Abstract: The present invention includes a set of reinforcement and support devices for existing or new roof, ceiling and/or floor systems together with numerous variations that may be installed into existing buildings or new buildings to help prevent separation of wood or metal roof, ceiling and/or floor systems from the concrete, masonry or other types of wails supporting these systems in commercial, industrial and/or residential buildings. One embodiment includes a set of three brackets that are installed in a triangularly shaped arrangement along a side of a primary support beam and to the wall underneath a ledger, thus anchoring the support beam to the wall of the structure and stabilizing the roof, ceiling or floor it supports. Another embodiment includes a single integrated unit that attaches to the wall underneath the ledger and to an adjacent support board, thus anchoring the support board (and the system it supports) to the wall of the structure.

Abstract: The present invention includes a set of reinforcement and support devices for existing or new roof, ceiling and/or floor systems together with numerous variations that may be installed into existing buildings or new buildings to help prevent separation of wood or metal roof, ceiling and/or floor systems from the concrete, masonry or other types of walls supporting these systems in commercial, industrial and/or residential buildings. One embodiment includes a set of three brackets that are installed in a triangularly shaped arrangement along a side of a primary support beam and to the wall underneath a ledger, thus anchoring the support beam to the wall of the structure and stabilizing the roof, ceiling or floor it supports. Another embodiment includes a single integrated unit that attaches to the wall underneath the ledger and to an adjacent support board, thus anchoring the support board (and the system it supports) to the wall of the structure.

Abstract: A device for fixing objects, in particular solar panels, to a roof, the device comprising at least one base element connectable to the roof and a top structure connectable to the base element for fixing to an object, wherein the base element and the top structure can be mutually coupled by means of a snap connection. A process for assembling such devices.

Abstract: A mounting structure of a solar cell module includes a fastening for mounting the solar cell module on a lateral beam. The fastening includes a body, and a plurality of hooks formed at an end of the body. The hooks have a hook having a form bent toward one side, having an end directed downward and serving as a first hook, and a hook having a form bent away from the one side, having an end directed downward and serving as a second hook. The hooks are opposed to and engaged with a projection of a hooked and L-shaped form formed on the solar cell module.

Abstract: Equipment for supplying energy to buildings or building complexes using solar energy as a source has a first solar panel installation for converting solar energy to electricity, a second solar panel installation for converting solar energy to thermal energy, a water based electrolysis device for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated by the first solar panel installation, a storage device for hydrogen and an electricity storage device. In order to create a less costly and more versatile energy supply system, the arrangement of multiple independently functioning modular fuel cell blocks of different capacities composed of at least one fuel cell block of specified capacities which can be controlled and initiated either individually or in combination depending on the demand for electricity and/or thermal energy and depending on the optimal constellation of fuel cell blocks engaged.

Abstract: A roof ridge vent comprises a one-piece, elongate body rollable into a spiral roll. The vent body has an elongate upper wall with a pair of longitudinally-extending side edges, an underside, and a plurality of bracing walls depending therefrom. The vent body further includes a pair of grillwork walls with ventilation openings extending downwardly and outwardly from the side edges of the upper wall. Still further, the vent body includes a pair of longitudinally-extending sidewalls that project from the outer edges of each of the grillwork walls and that are disposed upright with respect to the upper wall. Each of the sidewalls has a continuous, longitudinally-extending top strip and a spaced apart pair of longitudinally-extending walls depending from the top strip. The pair of walls includes a series of drainage openings which provide drainage paths through the sidewalls and which permit the sidewalls to be rolled into the spiral roll.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for closing building openings in a watertight manner, wherein a frame is arranged at right angles on a watertight, stable covering panel, all the way round the latter and at a constant spacing from a wall of the building opening, and at least one pressure hose with an openable and closable pressure-hose connection is arranged all the way round the frame, and a periphery of the covering panel that projects beyond the building opening has, on the building side, an all-round sealing element and at least one swing-away handle is arranged on the outside of the covering panel, and projecting parts of the building opening are surrounded by the periphery of the covering panel such that the periphery of the covering panel, with the all-round sealing element, encloses the building opening in a watertight manner.

