Abstract: An electrically-conductive sheet-form laminate is disclosed and a power cable made thereof. The laminate has a resistivity of no more than about 10.sup.6 ohm-centimeters across the thickness dimension thereof. The sheet-form laminate comprises an electrically-conductive non-metallic layer, an electrically-conductive metal foil layer in juxtaposition thereto, and a discontinuous but electrically non-conductive bonding layer therebetween. The electrically-conductive non-metallic layer is constituted by a particulate conductive material-filled polymeric resin; and the electrically non-conductive bonding layer comprises a cured polymeric substance, preferably a polyurethane-based adhesive.

Abstract: A method for the handling of unstuffed envelopes which facilitates the subsequent handling of the envelopes stuffed as pre-sorted mail. The unstuffed envelopes are packed into a telescopic carton assembly, which includes first and second cartons having movable flap assemblies that are positioned within the interior of the respective cartons and are movable to positions outside of the respective cartons to convert the cartons into two self-contained containers. The telescopic carton assembly is separated by the mail sender into two cartons and the new unstuffed envelopes are removed therefrom. The movable flap assemblies of the two cartons are moved to positions outside of the interiors of the cartons. The envelopes are stuffed with pre-sorted mail and packed into the two cartons. The movable flap assemblies of the cartons are positioned so as to define the tops of self-contained shipping containers housing the stuffed envelopes for mailing and shipment of the pre-sorted mail.

Abstract: A steam sterilization indicator including a carrier, a pH value indicator that changes color at a predetermined pH value affixed to the carrier and a chemical composition associated with the carrier. The chemical composition contains a mixture of at least two different carboxyl group-containing submixtures, wherein the first carboxyl group containing submixture is a mixture of 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and a metal salt of 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and the second carboxyl group containing submixture is a mixture of phenylpropiolic acid and a metal salt of phenylpropiolic acid, wherein the molar ratio of the first submixture to the second submixture is about 1:4 to 4:1. Under steam sterilization conditions, the pH value of the chemical composition exceeds the predetermined pH value, causing the pH value indicator to change color and indicate that sterilization is complete.

Abstract: A disposable, self-sealing pouch is disclosed which is readily adaptable for use for sterilization, sterility maintenance, disposal of contaminated items, and like medical applications. The pouch includes first and second coextensive pouch webs which are marginally joined together to define the interior of the pouch. The first pouch web defines a transversely extending access opening slit through which articles may be inserted into the pouch. In order to effect closing and sealing of the access opening slit, the pouch includes adhesive means provided on the first pouch web on opposite sides of the access opening slit. By this construction, the pouch may be easily and securely sealed by folding the pouch onto itself so that the adhesive means is brought into confronting relation with itself, thus forming an adhesive-to-adhesive of the access opening slit.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating, self-sealing disposable pouch is disclosed which is readily adaptable for use for sterilization and sterility maintenance of medical articles and the like. The pouch includes first and second coextensive webs which are at least partially joined together to define the interior of the pouch. The pouch defines an access opening through which the contents of the pouch can be inserted therein, with the pouch uniquely including a laminate adhesive structure in association with the access opening for effecting closing and sealing thereof. The adhesive structure comprises an adhesive carrier member having first and second layers of adhesive on opposite surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A pouch and method for making a pouch are disclosed wherein the pouch comprises first and second webs secured together at least partially around an interior portion of the webs and wherein a sealing strip extends across the pouch. The sealing strip has a carrier member with a first portion secured to the first web and with an unsecured second portion. Adhesive is provided on the second portion of the carrier member and the second portion is covered with a release paper which can be removed so that the carrier member can be secured over the pouch opening by adhering the carrier member second portion to the second web to form a closure seal at the pouch opening.

Abstract: A sterilizable pouch is provided with first and second opposing webs which are initially sealed together except for a region defining an open mouth. At least one of the webs has a strip of adhesive adjacent the mouth with a peelable release strip superposed upon and adhering to the adhesive strip for masking the adhesive strip from external contact before the pouch is closed and sealed. The peelable release strip includes an indicator means for indicating its exposure to a predetermined sterilization condition. The indicator means has an initial appearance signifying that the indicator means has not been subjected to the predetermined sterilization condition and is adapted to change to a final appearance after exposure to the predetermined sterilization condition for indicating such exposure.

