Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for the manufacture of surgical sponges defined by a sponge body with at least a segment of a string, preferably containing a material opaque to x-rays, joined to the sponge body. The apparatus provides for the manufacture of the surgical sponges in an automatic manner and continuous manner by feeding a length of the string from a string supply and an end portion of sponge from a supply of sponge in directions substantially ninety-degrees to one another to an area of intersection area where a segment of the string overlies the sponge at a selected distance from the end thereof remote to the supply of sponge. The string segment is joined to the sponge, preferably by an ultrasonic welding mechanism. The sponge end containing the joined string is then severed at a preselected location depending upon the width of sponge body desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a protective pad or the like, and which includes a convex mold surface having a plurality of perforations therethrough, and a cooperating concave mold surface also having a plurality of perforations therethrough. The two mold surfaces are mounted for relative movement with respect to each other and such that the concave mold surface initially faces upwardly to receive the molding material therein, and then is inverted and translated downwardly into face to face relationship with the convex mold surface. The apparatus includes a vacuum system for drawing a partial vacuum beneath the concave mold surface to maintain a predetermined distribution of molding material on the concave mold surface during the movement thereof, and means is provided for introducing steam into the mold cavity to cure the molding material.

Abstract: A method for molding a protective pad or the like, and which includes a convex mold surface having a plurality of perforations therethrough, and a cooperating concave mold surface also having a plurality of perforations therethrough. The two mold surfaces are mounted for relative movement with respect to each other and such that the concave mold surface initially faces upwardly to receive the molding material therein, and then is inverted and translated downwardly into face to face relationship with the convex mold surface. The apparatus includes a vacuum system for drawing a partial vacuum beneath the concave mold surface to maintain a predetermined distribution of molding material on the concave mold surface during the movement thereof, and means is provided for introducing steam into the mold cavity to cure the molding material.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately and efficiently cutting a web of sheet material into individual cut segments, and which comprises a pivotal rocker arm, and means for periodically oscillating the rocker arm which includes an endless chain having one or more cams carried thereby. Each cam is positioned to operatively engage the rocker arm during its traverse of a portion of the trackway followed by the chain to thereby oscillate the rocker arm. The rocker arm is operatively connected to a pair of cutting knives so the knives oscillate therewith, and toggle means is provided for actuating the cutting knives during each forward oscillation thereof.