Apparatus and method for cutting fabric tape strips to size

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for cutting fabric tape strips to size. Said apparatus comprises a conveying device for conveying a fabric tape (20) in a conveying direction (A). A first fabric feed (3, 3') is used to feed the fabric tape (20) onto the conveying device (1). A first film feed (2) is used to feed a film (104) onto the conveying device (1). The apparatus additionally comprises a sealing unit (5) for integrally bonding at least part of the film (104) in at least one region of the fabric tape (20), and a separating unit for separating at least partially sealed fabric tape strips from the fabric tape. The present invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Description

[0001] P101548CH Page 1 | 48

[0002] V1.0

[0003] DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE PREPARATION OF FABRIC STRIPS

[0004] The present invention relates to a device for the assembly of fabric tape strips, and a method for the assembly of fabric tape strips, both according to the preambles of the characterizing claims.

[0005] Technological background

[0006] Fabric tapes have a wide range of applications. One particular type of fabric tape is gauze, commonly known as woven gauze, which, due to its structure, is especially useful in the textile industry, but also in medical technology. A specific type of gauze product is wound dressings, such as gauze compresses, which serve to absorb blood and wound exudate and protect the wound from external contamination. These dressings can be applied using rolled gauze strips, which can be cut to the required length as needed, or they can be pre-cut and pre-fabricated gauze strips with a defined length or width. A particular disadvantage of gauze as a wound dressing is that a cut end can contain loose fibers. Gauze is preferably treated in such a way that it adheres to the wound as little as possible.However, frayed ends tend to adhere to the injured tissue. To prevent this, the cut edges of prefabricated woven tape strips are sealed with a thermoplastic material.

[0007] Due to their loose structure, gauze materials and similar fabric tape strips offer numerous advantages in application. However, they pose challenges for technical manufacturing and handling. The looseness of the material and the stringent hygienic and structural requirements for medical applications make the technical handling of fabric tape strips, especially those made of gauze, challenging. In particular, the high-throughput manufacturing and assembly of fabric tape strips is technically complex and costly. P101548CH Page 2 | 48

[0008] V1.0

[0009] There is therefore a need for devices and methods to simplify the processing of fabric tape strips, especially those made of gauze, preferably to enable high throughput rates and ideally to meet the high requirements of a medical technology application.

[0010] Description of the invention

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for the preparation of fabric tape strips, in particular gauze tape strips, which overcomes at least one disadvantage of the known device. In particular, a device for the preparation of fabric tape strips, in particular gauze tape strips, is to be provided which enables a high throughput and meets the hygienic requirements of the medical industry.

[0012] Another particular objective of the present invention is to provide a device of the type mentioned above which enables a particularly high throughput.

[0013] Similarly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a corresponding method which has at least the same advantages as the aforementioned device and / or overcomes at least one disadvantage of the known method.

[0014] A particularly preferred object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method of the type mentioned above which can process a throughput of at least 0.5 m, preferably at least 0.8 m, most preferably 1 m of fabric tape per minute, i.e. for example to separate fabric tape strips.

[0015] This task is solved with a device according to the characterizing part of the independent claims.

[0016] One aspect of the present invention relates to a device for the assembly of fabric tape strips.

[0017] For the purposes of the present invention, a woven tape strip can be understood to be a strip of defined length made of a textile fabric, P101548CH Page 3 | 48

[0018] V1.0 preferably a twisted woven fabric or, most preferably, a gauze. The fabric tape strip may have pretreatments, such as coatings, including water-repellent and / or grease-repellent, i.e., hydrophobic and / or lipophobic coatings, which prevent adhesion to a wound, or pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, polyfluorinated hydrocarbons, etc. The specific design of the fabric tape strips is solely dependent on the intended application. All fabric tape strips, however, share the characteristic of exhibiting a certain degree of permeability due to their fabric-like structure. A particular advantage of gauze, for example, is that, in addition to its absorbency, the loose mesh structure of the gauze allows oxygen to reach a wound, thus preventing anaerobic processes in the wound area.

[0019] In accordance with the present invention, the strip preferably has a substantially rectangular area. A gauze strip can, for example, be understood as a piece of gauze of a certain thickness with a length greater than its width.

[0020] In a particular embodiment, the fabric tape strips are cut transversely, preferably perpendicular to their longitudinal extent. Particularly preferably, the two resulting cut edges are sealed with a thermoplastic material. For example, a film can be used, which is bonded to a terminal area of ​​a fabric tape. By thermoplastically sealing the cut areas of a fabric tape strip, fraying of the fabric tape strip at its ends can be prevented. This improves hygienic usability and results in a generally cleaner product.

[0021] The device according to the invention comprises a conveying device for advancing a fabric tape in a conveying direction. For the purposes of the present invention, the fabric tape can be in the form of a substantially endless tape feed, e.g., in the form of fabric tape rolls. Accordingly, the device according to the invention can be designed to separate fabric tape strips from the fabric tape and thus prepare them for assembly. The conveying device is particularly preferably suited to advancing the fabric tape in a conveying direction by exerting a force on the fabric tape in the conveying direction. In the case of a fabric tape roll, this can lead to the fabric tape roll being unwound. P101548CH Page 4 | 48

[0022] V1.0

[0023] The device according to the invention further comprises a first fabric feed for feeding the fabric strip onto the conveying device. The first fabric feed can, for example, comprise a fabric strip reel. Particularly preferably, the device according to the invention comprises a plurality of fabric strip feeds. Thus, in a particular embodiment, the device according to the invention can, for example, comprise a second fabric feed. The second fabric feed can be designed, for example, to take over the role of the first fabric feed in a continuous feeding process as soon as the latter approaches its end or has been completely unwound.

[0024] In a particular embodiment, the device according to the invention is designed for an endless fabric tape feed. An endless fabric tape feed exists, for example, when a seamless transition from one fabric tape roll to a subsequent one is possible.

[0025] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a magazine with a first fabric feed and a second fabric feed. In particular, the first and second fabric feeds can be configured as fabric tape rolls that can be unwound from a core. The design of the fabric feed can be adapted to the requirements of the resulting fabric tape strip. For example, the width of the fabric tape strip can be ensured by using a fabric tape on a fabric feed that has the desired width.

[0026] In a particular embodiment, the fabric tape has a width of between 5 mm and 200 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 100 mm. A person skilled in the art can take corresponding standard requirements into account by providing the appropriate first and second fabric feeds.

[0027] In a particular embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a splicing unit. The splicing unit can be designed to join two ends, in particular from a first fabric feed and a second fabric feed after the first fabric feed has been exhausted. The splicing unit ensures, for example, the continuous operation of the device according to the invention.

[0028] The device according to the invention further comprises a first film feeder for feeding a film onto the conveying device. Particularly preferably, this is P101548CH Page 5 | 48

[0029] In version V1.0, the film is a thermoplastic film, most preferably a polyethylene film. The film can also be supplied as a flat strip on a roll. The film feed is also preferably a roll with the film wound on it. The width of the film can be selected analogously to the first or second fabric feed and have the same dimensions, or in an alternative and / or supplementary embodiment, a different dimension, most preferably a larger dimension. By selecting a larger dimension, for example, conveying through an uncut edge area can be ensured when cutting film blanks.

[0030] The present invention further comprises a sealing unit for the material-bonded connection of at least one part of the film with at least one area of ​​the fabric tape.

[0031] The device according to the invention further comprises a singulation unit for singulating at least partially sealed strips of fabric tape from the fabric tape.

[0032] The present device allows fabric tape strips to be manufactured at high throughput from an endless feed of fabric tape and / or film.

[0033] In a particular embodiment, the at least partially sealed fabric tape strips are individually packaged.

[0034] In an alternative and / or supplementary embodiment, the at least partially sealed fabric tape strips are packaged together, in particular a certain number of them, for example by packaging between two and 15, preferably five, fabric tape strips together in one package.

[0035] In a particular embodiment, the singulation unit is drum-shaped. The singulation unit then comprises at least one radially arranged winding mandrel.

[0036] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the winding mandrel is designed to rotate about its longitudinal axis. P101548CH Page 6 | 48

[0037] V1.0

[0038] For the purposes of the present invention, a drum-shaped singulation unit can be understood to be one that is, for example, essentially cylindrical in design. The drum-shaped singulation unit can, for example, have a central axis of rotation and a radial section. Preferably, the processing tools are located in the radial section, in particular at least one radially arranged winding mandrel. The drum-shaped singulation unit can then, for example, be driven to rotate about an axis of rotation and thus move the winding mandrels along their radius from one processing position to a second processing position.

[0039] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the drum-shaped singulation unit comprises a plurality of processing positions, which are formed by a winding mandrel assuming a position on the radius of the drum-shaped singulation unit that can be assigned to a process step. For example, a first processing position can be defined by a winding mandrel being aligned to receive a fabric strip. A second processing position can be defined, for example, by a winding mandrel with a captured fabric strip being aligned in operative contact with a cutting element. A third processing position can, for example, provide for winding the fabric strip and / or fabric strip, in particular by rotating a winding mandrel about its longitudinal axis. A further processing position can be defined, for example, by ejecting an already wound fabric strip.

