Abstract: An automatic splicing apparatus and methods thereof are provided herein for splicing together two ends of a sheet of tire material on a tire building drum. The apparatus comprises a frame, a splicer foot assembly, and a splicer roller assembly. The frame is configured to support the apparatus relative to the drum. The splicer foot assembly and the splicer roller assembly are independently longitudinally translatable relative to the frame. The splicer foot assembly includes a splicer foot having forward lower preparation rollers and rearward lower splicer rollers, and upper preparation rollers configured to operate in coordination with the forward lower preparation rollers to pull the two ends of the sheet of tire material together over the splicer foot. The splicer roller assembly includes upper splicer rollers configured to act in coordination with the rearward lower splicer rollers to splice the two ends together.

Abstract: A system for controlling adhesion between a touch panel (TP) and a liquid crystal display (LCD). The system includes a controlling module, an adhering roller, and a limiting device. The controlling module is configured to determine a first moving speed of the adhering roller and a second moving speed of the limiting device. The adhering roller is configured to roll along a first direction from a first side of the TP to a second side of the TP at the first moving speed. The limiting device is configured to move along a second direction at the second moving speed and prevent the TP from moving with respect to the LCD.

Abstract: A pressing apparatus associated with an absorbent article, including: a pair of rollers that are driven and rotate with outer circumferential surfaces thereof facing each other, when a fibrous continuous sheet overlapped with an article to be overlapped with a thermoplastic adhesive therebetween is passed in a continuous direction of the fibrous continuous sheet through a roller gap between the pair of rollers, the pressing apparatus sandwiching and pressing the article to be overlapped and the fibrous continuous sheet between the outer circumferential surfaces, and a heating mechanism that heats at least a roller of the pair of rollers that is positioned on a side of the fibrous continuous sheet, the heating mechanism heating the roller so as to keep a temperature of the outer circumferential surface of the roller within a range from 70° C. to 120° C.

Abstract: A system for fluid partitioning for chemical amplification or other chemical processing or separations of a sample, comprising a first dispenser of a first polymeric sheet, wherein the first polymeric sheet contains chambers; a second dispenser of a second polymeric sheet wherein the first dispenser and the second dispenser are positioned so that the first polymeric sheet and the second polymeric sheet become parallel; a dispenser of the fluid positioned to dispense the fluid between the first polymeric sheet and the second polymeric sheet; and a seal unit that seals the first polymeric sheet and the second polymeric sheet together thereby sealing the sample between the first polymeric sheet and the second polymeric sheet and partitioning the fluid for chemical amplification or other chemical processing or separations.

Abstract: A liquid-proof seamed article including an elastic laminated panel and a corrugated elastic laminated panel joined at the sealing regions of the laminated panels is provided. In exemplary embodiments, both of the laminated panels are corrugated. The laminated panels each include a textile layer and a protective layer. At least one of the textile layer and protective layer is elastic. An adhesive pre-treatment may be applied to the elastic laminate panel and/or the corrugated laminate panel along respective sealing regions prior to forming a seam. Additionally, the laminate can be stretched to substantially flatten the corrugations prior to forming a seam. By substantially flattening the surface of the corrugated laminated panel(s), an adhesive may be applied such that there are no gaps in the adhesive. The corrugated laminates may be used as material for making garments. An apparatus and a method for making a liquid-proof seamed article are also provided.

Abstract: The present application provides a laminator table, wherein the table comprises a table top (8) with two opposite and parallel side edges (7), a horizontal guide rail (6) parallel to and at each of said side edges, and a roller (2) arranged above the table top, each horizontal guide rail (6) comprises a raising/lowering device (1) having a first and a second end, the first end connected to one of the two ends of the roller (2), the second end is connected to the horizontal guide rail (6), the raising/lowering device (1) is horizontally moveable along the guide rail (6) to which it is connected, wherein each raising/lowering device (1) comprises at least an attachment (4) for a wire (3), belt or chain, and that the raising/lowering devices (1) are connected via one or several wires (3,3?), belts or chains connected to said attachments (4) by a system of pulleys (5) or gears, wherein the pulleys (5) or gears are situated such that the wire (3,3?), belt or chain, at movement in a horizontal direction of a first

