Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a continuous metal tube having a plurality of electrical conductors disposed therein, by using a spring member to depress the electrical conductors while a flat metal strip is formed into a tubular member and welded to enclose the electrical conductors. The spring member functions to protect the electrical conductors from heat damage. The welding occurs completely downstream of the spring member in order to avoid excessive heat buildup in the spring member.

Abstract: A laminated tubular body comprising; an outer layer and an inner layer which contacts the inner surface of the outer layer; wherein the outer layer is penetrated by at least one aperture and the inner layer extends into said at least one aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous containment barrier comprising a plurality of compartmentalized inflatable chambers having, attached to the bottom thereof, an impermeable keel which stabilizes the containment barrier and assists in containment of the spilled petroleum product even under turbulent conditions. Extending below the keel is an elongate skirt which has a plurality of apertures therein that provide the necessary water pressure relief while still maintaining the necessary strength for successful containment of a spilled petroleum product. The barrier is designed to develop a desired height of petroleum product floating on an aqueous environment so that efficient recovery can occur.

Abstract: A product support table, having an elongated longitudinal opening is positioned over a pair of fin seal wheels which provide a seal between two edges of a sheet of film that has been wrapped around an article. The product support table supports a pair of product transport belts that are located between the product being wrapped and the product support table. The belts run the length of the product support table generally in contact with the top side of the table and then, on the return run, are directed upwardly to the bottom of the product support table for most of its travel back to a drive roll and a belt take-up roll.

Abstract: A back-up pad is provided over an anvil surface of a back-up plate, and between the anvil surface and a sealing surface of a sealing die, in an apparatus for forming seals between layers of film material. The back-up pad has a slip surface on one side thereof and a spring surface on an opposite side thereof, the slip surface opposing the sealing face of the die so that the layers of film material pass between the sealing die and the back-up pad during seal formation. The spring surface is comprised of a plurality of outwardly extending resilient spring loops that act against the back-up plate during seal formation, the spring loops resiliently urging the layers of film material against the sealing face to effect seal formation between the film layers while cushioning the film layers to prevent damage to the film layers due to drag between layers and the die face.

Abstract: A sealing device with multiple differential action is provided for machines producing dual-use filter sachets for infusion products. In such machines a continuously moving strip of thermally weldable filter paper, fed with equidistantly spaced fractional doses of the infusion product, is progressively folded longitudinally into a flattened tubular shape with adjacent folded-back longitudinal edges forming a longitudinal crest. The device is constituted by two blocks having respective pairs of mirror-image stepped overlapping edges extending to the opposite sides of the adjacent folded back edges of the strip forming the longitudinal crest. The mirror-image edges of the upper overlap have bores connected to a fluid-dynamic heat source. The mirror-image edges of the lower step have a lamellar structure.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for providing uniform fin-type back seals with flexible packaging material for use in conjunction with form-fill-and-seal machines is disclosed which utilizes a moveable tucker plate disposed between the mated edges of the flexible packaging material and the body of the packaging material. When sealing, the tucker plate moves against the body of the packaging material and prevents lateral movement of such material during the sealing operation. The tucker plate is joined to a sealing platen in a manner which maintains a fixed distance between the tucker plate and the sealing platen until a threshold sealing pressure is exceeded.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a plastics coated metal tube comprising means for forming a continuous strip of metal into a U-shape and a forming sleeve for folding the strip into an overlapping tube. A mandrel is also provided which extends through the forming sleeve and through a locating sleeve. The locating sleeve centralizes the tube as it passes over the mandrel and welding means are provided for welding the overlapping tube as it passes through the locating sleeve. Both the forming sleeve and the locating sleeve are mounted on the mandrel so as to float with the mandrel.

Abstract: A device for guiding a web of flexible film that has been folded back upon itself so as to maintain the edges of the web of film precisely positioned for subsequent sealing. The device includes a smooth support plate positioned so as to be received between two folds of the web of film with pressure being applied to hold the folds against the plate by means of rollers. The rollers are mounted to maintain the folds against the support plate and to assume different orientations relative to the direction of movement of the web.

