Abstract: A technique is disclosed for drying and curing a liquid film applied to a former which is reactive to radio frequency energy so as to generate heat. A liquid film, such as latex, is applied to a metallic former which is then disposed in the proximity of an applicator which propagates radio frequency energy. In response, by a process of induction the former generates heat and thereby advantageously dries said film in an inside-to-outside manner. A superior product is produced which is substantially free of defects and blemishes.

Abstract: A package for a fluorescent tube includes a substantially rigid blister surrounding and spaced from conducting pins extending from an end of the tube. The blister is spaced from the pins and has a surrounding shoulder which rests on the end of the tube so that impact on the blister is transferred to the end surface of the tube and does not damage the pins. The tube ends may pass through apertures in a tube-separating card attached to the blisters, and the card may be adapted for receiving identifying graphics.Blisters may also be formed into trays for use in bulk packaging of fluorescent tubes.

Abstract: In gripper shuttle looms for a shuttle box which contains a groove for receiving a gripper shuttle and which rotates 180.degree. to turn the shuttle around and has a braking member which cooperates with the groove to check the shuttle in the groove, and wherein said braking member moves away from the groove to permit the shuttle box to be turned and the shuttle to be picked: restraining means located in the groove for restraining the shuttle against lateral movement along the longitudinal axis of the groove during the shuttle box turning motion and which maintains the shuttle in the proper position in the shuttle box and allows the shuttle to be picked out of the shuttle box.