[0040] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the drum-shaped singulation unit is designed to continuously alternate between the individual processing positions, i.e., the different processing positions are performed simultaneously on a different section of the fabric tape, or on a different strip of fabric tape. Alternatively and / or additionally, a stop occurs for each processing position, and the singulation unit is designed to perform a radial movement between these processing positions. This movement transfers a processing tool, in particular a winding mandrel, from a first to a second processing position, from a second to a third processing position, and from a third to a fourth processing position, respectively, and remains in each processing position for a defined period of time. P101548CH Page 7 | 48

[0041] V1.0

[0042] It has been shown that a drum-shaped singulation unit is particularly suitable for singulating and / or winding a continuously fed fabric strip to a desired product length, resulting in a fabric strip that can be finished accordingly. The drum-shaped singulation unit is particularly preferably designed to wind and eject at least partially sealed fabric strips.

[0043] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a fabric belt drive is positioned upstream of the singulation unit, which feeds the fabric belt into the singulation unit.

[0044] The fabric belt drive is particularly preferably designed to adapt the conveying speed of the fabric belt to the drive speed of a singulation unit, in particular a drum-shaped singulation unit.

[0045] A production output of between 15 and 150 pieces / min, depending on the belt length, is particularly preferred, with a particularly preferred output of between 30 and 120 pieces / min.

[0046] The fabric belt drive particularly preferentially conveys the fabric belt at 1 m / sec.

[0047] In a particular embodiment, a discharge element is provided in the vicinity of the singulation unit to ensure that the processed fabric tape is essentially free of electrostatic charge.

[0048] An ionizer is particularly preferred in the vicinity, especially upstream of the singulation unit.

[0049] In a particular embodiment, the winding mandrel has a gripping area. The gripping area is designed to grip the fabric tape and / or the fabric tape strip.

[0050] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the gripping area is designed to engage in a grid of the fabric tape and / or fabric tape strip. For this purpose, the gripping area can, for example, be provided with protrusions or roughenings capable of engaging the grid. Hook-shaped protrusions capable of engaging the grid would also be conceivable. P101548CH Page 8 | 48

[0051] V1.0

[0052] Preferably, the winding mandrel has retractable pins in the gripping area, which are designed to engage the fabric tape and / or fabric tape strip. These retractable pins are particularly preferably designed to engage the mesh of the fabric tape and / or fabric tape strip.

[0053] In a particular embodiment, the gripping area extends over at least a portion of the radius of the winding mandrel. Particularly preferably, the gripping area extends over a circumference of between 5° and 30° of the radius of the winding mandrel.

[0054] In a further particular embodiment, the gripping area is formed in a distal region of the winding mandrel. For the purposes of the present invention, the distal region can be considered the region located relatively distal to, i.e., further away from, the machine drive, in comparison to a region located more proximal to, i.e., closer to, the machine drive. Typically, but not necessarily, a tool area is located in the distal region, which is designed to handle and / or process a workpiece, in this case, for example, a fabric tape and / or strips of fabric tape.

[0055] In a particular embodiment, the pins in the gripping area are designed to be retractable, such that they can be moved from a retracted state to an extended state. This movement from a retracted to an extended state can, for example, involve the pins extending radially with respect to the cross-section of the winding mandrel.

[0056] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the gripping area comprises a plurality of retractable pins. Particularly preferably, the gripping area comprises between two and 50 retractable pins.

[0057] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the gripping area comprises a pin array as a gripping area, in which a plurality of retractable pins can be moved from a retracted to an extended state. In operation, this can cause the pins, by extending and moving into the extended state, to engage in a grid of the fabric tape and / or the fabric tape strip and, through a movement of the winding mandrel, e.g., a rotation of the winding mandrel around its longitudinal extension, to take the fabric tape and / or the fabric tape strip with them. P101548CH Page 9 | 48

[0058] V1.0

[0059] It has surprisingly turned out that this represents a particularly material-friendly method of transporting a fabric tape and / or fabric tape strip according to the invention, in particular gauze tape strips.

[0060] In a particular embodiment, the winding mandrel is essentially cylindrical, and the gripping area is formed at a distal end of the essentially cylindrical winding mandrel. The gripping area is then designed to extend radially from the distal end of the winding mandrel into a fabric band and / or fabric band strip. Particularly preferably, each of a plurality of radially arranged winding mandrels comprises a corresponding gripping area.

[0061] In operation, for example, moving the pins from an extended to a retracted position can make the fabric tape and / or strip removable and / or strippable from the winding mandrel at that point. Thus, for example, conveying and processing a fabric tape strip, where processing within the winding mandrel's operating area may include winding, can involve first picking up and winding the fabric tape and / or strip by a winding mandrel by extending the pins in the gripping area, and then ejecting it again in a different position, e.g., a different position of the drum-shaped singulation unit, for example, by moving the pins back from the extended to the retracted position.

[0062] In a particular embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a film perforation unit for weakening and / or at least partially cutting the film.

[0063] The foil perforation unit is preferably positioned upstream of the sealing unit.

[0064] According to the present invention, perforation takes place along the length of the film. Similarly, at least partial cutting takes place transversely to the length of the film.

[0065] In accordance with the present invention, a weakening can be achieved by creating a series of holes along a weakening seam on the film. These holes can lead to a controlled tear point by splitting the film into two or more sections. P101548CH Page 10 | 48

[0066] In version V1.0, more areas can be divided by tearing off the bridges remaining on the weakening seam. Cutting can then take place when at least a portion of the film has been completely cut. According to the present invention, weakening can be achieved, for example, by means of a toothed roller which is mounted parallel to the longitudinal extent of the film and whose radially arranged teeth weaken the film. Similarly, for example, a cutting unit extending transversely to the longitudinal extent of the roller can be provided, which has overlapping blades that are guided transversely to the longitudinal extent and can produce at least a partial cut of the film.

[0067] In a particular embodiment, the device according to the invention therefore comprises both a perforation unit for weakening the film in its longitudinal dimension and / or a cutting unit for at least partially cutting the film in its transverse dimension.

[0068] In a particular embodiment, the present device comprises more than one perforation unit, for example, to create two parallel weakenings in the film along its longitudinal extent. Thus, during operation, for example, two perforation units arranged in parallel can weaken the film at its edges in such a way that the two edges can be torn away from the center of the film. During operation, the center of the film would be divided by the cutting unit into at least partially cut film strips, each of which can be processed individually.

[0069] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the perforation unit comprises two parallel perforation wheels designed to perform the perforation continuously over the entire film.

[0070] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the perforation unit is positioned upstream of the cutting unit.

[0071] In another particular embodiment, the cutting unit comprises a blade designed to make a cut perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the film. P101548CH Page 1 1 | 48

[0072] V1.0

[0073] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the blade is designed to be interchangeable. This allows, for example, the selection of a blade that is adapted to the respective width of the film and the desired width of the cut.

[0074] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cutting unit is configured to perform a cut of between 5 mm and 30 mm, in particular between 8 mm and 14 mm, and most preferably between 10 mm and 12 mm. The cutting unit can, in particular, be adjustable so that it can be adapted by a person skilled in the art to the desired product length.

[0075] In another special embodiment, the perforation units are designed to be slidable, so that their distance from each other can be adjusted, e.g. by means of a mounted guide. This also allows the desired edge width, or the distance of the weakening seam from the outer edge of the film, to be set, and additionally makes the device adaptable to different film widths.

[0076] In a further embodiment, the present invention comprises at least one first pair of stretching rollers, which is formed for smoothing the at least partially cut and / or weakened film from the film perforation unit.

[0077] In a particular embodiment, the at least one first pair of stretching rollers is located downstream of the film perforation unit and upstream of the sealing unit. It is particularly preferably located downstream of the cutting unit and serves to stretch the perforated and cut film until it reaches the sealing unit.

[0078] It has surprisingly been found that at least one pair of stretching rollers can be suitable for keeping taut, for example, a short section, in particular a section between 10 mm and 800 mm, which must be traversed between at least partial cutting and singulation of the strips of the at least partially cut and / or weakened film. In this state, the film can be unstable, and the individual weakened elements can warp and / or otherwise impede transport. The at least one first pair of stretching rollers can remedy this particularly efficiently according to the invention.

[0079] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a plurality of stretching roller pairs. P101548CH Page 12 | 48

[0080] V1.0

[0081] The present device particularly preferably comprises a first pair of stretching rollers and a second pair of stretching rollers.

[0082] In a further particular embodiment, the present invention comprises more than two to five pairs of stretching rollers; most preferably, the present invention comprises three pairs of stretching rollers.

[0083] A pair of stretching rollers can, for example, consist of two stretching rollers arranged in parallel.

[0084] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the stretching roller pairs are each arranged symmetrically along the longitudinal guide of the at least partially cut and / or weakened film.

[0085] In a particular embodiment, the individual stretching rollers of the stretching roller pairs comprise shaft seals which are designed to exert a force on the conveyed film; particularly preferably, the stretching roller pairs are designed such that, in addition to longitudinal guidance and longitudinal conveying, the stretching roller pairs are designed to exert a lateral force on the film; in particular, a stretching roller pair is designed to stretch the film transversely to its longitudinal extent, for example by designing the shaft seals of the stretching roller pairs such that they are able to exert a normal force perpendicularly outwards from the center of the film.

[0086] In a particular embodiment, the shaft seals mounted on the stretching roller pairs are designed to have an asymmetrical cross-section. Particularly preferably, they are thicker in cross-section on the side facing the center of the film than on the side facing away from the center. For example, the shaft seals on stretching rollers according to the invention have a substantially triangular cross-section, with each pair of stretching rollers arranged such that the stretching rollers are symmetrically arranged, i.e., the triangles are mirror images of each other when considering the shaft seal cross-section.

