Abstract: A floor surface (12) protective sheet (10A), comprising: an elongated flexible surface (20); and a plurality of rigid plates (18) attached to the elongated flexible surface (20), wherein the rigid plates (18) and the attachment thereof are characterized for avoiding deformation of the elongated flexible surface (20) upon weight of a person treading thereon, thereby avoiding deformation of the floor surface (12) on which the protective sheet (10) is laid, and allowing folding the protective sheet (10A).

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for coating a workpiece, which comprises at least a deflector means for feeding a material web, downstream of which a pressure means for applying the material web to workpiece surface is arranged, wherein preferred pressure and deflector means comprise cylinders, rollers and/or shoes, wherein the device further comprises at least an energy source, the point of action of which lies in the region of the pressure means, in particular in a region of the pressure means which contacts the material web at least in portions. The device is configured to apply the material web onto the workpiece surface in the inline and/or offline method.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining substrates including a rotating drum. The drum may include an outer circumferential surface and a drum aperture in the drum outer circumferential surface. The drum may be configured to continuously advance substrates. A fluid nozzle may be moveably connected to the drum and located radially inward from the drum aperture. The fluid nozzle may be adapted to direct a fluid radially outward through the drum aperture toward the substrates. The fluid may have a temperature sufficient to at least partially melt the substrates. An anvil roll may be located adjacent the drum. The anvil roll may be adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation. A press member may be moveably connected to the drum and located radially inward from the drum aperture. The press member adapted to extend through the drum aperture to compress the substrates between the anvil roll to form a bond.

Abstract: A system and method of forming a multi-axis laminate including a production surface, a reinforcement material supply, and a resin supply, wherein the reinforcement material supply supplies a first layer of reinforcement material having a first fiber orientation to the production surface and a second layer of reinforcement material having a second fiber orientation on top of the first layer of reinforcement material, and wherein resin from the resin supply impregnates the first and the second layers of reinforcement material to form a laminate having a multi-axis fiber orientation. The reinforcement material supply may be a fiberglass material having a tri-axis fiber orientation that is layered to form a quatro-axis laminate.

Abstract: Concave portions filled with particles of high-absorbent resin are arranged on an outer side surface of a cylinder part in a circumferential direction. When each concave portion passes an ejection start position lying posterior to the lowermost portion in a rotation direction, particles are ejected along a tangent line of the side surface at the ejection start position. A sheet conveying roller is located near the above lowermost portion. Annular grooves facing concave portions are formed on an outer side surface of the roller along a circumferential direction. The roller conveys a sheet member along its side surface so that the sheet member passes near the above lowermost portion. In the sheet member, groove portions corresponding to the annular grooves are formed. Since the tangent line intersects with the side surface of the roller, it is possible to eject particles into the groove portions and reduce scattering of particles.

Abstract: A working apparatus for pasting two continuous paper webs together having patterns is provided which can be made small as a whole and whose pasting processing treatment reduces a paper loss occurring when the apparatus starts to operate.

Abstract: A method for producing an article made of a web material, comprising at least one ply, wherein a superabsorbent material in powder form is associated with said ply.

Abstract: A hand-held device for transferring a film of material from a backing tape onto a substrate that includes a housing having a first housing member and a second housing member, as well as an application member around which the tape is guided and which is designed to be pressed against a substrate in order to transfer the film. The first and second housing member are mounted telescopically with each other such that in an extended position one of the housing members cover the application member and in a pushed-back position the application member is exposed for usage.

Abstract: A method for applying a heat activated transfer adhesive includes preheating a first part for bonding to a second part using a heat activated transfer adhesive form removably adhered to a liner, picking up the heat activated transfer adhesive form using the first part by pressing the preheated first part against the heat activated transfer adhesive form to adhere the heat activated transfer adhesive form to the first part, removing the liner from the heat activated transfer adhesive form adhered to the first part, heating the heat activated transfer adhesive form adhered to the first part, and pressing the heated heat activated transfer adhesive form on the first part against a second part to bond the first part to the second part.

