Abstract: A method of forming a thermally bonded, nonwoven polypropylene fabric is provided and includes passing a web of thermally bondable skin-core polypropylene fibers through a calender nip under heat and pressure to produce a nonwoven fabric having elongation. The patterned calender roll is embossed with a plurality of spaced and staggered lands particularly dimensioned, configured and oriented to provide the desired bonding spot size and spacing between the bonding spots such that when utilized in the calender roll, an improved soft polypropylene fabric or cover sheet having a high elongation results.

Abstract: Two circuit bearing substrates, such as a rigid electronic circuit board and a flexible circuit film, each having large arrays or multiple arrays of surface contact pads or traces, are mechanically and electrically joined without relocating the substrates during the bonding process by using a bonding apparatus with multiple working tools or bond shoes. The bonding apparatus includes a fixture for holding the circuit bearing substrates with a joining layer between them, and two or more independently operated heated bond shoes that compress different portions of the circuit bearing substrates with the joining layer, such as a layer of anisotropic conductive film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic film heat seal apparatus which comprises a heat seal bar covered with at least one low adhesive sheet. The heat seal bar is pressed against superposed layers of plastic film so that the layers of plastic film can be heat sealed with each other by the heat seal bar to have a heat sealed portion whenever the layers of plastic film are intermittently fed in a direction and temporarily stopped. The low adhesive sheet is interposed between the heat seal bar and the layers of plastic film for protection of the layers of plastic film when the heat seal bar is pressed against the layers of plastic film. The heat seal bar is then retreated and spaced from the layers of plastic film to permit the layers of plastic film to be fed again after being heat sealed. The heat sealed portion includes upstream and downstream edges in the plastic film feeding direction.

Abstract: An anvil assembly having a housing and two rotatable inserts with flat upper surfaces against which the heated shoes of a package sealing machine may press a covering sheet onto a plastic package tape. The inserts have a limited range of rotation so that they automatically align themselves to be parallel to the heated shoes when they are contacted thereby. This rotatable insert feature obviates the need for precise, laborious alignment efforts. Alternatively, a pair of rotatable blades are pivotally attached to the shoes and act against a fixed anvil surface, thereby automatically aligning themselves to be parallel to the anvil surface.

Abstract: The invention is a sealing system and a method of operation thereof. A sealing system which forms spaced apart thermal seals along a moving at least one web (60) by contact of the moving the at least one web with heated portions (74) of sealing elements (56) mounted on a sealing wheel (50) during rotation in accordance with the invention includes seal forming elements (56) which peripherally contact the at least one web to form the thermal seals by heat transfer to the at least one web; and wherein each seal forming element has an outer section (62) on which is located at least one electrical heater (78), an inner section (64) which contacts the sealing wheel and an intermediate section (70) which includes thermal insulation (68) which insulates the outer section from the inner section.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of interconnected vials with a mold. The mold includes a first slide and a second slide. The method comprises contracting the first slide and the second slide so that a plurality of cavity profiles linked together by a plurality of arms is formed. A plurality of core pins is placed within the plurality of cavity profiles so that the core pins are freestanding. A plastic fluid is injected about the plurality of core pins to form a plurality of interconnected vials. The plurality of interconnected vials are removed from the plurality of core pins. The plurality of interconnected vials are placed into a holder tray and a liquid is injected into the vials. The open ends of the vials are heat sealed in order to encapsulate the plurality of interconnected vials. The steps of heat sealing include applying heat, measuring the temperature applied, and measuring the time the heat is applied.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a print media coating device that includes first and second web supplies, first and second web take-ups, and a fuser defining a print media path therethrough. The first web supply and the first web take-up are positioned on one side of the media path and the second web supply and the second web take-up are positioned on the other side of the media path opposite the first web supply and the first web take-up. A first coating material web runs from the first web supply, along the media path through the fuser, to the first web take-up and a second coating material web runs from the second web supply, along the media path through the fuser, to the second web take-up. A first peel bar is positioned immediately adjacent to the print media path, downstream from the fuser on the first side of the media path. A second peel bar is positioned immediately adjacent to the print media path downstream from the fuser and downstream from the first peel bar.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of securing filaments to a toothbrush handle that is foldable along a longitudinal axis to acquire a functional configuration, the method includes providing a mold device for the toothbrush handle, the mold device comprising an upper member and a lower member positionable to define a mold cavity therebetween and a corresponding parting line therebetween, positioning filaments partially within the mold cavity, the filaments arranged linearly within the mold cavity in a plane that is parallel to the parting line, injecting a flowable plastic material into the mold cavity, and allowing the plastic material to cool and at least partially solidify within the mold cavity.

