and cured on a shipping tube is subject to having surface wrinkles and creases. By assembling the material on a forming roll of large diameter, such that the thickness of the wound wraps of a given length of the sheet material is relatively thin, the deformation of each wrap is minimized during heat and compression curing and the cured material is free of surface wrinkles and creases. The cure-stabilized material then can be unwound and cut to desired length and wound on a small diameter shipping tube to provide a shipping package of material free of wrinkles and creases. The curing apparatus includes a cylinder with an internally lined inflatable bladder, such cylinder being adaptable to being moved into surrounding relation with the sheet material.

Abstract: For laminating layers consisting at least in part of thermoplastic films, in particular for producing identification cards, or the like, carrying information and/or data, a method is proposed where the blank, after having been introduced between pressing dies, is initially subjected to the pressure and heat required for complete lamination of the blank. Heat dissipation is prevented during heating by the fact that cooling components are kept at a predetermined distance from the heating surfaces. During a subsequent transition from heating to cooling, the heating effect is terminated and cooling bodies are brought into contact with the pressing and heating components, for reducing the temperature of the completely laminated product.

Abstract: A method of fusion bonding of a mark plate places a mark plate, having a heat-melt portion formed on at least a part of a front surface-outer peripheral portion, a side surface and a back surface-outer peripheral portion, the heat-melt portion being made of a thermoplastic resin 6, into a recess portion provided on a surface of a wall plate. A peripheral portion of the mark plate is heated to a temperature not lower than the melting point of the thermoplastic resin from the front surface side of the wall plate by a front surface side heater, e.g. a heating platen 7, while heating the peripheral portion of the mark plate to a temperature not higher than the melting point of the wall plate from the back surface side of the wall plate by a back surface side heater, e.g. another heating platen.

Abstract: The open edge of a plasticboard is moved into a heating and sealing unit having a metal form with a U-shaped cross-section. A spacing tape and a release tape line the metal form. An induction or resistance heater is coupled to the metal form to raise the temperature thereof and heat the open edge to form a molten plastic edge wall, with the outer edges of the edge wall in sealing engagement with the form. The molten plastic fills the cavity between the form and the edge wall and forms a solid, continuous end wall upon cooling of the molten plastic. A batch sealing unit has a form moved directly into engagement with the edge wall to be sealed. A continuous sealing unit has an elongated form. A conveyor moves the plasticboard through the form in a continuous flow path with the form inclined to the path of the edge board to establish relative lateral movement. A cooling unit cools the end wall as the board moves from the form.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a seat by using adhesives in which an air permeable skin material and a cushioning pad are bonded to each other by means of reactive hot-melt adhesives, the method comprises a step of coating adhesives to the cushioning pad, a step of provisionally assembling the skin material to the cushioning pad from the side of the adhesive coating surface, a step of setting the provisionally assembled cushioning pad and skin material to an attaching die, a step of applying heating by a heating die to the skin material and the cushioning pad attached in the attaching die assembling step from the side of the skin material and a step of applying cooling under pressure by a cooling die from the surface of the skin material subsequent to the heating step. A seat comprising a skin material and a cushioning pad can be molded with a seat frame by this method.

Abstract: An improved substrate splice for roofing and the associated method for the creation of an improved substrate splice. This can be achieved by taking a fiberglass scrim that has at least one layer of nonwoven fabric positioned adjacent thereto. Splicing involves overlapping this material and heating to a temperature of between 450.degree. and 1,000.degree. F. while applying 1 to 1,000 pounds per square inch. The preferred range of temperature is between 500.degree. to 700.degree. F. with 1 to 4 p.s.i. of pressure. Two layers of fiberglass backed thermoplastic tape is applied to each side of this splice. The tape is then heated to between 450.degree. and 1000.degree. F. while also applying pressure of 0 to 1,000 pounds per square inch. The preferred range of temperature is between 500.degree. to 700.degree. F. with 1 to 4 p.s.i. of pressure.

Abstract: Provided by this invention are piezoelectric laminate films wherein films of different polymers are in laminated relationship. The piezoelectric laminate film has at least one property which is superior to the corresponding property in the films used in the lamination to form the laminate. Also provided is a method for making the laminate.

