Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of manufacturing a laminated sheet having a non-skid surface. In a preferred embodiment a method of manufacturing a decorated unitary laminated tray having a thermoplastic non-skid layer is disclosed.

Abstract: A process of forming a multi-ply laminate which comprises at least one ply 2 of thermoplastics material forming a transparent outer ply of the laminate, such process comprising assembling the plies 1, 2 of the laminate, degassing its inter-ply space or spaces and subjecting it to bonding conditions including environmental laminating pressure distributed over the outside of the or each said thermoplastics outer ply 2 by a moulding plate 3 is characterised by the steps of:enveloping at least the edges of the assembled laminate plier 1, 2 and moulding plate(s) 3 by means 4 defining therewith an edge space 5 in communication with the inter-ply space(s),reducing the pressure P5 within the edge space 5 to commence degassing of the assembly and heating the assembly (curve T) while the main faces of the assembly are subjected to at least atmospheric environmental pressure P6 and subsequently, while the assembly is subjected to environment laminating pressure P6raising the edge pressure P5 to reduce or eliminate any d

Abstract: A method of preparing a high strength sheet material comprising (a) forming a laminate comprising at least two layers of a thermoplastic polymer material, each layer having a fibrillar grain structure providing a predominant direction of splittability in each said layer, and wherein the layers are bonded to one another with the said predominant directions of splittability generally transverse to each other, (b) biaxially orienting the molecules of said layers by stretching the layers in substantially uniaxial steps, at least the transverse stretching step thereof being effected by applying pressure to the surface of the laminate along lines extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the laminate to impart thereto a transversely waved or sinuous configuration, and (c) subjecting the biaxially oriented laminate while in the sinuous condition to a heat treatment while allowing at least 7% shrinkage of the laminate to take place in at least its transverse direction.

Abstract: A method of making a self-inflating air mattress comprising an open cell foam core enclosed within, and bonded to, upper and lower sheets. Each sheet is made by heat laminating to an outer substantially nonstretching fiber layer an intermediate solid polymer film layer to which is then heat laminated an inner solid polymer film layer having a melting temperature at which the intermediate film layer is structurally stable. The sheets are pressed against the foam core by heated platens, and afterwards cooled. These particular sheets form a reliable bond and alleviate a problem of creating air leaks through the intermediate film layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique vacuum ring construction which can be utilized to de-air a laminated glass assembly while it is positioned within a pressurized and heated autoclave unit. The vacuum ring is constructed to minimize the amount of plastic material which can flow outwardly of the marginal edges of the glass sheet during the heating and pressurizing operation of the autoclave. The ring is provided with a channel formed therein for receiving the peripheral edge of the laminated assembly. In accordance with the present invention, at least a first length of the channel defines an inner surface having a cross-sectional configuration which generally conforms to the cross-sectional configuration defined by the outer edge surface of the laminated assembly when the ring is mounted on the laminated assembly and coupled to a vacuum source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating monolithic structures formed of fiber reinforced resin composites, i.e., layers or plies bonded together by a cured resin is disclosed. A plurality of dry plies (13, 15, 17, 19) are stacked to create a dry preform (11). The orientation of the plies is based on the desired directional strength of the resulting structure. The plies may or may not be stitched in the cross-ply direction, as desired. After the dry preform (11) is created, one or more layers of liquid or solid resin (21) are added. The dry preform and the resin layer(s), which are located atop a forming tool (33), are enclosed by resin content control envelope (35) through which breather tape (49) passes. The resin content control envelope (35) is, in turn, enclosed by a vacuum envelope (37). First air and other gases are withdrawn and, then, the composite is heated, causing the resin to flow into the dry preform (11).

Abstract: A hollow container of biaxially oriented synthetic resin engaged at the bottom portion thereof with a base cap, in which a bottom portion and a body portion are biaxially oriented, said bottom portion is formed in a regular circular shape of cross section and in a spherical shape swelled downwardly, comprising a base cap having a bottom wall for supporting the lower surface of the bottom portion of said container and a peripheral wall erected upwardly from the peripheral wall of said bottom wall and capable of elastically deforming; and said base cap being watertightly engaged at the inner surface of the peripheral wall thereof with the outer surface of the peripheral wall of the lower end portion of said container and engaged with said container. This container is manufactured by a method of engaging the container with a base cap having no air vent hole. Thus, the air can be readily exhausted in case of press-fitting the bottom of the container into the cap.

