Abstract: A method for manufacturing a stretched film for producing a long-length stretched film by stretching a long-length resin film while being conveyed so as to pass through an oven in a state in which the end portions of the resin film are held by first and second grippers, wherein the oven has a preliminary heating zone, a stretching zone, a thermal fixing zone, and a reheating zone in this order from an upstream side; the stretching zone includes a specific zone having a temperature gradient capable of setting a temperature of an end portion on a second gripper side is higher than a temperature of an end portion on a first gripper side by 5° C. or higher and 15° C. or lower; and the reheating zone has a temperature capable of heating the resin film to a temperature of Tg+5° C. or higher and Tg+20° C. or lower.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a high-quality porous film. Here, while the porous film is being manufactured through forming micropores by stretching, a raw film is prevented from slipping on the surfaces of the respective rolls as much as possible even though the raw film includes oil or liquid paraffin as a solvent. The method is for manufacturing a porous film through forming micropores by successive biaxial stretching. A tensile force applied to the raw film F transferring from the longitudinal stretching machine (10) to the transverse stretching machine (50) is set not less than a stretching force necessary for the longitudinal stretching, and thus the raw film is prevented from slipping on a contact surface between the raw film and each roll of the longitudinal stretching machine (10).

Abstract: A stretching assembly for cloth has a heating furnace, a pressing device and a shaping device. The heating furnace has two opposite sidewalls and a channel. The channel is formed through the opposite sidewalls of the heating furnace and has an inlet and an outlet. The pressing assembly is set to face the inlet of the heating furnace and has a first pressing wheel and a second pressing wheel. The first pressing wheel has multiple annular protruding segments formed on an external surface of the first pressing wheel. The second pressing wheel parallel the first pressing wheel to form a curved clearance between the pressing wheels and has multiple annular concave segments formed on an external surface of the second pressing wheel. The shaping device is set to face the outlet of the heating furnace, aligns with the pressing device and has two shaping wheels.

Abstract: Clipping both right and left side edge parts of a sheet or film by right and left pitch-variable clips having flow-directional clip pitches variable along with travel movements, respectively, having positions (AR, AL) for initiation of enlargements of flow-directional clip pitches changed between right clips and left clips, and enlarging flow-directional clip pitches along with travel movements of clips to thereby make an oblique stretch.

Abstract: This invention relates to a softening and swelling machine for woven and knitted fabrics. The mechanical softening and swelling machine is used in the processes of eliminating the tension formed during the production of woven and knitted fabrics, softening, giving volume by swelling, and adjusting the size from width/length and weight in grams.

Abstract: A mechanical device was invented for prestressing of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets. Significant features of this device are that the CFRP sheets are directly anchored to the mechanical device itself, the prestressing forces are applied with a manual torque wrench without the need for power operated hydraulic jacks and the prestressing transfer is accomplished under slow strain rates. Experimental investigation clearly indicates that the device was efficient in applying prestressing to the CFRP sheets and prestress losses during stressing were maintained at a minimum.

Abstract: In a paper or board machine drying line after the wire section, during dewatering a web's (W) width is affected in a direction crosswise to the web's traveling direction. Starting from an edge, at least one device (20A, 20B) brings about a force effect of a desired magnitude which is directed all the way to a desired arbitrary crosswise web position in order to modify web characteristics. A device in a paper or board machine line after the wire section has means for processing the web and for dewatering. The paper or board machine line after the wire section further has at least one device (20A; 20B) for directing a force effect at a desired partial area (WS) of the web (W) in the cross machine direction in order to modify the web's characteristics profile in the cross machine direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for utilizing linear optoelectronic sensors are provided. A plurality of linear sensors may be utilized to obtain velocity measurements of a web material at two points. The acceleration of the web material may be determined from the velocity measurements and a control signal issued to a servo to maintain proper tension along the web material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for drawing a film web, made from a thermoplastic plastic, comprising at least one driven roller (2), driven at a speed V1 and at least one second driven roller (3), driven at a speed V2, where V1<V2. The rollers (2, 3) are serially arranged such that a drawing gap (4) is embodied between the two rollers (2, 3). A width-maintaining device is arranged in the drawing gap (4), which mechanically grips both edges of the film web such that the width of the film web is essentially maintained during the longitudinal drawing in the drawing gap (4). The invention further relates to a method for the longitudinal drawing of films which are drawn by means of said device.

