Abstract: Device for continuous feeding of a ribbon shaped material to a processing machine, complete with a swingable bobbin-carrier, mounted on bearings to a base frame, with at least 2 spindles for the reception of each bobbin.

Abstract: A space portion processing method and apparatus for preprocessing a slide fastener chain before attaching parts forming a separable end stop such as a retainer pin and a separable pin at the space portion of a slide fastener chain formed by cutting and removing a row of elements for a certain length from a row of coil-like continuous fastener elements of thermoplastic resin attached around a core cord along each of the facing side edges of a pair of fastener tapes are disclosed. After the space portion is detected and positioned and the slide fastener chain is held on a bed, fusion of the element cut edges at the end of the space portion into the tapes and press-forming of the core cords is carried out simultaneously by using the same pressing means. The space portion processing method and apparatus for a slide fastener chain according to the invention enables the apparatus to be made simple and compact, allows processing efficiency to be improved, and processing costs to be lowered.

Abstract: A semi-automatic operating and also adjustable device for interconnecting the opposite ends of two material bands originating from two individual webs, one web of which is nearly terminated the other being the starting one, the connection being made with an adhesive tape attached to only one and the same side of both bands, said device comprising two pinch rollers, cutting knives and idler rollers, the band material being either paper or textile, to be used for a printing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for winding magnetic tape into a cassette positions and holds a cassette case, extracts and retains leader tape, cuts and splices leader tape to magnetic tape, and winds magnetic tape onto a hub inside the cassette case. After a predetermined amount of magnetic tape has been wound on the hub, the magnetic tape is retained, cut, spliced to leader tape, and the extracted slack tape is wound into the cassette case. The tape retaining mechanism has a first and second tape retainer which separately hold the cut ends of leader tape, and a third tape retainer which holds the cut end of magnetic tape. The first and second tape retainers attach to the extracted leader tape, and are positioned with their attachment surfaces adjacent to an open guard panel of the cassette case. The tape retainer attachment surfaces hold tape in a manner that essentially closes the cassette case front cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for winding magnetic tape into a cassette positions and holds a cassette case, extracts and retains leader tape, cuts and splices leader tape to magnetic tape, and winds magnetic tape onto a hub inside the cassette. After a given amount of magnetic tape has been wound on that hub, the magnetic tape is retained, cut, spliced to leader tape, and the extracted slack tape is wound into the cassette case. Leader tape is extracted by extraction guides or rollers that move from a standby position within the cassette case front cavity to a position for winding magnetic tape. The magnetic tape winding position is such that leader tape, extracted to that position, is pulled away fron one of the cassette's internal tape guides, and during the magnetic tape winding process one extraction guide doubles as a tape tracking guide. Magnetic tape can be wound evenly, at high speeds and without damage by avoiding contact with the cassette's internal tape guide.

Abstract: A tape splicing block assembly including a block member provided with a flat bed surface sized for supporting a length of magnetic tape that is clamped thereto by a pair of releasable clamp members having inwardly directed longitudinal lips which engage narrow regions of the tape edges along the length of the bed surface.

Abstract: Inlet and outlet service units for a printer in a service apparatus for machines using continuous strips of paper forms or sheets are combined and the inlet unit carries out the splicing of the last sheet of the pack being fed to the first sheet of the immediately following pack while the outlet unit takes care of collection, piling and accordion-like folding in packs of predetermined size and a cut to separate the strip arriving from the printer.

Abstract: To splice the last sheet of a package of sheets or forms joined in a continuous strip and folded accordian-wise which are fed to a printer with the first sheet of the following package wherein there is provided a splicing plane made up of two semiplanes alignable on the splicing plane, sidewalls, which can be raised after splicing to disengage the spliced sheets from the positioning pins or rungs provided on the two semiplanes, are provided.

Abstract: A device for feeding a material tape from a supplement roll at a preparation station to another material tape wound off an un-winding roll positioned at a connection station includes a first and a second feeding arrangement, each including a fixed rotatable deflecting roller, a swingable rotatable deflecting roller spaced from the fixed roller and swingable about the axis of the latter, and a drive carrying a fixing bar to which a starting end of the material tape to be fed is fixed. The drive pivots the fixing bar with the tape end from the preparation station to the connection station at which the starting end of the material tape of the supplement roll is connected to the material tape of the un-winding roll.

