Abstract: A method distinguishes electrical signals corresponding to an activation or deactivation of a single electrical power consuming device from an electrical signal that supplies electricity to multiple electrical power consuming devices has been developed. The method includes generating signatures corresponding to activation and deactivation of a plurality of electrical devices from a transformation of an electrical power signal using sparse deconvolution to cluster and then identify the activation and deactivation of one of the plurality of electrical devices.

Abstract: A paper sheet binding die set comprises first and second dies, each having an opposed surface comprising a plurality of tooth portions. The first and second dies face each other such that the first die and the second die are capable of meshing with each other. Each tooth portion of the first die comprises a valley-bottom portion, and a peak-top portion. Each tooth portion of the second die comprises a valley-bottom portion, a peak-top portion, and an inclined-surface portion extending at an incline from the valley-bottom portion to the peak-top portion. The peak-top portion of each of the plurality of tooth portions of the first die has a length so as to cover the inclined-surface portion of the corresponding tooth portion of the second die upon meshing of the first and second dies. The first and second dies pressurize the plurality of stacked paper sheets to bind them together.

Abstract: System assembly and structure consisting of the inclusion of pieces of laminated cardboard in slots die-cut on corrugated panels to obtain three-dimensional structures very strength with regard to the materials used, as well as lightweight and self-supported. The applications are a plurality, ranging from items of furniture such as chairs, tables, beds, elements of load of products or displays, packaging; until construction elements such as attics mezzanines. In addition the assembly system is designed to be armed with practical and easy way for the user, without the need to use tools. This allows and facilitates the transport of structures exploded accommodated in a compact way, occupying a relatively small space.

Abstract: A rectangular stack of interfolded rectangular napkins including a plurality of napkins, each napkin in the stack comprising a first fold in a first direction, and a second fold in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and bisecting the first fold and the napkin in the second direction, the intersecting first and second folds dividing the napkin into four panels with a pair of adjacent panels located on each side of the second fold, wherein each of the napkins within the stack includes at least one pair of panels arranged in the stack at a level between two pairs of adjacent panels of another of the absorbent napkins within the stack.

Abstract: A carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton comprises a plurality of panels comprising a top panel. A plurality of end flaps are at least partially overlapped with respect to one another to thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton. The plurality of end flaps can comprise a top end flap foldably connected to the top panel. A reinforcing insert can comprise a central panel and at least one reinforcing end panel foldably connected to the central panel. At least one reinforcing end flap can be foldably connected to the at least one reinforcing end panel. A handle can comprise at least a first handle feature in the top end flap and a second handle feature in the reinforcing end panel. The second handle feature can be generally aligned with the first handle feature.

Abstract: A collapsible HVAC filter that includes a pleated filter media pack with ends that attach to ends of a planar filter frame member. The structure collapses by folding the filter frame member along score lines and compressing the pleated filter media while the media and frame member are attached. The collapsed components occupy little space relative to the expanded filter, and can be expanded to form a completed filter with little effort required by the end user. Most of the filter media is collapsed in a generally U-shaped channel formed from the folded filter frame member.

Abstract: An insulating shipping system may include a container and an insert assembly which may include an insert configured to be inserted into the container. The insert may have a first blank that may include a center panel, two bottom panels emanating from opposite side edges, wherein each bottom panel has at least one slot, at least one top panel emanating from a top edge of each of the bottom panels, wherein each top panel has at least one tab or flange, and at least one foldable line of weakness disposed between each top panel and bottom panel, wherein the at least one slot is sized to receive the at least one tab or flange. The insert further may include a second blank have a center panel, wherein the center panel is configured to couple to the center panel of the first blank to form at least one walled cavity.

Abstract: A folding toy figurine includes a lid formed from a flat foldable stock and has a top wall and side walls when it is folded into erect position. The toy also has a box component which is formed from flat foldable stock which, when folded into erect position, has a bottom wall, walls and a hollow interior. At least one of side walls has a small slot therein and a lid fitting snugly over the box component to form a hollow box. The toy has parts that are loosely held inside the box. At least one of the parts is removable from the interior of the box and insertable into said small slot in side wall, from the exterior thereof. The invention also provides a method of making parts with boundaries for insertion into slots.