Abstract: The invention teaches a new way to make mesh bags using adhesive labels and continuous mesh tubing. Using adhesive labels on continuous mesh tubing is made possible by guiding the mesh tubing both on the outside of the tubing and the inside of the tubing so that an adhesive label does not stick to the mesh surface on the other side of the mesh tubing. As a result the invention also teaches a new type of mesh bag made with this process and a new machine used for making mesh bags.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sticking, a container, a pocket tape, a method for the production of a pocket tape, a device for the production of a pocket tape, a method for the production of an adhesive tape, an adhesive tape and a device for the production of an adhesive tape. The invention is characterised in that adhesive zones are spaced from one another by non-adhesive zones.

Abstract: A working apparatus for pasting two continuous paper webs together having patterns is provided which can be made small as a whole and whose pasting processing treatment reduces a paper loss occurring when the apparatus starts to operate.

Abstract: The invention teaches a new way to make mesh bags using adhesive labels and continuous mesh tubing. Using adhesive labels on continuous mesh tubing is made possible by guiding the mesh tubing both on the outside of the tubing and the inside of the tubing so that an adhesive label does not stick to the mesh surface on the other side of the mesh tubing. As a result the invention also teaches a new type of mesh bag made with this process and a new machine used for making mesh bags.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for seaming together abutting side-by-side layers of planar material with adhesive and a backing tape to form a finished seam extending along the line of abutment. The method consists of laying a backing tape underneath the line of abutment between adjacent layers of planar material, such as floor covering, followed by dispensing an adhesive through an applicator tip along the edges of the abutting layers while simultaneously centering the backing tape with the line of abutment with the applicator tip and dispensing adhesive though the applicator tip on top of the backing tape. The edges of the abutting layers are then pressed together and against the backing tape until the adhesive has at least partially set thereby forming a finished seam.

Abstract: The invention concerns an installation for machining (1) a continuous material (2), comprising a device for applying fluids, for example plastic substances and/or fluid adhesives, in the form of a surface coat at least partly on the continuous material (2) directly applied or by transfer. Such installations are particularly used for laminating a continuous material and one or more substrates. The invention is characterized in that the application device (A) mounted in the deflecting and/or pressing roll (4) is an interchangeable modular unit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mechanism for laminating profiles, such as plastic window profiles, for example, in which several profile sides, as of L-shaped or Z-shaped profiles, for example, can be laminated at the same time, by means of a single work pass, in that an adjustable slide, which establishes a glue-free zone between the laminating foils, is provided in the device for applying the bonding agent.

Abstract: There is a description of an apparatus that produces corrugated walls in a continuous manner. Prior to being fed into the apparatus there is a composite consisting of an outer layer of a woven or non-woven material having a layer of a cementitious material thereon. Two composites are combined in the apparatus with a layer of polyurethane there between. The apparatus has opposing molding tracts therein through which the composites are fed. The opposing molding tracts have a multiple of inflatable pockets thereon. The spaces between the pockets form the corrugations into which the composites are being pressed. At the end of the run of the molding tracts, the molded corrugated wall is then delivered to a roller run to be dried to its last extent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material, method, and application for reinforcement of structural members, especially joints such as a hem flange joint of an automobile. The method and material of the present invention comprises of combining, in parts by weight: less than about twenty percent (<20%) ethylene copolymer, less than about forty percent (<40%) epoxy, less than about thirty percent (<45%) epoxy-based resin, less than about two percent (<2%) blowing agent and from about one percent (1%) to about five percent (5%) curing agent (and optionally add any of the following components: less than about two percent (<2%) curing agent accelerator, from about twenty-five percent (25%) to fifty-five percent (55%) filler, and less than about one percent (<1%) of coloring agent).

Abstract: A method of forming a continuous composite structure includes the steps of predetermining relative proportions of a liquid resin forming material, a catalyst, and a inhibitor from respective reservoir (32, 33, 34) based on the ambient temperature and a porous blanket. The predetermined proportions are recirculated independently substantially continuously and coordinated at preselected rates. The predetermined proportions are simultaneously withdrawn and continuously mixed in a chamber (39) having a dispensing outlet (40). A pool (46) of the mixture is formed on the blanket (44) and a leading edge (68) is advanced substantially immediately into permanent contact with a preselected final surface and adhered thereto. Part of the catalyzed and inhibited resin forming material migrates through the blanket to form a continuous resin matrix therein.

