Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for forming a composite web for use in making a fuel element for smoking articles comprises a dual bobbin unwinder from which alternate glass fiber webs are unwound. A splicing apparatus is used to splice together the webs unwound from the two bobbins of the unwinder. Sensing and speed controls are provided for sensing unwinding speed and the amount of web remaining on a bobbin for controlling web accumulation prior to splicing and stopping of the web to effect a splice. Downstream of the splicing apparatus the web is fed to a composite web former where it is slit into equal halves and vertically separated. A paper web is guided between the two web halves and the webs are converged into a three layer composite web with the paper web sandwiched between the glass fiber web halves. The composite web is fed to a KDF filter maker where it is combined with a carbonaceous rod for making a fuel element.

Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing units of production enables the location of a splice to be accurately determined, so that only the unit of production containing the splice can be rejected without requiring additional units of production which are entirely free of defects to also be rejected. According to the method, first and second webs of material are spliced together so as to create a splice. The splice is marked with a magnetic marker. After the units of production are assembled, including a unit of production which contains the splice, the magnetic marker is magnetized. The magnetizing step occurs after the assembling step so that the orientation of the magnetic field remains parallel to the sensing direction until the magnetic field is detected. The magnetic marker is detected with a detector which has a plurality of closely spaced magnetic sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat sealing two pieces of plastic strapping together. The apparatus includes a heating element, upper and lower pressure elements, a rotation actuation member and a sealing actuation assembly. The heating element is movable between an engaged heating position --which orients the heat element between the pieces of plastic strapping --and a retracted position. The lower pressure element exerts pressure upon at least the bottom piece of plastic strapping during the heating of same by the heating element, and, in cooperation with the upper pressure element, upon both pieces of plastic strapping again during direct attachment of the melted portions of the plastic strapping after the heating element is relocated to its retracted position. The lower pressure element further releases pressure while facilitating the placement and removal of the pieces of plastic strapping between the upper and lower pressure elements.

Abstract: A film joining apparatus includes a first transport path (31) along which an old film (12) is transported and onto which a new film (15) whose leading end has been taken out is set, a second transport path (32) which is connected to the first transport path (31) and along which the old film (12) is transported, and a branch path (34) which is branched from the first transport path (31) and the second transport path (32) at a connecting section (33) therebetween. The apparatus further includes a heat fusion unit (40) disposed at the branch path (34) to join the tail end of the old film (12) and the leading end of the new film (15) by heat fusion, and a blower (39) disposed facing the connecting section (33) and adapted to jet an operating gas. The leading end of the new film (15) is introduced into the deepest portion of the branch path (34) in advance.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat sealing two pieces of plastic strapping together. The apparatus includes a heating element, upper and lower pressure elements, a rotation actuation member and a sealing actuation assembly. The heating element is movable between an engaged heating position--which orients the heat element between the pieces of plastic strapping--and a retracted position. The lower pressure element exerts pressure upon at least the bottom piece of plastic strapping during the heating of same by the heating element, and, in cooperation with the upper pressure element, upon both pieces of plastic strapping again during direct attachment of the melted portions of the plastic strapping after the heating element is relocated to its retracted position.

Abstract: A roll splicing system and method is used to splice a new roll to an expiring roll of material. Each roll includes an adhesive region disposed proximate a trailing end of the strip of material rolled around a core region of the roll. As an expiring roll expires or unrolls, the adhesive region is exposed and adheres to an adhesive adherable region on the leading end of a new roll that is rotating against the expiring roll in an opposing direction. The leading end of the new roll is thereby effectively spliced to the trailing end of the expiring roll. A trailing non-adherable region is disposed opposite the adhesive region so that the trailing non-adherable region contacts the adhesive region when rolled and prevents the strip of material from sticking to the adhesive region. The roll splicing system and method can be used to splice strips of material having adherable surfaces on both sides or having a non-adherable surface, such as a silicone coating, on one side of the strip of material.