Abstract: An overlapping layer (24) of a first body of deformable material is pressed by an edge (78) of each of a plurality of blade members (42) into an overlapped layer (26) of a second body of resilient material forming slots (74) in the second body with ribs (88) of the first body displaced therein. The blade members (42) are removed while the ribs (88) are retained in the slots (74) and gripped by the surrounding resilient material. The blade members (42) may be adjustably clamped in a cartridge (40) which is removable from the splicing apparatus (10) for adjustment and replacement of the blade members (42) so that they conform to the surface profile (82) and splice interface line (80) of the bodies to be spliced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuously running rewinder with a pressure roller for winding a paper web, for instance, from a supercalender onto a reel-up drum. The rewinder comprises roll stands, which are provided with a primary drive for rotating a rewinding reel-up drum, a pressure roller assembly including the pressure roller via which the web is routed to pass before entering the rewinding reel-up drum and which can be actuated to swing from an open position to a closed position toward the roll stands so that the pressure roller assembly is pressed against the rewinding reel-up drum to form with it a nip for the web. The rewinder includes a pressing bar, whose path of movement is adapted to pass between the pressure roller and the rewinding reel-up drum and via which the web is routed to pass so that when the bar is in its lower position and the pressure roller assembly in its open position the bar holds the web at a lower level than that of the nip.

Abstract: This relates to the forming of packages by thermoforming a web which is of a laminated construction. By forming the web as two separate webs, particularly when one of the webs may include sterile components, the number of splices which must be made under sterile conditions is greatly reduced as compared to the number of splices which may be conventionally formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a cassette (34) with a length of magnetic tape (4) comprises a cassette holder (32) which is movable between at least two positions, a splicing table (68) which is provided with three rectangular mutually parallel vacuum pads, of which a first vacuum pad (71) is arranged on a stationary first block (69) of the splicing table and a second (72) and a third vacuum pad (73) are arranged on a second block (70) of the splicing table which block is pivotable about a pivotal axis (74), an extraction member (67) for withdrawing the leader tape (111) from the cassette and positioning it on the splicing table, a cutting member (77) for cutting the leader tape and severing a length of magnetic tape, a splicing member (25) for splicing the magnetic tape to the leader tape, a winding member (86) for winding the length of magnetic tape and leader tape into the cassette.

Abstract: An apparatus of this invention includes first and second supply rolls of wrapping film sheets. The film sheet is fed from first supply roll to a wrapping machine. The distal end of the film sheet of the second supply roll is partially fixed by an adhesive tape. In this state, the film sheet cannot be fed from the second supply roll. The second supply roll can be rotated in the forward or reverse direction. The apparatus also includes a knife for cutting the adhesive tape of the second supply roll. When the remaining length of the film sheet fed from the first supply roll becomes short, the knife is brought into contact with the outer surface of the second supply roll. By utilizing the rotation of the roll, the knife is inserted under the distal end of the film sheet of the second supply roll. Thereafter, the knife is moved along the outer surface of the second supply roll in the axial direction thereof, thereby cutting the adhesive tape of the second supply roll.

Abstract: An automatic wrapping machine including a guiding device for guiding a wrapping band from a supply, a loop forming device for looping the wrapping band around an object and a tensioning and fastening appartus for the wrapping band. The tensioning and fastening apparatus includes a driving assembly, a tensioning assembly, a pair of wrapping band holders, an electrode plunger, and a movable plate assembly. The movable plate assembly preferably includes an upper plate and a lower plate which are slidable relative to one another so as to expose a counter electrode mounted on the lower plate when fastening or welding of the looped band is desired. The movable plate assembly is also preferably mounted for reciprocal movement relative to the frame of the apparatus to enable removal of the welded band loop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for gripping a strap segment with two gripping members, for moving the gripping members together in a closed path to form a primary loop in the strap around at least one of the gripping members, and for feeding the strap to expand the primary loop to an expanded loop having a larger size for accommodating an article to be bound by the strap.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for joining an end of a first web to an end of a second web by, for example, double-sided adhesive tape, glue or the like, include locking the end of the first web at a fixed position by first locking apparatus and locking, i.e., holding the end of the second web by second holding and moving apparatus. The held end of the second web is moved by the second apparatus into pressure contact with the end of the first web whereby the ends of the respective webs are joined to each other by adhesive tape, glue or the like.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and articles for systems comprising optical fibers, in particular for feeding an optical signal into an optical fiber through the buffer thereof and for withdrawing an optical signal from an optical fiber through the buffer thereof. Preferably this is achieved with the aid of an optical coupling means which contacts and conforms to the surface of the buffer at a bent portion of the fiber. The coupling means can for example be a resiliently deformable material such as a polysiloxane. In a preferred aspect, the invention provides an apparatus and method for axially aligning, and preferably joining, the ends of optical fibers. The apparatus comprises means for holding two fibers so that the fiber ends are approximately abutting and axially aligned, adjacent means for passing an optical signal into one of the fibers through the buffer thereof, and adjacent means for withdrawing that signal from the other fiber through the buffer thereof.