[0087] In a particular embodiment, the sealing unit comprises at least one pair of sealing tools. The sealing unit is particularly preferably designed to continuously apply a foil blank to a section of the conveying direction. P101548CH Page 13 | 48

[0088] The sealing unit is capable of applying and bonding the material to the fabric tape in a material-bonded manner, as described in version 1.0. For this purpose, the sealing unit can have multiple pairs of sealing tools, with a number of pairs of sealing tools always in active engagement and a number of pairs in a ready position. For example, the pairs of sealing tools can each be mounted on circumferential bands that run symmetrically to each other, so that each pair of sealing tools can come into contact with each other to create the active bond.

[0089] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pair of sealing tools comprises at least one heating element and at least one anvil element. This can mean, for example, that one member of a pair of sealing tools is designed as a heating element and the second member of the pair of sealing tools is designed as an anvil element. In operation, the heating element and anvil element, as well as a corresponding foil blank, would come into operative contact with each other on a section of the fabric belt conveyed in the conveying direction, such that the foil blank is bonded to the fabric belt in a material-bonded manner.

[0090] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pair of sealing tools is designed to engage synchronously with each other.

[0091] In a further special embodiment, the pair of sealing tools is designed such that the pair is always arranged coaxially to each other in an operating state and a processing axis exists between a heating element and an anvil element in which the fabric strip conveyed in the conveying direction moves normally and is accompanied at least section by a pair of sealing tools, wherein this section is selected such that it is sufficient for the material-bonded connection of a film blank with the section of the fabric strip conveyed in the conveying direction.

[0092] In a particular embodiment, the pair of sealing tools is designed to separate film blanks from the film. For this purpose, each film blank can be gripped by a pair of sealing tools and conveyed away from the film at a speed higher than the film's conveying speed, causing a film blank to tear off. For this purpose, the film blank can be, for example, via the P101548CH page 14 | 48

[0093] V1.0

[0094] Weakening seam, i.e., the previously made perforation of the foil in the longitudinal direction is torn off.

[0095] In a particularly preferred embodiment, excess edge area of ​​the film is guided away from the tear-off area by means of deflecting rollers. Particularly preferably, these deflecting rollers guide the edge area as a carrier strip onto a collecting roller, which gathers the excess edge areas of the film and makes them removable from the device according to the invention.

[0096] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the heating element and the anvil element are designed such that, with respect to the orientation of the machine, the anvil element presses a foil blank onto the fabric tape from below, and the heating element moves directly onto the fabric tape from above, thus tearing off the foil blank and pressing it onto the fabric tape.

[0097] In a particular embodiment, the sealing unit comprises a curved profile for guiding one of the two sealing tools from the pair. Preferably, at least one sealing tool from the pair is brought into operative contact with the film blank of the at least partially cut and weakened film via the curved profile. Particularly preferably, the curved profile is designed to bring the respective sealing tool from the pair into operative contact with the film blank of the at least partially cut and weakened film over several levels.

[0098] The anvil element is particularly preferably brought into operative contact with the foil cut of the at least partially cut and weakened foil with a curved profile over several levels.

[0099] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the anvil element is brought into operative contact with the foil blank by means of a curved profile spanning between two and five levels.

[0100] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the anvil is spring-loaded. P101548CH Page 15 | 48

[0101] V1.0

[0102] The anvil element is preferably moved in a coordinated manner over three levels in order to come into contact with the heating element and tear off the foil cut-out.

[0103] In a particular embodiment, the singulation unit comprises a plurality of strippers, each associated with a winding mandrel. The strippers are designed to strip a coil of fabric tape formed by the winding mandrel from the mandrel. Preferably, the strippers are designed to be movable perpendicular to the radius of the winding drum. The strippers can, for example, have a retracted and an extended state. In the retracted state, the winding mandrel is free and can come into contact with the workpiece, i.e., the fabric tape strip. In the extended state, the stripper slides between the winding mandrel and any coiled fabric tape strip and thus strips it from the winding mandrel.

[0104] It has surprisingly turned out that a scraper is able to gently remove the fabric tape strips formed on the winding and feed them into further conveying.

[0105] The wiper can, for example, be mounted parallel to a winding mandrel along its wiping direction by means of an actuator. The wiper can be designed to perform a corresponding longitudinal movement in a specific arrangement of the winding mandrel on the drum, thus gently pushing a strip of fabric tape wound onto the mandrel off it.

[0106] It is particularly preferred that the wipers are designed to be movable perpendicular to the radius of the winding drum.

[0107] In a particular embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises at least one sensor on the conveyor. Preferably, the sensor is positioned upstream of a processing unit so that the input of a fabric belt and / or fabric belt strip can be monitored.

[0108] In an alternative and / or supplementary embodiment, the sensor is located downstream of a processing unit, so that each processing step can be monitored by the sensor. P101548CH Page 16 | 48

[0109] V1.0

[0110] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a sensor is positioned upstream of the drum-shaped singulation unit. The sensor is particularly preferably an ultrasonic sensor.

[0111] In a further embodiment, the device according to the invention includes a discharge conveyor for receiving the fabric tape strip. Preferably, the discharge conveyor is located downstream of the singulation unit, which is designed as a drum, and is configured to receive and convey a fabric tape strip. Particularly preferably, the discharge conveyor terminates in a packaging unit designed to package the singulated fabric tape strips, e.g., to seal them in a blister pack. A single fabric tape strip or multiple fabric tape strips can each be individually packaged in a sealed pack, as required. A person skilled in the art can adapt this packaging step to the specific needs of the customers.

[0112] The device according to the invention further comprises at least one tensioning element. The tensioning element is designed to compensate for tensions in the fabric strip. In particular, the tensioning element is designed to compensate for tensions in the fabric strip between a fabric drive and the singulation unit. This allows, for example, the fabric strip to be guided continuously, even though individual processing steps must be paused. The tensioning element is able to compensate for such tensions. For example, the tensioning element can have a movable carriage that can be shifted along a track and thus increases and decreases the tension on the fabric strip depending on the process step, so that the fabric strip can be continuously fed to a discrete processing cut. It is particularly preferred that the movable carriage is linearly mounted along the track.

[0113] Alternatively and / or additionally, a dancer can be provided, which is designed with rope guides to exert a tensile force on the fabric strip. The tensile force can be increased or decreased depending on the process step, so that, in particular, a substantially constant tension acts on the fabric strip. This allows the fabric strip, which is, for example, continuously fed, to be fed to a discrete processing cut. A pulley system is particularly preferred for this purpose, which adjusts the distance traveled by the dancer for P101548CH Page 17 | 48

[0114] Version 1.0 reduces the voltage equalization. This allows, for example, space to be saved in the machine and more precise control of the tractive force.

[0115] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a sensor is provided which is capable of detecting the position of a foil blank on a fabric tape; this sensor is particularly preferably an ultrasonic sensor as described above. This sensor makes it possible, for example, to ensure the separation of the fabric tape into strips by cutting within a sealed section of the fabric tape.

[0116] In a particular embodiment, the device according to the invention includes a control unit. The control unit is preferably designed to directly transmit a deviation detected by a sensor to a downstream processing process, whereby the processing process automatically corrects this deviation. For example, an ultrasonic sensor can be provided which detects the position of a film blank on the fabric tape and directly transmits any deviation of the film blank to a downstream winding mandrel of a drum-shaped singulation unit, so that the winding mandrel can align itself on a blank by a knife and ensure a cut precisely in the center of a film blank on the fabric tape.

[0117] It is self-evident to a person skilled in the art that all the aforementioned embodiments can be realized in any combination in a configuration according to the invention, provided they are not mutually exclusive. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art will discover additional structural features of a device according to the invention by studying the method according to the invention.

[0118] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for preparing strips of fabric tape. Gauze tape strips are particularly preferably prepared using the method according to the invention.

[0119] In a preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention is carried out with a device as described above.

[0120] The method comprises a step of providing a conveying device for conveying a fabric strip in a conveying direction. Particularly preferably, it is P101548CH Page 18 | 48

[0121] In V1.0, the conveying device is one of the aforementioned types for conveying a fabric strip. The inventive method further comprises the step of feeding the fabric strip onto the conveying device. It further comprises the step of feeding a film onto the conveying device.

[0122] The inventive method further comprises the step of bonding at least a portion of the film to at least one region of the fabric tape. This bonding preferably takes place downstream of the film feeding process in the inventive method.

[0123] The inventive method further comprises the step of separating the at least partially sealed strips of the fabric tape from the fabric tape.

[0124] For the purposes of the present invention, a material-bonded connection of at least a portion of the film with at least a region of the fabric tape can be understood to mean, for example, that not the entire surface of the fabric tape is materially bonded to a film. It can also be understood to mean that only one side of the fabric tape is materially bonded to a film. Particularly preferably, a film blank is materially bonded to a region of the fabric tape. This film blank then also separates the individual fabric tape strip from the remaining fabric tape in a subsequent singulation step.Therefore, it is particularly preferred that the film blank, sealed onto the area of ​​the fabric tape, be cut precisely in the middle during singulation, resulting in a fabric tape strip with a hem on both sides at the cut edges. This hem consists of the remaining part of the film blank, which is bonded to the fabric tape strip. This prevents fraying of the fabric tape strip at the cut edges, which can benefit the product's hygienic requirements.

[0125] In a particular embodiment of the inventive method, the step of separating the at least partially sealed fabric tape strips from the fabric tape comprises a series of sub-steps. Among other things, this separating process includes receiving a fabric tape onto a winding mandrel. It further comprises radially conveying the fabric tape onto the winding mandrel. This radial conveying of the fabric tape onto the winding mandrel is particularly preferably carried out by means of a drum-shaped separating unit whose winding mandrels are arranged radially. P101548CH Page 19 | 48

[0126] V1.0

[0127] The singulation step further comprises cutting the fabric tape into a strip and stripping the strip. Stripping the fabric tape is particularly preferably carried out using a stripper. A suitable stripper has already been described in detail above. Particularly preferably, the stripping process involves extending the stripper from a retracted position to an extended position, which is located peripherally to the winding mandrel, thereby pushing a fabric tape strip wound onto the mandrel off it.