Abstract: A strapping tool has a timing control circuit incorporated therein which comprises a first pressure-operable valve for time-controlling a plastic strap welding operation, and a second pressure-operable valve for restricting fluid line flow from a source of fluid to an air drive motor of the tool during the tensioning phase of the strapping operation while permitting unrestricted fluid line flow from the source of fluid to the air drive motor of the tool during the welding stage of the strapping operation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for aligning webs, such as photographic film or paper, where the trailing edge of an expiring web is spliced to the lead edge of a fresh web. A supporting means having the fresh web thereon in a fixed position is caused to move by sensor means transmitting a signal corresponding to precise positioning of the expiring relative to the fixed position of the fresh web. According to the invention, a programmable controller is used to analyze the signals received from the sensors and directs the movements of the supporting means where the webs are ultimately moved into abutting or overlapping contact and then spliced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a welded thermoplastic polymer article are provided. The method includes the application of a vacuum combined with sufficient heat to make the polymer flowable. The method and apparatus are especially well-suited for welding thermoplastic polymer sheets to the interior of process vessels. The resulting article has improved qualities over articles which are welded by other methods.

Abstract: An endless belt particularly adapted for use in high speed power transmission, commonly termed a fan belt, which is particularly adapted to be readily formed on site to any desired length and methods and apparatus for forming the belt. The belt construction includes an outer length of flexible tear-resistant material having abutting ends so as to form a closed loop and defining an endless channel extending longitudinally therethrough. An inelastic ribbon of flexible tear-resistant material is disposed within the channel and extends about the loop defined by the outer length of material such that the ribbon extends across the abutting ends of the outer length of material and the ends of the reinforcing ribbon are in an abutting relationship within the channel at a location substantially diametrically opposed across the formed loop from the abutting ends of the outer length of material.

Abstract: A leading edge of a paper web supply roll is prepared for utilization in a flying web splice. The paper web supply roll is supported adjacent a work carriage that is movable transversely across the face of the supply roll. As the work carriage moves across the web, a leading edge of the web is cut, spaced adhesive labels and a double sided adhesive splice tape are applied, and the lateral edges of the web adjacent the web leading edge are provided with angled lateral edge cuts.

Abstract: In the sheet splicing apparatus 1, a sheet holding bar 28b (28a) is arranged along the width of the end potion of the sheet 26 from the secondary roll 24. The end portion of the sheet 26 is removably attached to the sheet holding bar 28b (28a), which moves between a position P for attaching the end portion of the sheet and a position Q for splicing it to the sheet 12 from the primary roll 10. On the sheet holding bar 28b (28a), a plurality of holding pins 58 are removably mounted spaced along the width of the sheet 26. These holding pins 58 hold the sheet by piercing through the sheet 26 in the thickness direction thereof and have a sheet stopping portion 70b for preventing the sheet 26 dropping off the holding pins 58.

Abstract: A method of welding together overlapped edges of porous PTFE sheet materials by applying ultrasonic energy wherein the overlapped edges remain porous after welding. Composite articles made by the welding process are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus for splicing the end of a terminating reel to the outer layer of a subsequent reel: a splicing tube is either swingable or reciprocable to move between a waiting position out of contact with the strip to be cut and an operating position where the splicing tube moves transversely to and into contact with the strip and moves the strip to a position where it can be cut by a knife. A knife movable between a waiting position where it will not cut the strip and a cutting position where movement of the splicing tube to the operating position moves the strip to contact the knife for cutting. The knife is supported to be moved between its positions either by swinging or by movement along a guide path. The splicing tube includes a vacuum zone which holds the strip to it, and the splicing tube is rotatable on its axis for maintaining the tension of the strip.