Abstract: The folding storm shutter provides a shutter for protecting a window during inclement weather, and shade similar to that provided by an awning when window protection is not required. The folding storm shutter has an upper shutter panel and a lower shutter panel pivotally attached to the lower edge of the upper shutter panel so that the lower shutter panel can be extended to cover the entire window, and, alternatively, the lower shutter panel can be placed in a folded configuration against the upper shutter panel when not needed for window protection. A latching mechanism is provided for selectively retaining the lower shutter panel in the folded configuration. Hinges pivotally attach the upper shutter panel to the window frame. A rod removably supported by brackets on opposite sides of the window may be used to support the shutter in the folded configuration.

Abstract: An installation system for use with a window assembly with a nailing fin in a rough opening of a wall, the rough opening including a sill. The system includes a sill drain mat including a barrier wedge with a front edge, a rear edge, a bottom surface and a top surface. A fiber layer includes a top surface and a bottom surface and an adhesive layer disposed on the bottom surface of the fiber layer. A first portion of the fiber layer is adhered to the top surface of the barrier wedge and extends inwardly, the first portion of the fiber layer including a sealing strip. A second portion of the fiber layer extends outwardly from the front edge and the bottom surface of the barrier wedge forms a mating surface with a sill of the rough opening. A gasket includes a first surface attached to an inner surface of the nailing fin, a second surface received adjacent an outer surface of the wall, and an outer edge comprising a protruding end extending along a length of the gasket.

Abstract: An adjustable door frame system includes at least one vertical frame member having a movable vertical subjamb assembly capable of outward movement relative the vertical frame member. The adjustable door frame system also contains a horizontal frame member having a movable horizontal subjamb assembly capable of outward movement relative the horizontal frame member. The door frame system also contains a plurality of adjusting mechanisms coupling the vertical subjamb assembly and horizontal subjamb assembly to the frame members. Each adjusting mechanism includes a hex nut connected to its subjamb assembly with a hex nut clip, and a hollow set screw and guide tube. Rotation of the hollow set screw causes the hex nut to move axially along the guide tube thereby causing the hex nut clip and its connected subjamb assembly to be adjusted outwardly with respect to the door frame system, thereby filling a gap between its frame member and the wall section.

Abstract: An arrangement for temporarily dividing a room or space, and in particular a hospital room, into two medically private spaces includes a structured divider panel that extends between the floor and the ceiling and extends/retracts between opposite walls of the hospital room. The divider panel is multilayered and includes an inner layer that is sandwiched between and intersecured to a pair of outer layers, the inner layer being of sound-deadening material and the securement being such as to inhibit sound from passing between the separated spaces. In an aspect, a pair of wipers impregnated with an antibacterial or antimicrobial substance is positioned to automatically wipe and sanitize the exterior surfaces of the outer layers during extension and retraction of the panel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a building manufacturing system is provided. The system includes a manufacturing facility. The manufacturing facility includes one or more walls arranged to form a substantially complete perimeter. The manufacturing facility further includes a substantially open top. The system also includes one or more component assembly areas associated with the manufacturing facility. One or more components for a large building are assembled in the component assembly areas. The system also includes one or more assembly stations associated with the manufacturing facility. The large building is assembled substantially completely from a plurality of components in the stations.

Abstract: A sheathing layer spans a supporting surface from which moisture is to be removed. In one exemplary system, ventilation channels extend between opposed ends of the substrate layer, communicating with an outlet opening at one end and with a duct at the opposing end which in turn communicates with an inlet opening at the same end of the substrate layer as the outlet opening. A fan is arranged to circulate air through channels from the inlet opening to the outlet opening to replace humid air in the channels with drier replacement air. In another example, a substrate layer includes ventilation channels communicating only between the supporting surface and an outlet opening. The outlet opening connects to a fan which maintains the channels at a vacuum pressure to withdraw moisture therefrom.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tile for covering surfaces in the form of one or more metallic plates and a substratum to be placed on the surface to be covered. At least one metal plate has folds forming male and female shaped elements to be connected with those of adjacent tiles to form a substantially continuous coverage.

Abstract: According to the invention, an architectural thermal barrier component and method of forming same includes an elongate section incorporating a thermal break, for example for use in the manufacture of window, door, skylight frame assemblies and other fenestration related assemblies. The method comprises forming multiple co-extensive elongate elements, one of which includes a channel portion, and aligning the elongate elements with one another by snap-fitting the elements together or sliding the elements together longitudinally. After the initial assembly, the method includes crimping the elements in engagement with one another, filling the channel with a settable liquid of low thermal conductivity, effecting solidification of the settable liquid to form a solidified thermal barrier element, and cutting longitudinally through or debridging any part of the elongate elements that bridges the thermal barrier element.