[0128] In a particular embodiment of the inventive method, the receiving of a fabric strip on a winding mandrel includes engaging the fabric of the fabric strip. For this purpose, the winding mandrel can, for example, have a gripping area with retractable pins. Accordingly, the inventive method can include the step of extending the retractable pins on the winding mandrel so that they engage the fabric of the fabric strip and enable the fabric strip to be carried along. Particularly preferably, the pins are designed to extend radially out of the winding mandrel in such a reversible manner that they extend into the fabric and thus carry it along with a movement of the winding mandrel.

[0129] In a particular embodiment of the inventive method, the method includes the step of weakening the film.

[0130] In a further particular embodiment, the inventive method further comprises the step of cutting the film. For example, the film can be weakened and / or at least partially cut. Particularly preferably, a weakening zone extending longitudinally along both edges is created by the weakening. Furthermore, and particularly preferably, a laterally extending cut is created between the weakening zones by the cutting. During operation, these resulting film cutouts can be separated from the film. The film cutouts can tear laterally at the weakening zones. Thus, for example, a film cutout can be adjusted to a desired width by cutting. The length of the film cutout can be adjusted by weakening both sides at the edge. P101548CH Page 20 | 48

[0131] V1.0

[0132] For the purposes of the present invention, ‘laterally extending cuts’ can be understood to mean that the cuts, for example the cut edges, are at a substantially right angle to the longitudinal extension of the film.

[0133] In a further particular embodiment, the inventive method provides for the tearing off of a foil blank from a foil that has been at least partially cut and weakened. This tearing takes place before the material-bonded joining.

[0134] In a further particular embodiment of the method according to the invention, the at least partially cut and weakened film is smoothed by means of stretching rollers before tearing. For this purpose, the at least partially cut and / or weakened film can, for example, be stretched laterally by means of stretching rollers, so that excessive curling of the film sections before tearing is essentially prevented.

[0135] The inventive method for preparing fabric tape strips can also undergo at least one of the following steps on or at the conveying device from the group consisting of: static discharge, stretching, cutting, winding, sensor detection, suction, perforation and / or drive.

[0136] Electromagnetic sensor detection is particularly preferred. Ultrasound-based sensor detection is especially preferred.

[0137] In a particular embodiment, the static discharge takes place before feeding into the singulation unit.

[0138] In a further particular embodiment, stress equalization takes place in the inventive method, e.g., by a tension element compensating for stresses between the individual units. For example, the tension element can compensate for the stress of the fabric tape between a fabric drive and a singulation unit. In particular, the tension element can generate a balance of the stress between a continuous fabric drive and a discrete singulation unit. P101548CH Page 21 | 48

[0139] V1.0

[0140] In a particular embodiment, the fabric belt is conveyed at a speed of between 0.25 and 5 m / s, in particular at a speed of between 0.5 and 3 m / s, and further in particular at a speed of 1 m / s.

[0141] In a particular embodiment, an ionizer is able to induce a static discharge of the tissue band.

[0142] In another special embodiment, an ultrasonic sensor is able to detect the position of a foil blank on the fabric strip and transmit corresponding information to a control unit, which in turn can control a winding mandrel accordingly, in order to ensure that a blank is cut in the middle of the foil blank and thus singulation with a fabric strip, which has a foil blank at each end, can be ensured.

[0143] In a special embodiment, the drum-shaped singulation unit runs continuously.

[0144] In another special embodiment, extraction takes place. Extraction allows dust and fibers from the fabric tape to be removed from the machine process, thus further increasing or ensuring hygiene.

[0145] In a particular embodiment, a strip of fabric tape is wound around the winding mandrel. In a particular embodiment, the winding takes place without counter-pressure on the fabric tape strip in order to obtain a substantially loose wind.

[0146] Alternatively and / or additionally, the winding process is supported by at least one pressure roller, and in particular by a plurality of pressure rollers.

[0147] This can have the advantage that the resulting coil can be positioned more easily in terms of its orientation, i.e., with respect to its cutting edge. For example, this ensures that a subsequent cutting edge can be targeted more precisely by a cutting element.

[0148] The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to figures and specific embodiments, without, however, being limited to these. P101548CH Page 22 | 48

[0149] V1.0

[0150] A person skilled in the art will discover further advantageous features of the present invention by studying these particular embodiments.

[0151] The figures are schematic, and for the sake of easy tracing, the same parts are marked with the same reference symbols.

[0152] Character description

[0153] The following figures describe exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0154] They show schematically:

[0155] Fig. 1 shows a device for preparing fabric tape strips according to the present invention;

[0156] Fig. 2 shows a singulation unit for use in a device according to the invention;

[0157] Fig. 3a shows a winding mandrel as it can be used in a singulation unit according to the invention;

[0158] Fig. 3b shows a cross-section of the winding mandrel of Fig. 3a in the gripping area;

[0159] Fig. 3c is an illustration of the operation of a winding mandrel according to Fig. 3a;

[0160] Fig. 3d shows a longitudinal cross-section of a winding mandrel as it can be used in a device according to the invention;

[0161] Fig. 4 shows the ejection of a coil from the singulation unit;

[0162] Fig. 5a shows a sealing unit as it can be used in a device according to the invention;

[0163] Fig. 5b shows a close-up of sealing tools in a sealing unit according to the invention; P101548CH Page 23 | 48

[0164] V1.0

[0165] Fig. 6 shows an arrangement with film perforation units for preparing a film that is at least partially cut and weakened for feeding to the sealing unit according to Fig. 5a;

[0166] Fig. 7a shows a detailed view of a transfer arrangement for the at least partially cut and / or weakened film to the sealing unit;

[0167] Fig. 7b shows the arrangement of Fig. 7a in top view.

[0168] Implementation of the invention

[0169] Fig. 1 schematically shows a structure of a device for the assembly of fabric tape strips, as can be understood from the present invention.

[0170] For the sake of simplicity, the device shown in Fig. 1 depicts the essential processing stations and elements on a single plane. However, it is self-evident to a person skilled in the art that an inventive embodiment of a device for processing fabric tape strips can take place over one or more revolutions on a multitude of planes. For example, an inventive device can be arranged on several planes to make it more space-saving. It is also conceivable that the individual processing stations are modular and that the individual modules are assembled as separate planes within an inventive device to form the entire machine complex.

[0171] Figure 1 shows a substantially vertical device 1 according to the invention with a conveying unit for conveying a fabric strip 20. The fabric strip 20 is moved in a conveying direction A. For the purposes of the present invention, the conveying direction A can be understood as the direction in which the workpiece is progressively processed. In the present example, the fabric strip 20 is moved in conveying direction A. The conveying unit 1 can also have separate conveying elements for conveying the fabric strip and for conveying a film. The device according to the invention is particularly preferably designed for conveying an endless fabric strip 20 in conveying direction A. For this purpose, the present device has a first fabric feed 3 for feeding the fabric strip. P101548CH Page 24 | 48

[0172] V1.0

[0173] Fabric tape 20 into the conveying device and via a second fabric feed 3' for conveying another fabric tape 20 into the conveying device 1. The second fabric feed 3', shown here with a dashed line, can take over the feed from the first fabric feed 3 when the wound fabric tape 20 of the first fabric feed 3 is exhausted or nearing its end. For this purpose, the first fabric feed 3 and the second fabric feed 3' can be operatively connected via a splicing unit, which is suitable for taking over the fabric feed when a roll of fabric tape 20 on one of the two fabric feeds 3, 3' is nearing its end. In the present example, a fabric tape roll wound on a core with a corresponding product width can be used for the fabric feed 3, 3'. In the schematic view of Fig.Not shown are any deflection rollers that can be used to maintain tension on a conveyed fabric strip 20. Such splicing units and deflection rollers for feeding a fabric strip 20 onto the conveying device are familiar to those skilled in the art. A film is also fed in. A first film feeder 2 serves to feed the film. This film feeder 2 can also be configured with a redundant film roll as an infinite film feeder 2. In the present example, a polyethylene film of the corresponding product width is used as the roll for the film feeder 2. The film feeder 2 can also be equipped with one or more deflection rollers to maintain the corresponding tension of the film. In the example shown here, the film is conveyed onto a film processing unit 4.This film processing unit 4 can be designed to perform one or more preparatory processing steps on the film. For example, weakening and / or cutting can take place prior to joining the film with the fabric tape 20. Once the film and the fabric tape are brought into contact, a first processing step encompassing both elements can take place; in the example shown here, this involves a material-bonded seal of at least a portion of the film to at least one area of ​​the fabric tape using a sealing unit 5.

[0174] From the sealing unit 5, the fabric tape, along with at least parts of the film, passes to a singulation unit 6 for the separation of at least partially sealed fabric tape strips from the fabric tape. From the singulation unit 6 onward, the fabric tape is separated into individual fabric tape strips. In this example, the singulation unit 6 is depicted as a drum. It is designed to receive the fabric tape and continuously separate individual fabric tape strips. P101548CH Page 25 | 48

[0175] V1.0 to separate. For this purpose, the singulation unit 6 can be designed with one or more cutting elements.