Abstract: A device for the automatic exchange of a first reel on which a first web is wound with a second reel on which a second web is wound includes a pair of supports for the reels which are movable in a direction parallel to the axis of the reels. A first retaining member is fixed to each of the supports for the leading end of the second web, with each of the first retaining members being movable with the corresponding support between a lateral waiting position and a position of alignment with a second retaining member for the trailing end of the first web. The device also includes a pressure applicator to press the trailing end of the first web against the leading end of the second web to cause the webs to be joined, and a cutter to cut the first web to form the trailing end.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for sealing and bonding the seams and edges of resilient and other types of floors, whereby specially formulated hot-melt sealants/adhesives are applied in molten form at the flooring installation site using a heated gun equipped with a specially designed tip. The hot-melt sealant/adhesive flows into and completely fills the seam and bonds to the edges of the flooring producing a bead of material that extends above the surface of the flooring. The specially designed tip facilitates this process by guiding along easily in the groove of the seam or joint and directing the molten sealant/adhesive accurately into the seam. The tip allows the seam or joint width to be very narrow and enhances sealing and adhesion by imparting heat to the edges of the flooring material. Upon cooling, a spatula knife or other appropriate tool is used to skive off the excess bead of material leaving it flush with the flooring.

Abstract: In an apparatus for forming pipe insulation discrete panels of generally rigid planar board insulation are fed through a sizing apparatus to control thickness, then fed into a vertically oriented conveyor where adjacent ends of the panels are adhered to one another to form a continuum of panels passing through the conveyor. A horizontally moving severing station cuts the panels into transverse trapezoidal segments, such that each succeeding segment is reversed relative to the adjacent segments with the severing plane being common. A tipping mechanism tips the segments according to their orientation such that all of the segments are received on a horizontal conveyor in the same orientation. An accumulator conveyor abuts the base of each segment against each adjacent segment such that a solid surface is formed for the application a backing to integrate the trapezoidal segments. Alternatively, the panels are sized and end glued on a horizontal conveyor prior to forming a series of trapezoidal segments.

Abstract: A splicing gauge connects a film to a leader with high reliability. A film container support is provided at one end of a leader supporting surface of a splicing table. A fixed blade and a movable blade are provided between the container support and the leader supporting surface. A film pulled out of a film container is cut by moving the movable blade toward the fixed blade. A leader placed on the leader supporting surface is positioned relative to the cut edge of the film. A splicing tape is stuck on both the leader and the film. The leader is then turned over by 180.degree. about the film container to support it on a backside splicing table provided at one end of the container support. Another splicing tape is put on the backsides of the leader and the film.

Abstract: A method and a device for joining rubber sheets. A pressing disk having a shape that a cutting disk is cut at an edge thereof by about 0.7 mm to 1.0 mm joins with pressure edge parts of unvulcanized rubber sheets which are stackably aligned with one another and clamped. The cutting disk cuts the joined edge parts of the rubber sheets. Another pressing disk having a shape that the edge of the cutting disk is cut by about 0.7 mm to 1.0 mm is moved on the cut edge parts along the cutting line in the same manner as the cutting disk, thereby securely joining the joined parts by pressing them again.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a butt seam between opposed edges of resiliently compressible fabric sheets, such as foamed neoprene for wet suits and dry suits. The apparatus includes fabric manipulating assembly which continuously compresses the sheets proximate and inwardly of the edges, preferably by a roller assembly, to form opposed shoulders or areas that will permit the application of a lateral force to firmly press the opposed edges of the flexible and compressible sheets tightly together during movement and bonding along the seam. The apparatus preferably includes adhesive activation means in the form of an ultrasonic transducer which contacts the neoprene pieces in advance of compression rollers to activate a dry neoprene cement carried on the edges of the fabric pieces. A method for forming the butt seam is described, as are alternatively adhesive activating assemblies and a seamed neoprene fabric sheet.

Abstract: A belt splicing tool for thermally joining first and second ends of thermoplastic belts. The tool includes a position control means and first and second clamping mechanisms cooperatively engaged and diametrically opposed along a longitudinal axis. The first clamping mechanism holds a first end section of a belt and the second clamping mechanism holds a second end section of a belt. The position control means repositions the clamping mechanisms relative to one another along the longitudinal axis between a first position where the longitudinal spacing between the clamping mechanisms is minimized, and a second position where the longitudinal spacing between the clamping mechanisms is maximized. The tool retains and aligns both belt ends in an opposed abutting relationship while permitting longitudinal movement of the belt ends relative to one another.

