Abstract: A distinctive apparatus for contouring a fibrous web includes a supplying mechanism for providing a fibrous web which defines an interconnected series of appointed article segments along a length dimension of the web. A conveying mechanism moves the web at a selected speed along an appointed machine direction. A scarfing mechanism removes predetermined quantities of fibers from selected regions of the fibrous web. The scarfing mechanism is constructed to provide each of the article segments with a selected contoured basis weight which varies at least along the length dimension of the segment in a selected correspondence with a predetermined scarfing pattern. The scarfing pattern is provided by an outer peripheral surface of the scarfing mechanism, and the pattern is configured to have a selected variation at least along a movement direction of the scarfing mechanism.

Abstract: For the purpose of mass-producing sheet pallets made of a synthetic resin with a high productivity and without difficulty, an apparatus for manufacturing sheets is provided, which apparatus includes a process (1001) to feed sheet materials in a predetermined shape and having corner portions, a process (1002) to form sheets of a desired shape by cutting at least the corner portions of said sheet materials and a process (280) to stack said sheets

Abstract: In order to guarantee substantially trouble-free operation when manufacturing sandwich elements on a double conveyor belt installation having a downstream cross cutter and cleaning device, the cleaning device disposed on a transport carriage i) is returned to the carriage of the cross cutter to pick up the next sandwich element, is braked and is then re-accelerated to a speed higher than the production speed, ii) is, after reaching a desired distance.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method for forming aquarium ornaments including the steps of providing a plastic sheet having a plurality of planar surfaces, cutting a strip from the plastic sheet of a predetermined width and having a plurality of lateral edges and a plurality of planar surfaces, roughening the lateral edges of the strip to form a pitted texture in the lateral edges, causing the strip to become pliable and bending the strip into a non-planar shape whereby an ornament is created having lateral edges with a pitted texture such that the edges refract and reflect ambient light to create a luminescent appearance.

Abstract: A process for producing lightweight, panel or block-shaped gypsum building materials with a pore structure, in particular wall panels, wherein calcium sulphate alpha-hemihydrate, water in a slightly more than stoichiometric quantity, setting retarders and/or accelerators and additives are mixed to form a pourable suspension and subjected to suitable forming. The ground calcium sulphate alpha-hemihydrate, having a Blaine specific surface area greater than 2000 cm.sup.2 /g, is combined if appropriate, with calcium sulphate beta-hemihydrate in a quantity of up to about 30% by weight relative to the calcium sulphate alpha-hemihydrate, and mixed before forming with a surfactant foam of a defined apparent density in the range from 40 to 80 kg/m.sup.3 and a uniform defined pore size, in a quantity for adjusting the apparent density of the gypsum building material to a defined value in the range from 300 to 1200 kg/m.sup.3.

Abstract: A method for making concrete roof tiles includes the steps of forming a continuous elongated ribbon or layer of concrete; cutting the continuous layer into a row of spaced end to end ribbon sections having a front edge and a rear edge; precompacting the front edge of one of two adjacent ribbon sections and compacting the precompacted front edge of the other ribbon section.

Abstract: A rigid three-dimensional preform is made by moving a plurality of webs of fibrous reinforcement material superposed and coplanar to a cutter, the webs being coated with an electromagnetic energy-curable binder and pressed together. Prior to cutting a blank in a two-dimensional development of the three-dimensional preform from the webs, the webs are tacked together at spaced local zones by locally curing the binder at those zones by locally applying the appropriate electromagnetic radiation (microwave, ultraviolet, electron) so that the webs travel as one to the cutter. After cutting of the blank, the blank is loaded into a mold to replicate the three-dimensional shape of the preform and the remainder of the binder is cured in the mold by the application of the appropriate electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A method for molding articles, particularly tires, of different diameters/circumferences including a plurality of pitches defining a mold cavity, the pitches having transverse faces in generally face-to-face abutment in a closed position of the mold cavity, and at least several of the pitches being of different lengthwise sizes. The pitches in the closed position of the mold cavity defining a predetermined mold configuration which includes portions at angles to the length of the article molded in the mold cavity. The mold configuration matches lengthwise across all of the transverse faces irrespective of the location of the pitches relative to each other and irrespective of the number of the pitches. The latter arrangement permits articles, such as new or retread tires, of different lengths but of the generally same predetermined mold configuration to be molded in a single mold.

