Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a touch-and-close fastener element comprising a multitude of hook means, which are provided with a support as one piece and in the shape of stems with hook heads located at the ends thereof. Each of the hook heads is provided, at least in part, with an addition head part made of an additional material. A fastener system is produced from the respective head part being made from a duroplastic molding compound serving as the additional material. The fastener system can withstand a high temperature and mechanical stresses and lead to improved adhesion values and peel strength values during use.

Abstract: The method makes it possible to produce a seal (1) of an extruded plastics material, including a tubular section (3) with a wall of variable thick?ess (WT), using a distribution chamber having a terminal die plate (12) with an annular extrusion orifice (15) formed therein, corresponding to the cross section of the tubular section (3). A chamber (18) is formed in the distribution chamber in communication with the extrusion orifice (13) and into which an elastomeric material is fed for forming the tubular section (3). The chamber (18) of the distribution chamber is in open communication with the outside environment by a passage (21) which is separate from the extrusion orifice (13) and is provided to carry a flow of elastomeric material coming from the chamber (18).

Abstract: High flow rate catheters, and related methods, are useful in dialysis and other procedures. A catheter according to the invention comprises a hub and a generally elongated conduit. The conduit has a substantially continuous and smooth wall. The conduit also defines at least one lumen and has a length extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the conduit. The proximal end is coupled to a hub and the distal end has an opening in communication with the lumen. The conduit has a conical shape which tapers along the length.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable comprising at least one light transmitter extending longitudinally along the cable and a body encompassing the light transmitter. The body includes an exposed surface having an array of fastener elements extending therefrom. The fastener elements arranged and constructed to engage mating fastener elements associated with a supporting surface to selectively secure the cable to the supporting surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the transverse drawing of an unoriented or longitudinally-oriented film web made from thermoplastic plastic. According to said method, an undrawn or longitudinally-drawn film (9) is introduced into a transverse drawing frame in which heater fields (1) are heated to a transverse drawing temperature TQ, in the attached drawing fields (2) a clip chain is drawn in the transverse direction by divergent (V-shaped) guides and a temperature TF is applied to fixing fields where TQ>TF. In the drawing fields and/or the heating fields (1) the boundary zones (5) of the film (8) are heated or thermally insulated such that the boundary zones (5) of the film (8) have a higher temperature than the middle of the film web (6) on transverse drawing and/or fixing.

Abstract: A plastic sleeve is applied to a pole of varying cross-sectional area. A series of poles are advanced along their lengths through the opening of an extruder die, plastic is extruded onto the pole to form a cylindrical sleeve, and the rate of advancement of the pole through the die is adjusted in accordance with the increasing or decreasing diameter of the pole, so as to assure an even application of the plastic about the pole. The ends of the plastic are gathered while the plastic is still hot, forming a closure of the plastic about the ends of the pole.

Abstract: A method for producing abrasive non-woven cloth includes forming a non-woven web of fibers including a first layer adjacent to a first surface of the web containing at least about 5% by weight of thermoplastic fibers. The web is patterned to generate raised regions and lowered regions in the first surface, and then heat treated to cause at least part of the thermoplastic fibers to form nodules, thereby imparting abrasive properties to at least the raised regions of the first surface. The non-woven web preferably includes a second layer adjacent to a second surface of the web made up primarily of fibers which do not form nodules under the heat treatment.

Abstract: A process for shaping a body with elongate structures on its surface, bodies produced using the process, and to apparatuses having these bodies are provided. For this purpose, a preform is provided, at the surface, with structures which are elongate along one direction, the preform is heated at least in one region and the preform is drawn in the heated state until at least part of the preform has adopted a cross section which substantially corresponds to the desired cross-sectional shape or final cross-sectional shape. The preform is heated by means of radiation which has a spectral distribution which is such that at most half of the radiation power is absorbed during a single pass through the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making retroreflective sheeting and other articles prepared from casting a fluid synthetic resin onto a tool having a microstructured surface with a slot die apparatus. The invention further relates to a slot die apparatus.