Abstract: A system for sealing sheets of plastic film together, comprising an apparatus having a first jaw, a second jaw, a sealing wire and a temperature sensor device. The first jaw and the second jaw are displaceable with respect to one another to a closed position, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are opposed to one another with the sealing wire therebetween, such that sheets of plastic film positioned between the first and the second jaw in the closed position ate sealed together by the sealing wire when heated during a sealing cycle. The temperature sensor device is positioned to measure a temperature of the sealing wire during the sealing cycle. A power supply is connected to the sealing wire to supply an electric current thereto for heating the sealing wire.

Abstract: A heat sealing/severing device for heat sealing thermoplastic films together. The device includes front and rear opposing jaws that are moveable between an open position and a closed position. The open position defines a zone for inserting the thermoplastic films between the front and rear jaws. In the closed position, the front and rear jaws are proximate each other to compress the thermoplastic films together. The rear jaw includes a resilient portion facing the front jaw. The heating element of the device may have a cross-sectional thickness no less than 0.55 times the cross-sectional thickness of the resilient portion. A front jaw release sheet (e.g., an unreinforced fluoroplastic) may be positioned between the insertion zone and the heating element. The front jaw release sheet may engage the heating element when the front and rear jaws are in the closed position and disengage from the heating element when the front and rear jaws are in the open position.

Abstract: A Collapsible Rotary Blister Sealer with Rolling Heater Coating is disclosed. The disclosed blister sealer comprises a lightweight, tubular frame, detachable legs and a lightweight, modular turntable. Further disclosed is a sealer that is mountable on a table-top or other horizontal surface. Said disclosed turntable is height-adjustable; easily removable, and further includes an indexing means for stopping said turntable at predetermined angular positions. The disclosed press of the present blister sealer may be height- and pressure-adjustable, and said frame may further include a strut to further strengthen said frame when greater pressures are desired from said press. It is further disclosed that said sealer include a unique heater plate assembly that permits easy access to the heating coils and further may include a protective sheath to prevent damage to said heater plate assembly.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sealing a split-flange zipper tape in a center fold of a web of bag making film without sealing or tacking the two sides of the split zipper web together.

Abstract: A carpet seaming iron includes a platen, a heating element conductively coupled to the platen, and a passageway interposed between the platen and handle. The passageway is configured to accommodate a piece of seaming tape over the platen and under the handle of the seaming iron. The handle is designed to protrude between adjacent pieces of carpet that are to be seamed together. The seaming iron may be used to make a seam using a seaming tape having thermal adhesive on an upper side, by heating the seaming tape from below. Advantageously, a seam may be completed without contact between the thermal adhesive of the seaming tape and the platen of the seaming iron.

Abstract: A master processing apparatus for use with a pair of removable feed rolls carrying a supply of stock material includes a frame and a master processing assembly operable to cause adhesive bonding between the stock materials and a master. The apparatus includes a cutting assembly and a movable feed tray. A master engaging structure engages the master as it is being processed.

Abstract: A tray sealing assembly includes a seal support frame for supporting a flange of a tray during sealing of a sealing film to the flange, a seal plate having a sealing surface provided with a raised bead, and a heater for heating the seal plate. The seal support frame is movable relative to the seal plate between a retracted position and a seal position in engagement with the seal plate. Preferably, the raised bead forms a continuous closed loop on the sealing surface. The raised bead produces a reliable seal between the sealing film and the tray flange, despite the presence of contaminants on the tray flange.

