Abstract: An exercise mat consisting of laminated outer and core layers of closed-cell plastic foam having different selected densities. A relatively thick central layer is so configured that air chambers are formed bounded by it and one or both of the outer layers. These chambers may be constituted of air cylinders passing vertically through the central layer or of horizontal slots formed on a surface or surfaces of the central layer. The air chambers can be of any suitable predetermined size and spacing. The mat may be configured to permit folding by maintaining one of the outer layers continuous to form a hinge at a point or points where the core layer and other outer layers are discontinuous.

Abstract: A temperature control cost monitor and method uses temperature responsive means with a visible display calibrated in terms of percentage savings or increased costs above and below a standard temperature. The display can be a temperature sensitive liquid crystal array and overlay with transparent percentage indicia, a liquid height thermometer with associated percentages indicated on or adjacent the thermometer, or another temperature indicator calibrated in this way. The calibrations are based on the climate in which the monitor is used. The monitor can indicate savings and excess cost of both heating in winter and air conditioning in summer.

Abstract: A disconnect assembly releases a conveyor chain from a driven shaft. The connection between the driving shaft and the chain is by means of tapered pins associated with a driven plate or hub received in tapered holes on a plate attached to the driving shaft. The driven plate or hub carries a sprocket for the chain drive. An overload on the chain drive causes the tapered pins to ride out of the recesses. This activates a pressure cylinder that continues to withdraw the pins for a positive disconnect. Also, the pressure cylinder can bring about a disconnection on command. Limit switches detect a disconnect and then permit restarting the conveyor only when the chain and its drive are appropriately positioned. A set of disconnect plates located on the driving shaft engage rollers that both activate the disconnect and transmit its condition to the limit switches.

Abstract: A linkage includes a pair of links pivotally connected together near adjacent ends. The opposite end of one of the links pivots about an axis, moving the opposite end of the other link along a linear path. The position of the axis is adjusted along a linear path substantially parallel to the linear path traced by the opposite end of the other link.

Abstract: An improved cushioned shipping bag is disclosed, together with a unique method of continuously making the bags. The improved bag protects objects from being damaged when they are transported, shipped, handled or sent in the mail. A continuous layer of foamed plastic sheet material is positioned on and affixed (laminated) to a continuous layer of relatively thin sheet material. The laminated layers are then folded with the foamed plastic sheet material positioned on the inside; the folded laminated layers are subsequently heat sealed, glued or the like together at predetermined positions along the continuous laminate. The cushioned bag blanks subsequently are cut from the continuous laminate. In this manner, three sides of the objects to be shipped. The open end of the bag is provided with a foldable flap which is used to seal the bag after the objects are placed inside it.

Abstract: There is disclosed an integrally formed tablet dispensing container for receiving a tablet package having a plurality of individually enwrapped tablets and comprised of a top or cover member and a bottom or body member. The body member is formed with a plurality of orifices juxtaposed to said tablets. The top member is provided with a plurality of hinged dispensing members which after the dispensing of a tablet from the tablet package assumes a tablet dispensed position.

Abstract: A web handling mechanism is described for incrementally feeding a web of stretchable material (e.g., plastic film) to a processing station. The web feed rollers are driven by a motor incorporated in a servo system which electronically controls the feed rate, length of increment, dwell at processing station, etc. Variations in the speed and elasticity of a moving web are accommodated by means of a vacuum box adapted to accumulate a loop of the web material in the box and maintain proper tension on the web as supplied to the feed rollers. A detector in the vacuum box responds to a predetermined length of web accumulated in the box to trip a control circuit which actuates the feed roller motor to move the desired length of web through the processing station and then stop for a preselected interval. The circuit also controls the processing station to synchronize its operation with that of the web feed and the entire sequence is repetitive at high speed.

Abstract: An improved cushioned shipping bag is disclosed, together with a unique method of continuously making the bags. The improved bag protects objects from being damaged when they are transported, shipped, handled or sent in the mail. A continuous layer of foamed plastic sheet material is positioned on and affixed (laminated) to a continuous layer of relatively thin sheet material. The laminated layers are then folded with the foamed plastic sheet material positioned on the inside; the folded laminated layers are subsequently heat sealed, glued or the like together at predetermined positions along the continuous laminate. The cushioned bag blanks subsequently are cut from the continuous laminate. In this manner, three sides of each bag are sealed and one end is left open for insertion of the objects to be shipped. The open end of the bag is provided with a foldable flap which is used to seal the bag after the objects are placed inside it.

Abstract: A web handling system is described for incrementally feeding a web, and preferably multiple webs, to a processing station. Each web is advanced to the processing station by a pair of web-feeding rollers. One motor drives all of the web-feeding roller pairs through respective clutch-brakes connected to each roller pair. Each web has index marks imprinted along its length at intervals corresponding to intervals at which it is desired to precisely register the web with the processing station. A first detecting means disposed along one of the web paths (or similar detecting means along another web path) initially detects an index mark on the web travelling that path to provide a signal which decelerates the motor and thus slows all of the web-feeding rollers and the webs. Second index mark detecting means, one for each web path, then detect the index marks on the respective associated webs as they now more slowly advance towards the processing station.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for facilitating the filling and sealing of bags for shipping or mailing. The bag supply preferably is in web or strip form, i.e. the bags are joined along successive closed sides of the bags to form a continuous web with the bag bottoms along one edge and the unsealed bag top ends along the other edge of the web. Means are provided to advance the web one bag length each cycle to a cutting station which severs the bag from the web. A vacuum picker and pusher bar convey the separated bag from the cutting station to a carrier comprised of a series of continuously moving chains having lugs between which the bags are first inserted and then retained for travel with the chains. The pusher bar and the spacing between the lugs cooperate to maintain the unsealed end of the bag open sufficiently to receive an article inserted while the bag is moved by the carrier. At the end of the carrier run, sealing means close the open end of the bag.

Abstract: A garment hanger of the type having a garment carrying body and a hook with the body provided for carrying indicia means on selected portions thereof to disclose information about or relating to the garment to prospective purchasers. The indicia means are removable and changeable, as desired.

Abstract: There is disclosed a container integrally comprised of a cover member and body member having safety latching means formed on walls thereof and having a compressioned-biased hinge means formed to urge such members in locked interrelationship in a closed position.

Abstract: A web handling mechanism is described for incrementally feeding a web of stretchable material (e.g., plastic film) to a processing station. The web feed rollers are driven by a motor incorporated in a servo system which electronically controls the feed rate, length of increment, dwell at processing station, etc. Variations in the speed and elasticity of a moving web are accommodated by means of a vacuum box adapted to accumulate a loop of the web material in the box and maintain proper tension on the web as supplied to the feed rollers. A detector in the vacuum box responds to a predetermined length of web accumulated in the box to trip a control circuit which actuates the feed roller motor to move the desired length of web through the processing station and then stop for a preselected interval. The circuit also controls the processing station to synchronize its operation with that of the web feed and the entire sequence is repetitive at high speed.

Abstract: A tear and puncture resistant and padded shipping bag is formed from a laminate including at least one layer of tear resistant, synthetic fibrous material, and at least one layer of synthetic foam padding. The fibrous material and the padding are secured together at contiguous faces by, for example, an intermediate thermoplastic layer bonded between the tear resistant and padding layers. The bag, so formed, is particularly appropriate for containing pointed or sharp edged objects.