Abstract: In a plasterboard panel a first plasterboard sheet has an opening delimited by a first outer zone of the first sheet; a second plasterboard sheet forms a door which can be connected to the opening in the first sheet, the second plasterboard sheet comprising a second outer zone delimiting the door. The panel also comprises holding means for stably connecting the door to the opening. The first outer zone is tapered transversally to the plane in which the panel lies and narrows from a first flat surface of the first sheet to a second flat surface of the first sheet opposite the first flat surface. The second outer zone is tapered transversally to the plane in which the panel lies and narrows from a first flat surface of the second sheet to a second flat surface of the second sheet opposite the first flat surface.

Abstract: A furring strip system with built-in alignment and airspace between interior and exterior walls for ventilation and rainscreen protection. A wall grid system speeds installation. The furring strip system has application to installation of drywall panels, deck applications, and floor applications. The system allows release of moisture from wood and wood plastic composite (WPC) decking via a space between boards. The invention further has application to roof installations with cross bars as well as different types of roofing, and ceiling applications.

Abstract: A plug designed to seal an opening formed in a concrete wall. The plug comprises a main body portion, a first end, and a second end wherein the first end and second end are combined by a bolt having a fastener on one end. Washers are combined with the bolt on each end of the plug. The plug has a first diameter wherein it can be inserted into the opening and a second diameter wherein it plugs the opening in the wall. The plug is moved from its first position to its second position by tightening the fastener thereby squeezing the plug between the two washers. This tightening causes an expansion of the plug to its second position, increasing its diameter inside the opening and forming a seal between the plug and the wall of the opening.

Abstract: A wall repair and construction method and structure using foam, such as expanding foam, to fill large gaps and holes, and then top coating with plaster. The foam provides a strong, rapidly-cured support structure, and the plaster provides an attractive finish surface. Thus, holes can be repaired in substantially less time than conventionally, and maintain substantial strength. Additionally, construction of walls can be performed rapidly.

Abstract: An enhancing mechanism to be placed primarily below the neutral axis of a girder is presented. The movement and deflection of the girder causes the enhancing mechanism to alter the bending moment distribution of the girder. The mechanism is configured so that when combined with the girder, the overall dimensions of the combined system is not much bigger than the dimensions of the girder alone. A tension member may be incorporated into the lower boundary of the enhancing mechanism, and connections are used to attach the mechanism to the girder below the neutral axis. The girder and the enhancing mechanism may be made of the same material or different materials. The compression forces developed in the long diagonal members of the enhancing mechanism become a reaction at the girder end points. A direct connection of the long diagonal members to support points load shear directly to the end supports.

Abstract: One or more diagonal brace beam sections (26) extend between a pair of connectors (32). One of the connectors is placed inside of a first stud (14) that opens towards a closed side of the next stud (14) the second connector member (32) abuts against the web of the second stud (14). The connectors (32) are connected to the studs (14) by screw fasteners or some other suitable form of fasteners. The several diagonal brace beam sections (26) form an internal brace beam for the wall that extends from an upper corner at one end of the wall downwardly to a lower corner at the opposite end of the wall.

Abstract: An anchoring system to lock posts into housings mounted in the ground, or to lock pipes into housings within holes through walls or foundations uses plastic collets to match post outer profiles to inner housing profiles. The collets have two gently tapered circumferential areas which lock into corresponding tapered areas in the housing. Keys help to lock the post into the collet and in turn into the housing. Customized collets match incompatible posts and housings. The anchored post may be released for re-use, with a security release system that requires the use of special tools.

Abstract: A system and method of stabilizing wall structures constructed with hollow core cementitious blocks that have not been filled with concrete. Relatively small cores are drilled along either the upper or lower portion of the wall structure to allow for the insertion of a rigid yet flexible reinforcing rod into the hollow core of the block. Through the same hole and other ports drilled into the hollow core block, high density expanding resin is injected to fully fill and encapsulate the reinforcing bar or rod thereby providing sufficient rigidity to the wall structure to withstand significant seismic activity.

Abstract: A sectional door includes a plurality of panels. Each panel can include two or more plies which can be made of thermally compatible material. A panel of such sectional door includes an outer ply including a thermoplastic material and a sash frame including a thermoplastic material. The outer ply forms an outer face of the door. The sash frame is secured to the outer ply. The outer ply and the sash frame include thermoplastic materials which have substantially the same rate of thermal expansion. A desired design can be formed in the outer face of the door.