Abstract: In a molded surface fastener (10) having engaging elements (2) of minute dimension of thermoplastic resin molded together with a base member (1) by continuous molding, each engaging element (2) comprises first and second engaging portions (22a, 22b) each having a different configuration extending in parallel to a surface of the base member from a top end of a pillar portion (21) rising from the base member (1) such that they intersect at right angle. The second engaging head (22b) has an ordinary hook shape structure while the first engaging head (22a) has a wing-like thin plate structure as seen in a plan view. The engaging elements having such a structure in which each engaging element has appropriate engagement force, shearing force and separation force so as to keep an excellent tactile feeling of a surface of the surface fastener, prevents itself from falling down against a pressing force, secures a high engagement ratio with mating pile pieces and satisfies a durability.

Abstract: Stretched articles, such as oriented polymeric films or fibers, having microstructure features on at least one surface thereof, and processes for making such articles, are disclosed. A method of making fibers comprises forming a polymeric film having a body having a first surface and a second surface and having a longitudinal dimension. The film also comprises a plurality of elongate microstructure features disposed on the first surface of the body in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the body, wherein the elongate microstructure features are substantially parallel. The method further comprises stretching the polymeric film in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the body, and fibrillating the stretched polymeric film along the longitudinal dimension of the body to provide one or more fibers, wherein each fiber has at least one microstructure feature thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a fastener product having a multiplicity of fastener elements extending from a sheet-form material. Molten resin is extruded through an extrusion nozzle and gas is introduced into the resin within the extruder to provide an interrupted flow of resin from the nozzle to deposit discrete regions of molten resin onto the sheet-form material. The discrete regions of molten resin are spread apart along a longitudinal direction of the sheet-form material. The molten resin is permanently bonded to the sheet-form material, and a multiplicity of fastener elements are molded from each discrete region of resin.

Abstract: A twin-wall pipe comprises an internal pipe and an external pipe. The external pipe is corrugated, having elevations and troughs. The twin-wall pipe is further provided with a socket. In a transition portion towards the twin-wall pipe and the socket, provision is made for at least one overflow passage which interconnects the clearance between the external pipe and internal pipe in the vicinity of the transition portion and an adjacent elevation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an extrusion formed reticulated web, mesh or netting including reticulated hook fasteners for use with hook and loop fasteners the polymer netting comprising two sets of strands at angles to each other. The first set of strands are a plurality of oriented (molecular orientation created by stretching) strands extending in a first direction and are generally mutually parallel and linear. The second set of strands are a plurality of substantially parallel strands attached only to a first face of the first set of oriented strands. The first set of oriented strands occupy a first planar cross-sectional area in the thickness direction of the formed netting. Said second set of oriented strands occupy a second planar cross-sectional area in the thickness direction of the formed netting. Preferably, these first and second planar cross-sectional areas are substantially mutually exclusive and are abutting.

Abstract: Stretchable fastener products are formed by providing a sheet-form fastener tape, slitting the fastener tape to form longitudinally extending bands of fastener tape and separating the longitudinally extending bands to space the fastener tape bands transversely apart. The spaced bands are attached to a sheet form elastic web to form a stretchable fastener product. In some examples, the stretchable fastener product is formed continuously in conjunction with manufacture of the sheet-form fastener tape.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an article, such as a blow-molded bottle, formed from a polymer blend composition. In one aspect, the article is formed by blow-molding techniques. In one aspect, the article is a blow-molded container having a Bruceton Mean Drop Height of 3.8 feet or above. In another aspect, the article is a blow-molded container having a volume of 60 fluid ounces or greater. In general, the polymer blend composition comprises polypropylene and an impact modifier of metallocene-produced very low density polyethylene or linear low density polyethylene. In one embodiment, the polypropylene polymer comprises a random copolymer. In one embodiment the metallocene-catalyzed linear very low density polyethylene polymer has one or more of the following: (a) a density of less than 0.916 g/cm3, (b) a composition distribution breadth index of 50 to 85% by weight, (c) a molecular weight distribution Mw/Mn of 2.0 to 3.0, (d) a molecular weight distribution Mz/Mw of less than 2.

