Abstract: A package (1) of tobacco articles, having a group (2) of tobacco articles; a collar (16) surrounding the group (2) of tobacco articles and having a number of lateral walls (17, 18, 19, 20); and an outer package (3) surrounding the group (2) of tobacco articles and the collar (16), and having a top wall (12), a bottom wall (13) parallel to the top wall (12), and a number of lateral walls (8, 9, 10, 11) which are perpendicular to the top and bottom walls (12, 13), and are parallel to and rest on respective lateral walls (17, 18, 19, 20) of the collar (16). A lateral joining wall (8; 10) of the outer package (3) is defined by two panels (8?, 8?; 10?, 10?), which are separate, coplanar, and side by side with no overlap, and are both glued to an underlying lateral joining wall (17; 19) of the collar (16).

Abstract: One embodiment provides a wrapping, comprising a first layer of synthetic polymeric material; a second layer of synthetic polymeric material; and a layer of natural material sandwiched between at least a portion of the first and second layers; wherein the first and second layers are wider than the layer of natural material and extend beyond opposing ends of the layer of natural material to form tabs, the tabs comprising said first and second layers sandwiched together without the layer of natural material therebetween. Methods of making and using are disclosed.

Abstract: A packaging film having a first edge and a second edge in the longitudinal direction; a first material weakening zone and a second material weakening zone which extend between the first edge and the second edge and between them define an opening strip, wherein the material weakening zones end at a distance from the edges; a first sealing region adjacent to the first edge and a second sealing region adjacent to the second edge, wherein the sealing regions are localised on that side of the packaging film intended as the inner side of the package and the material weakening zones extend into the sealing regions; opening initiating means which are disposed at a distance from at least one of the edges, wherein an edge region between the respective edge and the opening initiating means is free from these opening initiating means.

Abstract: A method of folding a sheet (2) of packing material about a group (3) of cigarettes; the method includes the steps of: bringing a first end wall (8a) of the group (3) of cigarettes into contact with the flat sheet (2) of packing material, so that the major transverse edges (10) of the group (3) of cigarettes are parallel to the long sides of the sheet (2) of packing material; folding the sheet (2) of packing material into a U about the major transverse edges (10) of the first end wall (8a), so that the sheet (2) of packing material partly covers both the major lateral walls (6) of the group (3) of cigarettes; folding the sheet (2) of packing material about the minor transverse edges (10) of the first end wall (8a), so that the sheet (2) of packing material completely covers both the major lateral walls (6) and the minor lateral walls (7), and forms a tubular package having one open end at a second end wall (8b); and folding the sheet (2) of packing material onto the second end wall (8b) to complete the foldin

Abstract: A shipping capsule for an electrical appliance comprises a blanket of insulating material and a layer of stretch wrap. Together these materials function as a durable shipping container eliminating the need for a corrugated cardboard outer carton currently in use. The invention further includes a method of reducing shipping costs and shipping waste associated with shipping an electrical appliance. The method includes the steps of covering at least a portion of the electrical appliance with insulation material that will remain with the electrical appliance after installation and providing a layer of stretch wrap over the insulation material whereby the combination of insulation material and stretch wrap form a shipping capsule.

Abstract: Provided are monolayer and multilayer films having improved barrier properties. The monolayer film is a blend of two components: (1) a linear low density polyethylene and (2) a propylene-based polymer, a high density polyethylene, and combinations thereof. The propylene-based polymer can be a propylene homopolymer, a propylene/a-olefin interpolymer, a propyleve/ethylene interpolymer, or a propylene/ethylene copolymer. The multilayer film has an inner layer located between two outer layers. The inner layer is composed of one or more of the following: high density polyethylene, and/or any of the foregoing propylene-based polymers. The outer layers may be the same or different and are composed of one or more of the following: linear low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, and any of the foregoing propylene-based polymers. The present films exhibit proved oxygen barrier properties particularly for balage applications.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping is disclosed. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may have one or more additional overlapping extensions.

Abstract: A system for producing a mailpiece for delivery in accordance with a Value Added (VA) service. The system comprises a computer processor having Value Added Services (VAS) program code adapted to operate in combination with the processor's print driver code. Further, the VAS program code is operative to receive operator input data in connection with a Value Added Service. Additionally, the system includes at least one peripheral device, operating in combination with the VAS program code, for (i) determining charges in connection with the mailpiece based upon the VA service and (ii) printing VAS data/postage indicia on the mailpiece. In one embodiment of the invention, the system includes a VAS database for collecting VAS data and performing various accounting services (e.g., charge-back, financial tracking) or producing a manifest document when using a Manifest Mailing System.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a stack of objects with a film has a film supply holding the film and a support including only two vertical masts adjacent the film supply and juxtaposed with the stack to be wrapped. A pull-down device is shiftable vertically along the two masts next to the stack. A film-feed head is also shiftable vertically along the two masts. The film extends from the supply through the film-feed head to the pull-down device. A film-storing means or looper is provided in the film-feed head for storing a variable length of the film in the head.

Abstract: A customizable wrapper for a product, such as a candy bar, including a wrapper assembly having a pair of removable edges. A face sheet of the wrapper assembly includes a printable surface and an integrated wrapper sized to cover the product on both a front and back. A back sheet of the wrapper assembly includes a removable portion at least partially overlaying the wrapper, the removable portion removable to expose an adhesive surface along the wrapper. The customized wrapper is then wrapped around the product and adhered along the exposed adhesive.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a stack of objects with a film has first and second supplies of films and a pull-down device shiftable vertically along the stack of objects. A film-feed head has a drive roller rotatable about an axis in the film feed head and first and second pairs of counterrollers angularly offset from each other relative to the drive-roller axis. The drive roller and the pairs of counterrollers are relatively shiftable between end positions in each of which one of the pairs is spaced from the drive roller and the other pair is engaged with the drive roller. The first and second films pass between the respective first and second pairs and the drive roller. An actuator can shift the first and the second pairs of rollers relative the drive roller for pinching the films against the drive roller and, on rotation of the drive roller.

