A description is given of a method for joining a first and a second film web (2, 2′) of a transfer film or laminating film, wherein the film webs (2, 2′) comprise a thermoplastic carrier film (21) and a decorative layer (23). Formed between the first and second film webs (2, 2′) is a common joining portion (3), in which the first and second film webs (2, 2′) are joined to each other by a welding process. A device for carrying out the method is also described.

An apparatus for splicing comprises a first web support surface configured to support a traveling web thereon and a second web support surface configured to support a replacement web thereon. The first traveling web travels in a machine direction. The splicing assembly also comprises a first web sensor and a web joiner. A controller is configured to determine, via the first web sensor, a position of a trailing end of the traveling web and to, in response to determining the position of the trailing end, cause a leading end of the replacement web to be positioned adjacently to the trailing end. The computer is also configured to control the web joiner to create a joint coupling the trailing end to the leading end.

A raw material supply device for a separator of a secondary battery includes a conveyor for causing an end portion of the supplied raw material to move to an end portion of the existing raw material; and a bonding unit for bonding the end portion of the supplied raw material and the end portion of the existing raw material. The raw material supply device may automatically bond the existing raw material and the supplied raw material by using ultrasonic waves with respect to the raw material for the separator of the secondary battery in the form of a roll.

A material web fixing device is used as part of a filter bag manufacturing installation. A material web transport device is used to transport at least two material webs, which fixed together at a distance from one another by at least one fixing seam, along a transport direction. A plurality of sewing units each have stitch forming tools configured as a sewing needle and a looper which interact with a thread. The material webs can be passed through between said stitch forming tools in the transport direction. An excess thread production unit is used to lengthen a thread path between the material webs. The excess thread production unit is arranged between the material webs in the thread run during operation. As a result, a material web fixing device is obtained, which allows filter bags to be produced with larger bag openings, particularly with larger opening extensions between the material webs.

An apparatus for splicing comprises a first web support surface configured to support a traveling web thereon and a second web support surface configured to support a replacement web thereon. The first traveling web travels in a machine direction. The splicing assembly also comprises a first web sensor and a web joiner. A controller is configured to determine, via the first web sensor, a position of a trailing end of the traveling web and to, in response to determining the position of the trailing end, cause a leading end of the replacement web to be positioned adjacently to the trailing end. The computer is also configured to control the web joiner to create a joint coupling the trailing end to the leading end.

A material web fixing device is used as part of a filter bag manufacturing installation. A material web transport device is used to transport at least two material webs, which fixed together at a distance from one another by at least one fixing seam, along a transport direction. A plurality of sewing units each have stitch forming tools configured as a sewing needle and a looper which interact with a thread. The material webs can be passed through between said stitch forming tools in the transport direction. An excess thread production unit is used to lengthen a thread path between the material webs. The excess thread production unit is arranged between the material webs in the thread run during operation. As a result, a material web fixing device is obtained, which allows filter bags to be produced with larger bag openings, particularly with larger opening extensions between the material webs.

A raw material supply device for a separator of a secondary battery includes a conveyor for causing an end portion of the supplied raw material to move to an end portion of the existing raw material; and a bonding unit for bonding the end portion of the supplied raw material and the end portion of the existing raw material. The raw material supply device may automatically bond the existing raw material and the supplied raw material by using ultrasonic waves with respect to the raw material for the separator of the secondary battery in the form of a roll.

A method is presented for providing a continuous web to an absorbent article manufacturing line. The method includes conveying a first roll of material through a splice box. The method also includes providing a second roll of the material extending into the splice box. The method also includes sensing upcoming expiration of the first roll of material. The method also includes using a first and second vacuum to hold a respective first portion of the first roll and a second portion of the second roll against first and second components of a thermal welding apparatus. The method also includes forming a thermal weld at the splice location between the first and second portions. The method also includes cutting the first roll of material upstream of the thermal weld. The method also includes conveying the second roll of material through the splice box without stoppage of the absorbent article manufacturing line.

A method is presented for making a multizone sticker for manufacturing an absorbent article. The method includes unwinding a sticker laminate. The method also includes separating the laminate into a first layer and a second layer, with the first layer including a surface with adhesive and the second layer including a non-stick backing layer. The method also includes treating the first layer with adhesive neutralizing agent to form a first zone with untreated adhesive and a second zone with treated adhesive. The method also includes recombining the first layer and the second layer, with at least a portion of the first zone configured to extend across a leading edge of a roll of material comprising a roll winding direction.