Abstract: Several methods and machines for continuously forming a fastener product having an array of fastener elements extending from a continuous, sheet-form base, employing a mold belt on which the sheet-form base of the product is formed and from which it is subsequently stripped. The belt defines an array of cavities extending from its outer surface, for molding either the array of fastener elements or an array of preform stems that are subsequently reformed into the fastener elements. In some cases the cavities are blind, such as for forming hook-type fastener elements; in other cases, the cavities extend through the belt, such as for forming mushroom-type fastener elements. Various belt constructions and fastener element shapes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for produces an adhesive closing element including a plurality of hook elements connected to a backing (10) forming a single piece with the hook elements and being disposed symmetrically thereon. The hook elements are provided in the form of a stem component (17) having a head piece (16). A deformable material is introduced into a forming zone in between a production master (3) and a forming tool (5). The opposite-lying defining walls, at least when seen in a longitudinal section of the respective forming cavity (12), are provided with a continuous convex trajectory. A continuous transition between the cross-sectional forms of the stem component (17) and the head piece (16) is provided for a hooking of the backing (10) resulting in seamless removal.

Abstract: A method of making a touch fastener includes coextruding, side-by-side, a plurality of lanes of polymeric material to form a sheet-form base. The sheet-sheet form base includes a lane of a first polymeric material disposed between two lanes of a second polymeric material, the second polymeric material is different from the first polymeric material. The method further includes molding a plurality of discrete fastener element stems extending outwardly from and integral with the sheet-form base in each of the two lanes of the second polymeric mateial and forming engageable heads on the stems.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing extruded honeycomb bodies with passages, in particular as catalyst carrier bodies for the cleaning of exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine. The passages are bounded by wall regions which are at least partly provided with structures. The honeycomb body is extruded with an extrusion die in such a way that an additional relative movement between the honeycomb body and the extrusion die takes place, leading to a deformation of the wall regions of the passages. An extrusion die for producing extruded honeycomb bodies includes a multiplicity of secured profiled pins and a housing, which together form an extrusion mask. The extrusion mask is variable during the production process, so that wall regions with the structures can be formed. Honeycomb bodies which have structures in the interior that are suitable for influencing a stream of fluid flowing through can therefore be produced in a manner which is simple in terms of production engineering.

Abstract: A non-slip, nocoat drywall finishing system for finishing inside and outside corners of any angle, the finishing system being a pre-formed, continuously extruded trim piece comprising a semi-rigid member that can be relatively thick in the center and tapers laterally to a thin edge. An outer finishing layer of fibrous material that directly receives paint or texture. A pattern of protrusions, ridges, or grooves on the inner surface of the semi-rigid member to avoid the need for an inner material layer. To install one of the pieces, it is selected from stock and cut to length. A flat coat of mud is applied to both sides of an exterior or interior angle, and the trim piece is placed over the mud and smoothed into place. Once, the piece is in place, the edges are feathered once with a small amount of mud and a wide blade. At that point the corner is complete except for drying.

Abstract: A process for making co-extruded profiles includes forming a plurality of web-interconnected profiles, which travel together through a die.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the production of a spiral or coil shaped puffed extrudate. A tube or other peripheral containment vessel is placed at the exit end of an extruder die. A force or resistance is then applied on the extrudate downstream of the glass transition point, thereby causing the extrudate to back up and coil in the containment vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of composite insulators consisting of a shank in the form of a bar or a tube, which is provided with a covering and which comprises plate-like screens which are distanced from each other. The covering and the screens are made of an elastomer material with high insulating qualities. As a result, the number, distance, form and size of the screens can vary from insulator to insulator. According to the invention, at least one injection mould (10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) for injecting a screen (2, 3, 4, 5, 19, 20, 21, 22) is arranged downstream from a device which is used to provide the shank (1) with a covering. The injection mould can be advanced in order to inject a screen upon the shank and opened in order to unmould said screen. An advancing device is also provided in order to displace (16) the shank (1) or the screen mould.