Abstract: A web-spreading device and a web-spreading process are provided. The web-spreading device, is provided whereby a first web strand being conveyed and a second web strand being conveyed next to the first web strand in a web-processing machine can be offset in parallel to one another in order to set a spread. A frame supports a first deflecting device (5r; 5r?), which forms a first deflection axis for the first web strand (Br), and a second deflecting device (6r; 6r?), which forms a second deflection axis for the first web strand (Br), which deflection axis is the next deflection axis for the first deflection axis in the conveying direction (F). The first web strand (Br) is offset in parallel by wrapping around the deflecting device (5r, 6r; 5r?, 6r?) and the spread (X; X+Y) is thus set in its entirety or in part. At least one of the deflecting devices (5r, 6r; 5r?, 6r?) is mounted adjustably along an adjustment path in the frame (2) in order to set the spread (X; X+Y).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stretching one or more zones of a web are disclosed. Webs including stretched or activated zones are also disclosed. Each of the zones in the web is stretched in the cross-web direction, i.e., the direction transverse to the down-web direction. The stretching it can be performed continuously as the web is advancing through the apparatus in the down-web direction. The stretching can occur in the absence of physical contact with the stretched zone of the web. Strain induced on the stretched zones can be introduced gradually over a stretch distance. The strain may increase at a linear rate. The stretching methods and apparatus may be used to activate an elastic zone or zones within a web.

Abstract: This invention provides a web expander comprising means for carrying a web 2 having longitudinal slits, means 5 for expanding the width of the web, and opening control means 6 for uniformly forming size and form of openings of the web expanded by said means for expanding. The means 5 for expanding the width consists of a flat expander 15 and two pairs of cloth guider 21, and opening control means 6 comprises two expander rolls 31 as a rotatable ribbed roll, the ribbed roll being adapted to be applied to one side of the traveling net-like web to rotate in the direction in which the net-like web 2 is reduced in width.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stretching one or more zones of a web are disclosed. Webs including stretched or activated zones are also disclosed. Each of the zones in the web is stretched in the cross-web direction, i.e., the direction transverse to the down-web direction. The stretching it can be performed continuously as the web is advancing through the apparatus in the down-web direction. The stretching can occur in the absence of physical contact with the stretched zone of the web. Strain induced on the stretched zones can be introduced gradually over a stretch distance. The strain may increase at a linear rate. The stretching methods and apparatus may be used to activate an elastic zone or zones within a web.

Abstract: A web expanding device for or in a web-processing machine, especially a web-fed rotary printing press includes a frame and a cutting device (4) for longitudinally cutting a web (B) into a left-hand web strand (Bl) and a right-hand web strand (Br). A first deflecting device (5l) for the left-hand web strand (Bl) is provided along with a second left-hand deflecting device (6l) for the left-hand web strand (Bl), which is arranged after the first left-hand deflecting device (5l) in the direction of web delivery (F). A first right-hand deflecting device (5r) for the right-hand web strand (Br), which points toward the first left-hand deflecting device (5l) is provided along with a second right-hand deflecting device (6r) for the right-hand web strand (Br), which is arranged after the first right-hand deflecting device (5r) in the direction of web delivery (F) and points toward the second left-hand deflecting device (6l).

Abstract: A treatment fluid dispensing apparatus comprises a fluid impervious layer and an overlying treatment fluid dispensing layer. The fluid treatment dispensing layer comprises a finely woven fabric formed from natural or synthetic fibers which normally retains the treatment fluid and which dispensing the treatment fluid responsive to pressure and/or body temperature. The treatment fluid dispensing layer is configured to dispense treatment fluid to areas of the human body over a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A process for making a plurality of necked nonwoven strips having similar or identical cross-directional profiles includes the steps of slitting a neckable nonwoven web into a plurality of neckable nonwoven strips, passing the neckable nonwoven web between a first pair of nip rollers having a first surface velocity and a second pair of nip rollers having a second surface velocity greater than the first surface velocity, and necking the nonwoven web between the first pair of nip rollers and the second pair of nip rollers.