Abstract: Apparatus for bonding at least two plies of fibrous web, includes: a first roller having an outer periphery, a plurality of embossing protuberances being provided on the outer periphery, such first roller being an embossing roller; and a second roller having an outer periphery and being elastic at least in a radial direction and together with the first roller forming a nip through which the at least two plies are be fed, such second roller being a counter roller or a marrying roller, wherein at least a part of the outer periphery of at least one of the first and the second roller is irregularly rough so that the at least two plies are bonded at discrete locations corresponding to at least some of the embossing protuberances. A multi-ply product including the bonded plies and a corresponding method are also described.

Abstract: In one aspect, a vacuum drum assembly for use with a labeling apparatus includes apertures for supporting labels on an outer surface using vacuum pressure. The vacuum drum assembly may include air distributors for providing vacuum pressure to selected apertures to accommodate various lengths or widths of labels. The vacuum drum assembly may also be adjustable to vary the spacing between apertures to accommodate various lengths of labels.

Abstract: A portable laminator designed primarily for home use where the laminator includes a handle for carrying which may also act as a guide for articles being fed into the laminator. In alternate embodiments, the laminator includes a cover which may first position acts as a guide for material being fed into the laminator and in a second position acts as a cover for the laminators feed slot. In additional embodiments, the laminator includes a double walled housing to provide insulation from the heating elements.

Abstract: A laminator assembly (100) comprises an anti-jam feature comprising wire (104) running from the entrance zone (106) to the exit zone (108) of transfer passage through circumferential slits (110) in the rollers (112, 118) such that a lamination pouch is prevented from wrapping around the rollers (112, 118).

Abstract: The bonding apparatus 1 includes a leading end support part 10 that restricts a leading end 201 of the second plate-like member 200 from moving in an up and down direction, a trailing end support part 20 that restricts a trailing end 202 of the second plate-like member 200 from moving in an up and down direction, and an intermediate support part 40 that moves in the same direction as a bonding roller 30 while supporting the second plate-like member 200 at an intermediate point between the trailing end 202 and a bonding position P that is pressed by the bonding roller 30. When the bonding roller 30 is moving, the trailing end support part 20 keeps supporting the trailing end 202 at a lower position than the leading end 201, and the intermediate support part 40 keeps supporting the intermediate point of the second plate-like member 200 at a position lower than the leading end 201 but higher than the trailing end 202.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for mechanically bonding substrates together. The apparatuses may include a pattern roll including a pattern element protruding radially outward. The pattern element includes a pattern surface and includes one or more channels adjacent the pattern surface. The pattern roll may be positioned adjacent an anvil roll to define a nip between the pattern surface and the anvil roll, wherein the pattern roll is biased toward the anvil roll to define a nip pressure between pattern surface and the anvil roll. As substrates advance between the pattern roll and anvil roll, the substrates are compressed between the anvil roll and the pattern surface to form a discrete bond region between the first and second substrates. As such, during the bonding process, some yielded substrate material flows from under the pattern surface and into the channel to form a channel grommet region.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for mechanically bonding substrates together. The apparatuses may include a pattern roll having three or more pattern elements protruding radially outward, wherein each pattern element includes a pattern surface. The pattern surfaces are also separated from each other by gaps having minimum widths. The pattern roll may be adjacent an anvil roll to define a nip between the pattern surfaces and the anvil roll, wherein the pattern roll is biased toward the anvil roll to define a nip pressure between pattern surfaces and the anvil roll. As substrates advance between the pattern roll and anvil roll, the substrates are compressed between the anvil roll and the pattern surfaces to form a discrete bond region between the substrates. During the bonding process, some of yielded substrate material also flows from under the pattern surfaces and into the gaps to form gap grommet regions.