Abstract: A warmth keeping ceramic or porcelaneous vessel wherein a sealed airtight hollow chamber under a reduced pressure is formed between an inner vessel and outer vessel to keep contents warm. The hollow chamber is kept airtight under a reduced pressure by an enamel bonding the joint of the inner vessel and outer vessel or closing fine holes made in either of the inner vessel and outer vessel, after heating vessels to discharge the air in the hollow chamber through the joint or the fine holes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for preforming a heat-shrinkable member to a pre-selected configuration which may at least partially conform to a container to which the member is to be applied. The preformed member is subsequently applied to the container so that the member is retained in association therewith, such as for tamper-indication. The heat-shrinkable member is initially preformed by the use of a preforming mandrel which may be at least partially configured like the configuration of the container. After the member has been heat-shrunk on the preforming mandrel, it is positioned in association with the container, and thereafter heated so as to further conform the heat-shrinkable member to the configuration of the container. By this technique, hightly desirable control of the heat-shrinking process is achieved, thus assuring proper conformance of the heat-shrinkable member to its associated container.

Abstract: A resin impregnated and coated, fibrous, chemical resistant decorative laminate is made, having a bottom portion impregnated with phenolic resin, a top portion impregnated and coated with vinyl ester terminated bisphenol A epoxy resin, and a middle portion impregnated with aminotriazine-aldehyde resin which acts as a barrier to phenolic resin contact with the vinyl ester terminated bisphenol A epoxy resin.

Abstract: A multi-layer circuit board laminate is disclosed having a controlled thermal coefficient of expansion which is particularly useful in conjunction with leadless components. The subject invention includes incorporating one or more stabilizing metal sheets into a composite multi-layer circuit board laminate assembly. The stabilizing metal sheets function to significantly reduce the circuit board laminate's thermal coefficient of expansion, thereby enabling the laminate to be used in conjunction with leadless electronic components. In addition, a novel method is disclosed for fabricating one embodiment of the subject invention and includes a unique two-step lamination process which permits apertures to be provided in the metal stabilizing layer and allows the bonding epoxy resin to solidify within the apertures, while simultaneously preventing the entrapment of air.

Abstract: A nonswelling mass of fibers and a thermosetting synthetic resin are cold pressed into a preform body having a predetermined primary volume. This preform body is then hot pressed into an intermediate body having a secondary volume smaller than the primary volume. The press is then opened and a thermosetting synthetic-resin skin is applied to at least a portion of the surface of the intermediate body. Thereafter the skin and body are together pressed into a final integrated body having a volume smaller than the secondary volume. The skin is applied to the intermediate body as a foil.

Abstract: A method for lining a high pressure pipeline with a tubular plastic liner. After depressurizing, purging and cleaning the pipeline is broken into discrete sections each of which is to receive a liner segment. The sections are reamed to remove obstructions which might damage the liner and a close-fitting liner segment is drawn into each section. Each liner segment is fixed at opposed ends of respective pipeline sections to prevent longitudinal movement of the segments. Bleeder holes are provided through the pipeline walls at opposed ends of each pipeline section. After the pipeline sections are reconnected to reform the pipeline, a relatively warm, pressurized fluid is pumped through the pipeline to radially expand each liner segment against the inner walls of the pipeline, thus evacuating the spaces between liner segments and pipeline sections by forcing air, water and other impurities through the bleeder holes.

Abstract: A contoured laminated structure is disclosed, in which a perforated substrate of the structure is formed with random interconnecting fine line grooves to facilitate the exhaustion of air from the interface of the substrate and superposed sheet material during the bonding of the sheet material to the substrate under vacuum pressure.

