Abstract: Disclosed is a compressed core-wound paper product such as toilet tissue or paper towels. The core-wound paper product comprises a paper product wound about a generally tubular core. The core-wound paper product is compressed, so that the core is flattened to form vertices. By selecting the proper combination of core materials and thickness, to form a core of the proper stiffness; paper product caliper and quantity, to provide hoop forces against the core which are not too great; and total packaging dimensions, so that the core-wound paper product is not too tightly constrained, the core-wound paper product may be made to open to an inside core dimension of about 0.16 centimeters (0.06 inches) to about 1.27 centimeters (0.5 inches). The invention may be utilized with either single roll or multiple roll packages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a dental floss product formed of a bobbin of wound thread, a dispenser case, and a dispenser insert for rotatably supporting the bobbin of wound thread when positioned within the dispenser case. The dispenser insert is detachably mounted in an insert loading area of a singular dispenser assembly fixture, and the dispenser case is detachably mounted in a dispenser case loading area of the singular dispenser assembly fixture. The bobbin of wound thread is next loaded onto the dispenser insert while the dispenser insert is mounted in the insert loading area. The dispenser insert with the bobbin of wound thread loaded thereon is then detached from the insert loading area, and the dispenser insert with the bobbin of wound thread loaded thereon is loaded into the dispenser case while the dispenser case is mounted in the dispenser case loading area. The lid of the loaded dispenser case is then closed, and the dispenser case is detached from the dispenser case loading area.

Abstract: A method of packaging compressible insulation material includes feeding insulation material into contact with a mandrel, rolling up the insulation material on the mandrel to form an insulation roll, applying pressure on the insulation material, during the rolling of the insulation material, with a pair of opposed belts which are adapted to contact the roll being formed with an increasing area of contact as the diameter of the roll increases, and increasing tension on the belts as the diameter of the roll increases in order to maintain a substantially constant pressure on the insulation material.

Abstract: A method of compacting a bill from a flat state into a pleated and wound state for position the bill in a cavity of an associated closure includes providing a bill in a substantially flat state and pleating the bill in a first direction to provide a series of substantially similar pleats. The pleated bill is compacted to set the pleats therein and at least partially wound into a generally circular configuration. The wound bill is positioned within the cavity of the associated closure. An apparatus for compacting and winding the bill and positioning the bill in the closure cavity includes a pleating station for pleating the bill in a predetermined configuration and a compacting station for compacting the pleated bill into a compacted state. The apparatus further includes a winding station having a winding member adapted to engage the compacted bill and to wind the bill into a generally circular orientation.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus and method for packaging individual strand segments of a strand material, such as dental floss, including apparatus for carrying out a method of supplying strand material to a rotatable guide element through a hollow shaft thereof positioned to wind the strand material around a selected mandrel of a circular array of mandrels together with controlling the moving of mandrels within and removing mandrels from within the circular path of the rotating guide element and for counting the rotations of the guide element and using that rotation count to control the advance of the array of mandrels wherein the mandrels have openings for entry of a pick-off element and are caused to be lowered to leave the coil of strand material on the pick-off element, following which the coil of strand material is urged forward by an air jet to be captured between two sheets of packaging film and transported to a stage where the packaging film sheets are sealed together around the coil to form a package i

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for folding an inflatable cushion having an end portion and a main body portion and inserting the folded cushion into a cover. The apparatus comprises folding structure for creating folds in the main body portion to form a folded cushion. The folding structure including first folding apparatus adapted to create a first fold in the main body portion to form a partially folded cushion, and accordion folding apparatus adapted to create a plurality of accordion folds in the partially folded cushion which are generally transverse to the first fold to form the folded cushion. Further included is apparatus for supporting a cover into which the folded cushion is inserted. The folding structure further serves to insert the folded cushion into the cover.

Abstract: A process for storing sheet-like products occurring continuously, in particular in an imbricated formation, in particular printed products such as newspapers, periodicals and the like, in the case of which process the sheet-like products are wound up on, and/or unwound from, a main roll, a first number of the products being wound up on, and/or unwound from, a first main roll (4) and a second number of the products being wound up on, and/or unwound from, a second main roll which is assigned to the first main roll.