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 non-alternating lap splicing apparatus for successively splicing rolls of web material is enclosed in a bifurcated housing with a separate access door for each of two compartments therein. There is a driven spindle in each of the compartments, each for supporting a stock roll of web. There is a separate film inlet path for each of the stock rolls. An oscillator assembly having a cutting knife and an ultrasonic horn means is mounted in the housing. The web outlet path is through the oscillator assembly. When one of the rolls is nearly spent, that roll is automatically stopped and the web is cut by the knife to create a trailing end. The oscillator assembly then pivots to align with the film inlet path for the stock roll within the other compartment. The lead end of the new stock roll is automatically positioned under the trailing end of the spent stock roll and the ultrasonic horn bonds the webs together. The overlapping lap of the splice is always trailing and on the same side of the web.

Abstract: A splicing device includes a bracket for mounting on a sealing machine frame, a shaft rotatably mounted on the bracket, the bracket carrying a spindle on each end thereof for a roll of tape, a first handle and brake on one end of the shaft for releasably locking the arm in one position, and a second handle on the other end of the shaft for rotating the shaft and arm, a wiper roller and a separation roller mounted on the frame. A first roll of tape is dispensed from one spindle to a taping head, and a second, fresh roll of tape is on the other spindle. When the first roll of tape is almost completely dispensed, the brake is released and the arm rotated to contact the second roll of tape with the adhesive surface of the first roll.

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 splicer for joining, by hot-melt adhesive tape, a trailing end portion of a first photographic film and a leading end portion of another photographic film with a predetermined interval therebetween. The splicer includes a head which heats the hot-melt adhesive tape and a pad. The trailing end portion and the leading end portion and the hot-melt adhesive tape are nipped at a predetermined pressure between the pad and the head. A concave portion is formed in the pad so as to oppose a portion of the hot-melt adhesive tape which portion is positioned at a gap between the trailing end portion and the leading end portion. Accordingly, the predetermined pressure is not applied to the portion of the hot-melt adhesive tape at the gap, and the portion does not adhere to the pad.

Abstract: A tape joining device has a fixed bearing member 24 and a movable pressing member 46 arranged respectively at opposite sides of the portions of two tapes T to be joined, and a heater 88 for heating the pressing member 46. The pressing member 46 is attached to a movable body 44 for pressing the pressing member 46 against the bearing member 24 with the opposed tape portions positioned therebetween. The pressing member 46 is pivotally movable relative to the movable body 44 about an axis extending in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tapes T.

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: A splicer bed has a leader support on a top thereof. An opening is provided in one end of the leader support. A knife mounting base is arranged to project from the opening and is provided at one end with a cartridge holder. The knife mounting base has a leader positioning head provided on the other end thereof for determining the position of a leader. A stationary knife is mounted to the leader positioning head. A movable knife is mounted for pivotal movement to the stationary knife. A film holddown plate is pivotably mounted to the knife mounting base. The knife mounting base is provided with a pair of punches which are arranged slidably and can be lowered by the film holddown plate. Before the leading portion of a film is drawn out from a film cartridge loaded in the cartridge holder is held under the film holddown plate, the downward movement of the film holddown plate causes the punches to cut two notches in both side edges of the film.

Abstract: A splicing table which can distinguish the kind of a film to be processed, cut the film, and connect a leader to the film. The splicing table has a recess for receiving a patrone, a film presser, and a splicing portion for connecting a leader to the cut end of the film. Under the splicing table are a bar code reader for judging whether or not the film can be developed, and a solenoid for restricting the operation of the cutter unit based on the result of judgment by the bar code reader.