Abstract: Touch fastener, molded articles having touch fasteners and methods of making such touch fasteners and articles are provided. The touch fasteners include a sheet form base having an upper face and a lower face; a plurality of male fastener elements, each fastener element having a stem molded integrally with and extending from the upper face of the sheet form base; and a foam or fibrous non-woven material adjacent to the upper face of the sheet form base, wherein at least a portion of the foam or fibrous non-woven material is disposed between at least a portion of the fastening elements.

Abstract: Polymer blends that exhibit good impact resistance comprise a crystalline polypropylene matrix and a partly crystalline copolymer impact modifier with a molecular weight lower than that of the matrix polymer. The matrix polymer can comprise any crystalline propylene homo- or copolymer. The impact modifying copolymers are characterized as comprising at least about 60 weight percent (wt %) of units derived from propylene and, in certain embodiments, as having at least one, preferably two or more, of the following properties: (i) 13C NMR peaks corresponding to a regio-error at about 14.6 and about 15.7 ppm, the peaks of about equal intensity, (ii) a B-value greater than about 1.4 when the comonomer content of the copolymer is at least about 3 wt %, (iii) a skewness index, Six, greater than about ?1.

Abstract: An extrusion method and an extrusion device, whereby at least two different flows of material are supplied from the extrusion device to a nozzle. The nozzle comprises at least two nozzle chambers such that the material flowing through the first nozzle chamber forms an outer part of a product, and the material flowing through the second nozzle part forms an inner part of the product. The capacity of the nozzle chambers is changed, whereby the relative proportion of the different parts of the product can be varied. When the capacity of the nozzle chamber is decreased, the amount of material flowing therethrough increases at the outlet of the nozzle, and when the capacity of the nozzle chamber is increased, the amount of material flowing out there-through decreases at the outlet of the nozzle.

Abstract: A unitary polymer substrate having a plurality of microfibers projecting from a surface is provided. The presence of the microfibers greatly increases the surface area and can impart a cloth-like feel to the surface. The projecting microfibers may have a variety of forms, including frayed-end microfibers, tapered microfibers, microfibers having an expanded cross-sectional shape, and microfibers having a very high aspect ratio. A number of methods of producing unitary polymer structures with a plurality of projecting microfibers are also provided.

Abstract: A method of making a fastener product having discrete regions of fastener element stems extending from a strip-form base includes providing a gap formed along a peripheral surface of a rotating mold roll, the mold roll having a plurality of cavities exposed about the peripheral surface. A sleeve is introduced to the gap. The sleeve is positioned about the mold roll and covers selected cavities. Molten resin is introduced to the gap such that the resin forms at least a part of the strip-form base of the product at the peripheral mold roll surface and at least partially fills a plurality of the cavities to form fastener element stems as projections extending from the strip-form base, while the resin remains blocked from said selected ones by the sleeve. The resin is solidified and stripped from the peripheral surface of the mold roll by pulling the projections from their respective cavities.

Abstract: A method for forming a unitary polymeric projection or fastener comprising a thin, strong flexible backing, and a multiplicity of thin spaced hook members projecting from the upper surface of the unitary backing the method generally including extruding a thermoplastic resin through a die plate which die plate is shaped to form a base layer and spaced ridges, ribs or hook elements projecting above a surface of the base layer. When the die forms the spaced ridges or ribs the cross sectional shape of the hook members are formed by the die plate while the initial hook member thickness is formed by transversely cutting the ridges at spaced locations along their lengths to form discrete cut portions of the ridges. Subsequently longitudinal stretching of the backing layer (in the direction of the ridges on the machine direction) separates these cut portions of the ridges, which cut portion then form spaced apart hook members.