Abstract: A hot laminating apparatus for laminating a sheet material and thin films to be hot laminated has heat shield to keep the working temperature thereof. It includes a transmitting and heating roller disposed at one side of a transmission passage of the hot laminating apparatus for heating a thin film in contact therewith and transmitting the sheet material with the thin films through the transmission passage. The hot laminating apparatus further includes a heat shield disposed around the transmitting and heating roller, and covered with a heat-reflective material on an inner surface thereof for reflecting the dissipated thermal energy back to the transmitting and heating roller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating discharge of a cover tape detached from a base tape in a tape feeder are disclosed. A section of the cover tape is formed to have a predetermined shape by providing a predetermined stiffness to the cover tape. The apparatus comprises a first rotary body where at least one protruding portion is formed along an outer circumferential surface and a second rotary body where at least one groove for accommodating the at least one protruding portion is formed along an outer circumferential surface. The cover tape is then formed by passing between the first rotary body and the second rotary body.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for thermal transfer overcoat technology. Throughput conditions are anticipated. Multi-stage preheating of the fuser is performed such that active heating during thermal transfer overcoat is eliminated. Thermal waves create an accumulated fuser heat that is a sufficient energy to maintain a substantially constant fuser temperature needed for one whole thermal transfer overcoat cycle.

Abstract: A system for sealing sheets of plastic film together, comprising an apparatus having a first jaw, a second jaw, a sealing wire and a temperature sensor device. The first jaw and the second jaw are displaceable with respect to one another to a closed position, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are opposed to one another with the sealing wire therebetween, such that sheets of plastic film positioned between the first and the second jaw in the closed position are sealed together by the sealing wire when heated during a sealing cycle. The temperature sensor device is positioned to measure a temperature of the sealing wire during the sealing cycle. A power supply is connected to the sealing wire to supply an electric current thereto for heating the sealing wire.

Abstract: A hot laminating apparatus has a single-sided transmitting and heating roller. A heating plate is used instead of a transmitting and heating roller at the opposite side of the transmission passage in order to heat the thin film in contact therewith and cooperate with the single-sided transmitting and heating roller to transmit the thin films to be laminated. The heating plate is efficient in heating the thin film and generally less expensive than the transmitting and heating roller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a jointing press for jointing a first and second free end of one or more belts which is adapted to raise directly the temperature of the surface of the belt (or belts) thereby decreasing heat-up times and which exploits the unheated platens to act as a heat sink in the cooling step thereby eliminating the need for external water or forced air cooling sources.

Abstract: Clear hot stamp coating methods of creating durable protective coatings to the printed side of printed transparencies.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat connecting sections of polymeric tape, and provided with a thermostat-controlled welding head seated in a flat tubular member adapted to be inserted between sections of the tape and a control module for controlling the temperature of a heating coil as a function of supply voltage, the thermostat being positioned directly over the heating coil.

Abstract: A laminator for lamination to a substrate by use of continuous laminated material is provided. The laminated material includes a support, and a photosensitive transfer layer overlaid on the support. A heat/pressure roller attaches the laminated material to the substrate with heat and pressure with the transfer layer opposed to the substrate. A cooler cools the substrate with the laminated material. A peeler peels the support from the transfer layer on the substrate from the cooler, to transfer the transfer layer to the substrate.

Abstract: A method of applying a protective strip to an edge of a wood product piece. The process uses a set of aligned rollers and a belt apparatus that includes a pair of rollers having a shoe positioned between them and a belt fitted about the rollers and the shoe. The distance from the belt to the first set of aligned rollers is substantially equal to the width of the wood product piece. The wood product piece is placed between the first set of aligned rollers and the belt apparatus and resin is applied to the edge the wood product piece. The wood products piece is then squeezed between the first set of aligned rollers and the belt apparatus. At least a subset of the rollers are driven to move the wood products piece along the belt apparatus, thereby causing the resin to be squeezed into the edge of the wood products piece. Finally, the resin is cured.

