Abstract: A horizontal type thermo-shrinking film labeling machine includes a tubular thermo-shrinking film dispensing wheel controlled to let off a thermo-shrinking film, a film delivery uni controlled to deliver the thermo-shrinking film forwards, a central guide shaft which guides the thermo-shrinking film in an opened status, a cutter unit controlled to cut the thermo-shrinking film being delivered from the central guide shaft, a packing wheel rotated to pick up the cut pieces of the thermo-shrinking film, permitting the cut pieces of the thermo-shrinking film to be sleeved onto products carried thereon individually, a feed unit controlled to feed products to respective receiving troughs on the packing wheel, a conveyer controlled to carry thermo-shrinking film packed products to a heating unit for heating, enabling each cut piece of the thermo-shrinking film to shrink and to be firmly secured to the periphery of the corresponding piece of product.

Abstract: Method and device for stretching a web (8) of material in the manufacture of a liquid-absorbent article, having an absorption body (4) and a cover enclosing the same. The article is made from the web (8) of material being fed in its longitudinal direction, on which web one or more elongated elastic members (11-14) are fastened. The members extend at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the web and thereby subject the web to forces which are directed transversely to the longitudinal direction of the web. The web (8) of material is kept stretched in its longitudinal direction as well as in its transverse direction by mechanical restraint of the web of material adjacent to its longitudinal edge-portions (19,20).

Abstract: A method of continuously forming a composite structure comprised of a three-dimensional fabric including first and second sheets of fabric which face each other and which are connected by intermediate yarn, the method including providing a continuous supply of three-dimensional fabric; impregnating the three-dimensional fabric with resin which is thermoreactive; mating the three-dimensional fabric with a first outer strip which contacts the first sheet of fabric, and a second outer strip which contacts the second sheet of fabric to form a stratified structure containing the impregnated three-dimensional fabric; feeding the stratified structure along a path in a feed direction X which is straight; heating the stratified structure to at least partially polymerize the resin between the first outer strip and the first sheet of fabric and between the second outer strip and the second sheet of fabric, while the resin impregnating the intermediate yarn of the three-dimensional fabric remains substantially in the pla

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for applying a cover sheet of plastic material to the surface of a mold, during the molding of panels and/or of plastic pieces. The cover sheet is pneumatically held and stretched by a support frame provided with a sheet clamping groove, which peripherally extends for at least part or the edges of the mold; the support frame is provided with an air suction chamber connected to the sheet clamping groove by at least an air suction slot which opens on the bottom of the groove. The pneumatic support frame for the cover sheet and the mold are movable between each other for pneumatically adhering the cover sheet to the edges and the internal surface of the mold.

Abstract: An improved tape wrapping machine is provided which includes a tape slack device for creating a predetermined amount of untensioned slack in the tape web at the end of each cycle of operation to prevent the need for the operator to pull the tape from the supply roll at the beginning of the next taping cycle. The tape slack device includes a slack arm mounted for pivotal movement between tension and slack positions to create the necessary slack without movement of the tape supply roll. A tape feed support/slide and a retractable knife operate to effectively cut the web of tape during each cycle while creating an end portion of the tape for contact by the article during the next taping operation. The knife device is positioned to cut the nonadhesive side of the tape thereby permitting uninterrupted taping operations. A tape wrap collet includes elastomer fingers ensuring the tape conforms to the outer surface of the article thereby creating a tight tape wrap.

Abstract: A strap welding tool and method therefor including a first cam member for moving a sealing gripper toward a first support member to engage and retain tensioned strap disposed therebetween, a second cam member for enabling a vibrator motor to vibrate a welding pad, and a third cam member for moving the welding pad toward a second support member to engage and weld overlapping strap portions disposed therebetween. The tool includes a relatively small base plate to reduce loss of strap tension upon removal of the tool from between strap tensioned about small and irregular loads. A column strength of a strap portion engaged by the vibrating welding pad is reduced by deforming or bending the strap portion, and preferably forming a gap between upper and lower strap portions.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for use in printing a sublimation transfer on a container having a handle, such as a cup or mug. The method includes providing a sublimation transfer having a length which completely encircle the outer surface of the container. The sublimation transfer includes at least one cut-out portion on an edge portion thereof, wherein the cut-out portion has a shape which is generally complimentary to the shape of the handle where it connects with the container, thereby enabling the sublimation transfer to encircle the handle connection area. The sublimation transfer is pressed against the container and heat is applied to the sublimation transfer to cause printing on the container. The method enables the printing to completely encircle the handle connection areas, thereby enabling printing on the entire visible outer surface of the container, including the area around and under the handle itself.