Abstract: Tool rolls and methods of using the tool rolls to manufacture articles with one or more structured surfaces are disclosed. The tool rolls include an outer surface that, when used in connection with materials of the proper viscosity or formability, can form a structured surface on an article. Because the tools are manufactured in roll-form, they can be advantageously used in continuous manufacturing processes. Alternatively, discrete articles may be processed using the tool rolls. The tool rolls are constructed of a cylindrical base roll and are wrapped with one or more continuous wires in a helical pattern. The wires are used, in essence, to form a structured surface on the tool roll that is the negative of the structured surface to be formed on the articles processed using the tool roll. One of the wires wound around the base roll may include depressions formed therein that, when wound in helical coils about the base roll, form cavities on the outer surface of the tool roll.

Abstract: Forming a fastener component having heads constructed to engage loops formed e.g. of fibers of a mating component, comprises forming, from a thermoformable material, a preform product having a sheet-form base and an array of preform stems integrally molded with and extending from the base to corresponding terminal ends, by a process having a machine direction and a cross-machine direction. Each molded stem has at least two terminal features spaced from one another in the cross-machine direction, the features having a transverse shape about which engaging fibers can bend, the features having a thickness of about 0.25 mm (0.010 inch) or less, preferably about 0.20 mm (0.008 inch), and for personal care products and the like preferably about 0.1 mm (0.004 inch) or less. The terminal ends of the features are heated to a predetermined softening temperature and the terminal ends are contacted to reform the terminal ends to form heads therefrom that overhang the sheet-form base sufficiently to engage loops.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous and nondestructive production of plastic panels which are provided with undercut anchoring studs, web profiles or other forms of attachment (28) on one or both surfaces comprises a temperature-controlled chill roll (11), which has peripheral cooling bores (15) in the roll body (17). The roll body (17) is formed at the circumference as a polygon with flat supporting surfaces (25), against which the molding/demolding strips (13) are placed or from which they are lifted. The molding/demolding strips (13) are moved by means of piston/cylinder arrangements (16) and piston rods (18). The piston rods (18) move through transverse bores through the roll body (17). The melt is filled into molds (27) of the molding/demolding strips (13) by the counterpressure between the shaping roll (11) and a counterroll (10) and is cooled down. During the filling of the molds (27), the molding/demolding strips (13) are pressed against the flat faces of the roll body (17).

Abstract: A process produces cling-fastener parts with a large number of interlocking members (24) from a formulation encompassing radiation-crosslinkable prepolymers. The prepolymer is molded, cast, and/or compression molded into the shape of a large number of interlocking members (24) together with a cling-fastener base (21), and is then radiation-cured. The apparatus producing the cling fasteners encompasses a feed (32, 10) for the formulation (14) of radiation-crosslinkable, in particular acrylic, prepolymers, at least one shaping roll (11) and one backing roll (12). The shaping roll (11) has a large number of radial cutouts (17). A source of UV radiation (19), or an electron-beam source, provides radiation curing of the molded radiation-curable formulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming preferably a unitary polymeric hook fastener comprising a flexible backing, and a multiplicity of spaced hook members projecting from the upper surface of the unitary backing wherein each hook member comprises a multiplicity of hook head elements projecting in substantially the same direction. The hook members each comprise a stem portion attached at one end to the backing, and a head portion at the end of the stem portion opposite the backing. The head portion can also extend from a side of a stem portion or be omitted entirely to form alternative projections which can be other forms than a hook member. The head portion preferably projects past the stem portion on at least one of two opposite sides. At least the hook head portions have two or more hook head elements on at least one of the two opposing sides of the stem.