Abstract: A method of preparation of valves for a flat, flexible, sterilizable container capable of sterilely containing a liquid to be removed under absolutely sterile conditions which comprises the steps of:forming a two-layer laminate including a first layer of a copolymer of ethylene with a minor proportion of butylene and a second layer of an amide polymer; forming a pocket in the two-layer laminate wherein the first layer forms the inner surface of the pocket; providing an elastomeric core element having spaced major faces; inserting the core element into the pocket in the two-layer laminate; providing a three-layer laminate including a first outer layer of a major portion of a propylene polymer, a second outer layer of a copolymer of ethylene with a minor proportion of butylene, and an intermediate layer of an amide polymer; orienting the three-layer laminate so that the second outer layer thereof is apposed to the first layer of the two-layer laminate; expelling air surrounding the core element in the pocket; w

Abstract: Reinforced poly(ethylene terephthalate) sheets are thermoformed to articles having one or more surfaces in contact with the mold of such a degree of smoothness that they virtually completely replicate the mold face. When the mold face is completely smooth, the concave imperfections caused by air entrapment in the plastic material account for less than 6% of the surface area. Composite articles consisting of a face member and a backing member are made by thermoforming in a single mold a face member having one or more surfaces in contact with the mold face of such a degree of smoothness that it completely replicates the mold face, and its proportion of concave imperfections is less than about 6% of the surface area. The backing member is bonded in the mold with an adhesive to the face member, and the composite structure is allowed to remain in the mold for a sufficient time to permit subsequent removal without distortion.

Abstract: A process for firmly bonding a thermoplastic covering sheet on a hard article, for example, a steel pipe or cable, comprising wrapping a heat-shrinkable covering sheet having an adhesive layer around a portion of the peripheral surface of a hard article to be protected and heating the covering sheet so as to shrink it, which process is characterized by placing a pressing band on the covering sheet and by creating a pressure in the pressing band, so as to press the covering sheet against the hard article, thereby removing air bubbles formed between the covering sheet and the hard article.

Abstract: A process for causing at least two bodies, at least one of which is deformable, to adhere to each other, which comprises arranging a face of one of the bodies against a face of the other body, forming a lateral joint by applying a joint-forming material astride the two bodies over at least part of the outside of the resultant interface, and arranging the assembly thus obtained within an enclosure which is pressurized by a fluid, is characterized by the fact that the joint-forming material consists at least in part of a silicone elastomer.

Abstract: A carbon-organic resin composite which has been initially shaped as by molding and in which the resin binder has been at least partially precured is transformed into an all-carbon composite and substantially densified by a continuous process in which the composite is continuously heated at different temperatures and subjected to increased pressure. Initially, the composite is heated at a first rate to a temperature on the order of 1000.degree. F., the first rate and the increased pressure applied to the composite being selected to substantially decompose the resin rapidly but without delamination or other damage to the composite. Heating is then continued at a second rate until the composite undergoes substantial softening and becomes plastic, typically at a temperature in excess of 3500.degree. F. Thereafter the composite is maintained at a high temperature, typically in excess of 5000.degree. F.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for continuously forming a reinforced membrane of fluorinated polymers containing sulfonyl and/or carboxyl groups in melt-fabricable form and, after hydrolysis, the corresponding membrane in ion exchange form. The membrane thus formed has exceptional uniformity, and this membrane so made, when used as the membrane which separates the compartments of a chloroalkali cell, offers the advantages of low operating voltage, low power consumption and high current efficiency, and a long useful life without rupture.

Abstract: This invention involves a method of using deairing rings comprising flexible channel members of a novel construction around the periphery of an assembly of glass and flexible plastic sheets during its lamination and the construction of said novel deairing rings. The deairing rings are readily applied to and removed from the assemblies to be laminated and are so constructed as to facilitate the lamination of large windows, particularly those having sharp corners.

Abstract: Bubble- or void-free electrical laminates such as unclad or metal clad laminates are produced by impregnating a porous fibrous substrate with a solvent-free liquid resin capable of curing to a rigid state without producing a volatile by-product, combining a plurality of impregnated substrates to form a unitary member, allowing substantially all of entrapped air bubbles retained in the combination to disappear by dissolving into the liquid resin, and then curing the combination.

Abstract: A device for providing a protective coating for the inside of pipes, said device being remotely actuated from outside said pipes. Specifically, the device comprises a high modulus engineering plastic delivery means, a corrosion resistant liner means, and a bonding means, said device expanding upon application of heat toward the inner wall of the pipe to cause the bonding means to flow progressively between the liner means and the inside of the pipe to thereby preclude air entrapment and to bond said liner means to the inside of the pipe.