Abstract: A composite cladding panel has an internal skin or backing tray (2), and an external skin (3) with foam insulation (4) between the tray (2) and skin (3). A pre-formed gasket (20) is bonded to the external skin (3) and a coating (30) is applied to the external skin (3) of the panel and to an outer face (21) of the gasket (20) to provide a surface finish such as a textured finish. No joint is visible between the coated skins (3) of adjacent panels.

Abstract: Embodiments are described of devices for concealing and/or protecting a portion of a member, such as the base of a post, which devices can be easily applied to the member at any time. These embodiments include a plurality of components adjustably connected to one another so as to provide a snug fit of the device against the member to be protected, regardless of initial variations from the expected dimensions of the member. Further device embodiments are self-adjusting to provide a snug fit regardless of subsequent changes in the dimension of the member over time.

Abstract: A unit (1, 1?) for applying opening devices (2, 2?) to packages (3) of pourable food products, the unit (1, 1?) having first conveying means (8, 8?) for feeding the opening devices (2, 2?) successively along a first path (P1, P1?); second conveying means (9) for feeding the packages (3) successively along a second path (P2); and transfer means (10) for transferring the opening devices (2, 2?) from the first path (P1, P1?) to the second path (P2), and in turn having a wheel (18) rotating about an axis (A), and a number of gripping members (19, 19?) carried by the wheel (18) and for receiving respective opening devices (2, 2?) from the first conveying means (8, 8?) and transferring them to the second path (P2) by rotation of the wheel (18); the transfer means (10) also having connecting means (20) for connecting the gripping members (19, 19?) movably to the wheel (18), and cam guide means (21) for altering the position of each gripping member (19, 19?) with respect to the wheel (18) as the wheel (18) rotates.

Abstract: A net derucking rectifier system is described. The system has a stuffer, a product horn having an upstream end and a downstream end, the upstream end mounted to the stuffer, a netting tube having an upstream end and a downstream end, the netting tube removably mounted coaxially over the product horn and having a tubular netting shirred thereon, a bracket mounted coaxially to the netting tube and having a plurality of fingers pointing radially inward to grip the netting, the bracket movable between a first position near the upstream end and a second position near the downstream end, the fingers biased to grip the netting when the bracket is moved from the first position to the second position and not to grip the netting when the bracket is moved from the second position to the first position, and a clipper located adjacent the distal end of the netting tube.

Abstract: A method of individually packaging an intimate feminine absorbent article such that the packaged intimate feminine absorbent article is dimensioned to fit within the pocket of an article of clothing to be worn on one's person includes compressing the intimate feminine absorbent article from a first condition to a second, compressed condition and retaining the intimate feminine absorbent article in the second, compressed condition with a pressure differential that acts upon a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material to maintain the intimate feminine absorbent article in the compressed condition. The pressure differential is created by locating the intimate feminine absorbent article in an interior space of a substantially flexible material, creating a negative pressure within the interior space, and hermetically sealing the intimate feminine absorbent article at the negative pressure within the flexible material.

Abstract: A method for producing a package with the following steps is described. Forming of a container (13) in a web of a first web material (7); subsequent sealing of a cover (14) onto the container produced within an outer contour of the package to be produced; and thereafter cutting of the container (13) out of the first web material (7) along the outer contour of the package to be produced and outside of an outer contour of the cover (14) sealed thereon.

Abstract: The invention is to change the current way of packing cigarettes in a pack in order to improve and ease the way of pulling them out after opening the pack. Current way of packing cigarettes in a pack places the cigarettes on the same level what complicates pulling the first cigarettes out from the pack after its opening. It also makes the smokers touch many cigarettes in order to get only one of them, which makes the whole process unhygienic. The above-mentioned problem can be effectively solved by differentiating the level of the cigarettes packed in the pack. Cigarettes in the center of the pack are packed on a slightly higher level that the remaining cigarettes closer to the sides of the pack; however, the differentiating of the levels may be gained and applied to any other place in the box, not necessarily to the cigarettes in a center.