Abstract: A process for using shredded scrap or virgin fiber glass in combination with starch, water and other components to make ceiling tiles. The tiles are made by initially preparing a mixture of water, starch, boric acid and fire clay. That initial mixture is then heated to form a gel. Fiber glass is then added to the gel to form a pulp. The pulp is fed into trays to form slabs. The slabs are dried and finished into tiles.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a novel two layered or three-layered film of polyethylene and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer which is heat shrinkable, and after heat shrinking, is elastic and glueable. The process involves uniaxially stretching under controlled, relatively low temperature conditions.

Abstract: The PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate) plastic used to produce one-piece intraocular lenses is modified by a novel thermoplastic pressure forming process to produce a much tougher material with improved mechanical properties. The improved material exhibits greater ductility and fatigue resistance than conventional cast PMMA sheet, resulting in a one-piece lens that is less prone to breakage from implantation or use.

Abstract: A process for making a card body provided with a graphic symbol. A label is placed in a mould and said label is maintained against the wall of the mould. A plastics material (ABS) is injected through the nozzle of the mould. Preferably, the label presents a graphic symbol on its two faces and the plastics material is transparent.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a novel two layered or three-layered film of polyethylene and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer which is heat shrinkable, and after heat shrinking, is elastic and glueable. The process involves uniaxially stretching under controlled, relatively low temperature conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating integral three-dimensional objects from successive layers of photoformable compositions by exposing the layers of the composition through a detachable flexible transparent film, one side of the film being in contact with the composition and the other side of the film with a rigid transparent plate, which guides and supports the film.

Abstract: A thin-walled ferrocement product is formed from mortar supplied in a liquid or semi-liquid state, and a thin foraminous layer of reinforcement positioned centrally between the opposite wall surfaces of the product. The liquid or semi-liquid mortar is deposited in a uniform layer on a conveyor and the reinforcing material is positioned parallel to the lower surface of the conveyor. In a preferred embodiment, the material is maintained under tension at the desired position above the conveyor surface as the mortar is deposited onto the conveyor and flows through the foraminous reinforcing layer. The mortar is developed to a coherent plastic state before removal from the conveyor, preferably with the application of heat. The developed plastic material may be formed into various configurations, or may be maintained flat, while subjected to curing to a solid state. The developed plastic ferrocement material may be separated into convenient lengths for handling.

Abstract: This invention deals with a multipart structurally reinforced gasket product, suitable for use in V-8, V-6, straight 6 and straight 4 automotive engines or the like, said gasket product being made of a plurality of interconnected nested reinforced gaskets, each gasket including an inner reinforcing means (preferably made of a metal stamping) for providing shape, positioning, and strength to the gasket, and, a molded elastomeric material formed around said reinforcing means, said plurality of interconnected gaskets being held in interconnected relationship, prior to actual usage, by shearable connector means which function to assist in holding the reinforcing means in proper position when the elastomeric material is being molded onto the reinforcing means; and, said elastomer portion of the gasket being made of a compound which preferably possession a shore A durometer of 60 (plus or minus 5).

Abstract: Plasticized polyvinyl butyral sheet optionally containing a gradient color band is formed by continuously extruding a sheet having a predetermined region across its width formed from melt issuing from a die at an increased mass flow rate in comparison with other portions of the melt forming the rest of the sheet and then forwardly distorting such sheet immediately after forming by preferentially stretching the side containing the predetermined region to form an arcuate shape of substantially uniform thickness. Arcuately shaped sections are then cut from the sheet to form discrete, shaped interlayer blanks having improved thickness uniformity and dimensional stability providing improved performance when used in laminated safety glass.

Abstract: A transmissive screen for use in a video projector or the like and a manufacturing method thereof is provided wherein a UV-curable resin is coated on a back film or a mold. One surface of a lens surface of opposite shape is formed by the mold. The UV-curable resin is sandwiched between the back film and the mold, ultraviolet rays are irradiated on the UV-curable resin and the screen is released from the mold, thereby forming a transmissive screen in which the lens surface is formed on one surface by the UV-curable resin and the back film is formed on the other surface. Thus, the screen can be reduced in weight and thickness, and can be mass-produced.