Abstract: Transportation packaging may be used to ship or transport a product, such as an electronic device. The transportation packaging may be reused subsequent to the transport of the product by removing a shape defined by a pattern included on the transportation packaging, assembling or altering a portion of the removed pattern, and engaging the assembled pattern with the product. In a particular embodiment, the assembled pattern may provide a usability surface for at least one peripheral device to be used with the electronic device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bag stand including a hollow stand having an inner surface, an outer surface, a top end, and a bottom end, the hollow stand including at least one side panel, each side panel having two ends, each end of each side panel connected to an adjacent end of a side panel to form a substantially continuous outer surface and a substantially continuous inner surface thereby defining an opening along the top end of the hollow stand; and a funnel interfacing with the top end of the hollow stand and having an inner surface, an outer surface, a top end, a bottom end, and at least two side ends, the funnel defining an opening at each of the top end and the bottom end of the funnel, the top end of the funnel having a larger opening and the bottom end of the funnel having a smaller opening.

Abstract: Method for binding a quire formed of folded sheets slipped into each other, characterized in that it consists in providing at least one cut through the sheets of the quire as of a short distance from the folding edge of the quire, whereby every cut through a sheet of the quire defines a lip extending mainly crosswise to the above-mentioned folding edge of the quire and which is connected to the quire with its far end turned towards the folding edge, and whereby said lip has a widening.

Abstract: A contact-bonding film insertion device included in a contact-bonded paper manufacturing apparatus which produces releasable and expandable contact-bonded paper such as postcards (Q) by inserting a contact-bonding film (F) carried on a vertically movable support plate (51) between opposed paper pieces (Pa, Pb) of folded cut paper (P) by a paper pushing device (60), the cut paper (P) having been transferred by a paper transfer device (20) and folded by a paper folding device (30), and subsequently by extracting the support plate (51) from the paper piece (Pa, Pb) by a support plate extracting device (55) to supply the paper (P) into which only the contact-bonding film F is inserted to a paper contact-bonding device (70) and paper cutting device (80), a slope (51y) which is downward-inclined toward its tip to form substantially an acute angle at the tip is provided on a periphery (51x) of the support plate (51) included in the contact-bonding film insertion device, the periphery (51x) which includes the slope (

Abstract: In a machine for packaging articles into box-like containers, obtained from tubular blanks in flat folded configuration, tubular blanks are conveyed from a feeding station to an erecting station, by an erection unit, moving between the erecting station and a station for vertical introduction of articles into the erected blanks. A folding element cooperates with the unit to fold a second lower flap of the blank by ninety degrees. A horizontal plane supports the blank and articles contained in the blank. The blank is transferred and guided on the horizontal plane while blank flaps are folded. At closing stations a bottom and a cover of the so obtained pack are closed.

Abstract: Apparatus for making packages having interlocking closures from a web of film, the closure having male and female portions and being formed in line with or transversely to the direction of film flow. A converter fanfolds the film into spaced apart stacks of heat sealed together layers. Abrading means abrade one surface of each strip to remove the thermoplastic coating. A package former forms packages having longitudinal seals, and places strip portions in apposed position. The package ends are sealed and the locking closure is formed in the strip. The locking closure female portion is formed in the face including the longitudinal seal. In another embodiment the strip inner and outer parts of the resealable closure are separately formed before package formation. Alternatively, layering is done by heat sealing a strip of heat sealable material to the packaging film. Optionally formed in the resealable closure are hinges and reinforcing V-notches.