Abstract: A method for making sterile suture packages employs a frame assembly line, a sterilization line and a blanker/cartoner line. A web of foil is advanced in a series of movements through the frame assembly line to assemble a frame containing needle-suture assemblies in a plurality of cavities in the frame, the frame having top and bottom aluminum foils with heat seal coatings on their facing surfaces. The cavities are formed in the bottom foil of each frame by a combination of pressurized air and mechanical plugs which are forced against the bottom foil and an underlying die having recesses for defining the cavities. A blanking operation following sterilization and sealing separates individual packages, each containing one needle-suture assembly, from the frame. The packages are then conveyed by belts through inspection stations and reoriented for loading into shipping cartons.

Abstract: A method and article for protecting a container that contains a fluid.The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a container that holds a fluid and that has first and second ends, a side, and a length; (b) providing a conformable nonwoven web that contains at least 5 weight percent microfibers based on the weight of fibrous material in the nonwoven web, the conformable nonwoven web having a length in at least one dimension that is substantially greater than the length of the container; and (c) wrapping the conformable nonwoven web at least one full turn about the container such that (i) the container forms an axis about which the web is wrapped and (ii) first and second portions of the nonwoven web project axially from the first and second ends of the container.The article includes a conformable sleeve having a tubular body that has an opening sized to permit a container to enter the interior of the conformable sleeve.

Abstract: Selecting a dimension representing the distance between a residential gas hookup, downwardly through an intended subterranean trench to a gas main typically located along a public right of way, such as a street, and selecting a plastic pipe having a predetermined length at least equal to such dimension. Then, fabricating at a manufacturing site remote from the intended site of installation, a kit including a metallic riser having an upper end formed with a coupling screw thread and a lower end. Inserting one extremity of the plastic pipe through the riser to leave an excess length projecting from such lower end, forming a joint between the plastic pipe and such upper end, coiling such excess length into a coil and securing the assembly in a package to form the kit. A selected number of the kits may then be stored in their packaged form for subsequent shipment to the installation site to be installed and connected to make a hookup between the hookup location at respective residences and such main gas line.

Abstract: An agricultural baler for forming and wrapping cylindrical packages of crop material. The baler includes a sledge assembly moveable between a starting position and full bale position. A plurality of rollers on the sledge assembly cooperate with an apron to define a bale forming chamber. Wrapping is accomplished via a system that includes a dispensing mechanism carried on the sledge assembly for dispensing sheet material, such as net or the like, into the bale forming chamber whereupon it is wrapped circumferentially around a formed cylindrical package of crop material as it is rotated in the chamber. The net wrapping system includes means for controlling the position of the dispensing mechanism relative to the sledge assembly by continuously sensing its position.

Abstract: Suture dispensers for retaining armed sutures are disclosed. The dispenser disclosed is comprised of two flat panels of material that each have a central opening. A needle park is provided so that the needle is visible in and accessible though the central openings. In preferred embodiments, the needle park is made of a thin sheet of clear material. Several alternate needle park designs are also disclosed. The two panels are preferably locked together using edge locks in the form of corresponding slits and tabs formed on the panels themselves. In addition to being inexpensive, easy to manufacture and easy to fill, the disclosed dispensers is much thinner than current designs and thus requires less storage and shipping space. Methods of loading dispensers are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for reeling up and unreeling of flat printed products onto and from, respectively, a reel core. The reel core has a horizontal reel axis and is fixedly arranged in a reel stand to form one piece so that the reel stand and reel core can be driven together about the horizontal reel axis. A reeling strap mandrel is detachably seated in the reel stand and has a horizontal axis that is parallel with the rotational axis of the reel core. A reeling strap is wound on the reeling strap mandrel and has one end connected to the reel core and a second end connected to the reel mandrel. The reeling strap rolls off the reeling strap mandrel and is fed to the reel core in an undershot manner for forming reeled layers of printed product on the reel core.