Abstract: A tubular member is manufactured by by continuously supplying a plurality of elongate flexible webs while positionally displacing the webs in overlapping relation with side edges thereof arranged in a staircase configuration, progressively bending the webs along a mandrel, bonding the webs with adhesive layers interposed therebetween to form a tubular member, and joining the displaced side edges to complete the tubular member. The webs are supplied in mutually spaced-apart relation under longitudinal tension. A plurality of resilient support plate members are disposed respectively for the webs and arranged to lie along the lower surfaces of the webs transversely thereof. Opposite ends of the support plate members are supported for movement vertically and toward and away from each other. The opposite ends of the support plate members are movable toward each other to curve the support members along about an outer peripheral surface of a mandrel.

Abstract: Of two edges (14, 16) to be joined together of a multilayer foil, the inner edge (16) is obliquely trimmed in the longitudinal direction prior to the pressing together in such a way that the layer (6) located remote from the surfaces (10, 12) to be pressed together protrudes beyond the other layers. If the two layers (14, 16) are pressed together during the welding operation by means of two tool elements, not shown, then the inner layer (6) of the inner edge (16) overflows so as to form one uninterrupted layer with the inner layer (6) of the outer edge (14). When the foil is used as packaging material, in particular as a tubular liner for a packaging tube, it is assured that the product to be packaged will come into contact only with the inner layer (6), so that an undesirable reaction with one of the other layers is avoided.

Abstract: An oscillating sealing wire for high speed sealing of thermoplastic film. The sealing wire curved in the shape of a bow rocks back and forth across the moving surface of a thermoplastic film so the wire continuously presents a hot surface to the film. The film removes heat from the wire surface which touches the film. The oscillating wire continuously presents a new hot surface to the film to allow high speed movement of the film and still obtain a good seal.

Abstract: An automatic machine for the continuous production of dual-use filter sachets for infusion products, the filter sachets being in the form of bags or pouches containing successive portions of the products. Along the production line there are a succession of devices designed to effect step by step the longitudinal folding and sealing of a strip of filter paper forming therefrom a horizontally extending flattened tube and for the transverse thermal welding of the tube in a manner such as to enclose said individual dosed fractions. A rotary wheel has pickup elements for applying to the flattened tube equidistantly spaced labels, a longitudinally continuous thread transversely contacting the labels, as well as stickers or tabs weldable by alternate transverse thermal welding partly to the back of the labels. The tube is then sectioned into portions comprising at least two bags and the bags are set back to back and sealed together at their extremities.

Abstract: A method for the production of a composite pipe with at least the inner surface thereof covered with a plastic layer, comprising: forming a coiled metal sheet into a cylinder, during the conveyance of the metal sheet, by a cylindrical inner mold and at least one of a plurality of outer molds lined up in the direction of conveyance of the metal sheet, said outer mold having a housing composed of two separatable parts and being fitted around said inner mold with a fixed space; joining the side edges in the circumferential direction of said cylinder together; and extruding molten resin into a cylindrical shape over the inner surface of the cylinder from the inner mold, resulting in a composite pipe the inner surface of which is covered with a plastic layer.

Abstract: An automatic joining apparatus for automatically joining an attachment start edge and an attachment finish edge of a carcass play cut into a length somewhat shorter than a circumferential length of a former drum and wound around the former drum, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pair of magnet-containing drive rollers movable in the axial direction of the former drum while being held in contact with the proximity of the attachment start edge of the carcass ply and the proximity of the attachment finish edge thereof to join the attachment start edge and the attachment finish edge together, and a pair of gathering rollers movable in the axial direction of the former drum behind the magnet-containing drive rollers while being held in contact with the proximity of the attachment start edge and the proximity of the attachment finish edge to join the attachment start edge and the attachment finish edge together.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for encasing drainage pipes, using fibrous or particulate loose filler material guided onto the drainage pipe by means of a hollow screw and held there with a permeable envelope material preferably wound round with a filament. The pitch or number of threads on the screw, the height thereof and the speed at which the screw rotates determine the amount of filler material applied to the drainage pipe per unit of area. The apparatus comprises a machine consisting of a guide tube carrying an internal hollow screw, the drainage pipe being guided in the interior of the screw, the encasing envelope material being placed externally upon the said guide tube and preferably being wound around with a filament at the end of the screw.

