The subject invention includes methods and apparatus for joining treads. Such methods include the step of providing a first tread portion and a second tread portion for forming a joined tread, each tread portion comprising a section of tire tread extending lengthwise from a terminal end. Additional steps include providing a first fixture configured to retain the first tread portion and a second fixture configured to retain the second tread portion and securing the first tread portion into the first fixture and securing the second tread portion into the second fixture, each of the first and second fixtures being arranged within the first and second fixtures such that the terminal end of each tread portion is in communication with a joining side of each fixture. The methods further include directing the terminal ends towards each other and into forceful engagement with an elastomeric joining material arranged between the terminal ends.

In an apparatus for mounting a spout 1 on a plastic film 2 fed longitudinally thereof and intermittently, the plastic film 2 is punched by a punch blade 6. An aperture is therefore formed in the plastic film 2. A carriage 8 is moved for a distance L corresponding to a space between the punch blade 6 and a seal head 9 and between a punch receiver 7 and a seal receiver 10. A spout 1 is inserted into the aperture. The spout 2 and the plastic film 2. are heat sealed with each other by the seal head 9.

An apparatus for ultrasonic welding of a workpiece with a machine stand, a welding unit having a sonotrode, and a setting slide connected to the machine stand, which carries the welding unit and is movable in an infeed direction (Z) relative to the machine stand between a rear position and a front position, wherein a processing slide connected to the welding unit and the setting slide is provided, which can be moved together with the welding unit in the infeed direction (Z) relative to the setting slide between a start position and an end position, wherein a processing slide drive is provided, with which the processing slide can be moved in the infeed direction (Z) relative to the setting slide In order to improve the cycle time and the welding accuracy a setting slide drive is provided, with which the setting slide can be moved in the infeed direction (Z) relative to the machine stand.