Abstract: A method of forming a continuous composite structure includes the steps of mixing a solid particulate resin forming material with a liquid resin forming material suuplied from nozzles (39) and applying the mixture to a porous blanket or blankets (44). The solid particulate material is liquefied with resin liquefying means (49) and reacted with the liquid resin forming material in an exothermic reaction. The blanket (44) is deposited along a preselected final surface with a pressing means (53) and part of the resin forming mixture is migrated through the blanket (44) substantially uniformly to form a continuous resin blanket.

Abstract: A page binding device for binding pages 11 from an inkjet printhead assembly 13. The device has an adhesive applicator 16 for applying adhesive to printed pages 11. The adhesive applicator 16 is adapted to eject adhesive onto the pages 11 as they are fed to the support tray. A page conveyor 12 for sequentially feeding pages 11 from the printhead assembly 13 to the support tray via the adhesive applicator 16. An air flow generator for generating an air flow 14 that prevents the pages 11 from contacting the adhesive applicator 16. Using an air cushion and a non-contact adhesive applicator avoids the paper buckling problems associated with contact adhesive applicators.

Abstract: A page binding device for binding pages 11 from an inkjet printhead assembly 13. The device has an adhesive applicator 16 for applying adhesive to printed pages 11. The adhesive applicator 16 is adapted to apply adhesive onto the pages 11 as they are fed to the support tray. A page conveyor 12 for sequentially feeding pages 11 from the printhead assembly 13 to the support tray via the adhesive applicator 16. The adhesive applicator 16 is adapted to apply adhesive to a trailing edge of each page, the trailing edge extending transverse to the paper path. By applying the adhesive to the trailing edge of the page, it is not necessary to precisely synchronize the motion of the adhesive applicator with the velocity of the paper fed along the paper path.

Abstract: A page binding device for binding pages 11 from a printer. The device having a support tray 18 for receiving and stacking printed pages 11 to form a bound document, and an adhesive applicator 16 for applying a two part adhesive to the printed pages. The two part adhesive has a first part and a second part, wherein the first part and the second part must contact eachother to form an adhesive bond. The adhesive applicator 16 applies the first part of the adhesive to one side of the printed pages and the second part to the opposite side of the page 11. The printed pages 11 are stacked in the support tray 18 such that the first part of the adhesive on one page 11 contacts the second part of the adhesive on the adjacent page in the adjacent page in the stack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure/membrane composite device which includes a support structure, such as a radially expandable stent, a porous non-textile polymeric membrane adjacent to said stent and a thermoplastic anchor means attaching said stent to said porous non-textile polymeric membrane. The porous non-textile polymeric membrane is preferably made from expandable fluoropolymer materials. The anchoring means is a thermoplastic material which is dissolvable at the interface between the support structure and membrane by a suitable solvent which wets the membrane surface and deposits the thermoplastic material within the pores of the membrane. Methods of preparing the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of joining at least two objects (2,4) by gluing with a two-component adhesive system to form a composite structure is disclosed. It comprises providing a first adhesive component including liquid urea-formaldehyde in combination with a powdery urea, so as to render the first component sufficiently viscous. Furthermore, a second adhesive component including a hardener is provided. At least one of the objects (4) is preheated prior to joining said objects. The first and second adhesive components are then applied separately to said objects. Finally, heat and pressure (14) is applied for a time sufficient to cause said adhesive to cure.

Abstract: A charging bar applies a static charge to a printed label as it is fed in to a grounded adhesive applicator roll. The charged label is drawn to the grounded roll, and thereby obtains even coating of adhesive on the underside of the label, while avoiding contamination of the printed surface of the label with adhesive. The adhesive coated label is carried by a transfer roll to a laminating nip where it is adhered to a corrugated substrate.

Abstract: A glue machine for a corrugator single facer utilizes a system of simultaneously operated linear actuators to move the glue machine from an idle position adjacent the single facer to a locked position on the single facer, and then to a running position with the glue machine glue roll in a pre-established position with respect to a corrugating roll on the single facer. The glue machine is carried on laterally spaced pairs of front wheels and rear wheels mounted on pivot arms. The linear actuators are preferably air cylinders interconnecting front and rear wheel pivot arms to provide sequential glue machine frame movement from the idle to the locked position, followed by movement to the running position.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing fiberglass-reinforced sheet is shown as including a feed mechanism feeding a sheet, whereby the sheet forms the upper mold surface for the fiberglass-reinforced sheets. The fed sheet moves longitudinally through a gel coating sprayer, and through applicators to apply resin in fiberglass. An automatic roller mechanism rolls the fiberglass strands into the resin and an automatic pressure mechanism applies pressure to wooden sheets placed on top of the fiberglass strands to form continuously fed completed sheet.