Abstract: In the making of an electrical cable, a metal shield is formed by wrapping metal strip around a cable core with longitudinal edges of the strip overlapping. The strip is corrugated with the corrugations nesting in the overlapped regions. A shield gap filler is provided by extruding a heated molten plastics material and directing it between the overlapped regions. Upon cooling, the filler hardens and bonds the edges together. A cable jacket is extruded around the shield.

Abstract: An applicator for tampons has a sleeve for the tampon and for a portion of a reciprocable pusher which can expel the tampon by causing the latter to flex outwardly a set of domed petals at the front end of the sleeve. The sleeve is formed by advancing a strip of degradable material longitudinally, by forming spaced-apart portions of the strip with transversely extending rows of hourglass-shaped webs, by converting the strip into a tubular envelope with a seam extending in parallelism with the axis of the envelope, by severing the envelope across the rows of webs so that the envelope yields a series of tubes each having a circumferentially extending set of petals (halves of webs) at each of its ends, and by cutting each tube midway between its ends to form shorter tubes (sleeves) each of which has a set of petals at one end. The petals are thereupon domed to close the respective ends of the sleeves and the other ends of the sleeves are formed with indentations which center the respective pushers.

Abstract: A method for continuously manufacturing a thin wall tube of an extrudable material, preferably a polyolefine, having a wrapper of a metal foil.A thin wall extrudate is discharged from an extruder and a web of a metal foil having an adhesive layer thereon is fed against the outside of the tube and brought to fully cover the envelope surface of the tube with said layer facing the tube.Thereafter the tube is fed into an opening in a housing forming a pressure and temperature zone.The lamination pressure for laminating the metal foil to the tube is made selfadjusting by adapting the temperature and/or the efficient opening diameter of said opening to the inherent deformation resistance of the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for fabricating drip irrigation tape from a water impervious polyethelene film. A shaping assembly with a water-cooled vacuum drum preforms a groove along one edge, a folding device folds the strip lengthwise to form a first conduit, and a sealing assembly with an electrically-heated heat sealing wheel joins the edges along opposite sides of the groove to form a seam in which the groove defines a secondary conduit that is resistant to deformation. Flat spots on a pair of outwardly-extending annular ribs around the circumference of the heat sealing wheel produce breaks in the seam for inlet ports and outlet ports.

Abstract: A film tubing device for use in a packaging apparatus comprising a former arranged in a transfer path of a continuous length of a heat-meltable film, the former including an inner former member on which the film is wrapped with its longitudinal side edges overlapping each other, the former further including an outer former member having a longitudinal outlet through which the overlapping side edges of the film project out, a pair of longitudinal sealers disposed adjacent to the longitudinal outlet as slightly spaced from the outer former member for nipping the overlapping side edges of the film, the sealers being heated for heat-sealing the overlapping side edges of the film, a thin air guide plate arranged between the outer former member and each sealer to define a clearance between the guide plate and the outer former member, and an air supplying nozzle for feeding cooling air into the clearance.

Abstract: A dual compartment powder cartridge including a porous shell formed by fusing the lapped side edge portions of a blank of sheet material to a central portion thereof to form two compartments, a pointed closed first end on the cartridge, powder in the dual compartments, and a sealed second end on the cartridge for closing the compartments. A machine for forming a dual compartment cartridge including a first station for scoring a strip of material with spaced parallel score lines, a second station for folding the strip of material along the score lines to cause opposite edge portions to be placed in lapped engagement with each other and with the central portion of the strip, and a third station for ultrasonically welding the lapped portions to provide a seam between two adjacent compartments.