[0176] The resulting at least partially sealed fabric tape strips can be conveyed from the singulation unit onto an outfeed conveyor 7, either fully rolled up, partially rolled up, or unrolled. The outfeed conveyor 7 can further process one or more fabric tape strips, for example, by disinfecting, coating, packaging, welding, compressing, separating, etc., depending on the requirements of the final product. It goes without saying that one or more further processing stations can be provided downstream of the outfeed conveyor 7 to further process the resulting fabric tape strips according to the specifications for the final product.

[0177] In this example, the sealing unit is a thermally operated sealing unit. As mentioned above, the film is a polyethylene film. The sealing unit is therefore designed to heat the polyethylene film, for example to temperatures of approximately 160 degrees Celsius, to enable a material-bonded connection between the film and the fabric tape. The specific temperature depends on the materials used, the pressure applied by the film to the fabric, and the duration the sealing tool remains in the sealing position. These dependencies—material, fabric thickness of the lathe, duration of the fusing process, and pressure—can be adjusted by a person skilled in the art to ensure a material-bonded connection between at least a portion of the polyethylene film and the fabric tape strip.

[0178] The device shown here is particularly suitable for sealing and finishing fabric tapes accordingly.

[0179] The device shown is particularly suitable for processing and converting gauze tapes. The gauze materials used can be wound onto a plastic and / or cardboard core. Accordingly, the gauze rolls used can have a product width as desired in the final product. The respective widths of the polyethylene films, which are also wound onto the core, are designed to match the corresponding gauze width. Particularly preferred is the production of wound gauze tape strips with the ends of which are sealed with a film, thus essentially preventing fraying of the cut ends. The wound gauze tape strips can then be individually packaged and used, for example, as bandages. P101548CH Page 26 | 48

[0180] V1.0

[0181] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention is designed for the essentially sterile processing of the gauze strips. For this purpose, the device can, for example, be housed in a cleanroom. Suitable arrangements and additional functions to achieve this are known to those skilled in the art. For example, positive pressure can be generated in the processing chamber, which makes it more difficult for germs to penetrate. Extraction devices and components that enable an essentially dust-free processing chamber are equally suitable. Such devices and equipment are known to those skilled in the art and can be selected by them depending on the required purity of the finished products.

[0182] In the following figures, individual elements of the device according to the invention are explained in more detail, whereby the individual design for an embodiment according to the invention can be adapted by a person skilled in the art taking into account the product specifications to be achieved for the fabric tape strips.

[0183] Fig. 2 shows a singulation unit 6, as it can be used in a device according to the invention for preparing fabric tape strips, in particular gauze tape strips. The fabric tape is fed into the singulation unit 6 in a conveying direction A and exits the singulation unit 6 as a fabric tape strip 20' again in conveying direction A. The singulation unit 6, which is essentially drum-shaped, has a plurality of winding mandrels 11.1, 11.2,

[0184] 1 1 .3, 11 .4. In the present example, it has four winding mandrels 1 1 .1 , 11 .2, 11 .3,

[0185] 1 1 .4. The winding mandrels 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 are radially mounted on the drum-shaped singulation unit 6. They are designed to rotate about their longitudinal axis. Each individual winding mandrel 1 1.1, 1 1.2, 11.3, 11.4 is responsible for a processing step on the fabric tape or fabric tape strip at its respective station.

[0186] Figure 2 illustrates various processing steps of the singulation unit 6 in four processing positions B, B', B", B'", for which the drum is divided into four corresponding quadrants. Positions B, B', B", B'" essentially define an angular range within which a corresponding processing step can take place. This should be understood as a schematic illustration only. In the context of the present example, the transfer of the fabric strip occurs, for instance, at a specific point and / or gradually along a path within the P101548CH page 27 | 48

[0187] V1.0

[0188] The angular range of position B takes place. The same applies analogously to the other steps mentioned.

[0189] In a first step, a first winding mandrel 11.1 is responsible for taking up the fabric tape at position B. The fabric tape was previously checked using a sensor 15. The sensor 15 can be designed to detect the presence of at least a partially sealed area on the fabric tape. The sensor 15 is particularly preferably an ultrasonic sensor. It is designed to reliably detect, for example, a polyethylene strip on the fabric tape. Accordingly, a cutting element 10 can be performed at the point where the fabric tape surrounds the polyethylene strip. The first winding mandrel 11.1 is designed to grip the fabric tape strip. For this purpose, the winding mandrel 11.1 can be provided with corresponding elements that enable the fabric tape to be gripped. The winding mandrel 11.1 particularly preferably has...1. This is achieved via extendable pins which engage in a grid of the fabric tape and thus carry it along. The cutting element can have one or more elements which are suitable for holding down the fabric tape and / or a strip of fabric tape and, in particular, for preventing the fabric tape strip from lifting off when being removed by the first winding mandrel 11.1.

[0190] After the cutting element 10 has cut the fabric tape and separated a strip, the resulting strip is wound onto a second winding mandrel 11.2 at position B' by rotating about its longitudinal axis. One or more pressure rollers 16.1, 16.2 ensure that the fabric tape strip is wound neatly onto the winding mandrel. Furthermore, the one or more pressure rollers 16.1, 16.2 allow for inspection of the free end of the fabric tape strip created by the cutting process as the second winding mandrel 11.2 rotates around the drum's radius.

[0191] At the third position B," the resulting coiled strip of fabric tape must now be ejected. For this purpose, each of the winding mandrels 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 has an associated wiper 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 13.4. The wiper 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 13.4 is assigned to each winding mandrel 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 and is designed to wipe a coil of fabric tape formed on a winding mandrel from the mandrel. For this purpose, the wiper 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 13.4 is designed to be perpendicular to the P101548CH page 28 | 48

[0192] V1.0

[0193] The radius of the winding drum is movable. The stripper 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 13.4 is retracted in its normal state, i.e., it leaves a gripping area of ​​the winding mandrel 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 free, allowing the mandrel to pick up a strip of fabric tape. During the stripping process, the stripper moves parallel to the longitudinal extent of the winding mandrel 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 and thus pushes a strip of fabric tape off a gripping area of ​​the winding mandrel, in this example onto a discharge conveyor, which conveys the resulting fabric tape strip 20". The discharge conveyor can be equipped with one or more pressure rollers to ensure that the fabric tape strips 20" are further compressed. A compression belt can be provided instead of or in addition to the pressure rollers.The compression belt can, for example, be a driven belt running parallel to the discharge belt, for example made of rubber or comprising a rubber coating to ensure a certain basic friction and to convey the 20” fabric belt away in conveying direction A.

[0194] In the fourth position B'", the wiper is retracted again, and the winding mandrel prepares to take over a fabric tape.

[0195] In the present schematic diagram, individual stations of the winding mandrels 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 are shown by way of example via their respective positions B, B', B" and B'". In position B, a first winding mandrel 11.1 takes the fabric strip. In the second position B', a second winding mandrel 11.2 winds up the previously cut strip of fabric. In the third position B", a wiper 13 strips the wound strip of fabric from the third winding mandrel 11.3.

[0196] The processes shown can take place simultaneously. Accordingly, the drum-shaped singulation unit shown enables continuous processing of the fabric strip. The singulation unit shown is designed to process between ten and 200 fabric strips per minute. A processing rate of between 30 and 120 fabric strips per minute is particularly preferred. The device shown can also include one or more additional elements, such as a suction device designed to remove any dust or residue that may be generated during the singulation process. Furthermore, one or more additional pressure rollers can be provided to facilitate, for example, the guiding of the fabric strips.An ionizer can also be provided beforehand to ensure that a fabric strip is discharged upon entering the device according to the invention, in order to prevent unwanted static effects. P101548CH Page 29 | 48.

[0197] V1.0

[0198] Pressure rollers 16.1, 16.2, and 17 are particularly suitable, as they are especially gentle on the fabric tape and / or fabric tape strips. Silicone pressure rollers have proven to be suitable.

[0199] The singulation unit 6 can be driven via a drum bearing 12, which can be connected to a machine frame and can accordingly drive a rotation of the singulation unit 6 via a controllable drive motor.

[0200] Fig. 3a schematically shows a winding mandrel as it can be used in a device according to the invention, particularly in a drum-shaped singulation unit. The winding mandrel 11 is a steel tool with a distal end, where a gripping area 40 is formed, and a proximal end, which can be connected to the machine frame and has means for transmitting force to the winding mandrel 11. In the example shown here, the proximal end is shown on the left and the distal end on the right. At the distal end, the winding mandrel 11 has a drive element 45. In the present example, the drive element 45 is designed as a gear and can be driven, for example, by means of a toothed belt. The drive element 45 is rigidly connected to a winding mandrel sleeve 34 via a winding mandrel body 39. The winding mandrel sleeve 34 has two fastening screws 46.1, 46.2.2 for connecting the winding mandrel sleeve to a corresponding bearing of the drum-shaped singulation unit. For gripping and handling the fabric tapes or fabric tape strips, a cylindrical tool body extends into a working area of ​​the drum-shaped singulation unit. The tool body 31 has a series of recesses in a gripping area 40. These recesses allow retractable pins (not shown in Fig. 3a) to be extended into the gripping area 40. These retractable pins engage the mesh of the fabric tape and / or fabric tape strip and, by rotating the winding mandrel 11, take it with them, or wrap it around the distal area of ​​the winding mandrel 11.