Abstract: A strap welding tool and method therefor including a first cam member for moving a sealing gripper toward a first support member to engage and retain tensioned strap disposed therebetween, a second cam member for enabling a vibrator motor to vibrate a welding pad, and a third cam member for moving they welding pad toward a second support member to engage and weld overlapping strap portions disposed therebetween. The tool includes a relatively small base plate to reduce loss of strap tension upon removal of the tool from between strap tensioned about small and irregular loads. A column strength of a strap portion engaged by the vibrating welding pad is reduced by deforming or bending the strap portion, and preferably forming a gap between upper and lower strap portions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite material in the form of an annular tube by winding on a mandrel both a reinforcing fiber fabric and a sheet of matrix material, comprising the following steps: 1) preheating the mandrel to a predetermined temperature; 2) fixing the reinforcing fiber fabric and the sheet of matrix material to the mandrel; 3) causing the mandrel to rotate at a nominal speed to wind the fabric and the sheet simultaneously, the fabric and the sheet being subjected to a nominal tension; 4) actuating heating means for heating the material and cooling means for cooling the mandrel; 5) when the tube reaches the desired diameter, stopping both the heating means and the rotation of the mandrel; 6) after a determined duration that is sufficient for bringing the temperature of the mandrel to the predetermined preheating temperature, stopping the cooling means; and 7) dismounting the mandrel.

Abstract: A process for the thermomechanical treatment of a fleece web which is comprised of filaments and/or fibers of a thermoplastic synthetic resin in a continuous process. The fleece web is moved during the thermal treatment continuously and with uniform speed. The fleece web passes initially a thermal treatment station and in this is traversed by a gas stream of predetermined gas flow velocity and gas flow temperature and is heated to a preheating temperature. The preheated fleece web is subjected to mechanical treatment. The gas flow temperature and the gas flow velocity on the one hand and the treatment stretch of the fleece web in the thermal treatment station on the other are so selected that the preheating temperature at all speeds which can be assumed by the fleece web, including zero speed, does not exceed the temperature of the melting point of the filaments and/or the fibers. Also apparatus for carrying out the process of the invention are given.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a scanning device, also termed a pick-up, for optical recording media, which can be produced with a low outlay and thus cost-effectively, and in comparative terms has a low tilt of the objective lens and improved guidance properties. According to the invention, during the connection of an objective lens holder and actuator base plate, a prestress is applied to wires provided as elastic support of the objective lens holder on an actuator base plate. Scanning devices produced according to the invention for optical recording media have a low tilt of the objective lens and improved guidance properties.

Abstract: A reinforced wood bat has a solid wood core with the same shape as standard wood bats but with slightly smaller dimensions. One or more continuous, uninterrupted layers of a conformable fabric sleeve, constructed of high strength fibers, snugly fitting over substantially the entire outer surface of the core forms a preformed bat assembly. The fabric sleeve is dimensioned to expand slightly over the barrel of the core and compress over the handle of the core. A fiberglass braided sleeve, with strands initially aligned at about +45.degree./-45.degree. orientation, is preferred. When the braided sleeve strands are tensioned over the handle portion, they align more longitudinally, and tend to lock, which significantly increases the reinforcing strength in the handle portion of the bat. An epoxy resin, which self-cures at or near room temperature, laminates and bonds the sleeve layers to the wood core to the full size dimension specified for wood bats.

Abstract: A device is provided for introducing a foil strip coming from a stock roll into the pinch between two rollers, for instance simultaneously with a plate or other flat object onto which the foil must be arranged by means of an adhesive layer. The device includes a braking member placed between the stock roll and a roller to exert a braking force on the foil strip, which braking member includes a fixedly disposed braking surface, which braking surface has a coating of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), a silicone material or other smooth and adhesion-rejecting material.