Abstract: A process for forming a plurality of interfitting sculptured pieces of irregular fanciful shapes having complementary curved surfaces. The pieces are formed of urethane plastic or other appropriate molded material.

Abstract: A process for consistently making ceiling tiles having uniform density and surface texture includes using a conveyor along which trays are moved in a generally horizontal direction. A feeder box is used to deposit pulp in the trays, the pulp being comprised of a mixture of water, starch, fibrous material, and other ingredients. The feeder box through which pulp is deposited in the trays is of a special design, and includes a sloping front edge which creates a negative rake angle with respect to layers produced by the system. The lower front edge of the feeder box includes a surface having a compound curvature. Ceiling tiles are produced by the process having improved uniformity of density and surface texture.

Abstract: In a process for mass producing optical storage sheets, an elongate film of a liquid crystalline material is fed lengthwise along a path through an aligning gate. The aligning gate applies to successive areas of the film a field which aligns the molecules. The field may be an electric field and/or a shear field. An aligning layer, such as a surfactant layer may also be used for alignment of the film areas. The aligned film may then be cut into pieces for use as microfiches or microfilms. The film material is preferably a liquid crystal polymer material.

Abstract: An apparatus for slitting foil (14) of thermoplastics material comprises a mover to move the foil (14) through a slitting station (1), the slitting station (1) having a first slitting blade (2) having a sharp front edge (4) located extend transversely through the path of the moving foil (14), and that part (5) of the blade (2) behind the front edge (4) having each side (6), sharped to be non-intrusive into the slit and melted thermoplastics material foil (14), a heater (8,9) to raise and maintain a temperature of the slitting blade (2) to a temperature equal to or above a melting temperature of the thermoplastics material foil (14) selected to be slit by the slitting blade (2), and a cooling blade (3) located behind and aligned with the slitting blade (2) and having two sides each adapted to be aligned with the corresponding side of the slit of thermoplastics material foil (14) and provide by both contact and radiant heating effects, a substantial cooling effect.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing molded articles attached to a flexible web by molding the articles in the cavity of a mold which includes entrances for the web and means for centering the web in the cavity. Elements are provided to trim waste from the molded article and automatically advance the web upon opening of the cavity. Elements are provided to separate articles with a predetermined length of web material attached.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing stratified pieces, such as roof tiles and wall tiles, by sucessive and independent extrusion of mortars or concretes. In the process mortar is deposited on a limited part of the molds. The mortar is extruded and compacted, and some mortar is dislodged from cross strips in each zone of contact between two consecutive molds. Thereafter, complete sheets of mortar are shaped on the first layers, filling both the emptied cross strips and the limited sides, and lastly the thicknesses of the pieces are cut in their entirety in a vertical transversal plane at each zone of contact of the molds to form multiple layer tiles having homogeneous facing surfaces.

Abstract: A method for efficiently manufacturing a magnetic tape in which damage to the side edges of the tape is prevented so as to prevent problems such as signal dropout. A source tape is provided having a magnetic recording layer formed thereon. The source tape is slivered to produce individual tapes of a final product width. The obverse and reverse surfaces of the individual tapes are then smoothed with a calendaring unit composed of a pair of heated work rolls and a pair of backup pressure rolls, and finally the individual magnetic tapes are wound on long rolls.

Abstract: For facilitating the quality control examination of the metal plating of holes in printed circuit boards, several test pieces are cut from circuit boards. Each test piece includes within its perimeter at least one, and preferably a row of at least three metal plated holes. The perimeter of each test piece, as cut, is notched with outwardly opening grooves so as to fit in a fixture in a preselected disposition. Several test pieces are places in a fixture, which serves as a mould for plastic material. After the plastic material hardens around the test pieces, a portion of the composite of test pieces and hardened plastic is sliced off, at a level which exposes half of each metal plated hole. The grooves allow great precision and simple handling.

Abstract: A process of making biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate photographic film having a controlled amount of curl in the longitudinal direction, wherein the file is subjected to longitudinal stretching while being asymmetrically heated across its thickness, then wound into a stock roll, and the stock roll thus obtained is heat-tempered. The stock roll after heat-tempering may be longitudinally slit, cut and rewound into smaller rolls in a winding direction opposite to the direction of the longitudinal curl induced in the film during the longitudinal asymmetrical heat-stretching.