Abstract: An apparatus for seaming roofing membranes to one another, wherein one of the membranes is secured to an underlying support structure by at least one protruding fastener is provided. The apparatus includes a wheeled carriage having an upwardly extending push/pull bar. A power supply propels the wheeled carriage and energizes a heating assembly that generates a heated airflow sufficient to fuse the roofing membranes to one another. A nozzle is coupled to the heating assembly for directing the heated airflow between the two membranes. A variable pressure roller assembly is coupled to the carriage and has a single durometer material carried by an axle that may have different diameter sections. The roller passes over the at least one protruding fastener while still applying a uniform pressure so as to form a substantially continuous width seam except where interrupted by the protruding fastener.

Abstract: In order to reduce the percentage of leaks in sealed packages, the sealing jaws contain one or more raised regions that correspond to problem areas for leaks, i.e., adjacent to back seals and folds in the package design. The raised regions are raised approximately 4-20 mils above the regions that seal the normal two layers of material.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing corrugated board that includes a row of pressure applicators aligned substantially transverse to the direction of machine flow and configured to press a web of corrugated board against a heated platform. To prevent the pressure applicators from tilting when incompletely overlying the web of corrugated board, the machine includes a stabilizer configured to prevent one or more of the pressure applicators from tilting. The stabilizer may include support plates connected to the pressure applicators and a stabilizer strap connecting two of the support plates to prevent the pressure applicator from tilting. Alternatively, the stabilizer may include support plates connected to the pressure applicators and one or more alignment members to prevent the pressure applicator from tilting. The alignment members may be alignment blocks or rollers.

Abstract: The present application discloses a cartridgeless feed roll assembly package to be used in conjunction with a master processing apparatus for processing a master. The processing assembly is constructed and arranged to perform a master processing operation wherein cooperating structures apply pressure to substrates received therebetween and then subsequently discharge the substrates. The packaged cartridgeless feed roll assembly comprises a feed roll assembly comprising a first feed roll carrying a supply of a first stock material; and a second feed roll carrying a supply of a second stock material. The feed rolls are joined together without the use of a cartridge body structure as a result of the lead end portions of the stock materials being secured together with side edges of the stock materials substantially aligned with one another.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a splice in a conveyor belt. The apparatus includes a lower plate having a heating strip where the splice is being formed. The lower plate includes areas of insulation adjacent the heating strip to reduce transfer of heat to areas of the conveyor belt adjacent the splice during vulcanization or heating.

Abstract: A platen for use in a laminating press is provided which includes a body of material having first and second faces and spaced first and second ends. Preferably, at least one heating device is disposed in the body of material. First and second spaced cooling channels are formed in the body of material, the first cooling channel being adjacent the first face and having a fluid inlet port adjacent to or in the first end, and a fluid outlet port adjacent to or in the second end, and a second cooling channel being adjacent the second face and having a fluid inlet port adjacent to or in said second end, and a fluid outlet port adjacent to or in the first end. The invention also contemplates using such platens for laminating a book or stack of sheets of material to form a unitary single member having reduced stresses.

Abstract: A friction material has a plurality of connected sections defined by a plurality of notches therebetween. Each notch has an apex which compensates for tear and compression of the friction material when the friction material is circumferentially placed on a flat surface of an annular core plate. In certain embodiments, a multiple linked loading device places the notched friction material adjacent a core plate to form a clutch plate.

Abstract: A vacuum press for bonding a plurality of laminar substrates that features a processing chamber having an interior portion defined by two side walls, front and rear walls, and a chamber floor. A lower bolster member is disposed within the processing chamber and an upper force transfer member is connected to the lower bolster member such that movement in the upper force transfer member and produces concurrent movement in the lower bolster member. A stationary bolster member that defines a chamber ceiling is maintained between the upper force transfer member and the lower bolster member such that distance between the upper force transfer member and the stationary bolster member can vary. An actuator is connected to the upper force transfer member. The actuator moves the upper force transfer member between a load position and a press position.