Abstract: A cartridge of wound-up photographic film has an elongate housing within which the film is received, the housing having an outlet through which the film leader projects. In order to insert the cartridge of film into a cylindrical container it is necessary to wrap the film leader around the housing of the cartridge. A method of inserting the cartridge into the container involves conveying the cartridge into the open end of the container whilst simultaneously rotating the cartridge about its longitudinal axis so that the film leader is brought into engagement with the rim of the open end of the container whilst it is rotating. This causes the film leader automatically to be wrapped around the housing of the cartridge to permit the ready insertion of the cartridge and the film leader into the container. An apparatus for automatically performing the function of inserting the cartridge into the container using this method is also described.

Abstract: The specification discloses an automated apparatus and method for packaging surgical needles having sutures attached thereto wherein a bundle of needles and sutures are placed at a semi-automated separation station and an operator feeds the needles, one at a time, into a rotating needle feed wheel. As the feed wheel advances, the suture is tensioned and directed along a pre-determined path to separate it from the remaining sutures in the bundle. The apparatus has a plurality of individually rotatable tool nests which are sequentially spaced on a rotating or indexing turntable. These tool nests sequentially receive plastic packages for receiving the needle and suture at a first station. At a second station, a needle is inserted into the package by robotic fingers which have retrieved the needle and attached suture from the rotating needle feed wheel. The rotating needle feed wheel and the rotating tool nests are synchronized to step together as each advances.

Abstract: The specification discloses an automated apparatus and method for packaging surgical needles having sutures attached thereto wherein a bundle of needles and sutures are placed at a semi-automated separation station and an operator feeds the needles, one at a time, into a rotating needle feed wheel. As the feed wheel advances, the suture is tensioned and directed along a pre-determined path to separate it from the remaining sutures in the bundle. The apparatus has a plurality of individually rotatable tool nests which are sequentially spaced on a rotating or indexing turntable. These tool nests sequentially receive plastic packages for receiving the needle and suture at a first station. At a second station, a needle is inserted into the package by robotic fingers which have retrieved the needle and attached suture from the rotating needle feed wheel. The rotating needle feed wheel and the rotating tool nests are synchronized to step together as each advances.

Abstract: A Christmas light wrapping apparatus comprising wrapping trays with indentations for keeping the light strings separated and a base with a crankshaft for turning the trays, thereby winding the Christmas light strings. Additionally, a storage structure protects wrapped Christmas light strings and accommodates the wrapping trays.

Abstract: The specification discloses an automated apparatus and method for packaging surgical needles having sutures attached thereto wherein a bundle of needles and sutures are placed at a semi-automated separation station and an operator feeds the needles, one at a time, into a rotating needle feed wheel. As the feed wheel advances, the suture is tensioned and directed along a pre-determined path to separate it from the remaining sutures in the bundle. The apparatus has a plurality of individually rotatable tool nests which are sequentially spaced on a rotating or indexing turntable. These tool nests sequentially receive plastic packages for receiving the needle and suture at a first station. At a second station, a needle is inserted into the package by robotic fingers which have retrieved the needle and attached suture from the rotating needle feed wheel. The rotating needle feed wheel and the rotating tool nests are synchronized to step together as each advances.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing and packaging a wide variety of uncooked food articles, such as uncooked cookie dough, in which the packaged food articles are premixed, shaped and arranged on cooking parchment so that they are ready for cooking immediately upon their removal from the package. In accordance with the method of the invention, a large volume of uncooked food articles can be prepared and packaged in a ready-to-use form for immediate use by high-volume users such as commissaries, schools, major restaurants and like institutions. More particularly, in the practice of one method of the invention large numbers of precisely formed segments of cookie dough are formed and strategically arranged in rows on baking parchment so that the baking parchment can be rolled into unrollable rolls, placed in a suitable shipping container and then, at time of use be readily removed from the package, unrolled and placed directly into a conventional baking oven.

