Patent ID: 7998534

Claim:
A method for reducing strain-induced curl in a multi-layer web, the method comprising: providing a web of indeterminate length; applying a coating to the web, the coating being characterized by at least partially shrinking when cured; curing the coating to form a multi-layer web, the multi-layer web including a curl induced by curing the coating; and bending the web prior to curing the coating to induce a pre-curl in the web, the pre-curl configured to substantially match and oppose the curl induced by curing said bending being accomplished by i) passing the web partly around a first bar or rod oriented at an angle of about 45° to the direction of the web approaching the bar or rod, ii) so that, downstream of the bar or rod, the web moves perpendicularly to its direction approaching the first bar or rod, iii) transporting the web to a second bar or rod oriented at an angle of about 45° to the direction of the web approaching said second bar or rod, and iv) passing the web partly around the second bar or rod so that, downstream of the second bar or rod, the web is moving in a direction perpendicular to its direction approaching the second bar or rod.