Abstract: When forming a multi-ply laminate having at least one thermoplastic structural ply forming an outer ply of the laminate, known processes comprise degassing and bonding steps during which gas is removed from between assembled structural plies of the laminate and the plies are heated to cause them to bond together while a moulding plate is in contact with the or each exposed thermoplastic ply.

Abstract: A method and device for providing a protective coating for the inside of pipes, said method utilizing a device which is remotely actuated from outside said pipes. Specifically, the device comprises a memory metal delivery member, a corrosion resistant liner member, and a bonding member, said device expanding upon application of heat toward the inner wall of the pipe to cause the bonding member to flow progressively between the liner member and the inside of the pipe to thereby preclude air entrapment and to bond said liner member to the inside of the pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laminating a plurality of plastic layers together is disclosed in which the lamination is carried out under heat and pressure with at least all but one of the layers being gas permeable in order that any gases within or between layers may be vented to the atmosphere during lamination under said heat and pressure. If desired, all of the layers may be gas permeable. One or more of the gas permeable layers may be plastic powder which meets and consolidates into a continuous, integrated ply during lamination.

Abstract: A process for making laminates of cellophane, conductive plastic, and metal powder, comprising laminating the sheet of cellophane to a sheet of conductive plastic with an intermediate composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of metal electrode particles and a binder, and drying the laminate to remove water from the dispersion.

Abstract: A system is provided for applying a force to selected compliant material ch is in adjacent relationship with the inner surface of a rigid spherical segment. The system includes an elastomeric spherical segment having an apex and a radius of curvature which is less than the radius of curvature of the inner surface of the rigid spherical segment when the elastomeric segment is in an undeformed condition. Operative structure is provided for initially spacing the elastomeric segment from the rigid spherical segment, so that the elastomeric segment is in point contact relationship with the compliant material, and for controllably urging the elastomeric segment toward the compliant material after the initial spacing, until the curvature of the elastomeric segment is conformed to the curvature of the inner surface of the spherical segment.

Abstract: A solar panel comprising at least one solar energy transducer laminated between a transparent vitreous sheet and a second sheet in which the transducer is imbedded in a layer of transparent polymeric material which bonds the sheets together. The polymeric material comprises an acrylic compound. A method of making the aforesaid solar panel in which the acrylic compound is allowed to set in situ is described.

Abstract: Method of making attenuation sandwich panels having a cellular core positioned between and bonded to an imperforate facing sheet on one surface thereof and a perforate sheet with an outer layer of porous fabric material adhered to the other surface. The combined perforate facing sheet and porous fibrous material have a predetermined open surface area prior to its adherence to the cellular core. A coating of adhesive is applied to either the facing sheets or to the faying surface of the cellular core. The sheets are then properly positioned with respect to the cellular core. The porous fabric surface of the combined perforate sheet and porous fibrous material is positioned against a perforated plate. The opposite surface of the perforated plate is positioned against a bonding tool that has a plurality of longitudinal grooves on its perforated plate adjacent surface.

Abstract: Substrates which are susceptible to corrosion by the action of chemical agents in gas-containing and/or gas-generating media are rendered resistant to said corrosion by the application thereto of a coating of a gas-permeable elastomeric or plastic material, and providing for means of escape of gases permeating the coating, thereby maintaining the adhesion of the coating to the substrate. Preferably the coating is applied first to a porous backing material such as woven glass cloth, so that the pores of the backing material are left substantially open to let gas escape. The laminate of coating and porous backing material is then adhesively secured to the substrate in such a way that the pores in the backing material are left partly open to let gas escape.

Abstract: Substrates which are susceptible to corrosion by the action of chemical agents in gas-containing and/or gas-generating media are rendered resistant to said corrosion by the application thereto of a coating of a gas-permeable elastomeric or plastic material, and providing for means of escape of gases permeating the coating, thereby maintaining the adhesion of the coating to the substrate. Preferably the coating in applied first to a porous backing material such as woven glass cloth, so that the pores of the backing material are left substantially open to let gas escape. The laminate of coating and porous backing material is then adhesively secured to the substrate in such a way that the pores in the backing material are left partly open to let gas escape.