[0201] Figure 3b shows a cross-section of the gripping area 40 of Figure 3a. The view in Figure 3b is from the front, i.e., the distal end of the winding mandrel 11. The winding mandrel sleeve 34 can be seen in the background. The cross-section extends into the gripping area 40 of the tool body 31. Retractable pins 36 are visible, which are designed to extend through the recesses 32 of Figure 3a. An actuator 35 serves to drive the retractable pins 36. P101548CH Page 30 | 48

[0202] V1.0

[0203] Figure 3c schematically illustrates the operation of the winding mandrel 11 using a practical example. A strip of fabric tape 20 is guided over a gripping area 40 of the winding mandrel 11 by means of guide elements 37.1, 37.2. Retractable pins 36 are formed in the gripping area 40, extending from the tool body 31 into a grid of the fabric tape 20. This ensures that the fabric tape is guided gently. In this example, a first guide element of the fabric tape, or strip of fabric tape 37.1, is located upstream of the conveying direction of the fabric tape, and a second guide element of the fabric tape, or strip of fabric tape 37.2, is located downstream relative to the first guide element 37.1 in the conveying direction of the fabric tape, or strip of fabric tape. When the winding mandrel rotates about its own longitudinal axis, the fabric tape strip is guided by the winding mandrel and wound up.

[0204] Figure 3d shows a detailed schematic representation of a winding mandrel 11. In this representation of Figure 3d, the proximal end is shown on the right and the distal end on the left. At the proximal end, a drive element designed as a gear is present, which, via a drive on the machine frame, is capable of causing the entire winding mandrel to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The drive element 45 is operatively connected to the distal end and a corresponding gripping area 40 by means of a drive shaft. The drive shaft extends through a winding mandrel body 39, which is rigidly connected via a winding mandrel sleeve 34 and the fastening screws 46.1, 46.2 to a corresponding frame of a drum-shaped singulation unit. The rotatable distal part of the winding mandrel 11 with the gripping area 40 has a device for the pneumatic control of the retractable pins. Retractable pins 36 are mounted on a pin block.During operation, the entire pin block 42, with the retractable pins 36 located on it, is moved transversely to the outer radius of the winding mandrel. In this example, the pin block 42 is pneumatically driven by an actuator 35. To make the movement reversible, two pneumatic drives with pneumatic locks are provided, in this example a first pneumatic lock 44.1 and a second pneumatic lock 44.2, which, by means of a pressure chamber 43, move the pin block 42, which is mounted in the actuator 35, transversely and thereby extend the retractable pins 36 through the recesses 32. Distally, the winding mandrel is closed off by a winding mandrel cap 41. This prevents dust from entering the actuator elements. The winding mandrel cap 41 is rigidly connected to the actuator via supports 31. P101548CH Page 31 | 48.

[0205] V1.0 connected. A cavity 47 is provided between the winding mandrel cap 41 and the actuator 35. Control elements and supply lines to the actuator 35 can be routed via a winding mandrel cavity 48.

[0206] The winding mandrel according to the invention enables the gentle and efficient handling of even the most delicate fabric tapes and strips, such as gauze tapes. The winding mandrel according to the invention is particularly well-suited for gauze, as it can penetrate the fabric's mesh structure with its retractable pins without damaging the material, thus gently winding and handling it. In the example shown, the retractable pins 36 are pneumatically driven. However, electric drives are also conceivable, which can be moved from a first to a second position by means of a magnetizable bearing. Alternatively, the pneumatic elements can be replaced with hydraulic ones in an obvious manner. A purely mechanical arrangement, which extends and retracts the pins via a switching drive, is also conceivable. The gripping range can also be adjusted.The entire distal area, including the gripping area 40, can be designed to be interchangeable, allowing it to be adapted to different widths of the fabric tape or fabric tape strip. Depending on the width of the fabric tape, the area with the recesses can be larger or smaller. The area with the recesses can also be located at different points on the distal area of ​​the winding mandrel. In the present example, a gripping area is provided within an angled field extending from the cross-sectional radius of the winding mandrel, ranging from 10° to 90°. With correspondingly larger winding mandrels, it is also conceivable to have multiple gripping areas, each with its own actuator, for example. It is also conceivable to drive several gripping areas with their own recessed fields using the same actuator. This configuration, particularly with the present pneumatic concept, could easily be implemented by a person skilled in the art.Preferably, the outer material of the winding mandrel is made of an inert material, such as steel. The retractable pins are particularly preferably designed to be replaceable. For example, access to the actuator 35 can be gained via the winding mandrel cap 41. It is conceivable to design the entire actuator 35, including the pin block 42, to be replaceable. For improved replaceability, corresponding interfaces can be provided in the vicinity of the winding mandrel sleeve 34, which on the one hand transmit the device control to the distal end of the winding mandrel and on the other hand also provide fluid interfaces for P101548CH page 32 | 48.

[0207] V1.0 enables the supply of pneumatic or hydraulic fluids to the actuator and the corresponding pumps.

[0208] The drive shaft can also be equipped with one or more bearing elements to facilitate rotation about the longitudinal axis. Suitable bearing elements could be, for example, roller bearings. Besides the mechanical method of driving the winding mandrel via the drive element 45, which is designed as a gear, it is also conceivable to drive the winding mandrel electrically via a stator and analogous rotor. Such AC drives are known to those skilled in the art and can, for example, also be used for finer control of the winding mandrel.

[0209] Figure 4 schematically illustrates the final step of the singulation unit 6. Referring to the preceding figures, a winding mandrel 11.3 is located in the position previously designated as position B" in which a wound, at least partially sealed strip of fabric tape 20' is ejected from the drum-shaped singulation unit and conveyed further in the conveying direction A as a singulated strip of fabric tape 20". A third winding mandrel 11.3 is located in position B" on the machine frame of the drum-shaped singulation unit (machine frame not shown in Figure 4), which is rotatable via a drum bearing 12. A stripper 13.3 associated with the winding mandrel performs a stroke C along the longitudinal axis of the winding mandrel 11.3, i.e., in the schematic representation of Figure 4, from the plane of the paper perpendicular to the viewer. This stroke C removes the wound strip of fabric tape 20' from the winding mandrel 11.3.3 gently pushed down and fed into the further conveying process. The stroke movement C is reversible, i.e., after the winding has been fully ejected, the stripper 13.3 returns to its original, retracted position. The stripper is shown schematically in Fig. 4 such that it essentially follows a portion of the radius of the winding mandrel 11.3. However, the stripper 13.3 can be designed in various ways to achieve successful stripping. A ring-shaped stripper around the winding mandrel 11.3 is also conceivable, which is essentially mounted in contact with it and pushes a strip of fabric wound onto the mandrel down through its stroke movement. Simpler designs, e.g., a purely cylindrical or cubic stripper, would also be conceivable. The stripper can be moved in its stroke movement C by means of a pneumatic actuator.Alternatively, hydraulic, electric or purely mechanical drives are also suitable for an inventive P101548CH page 33 | 48.

[0210] V1.0

[0211] Wipers are conceivable. Alternatively, multiple wipers could be provided for each winding mandrel.

[0212] In Fig. 5a a sealing unit 5 for the material-bonded connection of at least a part of a film in at least one area of ​​a fabric tape is schematically shown.

[0213] The sealing unit 5 shown in the present example can be arranged upstream of the singulation unit as described in the preceding figures. The sealing unit 5 is designed to apply a film, or at least a part of a film, to at least a part of a fabric tape 20 in a material-bonded manner. For this purpose, the sealing unit 5 shown in the example has at least one pair of sealing tools 61, 63.

[0214] Figure 5a shows that the paired sealing tools 61, 63 are arranged to enable a continuous process. For this purpose, each pair of sealing tools 61, 63 is mounted on a conveying arrangement 60, 64, which allows the sealing tools 61, 63 to be carried along. The sealing tools 61, 63 are rigidly attached to the conveying arrangements 60, 64 such that they are arranged concentrically to each other in the processing area. A fabric strip 20 is conveyed between the pairs of sealing tools 61, 63 in a processing direction by being carried along by the pair of sealing tools 61, 63. Alternatively and / or additionally, conveying rollers or other elements can be provided to transport the fabric strip 20 in the conveying direction. In order to bring the sealing tools 61, 63 into a concentric arrangement towards each other, they are formed circumferentially on their respective conveying arrangement 60, 64.For example, sealing tools 61 are rigidly connected to the conveying arrangement, which has a drive chain 67. The drive chain 67 is arranged circumferentially, for example, by means of a toothed drive roller 62, and the sealing tools 61, 61.1, 61.2, 61.3, which are concentric with respect to the guide arrangement 60, are each conveyed circumferentially around the circumference of the guide arrangement 60 by means of the drive chain 67. In the example shown in Fig. 5a, a number of sealing units 61.1, 61.2 are shown by way of example in an orientation away from the processing zone, while two sealing tools 61, 61.3 are shown by way of example as being arranged concentrically with respect to a respective anvil element 63. This arrangement is explained in more detail in Fig. 5b. The anvil elements 63 are also connected via P101548CH page 34 | 48.

[0215] In version 1.0, a drive grid 68, 68.1 is rigidly guided around a rotating roller 65. The drive grid 68 and the drive chain 67 allow the respective tools, i.e., the heating element 61 and / or the anvil element 63, to be positioned by a person skilled in the art in any desired sequence or density along the corresponding drive chain or drive grid. For example, another anvil can be rigidly connected to the drive grid 68.1 and the corresponding rotating roller 65, and a corresponding counterpart, a sealing unit 61, can be positioned opposite it. Similarly, for maintenance purposes, an anvil element 63 can be removed from a compartment of the drive grid 68.2. A corresponding control unit is able to take the grid into account when guiding and controlling the process, so that any unoccupied drive grids are disregarded.The fabric tape is inserted and fed into the sealing unit 5 via one or more guide openings 66.1, 66.2. During operation, an anvil element can be moved from the rear position, i.e., from a zone facing away from the processing area, into the area of ​​the fabric tape 20 via one or more guide grooves, so that an anvil element 63 comes into contact with the fabric tape and presses it against a heating element 61. This causes a film to bond between the fabric tape and an area located between the fabric tape and the heating element. The film can, for example, be guided over the anvil element onto the fabric tape and, in turn, with a blank clamped between the film and the fabric tape, into the area of ​​operation of the heating element. By applying heat, the film bonds to the fabric tape.

