Abstract: A new and improved sealed joint or system is disclosed for securing together the opposite ends of plastic strapping, which is encircled around the package or bale, in order to ensure that the opposite ends of the plastic strapping do not exhibit any slipping or relative movement with respect to each other whereby the predeterminedly formed size or shape of the package or bale is able to be preserved or maintained. In accordance with various different embodiments of the present invention, different arrangements of the sealed joint, with respect to the opposite ends of the plastic strapping, are structured whereby enhanced frictional contact is effectively developed between the sealed joint and the opposite ends of the plastic strapping, or between the opposite ends of the plastic strapping per se, so as to in fact reduce the amount of slipperiness effectively defined between the opposite ends of the plastic strapping.

Abstract: A method of producing a plastic sheet-strap includes the steps of providing first and second work rollers such that the work rollers rotate in opposite directions and at different lineal surface velocities. The work rollers are spaced apart with respect to each other so as to define a work roller nip therebetween. A pinch roller is provided that is operably associated with the first work roller. The pinch roller and the first roller defining a deaerating nip therebetween. A solid sheet of material having a thickness is fed into the deaerating nip. The material is pinched against the first work roller and moves with rotation of the first work roller to the work roller nip between the first and second work rollers. The material is simultaneously milled and stretched substantially at the nip during a single pass of the solid sheet material through the nip as the rollers rotate in opposite directions and at different lineal surface velocities to form a milled and stretched oriented sheet.

Abstract: A new and improved fastening system for attaching relatively thin-gauge sheet metal members, such as, for example 14-25 gauge sheet metal members, wherein the power output parameters of the power tool are controlled such that when the driver blade member of the power tool acts upon each one of the brad-type nail fasteners, the brad-type nail fasteners will attain a predetermined velocity value, such as, for example, within the velocity range of 1000-2500 in/sec. Any one of various different types of power tools may be employed, and in addition, various geometrical characteristics of each brad-type fastener are important, such as, for example, the tip geometry, the aspect ratio A/R of the shank member of the fastener, and the use of an adhesive or painted coating upon the external surface areas of the shank member of the fastener. The fasteners preferably comprise dual-width fasteners which exhibit enhanced pull-out resistance values.

Abstract: A zipper strip for a reclosable bag or package includes a male interlocking profile and a female interlocking profile. The male interlocking profile includes a male interlocking member and a male web coextruded therewith. In like manner, the female interlocking profile includes a female interlocking member and a female web. The male interlocking member snappingly engages into the female interlocking member to join the profiles to one another. One of the male and female webs is wider than the other in at least one of two directions from the male and female interlocking members, the greater width being represented by at least one flange extending widthwise beyond the other web. The zipper strip is designed to be attached to thermoplastic sheet material by sealing the at least one flange thereto without sealing the male and female webs to each other. Methods for securing the zipper strip to thermoplastic sheet material, and for making packages on a horizontal form-fill-and-seal machine, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas combustion-powered apparatus includes a piston chamber housing a driveable piston, and a combustion chamber having a generally flat wall assembly and a cup-shaped wall defining at least one combustion volume therebetween. The cup-shaped wall is moveable in relation to the piston chamber, and has a generally flat portion opposing, and generally parallel to, the generally flat wall assembly. An ignition source is in operable relationship to the combustion volume, which can ignite a combustible gas within the combustion volume. The piston forms at least a portion of the generally flat wall assembly when the piston is in an undriven state.

Abstract: A combustion chamber assembly for use in a combustion tool including a combustion chamber, at least one combustion chamber plate disposed in the chamber, the at least one combustion chamber plate and the chamber members being configured for relative reciprocal movement, the combustion chamber assembly having at least one latch member associated with control of movement of at least one plate within the combustion chamber to divide the chamber into multiple volumes. The combustion chamber assembly further has a release for the latch member for permitting relative movement of the at least one combustion chamber plate and the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A combustion chamber system, for use within a combustion-powered fastener-driving tool, comprises a dual combustion chamber system comprising a pre-combustion chamber and a final combustion chamber. The pre-combustion chamber is characterized by a high aspect ratio and has different obstacles fixedly incorporated therein for selectively retarding and enhancing the rate of burn and the rate of speed of the flame front propagating through the pre-combustion chamber. In addition, an obstacle, having a predetermined solid geometrical configuration is disposed within the final combustion chamber at a position immediately disposed downstream of a port fluidically interconnecting the pre-combustion chamber to the final combustion chamber so as to cause the flame front to diverge and split into multiple components which flow radially outwardly throughout the final combustion chamber.

Abstract: A mechanism for generating a flame jet has a volume formed of at least one vertical structure and two opposing horizontal structures. A rotatable fan is located within the volume, and is rotatable in a plane generally parallel to the planes of the horizontal structures. The mechanism also contains means for igniting a combustible gas which is contained within the volume, to propel a flame jet outside of the volume.

Abstract: A new and improved valve assembly for incorporation within a dual combustion chamber system of a combustion-powered fastener-driving tool comprises a single valve mechanism which can operatively control the ingress of atmospheric air into the combustion chambers, the egress of combustion products out from the combustion chambers, and the fluid flows between the first and second combustion chambers attendant VENTING, MIXING, and FIRING stages of an overall combustion cycle. The valve mechanism may comprise either a rotary valve mechanism, a linear-rotary valve mechanism, or a linear valve mechanism.

Abstract: A combustion chamber system for use within a combustion-powered fastener-driving tool, and a combustion-powered fastener-driving tool having the combustion chamber system incorporated therein, is disclosed. The combustion chamber system comprises a dual combustion chamber system comprising a pre-combustion chamber and a final combustion chamber. The pre-combustion chamber is characterized a high aspect ratio and has different obstacles fixedly incorporated therein for selectively retarding or enhancing the rate of burn and the rate of speed of the flame front propagating through the pre-combustion chamber.