Abstract: A method of forming thermal insulation comprising forming recycled cotton fibers into a relatively loose mass, impregnating the cotton fibers with a liquid fire retardant, drying the impregnated cotton fibers, mixing the impregnated cotton fibers with the dry granules of fire retardant while causing the granules to adhere to the cotton fibers, blending the cotton fibers with synthetic springy fibers and with bi-component bonding fibers having core components and sheath components, forming the blended fibers into a composite web of predetermined thickness to provide a desired insulation value, heating the composite web to soften the sheath components of the bi-component fibers to cause the same to bond the fibers together into a bonded composite web, slitting the bonded composite web longitudinally into narrower strips of a predetermined width corresponding to the widths of individual batts of insulation, severing the strips into predetermined lengths to form individual batts, and packaging the individual batt

Abstract: The present invention relates to a delivery package (30) of maxi bags (10) and a method for packing maxi bags into a delivery package (30). A delivery package (30) consists of maxi bags (10) placed overlappingly one top of the other, said bags being rolled around a rolling core (20) into a roll package. The edge portions of the maxi bags (10) have been folded prior to being conducted to a rolling core (20) so that in longitudinal direction the maxi bags (10) are essentially of equal thickness, whereby in each maxi bag layer of a delivery package (30) the undesired thickness of the thick handle part of the lifting loop structure (13) of the maxi bags (10) has been made uniform in order to produce a stable delivery package (30).

Abstract: Tubular packs (P) containing a wound scaled formation of printed products and are held together by a protective/holding element (10) wound around the wound scaled formation. The protective/holding element is equipped with a feature to facilitate opening and for identification. The element is produced by guiding the protective/holding element (10), before or during winding, past at least one coating device which is moveable transversely to the conveying direction and coating the protective/holding element locally. At least one strip (20) is formed on the protective/holding elements (10) running from one transverse edge (12.1) to the other (12.2) and having a varying distance from the longitudinal edges (13) and therefore showing a discontinuity (14) in an overlap area of the transverse edge (12.2) on the outside of the pack. The discontinuity allows the edge to be easily recognizable.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a new and improved method and apparatus for packing an inflatable air bag cushion into a housing of an air bag module assembly of an occupant restraint system for a motor vehicle. After securing an inlet chute of the air bag cushion in the open end of the housing and placing the air bag on a flat support with a larger portion of the back wall thereof overlaying a small portion of the back wall with the front wall in between in a folded condition, a central portion of the air bag is clamped by a large blade and subsequently a first edge portion is folded over the central portion and a second opposite edge portion is folded over the first edge portion so that opposite edge fold lines extend outwardly just inside opposite ends of the housing. A rolling clamp is attached transversely across the folded air bag and the air bag is rolled-up on an axis moved toward the housing.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a photo-sensitive film magazine packed in a container is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of (a) assembling a photosensitive film magazine in a photosensitive film magazine assembly section (b) feeding successively the photosensitive film magazine to a container accommodation section from said photosensitive film magazine assembly section through a predetermined passage and (c) setting the photosensitive film magazine into a photosensitive film magazine container in the container accommodation section.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing sliver from a sliver-producing machine into a coiler can includes an arrangement for outputting the sliver by the sliver-producing machine with a delivery speed; a movable coiler can platform for receiving an upwardly open coiler can thereon; a sliver advancing device; a sliver depositing device positioned above the coiler can platform for receiving the sliver from the sliver advancing device and for depositing the sliver into the coiler can in an annular pattern; separate motors for driving the platform, the sliver advancing device and the sliver depositing device; and a lag-setting arrangement for automatically changing a speed lag between the motors upon a change of the delivery speed.

Abstract: A needle shield for use in conjunction with a suture package includes foldable panels of puncture-resistant material bendable at perforated fold lines to wrap around a needled suture retainer. A tabbed locking means secures the needle shield in a closed configuration. The needle retainer and shield are loaded into an outer envelope and sterilized to provide a sterile packaged suture. A method of assembling the package is disclosed wherein a needled suture is loaded into the retainer, the needle shield is folded around the retainer, and the needle retainer and needle shield are loaded into and sealed within an outer envelope.