Abstract: A device for applying a wrapping tape (14) around an object (2), comprising a substantially closed trough (6) surrounding a support (1) for the object (2) to be wrapped, said trough (6) being adapted for guiding the tape (14) to be wrapped which is driven through said trough (6) by means of an air flow, clamping means (9) for temporarily retaining the free tape end (21), said trough (6) being adapted to be opened thereafter for releasing said tape (14), means (26; 25; 30) for tightening said tape (14) around said object (2) and returning it towards a buffer storage (19), means (19; 24) for attaching said tape end (21) to the opposite tape part and cutting loose the latter, means (22; 26) for refilling said storage (19) to the maximally required tape length, and control means for controlling said sequence of operations.

Abstract: An infeed mechanism coacts with a splicer mechanism for splicing successive rolls of web and for feeding the continuous web thus obtained into a rotary press or the like via a web storage mechanism, which normally stores therein a predetermined length of the web for delivery to the press or the like during splicing operation. The infeed mechanism includes a pair of roll holder arms carrying on their opposite ends an old web roll, from which the web is being delivered to the press or the like, and a new web roll to be spliced to the old web. Toward the end of the web delivery from the old web roll the roll holder arms are turned through a preassigned angle, with the result that the web from the old web roll travels close to the periphery of the new web roll. Then the new web roll is revolved about its own axis until an adhesive region thereon comes opposite to the old web.

Abstract: A welding apparatus for welding together overlapping ends of two lengths of thermoplastic synthetic resin sheets at a welding station comprises a wedge-shaped heating device for softening the thermoplastic synthetic resin along the overlapping sheet ends, the heating device being arranged ahead of the welding station in an operating direction and being displaceable in said direction. The apparatus has a frame including two parallel frame parts, a part connecting the two frame parts, the connecting part being rigidly affixed to one of the frame parts and the other frame part being pivotally mounted on the connecting part, and spring steel rods biasing the other frame part for pivoting towards the one frame part. Two oppositely disposed, motor-driven pressure rollers are pressable against each other, one of the rollers being mounted on the one frame part and the other roller being mounted on the other frame part.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a cassette with a length of magnetic tape, comprising a cassette holder movable between at least two positions; a splicing table having three rectangular aligned vacuum pads, a first pad being arranged on a stationary first block of a splicing table, and second and third pads being arranged on a second, pivotal block on the splicing table; an extraction member for withdrawing leader tape from the cassette; a cutting member for severing the leader tape and a length of magnetic tape; a splicing assembly for splicing the magnetic tape to the leader; and a winding device for winding the magnetic tape and leader after splicing. The cassette holder is pivotable about an axis between a first position straight above the splicing table, where it cooperates with the winding device, and a second position inclined to the splicing table which provides room for operation of the splicing assembly.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for adjoining the two ends of a length of impact printer ribbon to form a continuous loop of ribbon within a ribbon cartridge. A welding fixture includes a plate, alignment guide bars defining crisscrossed alignment paths for the ribbon ends, clamps for securing the ribbon ends within the alignment paths, and a cutter mechanism for precisely cutting the ribbon. The fixture further includes mechanical means for manipulating the ribbon during the welding process. The apparatus and method of the present invention enables the ribbon welding process to be streamlined and the precision to be greatly improved.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are method and apparatus for vulcanizing rubber. One example of an environment wherein the teachings of the present invention is quite useful is the environment of the creation of endless rubber belts by vulcanizing the ends of the belt together so as to make the belt endless. The apparatus disclosed herein basically consists of a pair of opposed thin sacks made of a flexible material which may, at the desired thickness thereof, comprise for example stainless steel. The ends of the belt are placed between these sacks and the sacks are supplied with steam at controlled temperature and pressure so as to provide the proper pressure as well as temperature for the vulcanizing process simultaneously.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an improved apparatus and method for stuffing pre-inked printer ribbon from a ribbon roll into a ribbon cartridge. The apparatus includes a drive motor for pulling the ribbon into the cartridge and a supply motor connected to a spool for automatically feeding ribbon to the cartridge. Between the drive and supply motors, the ribbon passes through a splice detection means, around a length measuring means, and through a cutter mechanism. The length measuring means includes a brake for stopping motion of the ribbon. The cartridge loading apparatus further includes a built-in ribbon welder mechanism for adjoining the end of the pre-inked ribbon to a leader ribbon assembled into the cartridge and a cartridge support means adaptable to any cartridge configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding and tensioning strap in a strapping machine is provided. The apparatus includes a rotatable feed wheel and means for rotating the feed wheel, a first pinch roll associated with the feed wheel, and a first strap pressing means for moving the pinch roll between a strap engaging position and a position wherein the strap is not engaged. Also provided is a rotatable take-up wheel and means for rotating the take-up wheel in a direction opposite to the feed wheel rotation. A second pinch roll is provided adjacent the take-up wheel and is movable between a first position for engaging the strap and a second position wherein the strap not engaged. A high tension member is mounted for rotation between the feed wheel and take-up wheel. The high tension member defines a slot for accommodating the strap and defines a strap engaging surface on the periphery of the high tension member at an end of the slot.

