The present invention relates to a method for splicing an upstream section and a downstream section of a multi-layered laminated sheet material wherein each section of the material comprises at least three layers each having first and second surfaces and wherein the at least three layers comprise first and second outer layers and at least one inner layer located between the first and second outer layers, comprising the steps of a) splicing together the upstream and downstream sections of both the first and second outer layers with a splicing material; b) removing the first outer layer from the multi-layered laminated sheet material to expose a surface of an inner layer; c) splicing the upstream and downstream sections of the exposed inner layer with a splicing material; and d) applying a replacement first outer layer to the exposed surface of the inner layer. A spliced multi-layered laminated sheet material produced according to the method is also provided. Also provided is an apparatus for splicing two sections of a multi-layered laminated sheet material wherein each section of the material comprises at least three layers each having first and second surfaces and wherein the at least three layers comprise two outer layers and at least one inner layer located between the two outer layers, the apparatus comprising: a first splicer configured to apply a splicing material to the two outer layers of the multi-layered laminated sheet material, a delaminator configured to remove a first outer layer, a second splicer located downstream of the delaminator configured to apply a splicing material to the exposed inner layer and an applicator located downstream of the second splicer configured to reapply an outer layer to the exposed inner layer.

A method of assembly of a carbon fiber space frame structure eliminates the need for gusset plates at the joints of the space frame structure. The elimination of the gusset plates at the joints of the space frame structure reduces the weight of the space frame structure and eliminates stresses that occur at the joints due to gusset plates attached at the joints.

A method of attaching at least two pieces of fabric in a waterproof fabric product. The at least two pieces of fabric are attached at a seam. The seam subsequently is sealed by application of a sealing tape. The method includes attaching the at least two pieces of fabric to each other by a welding process to form a welded seam, and performing the sealing by applying the sealing tape to cover the welded seam at one side of the fabric. A waterproof fabric product that has been produced using the method of attaching at least two pieces of fabric. A footwear includes a membrane including at least two pieces of fabric that are attached at a seam.

Air- or gas-holding fabrics and improvements to welded seam tapes used to join multiple fabric panels and/or to join accessories to one or more fabric panels. Specifically disclosed is a joining system and method for securing air- or gas-holding panels to one another and/or to joining accessories to one or more panels without causing damage due to overheating the seam area. This disclosure has been found particularly useful with improved lightweight fabrics that would otherwise be more susceptible to damage during welding processes. The disclosed seam tapes and accessory fabrics find particular use in connection with inflatable devices, but may be used in other applications. This disclosure relates to a dedicated seam tape or dedicated accessory fabric that (a) utilizes specialized coatings with a lower melt temperature compared to coatings that are used on inflatable fabric material and/or (b) is manufactured from material that has not been treated to have substantial reflective properties.

Aircraft stringers having carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) material reinforced flanges are disclosed. An example stringer to be coupled to a skin of an aircraft comprises a flange. The flange includes a first portion of a first stiffening segment. The flange further includes a first portion of a second stiffening segment coupled to the first portion of the first stiffening segment. The flange further includes a CFRP reinforcement segment coupled to the first portion of the first stiffening segment and to the first portion of the second stiffening segment. The CFRP reinforcement segment strengthens the first portion of the first stiffening segment and the first portion of the second stiffening segment.

A packaging for modified atmosphere packaging includes a flangeless cardboard tray having a bottom and an upstanding peripheral wall. A plastic flange is arranged on top of the edge of the peripheral wall. The plastic flange has in cross-section a first part extending horizontally, substantially parallel to the bottom of the tray, a second part depending from the first part downward along the outside of the peripheral wall and a third part depending from the first part, opposite of the second part, along the inside of the peripheral wall. A plastic barrier foil is adhered to and lines the inside of the cardboard tray and extends over the plastic flange to fix the plastic flange onto the flangeless cardboard tray.

Provided is a laser welded body which can be manufactured without undergoing complicated steps and maintain the characteristics of a resin contained in a resin member, which exhibits high welding strength even when scanned with a laser beam at a high speed, and which can be manufactured at high production efficiency.

The laser welded body 10 comprises a first resin member 1 which is a laser-irradiated subject which contains a thermoplastic resin and nigrosine sulfate and has an absorbance a.sub.1 of 0.09 to 0.9; and a second resin member 2 which contains a thermoplastic resin as the same kind as or different kind from the thermoplastic resin and a laser beam absorbent, and has an absorbance a.sub.2 of 3.0 to 15, wherein the first resin member 1 and the second resin member 2 are laser-welded at a part at which the both resin members are overlapped and/or butted.

A method for forming a connection between two tubular sections having a polymeric outer surface jacket, using electrofusion to fusion bond a casing of similar, non-crosslinked polymer to the outer surface of the tubular sections.

Applicators for applying a masking material to a target surface, the applicators include a body, an applicator system attached to the body and configured to apply the masking material to the target surface with a substantially straight edge as the body is translated in an application direction, a dispenser system attached to the body, the dispenser system being configured to support a supply of the masking material and to dispense the masking material to the applicator system, and a guide member attached to the body proximate the applicator system in a trailing position and configured to press the masking material to the target surface after the applicator system applies the masking material to the target surface.

A process of constructing an air tight and water tight seam, comprising cutting a sheet of selected material into two or more panels, sealing the panels at respective selected edges using an ultrasonic machine to form a seam, overlaying the seam with a tape made of the same selected material, and sealing the tape and seam using a radio frequency (RF) welding machine.