Abstract: A packing unit includes a pallet, a structural base, and a fixing device. The pallet mounts an article thereon. The structural base has a fixed portion and is detachably attached to the article. The fixing device fixes the article to the pallet and includes an article fixing member slidably supported by the pallet. The article fixing member is movable between a fix position at which the article fixing member is engaged with the fixed portion of the structural base of the article to fix the article to the pallet and a release position at which the engagement of the article fixing member and the fixed portion is released.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling folding boxes from flat folding box shells has a gripping unit, movable in at least one direction of motion, for grasping the folding box shells and having a suction gripping device and an assembly unit for assembling the folding box shells, and a bottom flap folding tool which is pivotable relative to the assembly unit being mounted thereon, and by which the bottom flap, trailing in the direction of motion of the gripping unit, of the folding box intermediate product resulting from assembly of the folding box shell and having open bottom flaps may be folded by swiveling the pivotable bottom flap folding tool. The assembly unit includes a support element on which the gripping unit is supported, and an assembly tool which is pivotable relative to the support element mounted thereon for assembling the folding box shell.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) loads product in the form of bags into a carton held at a tilt angle. The leading ends of the bags on an adjustment conveyor (20) are abutted by a bumper (30) to reorient the bags 90° on the adjustment conveyor (20). The downstream roller (44) of a twist conveyor (40) is tilted to collate bags on a decline conveyor (70). The collated bags are moved on an orientation conveyor (74) to engage a product scoop (110) extending at an inclined position and moved to a vertical position to vertically orient the bags. The orientation conveyor (74) is moved to an offset position to allow the bags to drop onto a lowerator (92) of an accumulator (86) where they can be sandwiched between retainer plates (88, 90). A pusher plate (94) pushes the bags off the lowerator (92) into the carton and is tilted to correspond to the tilt angle of the carton.

Abstract: A retortable multilayer packaging film comprises a crosslinked first layer which serves as an outer heat seal/product contact layer, and a crosslinked second layer which serves as an outer heat seal/skin layer. The crosslinked first outer heat seal/product contact layer comprises a blend of a homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer and a heterogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer and/r a propylene/ethylene copolymer having a melting point of from about 110° C. to about 150° C. and having up to 4.9 weight percent ethylene mer. The crosslinked outer heat seal/skin layer comprises a blend of: an isotactic propylene-based polymer, and a homogeneous ethylene/C4-8 alpha-olefin copolymer having a density of from about 0.86 g/cc to about 0.91 g/cc.

Abstract: A method for securing a closure on a cylindrical container (such as a pharmaceutical vial) includes: positioning a closure in a first position, the closure being substantially centered via a centering assembly along an axis that is generally normal to the closure; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a second position; positioning a cylindrical container, the container being substantially centered via the centering assembly along the axis; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a third position in which it is adjacent the substantially centered container; and relatively rotating the closure and the container to secure the closure to the container. With such a method, both the closure and the cylinder can be centered along the axis, thereby registering them with each other for reliable securing.

Abstract: An air filter is provided having a filter body and a throat connected to a bottom of the filter body. The throat includes a plurality of throat sections. Each of the plurality of throat sections has a different inner diameter. The throat may further included molded trim guides for facilitating trimming of the throat at throat section interfaces.

Abstract: A dust collector with a function of secondary collection is composed of a bottom base, an air guiding box installed above the bottom base and bored with a suction hole and a dust collecting hole at its upper and bottom surface respectively, a guiding device set inside the air guiding box, a filtering bag fixed on the guiding device, and a dust bag sealed with the lower dust collecting hole of the air guiding box. In using, dust can be drawn in by a blower to enter the air-guiding box. By means of the guiding device, the particles with larger size are to directly drop down to the dust bag and the light or tiny ones are to be drawn through the guiding device to flow up to the filtering bag for being filtered, with a secondary filtration to prolong a service life of the filtering bag.

Abstract: A ceramic honeycomb filter comprising a honeycomb structure having a large number of flow paths partitioned by porous cell walls; and plugs formed in the flow paths alternately on the exhaust gas inlet and outlet sides; the thickness W (mm) and permeability ? (?m2) of the cell wall and the length L (mm) and cross section area A (mm2) perpendicular to the length direction of the flow path meeting the relations of 0.1?W?0.5, 8??/W?26.7, and 125?L/A0.5?360.

Abstract: A system and method for tagging individual bales of hay as they are baled and recording information regarding the moisture, weight, preservative applied, field position, quality and other information available at the time of baling, all sequenced to the formation of the bale by a timing and positioning device.