Abstract: A fastening device includes a cylindrical shell with an opening extending over the entire length of the cylindrical shell, a gripping member formed on the periphery of the cylindrical shell by extending outward and a pair of hooks linked with the tip end of the cylindrical shell via hinges. A fastening method using the foregoing fastening device includes the steps of passing the pair of hooks through a hole for fastening of a packing box formed of an upper box and a lower box, having the pair of hooks opened outward to bring the holding members thereof into contact with the back side surface of the packing box and at the same time having the pair of hooks engaged with each other firmly. At this time, the gripping member is in contact with the front side surface of the packing box. Accordingly, both surfaces located at each respective rim of the hole for fastening are sandwiched between the pair of hooks and the gripping member.

Abstract: Panel interlocking means secures together first and second panels in overlapping relationship. The first panel comprises a locking tab struck therefrom adjacent the free edge thereof The locking tab extends away from the free edge of the first panel and defines a first aperture in the first panel. The locking tab has a neck portion hinged at its base to the first panel and terminates in its shoulder portion. The second panel includes a second aperture struck therefrom adjacent the free edge thereof. The second aperture receives the locking tab such that when the panels are locked together, the free edge of the second panel is located along the locking tab between the base of the neck portion and the shoulder portion, and the locking tab is engaged with an edge of the first aperture.

Abstract: A reinforced box-like structure for forming a void area in a concrete formation. The structure includes a bottom panel having a plurality of spaced apart, parallel base partitions and a top panel having a plurality of spaced apart, parallel top partitions. The base partitions extend across the bottom panel and in a direction normal to the bottom panel, and the top partitions extend across the top panel and in a direction normal to the top panel. Each of the base partitions and top partitions include a plurality of double-thickness walls with a plurality of slots therein and flat top edges between the slots. The structure is assembled by superimposing the top panel over the bottom panel such that the base partitions extend transversely relative to the top partitions.

Abstract: A rigid plastic enclosure is made from flat blanks. The enclosure is particularly well suited for use as an electrical or electronic component enclosure. The top, bottom, back, and side walls of the enclosure are parts of a structure made by cutting and/or routing a sheet of plastic which can be folded into an open-faced, box-shaped structure. A cover or face plate can be fastened to the structure to complete the enclosure. Because the enclosure is constructed from plastic, holes can be easily drilled into its walls, eliminating the need for providing knockout holes at predetermined locations.

Abstract: A method and a device for the production of folded products utilizes a row of folding jaws and a row of counter folding jaws. A signature to be cross-folded is inserted between the jaws by a folding blade. The folding jaws and counter folding jaws form a line of embossing on the folded signatures adjacent the transverse fold line. The resultant folded item has an increased moment of resistance in the direction of transport.

Abstract: A package to be provided on and around a box-shaped container having a flanged edge, manufactured from a material having resilient properties and an inherent stiffness and including an open tubular element composed of at least three sidewall panels and these connecting corner panels are each provided with a local recess for letting through a part of the flanged edge, the arrangement being such that when a package has been placed on the container, the parts of the flanged edge that extend through a recess project outside the outer circumference of the package at least in the area around that recess. Optionally, such a package can be provided by a tool of tubular form capable of retaining an unfolded package in its interior, which tool with the package secured therein is preferably slid around and on a container from below.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pinch perforating multi-ply web material to increase the perforation ply bond and/or perforation ply bond retention by pinching the multiple plies of web material together and then perforating the material using an anvil and perforator blade design provided on a perforating apparatus. Specifically, the apparatus comprises a roll mounted contoured perforator blade which cooperates with a beveled anvil to produce perforation ply bonds perpendicular to the length of the multiple plies of web material. The desired anvil/perforator blade interface angle between 0.degree. and 20.degree. is provided by beveling the anvil. A 15.degree. beveled anvil is preferred to provide a 5.degree. anvil/perforator blade interface angle. By pinching and bonding the leading edges and other predetermined points of the multi-ply tissue paper together before cutting, the likelihood of ply separation, missing plies and ply mismatch is greatly reduced.