Abstract: An improved envelope arrangement which is readily adaptable for resealing and reuse after an initial sealing and use. The envelope arrangement includes inner and outer flap portions and defines a pouch-like pocket portion for insertion of materials therein. The envelope may be used initially by sealing of the outer flap portion, which is readily openable and removable by the recipient of the envelope. The recipient may then reuse the envelope by again sealing it by use of the inner flap portion.

Abstract: Self-sealing closure structures are provided for a pouch having first and second webs secured together partially around an interior portion. Each web has at least one generally straight end edge that defines a portion of the pouch opening and that is in registry with the end edge of the other web. An adhesive sealing strip is disposed on the first web parallel with and near the first web one end edge. Folding of the webs together about two or more fold lines orients the adhesive sealing strip against an adjacent region of the second web to form a closure seal in the pouch. A pharmacy fold may be provided in some of the closures.

Abstract: A telescopic carton assembly for compact shipment and storage of envelopes and the like which is readily converted and separated into two self-contained shipping containers with about twice the load-carrying capacity of the telescopic carton assembly. The convertible carton assembly is particularly useful in connection with pre-sorted mail and includes a pair of telescoping cartons. Each of the cartons has an outer panel with upright walls and a movable flap assembly for converting the carton from a portion of the telescopic carton assembly to a self-contained shipping container. Preferably, the movable flap assembly includes a movable panel and a pair of pivotable flaps. The movable panel and one of the flaps are positioned adjacent the outer panel within the interior of the carton when the carton is being used as part of the telescopic carton assembly.

Abstract: A closable pouch is provided with first and second webs secured together partially around an interior portion. Each web has at least one generally straight end edge defining a portion of the pouch opening. An adhesive sealing strip is disposed on the first web parallel with and spaced from the first web one end edge thereby defining a first fold line along the margin of the strip that is parallel to and nearest the first web one end edge and defining a second fold line along a margin of the strip that is parallel to and furthest from the first web one end edge. Folding of the webs together away from the first web about the first fold line, then about the second fold line, and finally about a third fold line in registry with the repositioned first fold line orients the adhesive sealing strip against an adjacent region of the second web to form a closure seal in the pouch.

Abstract: A sterilizable pouch comprising first and second opposing webs sealed together along two peripheral side edges. An unsealed edge of the first web extending beyond the opposing lip edge of the second web to form a flap. One of the webs having sealing means disposed adjacent to and spaced from the lip edge of the second web. The sealing means having sufficient width to permit sealing of both (a) the space on the web with the sealing means defined by the border of the sealing means and the lip edge of the second web and (b) an area on the web without sealing means adjacent the lip edge sufficient to form a contaminant-proof seal when the flap is closed and sealed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically cleaning the surface of a roller, such as a laminating roller, is disclosed herein. The method consists of rotating the roller at a predetermined fixed speed about its axis and simultaneously moving a nozzle which produces a small stream of steam along the axis of the roller at a fixed speed so that the stream of steam impinges the entire surface of the roller. The apparatus consists of a support for rotatably supporting a roller and supporting a nozzle for reciprocation with respect to the axis of the roller with either common or separate drive means for rotating the roller and reciprocating the nozzle.

Abstract: A gusseted package and method of making same are provided in which the package is formed by folding a first web along first and second, parallel spaced fold lines inwardly of each opposite side edge to produce first and second overlapping portions and then positioning a second web adjacent the first web. The first and second webs are first heat-sealed together at one end and along the sides of the package. Additionally, the inner surface of the first web is heat-sealed to the adjacent facing inner surface of one of each of the first overlapping portions in a reinforcement region spaced inwardly of the other end of the package and extending between the first and second fold lines with a peripheral boundry generally adjacent and parallel to the second fold line. The resulting heat-seal extends over the major portion of the distance between the first and second fold lines. However, the second overlapping portions of the first web are not heat-sealed to the underlying second web beneath the reinforcement region.

Abstract: A telescopic carton assembly for compact shipment and storage of envelopes and the like which is readily converted and separated into two self-contained shipping containers with about twice the load-carrying capacity of the telescopic carton assembly. The convertible carton assembly is particularly useful in connection with pre-sorted mail and includes a pair of telescoping cartons. Each of the cartons has an outer panel with upright walls and a movable flap assembly for converting the carton from a portion of the telescopic carton assembly to a self-contained shipping container. Preferably, the movable flap assembly includes a movable panel and a pair of pivotable flaps. The movable panel and one of the flaps are positioned adjacent the outer panel within the interior of the carton when the carton is being used as part of the telescopic carton assembly.