Abstract: Assemblies are provided for stabilizing sheets of glass during handling. The assemblies may include rollers of different varieties for stabilization. Crowder rollers may be provided to contact edges of the sheets. One or more of the crowder rollers may have an outer surface having a noncylindrical portion with an increasing diameter in an upward direction relative to the conveyance plane of the sheets. Conveyor rollers may be arranged so as to define a conveyor for conveying the sheets. One or more of the conveyor rollers may be a support roller in substantial registration with a strip applicator for contacting a bottom side of the sheets below the strip applicator during application of a strip.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an apparatus to manufacture joined laminated media and a method therefor. The joined laminated media that are manufactured from the membrane materials and that are joined by being pressed have no displacement, deformation of the membrane materials, or any defect in joining the boundary faces of the laminated materials, and are efficiently manufactured in a good yield. The apparatus can manufacture a joined laminated-media where the laminated media are placed in the housing space (S) that is formed by a pair of endless belts (15a, 15b) and the sealing member (24). The laminated media are then transported in a state where the laminated media are fixed by the pair of endless belts (15a, 15b) that are closely attached to the laminated media because the air is discharged from the housing space (S) through the discharge holes (17) and they are joined by being pressed in the hot-press section (11) and cold-press section (13).

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated device for implementing a drape-forming step to form a laminated fibrous preform, which is then impregnated with resin to produce a part made of composite material. The invention relates more particularly to the production of preforms for manufacturing parts such as panels, in particular very thick panels, that extend basically in two dimensions. The device of the invention comprises a manipulator able to move and orient in space a tape laying head, said tape laying head comprising: a drum comprising a suction orifice leading to its surface and able to individually grasp a length of fabric on a mounting outside the tool and the tape laying head; means designed to subsequently place this length of fabric on the preform comprising means of compacting; and means of heating the length of fabric.

Abstract: A pressing-on device for pressing fiber-reinforced thermoplastic materials onto a mold is described. The pressing-on device has a main body and a pressing-on layer provided on a surface of the main body. The pressing-on layer is implemented in this case using an inorganic material, preferably a ceramic material, and has a flexibility because of its structure which allows it to adapt itself to the contour of a mold. Increased heat resistance of the pressing-on device and improved properties of the processed fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material can be achieved.

Abstract: The bonding apparatus 1 includes a leading end support part 10 that restricts a leading end 201 of the second plate-like member 200 from moving in an up and down direction, a trailing end support part 20 that restricts a trailing end 202 of the second plate-like member 200 from moving in an up and down direction, and an intermediate support part 40 that moves in the same direction as a bonding roller 30 while supporting the second plate-like member 200 at an intermediate point between the trailing end 202 and a bonding position P that is pressed by the bonding roller 30. When the bonding roller 30 is moving, the trailing end support part 20 keeps supporting the trailing end 202 at a lower position than the leading end 201, and the intermediate support part 40 keeps supporting the intermediate point of the second plate-like member 200 at a position lower than the leading end 201 but higher than the trailing end 202.

Abstract: A laboratory tube printer and labeler for labeling laboratory tubes with printed labels, the tube printer and labeler advantageously accommodating an automated tube handling device having a robotic pickup and placement mechanism where the tube printer and labeler has a housing having an upper deck with a printing station and a tube labeling and pickup station displaced from the printing station such that the labeling and pickup station can be accessed by the robotic pickup and placement mechanism wherein a printed label is transported to the labeling and pickup station and applied to a laboratory tube placed in the labeling and pickup station.

Abstract: Process for providing a laminate product comprising a substrate and a printed film, the process comprising an embossing step synchronized with a decoration of the printed film and carried out continuously, through the passage of the laminate product between an engraved embossing cylinder, and a pressure counter-cylinder; the registration of the engraved cylinder, for keeping the synchronism between embossing and decoration, comprises suitable displacements of the engraved cylinder and is carried out with a temporary separation of the counter-cylinder from the engraved cylinder, or with a reduction in the embossing pressure existing between the engraved cylinder and the counter-cylinder.

