Abstract: An absorbent article useful in medical applications and particularly useful as a medical sponge. The article includes a multilayered absorbent web material having at least first and second side edges thereof twice-folded inwardly of the body of the article and at least an elongated radiopaque element anchored and fully covered by the marginal folds of the web material. In one embodiment, there is included a flexible loop element having its opposite ends anchored in the marginal folds of the web material and having the bight portion thereof extending unsupported from its anchoring marginal folds. A method for the manufacture of the absorbent article is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved transfer ring for use in vehicle tire making equipment wherein the carcass of the tire and the belt and tread package are made up at different and separate physical locations and thereafter the belt and tread package is transferred onto the carcass employing the transfer ring whereupon the two components of the tire are married. The present transfer ring includes first and second motive means for effecting grasping motion of a plurality of shoes of the transfer ring to cause the shoes to engage the belt and tread package about its outer circumference. In a preferred embodiment, the grasping motion is effected in multiple stages and the extent of motion is selectively adjustable. A method for effecting transfer of a belt and tread package is disclosed.