Abstract: In providing perforation uniformity both in the spacing between multiple rows of perforations in sheet material and in the spacings among perforations within each row, a common laser beam is shared among the rows, being directed to the sheet material through a common focusing element for each adjacent pair of rows. In conducting the laser beam to each such common focusing element, a pair of modified beams is derived from the laser beam, each modified beam having light ray content divergent about an axis of symmetry thereof which is parallel to the optical axis of the focusing element.

Abstract: Optical perforation apparatus including a rotatable assembly having first and second light reflective means supported in spaced succession for rotation about the assembly rotational axis. Each light reflective means is provided with light reflective elements arranged in a locus about the rotational axis. At least one of the means is additionally provided with light transmissive portions each arranged between mutually disposed of its light reflective elements and in alignment with a light reflective element of the other means. The light reflective elements of each means are further arranged at non-orthogonal angles to the assembly axis, thereby permitting parallel orientation of the latter axis and the laser beam.

Abstract: A chlorine-free bleaching process for lignocellulosic pulp characterized by a series of bleaching stages comprising in sequence a peroxide bleaching stage, the peroxide being selected from the group consisting of alkaline hydrogen peroxide, acidic hydrogen peroxide, and peroxy acid and at least one ozone bleaching stage and in one embodiment the sequence including an initial oxygen bleaching stage before the peroxide bleaching stage. In continuous operation the effluent from each of these sequential stages provides the preferred wash for the preceding washing step and the diluent for the preceding bleaching stage, the final effluent being recyclable for effective closed cycle operation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating and discharging articles used in the fabrication of disposable fluid dispensing tubes fabricated by apparatus including a rotatively mounted tube receiving turret which indexes tubes through a series of stations positioned around the turret periphery at which various operations are performed. The separating and discharging apparatus includes elements for deforming a stack of nested articles, such as nozzles, to separate and release an article from the stack, in combination with a vacuum receiving cup for withdrawing the articles from the stack and retaining them for delivery to the turret where they are discharged. The method includes the steps of separating articles from the stack by deforming the stack to interrupt coupling between contiguous articles, and withdrawing the articles separated by application of vacuum for transport to a displaced location where they may be discharged.

Abstract: A method for increasing the filling power of sheet or shredded reconstituted tobacco which is normally not susceptible to conventional expansion techniques is provided. In the practice of the method reconstituted tobacco having a uniform moisture content of 15-50 weight percent is heated to a temperature above about 90.degree. C. for a period of time beyond that required to drive off substantially all moisture and then is reordered. Heating may be effected in a convection or microwave oven or a drying tower. By means of the method, the tobacco is stiffened whereby a substantially irreversible filling power increase is effected.

Abstract: A rheometer of the extrusion plastometer type is provided with means for forcibly mechanically mixing the material to be tested within the chamber of the rheometer. The rheometer preferably includes a pair of telescopically arranged pistons which can be selectively coupled and uncoupled from one another so that one of them can serve as a mixing device. The pistons are coupled for unitary movement when discharging the material being tested.

Abstract: The housing of web sectioning apparatus having a rotary knife assembly and a rotary cutting drum is provided with a pair of bearing surfaces. A frame is pivotally mounted on these bearing surfaces, and the rotary knife assembly is rotatably mounted to the frame eccentrically of the pivot axis between the frame and the housing. Thus, by pivoting the frame relative to the housing, the axis of rotation of the rotary knife assembly can be moved towards or away from the cutting drum to adjust the degree of engagement between the edges of the knife assembly and the cutting drum. Clamps are provided to force the frame against the bearing surfaces of the apparatus to prevent movement at the pivot axis between the frame and housing during operation. These clamps are released to allow adjustment. The frame can be pivoted in small increments to finely adjust the position of the knife assembly rotation axis relative to the cutting drum.