Abstract: A method of forming a continuous composite structure includes encapsulating solid additive particles with a first reactive liquid resin forming material and migrating part of the mixture through a porous blanket to form a continuous resin matrix within the blanket with adhesive outer surfaces. A thin coating of a second preselected resin forming material which substantially cures immediately upon application is applied over one major adhesive upper surface of the matrix/blanket while allowing an area of the adhesive surface to remain exposed along one edge of the upper surface thereof. A plurality of preselected flexible lengths of the coated matrix/blanket are individually positioned successively in an overlapping orientation with the exposed adhesive area of the upper surface of the adjoining positioned length tightly affixed to the adhesive lower surface of the succeeding length to form a continuous composite structure. Also, the composite structure and apparatus for producing same.

Abstract: A laminating and coating system is employed with a gravure or flexographic set up using an enclosed doctor blade system with recirculation to coat adhesive onto a film and then laminate it to another film. The preferred adhesive is a two-stage epoxy consisting of a zero VOC 100% solids laminating adhesive having a mixed viscosity of 200-400 cps with the viscosity remaining within a desired range of 50-110 degrees F for up to 3 hours that will cure at ambient temperature. The adhesive is solventless and is unaffected by moisture. The adhesive consists of ingredients which make it permissible for use as an adhesive for laminations of films designed for food packaging pursuant to F.D.A. Regulation 175.105.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing a composite sheet (5) comprising at least one corrugated sheet (1) and at least one flat sheet (3), which is glued to the wave peaks of the corrugated sheet (1), said device comprising at least one fluted roller (13) for shaping and/or maintaining the shape of the corrugated sheet (1), said roller being covered with the corrugated sheet (1) around a portion of its circumference during operation, and a gluing unit (27) for applying a liquid glue used to attach the corrugated sheet (1) to the flat sheet (3), with said gluing unit (27) having a gluing roller (45) whose outer surface (47) is continuously coated with a glue film and whose axis is essentially parallel to that of the fluted roller (13), said gluing roller being driven at approximately the same peripheral speed as that of the fluted roller (13), and with it being possible, using means for moving the rollers closer together (53, 65, 67, 69), to move said gluing roller, with its outer surface (47) against the portion of the c

Abstract: Individual carton blanks formed from a lamination of a continuous strip of a relatively rigid material and a relatively flexible fluid impervious material and in some instances from spaced apart continuous strips of a relatively flexible material wherein all of the cut and fold lines are formed in the continuous strip of a relatively rigid material and then conveyed to the nip between two rotating laminating rolls where all of the continuous strips are secured together by an adhesive at desired locations. In some instances, the continuous strip of a relatively flexible fluid impervious material and the spaced apart continuous strips of a relatively flexible material are cut at a location spaced from the leading edge of the individual carton blanks.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for forming a continuous structure includes the steps of preselecting a liquid reactive resin forming material, a particulate solid additive material and a porous blanket, mixing and encapsulating the additive particles with the liquid resin forming material while tumbling the materials along a cylindrical mixing chamber. The leading edge of the structure is grasped with a gripping device along its entire length and advanced over a horizontal supporting surface. Once a desired length has been formed a cutting device cuts the structure and the cut portion is placed into a final configuration while flexible and adhesive.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for applying an edgeband to a planar edge and an apparatus for performing the process. In the process, one or more gluing edge(s) of the structure and/or edgeband is/are heated to a temperature of greater than 25.degree. C., a heated reactive adhesive is then applied to the gluing edge(s), the structure and edgeband are then brought together to form a composite structure, with the reactive adhesive forming the bond. In the apparatus, the reactive adhesive is provided from a sealed adhesive system.

