Importance

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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. Exit feed rolls are provided adjacent the exit end of the molding and cooling chamber to direct the curved web longitudinally toward a cutting and punching section for cutting the web material into slats of discrete length and punching openings therein ready for receiving flexible support ladders in a final assembly section to form finished window blinds.

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First Claim