Abstract: An elongated electrical cable or flexible circuit board includes an electrically conductive path and an insulating body encompassing and electrically isolating the conductive path, the insulating body including an exposed surface having an array of fastener elements extending therefrom, the fastener elements arranged and constructed to engage mating fastener elements associated with a supporting surface to selectively secure the cable or flexible circuit board to the supporting surface. The fastener elements can be loop-engageable fasteners and/or loops.

Abstract: Tool rolls and methods of using the tool rolls to manufacture articles with one or more structured surfaces are disclosed. The tool rolls include an outer surface that, when used in connection with materials of the proper viscosity or formability, can form a structured surface on an article. Because the tools are manufactured in roll-form, they can be advantageously used in continuous manufacturing processes. Alternatively, discrete articles may be processed using the tool rolls. The tool rolls are constructed of a cylindrical base roll and are wrapped with one or more continuous wires in a modified undulating helical pattern. The modified helical pattern results in the distance between the first wire and a reference plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the base roll sequentially increasing and decreasing at least once when moving in one direction about a circumference of the base roll.

Abstract: Methods of forming mold cavities suitable for hook and loop fastening are disclosed, along with effective hook construction and hook and loop fastener products that have an ultrathin cross-section. Photochemical techniques are employed to form plates that define hook-form mold cavities, and, alternatively, chemical etching is employed following preforming of the cavities and machining. Hooks having three-dimensional tapers with enhanced loop engaging characteristics are disclosed. By utilization of special surface finishes and tolerances, hook fasteners, having ultrathin cross-sections are realized, that pave the way for practical use of touch fasteners in a wide range of new areas.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a security item comprises extruding or casting a polymer plastics substrate and, during the forming process, introducing a security thread into the substrate. The security thread is embedded to different depths in the substrate so as to generate a windowed effect.

Abstract: The toothed belt is produced in a moulding cavity, which is defined by a rotating moulding wheel and an endless moulding belt, which is also rotating. For this purpose, the moulding wheel has a channel defined by lateral cheeks, in the base of which are provided recesses, which correspond to the teeth of the toothed belt. The moulding belt surrounds the moulding wheel over a proportion of its periphery and engages the lateral cheeks at that point. The polyurethane, of which the toothed belt is to consist, is injected into the inlet of the moulding cavity. Upstream of the inlet, “lost cores” are introduced into some of the recesses in the moulding wheel corresponding to the teeth in such a manner that they are embedded all around in the polyurethane. After finishing the toothed belt the “lost cores” can be removed. Passages remain which can be used, for instance, for mounting fastening elements.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing a multicolor slide fastener includes an upper die 110, a lower die 120, and a plurality of unit fastening teeth-forming slots 101 formed in a lengthwise direction. Molding material-injecting passages and a plurality of sprue holes 102 are provided for injecting the molding materials S into the slots 101. Inclined passages 201 and 202 are connected to the molding material injecting passages respectively, for carrying the molding materials S from a raw material source. Heaters 240 and heat sensors 241 heat the passages 201 and 202. Pressing means 300 press the molding materials S into the inclined passages 201 and 202. Valves 400 control injection of the molding materials S into the sprue holes 102 of the upper die 110.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous and nondestructive production of plastic panels which are provided with undercut anchoring studs, web profiles or other forms of attachments (28) on one or both surfaces comprises a temperature-controlled chill roll (11), which has peripheral cooling bores (15) in the roll body (17). The roll body (17) is formed at the circumference as a polygon with flat supporting surfaces (25), against which the molding/demolding strips (13) are placed or from which they are lifted. The molding/demolding strips (13) are moved by means of piston/cylinder arrangements (16) and piston rods (18). The piston rods (18) move through transverse bores through the roll body (17). The melt is filled into molds (27) of the molding/demolding strips (13) by the counterpressure between the shaping roll (11) and a counterroll (10) and is cooled down. During the filling of the molds (27), the molding/demolding strips (13) are pressed against the flat faces of the roll body (17).