Abstract: The invention is a grass trimming apparatus, providing an integral built-in telescopic member designed for height and pitch cutting adjustment and carriage ground wheels for rolling mobility to provide greater control, versatility, precision cutting, maneuverability and safety for the user than currently found in the field. This apparatus provides a lighter, simpler method for trimming yards, weeds or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a vegetation cutting device. The cutting device includes a cutting head, a handle or shaft attached to the cutting head, and a power unit attached to the handle and supplying power to the cutting head. The apparatus comprises a clamp member having disposed therein the device handle or shaft, and wherein the clamp member includes a pole support member. The apparatus further comprises a pole support operatively associated with the pole support member, a knob and stem for selectively attaching the clamp member to the pole support, and an angle adjustment plate and wheel assembly operatively attached to the clamp member via an offset plate for rotatably moving the cutting head. The apparatus also includes apertures for orienting the angle adjustment plate to a proper orientation with respect to the wheel assembly, and a tab operatively attached to the pole support for rotating the pole support to align with the apertures.

Abstract: A row unit comprises a row unit gearbox with two shearing edges and two stalk rolls with corresponding shearing edges, wherein the stalk roll shearing edges shear against the gearbox shearing edges when the stalk rolls rotate during normal operation of the row unit, thereby chopping material that might otherwise be wrapped around the row unit gearbox and be jammed between the stalk rolls and the gearbox.

Abstract: A corn head end fender is configured to tilt outwardly in a direction transverse to the direction of travel to provide access to a row unit covered by the end fender during normal operation.

Abstract: There are provided a catcher frame apparatus including a catcher frame and a catcher roller mounted to the front lower end of a catcher supporting unit of the catcher frame along the direction of the width of a machine body. The catcher frame is connected to the machine body so as to be capable of rotating about an axis of rotation extending along the direction of the width of the machine body, and the catcher supporting unit of the catcher frame is arranged in front of a lawn mowing unit, so that substantially the entire weight of lawn chips stored in a grass catcher supported by the catcher supporting unit is applied to the catcher roller.

Abstract: A reel mower assembly having a frame and a reel rotatably mounted to the frame. The reel is a casting having spatially separated end members and a plurality of cross members homogenously connected to the end members. One or more support rings can also be positioned between the end members and homogenously connected to the cross members. A drive is operable to rotate the reel about a reel axis.

Abstract: A tree fruit collection device includes a plurality of individual freestanding supports for arrangement radially extending from a tree trunk. At least one net element is suspended between the supports and secured at a proximal circumference of the net element around the tree trunk. The net element provides a frustoconical surface to catch dropped fruit from the tree. Hook and loop fasteners or similar attachment devices are provided for removably securing the net element to the supports.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for baling crop materials using a baler with a pickup thereon for picking up crop materials from the ground and moving such crop materials towards a baling chamber. The pickup has a pickup frame operatively attached to the baler, the frame having a plurality of laterally spaced apart tines of a type which is typical for balers. The pickup has a pickup frame operatively attached to the baler, the pickup having a plurality of laterally spaced apart tines of a type which is typical for balers. Plastic bands are provided on at least the surface of bands that are disposed between the tines to reduce friction between the crop and the bands; this prevents excessive vibration, whereby crop material will pass evenly through the pickup, minimizing the possibility of plugging of the pickup and retaining leaves and other desirable parts of the crop.

Abstract: Input fibers to be used for the manufacture of textile components are cut to a proper length [113]. The fibers are metallized [115] with silver and copper. The metallized fibers are opened [121] and blended [123] with other fibers. The blended fibers are preferably opened again [125]. Then the blended fibers are oriented [127] and drawn [129] into a sliver. Roving [140] may be applied to the sliver to condense the fibers. The length of the fibers, the denier of the fibers, the amount of metal coating and composition of the metal coating are selected to provide an optimum amount of metal ion discharge to have the proper antimicrobial properties, while optimizing wound healing properties, and minimizing manufacturing costs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for producing a chain composed of chain links (2) and of connecting elements (1). According to the invention, the chain can be produced in an essentially continuous manner whereby largely eliminating the need to make separating cuts and enabling the production of loadable and durable articulated connections of chain links. To this end, the invention provides that: connecting elements each having two holes (1,1) are used; the connecting elements are inserted in cavities (3-5) in first tools, and; chain links (2) are produced with contact at least to partial areas of connecting elements. Inside the holes (1-1), joint pins (2-1) are produced that are a part of the chain links. The invention also relates to a method and device for producing a chain, which is composed of chain links and of connecting elements, made of shapeable materials, particularly plastic.