Novel methods of seaming

Abstract

A papermaker's fabric and a method of forming a papermaker's fabric, for installation in a papermaking machine. The papermaker's fabric having a plurality of cross-machine, a plurality of machine directional yarns, and a plurality of heat shrunk joints connecting ends of either the machine directional yarns or the cross machine directional yarns to form and continuous loop of fabric. The papermaker's fabric is formed by providing a fixture for securing a plurality of heat shrink tubing sections. Two or more corresponding yarns of the papermaker's fabric are inserted into each of the heat shrink tubing sections and heat is applied to the heat shrink tubing. Upon application of the heat the heat shrink tubing reduces its size to form a tight joint between two yarns inserted therein.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.