Abstract: An elongated fluid distributing hose for use in an irrigation system for plants, vegetables, and the like. The hose incorporates a particular arrangement of a main supply channel for gross water movement, and a water distributing network for fine water movement. Water pressure reduction takes place in the water distributing network at the point of the passing of the water from the high pressure main supply channel through a series of first fluid-passing openings or inlet stations through one or more smaller fluid-restricting passages. In certain embodiments, a structure is provided to perform a pressure regulating function in each of the smaller passages. In one embodiment, pressure reduction between an inlet and an outlet is by way of serpentine fluid-restricting path. A novel method and machine are employed to manufacture the various hoses embodying the teachings of the subject invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming plastic bags with zipper profile thereon, in situ, on a form and fill machine. Plastic film sheeting containing profiles is moved over a forming collar disposed about the filling spout of the machine. A major portion of the film is formed into a tube about the spout while a minor portion of the film, including the profiles, is directed away from the spout. After the tube is formed and filled, the major and minor portions are brought into alignment and transverse seams are formed on opposite sides of the product to form the bag.

Abstract: An automatic assembly machine for assembling a pleated filter material and a perforate hollow core member includes a wrapping station, an adhesive application station and a clamping station. A conveyor moves the filter material and the core member together as a unit through the wrapping station and the adhesive application station. The clamping station both clamps the seam to which adhesive has been applied for a period of time sufficient to permit curing of the adhesive joint, and simultaneously conveys the filter material and core member assembly. A method for assembling a pleated filter material and a perforate hollow core member includes the steps of conveying both the filter material and the hollow core member to a point where they come in mutual contact, supporting one of the members on the other, and simultaneously conveying the filter material and core member sequentially through a wrapping station and an adhesive application station.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling the quantity and distribution of a waterproofing material (26) on an advancing strip (76) of plastic material which is wrapped subsequently about an advancing cable core (22) to form a core wrap. When the plastic strip is wrapped about the core, which has been filled with the same waterproofing material, the waterproofing material on the strip fills any spaces between the strip and the core, between the strip and an inner metallic shield (31) and a longitudinal overlapped seam of the core wrap. In another cable structure, a controlled amount of waterproofing material is disposed along a longitudinal edge portion of the advancing strip of plastic material to insure a sealed seam when the strip is wrapped about the core.

Abstract: An elongated fluid distributing hose for use in an irrigation system for plants, vegetables, and the like. The hose incorporates a particular arrangement of a main supply channel for gross water movement, and a water distributing network for fine water movement. The major water pressure reduction takes place in the water distributing network made up of a series of first, second, and third fluid-restricting passages and is eventually released to the exterior of the hose through a series of discharge fluid-passing openings or outlet stations. A novel method and machine are employed to manufacture the hose embodying the teachings of the subject invention.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a cushioning material of air-filled film, wherein a plastic film sheet formed into a cylindrical shape is transversely fusion-bonded so that small air-filled cells are fabricated continuously. Manufacturing equipment is provided with a means for forming a plastic film into a cylindrical shape, a longitudinal sealing means, a roller means, and a transverse sealing means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a fin-type back seal on packages produced in a vertical form and fill machine utilizes a web having cohesive coating stripes on the edges thereof which are juxtapositioned by forming and then guided to a cold sealing zone. A cold seal assembly with a pressure-biased grooved roller and complementary platen apply rolling pressure to the cohesively striped area without the application of external heat to provide a good seal. The unit is adjustable universally so as provided adaptation to various styles and types of existing machines.

Abstract: The apparatus for producing pouch packages in pairs has two tube shaping devices disposed beside one another and two crosswise closure devices. To prevent having to stop both tubular pouch shaping devices at the same time in the event of an interruption or malfunction, or when changing a roll of packaging material, the crosswise closure devices are disposed on separate carriers. The carriers which are movable up and down individually can be coupled with a reciprocating element, which is moved incrementally up and down by a drive mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic form-and-fill packaging machine especially adapted for the ultrasonic sealing of food products in flexible bags from ultrasonically sealable flexible packaging material, and a method to utilize said machine. A packaging machine is provided with a first ultrasonic back seal forming unit for producing a continuous longitudinal back seal on the bag, and a second ultrasonic sealing unit provided in a pair of jaw members which are adapted to form the end seals of the bag perpendicular to the direction of travel of the packaging material. The second ultrasonic sealing unit is provided with a horn and an anvil in opposing jaw members, such that when the jaws are shut, the flexible packaging material is tensioned against sealing land areas to provide the end seals.