Abstract: A laminating device for bonding a protective layer to a substrate, including a driver and a roller head having a shape with a contour to fit a geometric feature of the substrate, is provided. The roller head has a cylindrical symmetry with an axis; the laminating device includes a coupler for mechanically coupling the driver to the roller head. The coupler is parallel to the axis so that the driver provides a rotational motion and a liner displacement to the roller head. The driver also provides a bonding energy to the roller head through the coupler. A roller head for use in a laminating device as above is also provided. A method for bonding a protective layer to a substrate using a laminating device as above is also provided.

Abstract: A method for applying at least one ply onto a tool or an uncured composite layup disposed on the tool includes automatically controlling slidably removing at least one nonstick separator relative to the at least one ply positioned on the at least one nonstick separator to inhibit at least a portion of the at least one ply from adhering to the tool or uncured composite layup while applying a moving compressive force to an outer surface of the at least one ply relative to a moving trailing edge of the at least one nonstick separator to adhere at least a portion of the at least one ply to the tool or to the uncured composite layup.

Abstract: A hot laminating apparatus includes a first pressing roller, a second pressing roller, a first heating element, and a first bimetallic structure. The first bimetallic structure is arranged between the first heating element and the first pressing roller. The first heating element is used for providing heat energy to the first pressing roller. As the ambient temperature changes, the first bimetallic structure is subjected to deformation to allow the first heating element to be away from the first pressing roller or allow the first heating element to be close to the first pressing roller.

Abstract: A tape applicator (51) for applying tape to a substrate, the tape applicator comprising a pair of nip rollers wherein the nip rollers comprise a tape roller (55) and a substrate roller (56), the tape applicator further comprising a tension roller (57) disposed in front of the substrate roller (56) to tension the substrate prior to feeding between the nip rollers, a tape feed and a drive for rotating the nip rollers.

Abstract: A machine for labeling containers, especially bottles or the like, with a stationary machine rack on which a rotary table for conveying containers is supported, and at least one labeling module, arranged to be interchangeable at or on a machine rack, for labeling the containers being guided past the labeling module by the rotary table wherein its own motor is assigned respectively to the rotary table and at least one labeling module. In order to simplify a change or replacement of a labeling module, the motor is located on the machine rack and remains there.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting at least two plates (1, 2) of which a supporting plate (1) comprises a higher strength than a supported plate (2) posed thereon. By means of a connecting element (5) rotated by a rotational feeder unit (11), the connecting element with a collar (6) presses the supported plate (2) onto the supporting plate (1). With a shaft (10) a friction welding connection to the supporting plate (1) is made. The rotational feeder unit (11) is provided with a measurement device with measures an axial force exerted by the rotational feeder unit as well as a respective feeding motion and which indicates, upon abutment of the shaft of the connecting element onto the supporting plate, the pressure increase encountered therein, which, thereby, advances the rotational feeder unit, the feeding motion of which is adjustable to at least three sequential connecting stages.

Abstract: Provided is a position controller for a flexible substrate (100) provided in a processing apparatus conveying a band-shaped flexible substrate (1) in a longitudinal position, in the lateral direction and processing the substrate in a processing unit (20) installed on a conveying path of the substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus for decorating objects including a heating device for heating an object wrapped in a transferring support bearing a sublimable image and a conveying device for conveying the object into, and removing the object from, the heating device, the conveying device being mainly movable in a substantially vertical direction. The conveying device is provided with a supporting element such as to convey one object at a time to the heating device via inlet and outlet openings on the same side of the heating device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to manufacture shaped counter top edges for custom counter tops. Sheet laminate is heated, clamped to a post form mold with clamping screws, and then formed around the post form mold into formed laminate. The formed laminate is then bonded to a substrate using adhesive and a bonding fixture having a plurality of bonding presses. Each bonding press has a pair of mutually opposed bonding press molds, each bonding press mold having a bonding press mold groove sized to admit a formed laminate around an edge of the substrate. Clamps hold the bonding press molds together, thereby urging the formed laminate into intimate contact with the substrate until the adhesive cures. A counter top edge is cut from the resulting substrate/laminate assembly at an edge first cut angle and an edge second cut angle to provide a neat and aesthetically pleasing installation on a counter.