Abstract: A method for electrically connecting an upper wiring with a lower wiring consists of the steps of arranging the upper wiring mixed with thermo-softening material on an upper insulating sheet, arranging the lower wiring mixed with thermo-softening material on a lower insulating sheet, putting the upper insulating sheet on the lower insulating sheet to bring the upper wiring into contact with the lower wiring, and providing ultrasonic vibration to the upper and lower wirings and the upper insulating sheet while pushing the upper insulating sheet toward the lower insulating sheet. In these steps, the upper and lower wirings and the upper insulating sheet are heated and melted because friction heat is generated by the ultrasonic vibration. Thereafter, the upper insulating sheet is pushed into the upper and lower wirings while pushing these wirings aside and is boded with the lower insulating sheet. Also, the upper wiring is bonded with the lower wiring so that these wirings are electrically connected.

Abstract: A security device is described that is simple and reliable. It includes a base member which is adhesively attached to the surface of a large object such as a motor vehicle. A protective knife-edged boss surrounds and protects the adhesive attaching means to defeat attempts to pry the base member off the vehicle. Housed within the base member is a steel tube, and a locking cable extends through the tube to secure personal property. A cavity is provided for easy installation of the tube within the base member, and a flange is attached to the tube for preventing extraction of the tube from the base member, as well as defeating removal of the base member from the vehicle. A three-way system of adhesion is employed which provides superior results.

Abstract: A plurality of optical fibers (13) are first bonded to an upper surface of a flat flexible plastic substrate (12). The optical fibers are covered with a layer (20) of thermoplastic material to form a composite structure comprising the thermoplastic material, the optical fibers and the plastic substrate. The composite structure is then compressed at a first elevated temperature and at a first relatively high pressure which are sufficient to bond or tack the thermoplastic material to the plastic substrate. The temperature of a composite structure is then cool while maintaining the first relatively high pressure. Thereafter, a second elevated temperature is applied to the thermoplastic material while compressing the composite structure at a second pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a seat comprising a skin material, a cushioning pad and a seat frame by bonding the skin material and the cushioning pad to each other by using a reactive hot melt adhesive, wherein the method comprises a step of coating an adhesive to the cushioning pad, a step of assembling the seat frame to an attaching die in which a movable press bonding plate is disposed, a step of attaching a cushioning pad to the seat frame assembled to the attaching die, provisionally assembling the skin material to the surface of the cushioning pad on the side of coating the adhesive and then moving the press bonding plate thereby arranging the seat frame, the cushioning pad and the skin material on an attaching die main body, a step of applying heating by a heating die from the side of the skin material attached in the assembling step and a cooling/press bonding step of applying cooling under pressure after the heating step by a cooling die from the surface of the skin materi

Abstract: The present invention is related to a production method for a composite molded article. The method comprises the steps of: forming a composite wood overlay surface material by laminating a wood veneer on a front side of a base sheet selected from one of a metal sheet and a resin sheet; laminating a back sheet selected from one of a porous material and a fibrous material on a back side of said base sheet; coating said wood veneer incorporated in said composite wood overlay surface material; placing said composite wood overlay surface material in a mold; and injecting a resin onto said back sheet incorporated in said composite wood overlay surface material. Thus, the present invention provides a composite molded article having an excellent appearance of coating on the surface of the article and automation of the coating step is possible.

Abstract: Cured perfluoroelastomer, including rod stock, can be spliced using perfluoropolymer bonding agents in conjunction with moderate pressure and concentrated heat.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat staking a first component to an apertured second component to form a unitary assembly are featured. A heated staking head from which one or more heat staking anvils extend laterally and are arranged at their respective distal ends to head over a protruding portion of a shank member formed in the first component to secure the shank to the second component, and which apparatus further includes an apertured cooling tube or tubes located in the proximity of the free end of respective anvils and when the tubes are supplied with a cooling fluid, the ends of the anvils will be chilled for immediate disengagement and clean release from the headed-over portion of the respective shanks.