Abstract: A transversely stretched nonwoven fabric is manufactured by transversely stretching a nonwoven fabric. First, an original web comprising a plurality of un-oriented filaments is heated to a temperature higher than its stretch suitable temperature by 5° C. or more. Next, the heated original web is stretched at a rate of 1.2 to 3 in its transverse direction to stretch the filaments of the original web with almost no molecular orientation involved. Then, the original web stretched transversely at a rate of 1.2 to 3 is heated to the stretch suitable temperature and the original web is further stretched transversely at the stretch suitable temperature. With these steps, a transversely stretched nonwoven fabric in which the original web is stretched transversely at a rate of 7 times or more in total as compared with the state of the stretch thereof is manufactured with a high tensile strength of 132.5 mN/tex (1.5 g/d) in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A method and a device for production of a web with good breathing properties, for example having a nonwoven web based on plastic filaments and/or plastic fibers and a plastic film, applied on one side of the nonwoven web and containing at least one mineral filler. For the production of the good breathing properties, the web is stretched in the longitudinal direction of the same, in two successive steps, and an embossing is carried out, at least in certain sectors of the surface, between the two steps which effect the stretching in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a nonwoven fabric has a spinning mechanism having a plurality of nozzles for extruding filaments, and a conveyor for collecting and delivering the extruded filaments. Between the spinning mechanism and the conveyor, there are disposed a high-speed air stream generating mechanism for generating a high-speed air stream to carry the filaments extruded from the nozzles to attenuate the filaments, and an air stream vibrating mechanism for periodically changing the direction of the high-speed air stream in the machine direction of the conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for monoaxial stretching of a synthetic film (2) under tension using a roller arrangement in which there are at least two stretching rollers (3) defining a stretching gap (4), where, in order to produce a breathable synthetic film (2) by means of tensile strain, the stretching rollers (3) for the cold-stretching of the synthetic film (2) have surfaces which increase the coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A process for stretching films is described. The process preferably stretches films in a uniaxial fashion. Preferably, optical films are stretched including multilayer optical films. Other aspects of the invention include a roll of stretched film and an apparatus for stretching films.

Abstract: The invention concerns an improved method of heating or tempering foils and an associated device including an arrangement for measuring the temperature, based on the following features: a separate arrangement is provided for heating the foil edges; the foil edge heating arrangement comprises an infrared radiator device (21) and a hot air heating device (29); and the infrared radiator device (21) and the hot air heating device (29) can be controlled or set at different heating output values.

Abstract: A fabric detwister cylinder apparatus is presented which will accommodate tubular fabrics having different dimensions without exchanging or replacing the detwister cylinder. The insert is placed within a standard detwister cylinder and is rigidly affixed thereto. A sinuous shape of the insert allows fabrics of various sizes to be sufficiently, frictionally engaged during process for imparting the required detwisting action thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting soft hand to a non-woven, paper, paper with synthetic fibers and/or additives, printed knit fabrics and the like in web form, by mechanically introducing localized tensions on diverse preselected situses of the web. The web is preferably advanced in continuous rubbing engagement with one or more contact members that can be pairs of nip rollers and/or breaker bars. Nip roller pairs include one irregularly surfaced roller deformably engaging into a soft roller with the web passing therebetween. Breaker bars can have straight, serrated or curvilinear edges and the web can be passed over or under the breaker bars. Various combinations of nip roller pairs and breaker bars are provided for and preferably a variable drive can be employed.

Abstract: A spreader for spreading a fabric having upper and lower sides, transversely spaced edges and longitudinally extending tire reenforcing cords spaced laterally across said fabric between said edges preparatory to rubberizing said fabric in a calender, where the fabric moves in a given path to the calender, the spreader comprising a cantilever mounted mandrel having an outer generally cylindrical surface concentric with a rotational axis, with the cylindrical surface having a helical groove having convolutions with a pitch equal to a desired cord distribution laterally of the fabric; a mandrel support structure adjacent one edge of the fabric and having means for rotatably mounting the mandrel in a position transverse of the fabric with said cylindrical surface aligned with the fabric path to be generally tangential to a side of the fabric as the fabric moves in the given path; a first motor on the support structure for rotating the mandrel about the axis at a given rotational speed; a second motor for moving t