Abstract: An apparatus which successively and incontinuous action ensures the winding of bands from skeins, the retraction of the unwound bands, the drying of the retracted bands, and the winding by predetermined lengths, with checking of the quality of the possible variations of the lengths.

Abstract: The web leading edge of a paper roll for a rotary press or the like is held and prevented from raveling by three or more pieces of strong adhesive tape during handling and loading onto a paper feed machine of the printing press. On the paper feed machine, perforated tear lines are formed across the tape pieces by a device comprising a rotary perforating wheel, a mechanism for moving the wheel from one end to the other of the roll and also moving it against and away from all of the tape pieces, and a tape detecting device and a controller for automatically operating the mechanism. The tape pieces can then be easily torn to release the web leading edge immediately prior to web splicing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for heat sealing thermoplastics strap material comprising a portable tool adapted to receive two sections of strap material which are to be welded together and having a heating element, means for moving the heating element between the straps and a battery source for supplying heating current to the heating element. A control circuit detects the battery voltage on load, and a drive circuit controls the movement of the heating element between the straps, to control the speed of the heating element in dependence on the detected voltage level, to compensate for decreasing battery voltage. The battery source is mounted in or on the tool housing for portability.The heating element is mounted on a carriage assembly mounted for reciprocal motion between the two straps and driven by an electric motor.

Abstract: An end portion of an elongate member of generally cylindrical form, such as an optical fiber, is placed in a predetermined position utilizing a substrate having a surface that is defined by a generatrix that is a straight line, e.g. a flat surface. A foil of flexible material is secured to the surface of the substrate and defines with the substrate a generally straight, elongate passageway that is parallel to the generatrix of the surface and has a first portion of substantially uniform cross-section adapted to receive an end of the elongate member in closely fitting relationship and also has a second portion that tapers towards the first portion. The end portion of the elongate member is inserted into the first portion of the passageway by way of the second portion thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are crosslinking compositions having both sulfur and nonsulfur curative systems which are particularly adapted for crosslinking rubber blends of (a) from about 35% to about 85% halobutyl rubber or a mixture of butyl rubber and halobutyl rubber wherein the halobutyl rubber is at least 50% by weight of the mixture and (b) from about 15% to about 65% of an epihalohydrin rubber, and to the rubber materials crosslinked therewith. The rubber materials crosslinked with these crosslinking compositions have an excellent balance of cure rate, cure state and scorch safety; have improved tire carcass adhesion and good impermeability to gases; and are useful in tire inner tubes and inner liners.

Abstract: Improved laying of high strength composite tape is achieved by stretching a strip of tape entirely across the area on which the tape is to be laid before pressing any part of the tape against the work surface, and then pressing the tape against the surface while the tape is stretched across and adjacent the work surface. The tape is held and stretched across the work surface on supply and takeup reels on opposite sides of the work surface, so that the reels need not move along the tape with the moving pressure foot. The pressure foot and both reels are mounted for independent motion completely around the work surface to enable tape strips to be laid in all directions across the work surface without rotating the work surface.