Abstract: A sealing machine with a transportation structure has: a seal unit including an upper transporting set, a lower transporting set, a heating set, and a driving motor. The upper transporting set has a first conveying member, the lower transporting set has a second conveying member driven. The upper transporting set has an upper roller, and the lower transporting set has a lower roller for matching with the upper roller. The heating set has two heating rails and at least one electric bar, and each heating rail horizontally extends at a convey stork of the first conveying member and the second conveying member. Between the two heating rails is defined a slot. An outlet end of the slot corresponds to a pressing surface of the upper roller and the lower roller, the each heating rail has a groove so as to receive the at least one electric bar.

Abstract: A computing device includes a touchpad having a plurality of internal diaphragms that allow the touchpad to sense downward force inputs. The diaphragms are evenly glued about their circumferential edge portions to an internal flat surface by way of a gimbal press. The gimbal press can include a force delivery component coupled to an upper plate having an internal depression, a lower plate having a ball bearing that accepts force from the upper plate via the internal depression, a flexible ring member, and a compliant annular component. Both plates have a plurality of interlocking features with grooves extending therethrough that accept the flexible ring member. Force is evenly distributed to the diaphragm via a gimbal effect at the ball bearing, and the flexible ring member centers the upper and lower plates with respect to each other while permitting some relative tilt and rotation between the plates.

Abstract: A method includes rotating a drum about an axis and rotating an anvil roll about an axis adjacent to the drum so as to form a nip there between. The drum includes a fluid nozzle and a press member, the press member having an outer surface. The anvil roll includes a compliant outer circumferential surface. First and second substrates are advanced in a machine direction onto the drum. The fluid nozzle moves radially outward and a jet of heated fluid is directed onto the substrates. The fluid nozzle retracts radially inward and the press member is shifted radially outward. The substrates are advanced through the nip and compressed between the press member and the anvil roll such that the press member deforms the compliant outer circumferential surface of the anvil roll.

Abstract: A prepreg lamination head and a prepreg automatic lamination apparatus with the same is provided. By using them, the curling-up of the cut terminal portion of the prepreg sheet can be prevented. The prepreg lamination head includes: a first roller, a second roller, and a forward-placed paper liner peeling device. The forward-placed paper liner peeling device includes a third roller, which is provided between and above the first and second rollers. The paper liner attached on the first side of the prepreg sheet is peeled off right after passing the first roller. The peeled paper liner is hanged over the third roller between the first and second rollers. The third roller guides the peeled paper liner to the second roller. The prepreg sheet is pressed on the laminated body with the second roller through the paper liner.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods of printing using ink-jet technology and offset printing capabilities are provided. The method can comprise jetting an ink onto a printing blanket, where the ink comprises a carrier and a pigment colorant, and where the carrier substantially free of polymers. Additional steps include developing the ink to create a print image on the printing blanket; applying a layer of wetting fluid to a surface of a print medium, where the surface includes a coating comprising a polymer; heating the surface to a print-receptive temperature that is lower than the softening temperature of the polymer, causing softening of the polymer; and transferring the print image from the printing blanket to the surface.

Abstract: A laminating machine for making sheet laminations using a thermal laminating film is disclosed which protects the film from being mounted in the machine in a manner that will expose its adhesive side to the heated laminating rollers in the machine. The film is stored on upper and lower supply rollers in the machine. Each supply roller is engaged at one end by a forward end of a rotatable piston disposed in a variable-length spring operated chuck. A stem attached to the forward end of the piston extends rearwardly from the forward end and away from the roller into a cylindrically enclosed body portion of the chuck. There the stem is engaged by a one-way needle bearing which permits the film to be unwound from the supply roller only in one direction, thus permitting only the non-adhesive side of the film to contact the machine's heated laminating roller.