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 container having a mixture of one part of a two-part epoxy adhesive with a plurality of glass beads pre-mixed therein. The concentration of beads in the final mixture as applied to the joint to be bonded is in the range of about 5% to about 20% by weight, with the beads having a diameter in the range of 0.003 to about 0.030 inches. The mixture is capable of being pumped from the container and applied to a member for forming a hem flange joint with another member. The adhesive/glass beads mixture finds particular utility to help prevent excess squeeze out and promote reliable bonds in processes in which an inner and outer panel of an exterior automotive closure member are joined together by way of a hem flange.

Abstract: A method of forming a continuous structure including the steps of preselecting a liquid reactive resin material, a particulate solid additive material, a porous blanket, and a thin fibrous sheet. The additive particles are mixed with the liquid resin material substantially continuously in a proportion significantly greater than that of the liquid resin material thereby encapsulating the additive particles. A pool of the resulting mixture is formed between the blanket and the sheet and the blanket and the sheet are advanced at a rate sufficient to maintain a suspension of the additive particles in the pool. Part of the liquid forming material is migrated through the blanket and the sheet in a uniform manner. An apparatus for carrying out this processing is also provided.

Abstract: A fabric light control window covering in which fabric vanes are adhesively bonded between two sheer fabric sheets such that relative movement between the sheer fabric sheets in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fabric vanes changes the angle of the fabric vanes and, thus, controls the amount of light admitted through the shade. The vanes are bonded to the sheer fabric sheets in a manner which tends to bias the sheer fabric sheets together to the nonlight admitting position. Also, disclosed are methods and apparatus for manufacturing the above window covering. The method features linear application of adhesive to the vane material which provides for a uniform appearance in the finished product. A heat setting process and apparatus is disclosed in which the bonded layers of sheer fabrics and vanes are fed between belts over hot and cool surfaces, under uniform tension and pressure.

Abstract: A method of forming a continuous structure includes the steps of flowing a first liquid reactive resin forming material over a base surface, forming a first thin substantially uniform layer thereof and gelling the first layer. A second liquid resin forming material is flowed through an orifice under pressure forming a liquid stream thereof. The liquid stream is gelled to form a continuous filament with structural integrity as it advances toward the first gelled layer. The filament is contacted with the first layer and distributed thereover in a preselected pattern forming a porous non-woven filament blanket. A particulate solid material is distributed substantially uniformly over the filament blanket. A third liquid resin forming material is flowed over the blanket forming a second thin substantially uniform layer of the third liquid resin forming material and the layer is gelled.

Abstract: A web coating apparatus includes a supply roll of web and a wind-up spindle for receiving a discrete length of the web. Fluid is discharged from a coating die in a direction toward the wind-up spindle to coat the web as the web is wound about the wind-up spindle. A variable speed pump directs fluid through the coating die at flow rate that is proportional to the speed of advancement of the web. The apparatus is particularly useful for coating discrete lengths of orthopedic splinting and casting tape that is packaged for single patient use.

Abstract: A method of producing a succession of self-adhesive labels on a length of release material, which method comprises the steps of:(a) applying a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive to a surface of a length of release material;(b) applying a succession of individual labels to the layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive so as to adhere the labels to the release material;(c) cutting through each of the labels and the layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive as far as the release material thereby to form the required self-adhesive labels; and(d) removing the waste portions of the applied labels and the waste portions of the pressure-sensitive adhesive which surround the self-adhesive labels from the release material. The present invention also provides apparatus for producing such self-adhesive labels.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for processing flat workpieces, in particular for carrying out operations between fabric pieces in superposed relationship, feeding the workpieces to a continuously operating workstation by pre-conveyors that cooperate with subsequent conveyors. The pre-conveyor and each subsequent conveyor are so arranged that, upon starting the pre-conveyor with a workpiece on its conveyor path, the conveyor path of the pre-conveyor is extended over the conveyor path of the subsequent conveyor to such an extent that the workpiece can be moved over the conveyor path of the subsequent conveyor. When that position is adopted, the conveyor belt of the pre-conveyor is stopped and the workpiece is deposited on the conveyor belt of the subsequent conveyor by shortening the path of the pre-conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a controlled pressure application system to insure that the proper pressure is applied in a lamination of permeable and semi-permeable roll mounted sheets into a cellular sheet structure. The present invention uses a pressure roller mounted on a carriage which is movable horizontally radially of a heated roll by a controllable linear actuator such that variable and closely controlled pressure may be applied to a web passing between the heated roll and the carriage mounted pressure roller. Additionally, the present invention uses a precisely controllable fluid heated pressure roller and a precisely controllable fluid cooled cooling roller acting as a heat sink for the pressure roller to maintain a precise temperature gradient across the web at the nip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying granules to a coated asphalt sheet to form at high production speeds with shingles a variegated pattern having uniform pattern edges. Granules of a first color are applied to spaced first areas on a continuously moving tacky asphaltic strip, such as a hot asphalt coated organic or glass fiber mat. Hot asphalt or another adhesive is applied to at least a portion of one or both of the leading and trailing edges of the first areas to provide predetermined uniform edges to tacky second areas between the spaced first areas. Granules of a second color are then deposited on the second areas. The granule coated strip is then cut into shingles. The method may be used to create multiple pattern areas with two or more different colored granules or granule blends.

