Abstract: The present invention contemplates a machine and method for performing the laser sealing and laser cutting of flexible material into segments, such as a polymeric web in which the segments will ultimately be individual bags. The machine includes a generally cylindrical drum having openings on an exterior surface. A laser produces a laser beam that contacts the flexible material while the flexible material is being held on the drum. The drum is preferably comprised of drum sections that can be independently moved in the radial direction. The machine includes a cam system causing the drum sections to be sequentially moved in the radial direction. Typically, this radial movement is for the purpose of releasing the individual segments of the flexible material that have been cut by the laser.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a machine and method for performing the laser sealing and laser cutting of flexible material into segments, such as a polymeric web in which the segments will ultimately be individual bags. The machine includes a generally cylindrical drum having openings on an exterior surface. A laser produces a laser beam that contacts the flexible material while the flexible material is being held on the drum. The drum is preferably comprised of drum sections that can be independently moved in the radial direction. The machine includes a cam system causing the drum sections to be sequentially moved in the radial direction. Typically, this radial movement is for the purpose of releasing the individual segments of the flexible material that have been cut by the laser.

Abstract: A grocery bag or the like having a closure member which securely closes the mouth of the bag so as to prevent items contained therein from falling out when the bag is tipped over. Closure is accomplished by a thin flexible strap attached to the front wall of the bag just below the bag mouth defining an opening between the strap and bag wall. The user may close the bag by inserting the hand through the opening defined by the strap and the bag front wall, grasping the bag handles and pulling the handles through the opening.

Abstract: A continuous winder which produces individual rolls of sheet material having a high quality finish. This is accomplished by maintaining a surface-winding layon roller in contact with each roll throughout the entire winding operation. The winder is comprised of a support frame having a turrent mounted therein which carries a plurality of spindles onto which the individual rolls are wound. A double layon roller assembly is mounted in the frame so that one of the layon rollers is in contact with a first spindle during the winding operation. A length counter generates a signal which starts the transfer operation when a roll is wound whereupon a second spindle is brought up to speed and a cutter is extended adjacent the sheer of the material. Simultaneously, an auxillary layon roller is moved into contact with the second spindle. Adhesive on the second spindle pulls the web onto the cutter starts the winding on the second spindle. The cutter is retracted, and the turret is indexed approximately 30.degree..