Abstract: A method for forming soft, resilient, smooth, energy dissipating articles from foamed partially cross-linked polyolefins wherein sheet stock is cut into a preform and the preform while at room temperature is positioned within a mold cavity formed by partible mold halves. The preforms and the cavity of the molds are so arranged and constructed that after molding there is no flashing needing trimming because the polyolefin is substantially confined within the cavity without any lateral projection into the parting surfaces of the mold.

Abstract: A process for producing an information carrier containing recorded audio and/or video information wherein a web of a thermoplastic material is extruded onto the patterned surface of a metal master and pressure is applied to force said thermoplastic material into contact with the metal master. The thermoplastic material is cooled to a temperature below its softening point to form an imaged thermoplastic web which is separated from the metal master. Then a thin film of metal particles is deposited on the imaged surface of the thermoplastic web and said metallized thermoplastic web is laminated with a substrate carrying an uncured coating of a radiation curable resin. The resin is cured and individual information carriers are separated from the web of information carrying laminate. A center hole is placed in the separated individual information carriers, when appropriate.

Abstract: In the process for making gypsum fiberboard the boards are formed or molded rom a mash containing calcium sulfate dihydrate and fiberous material. By heating and subsequently cooling the boards the dihydrate is first converted into the hemihydrate and subsequently recrystallized again to the dihydrate. Known processes require day line setting times which are economically disadvantageous. According to the present invention these times are shortened by pulling or drawing water, an aqueous solution or a water containing mixture through the boards after the cooling step. Advantageously a setting accelerating agent can be dissolved in the water. By these features the setting time can be shortened to less than two hours. By addition of a binding agent, e.g. starch, to the fluid drawn through the boards the strength of the boards is increased.

Abstract: A process for making filters with a non-bypassing peripheral seal which comprises heating a cylindrical filter housing to expand its internal diameter; inserting a filter disc that has a diameter larger than that of the internal diameter of the housing when cold; and allowing the assembly to cool.

Abstract: The method ensures that the core of thermoplastic material of the product is completely enveloped by a continuous covering formed by at least one sheet of a flexible material. Equipment for carrying out the method comprises an extruder 7 for delivering the thermoplastic material in a pasty state and in the form of a rod 16-18 having a regular section, means 20 for unrolling under this rod a sheet 19 of a flexible material, means 34 and 41 for completely enveloping said rod with said flexible material, and means for pulling on said sheet of flexible material and conveying the rod to calendering rolls 43 and 44, and means 46 for forming and means 47 for cutting to the desired length said rod which is thus completely enveloped by said sheet of flexible material. This equipment is applicable to the manufacture of shapes and plates for in particular the packaging and transportation of products.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing molded articles attached to a flexible web by molding the articles in the cavity of a mold which includes entrances for the web and elements for centering the web in the cavity. Structures are provided to trim waste from the molded article and automatically advance the web upon opening of the cavity. Elements are provided to separate articles with a predetermined length of web material attached.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a laminated sheet material includes a pedestal for supporting on a support surface thereof a laminate of a sheet material at least the upper and lower surfaces of which are covered with an air-impermeable sheet. Arranged on the support surface is a suction pipe a side face of which is provided with a suction port for attracting a side face of the laminate. Connected to the suction pipe is a suction pipe drive unit for reciprocating the suction pipe in one direction. Coupled to a cutter head arranged above the laminate is a cutter head drive unit for reciprocating the cutter head in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the suction pipe is reciprocated. A guide groove opposing the path along which the cutter head is reciprocated is provided in the support surface of the pedestal, and a number of closure plates driven in synchronization with the cutter head are fitted in the guide groove, the closure plates being interconnected.