Abstract: A press roll system employed in connection with a web finishing assembly is provided. The press roll system includes a press roll, which cooperates with a head roll to provide a uniform nip area and pressing load; a support substrate, arranged between the ground and the press roll; at least one backup roller mounted to a first surface of the support substrate along a continuous axis for substantially the length of the press roll, and arranged to provide a uniform load to the press roll and uniform area between the press roll and head roll during operation to impart a uniform caliper to the web; and a retractable force actuator, mounted on a second surface of the support substrate, opposite the surface to which the backup rollers are mounted, to provide an even distribution of loads toward the press roll. A channel is attached to one end of the support substrate for receiving and channeling working fluid away from the rest of the press roll system.

Abstract: A spreader for spreading a fabric having upper and lower sides, transversely spaced edges and longitudinally extending tire reenforcing cords spaced laterally across said fabric between said edges preparatory to rubberizing said fabric in a calender, where the fabric moves in a given path to the calender, the spreader comprising a cantilever mounted mandrel having an outer generally cylindrical surface concentric with a rotational axis, with the cylindrical surface having a helical groove having convolutions with a pitch equal to a desired cord distribution laterally of the fabric; a mandrel support structure adjacent one edge of the fabric and having means for rotatably mounting the mandrel in a position transverse of the fabric with said cylindrical surface aligned with the fabric path to be generally tangential to a side of the fabric as the fabric moves in the given path; a first motor on the support structure for rotating the mandrel about the axis at a given rotational speed; a second motor for moving t

Abstract: An improved apparatus for adapting speed, in particular for nippers (1) which can be made to travel along a rail arrangement (3), is distinguished by the following featuresa rotating and electrically conductive eddy-current body (17), preferably designed in the form of an eddy-current wheel or an eddy-current cylinder, is provided,the guide rail arrangement (3) runs at least over and away from a partial region of the eddy-current body (17) with a tangential component,on the carriages (1) which can be made to travel along the guide rail arrangement (3) there is provided or can be excited at least one magnet (7a, 7b), which is arranged on the side facing the eddy-current body (17) and, in the region of the eddy-current body (17), can be moved over and away from the eddy-current body (17), with an air gap being formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting soft hand to a fabric in web form, especially printed knits and non-wovens, by mechanically introducing localized tension in the web. The web is preferably advanced in continuous rubbing engagement with one or more contact members that can be pairs of nip rollers and/or breaker bars. Nip roller pairs include one knobbed roller deformably engaging a soft roller with the web passing therebetween. Breaker bars can have straight, serrated or curvilinear edges and the web can be passed over or under the breaker bars. Various combinations of nip roller pairs and breaker bars are provided for and a variable drive is employed.

Abstract: A fabric detwister comprises a housing with a bi-directional rotating cylinder contained therein. A chain and sprocket or equivalent drive mechanism rotates the cylinder in either direction as needed to remove a twist previously imparted to a continuous, elongated, flaccid fabric. Gutters are positioned on either side of the frame in order to effectively drain fluid squeezed from the fabric by a series of non-powered and powered rollers. Air jets positioned proximate the non-powered rollers inflate the fabric causing it to impinge upon the interior surface of the cylinder to effectuate proper detwisting.

Abstract: A finishing assembly which includes an outside treatment roll for treating both sides of an endless web without having to remove, turn inside out and reload the endless web onto the finishing assembly. The outside treatment roll is movable and adapted to contact the endless web within an opening defined between a pair of cantilever beams such that the "minimum loop length" of the endless web is preserved. The finishing assembly includes a movable non-contacting treatment assembly which is adapted to be arranged between the cantilever beams such that the non-contacting treatment assembly may be used with or without the outside treatment roll to facilitate different finishing processes. In addition, the finishing assembly may include a pivotable cantilever beam in place of one of the cantilever beams. The pivotable cantilever beam may be rotated out of the finishing assembly, further minimizing the "minimum loop length" of the endless web.