[0216] Figure 5b shows an exemplary and schematic representation of a pair of sealing tools 61 and 63, which have a fabric band between them and are about to engage with it. For example, the anvil element 63, which in this example has an anvil body 68 formed as a block, can be brought up to the fabric band 20 from below. The anvil element 63 is guided on an anvil conveying assembly 64. The anvil body 75 is operatively connected to the conveying assembly 64 via an anvil sleeve. In the example shown, the conveying assembly 64 can have a drive grid into which the anvil sleeve 74 can be rigidly connected.

[0217] In a particular embodiment, the anvil element 63 has a contact surface 73 on the anvil body 75, which is designed to physically contact the fabric strip 20. P101548CH Page 35 | 48

[0218] V1.0

[0219] In a particular embodiment, the contact surface 73 is designed to increase frictional resistance with respect to the fabric band, especially with respect to a gauze fabric band. For this purpose, the contact surface 73 can be made of a material that has a higher coefficient of friction compared to stainless steel. A contact surface 73 made of and / or comprising silicone is particularly suitable, for example. Another plastic is also conceivable that has a comparatively higher coefficient of friction with respect to steel and is ideally durable and not very susceptible to abrasion. Suitable plastics are known to those skilled in the art. During operation (not shown), the anvil element 63 can be guided by a guide cam into a plane of the fabric band 20 and thus come into contact and functional connection with the fabric band 20.The guide curve can also be designed to achieve certain effects in addition to carrying the fabric tape 20 and pressing it against a heating element 61. Among other things, a curve can be designed to allow the paired sealing tools 61, 63 to tear off a foil blank. For example, a foil blank that has been pre-cut to the desired size and is still connected to the original foil tape via a substantially weakened, i.e., at least partially perforated, area can be gripped by the pair of sealing tools 61, 63 and torn and separated from the remaining foil. The resulting foil blank is then pressed against the fabric tape 20. The heating element 61 has a heating element body 70, which the heating element 61 guides along a rotating frame 76 by means of a drive chain 67.The drive chain 67 can be designed to be rigidly connected to the heating element body 70, e.g. via screws or pins.

[0220] The heating element 61 serves to apply heat to the fabric tape and / or a foil cutout and / or a foil, which is sufficient to at least partially melt the foil and / or the foil cutout and thus create a material-bonded connection between the fabric tape 20 and the foil.

[0221] The heating element 61 has electrical leads in the heating element body 70 and a terminal heating element 71 which can be heated and comes into contact with the fabric tape 20.

[0222] The aforementioned curve profile can be designed to establish an effective connection between the anvil element 63 and the fabric band 20 and the P101548CH page 36 | 48 via one or more planes.

[0223] To accomplish this with the V1.0 opposite heating element 61. It has proven particularly suitable to use a curve profile that establishes this functional connection over more than one plane.

[0224] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates how a film perforation unit 54 upstream of the sealing unit can weaken and / or at least partially cut a film 104, which is suitable to enable the desired cutting or preparation of the film in order to be gripped, for example, by a previously described pair of sealing tools and bonded to the fabric tape 20.

[0225] The foil perforation unit 54 shown in Fig. 6 comprises two elements for weakening and / or at least partially cutting the foil 104.

[0226] The film 104 enters the film perforation unit 54 as an endless film feed.

[0227] In the example shown here, a perforation unit 53 first weakens the film 104 parallel to its longitudinal dimension. To weaken the film 104 parallel to its longitudinal dimension, the perforation unit 53 can, for example, have two parallel toothed cutting rollers. The cutting rollers are designed to make an edge region 100.2 separable from a central region 103 at a predefined distance by perforating a cutting edge running parallel to the longitudinal direction of the film 104. The perforation can be configured so that recesses are cut or punched into the film at specific intervals. The necessary intervals can be individually adjusted by a person skilled in the art with regard to the desired cuts by selecting the cutting elements. Likewise, the width of the edge region 100.2 can be selected by adjusting the distance between the cutting elements. In the further course of the process, the edge region 100.2 serves a purpose.2 of the further promotion of the foil 104, by serving as an attack surface for conveyor rollers and / or for stretching roller^).

[0228] In a central area 103, a desired cutting width is then cut.

[0229] The film perforation unit 54 has a cutting unit 52. The cutting unit 52 is designed to operate perpendicular to the longitudinal expansion of the film 104 (see page 37 of P101548CH).

[0230] V1.0

[0231] To create a cut in the central area 103, i.e., a complete severing of the film material at the cut point. This results in film cutouts that are strip-like and have a weakened area at the edges 100.2.

[0232] 100.1 can still be held with the foil.

[0233] In the present example, the film is cut into a plurality of film blanks 101.1, 101.2, 101.3, 101.4. The weakened and cut film is stretched over the two resulting edge areas 100.2 (facing the viewer) and 100.1 (facing away from the viewer) by means of a first pair of stretching rollers 50.1, 50.2 and a second pair of stretching rollers 51.1, 51.2 during conveying. For this purpose, each pair of stretching rollers can exert a tensile force on the film, acting outwards perpendicular to the film's longitudinal direction.

[0234] The pair of stretching rollers serves to hold the weakened and cut film in shape until further processing, thus enabling the engagement of, for example, a pair of sealing tools which are able to grip the outermost film cutout 100.1, tear it away at the weakening from the edge areas 100.1, 100.2 and apply it to a fabric tape 20. The remaining edge areas 100.1,

[0235] 100.2 can be wound up and disposed of (not shown in Fig. 6).

[0236] Fig. 7a shows a downstream area following the foil cutting process - as shown in Fig. 6 - which is suitable for feeding the foil cutouts, e.g., into the sealing unit.

[0237] Fig. 7a illustrates the arrangement from below. The film was cut in the process according to Fig. 6, resulting in film blanks 101.1, 101.2. These film blanks 101.1, 101.2 are joined at an edge, and this joint was weakened in the step shown in Fig. 6 by perforating them longitudinally, i.e., along the length of the film. The film is smoothed by stretching rollers during conveying in the conveying direction. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7b, stretching rollers 83.1,

[0238] 83.2 are designed such that they smooth the film by means of the respective edge areas 100.1, 100.2. Furthermore, the stretching rollers 83.1, 83.2 are geometrically designed such that they exert a tensile force normal to the longitudinal direction of the film. The stretching rollers 83.1, 83.2 are rotatable via stretching roller bearings 82.1. P101548CH Page 38 | 48

[0239] V1.0

[0240] A force acting perpendicular to the longitudinal expansion of the film is generated by the fact that the stretching rollers 83.1, 83.2 have a substantially conical profile; that is, the stretching rollers can, for example, be fitted with a ring that widens conically from the inside (relative to the film) to the outside. Thus, for example, a stretching roller 83.1, 83.2 made of or comprising an elastic material, which tapers conically towards the film, can, by means of rotation about its own axis g, create tension in the film and thereby sufficiently stabilize the otherwise freely hanging film blanks in the center of the film for successful removal of the film blanks from the cutting unit. A guide plate 80 can further support this.

[0241] As soon as film blanks extend over the guide plate 80, as shown in the example of film blank 101.1 in Fig. 7a, a carrier can grip the film blank and tear it off from the edge area 100.1 by moving it further in the conveying direction. This can be done by means of paired sealing tools, as shown in Figs. 5a and 5b.

[0242] The edge section 100.1 can be guided away from the conveyor level by means of deflection rollers 81.1, 81.2 and directed to appropriate disposal. Preferably, the deflection rollers 81.1, 81.2 are equipped with guide elements to exert the most uniform possible pull on the edge section 100.1. Alternatively and / or additionally, a flange disc is provided for guiding the edge section 100.1.

[0243] 100.2 during winding.

[0244] Figure 7b shows the arrangement according to Figure 7a in a top view. Two parallel stretching rollers 83.1, 83.2 are rotatable about their respective stretching roller bearings 82.1 and hold a film stretched by means of a handle at the edge region 100.1 by lateral tension on it. After a film blank has been removed from the film, i.e., torn off, the remaining edge region is guided by deflecting rollers 81.1,

[0245] 81.2 was processed and sent for further disposal. These deflection pulleys 81.1 ,

[0246] 81.2 can also perform the conveying and removal of the film from the singulation unit 54 by pulling on the film over the aforementioned edge area 100.1 ,

[0247] 100.2

[0248] The present invention relates to a method and a device for the production of fabric tape strips, in particular fabric tape strips which contain a gauze- P101548CH Page 39 | 48

[0249] V1.0

[0250] The material may include or consist of a gauze material that is particularly easy to use while ensuring a high standard in the quality and hygienic handling of the resulting product.

[0251] The device enables gentle handling of the fabric tape strip, particularly the gauze, and allows fabric tape strips to be fed into any further packaging unit. For example, the fabric tape strips produced according to the invention can be individually packaged and sealed for distribution. It is also conceivable to package a certain number of fabric tape strips together. The fabric tape strips are ideally suited, for example, as dressing material, especially in emergency situations. For special applications, further processing steps can be provided upstream or downstream, which, for example, coat the fabric tape strips and / or perform a further disinfection step. Suitable disinfection steps and coatings are known to those skilled in the art and can be selected according to the requirements of the resulting end product.