Abstract: One end of a flexible positioning cord is fixed on one end side of a molding drum and the positioning cord is then pulled from the other end side thereby applying a tension to the positioning cord. The tensed positioning cord presses a joint of an extensible fabric into one of tooth part forming grooves to position it therein. Next, a tension member cord is wound in a spiral form and the tension applied to the positioning cord is then relieved to allow the removal of the positioning cord from the tooth part forming groove. Thereafter, an unvulcanized rubber sheet is wrapped around the extensible fabric wound with the tension member cord, and the resultant substance is then subjected to cure through the application of pressure thereby forming a cylindrical slab. The slab is cut into round pieces at specific widths thereby obtaining synchronous belts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing laminates are arranged for forming a laminate block by sequentially folding back continuous metal sheets 3 and 4 drawn through outlets 16 out of rolls 5 and 6 of the sheets wound on reels 1 and 2, with synthetic resin sheet members 9 and interlayers 10 alternately interposed between the metal sheets, into multiple stages, and pressing the thus stacked laminate block while electrically heating the continuous metal sheets 3 and 4 in the laminate block, wherein the stacking is performed while keeping the continuous metal sheets 3 and 4 in tension between the outlets 16 of the reels 1 and 2 and each end edge of the laminate block 12.

Abstract: An assembly and process for continuously forming flexible cutting line for use in rotary vegetation trimmers of the type having two or more monofilament lines mounted on a common spool. The line produced by the present invention defines two monofilament strands joined together in a side by side relationship by a severable bond. The process includes the step of extruding one or more pairs of molten filament strands in proximate disposition through an extrusion die, directing the strands together about a collecting guide adjustably mounted in a cooling quench bath to initiate the forming of a severable weld between the adjacent strands. The elevation of the collecting guide within the quench tank is adjustable to vary the strength of the formed weld. The joined strands are then pulled in a parallel array through the quench bath and about a plurality of guide members therein to effect the crystallization and bonding together of the pairs of strands.

Abstract: A apparatus having a stock roll of foil and a device for introducing a foil strip coming from the stock roll into a pinch between two rollers. The foil has a glue layer on an outer surface of the foil. A braking member is positioned between the stock roll and a roller to exert a braking force on the foil strip. The foil is in contact with the braking means via the glue layer.

Abstract: A zipper fusing machine is mounted on an open frame and includes a zipper supply mechanism, a zipper material fusing mechanism and a plastic web tensioning assembly. The zipper supply mechanism supplies zipper material to the fusing mechanism by a nip-roller assembly. A zipper tension assembly includes a two series of pulleys, one rotatably mounted on a support extending from the frame, the other series of pulleys are rotatably mounted on a pivot rod. The zipper material is wound between the series of pulleys in a serpentine manner. The fuse mechanism includes a pair of endless belts configured to have one vertical leg facing each other and spaced apart such that belts move passively as the zipper material and plastic web pass between the adjacent sides of the belts. A heat bar is located behind each belt and fuse the zipper material to the plastic web as they pass over the heat bar.

Abstract: A method for forming an undergarment having side seams from a two-dimensional preform comprises the steps of cutting a continuous web along transverse cut lines to form individual preforms; cutting each preform along a leg contour extending along each longitudinal side of the preform in the region of a central section, wherein each leg contour does not touch the respective longitudinal side, thus forming two gripping flaps; gripping the preform at the gripping flaps; pulling the gripping flaps outwardly away from the longitudinal sides such that the preform is doubled over along a transverse centerline and such that sealing areas in the region of back waist sections are placed in a superimposed relationship with sealing areas in the region of front waist sections; mutually connecting the sealing areas.

Abstract: Process for producing an elastic multilayer web of material consisting of a flexible elastic backing film made of a thermoplastic elastomer and a web of nonwoven material bonded in a crepe-like manner to both the top and bottom sides of the backing film, whereby the webs of nonwoven material are welded together and the weld bonds are distributed over the web of material in the form of a grid arrangement of spot welding points and at the same time yield areas of increased air permeability through the web of material.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a garment with a raised barrier formed of ribbon material. The apparatus includes a conveyor for carrying garment material in a direction along a flow path. A ribbon storage provides elongate ribbon for application to the garment material to form the barrier. A ribbon feeder having a first feeder head moves across the flow path to apply the ribbon to the material on the conveyor in a curved contour. An adhesive applicator applies adhesive along one edge of the ribbon such that the resulting free edge of the ribbon may form a raised barrier on the finished garment.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for making strand material comprising drawing a laminar material having a first layer of drawable material and a second layer of elastically extensible material so that the first layer extends inelastically while the second layer extends elastically so that the drawn material tends to curl into a coiled strand configuration.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for fabricating a composite web having transverse stretch. In one embodiment a forming plow forms at least one groove in a first web of material. An applicator roll applies a second web of transversely stretchable material to the first web while maintaining a facing portion of the second web in facing relationship with, and spaced from, the portion of the first web formed in the groove. Urging apparatus, such as a push roll having an axis, can intermittently urge the second web into the groove and thereby into surface-to-surface relationship with the first web over substantially the entirety of the facing portion of the second web. The webs can be secured by an adhesive, applied to portions of the first and/or second web, or by ultrasonic bonding, to thereby fabricate the composite web.