Abstract: A finishing assembly which includes an outside treatment roll for treating both sides of an endless web without having to remove, turn inside out and reload the endless web onto the finishing assembly. The outside treatment roll is movable and adapted to contact the endless web within an opening defined between a pair of cantilever beams such that the "minimum loop length" of the endless web is preserved. The finishing assembly includes a movable non-contacting treatment assembly which is adapted to be arranged between the cantilever beams such that the non-contacting treatment assembly may be used with or without the outside treatment roll to facilitate different finishing processes.

Abstract: A fabric detwister for continuously opening roped knitted fabric operating to open the roped fabric by moving the detwister arrangement in the direction of twist and as this occurs it actuated the turntable to move in the direction to remove the twist.

Abstract: An extensible composite fabric including a multiplicity of continuous fibers extending in one direction and distorted into aligned, locally parallel, curved paths for imparting extensibility to the fabric in that direction, and a method and apparatus for making such a composite fabric.

Abstract: A honeycomb manufacturing expander mechanism which includes a cam or guide plate having two sets of guide slots respectively extending outwardly in opposite directions away from a center portion of the plate. The inboard ends of the slots in each set are equally spaced from each other. In extending outwardly, the slots in each set converge such that the spacing between the outboard ends of each slot is less than that of the inboard ends. Disposed beneath the plate are a pair of mutually parallel bars, each carrying a plurality of expander pins which extend upwardly through corresponding slots in the plate. The bars are movable in concert from positions beneath the inboard ends of the slots to positions beneath the outboard ends of the slots by one or more motor-driven lead screw drives.

Abstract: Lengthwise stretching machines for thermoplastic synthetic films are equipped with mechanical or opto-electrical devices for detecting a tearing of the film or an accumulation of film on the stretching rollers and for stopping the machine when tearing or accumulation occurs, to protect the stretching rollers. Unallowable loads and possible damage to the roller bearings are avoided by mounting the bearing housings (1, 2) of each roller (3, 4, 5) of a lower roller (7) in the machine frame for cooperation with a force generating device (8) which presses the respective bearing housing (1, 2) toward oppositely located rollers (9, 10, 11) of an upper roller group (12) to an extent permitted by stops (14, 15) rigidly arranged on the machine frame (13). The rollers (3, 4, 5) of the lower group received in the bearing housing (1, 2) can overcome the pressing force of the device (8) to slide in a yielding direction away from the upper rollers, when a roller accumulates film thereon.

Abstract: A process for longitudinally stretching a polymeric film having thickened longitudinal edges while the film is constrained in the lateral dimension by a plurality of successive pairs of grippers, the improvement comprising first guiding the film with a first group of gripper pairs having a predetermined clearance therebetween; and then gripping the film with a second group of gripper pairs with a predetermined amount of force. An apparatus for use in the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a process of manufacturing oriented tapes, which have been folded at least once, from synthetic thermoplastics, particularly for use in the manufacture of high-strength woven fabrics, the tapes are folded on themselves before they are wound on the spool used for their further processing.

Abstract: In a method of drawing a film which comprises drawing the traveling film in the longitudinal direction between rolls and thereafter cooling the drawn film by a cooling roll, the improvement which comprises engaging both side ends or their vicinities of the film with the engaging portions formed on both ends or their vicinities of the cooling roll in the circumferential direction. In the film drawing method of the invention, the drawn film is contacted in a softening state with the cooling roll, and pressed on the surface of the cooling roll by the tension of the film. Thus, both sides of the film are deformed according to the shape of the engaging portions during cooling, and prevent the contraction of the film in the cross direction by the engagement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the discontinuous wet processing of knitted or worked textile material (knitted fabric) (1) which circulates continuously in a tank (2), being passed through a resting zone (7) in the lower region of the tank and through a dipping vat containing a treatment liquor (14). In order in particular to be able to wet process even small production quantities economically, reliably and in open width, the textile material is spread by rollers (12 and 13) in the region of the dipping vat (before it and/or after it) and in the region above this dipping vat it has fluid removed from it by squeezer rolls (15) to a predetermined residual moisture content before it again enters the resting zone (7) in its continuous circulation.

Abstract: A stretching apparatus in accordance with the invention has an upstream roll (2) and a downstream roll (6) which are driven with a given peripheral speed ratio, together with a plurality of intermediate rolls (8, 9) which are not motorized, but which are coupled to each other to rotate with a given peripheral speed ratio which is less than the speed ratio between the upstream and downstream rolls (2, 6).