Abstract: A tape joining device has a fixed bearing member 24 and a movable pressing member 46 arranged respectively at opposite sides of the portions of two tapes T to be joined, and a heater 88 for heating the pressing member 46. The bearing member 24 has a bearing surface 31 opposed to the tape portions. The pressing member 46 has a pressing face 67 and a thermal blade 71 both opposed to the bearing surface 31. The pressing member 46 is attached to a movable body 44. The bearing surface 41 is formed with a tape receiving groove 32 extending widthwise of the tapes and positioned away from a blade bearing portion of the surface longitudinally of the tape. A tape pushing member 48 is so attached to the movable body 44 that one end thereof is movable into or out of the groove 32.

Abstract: An apparatus for splicing the leading label in a roll of labels to one of the last labels in a second roll. The second roll, depleted because the labels are applied to articles in an assembly line, has photosensitive device that registers this depletion as the second roll is consumed. The device initiates splicing the leading label to a label in the depleted roll. A controller also responds to the device by moving the dancer arm to a predetermined position in order to control the registration of the leading label with the last labels in the second roll. The controller also responds to a count of the labels that are in the web between the production line and the splice in order to identify the article to which the splice has been applied to eject that article from the production line.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for introducing sealing material into at least one tubular injection element (12, 13), such as a hose and/or channel, in a concrete joint-sealing system, the injection element joining forming a sealant-injection path in the interior of the concrete and being laid between a primary and a secondary concrete slab on the surface of the primary slab and surrounded by the secondary slab. On injection, sealant flows out of the injection element into the joints between the concrete slabs. The device consists of a target element (1) which is connected for sealant transfer with the injection element and forms a cavity in the secondary concrete slab.

Abstract: An apparatus for splicing webs with little or no reduction in the operating speed. The apparatus includes a first pivoting member and a fixed opposing element, a second pivoting member which pivots about the same axis as the first pivoting member, a pair of nipping rollers mounted on the pivoting circle of an outer surface of the second pivoting member, a splicing device for the webs, a device for guiding the second web between the second pivoting member and the opposing element, and a cutting device for excess web material. The apparatus first guides the second web between the second pivoting member and the opposing element. Thereafter the second pivoting member and the opposing element converge to clamp the second web therebetween and an adhesive is applied to the second web. Next the first pivoting member pivots such that the second pivoting member, the opposing element, and the second web work in cooperation to contact the first web to the second web for splicing.

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: An endless belt particularly adapted for use in high speed power transmission, commonly termed a fan belt, which is particularly adopted to be readily formed on site to any desired length and methods and apparatus for forming the belt. The belt is comprised of an outer length of flexible and durable polymeric material having a longitudinally channel extending therethrough spaced closer to the inner surface of said belt than the outer surface thereof and a reinforcing ribbon of a flexible and durable material inserted into the channel within the outer length of material through a radial slit extending from the outer surface of the outer length of material to the longitudinal channel therein. A portion of the reinforcing ribbon within said channel extends across the abutting ends of the outer length of material and overlaps a second portion of the ribbon within the channel and is bonded thereto by an adhesive.

Abstract: A continuous tape supply apparatus is provided which includes plural tape sources from which tape can be supplied to the tape applicator machine, a tension control means for providing the tape from the continuous tape supply apparatus at a substantially even tension under an indexing demand, and a splicing mechanism which is simpler in design and operation and which reliably causes a changeover of tape from one source to another. Once one source is depleted, the apparatus automatically switches to the second source, after which, a new supply can be substituted for the depleted supply and the apparatus made ready for the next subsequent changeover.