Abstract: A machine for loading magnetic tape into cassettes is provided which comprises a splicing block assembly mounted on a pivotally mounted support and comprising two splicing blocks, one fixed to the support and the second pivotally mounted to the support, means for rotating the second block relative to the first block so that either of two tape-receiving tracks on the first block may be aligned with a single tape receiving track on the first block, means for rotating the support between a first tape winding position and a second tape splicing position, and a splicer for splicing abutting tape ends on the splicing block assembly when the support is in the second tape splicing position.

Abstract: A service unit intended to continuously supply a high-speed printer using a preformed support comprising folded paper packages, comprising in combination: a backing plane for the support packages placed side by side, comprising a conveyor belt controlled by a microprocessor which using a sensor automatically puts in position each package to be supplied to the printer; a plane for joining the paper support between two adjacent packages, which plane can move with respect to the package backing plane in order to allow all the packages arranged for being supplied to the printer to be continuously connected to each other, this joining plane being provided with retractile reference pins for placing and blocking the paper in position, a support for the adhesive tape having suitable drives and guides, an assembly for cutting the adhesive tape after the joining operation, a microprocessor controlling the cutting operation, the movement of the packages and discriminating the packages according to the size thereof or th

Abstract: A number of elongate articles such as slide fasteners are discharged from a discharging mechanism and placed on a length of a band web which has been supplied from a reel on a bundle tray by means of a feed mechanism. The length of the band web has a free end and an opposite end gripped by a gripper mechanism. End portions of the length of the band web are ultrasonically fused to each other by a fusing mechanism constituted by an ultrasonic horn and an anvil. The opposite end of the length as it is gripped by the gripper mechanism is cut off by a cutter mechanism to form a band bundling the elongate articles, which are then discharged by the bundle tray.

Abstract: A band type strapping machine comprises a swing lever, pivotally supporting a gripper for gripping a band, adapted to swing according to the rotation of a cam mounted on a cam shaft, a control bar engaged with the swing lever to follow the movement of the swing lever, a driving roller operating to engage with a band tightening roller, the driving roller being strongly brought into contact with the band tightening roller rotated at a low speed, high torque by actuation of a solenoid.

Abstract: A thermally responsive substrate includes an electric circuit extending throughout the substrate and providing multiple terminal pads through the substrate for the application of electrical current for heating the thermally responsive substrate. A tool for the application of electrical current to the terminals pads includes a device having multiple spaced apart contact probes for engaging selected terminal pads of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus with an arrangement for connecting individual fanfolded stacks of prefolded continuous form paper to produce a continuous web to feed to a fast printer characterized by a longitudinally extending transfer plane or table comprising a work region which is adjacent the printer and a supply region spaced from the work region by a transversely extending gap which receives the free edge of the bottom sheet of a stack as the stack is moved across the gap from the supply region to the work region. After movement into the working region, the bottom sheet is in a trailing exposed position that enables connecting to the top sheet of the next following stack by the connecting arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus for winding video tape on reels of a cassette includes a winding device for winding video tape on the reels and a feeding device for feeding a pair of reels to the winding device, the winding device having two shafts on which two reels can be removably mounted, at least one of the shafts being movable in a direction away from the other, a connecting member for connecting tapes being provided so as to be brought in and out of the path of movement of the movable shaft, the connecting member being out of the path of the reels when the reels are being moved away from each other, and when the reels are spaced from each other, the connecting member is moved in and out of the space between the reels so as to connect the tape wound on the reels with video tape.

Abstract: A belt press is formed of a longitudinal row of upright and abutting press frames each comprising a plurality of upper and a plurality of lower traverses respectively having lower and upper traverse faces, upper and lower press platens carried on and between the traverses and having respective upper and lower platen faces respectively confronting the lower and upper traverse faces, and mechanical actuators including bolts engaged between the traverses for displacing the traverses toward each other and thereby pressing the platens against a belt engaged therebetween with a pressure sufficient to deform the lower traverse. A lower bend-compensating element having a pair of nonparallel upper and lower surfaces is engaged between the lower platen face and the respective confronting traverse face. A hydraulic force-transmitter is engaged between the upper platen face and the lower traverse face.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for unwinding and splicing successive rolls of ribbon material is disclosed. A roll payoff unit including a paster arm having clamping means, cutting means and means for holding the trail end of a cut ribbon in position is provided. Additionally an adhesive means for supplying adhesive to an appropriate portion of the trail end of the ribbon is disclosed. The ribbon is then mated with the beginning end of a new roll to secure the trail end of the old roll to the new roll to provide a continuous ribbon.