Abstract: A method of forming fabric for making foam-in-place molded articles such as preferably seat cushions. A film is secured to a frame and tacked by adhesive to a piece of fabric, not secured to the frame, that forms the outer covering of the seat cushion for permitting the fabric to move relative to the film during forming to enable fabrics which cannot stretch a considerable amount to be used. To form the fabric, the film and fabric are placed in a female mold and the film and fabric are drawn into a cavity of the mold and against a contoured surface in the cavity forming a recess in the film and fabric. To counteract compressive stresses in the fabric during forming, the frame can have one or more fabric tensioners that selectively apply tension to the fabric during forming. To mold the cushion, a foam is poured into the recess and allowed to cure until it hardens into a foam core and bonds with the film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an elasticized article includes a delivering mechanism for supplying a substrate web having a longitudinal direction and a lateral cross-direction. A first connecting mechanism attaches an inboard elastic member to said substrate web, and a second connecting mechanism attaches an outboard elastic member to the substrate web, with the outboard elastic member located laterally outboard of the inboard elastic member. A dividing mechanism separates away a portion of the substrate web and a portion of the outboard elastic member to thereby provide a set of elastics which are arranged in a staggered overlapping relation.

Abstract: A plastic coating machine comprising means for continuously delivering the transparent film to be applied to the paper material support, a set of application rollers intended for spreading a thin layer of a solvent-free adhesive onto one side of said film, a pair of synchronized pressure rollers that carry out the operation of uniting said film with said paper material which is supplied by an automatic feeder or any other feeding system, a reel that picks up the plastic coated material, and means for adjusting the film tension over its whole path from said spreading group to the joining rollers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing an absorbent article (144), wherein the speed of a part (7b) of a continuously moving web (1) comprising a topsheet (121), backsheet (123), core (120) or any combination thereof, is periodically varied, while maintaining a constant speed of the upstream (3) and downstream (5) parts of the web (1). The method comprises feeding the web (1) past rotating transportation rollers (13, 15) which are oscillated parallel to the web (1) in the direction of transportation (F) and opposite to the direction of transportation (F). Three web sections (7a, 7b, 7c) are during oscillation of the transportation rollers (13, 15) maintained in a mutually parallel relationship. Translation means (77) and rotation balancing means (63, 63') allow the transportation rollers (13, 15) to be driven at high speeds and low variations in torque. The strain exerted on the web (1) remains relatively low and is limited to the inertia forces that act on the web (1).

Abstract: A tensioning and sealing apparatus for strapping an object with a band exhibits a tensioning unit (3) for retaining and tensioning two ends of the band which are to be sealed as well as a sealing unit for connecting the two mutually overlapping ends. The tensioning unit (3) has a motor drive (12) and comprises a tensioning shoe (5) and a drivable tensioning wheel (8) which is fastened on a pivotable rocker (6) and is intended for pressing the band against the tensioning shoe (5) and for gripping the same upon rotation. In order to achieve a high overall efficiency of the tensioning drive, the drive motor (12) of the tensioning wheel (8) is arranged coaxially with the tensioning wheel (8) and is connected to the tensioning wheel (8) via a gear mechanism arranged coaxially with the tensioning wheel (8).