Abstract: An apparatus 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 an abrading roller, a cleaning and scrubbing vat, a stretcher, a heater and then, along with the polymer film and the matting, through a pair of compression pinch rollers. The cleaning and scrubbing vat effectively removes the non-stick talc coating from the vulcanized rubber. The thus cleaned rubber sheet is heated by the heater to a temperature which is sufficient to melt the polymeric film as it comes into contact with the vulcanized rubber sheet. The melted film acts as an adhesive to cause the fleece matting to adhere to the vulcanized rubber sheet as the rubber sheet, the polymeric film and the fleece matting are compressed together by the compression pinch rollers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of splicing a hollow gasket such that the final welded joint remains highly flexible and does not impair the fluid flow between the two spliced sections. The two gasket sections having identical multiple-chambered cross-sections are held in a splice mold by precision tooling and air drawn through small holes in the splice mold by a vacuum pump. Heat is applied to each end of the gasket sections and the ends are brought into contact with one another. As the ends cool, a welded joint is formed. The integrity of each individual chamber is maintained so that, when spliced, the two gaskets sections become one, with the chambers forming continuous channels. The continuous channels create a higher insulating quality than if the channels were blocked at the welded joints. Further, corners spliced in this manner remain as flexible as the adjoining gasket sections.

Abstract: In a device by means of which to support dispensers of adhesive material for application to selected areas of a wrapping material, use is made of a slide equipped with a yoke providing a releasable restraint for at least one disposable type of dispenser consisting of or containing the adhesive. The slide reciprocates between at least two limit positions, following a path along which the adhesive is applied by the dispenser to a selected area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for fusing tabs of a hook or loop fastener material to opposing ends of an elongated band of cooperating hook or loop fastener material. The tabs are fed from two sources of a first material on opposing sides of a bonding station. The band is formed from a supply of a second material which is first fed to a transfer device having first and second grippers. The grippers transfer the band of material to the bonding station in a direction transverse to the transfer of the tabs to the bonding station, and the ends of the band are placed in overlapping relationship with the tabs. Subsequently, a pair of ultrasonic welding horns are moved into contact with the overlapping material to fuse the band of material to the tabs. The apparatus operates under the control of a programmable controller and the length of the band may be varied by altering a length of the second material fed between the grippers of the transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A continuous tape supply apparatus is provided in accordance with the present invention for supplying tape at a substantially consistent tension to a tape applicator machine having an indexing demand, such as a box sealing and taping machine. In general, the continuous tape supply apparatus includes plural tape sources, such as in roll form, from which tape can be supplied to the tape applicator machine, a splicing station for splicing the tape from at least one of the tape sources to another of the tape sources, a means for causing the splice and thus the changeover of tape from one source to another, and a tension control means for providing the tape from the continuous tape supply apparatus at a substantially consistent tension under an indexing demand. Preferably, the splicing mechanism also splices tape in the reverse order from the other tape source station back to the first tape source stations.

Abstract: A method for making a two-tone vinyl skin cover for an automotive interior trim panel is provided including heating a first vinyl skin to a working temperature; heating a second vinyl skin to a working temperature; stretching the first vinyl skin over a first male vacuum mold, the first mold having a first welding blade along a translationally separable part line; applying a vacuum via the first mold to the first vinyl skin; stretching the second vinyl skin over a second male vacuum mold, the second male mold having a second welding blade along a translationally separable part line aligned with the translationally separable part line of the first mold; applying a vacuum via the second mold to the second vinyl skin; heating the first and second vinyl skins through the first and second welding blades; and abutting the first and second welding blades together under a pressure force to heat weld the first and second vinyl skins together until such time as the first and second vinyl skins are welded to one another

Abstract: A sheet material butt-joining apparatus provides improved joining strength and accuracy between starting and finishing ends (S1, S2) of a sheet material S, by keeping the distance between these ends (S1, S2) of the sheet material (S) at a predetermined value by means of a control pin (63). A motor is continuously operated even after the starting and finishing ends (S3, S4) of the sheet material (S) are held by top and bottom joining pawls (48, 49, 36, 37). In this instance, a cam follower (95) moves in a slot (94) to temporarily stop transfer of a vertically moving force to a vertically movable base (26). On such occasion, the control pin (63) is lowered and retracted from an intermediate position between the starting and finishing ends (S1, S2) of the sheet material (S) to form a gap between these ends (S1, S2). The starting and finishing ends (S3, S4) held by the joining pawls are prevented from deformation or the like.