Abstract: An apparatus for consecutively applying relief valves to a wrapper sheet fed to the apparatus comprises a chute defining a substantially vertically oriented inner track for receiving the valves in a series; a channel introducing the valves into the track; a retainer for alternatingly holding back and releasing a momentarily lowermost valve in the track; a valve advancing mechanism for intermittently causing the momentarily lowermost valve to clear the retainer; a welding device situated below the retainer adjacent the chute externally thereof for cyclically bonding a valve to the wrapper sheet; and a positioning device situated underneath the retainer for aligning the valve released by the retainer with the welding device. The wrapper sheet passes between the positioning device and the welding device. The apparatus also has a cutter for cyclically providing an opening in the wrapper sheet at the intended location of the valves.

Abstract: An apparatus for lap sealing plastics resin films is disclosed. The apparatus includes a heated and driven belt and a back-up plate. The belt may be driven independently of the film, such that its speed need not equal that of the film. The back-up plate includes a finger means for orienting the film into a lapped position and a sealing surface which permits the film to slide without damage and which does not act as a heat sink.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing plastic film about a product including a curved forming plate, sealer means cooperating with the plate to form spaced discrete heat seals in overlapping portions of plastic sheet disposed about the plate and product, and transport means for reciprocatably moving the sealer means so that it remains in engagement with overlapped sheet portions and follows the path of movement thereof for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for forming a tube from a flat web by overlapping the edge zones of the web with one another or with a flexible strip while maintaining distance between the adhering, overlapping surfaces in order to provide horizontally straight edges, and thus a circumferentially constant diameter.

Abstract: A cable shielding method and apparatus are disclosed wherein adhesive 42 is applied to a strip 40 of shielding material within a shield forming die 20 as the strip 40 is being formed about a cable core 10 with an overlapped shield seam.

Abstract: Pieces of tube are produced from a flat flexible web by feeding the web intermittently into apparatus which first makes transverse incisions from each edge partly across the web at a spacing equal to the desired tube lengths. The side portions between the incisions are then folded along longitudinal fold lines so that their end edges overlap and are welded together. In a subsequent operation, the non-incised central flat portion of the web is severed in line with the incisions and the tube elements thus formed are then moved transversely to the direction of web movement by a reciprocating slide to stand upright on tube-shaping members.

Abstract: The present invention includes a heating element which is secured to a rigid member and which is located so that when a plastic like material is being formed into a package or bag, by effecting a seam along the side of the package, the inside of said side seam will be heated, in addition to said outside of said side seam to help provide a better sealed seam.

Abstract: A method of producing sheathed cables and/or transducers such as wire strain gauges, temperature probes and so on. Such cables comprise an outer tubular casing and one or more electrically conductive leads embedded in insulating material. Production begins on a flat strip which is bent by means of a female mold into a tubular shape with an approximately circular cross-section, whereby the free edges of this blank are bent back so as to form radially protruding flanges. The leads are inserted into this preformed tubular casing and the spaces are filled with insulating material in powder form. The diameter of the tube is reduced and the density of the inserted insulating material is increased by pulling on the flanges in a specially designed abutment. After the desired density is attained, the flange is cut off and the free edges are welded together.

Abstract: A process for the continuous manufacture of a closable pipe slotted in the longitudinal direction which is made from a sheet of a thermoplastic foam material involves shaping the sheet in the heated thermoelastic and/or thermoplastic state at right angles to its longitudinal direction into a pipe cross section, and applying the strips of a closure, especially a slide fastener of a thermoplastic synthetic resin, to the mutually facing longitudinal edges of the pipe slot by means of welding, heat-sealing, cementing, or the like. The closure strips, prior to being joined to the shaped, still heated foam pipe, are elongated by the effect of tensile force to the same extent as the foam pipe shrinks during cooling after application of the closure to provide a straight pipe or sheath like structure with a closure means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for obtaining a metal-plastics composite tube. A layer of grafted polyethylene which comes directly into contact with the metal and a layer of cross-linkable polyethylene are extruded simultaneously at least inside this tube, with the aid of an extrusion nozzle having an annular conduit with two distinct coaxial inlets and a single outlet. The invention results in a composite tube having the malleability of lead, the rigidity of copper and a total inertia with respect to the aggressive agents flowing therein.