Abstract: A packing container e.g. for sterile milk is manufactured from laminated material which is folded and sealed to the desired container shape. In the seal, cut surfaces facing towards the inside will occur which have to be sealed so as to prevent the central paper layer of the material from absorbing some of the contents. Usually this is done by means of a strip of a plastic material which is impermeable to liquid. When the packing material is sterilized and exposed to high temperatures these strips are often damaged, because the moisture present in the paper layer of the laminate is converted into vapor and penetrates the strip softened by the heat. In accordance with the invention the seal is now ventilated with the help of ducts extending through the seal in such a manner that the vapor can escape to the surrounding air without affecting the sealing strip which thus remains intact and can fulfil its intended sealing function.

Abstract: The bead area of a pneumatic tire is vented of trapped air by inserting an air guide into the bead area from the outer side of the tire adjacent the tire wheel rim area, whereby the trapped air is guided from the bead area along the air guide to the outer side of the tire. The air guide is an elongated flexible member provided with an enlarged head at its inner end. It is inserted into the tire by an elongated hollow shaft provided with an exterior spiral screw thread. The air guide is inserted into the hollow bore of the shaft, with the enlarged head of the guide abutting one end of the shaft. The opposite end of the shaft is secured to the chuck of a conventional low speed reversible electric drill. The enlarged head of the air guide is provided with a plurality of spaced, outwardly projecting stops which serve to prevent retraction of the head and air guide from the tire.

Abstract: A method of treating asphaltic membrane covered roofs for inhibiting the formation of blisters therein and reducing blisters that have formed therein comprises applying to the blistered portions and surrounding areas of the membrane a quantity of selected liquid hydrocarbon. The selected hydrocarbon is miscible with the asphalt of the membrane to instill self-healing qualities therein.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a machine and method of adhering a can opening key to a container and the article formed by such method and machine. More specifically, this invention pertains to the taping of a can opening key to a can body wall by means of a continuous motion high speed machine for applying a polymeric film carrying an adhesive on a surface thereof.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a filament reinforced metal matrix composite comprises bonding a plurality of filaments to a perforated metal foil with a fugitive binder, overlaying the filaments with a second perforated metal foil to form a stack, positioning the stack in a vacuum die, heating the stack in a vacuum to cause vaporization of the binder and evacuation of the vapors through the perforations in the foils and hot pressing to consolidate the stack.

Abstract: A method of forming a layer of material from a solution containing the material and a solvent which comprises the steps of forming the solution into a layer, contacting at least one major face of the solution layer with a wall which is permeable over the area of that face substantially to the vapor phase only of the solvent, and effecting the escape of solvent simultaneously from both major faces of the layer including the one major face by vapor diffusion through the wall so as to set the layer.

Abstract: A fabric backed cellular cushioning material is produced in a mold by introducing a liquid reaction mixture into a mold cavity and then covering the mold cavity with a coposite material consisting of a fabric backing and a thin layer of preformed cellular material attached to the backing. The preformed cellular material is presented toward the mold cavity. The reaction mixture expands into a cellular cushioning material, which assumes the shape of the cavity, the expansion being sufficient to enable the molded cellular material to completely fill the cavity and diffuse partially into as well as adhere to the preformed cellular material. The air displaced by the expanding reaction mixture passes out of the mold cavity through the preformed layer of cellular material, but once the expanding cellular material reaches the preformed layer, the mold cavity is sealed.

Abstract: A method of producing a shaped wall covering material composed of a corrugated cardboard substrate, a porous buffer layer adhered onto one side of the substrate and a thermoplastic resin liner coated on the outer surface of the buffer layer. The starting materials are set in a hot-press in an orderly piled arrangement with interposed adhesive materials and subjected to press-shaping between male and female dies with application of heat. During the shaping operation, air is sucked from the gap between the substrate and the shaped surface of one die through holes intentionally formed in this die. The resultant attraction of the piled materials to this die facilitates the shaping and prevents a layer-separation or deformation of the product attributable to a sticking tendency of the liner to the other die.

Abstract: A weldable assembly and a method of fabricating a plastic bearing cage employing ultrasonic welding techniques.