Abstract: A handle is carried upon a frame at a balanced point thereof for supporting the hand held masking in a generally balanced orientation when lifted. The handle includes an open free end accessing a chamber for removably storing selected items. The handle also includes a capping member detachably engageable with the open end for selectively closing the open end, and may include a lanyard attached thereto. A roll of tape or paper is releasably retained upon a roll holder by a flexible retention member, carried by the holder and normally outwardly biased to engage the core of the roll. More specifically, the retention member includes a mandrel having normally extending biased segments which engage the bore of the roll. A pivotally connected tensioning member is biased to urge a free end thereof against the outer surface of the paper roll to check uncoiling of the paper sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an elasticized article includes a delivering mechanism for supplying a substrate web having a longitudinal direction and a lateral cross-direction. A first connecting mechanism attaches an inboard elastic member to said substrate web, and a second connecting mechanism attaches an outboard elastic member to the substrate web, with the outboard elastic member located laterally outboard of the inboard elastic member. A dividing mechanism separates away a portion of the substrate web and a portion of the outboard elastic member to thereby provide a set of elastics which are arranged in a staggered overlapping relation.

Abstract: This invention concerns an apparatus and a method for the manufacture of blood products which are aimed at attaining the manufacture of blood products automatically and rationally with the operational efficiency enhanced, the quality of blood products stabilized, and the safety of blood products exalted, which are characterized in that the tube of a first container and the tube of a second container are aseptically and automatically connected preparatorily to the transfer of a plurality of blood components obtained by the separation of blood in the first container to the second container and the blood components in the first container are transferred through the connected tubes to the second container by use of a blood component transferring device.

Abstract: A zipper fusing machine is mounted on an open frame and includes a zipper supply mechanism, a zipper material fusing mechanism and a plastic web tensioning assembly. The zipper supply mechanism supplies zipper material to the fusing mechanism by a nip-roller assembly. A zipper tension assembly includes a two series of pulleys, one rotatably mounted on a support extending from the frame, the other series of pulleys are rotatably mounted on a pivot rod. The zipper material is wound between the series of pulleys in a serpentine manner. The fuse mechanism includes a pair of endless belts configured to have one vertical leg facing each other and spaced apart such that belts move passively as the zipper material and plastic web pass between the adjacent sides of the belts. A heat bar is located behind each belt and fuse the zipper material to the plastic web as they pass over the heat bar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to an arrangement for creating in a web (1) of sheet material a fold which includes at least one elastic thread (4). The web is placed on two mutually separated carrier elements (2, 3), and at least one prestretched elastic thread (4) is placed over the web in the space between the opposing edges of the carrier elements.

Abstract: A machine for applying elastic to material is provided that includes a conveyor for carrying material. The conveyor moves the material in one direction along a flow path. An elastic band storage with a plurality of elongate elastic bands is provided for application to the material. An elastic feeder has a feeder head that feeds the plurality of elastic bands directly onto the material while the feeder head moves laterally across the flow path. The lateral movement of the feeder head across the moving conveyor applies the elastic bands to the material in a curved contour. The feeder head is operable to feed the elastic bands onto the material while maintaining a selected spacing between individual elastic bands throughout the curved contour.

Abstract: Apparatus including a rotating base roll for applying at least one stretched strip of a first material to a base web comprising a second material and moving continuously in first direction. The discrete length strip is cut, on the rotating roll, from a continuous ribbon, is rotated on the base roll to a desired orientation, and is stretched to a desired length. The apparatus includes the rotating roll feed apparatus for feeding the continuous ribbon to a circumferential engagement with the rotating roll, a cutter for cutting the discrete-length strips from the continuous ribbon, at least one rotating extensible platen mounted on, and rotating with the rotating roll, and an applicator rotating in concert with the rotating base roll, for applying the cut, rotated, and stretched strips to the base web.

Abstract: A ribbon overlap welding system includes a means for clamping two ribbon ends in overlapping configuration, means for applying a controlled tension to the ribbon ends, means for fusing the ribbon ends, means for repositioning waste ribbon ends, and means for severing the waste ribbon ends from opposing faces of the welded ribbon loop adjacent to the weld bead.

Abstract: A tensioning and sealing apparatus for strapping an object (2) with a plastic band (1) includes a housing (3) having a tensioning unit (4) for retaining two ends (6, 7) of the plastic band (1) which are to be sealed and for tensioning the same and having a sealing unit (5) for connecting the two mutually overlapping ends (6, 7). The tensioning unit (4) has a tensioning shoe (10) and a toothed tensioning wheel (13) which is mounted on a pivotable rocker (11), which can be driven via a tensioning shaft (12), and which is intended for pressing the plastic band (1) against the tensioning shoe (10) and for gripping the same upon rotation. The bearing (15) of the pivotable rocker (11) is arranged on the side of the tensioning shoe (10) and behind the latter in the tensioning direction (14), the rocker axis being located between a bearing surface (16) of the tensioning shoe (10) and a base plate (8).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a composite roofing material includes a reel support for reels of each of a vulcanized rubber sheet, a polymeric film and a fleece matting and pinch rollers which advance the rubber sheet from its reel through a path including a cleaning and scrubbing vat, a stretcher, and a heater. In the cleaning and scrubbing vat, counter-rotating brush cylinders with special abrasive bristles effectively remove the non-stick talc coating from the vulcanized rubber. Once the rubber sheet is heated, polymer film and fleece matting from separate rollers are sandwiched with the rubber sheet and passed through a pair of compression pinch rollers where the polymeric film is melted.

Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus for use in constructing a garment including a stretched elastic. Specifically, the invention contemplates incorporating stretched elastic into a continuous web, including one or more segments which exert retractive forces in directions counterproductive to the function of either the web, the garment, or both, and nullifying that portion of the stretched elastic which would be counterproductive. The elastics may be cut at appropriate loci. The stretch may be intermittently reduced or eliminated on one or more selected ones of the elastics as the elastics are incorporated into the web. A special coating may be used on the processing rolls to maintain the width dimension of the web at loci disposed after incorporation of elastic stretched across the transverse dimension of the web. Transverse bonds may be formed on the web using a rotary carrying drum, and energy application devices which rotate with the drum, to increase bond forming time.

Abstract: A portable article strapping apparatus including a strap take-up mechanism for stretching the thermoplastic strap when the thermoplastic strap is wound around the article, a welding and cutting mechanism controlled to weld the overlapped part of the thermoplastic strap and to cut off the welded part from the thermoplastic strap, a suspension mechanism controlled to move the welding and cutting mechanism and the strap take-up mechanism between the action (operative) position and the stop (non-operative) position, and a base frame for the positioning of the aforesaid mechanisms.

Abstract: A cross-laminate of two or more individually stretch oriented films where the directions of orientation of the films are in criss-crossing relation, has a pattern of generally parallel elongated ribs extending lengthwise of the laminate. The ribs are defined between generally transversely coincident convex and concave curved surfaces on opposite faces of the laminate, the concave surface having a radius of curvature greater than that of the convex surface so that the ribs have a thickness greater than the average thickness of the laminate. The laminate material adjacent to lateral boundaries of the ribs is in a tensionless state reversely curved relative to the rib curvature making the material between adjacent pairs of ribs generally flat. The rib pattern is preferably regular with a preferred average transverse spacing between adjacent ribs, measured peak to peak, of about 1-10 mm. The convex surfaces of the ribs can all be on the same side of the laminate or can alternate in series between opposite sides.

Abstract: This invention pertains to handling a continuous web in a continuous processing operation wherein the web incorporates therein one or more stretched elastic-type elements having retractive forces active in the cross-machine direction, and limiting shrinkage of the web in the cross-machine direction to no more than about 5%. Shrinkage in the width dimension is controlled using methods including transporting the web on a sequence of rolls having on their outer working surfaces protuberances which interact with edges of openings in the web, inhibiting lateral movement of elements defining the edges of the openings, and thereby stabilizing the web in the width dimension.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an apparatus and method for applying strips of tensioned elastic material transversely to a moving sheet or web of material, such as a component of a disposal diaper. The heart of the invention is a pair of inclinded, spaced apart transfer wheels located in mirror image relationship across the moving web. The transfer wheels are inclined relative to each other so that the distance between them is greatest at a point on their circumference that lies adjacent the web and least where a point on their circumference is at the greatest distance from the web. A supply drum provides an untensioned elastic strip to the transfer wheels at the point of least distance between them. As the transfer wheels move through 180.degree. of rotation, the elastic is stretched and then released at the plane of the web where it is adhesively bonded to the web. A drive system for the transfer wheels rotates them at a circumferential speed essentially equal to the linear speed of the moving web.