Abstract: A fastening component for releasable engagement with a complementary fastener includes a substrate and a first fastener formed of a flexible fabric. An adhesive substance is disposed between and bonded to the first fastener and the substrate. The adhesive substance has a first zone with a first basis weight greater than zero, and a second zone with a second basis weight at least about 1.5 times greater than the first basis weight.

Abstract: To enhance printed products, lamination is to be carried out by a controllable pair of laminating rollers, rather than by the conventional method of calender rolling. To do this, the film is applied with relatively low contact-pressure roller pressure in a floating manner. The film can be fed to the laminating rollers without tension by means of a controllable applicator mechanism with a film tension regulating device. The processing rate and sheet length, for example, can be entered by computer so as to control the sequence of the feeder output and also the sequence of a wet cutting device via a suitable incremental-value transmitter from the main drive. Accordingly, processing rates of 60 to 100 meters per minute can easily be set. The quality remains good even at the highest speeds.

Abstract: A method of forming a continuous structure includes the steps of preselecting a liquid reactive resin forming material, a particulate solid additive material and a porous blanket. The additive particles are mixed with the liquid resin forming material substantially continuously in a proportion significantly greater than that of the liquid resin forming material. Substantially all of the additive particles are encapsulated with the liquid resin forming material to a preselected thickness. A pool of the resulting mixture is formed on the blanket. The blanket is advanced at a rate sufficient to create movement of the additive particles within the pool and maintain the additive particles in suspension. Part of the liquid resin forming material is migrated through the blanket substantially uniformly prior to gelling of the liquid resin forming material to form a continuous resin matrix within the blanket. Also, apparatus forming the structure as well as the structure itself.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming paper blocks installable in offices to form paper blocks out of office-use paper such as computer printer paper, etc. including a treatment chamber, paper feeder and an adhesive apply device. Used and waste paper is fed into the treatment chamber by the paper feeder while being coated with adhesives by the adhesive apply device, and inside the treatment chamber, the paper with the adhesives coated thereon are pressed by a pusher or by air against the bottom of the chamber, thus forming firm paper blocks solidified by the adhesives.

Abstract: A laminated body panel for aircraft applications comprises first and second metal layers and an adhesive layer. First and second sections in each metal layer are generally coplanar and separated by a splice line. A first splice line in a first metal layer is generally parallel to a second splice line in a second metal layer, and spaced laterally from the second splice line. An adhesive layer between the metal layers preferably contains reinforcing fibers bridging across the splice lines. An aircraft fuselage or wing or empennage made with spliced body panels of the invention has fewer joints and weighs less than one made with narrower body panels containing unspliced metal layers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the continuous manufacture of printed, laminated stock is provided. The apparatus is designed to use plain, uncoated webs and at separate stations along a continuous path apply a release coating, apply an adhesive, join the webs together and imprint the combined webs to yield a final, laminated and imprinted stock. By die cutting and stripping the stock at further stations, discrete elements such as labels may be produced and carried by one of the webs. The apparatus preferably includes stations for curing and remoisturizing the release coated web, whereby a known moisture content is provided for the release coating prior to the application of adhesive and joining the webs into laminated stock. The process includes providing respective webs, applying a release coating to one web, joining the two webs together, imprinting at least one of the webs and routing the combined webs to a delivery station whereby the entire process is continuous and uninterrupted.