Abstract: An exemplary pultrusion mandrel of the invention comprises a first portion for arranging a fiber reinforcement substrate thereabout, a second portion having an elongated body and internal heater, and a resin injector system intermediate therebetween and having a plurality of resin injector ports integrally disposed at different angles for wetting inward surfaces of the substrate being formed. The mandrel is preferably used in conjunction with an external die. Also disclosed is an exemplary method for continuous pultrusion.

Abstract: Sandwich panels and methods of making them, i.e., laminates which comprise two metal sheets with a filled resin core between a bonded metal sheets, which are useful for structural and other uses wherein the laminates utilize combinations of metal skins, metal surface preparation, resins, fillers, and reinforcement bonded together in the sandwich structure to provide a laminate having a flexural modulus of at least 1.7 million psi, a rigidity index of at least about 2,000 and other unique properties which enable the laminates to be particularly useful for thin wall trailer body construction, as well as other structural and non-structural uses. A rigidity index property for sandwich structures and panels and a falling ball impact test are disclosed and used to characterize the properties of sandwich laminates.

Abstract: A method for laminating plastic film to glass is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a precast layer of glass on a support and placing a polymer film at a distance therefrom; then providing a ram with a lower surface having substantially the same contour as the top surface of the glass layer and providing a hard, flexible intermediate layer between the ram and the polymer film in which the intermediate layer has a contour that is more convex than that of the lower surface of the ram. The distance between the ram and the precast glass is then decreased such that initially the lower surface of the ram contacts the intermediate layer and the central portion of the intermediate layer contacts the polymer film at its center first and continues to stretch the polymer film into contact with the glass layer at its center outwardly towards the edges. Eventually the pressure is increased between the ram and the glass layer, heat is applied, and the glass layer and polymer film are laminated.

Abstract: A sheet binder includes a frame having first and second spaced parallel support walls for receiving therebetween a plurality of sheet to be bound. The walls each have a first end for defining therebetween an opening into which the sheets are inserted, and a second end defining therebetween a binding zone. A heating plate and deposition base are operably associated with the second ends for applying an adhesive strip to associated edges of the sheets for binding the sheets together. The plate and base are displaceably supported within the frame for being linearly and alternatingly moved into and out of the binding zone.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible window covering is disclosed in which an unpleated facing fabric is attached to a pleated panel to provide a Roman shade type window covering. Transverse cells are formed by the attachment of the pleated panel and unpleated fabric which provide excellent insulation properties. A method for making such a shade is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method of laminating a metal foil or sheet to a polyimide material is provided. A solution of a precursor of an intractable (i.e. thermosetting) polyimide is applied to a substrate and the solvent is removed to form a dry tack-free film. Thereafter, a solution of a precursor of a thermoplastic polyimide is applied onto the first film of polyimide and the solvent is removed to form a dry tack-free second film. Both films are then cured concomitantly at a sufficiently rapid rate and low temperature to effect substantial imidization of the polyimide precursors of both films without substantial crosslinking or densification of the polyimides in either of the films. Thereafter, a metal sheet or foil is laminated onto the thermoplastic polyimide film according to the following process. The thermoplastic film is contacted with the sheet or foil of metal to be laminated thereto.

Abstract: An adhesive-coated thermoplastic film is stretched and bonded to a three-dimensional substrate by vacuum thermoforming at a lower than normal temperature, at which the film has an elastic modulus of at least 10.sup.9 dynes/cm.sup.2, followed by moderate heat treatment of the resulting laminated article. The procedure is especially useful in avoiding air entrapment and peel-back in the thermoforming of a paint-coated film on exterior body panels for automobiles.

Abstract: A method for twin sheet forming layers high heat distortion temperature thermoplastic materials. The process employs a low heat distortion temperature thermoplastic material layer disposed between the layers of high heat distortion temperature material layer to permit adhesion therebetween at moderate temperatures to reduce thermal degradation. The structures made therefrom are useful as aircraft ducting.