Abstract: A distinctive apparatus and method for applying an elastic strand onto a moving substrate along a selected curvilinear path includes a transporting mechanism for moving the substrate along a selected substrate path and a supplying mechanism for supplying the elastic strand along a selected elastic path. An oscillating mechanism selectively changes a positioning of the elastic strand and includes a slidably movable guide which moves in a direction essentially transverse to said substrate path. The elastic strand slidably travels along the guide which positions the elastic strand such that the elastic strand is selectively applied to the substrate along the curvilinear path. A bonding mechanism selectively applies adhesive in an arrangement which selectively secures the elastic strand to the substrate. A rotatable nip roll contacts the elastic strand and the substrate to press the elastic strand onto the substrate along the curvilinear path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a tensioned garter. A garter is any continuous loop of elastic material or a laminate of elastic bands and one or more flexible backing sheets. In one embodiment mandrels having a perimeter of the desired garter shape are mounted to a rotating drum. Tensioned elastic ribbons are progressively clamped, sealed, and cut around the mandrels to form individual tensioned garters which cling to the side walls of the mandrels. Once the garters are formed the mandrels may be rotated on their radial axes for alignment with downstream operations. Sealing through elastic members is avoided by interrupting the bonding of elastic members to an elasticized laminate at locations where ribbons are to be clamped. High compression of elastics where they are not sealed to the laminate causes elastic members to burst and contract. Elastic contraction leaves an area in which ribbons may then be bonded together without sealing through elastic members.

Abstract: A tube loading apparatus for loading a flexible tube into a tube receiving section which can support the tube includes a head having a base, a pair of chucks mounted on the base and a driving mechanism for moving one of the chucks. The head is movable in the X and Y directions relative to the tube receiving section. Each of the chucks has a pair of holding members for holding the tube. One of the chucks is adapted to move in the X direction by the driving mechanism so as to change the distance between the chucks. The driving mechanism is driven when the tube is held by the holding members of the chucks, to increase the longitudinal distance of the tube while reducing the outer diameter of the tube. The thus deformed tube is inserted into the tube receiving section by keeping the deformed condition, and then the chucks are operated so as to release the tube. Accordingly, the tube can be automatically loaded into the tube receiving section.

Abstract: A device and process useful for producing a plurality of individual film composites is disclosed. A temperature-controllable roll serves as a sealing tool, on the circumferential surface of which a number of plastic film webs are sealed together under the application of pressure and heat. The plastic film webs come into contact with the circumferential surface of the roll at equal or varying distances from each other and are guided over pressure rolls. These pressure rolls contact the circumferential surface of the temperature controllable roll under pressure. The plastic film webs pass through the contact areas between the pressure rolls and the temperature controllable roll. The plastic film webs are provided on one or both sides with sealing layers, which are fused by the action of heat, so that sealing of the superposed laminated plastic film webs on the circumferential surface of the temperature controllable roll occurs.

Abstract: A machine for applying elastic to material is provided that includes a conveyor for carrying material. The conveyor moves the material in one direction along a flow path. An elastic band storage with a plurality of elongate elastic bands is provided for application to the material. An elastic feeder has a feeder head that feeds the plurality of elastic bands directly onto the material while the feeder head moves laterally across the flow path. The lateral movement of the feeder head across the moving conveyor applies the elastic bands to the material in a curved contour. The feeder head is operable to feed the elastic bands onto the material while maintaining a selected spacing between individual elastic bands throughout the curved contour.

Abstract: A system of incrementally moving a foil, or other flexible and elastic elongated web, through a work station, by contacting and registering the foil on both sides of the work station. An example of such a work station is a hot stamping press that transfers optical images from the foil to other substrates. A drive mechanism, with an associated foil registration device, is provided at each of the entrance to the work station and the exit from it. Each registration device optically detects registration marks provided on the foil along its length, and is used to stop its associated drive mechanism after a predetermined number of marks have passed. This dual drive system maintains registration of the foil or other web throughout an extended work station. It is particularly advantageous for use with those hot stamping presses that either have a large number of die or whose multiple die are widely separated, since the multiple images carried along the foil are then all properly registered with the die.

Abstract: A paper web having a longitudinally extending zone coat of adhesive is continuously wound around the cylindrical surface of a rotating drum for a selected number of wraps to form a multi-layer cylindrical master stack. Web tension is controlled during winding to cause each succeeding wrap to be placed in relatively greater tension, so that when the completed cylindrical stack is cut transversely and unwrapped from the drum, equalization of the tensile stresses in the web wraps results in a flat master stack of rectangular sheets of equal length. The stack is further processed by cutting along transverse and longitudinal cut lines to form individual pads of adhesive-backed notes. Tension control may be based directly on the increase in drum radius resulting from the buildup of web wraps or by maintenance of print pattern register between continuous equally spaced print patterns in overlying wraps.