Abstract: A link device for stretching a sheet material consists of pantograph-like link member units having a sub-link held substantially at a right angle to the running direction and rollers fitted to said sub-link. Due to the low running resistance of the rollers and the pantograph-like structure composed of long and short links, an endless guide-rail can be introduced in the stretching apparatus for a sheet material and the running of the chain can be stabilized, thereby resulting in a high-speed stable stretching operation. Reduction of the running resistance makes it easy to adjust the stretching ratios according to the desired stretching conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the continuous stretching of a plastics material film, of the type where the film is run off in engagement with two successive rollers which are driven at different tangential speeds, the second roller having a tangential speed which is greater than that of the first roller. The film is run off in engagement with at least a third roller, arranged downstream of the second roller and driven at a tangential speed which is greater than that of the second roller, and it is possible to select as required those of the three rollers in engagement with the film.

Abstract: A thermoplastic draw tape having thick and wide end portions with a relatively thin and narrow central portion between them is produced by movable clamps which stretch the tape between stationary clamps to produce the stretched, oriented portions of the tape. A plurality of movable clamps and a plurality of stationary clamps produce a plurality of stretched central portions so that the stretching time can be greater than the cycle time of bag making machinery with which the stretching apparatus is synchronized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for holding a moving film comprising bringing each surface of a set of conductive rolls into contact with a front surface and a back surface of a moving film respectively, at least one of the surfaces of the set of rolls being constructed of an elastomer, and holding the moving film by the surfaces of the set of rolls while establishing a high electric potential difference between the set of rolls.The present invention provides a useful method for conveying or stretching the film at high speed without operational troubles, thereby providing a strong film free from scratches or foreign particles on the surface.

Abstract: When longitudinally stretching thermoplastics films in a stretching zone comprising at least one roll by the application of a stretching force thereto, width contraction of the film generally occurs. In the present invention, this is prevented by the improvement of directing compressed air against the film while it is passing over at least one of the rolls and is being stretched longitudinally. The compressed air emerges from nozzles distributed over the entire length of the rolls and retains the film in position on the roll or rolls, thereby preventing its width from contracting. The improved apparatus suitable for carrying out the improved method comprises nozzle means disposed adjacent to and directed towards the film located on the roll means and compressed-air supply means communicating with the nozzle means.

Abstract: A draw tape for thermoplastic bags is made by feeding tape to a first pair of nip rolls rotating at a relatively slow speed and a second pair rotating at a fast speed. The tape is stretched to form thin and narrow central portions between end portions of unstretched tape. The first nip rolls are increased in speed, or are released to interrupt the stretching. When the rolls are closed, one of them is momentarily retarded or backed up, to produce a rapid transition in the tape between the unstretched end portion and the stretched central portion.

Abstract: A thermoplastic tape having thick and wide end portions with a relatively thin and narrow stretched central portion between them is produced by a first pair of nip rolls running at a slow speed, and a second pair of nip rolls running at a higher speed. The tape between the nip rolls is intermittently moved away from, and toward said first nip rolls to stretch it to produce the relatively thin and narrow central portion. The second pair of nip rolls is mounted on a pivoted arm so that they are movable toward, and away from said first nip rolls. Alternatively, an idler roll between the two pairs is moved toward, and away from, the first nip rolls.

Abstract: Method and system for orienting a multilayer polymeric film structure by differentially heating the films so that orientation at their respective optimal temperatures is achieved.

Abstract: A control circuit for apparatus stretching a web between intake, discharge, and intermediate pulling stations (20-1, 20-2, 20-3). The circuit includes a first signal generator (32) for providing a signal to the intake discharge station (20-1) corresponding to the desired speed of the web at that station. A multiplier (40) alters the first signal in accordance with the amount of overall stretching, or stretch ratio, desired in the apparatus. The multiplier provides a second signal to the discharge station (20-3) corresponding to the speed of the web at the discharge station necessary to obtain the overall stretching. A second signal generator (48-66) subtracts a selected amount of the difference between the first and second signals from the second signal to provide a third signal to the intermediate pulling station (20-2) that distributes the overall stretching in the apparatus between intermediate zones formed by the adjacent pulling stations.