Abstract: A method of wrapping crop material in a round baler having a main frame including opposing sidewalls, and an apron assembly comprising crop engaging elements disposed between said sidewalls for defining a bale forming chamber having a generally cylindrical shape with a transverse inlet. The crop engaging elements move along a path having an inner course contiguous with a major portion of the fixed periphery of the cylindrical chamber. The baler also includes a pickup assembly for feeding crop material to the chamber through the inlet whereby crop material accumulated in the chamber is engaged by the crop engaging elements and formed into a compacted cylindrical package. A supply of net material is dispensed into the chamber for wrapping the periphery of the formed cylindrical package of crop material in the chamber. A supply of twine is simultaneously dispensed into the chamber for wrapping the periphery of the cylindrical package of crop material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for wrapping roll material around a round bale within a bale forming chamber of a round baler including a drive belt tensioner idler, a wrapping material brake and a wrapping material cut-off knife all disposed on a carriage that is articulated between a wrapping material feeding position and a cut-off/stop position. When baling is completed, a signal is provided for movement to the feeding position at which time the wrapping material is held taught to maintain bale compression. After sensor data are fed back to a controller to signal feeding has proceeded for the desired length of time and/or to deploy the desired length of wrapping material, the device articulates to the cut-off position to sever the wrapping material to allow completion of the bale wrapping procedure. A crop recycling mechanism can also be provided to re-feed stray crop material into the baling chamber.

Abstract: A method for rolling a rigid vinyl siding elongated sheet of selective dimensions into a convenient transportable compact coil for easier handling and shipping, and products derived from practicing the method. The method includes rolling the sheet onto a spool having a particular axle shape and diameter which varies with the thickness and design of the siding. The shape of the coil may be determined by the shape of the spool axle. For example. the use of a tapered-shaped axle diameter for the spool may produce a substantially conical-shaped coil. Thus, a predetermined length of siding can be rolled with an appropriate spool size to produce a coil product of a desired shape. A method step relates that the granular side of the siding initially contact the surface of the spool and that the smooth side of the siding face outwardly. Fasteners hold the compact coil in a secured manner before the coil is boxed for shipment.

Abstract: Tubular packs (P) are produced by winding a scale flow formation (1) of printed products on a mandrel, enveloping the roll with a protective and holding element (3) and removing the pack from the mandrel. In the interior of the pack (P) an additional product (2) is incorporated such that it can be removed from the finished pack regardless of the character of the pack without opening the protective and holding element (3) or without removing products of the scale flow formation (1). This is achieved by associating the additional product (2) to the scale flow formation to be wound in a position relative to the leading edge of the scale flow formation, which position is dependent on the stiffness and the length of the additional product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing high quality welding rod including a first forming of an ingot under vacuum forming techniques; a continuous mechanical de-scaling at all stages, including, but not limited to, final drawing; an unusual electrolytic purification process, and a final controlled packaging process.

Abstract: A photographic film cassette manufacturing apparatus, has a perforator for providing a long film with perforations and a cutter for cutting the long film into individual filmstrips to be contained in the film cassette driven synchronously with transport of the long film. A magnetic recording head for recording data on a magnetic recording layer of the long film is driven in synchronism with the perforator and the cutter. The long film is transported in a first direction before being cut into the individual filmstrips. In cooperation with the cutting, a trailing end of the individual filmstrip in the first direction is moved in a direction which is reverse to the first direction to secure the trailing end to the spool. A cassette shell consisting of a pair of shell halves is temporarily assembled by mating the shell halves together while containing a spool inside the shell halves, and thereafter opened to an extent that confining elements still confine the position of flanges of the spool.

Abstract: An automated machine for the high-speed packaging of multiple surgical needles each with an attached suture into a tray and detachable cover structure providing a suture package utilized for the packaging of the needles and attached sutures. Additionally, the automated packaging machine incorporates operative mechanism adapted to wind the sutures into a peripheral channel of the tray and facilitating the attachment of the cover to the tray which contains the needles and attached wound sutures, and from which cover there is concurrently formed a separate product-identifying label as a component of the tray upon removal of the cover to gain access to the contents of the tray.

Abstract: A method of using a needle shield for retainers enclosing suture-needle assemblies constructed of a fibrous material and foldable about at least two score lines to provide a protective device against needle damage, accidental sticking of the user's fingers, and puncture of the package within which the retainer is packaged.