Abstract: A composite useful in thermal energy storage, said composite being formed of a polyolefin matrix having a phase change material such as a crystalline alkyl hydrocarbon incorporated therein. The composite is useful in forming pellets, sheets or fibers having thermal energy storage characteristics; methods for forming the composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: Cylindrical rods of titanium carbide or other refractory material with uniform, high density are prepared by hot pressing plates from powders of the material, with a uniaxial pressing pressure applied to the broad faces of the plate. Bars of square cross section are then cut from the plate and machined to cylindrical rods. The process is particularly suited to the preparation of refractory material preforms to be used in single crystal growth by the float zone method. Titanium carbide rods having a highly uniform density of about 96% that of the theoretical maximum can be readily prepared and then grown into titanium carbide crystals.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing multilayer panels. In the method for producing multilayer panels from extrudable plastic, two plastic strips are fed from extruders to a roll-arrangement and are joined together, with an inclusion of material therebetween. The purpose of the invention is to produce predeterminable patterns and structures upon introducing the material. In order to achieve this result, the material in the form of threads, is introduced individually and independently of each other into a gap in an arrangement of rolls, and the threads are aligned, by means of guide-means, in relation to each other and to the gap.

Abstract: A flexible link belt is made by injection molding link portions into and through a flexible carrier webbing, whereby the link portions are also bonded to each other through holes in the webbing. The injection mold used for making the links has two mold sections each with a cavity portion corresponding to the respective link portion. The carrier webbing is held in place between the two mold sections. An injection nozzle reaches into one mold portion and a movable core reaches into the other mold portion preferably in such a position that the injection nozzle and the movable core face each other across the flexible webbing. The core distributes the injected plastics material into both mold portions and so that the plastics material must move primarily through the holes or interstices in the webbing.

Abstract: A process for forming discrete, shaped interlayer blanks comprising extruding thermoplastic melt into an endless, distortable straight-sided sheet having a gradient color band along one side, the melt forming the region of the sheet laterally of the color band extruding at a greater thickness than that forming the portion containing the color band, stretching the side of the sheet containing the region formed from the greater thickness melt more than the other side while extrusion continues to shape the sheet into an arcuate form of substantially uniform thickness having different radii along each edge, the edge of greater radius being on the side formed from the greater thickness melt, quenching the sheet to set the polymer, advancing the shaped sheet to a cutting station and cutting shaped quadrilateral sections out of the sheet having the gradient color band along one longitudinal side to form the blanks.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making containers (40) in which a sheet of thermoplastic material (10) that is adapted to be formed into a pouch is introduced into a mold cavity (14). A molding compound (22) is also introduced into the mold cavity (14). The molding compound (22) is permitted to be bonded with the thermoplastic sheet (10) inside the mold cavity (14) to form a container port (20) in situ. The thermoplastic sheet (10) and bonded molding compound (22) are removed from the mold cavity (14) and the sheet carrying the port (20) formed from the bonded molding compound is folded and cut to form a container (40).

Abstract: This invention encompasses a process for making containers from multiple stacked billets which comprises the steps of preparing thermoplastic sheet, cutting or punching billets from the sheet, stacking two or more of the billets together, heating the stacked billets or the mating surfaces of the billets to or above the fusion temperature of the mating surfaces, where the billets adhere to each other, and thermoforming the stacked billets into containers.

Abstract: A process for producing an information carrier containing recorded audio and/or video information wherein a web of a thermoplastic material is extruded onto the patterned surface of a metal master and pressure is applied to force said thermoplastic material into contact with the metal master. The thermpolastic material is cooled to a temperature below its softening point to form an imaged thermpolastic web which is separated from the metal master. Then a thin film of metal particles is deposited on the imaged surface of the thermoplastic web and said metallized thermpolastic web is laminated with a substrate carrying an uncured coating of a radiation curable resin. The resin is cured and individual information carriers are separated from the web of information carrying laminate. A center hole is placed in the separated individual information carriers, when appropriate.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing sheets of highly wear-resistant plastics material, particularly for manufacturing covers subjected to wear, such as, for example, belts, straps, shoe soles or the like, the behavior of the sheets, particularly as far as suppleness, wear-resistance and inexpensiveness in the production are concerned, is to be significantly improved over known sheets of leather or rubber. The blanks manufactured from such sheets are to have the same properties. According to the invention, sheets are manufactured in a high-pressure casting method from a mixture of polyol and a filter portion of up to 30% with the addition of isocyanate, chalk being particularly used as filler.