Abstract: An improved sleeve pack assembly to be used to form a container comprises four vertical wall panels having hinged side flaps wherein the flaps and panels form doubled panel edge structures with securing edges along the flap edges. Four cornerposts hold the panels together and each comprises two generally perpendicular longitudinal channels which define a slot to receive the doubled edge structure and side flap of a panel. At least one channel wall includes a hooking edge, protruding inwardly of the slot, which abuts against the securing edge of the flap to lock the side flap and doubled edge structure into the cornerpost slots to hold the wall panels together into a sleeve pack assembly. In a collapsible embodiment of the sleeve pack, the longitudinal channels are in separate pieces which are hinged together to form a hingable cornerpost. The collapsible sleeve pack assembly further includes two opposing wall panels which are scored to be folded, and the sleeve pack assembly is collapsible.

Abstract: A non-releasable mechanical join useful for permanent joins of plastics material cartons is formed by a row of a plurality of engagement tabs interlocked in a complementary row of slots. The engagement tabs have heads able to passthrough the slots in one direction but unable to return in the other direction. The tab heads may be formed as arrowheads, the barbs of which act against edges of the slots to disallow withdrawal. Suitably, the leading edges of the slots ar convexly arcuate towards the approaching arrowheads. This may help to provide secure engagement. The greater the number oftabs and slots, the greater may be be the permanence of the join.

Abstract: Rotary cross-cutter for final processing of at least one web of material from which excess portions have been removed includes a cross-cutting unit disposed at a given location along a travel path of the web, rotary bodies disposed at locations along the travel path upstream of the cross-cutting unit, the rotary bodies having a first device for causing webs of material to cling to one another in a direction transverse to the travel path and a second device for cutting off edge portions of the webs of material.

Abstract: A curved tampon applicator and a process for forming the applicator and assembling an absorbent tampon into the applicator is disclosed. The curved tampon applicator can facilitate placement of an absorbent tampon into a woman's vagina. The curved tampon applicator contains first and second arcuately shaped tubular members telescopically joined together. The first member has a stepped outer configuration with an enlarged portion designed to contain an absorbent tampon joined to a finger-grip portion. The enlarged portion is formed on a centerline having a first radius of curvature. The second member is formed on a centerline having a radius of curvature which is different from the first radius of curvature. The second member is sized and configured to slide within the finger-grip portion while being restricted from rotating therein. The second member contains at least one flared end which is sized to prevent separation of the second member from the first member.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for folding of sheet material into symmetrical and nonsymmetrical shapes. The method and apparatus is shown as applied to making a pallet construction wherein a series of symmetrical stringer members made on the apparatus of the present invention are inserted into an equal plurality of nonsymmetrically shaped cross-stringers, also made by the apparatus of the present invention, both of which have had adhesive applied while being folded to retain the shape into which they are made, a top sheet is applied and also glued in place to make a pallet. The method involves essentially supplying a sheet of material such as a fiberboard blank of appropriate composition and size, running the blank through crushing and scoring rollers to produce fold lines in the blank, and asymmetrically (making more folds from one side of the blank than from the other side) or symmetrically folding the blank into a predetermined shape while applying adhesive at predetermined points.

Abstract: In order to connect at least two layers of paper or the like, the layers are cut into strips in the connection area and forced out of the plane of the layers alternately and in pairs. To this effect punching and pressing tools with punching teeth may be provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing rolls of thermoplastic film stock wherein zipper elements are interlocked for structural support while the web is open, resembling a "Z" in cross-section, and ready for use on container and packaging machines.

Abstract: A device for positioning fitments in a perforated film. The device according to the invention includes a transporting member that brings the fitments into the vicinity of a perforated film, preferably below the latter, a member for positioning the fitments perpendicular to the perforations in the film, and an engaging member for pushing the ports through the perforations of the film so that at the exit of the device the film is equipped with fitments.