Abstract: A retainer for a combined surgical needle-suture device possesses a needle shield featuring a stop element which prevents the tip of the needle from puncturing the package in which the retainer is held.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for wrapping roll material around a round bale within a bale forming chamber of a round baler including a drive belt tensioner idler, a wrapping material brake and a wrapping material cut-off knife all disposed on a carriage that is articulated between a wrapping material feeding position and a cut-off/stop position. When baling is completed, a signal is provided for movement to the feeding position at which time the wrapping material is held taught to maintain bale compression. After sensor data are fed back to a controller to signal feeding has proceeded for the desired length of time and/or to deploy the desired length of wrapping material, the device articulates to the cut-off position to sever the wrapping material to allow completion of the bale wrapping procedure. A crop recycling mechanism can also be provided to re-feed stray crop material into the baling chamber.

Abstract: A belt conveyor arrangement (16) is disposed upstream of the winding mandrel (12) of the rolling-up apparatus (10) and determines the conveying path (18) for the printed products (20) which are to be rolled up. A delivery device (30) leads from below into the conveying path (18) and delivers into the conveying path (18) a wrapping (28) which is to be rolled up together with a printed product (20) in each case. The wrapping (28) has in each case an edge portion projecting over the roller (114) and by means of the blast nozzle arrangement (130) is held across the conveying path (18). This edge portion is laid around the leading end region of the printed product (20) fed and is introduced together with the latter into the mandrel gap (14).

Abstract: Hose winding apparatus comprises a first portion having a body and a first handle extending therefrom, and a second portion having a reel portion and a second handle cooperating with the reel portion. Each portion has reel journalling structure for journalling the first and second portions for relative rotation about a reel axis. A latching structure releasably latches together the first and second portions to permit the said relative rotation without unintentional separation of the first and second portions. A wound-up hose coil is retained tightly wound-up after the removal from the reel portion by fitting a resilient band to extend across opposite locations of the reel portion, and winding the hose onto the reel portion with a first face of the wound-up hose being adjacent a first length of the band. This is followed by drawing and stretching a second length of the band from the reel, and positioning the second length closely adjacent a second face of the coil.

Abstract: A method of forming a cylindrical bale of crop material having a generally round cross section. The method is carried out in a round baler performing the steps of picking up crop material as it travels across a field and feeding the picked up crop material into a bale forming chamber in the baler. The crop material is formed into a cylindrical package having a generally round cross section, and then wrapped with at least two separate strips of self adhering tape around the outer periphery to encompass such package and form a bale having a generally round cross section, conforming substantially to the cross section of the cylindrical package.

Abstract: According to the invention, printed products in an imbricated or scale formation (1) are wound into a printed product roll on a roll core (2) with the aid of a winding band (3). A protective element (4) is wound onto the product roll with the aid of the same winding band (3) and as a result the printed product outermost layer (1.1) on the roll is at least partly protected against damage during the handling, transportation and storage of the roll. The protective element (4) is advantageously part of the core set, i.e. the protective element (4) is wound together with the winding band (3) onto the empty core (2), it is unwound prior to the winding up of the printed products and is wound onto the core again after unwinding the printed products. For the systematic positioning of the protective element during the winding or unwinding of the printed products, the winding station has a retrieving apparatus enabling the winding up of the protective element (4).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a coil (1) of a continuous flexible object (2), such as cable and line, and enveloping the coil to form a parcel (27) for delivery to a user, said object (2) being coiled onto an axially open, cylindrical sleeve (28) to produce said coil. According to the invention the sleeve (28) is provided with two protective rings (29, 30) and is brought to be fixed by a first tool (9) so that the sleeve (28) is firmly clamped between two parallel side supports (10, 11) and centered by centering elements (24) of the side supports, whereby a first rotatable unit (36) is formed. The cable or line (2) is attached to said first unit (36) and the unit (36) is brought to rotate in a coiling machine (3) so that the cable or line is formed to said coil (1).

Abstract: A molded suture retainer is provided for retaining and storing sutures. Both absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures fabricated from natural or synthetic materials can be advantageously retained and stored therein. The retainer is characterized by a wide spiraling oval passageway with minimal convolutions covered by a cover sheet. The length of the passageway is preferably proportional to 1/3 to 1/2 the overall length of the suture to be retained therein. Recesses are provided for receiving package stabilizing agents and/or needle parks. Sutures packaged in accordance with the invention exhibit fewer kinks and bends than prior packaged sutures.