[0252] P101548CH Page 40 | 48

[0253] V1.0

[0254] Reference symbol list

[0255] 1 Device (1) for preparing fabric tape strips

[0256] 2 foil feeding

[0257] 3. First tissue nourishment

[0258] 3' second tissue feeding

[0259] 4 foil processing unit

[0260] 5 sealing units

[0261] 6 singulation units

[0262] 7 Outfeed conveyor

[0263] 10 cutting element

[0264] 11 winding mandrel

[0265] 11.1 First winding mandrel in position B

[0266] 11.2 second winding mandrel in position B'

[0267] 11.3 third winding mandrel in position B”

[0268] 11.4 fourth winding mandrel in position B'”

[0269] 12 drum bearings

[0270] 13 wipers

[0271] 13.1 Wiper in position B

[0272] 13.2 Wiper in position B'

[0273] 13.3 Wiper in position B”

[0274] 13.4 Wiper in position B”

[0275] 15 Sensor

[0276] 16.1, 16.2 first pressure roller(s)

[0277] 17 second pressure roller(s)

[0278] 20 fabric tape

[0279] 20' fabric tape strips

[0280] 20” fabric tape strips (wound)

[0281] 31 Tool bodies

[0282] 32 exception(s)

[0283] 34 Wrapping mandrel cuff

[0284] 35 Actuator

[0285] 36 pens

[0286] 37.1 First guide element of the fabric tape / fabric tape strip

[0287] 37.2 second guide element of the fabric tape / fabric tape strip

[0288] 39 winding mandrel bodies

[0289] 40 Gripping range P101548CH Page 41 | 48

[0290] V1.0

[0291] 41 Winding mandrel cap

[0292] 42 pencil pads

[0293] 44.1 first pneumatic closure

[0294] 44.2 second pneumatic closure

[0295] 45 Drive element

[0296] 46.1 . 46.2 Fastening screws

[0297] 47 Cavity

[0298] 48 winding mandrel cavity

[0299] 50.1 . 50.2 first pair of stretching rollers

[0300] 51.1 . 51.2 second pair of stretching rollers

[0301] 52 cutting unit

[0302] 53 Perforation Unit

[0303] 54 film perforation units

[0304] 60 Conveyor arrangement heating element

[0305] 61 Sealing tool - heating element

[0306] 62 Drive roller

[0307] 63 Sealing tool - anvil element

[0308] 64 Conveyor order anvil

[0309] 65 Circulating roller

[0310] 66.1. 66.2 Guide ports

[0311] 67 Carpool chain

[0312] 68 Carry-on grid

[0313] 68.1. 68.2 Carry-on grid

[0314] 70 heating element bodies

[0315] 71 radiators

[0316] 73 Contact area

[0317] 74 Anvil cuff

[0318] 75 anvil bodies

[0319] 76 circular frames

[0320] 80 Guide plate

[0321] 81.1 Deflection pulley

[0322] 81.2 Deflection pulley

[0323] 82.1 Stretched roller bearings

[0324] 82.2 Stretched roller bearings

[0325] 83.1 Stretching roller P101548CH Page 42 | 48

[0326] V1.0

[0327] 83.2 Stretching roller

[0328] 100.1 Edge area

[0329] 100.2 Edge area 101.3 Foil cutting

[0330] 101.1 outermost foil cut

[0331] 101.1 ... 101.4 Foil cutting(s)

[0332] 103 Middle area

[0333] 104 slides

[0334] A Direction of conveyance

[0335] B first position of a winding mandrel in the singulation unit

[0336] B' second position of a winding mandrel in the singulation unit

[0337] B” third position of a winding mandrel in the singulation unit B’” fourth position of a winding mandrel in the singulation unit

[0338] C Stroke movement of the wiper

Claims

P101548CH Page 43 | 48 V1.0 Patent claims 1. Device (1) for converting fabric tape strips, in particular gauze tape strips, comprising: a. A conveying device for conveying a fabric tape (20) in a conveying direction (A); b. A first fabric feed (3, 3') for feeding the fabric tape (20) onto the conveying device; c. A first film feed (2) for feeding a film (104) onto the conveying device; d. A sealing unit (5) for bonding at least a portion of the film (104) to at least a region of the fabric tape (20); e. A singulation unit (6) for singulating at least partially sealed fabric tape strips from the fabric tape.

2. Device for preparing fabric tape strips according to claim 1, wherein the singulation unit (6) is drum-shaped and comprises at least one radially arranged winding mandrel (11), in particular a winding mandrel (11) rotatable about its longitudinal axis.

3. Device for preparing fabric tape strips according to claim 2, wherein the winding mandrel (11) has a gripping area (40) designed to grip the fabric tape (20) and / or the fabric tape strip (20', 20”), in particular wherein the winding mandrel (11) has retractable pins (36) in the gripping area (40) designed to grip the fabric tape (20) and / or the fabric tape strip (20', 20”).

4. Device for the assembly of fabric tape strips according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a film perforation unit (54) for weakening and / or for at least partially cutting the film (104). P101548CH Page 44 | 48 V1.0 5. Device for preparing fabric tape strips according to claim 4, wherein the film perforation unit (54) comprises: a. a perforation unit (53) for weakening the film in its longitudinal dimension and / or b. a cutting unit (52) for at least partially cutting the film (104) in its transverse dimension.

6. Device for preparing fabric tape strips according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein at least one first stretching roller pair (50.1 , 50.2; 51.1 , 51.2) is designed for smoothing the at least partially cut and / or weakened film during the removal from the film perforation unit (54), in particular towards the sealing unit (5).

7. Device for preparing fabric tape strips according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sealing unit (5) comprises at least one pair of sealing tools (61, 63) which, in particular continuously, join a foil blank (101.1) to a section of the fabric tape (20) conveyed in the conveying direction (A) in a materially bonded manner, in particular the pair of sealing tools comprises at least one heating element (61) and at least one anvil element (63).

8. Device for preparing fabric tape strips according to claim 7, wherein the pair of sealing tools is designed to tear off the foil blank (101.1 ) from the at least partially cut and weakened foil (104).

9. Device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein at least one sealing tool of a pair of sealing tools (61 , 63), in particular the anvil element (63), with a curved profile over several levels, in particular between two and five levels, is brought into operative contact with the foil blank (101.1 ) of the at least partially cut and weakened foil (104).

10. Device for preparing fabric tape strips according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the singulation unit (6) comprises a plurality of each P101548CH Page 45 | 48 V1.0 The winding mandrel (1 1) has associated wipers (13) which are designed to wipe a coil of fabric strip formed by the winding mandrel from the winding mandrel, in particular the wipers (13) are designed to be movable normal to the radius of the winding drum. 1 1 . Device for preparing fabric tape strips according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising at least one sensor (15) on the conveying device, particularly preferably comprising at least two sensors on the conveying device.

12. Device for preparing fabric tape strips according to one of claims 1 to 1 1 , comprising a discharge belt (7) for receiving the fabric tape strip.

13. Device for preparing fabric tape strips according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising at least one tensioning element for compensating tensions of the fabric tape (20), in particular for compensating tensions of the fabric tape (20) between a fabric drive and the singulation unit (6).

14. Method for preparing fabric tape strips, in particular gauze tape strips, in particular by means of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising the steps: a. providing a conveying device for conveying a fabric tape (20) in a conveying direction (A); b. feeding the fabric tape (20) onto the conveying device; c. feeding a film (104) onto the conveying device; d. materially bonding at least a part of the film (104) with at least a region of the fabric tape (20); and e. separating the at least partially sealed fabric tape strips (20', 20”) from the fabric tape. P101548CH Page 46 | 48 V1.0 15. Method for preparing fabric tape strips according to claim 14, wherein step e. comprises the following steps: a. receiving a fabric tape (20) on a winding mandrel (1 1 ); b. radially conveying the fabric tape (20) on the winding mandrel (1 1 ); c. cutting the fabric tape (20) into a fabric tape strip (20', 20”), and d. stripping the fabric tape strip (20', 20”), in particular by means of a stripper (13).

16. Method for preparing fabric tape strips according to one of claims 14 or 15, wherein the singulation comprises receiving a fabric tape (20) on a winding mandrel (11) and engaging the fabric of the fabric tape by means of retractable pins (36) provided in a gripping area (40) of the winding mandrel, wherein the pins (36) are in particular designed to extend radially out of the winding mandrel in such a reversible manner as to extend into the fabric and thus carry it along on a movement of the winding mandrel.

17. Method for manufacturing fabric tape strips according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the film is weakened and / or at least partially cut, in particular such that weakening zones extending longitudinally along the edges and laterally extending cutouts between the weakening zones are formed on both sides.

18. Method for the assembly of fabric tape strips according to one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the material-bonded connection according to step d. prior to the tearing off of a foil blank (101.1 ) from an at least partially cut and weakened foil (104).

19. Method for preparing fabric tape strips according to claim 18, wherein the at least partially cut and weakened film (104) is smoothed by means of stretching rollers before tearing. P101548CH Page 47 | 48 V1.0 20. A method for preparing fabric tape strips according to any one of claims 14 to 15, wherein the fabric tape strips (20', 20”) and / or the fabric tape (20) pass through at least one of the following steps selected from the group consisting of: a. Static discharge; b. Stretching; c. Cutting; d. Winding; e. Sensor detection, in particular electromagnetic; f. Suction; g. Perforation; and / or h. Drive.

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