Abstract: A gear-like stitching assembly adapted for use in a converter mechanism of the type providing for the production of pad-like cushioning dunnage product from sheet-like stock material which is conventionally disposed in multi-ply, roll form for use with the converter mechanism. The stock material is pulled from the stock roll by the converter and the lateral edges of the stock material are rolled inwardly prior to being formed into the pad-like product. The stitching assembly comprises a pair of rotatable gear-like members adapted to be disposed in coacting, meshed condition, and to stitch confronting and generally abutting rolled edge portions of the sheet-like stock material together by coining, as the latter rolled edge portions pass between the members. The teeth of at least one of the members have projections extending outwardly thereform, for perforating the stock material along the central coined section of the pad-like product, to aid the coined section in maintaining the product in its pad-like form.

Abstract: A tray for foodstuffs or the like having a continuous edge rim and a flexible cover placed over the top of the tray and sealed to the rim with an elongate continuous interlockable separate rib and groove profile on strips sealed to the surface of the cover wherein upstanding pull flanges above the rib and groove profiles may be pulled apart and the cover severed between the profiles for access to the contents so that the cover may be opened and closed.

Abstract: A method of making reclosable bag material and bags made therefrom, wherein the bag making film providing bag walls is provided with an extruded plastic profile reclosable fastener strip across a portion of the longitudinal formation axis of the film and bag walls to be located at the open end of the bag and the strip having a base web for attachment to the film, and bonding the base web of the fastener strip to the film so that on one wall of the bag the base web is attached above and below the profile structure on the strip and on the other wall of the bag the base web is bonded to the film at a location only above the centerline of the profile structure on the strip.

Abstract: A decorative packing platter for foods has a planar member such as a cardboard plate having a central area for receiving the foods and a periphery. Receptacle tabs are formed, for example by die cutting, each tab having a proximal end attached to the platter and a distal end, the tab and the platter together defining a receptacle opening into which a decorative border strip is placed. The border strip becomes captive in the receptacle opening, defining a decorative edging or border. The tabs can be oriented outwardly or inwardly and in several shapes. A plastic sheet or other protective member can be placed between the food product and the platter and around the packing platter generally. The platter is especially useful for packing cookies.

Abstract: A carrier tape system includes an elongated base strip and an elongated cover strip both formed of a plastic film material. The cover strip is substantially coextensive in length with the base strip. The cover strip has a top surface and opposed sidewalls extending downwardly from the top surface. The opposed sidewalls are spaced apart from each other a distance substantially equal to the width of the base strip. The cover strip further includes a hump projecting upwardly from the top surface and extends longitudinally in a parallel relationship to the sidewalls. Each of the sidewalls has an inwardly extending hooked portion formed integrally therewith. The hooked portion has its top surface spaced beneath the edge of the base strip to form a U-shaped recess to secure the cover strip to the base strip. A mechanism for forming the carrier tape system is provided by making modifications to existing carrier tape joining apparatuses.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for continuously making cardboard runners and stringers and assembling them into a cardboard pallet. Whether a runner or stringer is involved, the method involves essentially supplying a fiberboard blank of appropriate composition and size, running the blank through a perforating and scoring roller to produce fold lines in the blank, and progressively folding the blank from the outside in, by passing it through a plurality of curvilinear rods, and applying adhesive to portions of the blank during the folding process. The runners and stringers thus produced are assembled together to form a cardboard pallet.

Abstract: Bags especially adapted to be made from fusibly incompatible bag body web material and extruded plastic zippers comprising in each instance a pair of zipper strips having reclosable zipper profiles located below upper ends of pull flanges, and fused connecting anchors extending from the zipper strips through holes in the material of the bag body and thereby permanently attaching the zipper strips to the bag body. The portions of the bag body material having the anchor holes may be received in groove sockets in the zipper strips, where the zipper strips are located at the inside of the bag. The zipper strips may be located on the outside of the bag and sealably pinch material of the bag body material in and between interlocking profiles, with ends of the zipper strips secured to the sides of the bag by fused anchors extending through holes in side seams on the bag body. Method of making the bags is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of folding a continuous web of a thermoplastic film material incorporating complementary interengagable profiled fastener elements, and aligning and interengaging the complementary fastener elements. Moreover, also provided is a device over which the web of thermoplastic film material is folded, with the device possessing structure for superimposing and aligning the fastener elements and interengaging the fastener elements which are adapted to be utilized in the production of reclosable plastic bags.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for closing a carrier about a one or more articles. The invention includes one or more fingers which are urged into contact with locking tabs on the carrier to force the locking tabs through an opening on the carrier. The fingers may be activated by a rotating cam operated device or may be electromagnetically activated.