Abstract: An apparatus for the heating of pressed stock in the manufacture of boards of material or in the manufacture of veneer panels. The apparatus includes a microwave preheating device having rod antennae disposed in series, reflective shields, and a heating cell configured as a continuous oven in which the introduction of microwaves into the pressed stock takes place via the rod antennae. The rod antennae are attached to lie horizontally and transversely to the direction of production above, below, or above and below the pressed stock within the heating cell. The reflective surfaces are assigned to the rod antennae on the opposite sides of the pressed stock.

Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.

Abstract: A fixture having a bottom plate, top plate and an expansion block interposed between the bottom plate and top plate. A workpiece is positioned between the expansion block and bottom plate. When the fixture is heated, there is a net displacement exerted by the expansion block so as to apply pressure to the workpiece. The pressure applied by the fixture to the workpiece is due solely to the thermal expansion of the fixture when it is heated.

Abstract: A quilt heat bonding apparatus is provided to aid in the assembly of quilts when used in conjunction with STITCH WITCHERY(™) to produce quilts via a heat fusing process. A handle with a power cord and a control switch that accepts round heating elements of various diameters. The heating elements. vary in size from approximately one inch to two inches. A quilt would be assembled in five layers with the top quilt on top, followed by a layer of STITCH WITCHERY(™), then the batting, then another layer of STITCH WITCHERY(™), and finally the quilt backing. Various sizes of heating elements would be used on various types and sizes of quilts and the final intended use.

Abstract: A building board 1 which comprises a cement substrate 14, a front surface coat layer 5 formed on the front surface of the cement substrate 14, and a plastic sheet layer, preferably a polyethylene sheet layer 15 formed on the back surface 12 of the cement substrate 14. A plastic sheet, preferably polyethylene sheets M and F are adhered onto the rabbeted portions 2 and 3, respectively, of the cement substrate 14. Since the rabbeted portions 2 and 3 are covered with polyethylene sheets M and F, the water absorption from the rabbeted portions 2 and 3 can be effectively prevented. and the dimensional change in the whole board can be reduced.

Abstract: The invention is a sealing system and a method of operation thereof. A sealing system which forms spaced apart thermal seals along a moving at least one web (60) by contact of the moving the at least one web with heated portions (74) of sealing elements (56) mounted on a sealing wheel (50) during rotation in accordance with the invention includes seal forming elements (56) which peripherally contact the at least one web to form the thermal seals by heat transfer to the at least one web; and wherein each seal forming element has an outer section (62) on which is located at least one electrical heater (78), an inner section (64) which contacts the sealing wheel and an intermediate section (70) which includes thermal insulation (68) which insulates the outer section from the inner section.

Abstract: The apparatus and method uses grooved rollers and a grooved guide plate to position zipper segments on a web. The web is subsequently formed into a cylinder in a form fill and seal apparatus and seal bar assemblies form the bottom transverse seal, the web is indexed and the cylinder is filled, and the seal bar assemblies form the top transverse seal simultaneously with the bottom transverse seal of a subsequent bag. A zipper seal bar completes the sealing of the zipper segment to a second side of the web and a knife extends from a slot in a seal bar assembly to separate the completed bag from the web. This apparatus and method is particularly adapted to narrow zipper segments.

Abstract: A heat sealing jaw assembly for effecting a heat seal of at least two juxtaposed heat sealable sheet materials is described. Preferably, but not exclusively, the heat sealing jaw assembly is adapted for use in a form, fill and seal machine forming thermoplastic bags. The heat sealing jaw assembly comprises a first and a second metal jaw member, each having a heating element for heating the jaw members. Each of the jaw members has an end face disposed in facial alignment with one another. A ribbon member is secured to each of the end faces and disposed in planar alignment with one another. The ribbon member is made of soft material having rubber-like properties and capable of conducting heat from the sealing jaw to a fusing temperature to melt the heat sealable sheet materials.