Abstract: A rotation device includes an endless guide that defines a continuous circular path, a plurality of moving sections whose movement is guided by the endless guide, and a plurality of pads. Each pad is capable of carrying an article thereon, and each pad is mounted to a respective moving section. A method for producing a worn article using such a rotation device includes the following steps: (i) rotating a fixed pivot point about a first axis where a link connects the pivot point to the moving section; (ii) guiding a moving section along the path defined by the endless guide, where the endless guide has a second axis parallel to but offset from the first axis; (iii) receiving an article by the pad, where the rotating and guiding steps change a spacing interval between adjacent pads; and (iv) releasing the article from the pad after the spacing interval has changed.

Abstract: A tubular heating element which is resistant to damage caused by foreign material is disclosed. The tubular heating element is pivotably attached to the side sealing machine at its leading (upstream) edge. The trailing (downstream) edge of the tubular heating element is moved by means of a compressible force, such as an air cylinder. In this way, the air in the cylinder pushes the tubular heating element downward into the plane of the film. However, a foreign object located on the film can overcome the force of the air cylinder, thereby lifting the tubular heating element out of the path of the film.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing bodily exudates absorbent structures has a rotating drum to convey a first continuous sheet, a feeding mechanism, a second conveying mechanism to convey a second continuous sheet and a sealing mechanism to join the first and second continuous sheets. The rotating drum is formed on its peripheral surface with depressions, leaving a non-depressed peripheral surface segment. Each of the depressions is formed in a central region with a central through-hole extending through each depression from an outer surface to an inner surface of the rotating drum. Within the rotating drum, a suction mechanism is installed to provide a suction effect directed from the outer surface toward the inner surface of the rotating drum so that the first continuous sheet is formed with a first concave region having been deformed along each depression and a second concave region having been deformed toward the central through-hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminated decorative plate comprising a core made of a fiber or particle material, a resinous intermediate layer on at least one side of the core, a decorative layer not impregnated with resin and having a graphic image of the surface of the imitated material, and a transparent core layer, into which the relief-like reproduction of the surface structure of the imitated material is stamped. The intermediate layer is made of liquid glue, curable by pressure and/or heat, that is applied to the core.

Abstract: A tracer wire applicator preferably includes a base frame, a wire spindle, a tape spindle and a pipe roller. The base frame preferably includes a base frame member, a support frame member and an upper frame member. One end of the upper frame member is removably secured to one end of the base frame member. One end of the support frame member is removably attached to the base frame member and the other end is attached to the upper frame member. The pipe roller is rotatably retained on the other end of the base frame member. The tape spindle extends from the base frame member to rotatably receive a roll of tape. A wire spindle extends from the base frame member to rotatably receive a wire reel. A wire guide tube is preferably retained by the upper frame member.

Abstract: There is a manufacturing apparatus for an electrolyte membrane with gaskets by laminating an electrolyte membrane having a predetermined region on which a catalyst layer is formed and a gasket formed with an opening shaped to match the shape of the region of the catalyst layer. The manufacturing apparatus for an electrolyte membrane with gaskets includes a laminating roller that abuts on the gasket to laminate the electrolyte membrane and the gasket. The laminating roller has a surface on which a protrusion is formed. The protrusion is shaped to fit in the opening of the gasket. The manufacturing apparatus for an electrolyte membrane with gaskets includes a roller controller that operates the laminating roller such that the electrolyte membrane and the gasket are laminated while the protrusion is fitted in the opening of the gasket.