Abstract: A thermoplastic end (110), particularly a bottom, for a container which has upstanding paperboard sidewalls (112) and which is inertially spinwelded onto the paperboard sidewall for bonding. The end portion (110) has an annular groove (148) for snugly receiving the sidewall (112) and a wall configuration (136, 138, 140, 142 and 144) which minimizes the forces exerted on the bond which would tend to dislodge the end portion. The wall configuration is generally in the form of an inverted U-shape with a portion of an upstanding wall of the U forming a side of the annular groove. The end portion has strengthening ribs (122) positioned generally within the region of U-shape and additional radial ribs imparting strength and rigidity to the container end. The paperboard sidewall may be internally lined with a layer of thermoplastic material or may be unlined.

Abstract: A construction set for model houses and other enclosures formed of cooperating components of cardboard or similar material is disclosed wherein a combination of cooperating tabs and slots that interlock are provided on the components to produce simple and secure assembly. Two or more adjacent walls, having foldable tongues and rigid projections on one common edge, may be constructed from a single flat sheet member which can be appropriately folded and attached to a perpendicularly disposed floor member, having appropriate cooperating foldable tabs and slots, to form part or all of an enclosure. Adjacent disconnected wall members may be joined by means of an extension tab on the mating edge of one member, having a slot therein near its root, and a cooperating slot in the mating wall of the other member for accommodating the passage of the extension tab and its slot. A separate locking tongue piece is provided for insertion in the tab slot to fasten the mating edge to the slotted wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for fabricating battery plate envelopes from a sheet formed of microporous plastic material having a width greater than that of a battery plate to be enveloped. A battery plate is pushed edgewise into the sheet to fold the sheet about the battery plate with edges overlapping the battery plate on both sides. The folded sheet is fed with the battery plate therein into the interface between a pair of opposed pressure rollers each of which include a pair of axially aligned sealing wheels. A continuous seal is formed between the overlapping edges of the sheet by compressing the edges into one another between the sealing wheels. Each set of sealing wheels may comprise gear teeth whose teeth continuously mesh with those of the teeth mounted on the opposing pressure roller.

Abstract: A process for feeding defibrators with sheet pulp delivered in batches. Rectangular sheets are deposited one behind another on a feed belt with their longitudinal axis offset by 45.degree. with respect to the direction of advance of the belt, whereupon two equal lateral parts from each sheet are folded back along two folding lines parallel to the direction of advance of the belt, the distance e between said lines being equal to l/.sqroot.2 and two consecutive sheets being mutually apart by x=L/.sqroot.2, L and l, respectively, being the length and the width of the pulp sheet. Feeding a machine for diapers.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting together a plurality of webs of flexible material. The apparatus comprises a base having an anvil with a sharp edged opening therein the opening comprising a shank region and an enlarged head region. A punching head movable towards and away from the base carries a punch having a sharp edge and also comprising a shank region and elongated head region which are capable of fitting closely within the corresponding regions of the anvil opening. Either or both of the punch and anvil opening are devoid of a sharp edge adjacent that end of the respective shank region which is remote from the respective enlarged head region. When two or more webs are placed between the punch head and the anvil and the punch is moved into the anvil opening the sharp edges of the punch and opening punch a portion of material having a shank and enlarged head from each web and said portion remains joined at the base of said shank to the associated web.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piecing machine suitable for end-wise joining of non-fabric ribbons by means of a jet of fluid (20) under pressure acting on the ends of the ribbons to be pieced together, at least one of the heads (16, 17) from which the fluid issues being displaceable relative to the other and there being provided means for pressing and compacting the joined ends after the piecing by the fluid jet is done.