Abstract: For the purpose of producing a packing container a web of laminated material is used, which material includes a base layer of foamed polystyrene, and two outer layers of homogeneous polystyrene.In order to seal the edge zones of the material web into a tube a part of the base layer of one of the edge zones is removed and the other edge zone is inserted into this cut off part between the remaining end parts of the outer layers and is heat-sealed to the outer layers. The so achieved sealing is tight and durable and superior to the known overlap sealing. The seal is also more pleasing from the aesthetic point of view.

Abstract: A collapsible dispensing tube is manufactured continuously from a flat sheet or web which is formed into a cylinder having an overlapped seam which is fused together by heat. A single pressure pad containing an induction heating element applies pressure at the seam area while the seam area is heated. The pressure pad containing the source of induction heat is removed, the cylinder is advanced incrementally, and the cycle is repeated.

Abstract: An improved film tube forming shoe includes a brake edge having a configuration which is related to the diameter of the shoe, to the film width, and to the diameter of a product to be wrapped in the tube. The shoe is provided with outwardly directed pressurized fluid ports in the brake edge to provide an air cushion for the film as it is drawn through an acute angle around the brake edge into the shoe. The fluid also cleans the edge and reduces accumulation of foreign matter thereon. To promote accurate film tracking through the shoe, it is rotatable in response to changes in the position of an edge of the film before it enters the shoe. Methods are provided for forming the shoe, and brake edge, without trial and error, for wrapping products of known diameter, and for wrapping articles.

Abstract: A device for feeding thin plastic film to and around a mandrel for forming a tubular package in which articles are deposited. The sheet material is advanced downwardly over the mandrel by means of a reciprocating collar which includes a unidirectional driving member. The tubular formed sheet material is cut and sealed by conventional sealing devices.

Abstract: A wrapping machine has a heat sealing band running horizontally forward along a feed passage which lies in front of a former which forms a strip piece of film into a tube. The heat sealing band is put on a pair of electrode pulleys, and its upper portion between a pair of the electrode pulleys which runs along the feed passage is charged with electricity directly through a pair of the electrode pulleys.

Abstract: A laminate of non-ferrous metal foil and heat softenable material is folded to tubular form to juxtapose the margins and the margins are heat sealed by passing the tube through an inductance coil; the inductance field may be intensified by a ferrite bar located in a mandrel over which the tube is fed.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming containers having a deformable tube and a closing cap attached to one end of the tube. A strip of deformable material is fed through a shaping tube and a mandrel axially positioned within the forming tube by means of an endless belt positioned within the mandrel and another endless belt positioned exterior of the mandrel. Welding means are provided to join the overlapped edges of the deformable material that has been shaped into a cylinder. Cutting means downstream of the welding means segment the welded cylinder into cylindrical tubes of desired length. A tube head is molded onto one end of each cylindrical tube.

Abstract: A conventional fin-type seam formed on tubed bag forming sheet material provided on one face with heat sealable material, has heat sealed overlapping edge portions forming the seam. The fin slides over a back-up plate extending between it and the body of the tube to prevent scuffing of the heat sealable material with consequent seal failure. A tracking wheel engaging the fin presses it against the back-up plate, and maintains alignment.

Abstract: A sheath for battery electrodes is made by introducing a fibrous tubular material along a mandrel. A perforated thermoplastic material is applied around the outside of the fibrous material. Subsequent to applying the fibrous material, the mandrel is heated, thereby heating the fibrous material. The latter heats and softens the inside of the thermoplastic material at their points of mutual contact. The thermoplastic material is then subjected to external pressing forces and external cooling temperatures to press the thermoplastic material against the fibrous material while cooling the thermoplastic material.