Abstract: A heat shield for use in a laminator having a laminating roller includes a movable shield member. The heat shield has a retracted position in which a laminating side of the laminating roller is exposed. Additionally, the heat shield has a shielding position in which the shield member covers the laminating side of the laminating roller.

Abstract: A method for bonding a sensor carrier plate having an adhesive layer to a vehicle window includes heating the adhesive layer by a heating device and pressing the carrier plate against the vehicle window for a predetermined time by a contact-pressure device. To reduce the risk of air inclusions between the adhesive layer and the vehicle window, the contact-pressure device initially brings the carrier plate with its adhesive layer into point or linear contact with the vehicle window and then, immediately after this, into extended-area contact with the vehicle window until full contact is achieved.

Abstract: A heating roller device is used to fix a film to a sheet in a laminator, and has two heating rollers. Each of the rollers includes a hollow support shaft, a roller body disposed rotatably around the support shaft, and a heating element disposed in the roller body. An electrical wire extends into the support shaft, and is in electrical connection with the heating element.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously sealing and creating a thermal perforation between two thermoplastic layers that comprises providing two thermoplastic layers. A drum is provided that has at least one sealbar and perforation assembly. The two thermoplastic layers are contacted to the sealbar and perforation assembly. The thermoplastic layers are sealed with two generally opposing parallel seals and simultaneously create a thermal perforation in the thermoplastic layers generally parallel to the opposing seals. The thermal perforation is located between the two opposing seals.

Abstract: In connection with wafer planarization, an apparatus for forming a layer of material having a substantially uniform thickness and substantially parallel first and second major surfaces includes a pair of pressing elements and a stop. Each of the pair of pressing elements has a flat pressing surface. The pressing surfaces are opposed to one another and operable to compress a quantity of the material therebetween. The stop is positioned at least partially between the pressing surfaces and has a thickness substantially equal to the desired uniform thickness of the layer. The stop is positioned to establish a spacing between the flat pressing surfaces that is substantially equal to the thickness of the stop and thereby to the desired uniform thickness of the layer when the pressing elements engage the stop.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a press for manufacturing laminated plastic cards, such as check guarantee cards, credit cards and the like of several films to be pressed together with each other. Moreover, operations are conducted with two compression plates which are movable relative to each other which accommodate in the compression slot the films to be pressed together with their pressure plates with the interposition of at least one compression pad. It is essential that this compression pad is held rigidly or displaceably on the press.

Abstract: A workpiece retainer used in, for instance, a bonding apparatus for holding a workpiece during bonding being provide with plate springs that are driven towards the workpiece. Before the workpiece is pressed by the retainer, the end portions of plate springs protrude further toward the workpiece than the retaining surface of the workpiece retainer. When the workpiece is pressed by the retainer, the plate springs undergo elastic deformation and are pulled in the direction opposite from the workpiece so that the workpiece is pressed against a heat block by the retaining surface of the workpiece retainer; and when the workpiece is conveyed, the workpiece retainer is separated from the workpiece by a predetermined distance so that the plate springs undergo elastic recovery, thus preventing the workpiece from contacting the workpiece retainer.

Abstract: A laminating method of forming a pre-press proof (200) which comprises the steps of forming a lamination sandwich (210); placing lamination sandwich (210) at the entrance to a laminator (10) such that the lamination sandwich (210) passes through a nip portion (220) formed by a first lamination roller (120) and a second lamination roller (130) and, wherein at least one of the first lamination roller (120) or second lamination roller (130) comprises a substantially solid core (330), a first deformable layer (250) having a 60-80 durometer and surrounding the substantially solid core (330), and a second deformable layer (260) having a 20-60 durometer and surrounding the first deformable layer (250).

Abstract: A composite sheet having the capability of having embossed therein a holographic image or diffraction grating image has a structure of multiple layers including a plastic film carrier, lacquer, metal and, optionally, a lacquer overlay. It may be adhered to a substrate without the necessity of removing the plastic film carrier and may have a holographic image embossed therein during the step of adhering or in a separate operation at a different time and may have printing applied to the layer of metal or to the lacquer overlay.