Patent ID: 6419795
Filing Date: 2002-07-16
Classification: D21F,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a resin-impregnated endless belt structure having an outer surface with a plurality of indentations, said indentations being knuckle-shaped impressions spaced apart from one another, said method comprising the steps of:a) providing an endless, permeable base structure for said endless belt structure, said base structure having a length measured therearound in a longitudinal direction, and having an inside and an outside; b) providing a support structure having a surface with a plurality of knuckle-shaped protruding elements, said protruding elements being spaced apart from one another, said support structure being adapted to place said base structure under tension in a longitudinal direction; c) placing said base structure about said support structure, said support structure providing said tension to said base structure in a longitudinal direction, said inside of said base structure thereby being in contact with said surface of said support structure; d) dispensing a polymeric resin material onto said outside of said base structure on said support structure, said polymeric resin material totally impregnating said base structure and passing therethrough, thereby contacting said surface of said support structure to provide an impression of said surface on said polymeric resin material, said polymeric resin material forming a layer on said outside of said base structure; e) curing said polymeric resin material; f) removing said belt structure thus obtained from said support structure; and g) turning said belt structure inside out, thereby placing said impression of said surface of said support structure on the outside of said belt structure.