Abstract: A method of making a ballistic helmet and a helmet made by the method in which each of the plies making up the body is formed from a hexagonal blank cut from ballistic cloth and provided with slits extending from the apices thereof toward the center to form a central area and segments extending from the central area. As the blanks are laid up in a mold cavity the segments overlap to provide first portions which overlap and second portions which do not. As successive blanks are laid up they are rotated slightly to stagger the portions of adjacent plies. As the laying up operation proceeds, progressively smaller blanks are laid up between adjacent relatively larger blanks.

Abstract: A container closure formed from a thermoplastic polyolefin, e.g. polypropylene, which has been molded and adheres simultaneously to a coated foil, e.g. an aluminum insert, to which a conventional plastisol gasketing compound may be adhered to provide a hermetic container seal under hot fill and retort conditions. In order to facilitate adhesion to both the polypropylene closure panel and the PVC plastisol gasketing compound, a dead soft aluminum foil web was first coated on one side with an organosol utilizing a gravure coater, after which the coated web was passed through an oven. The partially coated web was then coated with a primer dispersion again utilizing a gravure coater, after which the coated web was passed through a second oven. A layer of polypropylene homopolymer was applied to the primer and inserts were die cut from the resultant web. The inserts were incorporated in a closure injection molding apparatus and a plastic closure injection molded thereabout.

Abstract: An arrangement for the thermoforming of molded plastic articles from a continuous web of a thermoplastic material, and more particularly, a trim in place thermoforming arrangement in which the plastic articles are simultaneously molded and at least substantially or completely separated from the remaining thermoplastic web material. A high degree of alignment and precision is obtained between cooperating cutting blades employed in the trimming of the thermoformed articles, because of a unique self-aligning or floating support structure of at least one of the cutting blades operating in conjunction with the thermoforming apparatus. The self-aligning action provided for between the slidingly contacting cutting blades allows for an automatic compensation for any temperature changes and blade wear encountered during operation, and with only one movable part being required for the trim in place device.

Abstract: Clamps mounted on a reciprocal frame grip a web of connected molded fibrous articles and move toward a cutter a distance equal to one article length, thereby presenting to the cutter the connecting portion between adjacent articles and also pulling the next portion of uncured fibrous material into the mold press for shaping and curing. After the cutting operation the clamps open and move toward the mold into position to again grip and feed the web toward the cutter. Connected rows of webs can also be handled by slitting the rows as they move toward the cutter. The articles, which can be quite deep compared to the thickness of the connecting portions between articles, are supported during travel and while stationary by support plates separate from the reciprocal frame. The various components which contact or cause movement or cycling of the apparatus can be adjusted to permit handling of articles and webs of different dimensions.

Abstract: A laminate consisting of a number of air-permeable sheets of a material is placed on the supporting surface of a table, and a major portion of the periphery of the laminate, inclusive of a lower surface thereof, is covered with a sheet impermeable to air. A suction pipe is arranged on the supporting surface along at least one side surface of the laminate and has a suction port faced toward the one side surface. A peripheral portion of the suction port is covered with the air-impermeable sheet, and the laminate is compressed in the direction of its thickness by evacuating air from within a space defined by the air-impermeable sheet by vacuum producing means connected to the suction pipe. The air-impermeable sheet and laminate can be moved together with the suction pipe in parallel relation to the supporting surface, and they can be stopped at a desired position, during the evacuation process.

Abstract: A new and improved method of forming slats for window blinds and the like from a continuous web of plastic material includes a feeder for directing the web longitudinally from a roll at a selected speed rate into a heating chamber including upper and lower plates defining a longitudinally extending heating path between opposite inlet and outlet ends. As the web moves along the path, opposite surfaces thereof are heated to an elevated temperature and the web material then moves into a molding and cooling chamber immediately adjacent the exit end of the heating chamber wherein the web is molded to provide a curved transverse cross-section while the web is cooled. The web is cooled to a temperature at a level selected to provide a permanent set in the longitudinally traveling web.

Abstract: A scarfing method and apparatus are disclosed for making a longitudinally and transversely contoured batt on a moving fibrous web. The apparatus comprises a scarfing roll disposed on one side of a foraminous belt and a contouring roll, having a nonuniform surface, disposed on the opposite side of the belt. As the contouring roll is rotated, it raises the belt and the fibrous web towards the scarfing roll, according to the shape of the nonuniform surface. Hence, a contour is provided in the direction of movement of the web. The transverse contour can be provided by the shape of the scarfing roll itself.