Abstract: A mechanism for generating a flame jet has a volume formed of at least one vertical structure and two opposing horizontal structures. A rotatable fan is located within the volume, and is rotatable in a plane generally parallel to the planes of the horizontal structures. The mechanism also contains means for igniting a combustible gas which is contained within the volume, to propel a flame jet outside of the volume.

Abstract: A highly stretched film has permanently heat-sealed edges that are nearly invisible. A folding apparatus folds the edge portions of a film to form folded edges. The folded film then is passed through a bridle mechanism having two heated rolls. A series of nips apply pressure to the folded film as it is heated by the heated rolls. The nip pressure, combined with the heat imparted by the heated rolls, causes thermal welding of the folded edges resulting in permanent heat-sealed edges. Because the film edges are folded prior to the hot-stretching, the hot stretch process performs dual functions of stretching the film and heat sealing the folded edges. The resulting stretched film has permanently heat-sealed edges that do no separate, and which prevent tearing of the film edges during subsequent processing and use.

Abstract: A reclosable zipper is provided. The reclosable zipper is comprised of a first profile interlockable with a second profile. Each profile includes an interlocking member and a flange extending from the interlocking member on one side thereof. One of the zipper flanges is longer than the other and the zipper flanges are attached together by a peel seal. A slider may optionally be included for opening and closing the zipper. Lengths of the reclosable zipper are attached to a length of thermoplastic film via the longer zipper flange, either transverse or parallel to a running direction of the film, to form a supply of package making material. The supply of package making material is fed into an FFS machine or the like where it is made into reclosable packages.

Abstract: An apparatus and high speed process for heating and stretching a film having a bridle mechanism comprising a first heated roll and a second heated roll. The film is stretched as the film is transferred from the first heated roll to the second heated roll which rotates at a speed greater than the speed at which the first heated roll rotates. The film is fed into the bridle mechanism at a rate of about 1,500 fpm to about 2,500 fpm wherein it is stretched to a length that is up to about 450% greater than its initial, pre-stretched length. The increased contact between the large diameter heated rolls and the film and the short draw gap between the two heated rolls result in a highly stretched film having minimal neck-in.

Abstract: A reclosable zipper is provided. The reclosable zipper is comprised of a first profile interlockable with a second profile. Each profile includes an interlocking member and a flange extending from the interlocking member on one side thereof. One of the zipper flanges is longer than the other and the zipper flanges are attached together by a peel seal. A slider may optionally be included for opening and closing the zipper. Lengths of the reclosable zipper are attached to a length of thermoplastic film via the longer zipper flange, either transverse or parallel to a running direction of the film, to form a supply of package making material. The supply of package making material is fed into an FFS machine or the like where it is made into reclosable packages.

Abstract: A zipper strip for a reclosable package having a transverse zipper is provided. The zipper strip comprises a male interlocking profile and a female interlocking profile. Each profile includes an interlocking member and an integral web which defines a leading flange. The leading flanges are sealed to thermoplastic film material which is used to make the reclosable packages and to each other. A perforation extends along the length of the zipper strip so that the profiles can be readily separated.

Abstract: A slide-zipper assembly, a method of attaching the slide-zipper assembly to thermoplastic film, and a method of making slide-zippered packages are provided. According to the first aspect of the present invention, the slide-zipper assembly is comprised of a reclosable zipper and an optional slider. The reclosable zipper includes a first profile interlockable with a second profile. Each profile includes an interlocking member and a flange extending from the interlocking member on one side thereof at the bottom of the zipper. The interlocking members are interlockable with one another. The zipper flanges are wrapped around the zipper and joined together at the top of the zipper. The slider straddles the zipper and is adapted to open the zipper as it is moved therealong in an opening direction and to close the zipper as it is moved therealong in a closing direction.

Abstract: A slide-zipper assembly, a method of attaching the slide-zipper assembly to thermoplastic film, and a method of making slide-zippered packages are provided. According to the first aspect of the present invention, the slide-zipper assembly is comprised of a reclosable zipper and an optional slider. The reclosable zipper includes a first profile interlockable with a second profile. Each profile includes an interlocking member and a flange extending from the interlocking member on one side thereof at the bottom of the zipper. The interlocking members are interlockable with one another. The zipper flanges are wrapped around the zipper and joined together at the top of the zipper. The slider straddles the zipper and is adapted to open the zipper as it is moved therealong in an opening direction and to close the zipper as it is moved therealong in a closing direction.

Abstract: A slide-zipper assembly, a method of attaching the slide-zipper assembly to thermoplastic film, and a method of making slide-zippered packages are provided. According to the first aspect of the present invention, the slide-zipper assembly is comprised of a reclosable zipper and an optional slider. The reclosable zipper includes a first profile interlockable with a second profile. Each profile includes an interlocking member and a flange extending from the interlocking member on one side thereof at the bottom of the zipper. The interlocking members are interlockable with one another. The zipper flanges are wrapped around the zipper and joined together at the top of the zipper. The slider straddles the zipper and is adapted to open the zipper as it is moved therealong in an opening direction and to close the zipper as it is moved therealong in a closing direction.

Abstract: A zipper strip for a reclosable package having a transverse zipper is provided. The zipper strip comprises a male interlocking profile and a female interlocking profile. Each profile includes an interlocking member and an integral web which defines a leading flange. The leading flanges are sealed to thermoplastic film material which is used to make the reclosable packages and to each other. One of leading flanges is provided with a perforation along its length so that it can be separated by pulling the profiles apart.