Abstract: A method of installing an annular bearing element within a centrifugal pump utilizes a mechanical staking operation. The bearing element locates within a receptacle of a pump stage that is surrounded by a retaining wall. Once the bearing element is located within the retaining wall, the retaining wall is permanently deformed at various points against the bearing element. The bearing element, if of a hard wear resistant metal, may have flats for the circumferentially spaced apart deformations to locate within. The bearing element may be a thrust washer for transmitting downward thrust, or it may be a radial support bearing sleeve.

Abstract: A running length of fastener product is formed of longitudinally pre-oriented synthetic resin. The product is characterized by a base web and an array of discrete fastener elements protruding from at least one side of the web, the web being in a laterally stretched molecular oriented condition. After forming a preform having discrete fastener elements integral with a base web in a stretchable state, the preform is stretched in a manner that substantially increases the fastener element spacing and reduces the thickness of the base web. A machine is shown that is capable of lengthwise orienting before forming and widthwise stretching after forming, which employs controlled heating to render the product widthwise stretchable while preserving or achieving a desired shape of the fastener elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fastener strip having magnetically attractable particles which are not located across the entire volume of the strip, but rather are incorporated in a discrete, distinct area of the strip. The fastener strip has a base and many hook pieces which rise from a fastening surface of the base. One embodiment has a magnetically attractable body in a row which rises from the surface of the base and is located along a substantially center line of the fastener strip. The magnetically attractable particles are incorporated in the magnetically attractable body and a part of the base located below the magnetically attractable body, and the magnetically attractable particles are not dispersed across the whole area of the base. A method of manufacturing such a strip is also described here.

Abstract: Touch fasteners with different portions having different material properties, and methods and apparatus for making such a product. In one embodiment, the fastener includes a cross-linkable polymer, and a first portion of the fastener is cross-linked and a second portion of the fastener is not cross-linked or is cross-linked to a degree less than said first portion. In another embodiment, the fastener is made in a continuous process on a rotating mold roll having a plurality of fastener element mold cavities extending into the mold roll from its outer circumferential surface.

Abstract: An embossing and adhesive application process including the steps of: applying an adhesive to a first patterned embossing roll which is engaged with a second patterned embossing roll having a complementary pattern to the first embossing roll; passing a web of sheet material between the first and second embossing rolls at a tangential line speed to simultaneously emboss the web and direct the adhesive against the web; and splitting the adhesive such that at least some of the adhesive remains on the first embossing roll and some of the adhesive remains on the web to form an adhesive pattern between embossments on the web.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of forming a foam product, comprising the steps of forming a layer of uncured polymeric foam; applying to the layer of uncured foam a layer of bubble pack, such that the bubbles that extend outwardly from the bubble pack at least partially penetrate into the uncured foam; and curing the layer of uncured polymeric foam. Products made by the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hook fastener member having rows of molded hook-shaped fastener elements that lie in planes aligned with the rows, with generally planar plate portions at the outermost ends of at least some of the fastener elements, the plate portions lying generally parallel to the base of the fastener member. The plate portions can enhance engagement of the hook fastener members with mating loop fastener members, particularly with low loft non-woven loop fastener members. A method of making fastener members is provided. Molten resin is extruded and applied to a molding roller, creating preforms. The outermost portions of at least some of the preforms are flattened, thereby forming generally plate shaped portions. Disposable absorbent garments advantageously incorporate the hook fastener members.

Abstract: A method for capping a stem web including passing the stem web through a first nip against a first heated nip roll so as to partially cap the stems; cooling the web; and passing the stem web through a second nip against a second heated nip roll to completely cap the stems to a diameter “D”. In preferred embodiments the two nips are on opposite sides of a larger central cooled roll positioned between the heated rolls. Preferably, the reaction forces between the rolls are measured and controlled at each end of each other heated rolls. The invention is particularly adapted to making abrasive particles that are attached to a driving mechanism via headed stem fasteners formed by the method.