Abstract: A thermoformable mat, e.g., a mat of resinated fiberglass, is compressed and shaped into a contoured object, e.g., a shell for an automobile headliner, by this process. The mat is compressed between two dies that have been preheated. At least one of the dies is perforated. Superheated steam (e.g., at 80 psig and 600.degree. F.) is ejected from the perforations into the mat, thereby quickly raising the mat temperature to its thermoforming point. After the mat is set into the contoured shape, the dies are reopened and the formed mat is removed. If the mat that is used contains a thermoplastic adhesive, the mat is cooled to below the adhesive's melt print before the dies are opened. This can be done by applying a vacuum to the perforated die and pulling ambient air through the mat.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced composite matrix that includes one or more layers of unidirectional fibers alternated with one or more layers of a porous fibrous material, all the fibers being embedded in a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A structural thermoplastic composite material comprises a laminate of a first layer of a fibre reinforced thermoformable polymer composite containing reinforcing filaments and an adherent layer of a second thermoformable polymer. The thermoformable polymer of the adherent layer comprises either a crystalline polymer having a melting point at least 10.degree. C. below that of the first layer, or is an amorphous polymer having a glass transition temperature which is at least 10.degree. C. lower than the melting point of the polymer of the first layer, or is an amorphous polymer which may be crystallizable in a subsquent annealing process. The adherent layer is applied to the first layer at a temperature above the melting point of the thermoformable polymer of the first layer.

Abstract: One method of forming a workpiece made of thermoformable material includes the steps of: (a) supporting a raw workpiece on a suspension tray; (b) moving a pair of relatively hot forming dies into position above the workpiece; (c) closing the hot forming dies against the workpiece to heat the workpiece and to form and shape the workpiece into the desired configuration; (d) opening the hot forming dies and removing the hot forming dies away from the workpiece; (e) moving a pair of relatively cold forming dies into position above and below the workpiece; (f) closing the cold forming dies against the workpiece to cool the workpiece while maintaining the workpiece in the desired configuration; and, (g) opening the cold forming dies and removing the finished workpiece form the suspension tray. Other methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making continuous lengths of thermoplastics material fibers reinforced laminates by arranging layers of fibers reinforcement impregnated with a thermoplastics material in alignment with and between outer sheets of another material to form a stack and passing the stack through a tool having two opposing platens, one of which is movable relative to the other, and operating the tool so as to compress the stack and form a laminate. The stack is passed from entry to exit of the tool in steps, the extent of each of which is substantially less than the length of the tool such that each area of the stack is subjected to repeated compressions by the tool is passing therethrough. A recess is formed in one platen, which is adapted to receive a land formed on the other platen.

Abstract: Bonding of leather to leather without the use of any adhesives is achieved by pressing together the two leather portions to be bonded at a pressure of at least about 50 bar and at a bonding temperature of from about 60.degree. to about 200.degree. C. for at least 10 seconds and subsequently cooling them or allowing them to cool while maintaining a pressure of at least about 10 bar at any time during said cooling when the temperature is above about 85.degree. C., the entire process being conducted in an oxygen-poor environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for bonding laminar workpieces has a feed station, a heating and pressing station with two heating zones, and a delivery station with a cooling zone. A lower conveyor belt is driven through the feed station and the heating and pressing station. An upper conveyor belt is driven through the heating and pressing station, and is mounted a sufficient distance above the lower conveyor belt to carry the workpieces therebetween. Pressing rollers are mounted in the heating and pressing station for pressing the heated workpieces moving therethrough. The adhesive between the laminations of the workpieces is heat-activated in the heating zones of the workpieces is heat-activated in the heating zones to bond the laminations of the workpieces. The heated and pressed workpieces are then moved by conveyor belts through a cooling zone to resolidify the adhesive between the laminations of the workpieces.

Abstract: A method of welding porous tube ends onto a tube sheet is disclosed, wherein tube ends projecting over the tube sheet are fused into a melt. Part of the melt is conducted to the outside in a radial direction, so that it lies on the end face of the tube sheet. Melt and tube sheet are then welded together. The tube end is preferably cooled from the inside by a metal pin is inserted into the tube end.