Abstract: A fluid pneumatic circuit board includes a base plate and a flat cover plate molded of a suitable plastic such as polysulfone. The plates are chemically bonded with a thermal adhesive such as a refrigerated solid sheet of epoxy. The base plate has a planar surface within which the fluid circuit passageways, as well as structural board and component supports are integrally molded. The cover plate has individual sealing ribs formed to encircle each of the passageways. The epoxy sheet is shaped to cover the passageways, and with openings aligned with the exhaust openings in the cover plate. The plates, with the adhesive sheet therebetween, is clamped together and heated in an oven to soften the adhesive. The sealing rib has inclined sidewalls and an outer flat sealing wall, with an included angle of 60.degree. and a tip width equal to the sheet thickness and a height equal 21/2 times the sheet thickness. Moisture and/or gas in the softened plastic escape from under the tip and prevent formation of bubbles.

Abstract: A process for making composite contoured sound insulating panels of a type suitable for use adjacent to structural panels of automobile vehicle bodies, which in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, comprises forming a fibrous pad incorporating controlled amounts of heat curable thermosetting binder and a heat softenable thermoplastic binder distributed in a controlled manner therethrough.

Abstract: A decalcomania is prepared for transfer to an article by wetting the backing layer of the decalcomania, peeling this layer from the transfer sheet which bears the pattern, and perforating the transfer sheet at points located to minimize disturbance of the transfer sheet's pattern. The decalcomania transfer sheet is then placed over the article to which it shall be applied, and a flexible and stretchable backing sheet is placed on the decalcomania transfer sheet. Air is exhausted from below the decalcomania transfer sheet, through the perforations therein and through an aperture in the backing sheet, to draw the decalcomania transfer sheet, backed by the backing sheet, onto the article to bond the pattern to the article.

Abstract: The method of appliqueing sheet material, in particular, bonding a synthetic resin such as polyvinyl chloride to one or more portions of a woven fabric, comprising supporting the synthetic resin applique in compressive engagement with the sheet material in a high frequency field at a temperature such as to cause fusing and bonding of the applique to the sheet material and while fusing the synthetic resin of the applique conducting vapors generated within the sheet material by said high frequency heating away from the sheet material to allow the use of a level of power to cause the synthetic resin to penetrate into the sheet material and to prevent condensation of the vapors on the platens of the high frequency press employed to effect bonding.

Abstract: The longevity and safety of pressure-responsive, flexible diaphragms is improved by providing laminated construction of sealing and reinforcing layers that "breathe" through a portion of their cross sections. In one embodiment the flexible diaphragm comprises a laminate having a layer of perforated fabric-like reinforcing material on the low pressure side and a layer of impermeable elastomeric sealing material on the high pressure side with or without an additional layer of said fabric, with or without perforations on the high pressure side and with the areas of bond between the reinforcing material and sealing material being substantially continuous. In another embodiment the laminate comprises an inner layer of perforated fabric-like material bonded to outer layers of perforated elastomeric material on the low pressure side. The elastomeric sealing material layer on the high pressure side of this latter embodiment may be perforated.

Abstract: A pricker roll used with a machine for calendering reinforcement tire cords with rubber material. The pricker roll produces a pattern of cuts in the thin sheets of rubber material to allow the escapement of air entrapped in the material during the sheet-forming process.

Abstract: A method of making a thermal insulating panel in which particles of microporous insulating material are put into a bag consisting of porous sheet material which is then subject to pressure to cause the particles to bond together and consolidate the insulating material and to create a tension strain in the material of the bag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a sheet molding composite are provided. The sheet molding composite consists of two outer sheets of plastic material between which is sandwiched a moldable material or compound containing fiber-reinforced resin. The resin-containing material is maintained in a deformable, flexible state until it is placed in a mold and subjected to heat, at which time it is cured in the shape of the final molded product. The molding composite is made by depositing a layer of a pre-blended resin-containing material on the upper surface of one of the sheets of plastic material and by then depositing a layer of randomly disposed glass fibers onto this first layer. A second layer of preblended resin-containing material from the same source is also deposited on an upper surface of a second of the plastic sheets.

Abstract: Superimposed heat-sealable layers are heat-sealed by applying external suction to draw the layers apart, inserting a nozzle between the parted layers, directing hot gas from the nozzle onto the inside surfaces of the layers, removing the nozzle and pressing the heated surfaces together. Preferably the layers are carried by a conveyor, such as between a pair of endless chains, along a path on which the suction means, nozzle means and pressing means are successively arranged.