Abstract: A belt press is formed of a longitudinal row of upright and abutting press frames each comprising upper and lower traverses respectively having lower and upper traverse faces and two upright tie bolts extending vertically between the upper and lower traverses and securing the lower traverse to the upper traverse. Upper and lower press platens carried on and between the traverses have respective upper and lower platen faces respectively confronting the lower and upper traverse faces. A belt workpiece to be joined or repaired is engaged between the platens. Respective upper and lower pressure plates engaged between the platen faces and the respective traverse faces have respective upper and lower heaters. Hydraulic actuators engaged between the upper traverse and the upper pressure plate are vertically expansible for displacing the upper pressure plate down and thereby pressing the platens against a belt engaged therebetween.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for high speed automatic production of ply stock in which tire cord fabric on a first conveyor is cut by a bias cutter to form panels which are spliced at the side of said conveyor and then pulled transversely onto a second conveyor. During each cycle a cut panel is advanced by the first conveyor to a stationary transfer position where its uncut side portion is overlapped by the trailing side portion of an adjacent panel in a stationary splicing position on the second conveyor.

Abstract: A device for splicing light waveguides, such as optical fibers, having an internal sheath and an outer sheath, characterized by an arrangement for clamping each of the waveguides by engaging their sheaths and lowering the unsheathed end portion into a centering groove where the ends are heated and fused together by an alternating current discharge path. The required convergence and alignment of the light waveguide ends during the welding step are automatically controlled by an advanced arrangement which is sequentially controlled with the welding step. Subsequent to the gearing of the ends, the clamping element releases the waveguides adjacent to the fused joint and are moved by a restoring arrangement to stretch the joint into a straight line position.

Abstract: An infeed mechanism coacts with a splicer mechanism for splicing successive rolls of web and for feeding the continuous web thus obtained into a rotary press or the like via a web storage mechanism, which normally stores therein a predetermined length of the web for delivery to the press or the like during splicing operation. The infeed mechanism includes a pair of roll holder arms carrying on their opposite ends an old web roll, from which the web is being delivered to the press or the like, and a new web roll to be spliced to the old web. Toward the end of the web delivery from the old web roll the roll holder arms are turned through a preassigned angle, with the result that the web from the old web roll travels close to the periphery of the new web roll. Then the new web roll is revolved about its own axis until an adhesive region thereon comes opposite to the old web.

Abstract: A daylight film processing apparatus for removing an end cap of a cassette containing an exposed film and capturing the spool and film pushed outwardly therefrom so that the film can be suitably trimmed and identified and spliced to the tail of a next-preceding film and wound therewith onto a reel in a light-tight container for transfer to subsequent film processing equipment.

Abstract: In a method of splicing strips of thermoplastic material to form waterstop joints, the strips are first clamped in longitudinal alignment with their adjacent ends spaced apart. While the strips are so clamped, a routing tool is used to cut complementary rebates at these adjacent ends, after which the strips are moved into end abutting relationship while the longitudinal alignment of the strips is maintained, the rebated ends being brought into a half-lap configuration. The cooperating ends are then welded together by means of an electric heating element which was inserted between the ends prior to their being clamped together.

Abstract: An improved apparatus is disclosed in which a tensioned plastic strap loop is placed about an article. The invention includes a laterally adjustable forward guide. The guide is pivotally connected to the feed nip of the drive mechanism so as to provide a constant gap between the nip and guide. The rear end of the guide rests upon and moves with the forward gripper. Thus, a guide is provided which minimizes abrasion, can receive straps of different widths, and be easily and quickly cleaned.

Abstract: A method of joining two flexible webs comprises bringing the webs into overlapping relationship, cutting the overlapped webs, removing a part of one or both webs from the region of the cut, and applying a length of adhesive material to marginal portions of the webs adjacent the cut.The webs may be held stationary while being joined. The cutting and joining are preferably effected simultaneously. The webs may be brought into register before cutting and joining. Adhesive material may be applied to both sides of the webs. Joining may be initiated manually or automatically in response to the speed or diameter of an expiring reel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying stretched elastic segments to a web as for a diaper waistband and the like which include advancing a stretched continuous elastic ribbon, gripping the ribbon at two pairs of points, severing the ribbon between the gripped pairs to provide a stretched segment and advancing the ribbon segment in planetary fashion to unite the same to a continuous web.