Abstract: A device for preliminary bonding superposed curved glass plates together through an interlayer between them by sandwiching and pressing the plates from both outside surfaces of the superposed plates. The device has an upper roll pressing means with plural independent upper rolls arranged in a row along a plate upper surface to press against the upper surface of the plate (G), a lower roll pressing means with plural independent lower rolls arranged in a row along a plate lower surface to press against the lower surface of the plate a curveable lower flexible roll contiguous with the top of each lower roll, and a drive (50) for rotating the lower flexible roll. The curved glass plates are press-bonded together by the upper rolls and the lower flexible roll by the lower roll pressing means pressing the lower flexible roll through the lower rolls against the lower surface of the plate.

Abstract: A lamination station for laminating a film to a web of paperboard includes a nip roller and a cooling roller. Between the rollers there is formed a nip which presses together the film and the web of paperboard with an interjacent molten polymer layer or adhesive layer disposed between the film and the web of paperboard. The film, the paperboard and the molten polymer lie, after the nip, in abutment against the cooling roller for a certain angle interval. The nip roller is a shoe-press type roller, either comprising a pressure bar having several hydraulically operated pressure elements, or comprising one or several rigid pressure bars.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel bone graft and methods for producing said graft. Said bone graft can be used for surgical, plastic and/or cosmetic bone replacement for a patient in need thereof. The bone graft is made of a scaffold or matrix of sheet material having a 3-dimensional pattern of a continuous network of voids and/or indentations for enhancing new bone growth.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a disk-shaped filtering unit includes a conveying unit, a hot-pressing unit and a punching unit. The conveying unit conveys a laminate including a screen-related substrate sandwiched between two membrane-related substrates. The hot-pressing unit hot-presses and welds the laminate dot by dot to bond the substrates along a closed curve eventually, thus making a semi-product of the filtering unit out of a portion of the laminate within the closed curve. The punching unit punches the semi-product with an aperture, thus making a final product of the filtering unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving of wood veneer quality is provided. In the method, veneers are conveyed through a compression gap made up by two press elements, the gauge of said gap being adjustable. The method comprises the use of an endless felt assembly, which is adapted to circle around at least one of the press elements and which passes through the compression gap in such a way that at least one face of the veneer is brought against the felt assembly in said compression gap.

Abstract: A laminating device is provided that can increase the rate of rise of a laminating temperature and keep the laminating temperature stable without using a temperature control system for a heat source. The laminating device for stacking and bonding a laminate film 11 coated with a hot-melt adhesive and a sheet 12 has a thermal pressure bonding and conveying device 10 that thermally pressure-bonds the laminate film 11 and the sheet 12 while stacking and conveying them.

Abstract: A support device 10 for counter-rotating elements 12, 14 susceptible of rotating in opposite directions around respective axes X12, X14 includes:—a first 22 and a second 24 support block for the counter-rotating elements 12, 14, and a connecting plate 26, extending bridge-like between the first 22 and the second 24 support block. The plate 26 is flexible to allow variation of the distance between the rotational axes X12, X14 of the counter-rotating elements 12, 14. An actuator 32 acting on the above-said support blocks 22 and 24 is provided to vary the distance between the rotational axes X12, X14 by means of the flexibility of the plate 26.

Abstract: Sheet goods having extremely long repeat lengths and tiles having a large number of different visual patterns are formed by printing two different print patterns having different repeat lengths. The two different print patterns are printed on two films that are laminated together, or on a substrate, or one print pattern on a substrate and one print pattern on a transparent or translucent film that is laminated to the printed substrate.

Abstract: A kicker wheel for folding and sealing the trailing edge of a folded article with sealing tabs. The kicker wheel can include a thin product support rail to support the article during activation of an air nozzle. The kicker wheel can also include a profiled tab swipe to fold and seal one or more tabs on the trailing edge of the article. The kicker wheel can be substantially cylindrical or can have an arcuate portion and a counterweight portion. One or more kicker wheels can be used in conjunction with an improved tabbing machine. The tabbing machine can include one or more air jets that along with the kicker wheel enable tabs to be applied to multiple sides of the article without turning or flipping the article.