Abstract: An improved heat press for joining the spliced ends of a conveyor belt. The press includes an upper platen containing a flexible, inflatable bladder that is positioned to engage the upper surface of the spliced area of the belt. A lower platen supports the belt and includes an electric heating element that is supported on an aluminum block having a plurality of parallel internal flow channels. A layer of solid insulating material is disposed beneath the lower surface of the block, and along the side edges of the block. The upper platen is clamped to the lower platen and a compressed gas, such as air, is supplied to the bladder to inflate the bladder and urge the belt against the lower platen. Operation of the heating element serves to fuse the spliced ends of the belt. After heating, air is supplied to the channels in the block to cool the press and a venturi mechanism is associated with the air supply, so that a portion of the air being supplied to the press is drawn from the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of joining end portions of a weatherstrip consists of introducing the end portions to openings in a mold such that a seal portion of the weatherstrip is compressed substantially to the shape of a seal lip of the seal portion. The end portions are separated in the mold by a predetermined gap and a rubber material is injected into the gap for mutually bonding the end portions of the weatherstrip. Such a method of joining allows the weatherstrip to be installed on complexly shaped openings with no degradation of sealing characteristics over the perimeter covered by the weatherstrip. A molding apparatus for joining said end portions includes a clamping member for assuring correct positioning of a sealing edge of the weatherstrip.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for winding a cord continuously. A rotation of a winding bobbin around which a cord to be a tension member of a belt and so on is wound is detected directly or indirectly. A cord is forwarded in an axial direction of a winding bobbin at a pitch, which corresponds to a diameter of the cord, in relation to a rotation of a winding bobbin. And a bobbin axis of the winding bobbin is rotated at a constant speed by rotation driving means so that the cord is wound around the winding bobbin. The rotation of the bobbin axis is detected by rotation detection means directly or indirectly. The cord is forwarded in the axial direction of the winding bobbin in relation to the rotation of the winding bobbin at a pitch which corresponds to the diameter of the cord by receiving signals from the rotation detection means.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to prevent the residual stress from remaining in an apex. An apparatus for automatically assembling a bead apex according to the present invention comprises: a means for joining both the longitudinal ends of a strip apex having a triangular section with one short side and two long sides and a specified length to each other, and for forming the strip apex in a cylindrical body such that the long sides become the inner and outer peripheral surfaces; a means for forming the cylindrical body into a disk-like shape such that the short side becomes the inner peripheral surface and the long sides become the axial end surfaces; and a means for joining the inner peripheral surface of the disk-like apex to the outer peripheral surface of a bead ring.

Abstract: A tool for frictionally welding and binding art overlapped part of thermoplastic strap wound about an object by an vibrator. In order to horizontally vibrate the vibrator, an upper part of flange of the vibrator is abutted to a lower part of needle holder, a lower part of the flange is engaged with an elastic member, and the vibrator is lowered by direct pressure of needle holder, and lifted by the elastic member. Thus, by the leading end of vibrator that is horizontally vibrated, an upper strap is vibrated in the direction of width against a lower strap, while applying a pressure to the overlapped strap part, and the overlapped strap part is frictionally welded.

Abstract: A device (10) for splicing materials such as a strip of uncured tire tread stock (11) by ultrasonic joining includes two engagement cylinders (52, 72) driving two ultrasonic transducers (40, 60) having horns (43, 63) into selective, pressure engagement with the tire tread stock (11) at the top edge (15) of the splice joint, sealing the same. A screw (81) having right-handed threads (84) and opposite, left-handed threads (85) moves horns (43, 63) from their initial point of contact at opposite tire tread edges toward centerline (16) of tire tread stock (11) while horns (43, 63) deliver ultrasonic energy to top edge (15). As transducers (40, 60) near centerline (16), transducer (40) is withdrawn and transducer (60) continues thereacross, insuring a complete seal across the entire splice joint. A quality seal is obtained by selection of transducer (40, 60) frequency, control of transducer (40, 60) amplitude, and control of the pressure and speed of the transverse motion of horns (43, 63).