Abstract: A shipping and storage case for a borescope or endoscope has a coil of a tubular low-friction material, such as PVC tubing, to receive the borescope's flexible insertion tube. The coil can be in a form of a flat spiral positioned adjacent one side wall of the shell, or in the form of a helical spiral positioned adjacent the side walls within the case. The coil of tubing provides a convenient way for insertion tubes to be packaged and protected during shipping and storage.

Abstract: The invention resides in winder for automatically winding sections of sheet material to form separate tubes. The winder comprises a base, a supply of sheet material and a material drive means on the base for advancing sheet material from the supply towards a station on the base located remotely thereof. A winding means is located at the station for winding a section of the sheet material about itself and about a rotational axis such that the involved section of sheet material is substantially wound in a tubular condition. A cutting means is provided and is located between the drive means and the second rotational axis for cutting the sheet material transversely of its length at points therealong corresponding to the end one section and the beginning of the next successive section to be advanced to the station.

Abstract: A device for placing a ribbon into a can includes a frame and a rotary head unit connected to the frame. The rotary head unit includes a rotary head with a turntable that is eccentrically positioned relative to a center axis of the can and rests on layers of fiber ribbon already placed in the can. Two calender rollers are connected to a top side of the turntable. The calender rollers each have an axis of rotation that is slanted relative to the horizontal and form between them a slot for transporting and placing the fiber ribbon in continuous loops into the can. A friction disk is fixedly connected to at least one calender roller. The calender rollers and the friction disk are positioned on the same side of the turntable relative to a plane extending through the central axis of the turntable. An annular surface cooperates with the friction disk for driving the calender roller connected to the friction disk.

Abstract: Improved dunnage made from spiral coils of paper that are recyclable and biodegradable, or from other thin, flexible, resilient strips. The coils are cylindrical or cylindrical with a transverse fold, and are randomly oriented in a container to provide cushioning for packaged articles. The coils are formed at the time of use by modifying the material used to cause it to coil and forming strips from the material. This eliminates the need for storage of bulky dunnage. Paper used to form the coils is stretched to cause it to coil. Apparatus concurrently forms plural coils from a web.

Abstract: A package is provided for receiving and retaining at least one resilient surgical suture arranged in a coil configuration. The package is formed with a loading port which defines a radially unobstructed passageway through which a resilient surgical suture coil may be loaded and thereafter caused to uncoil and expand radially outward into a retaining channel. The package may include needle park means for securely maintaining armed sutures in a manner for ready removal.

Abstract: A package comprising a resilient musical instrument string in coiled form and contained within an envelope is made by winding the string into a coil at a winding station and within a generally C-shaped opening in an insert plate. The opening is partially defined by a generally radially inwardly open groove and further defined by a mouth which opens radially outwardly through the forward end of the plate. The groove provides partial support for the coil, an unsupported portion of the coil being disposed within the region of the mouth. The plate is advanced from the winding station to a packaging station where the forward end portion of the plate and the coil carried by the plate are inserted into an envelope. A clamping mechanism at the packaging station engages opposite sides of the envelope in the region of the mouth and grips and holds the envelope and an unsupported portion of the coil disposed within the envelope.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are disclosed for winding and wrapping rolls of web material or other objects, in which the roll (10) is wrapped prior to removal from the turret winding machine (96). A roll (16) of stretch wrap material is traversed, swiveled and tilted beside the rotating roll (10) or other object to be wrapped under the control of a traverse motor (144), swivel motor (178) and tilt motor (192) which are actuated in proportion to the speed of rotation of roll (10). For improved accuracy of wrapping, roll (16) of wrap material preferably is located along the swivel axis of the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making bulky nonwoven fabric suitable for use in diaper constructions that comprises the steps of (a) forming a web of one or more layers comprised at least in part of thermoplastic bicomponent fibers, (b) bonding said web by means of a thru-air system, (c) compressing--either in a nip or by winding--the resulting bonded web to increase its density, (d) transporting and/or otherwise manipulating the compressed web, and (e) subsequently transforming said compressed web, by means of exposure to heat, into the low density bulky nonwoven fabric. The bulky nonwoven fabrics are particularly useful as diaper coverstock and as diaper spacer fabrics.