Abstract: A sustainable packing system is provided comprising a first fiberboard having a substantially flat surface for accepting a first item and at least one scored line for facilitating folding of the first fiberboard, the first fiberboard adapted to form a closed wall; and a second fiberboard adapted to be frictionally secured within the closed wall of the first fiberboard, having a substantially flat surface for accepting a second item and at least one scored line for facilitating folding of the second fiberboard to form a closed wall. A packaging method is also provided comprising providing a fiberboard having a substantially flat surface; scoring lines in the fiberboard to facilitate folding; wrapping a first item around the fiberboard; and folding the fiberboard forming a closed wall.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a novelty wrapping unit includes a concealing body, first and second retaining members, and first and second elongated strips of material. The first retaining member is disposed substantially entirely across a width of the concealing body in proximity to a first end of the concealing body. The second retaining member is disposed substantially entirely across the width of the concealing body in proximity to a second end of the concealing body. The first elongated strip of material is retained by the first retaining member such that two opposing ends of the first elongated strip of material extend from the first retaining member. The at least one second elongated strip of material is retained by the second retaining member such that two opposing ends of the second elongated strip of material extend from the second retaining member.

Abstract: A control system for a wrapping apparatus may include a packaging material dispenser configured to dispense packaging material for wrapping a load. The control system may also include at least one sensor assembly configured to generate a signal based on instantaneous demand for packaging material at the load. The control system may further include a controller configured to control operation of the packaging material dispenser based at least in part on the signal.

Abstract: A method for producing a biodegradable plastic film or a composite film, and the film obtained by such method. The film has barrier properties and is made at least of a biodegradable basic plastic material and a second plastic material having barrier properties. The film is useful in particular for packaging sensitive goods.

Abstract: A low profile, wrappable spacer and method for maintaining a pair of elongate members in fixed, spaced relation to one another is provided. The wrappable spacer includes a flexible elongate body having oppositely facing inner and outer faces extending along laterally spaced, lengthwise extending edges between opposite ends. The inner face has an adhesive surface. At least one member extends between the edges transversely to the lengthwise extending edges. The member extends outwardly from the adhesive surface, wherein the adhesive surface is configured for adhesion to at least one of the member, the elongate members or the outer face.

Abstract: A machine consumes a consumable material during operation, which consumable material can be provided in material units, wherein the machine can be operated in at least one first operating mode, in which the consumable material is consumed. A material unit comprises an identification unit with at least identification data, wherein the identification data is read and is checked to determine whether the identification data can be associated with a predeterminable release data set. The machine is operated in a first operating mode when the identification data can be associated with the release data set.

Abstract: A blank for producing a package of tobacco articles; the package of tobacco articles has a group of tobacco articles wrapped in a tubular inner sheet of packing material closed axially by two end folds, and an outer package, which is formed by folding the blank, surrounds the group of tobacco articles, is parallelepiped-shaped, and has a top wall contacting a first end fold of the inner sheet of packing material, a bottom wall contacting a second end fold of the inner sheet of packing material, and a number of lateral walls; and the blank has two transverse fold lines, and a number of longitudinal fold lines defining, between the two transverse fold lines, a first panel forming part of a first minor lateral wall, a second panel forming a first major lateral wall, a third panel forming a second minor lateral wall, a fourth panel forming a second major lateral wall, and a fifth panel forming the rest of the first minor lateral wall.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a divider for packaging applications. The divider can separate products in the package into a plurality of groups, and can also contain relevant information about the products, as is required in the case of packaging tampons. The present disclosure also provides a method of packaging a plurality of products, using the divider.

Abstract: There is described herein a wrapping machine for wrapping a web of at least two stretchable films around a product. The wrapping machine comprises a dispenser for dispensing the at least two stretchable films with a longitudinal overlap. Each of the at least two stretchable films has a film edge in a longitudinal direction. The wrapping machine further comprises a roper for roping the film edges of the at least two stretchable films; a stretching device for stretching, after the roping, the at least two stretchable films; and a frame structure on which is disposed the dispenser, the roper and the stretching device for delivering the web for wrapping around the product.

Abstract: A container has an upstanding sidewall with opposed outer and inner surfaces extending between a bottom, having an upper surface and a lower surface, and an opposed top formed by an upper edge encircling a first opening having a first diameter and that leads to a receptacle formed by and between the upper surface of the bottom and the inner surface of the sidewall. A sheet of thin, flexible material is applied over and across the lower surface of the bottom and the outer surface of the sidewall and over and across the upper edge of the container terminating with a peripheral extremity that extends inboard with respect to the upper edge of the container encircling a second opening having a second diameter less than the first diameter of the first opening and that leads to the receptacle and that is substantially concentric with respect to the first opening.

Abstract: [Problem] To hold in a fixed position and pack two or more articles of different shapes made of different materials. [Solution Means] Two or more articles having different shapes are packed by using a mat 1 filled with a large number of beads 4 evenly over the entire surface. Two or more articles are wrapped in the mat 1, the inside of the mat 1 is deaerated, the large number of beads 4 in the mat 1 gather and are brought into close contact with each other, the mat 1 solidifies along the outer diameter shapes of the articles, and each article is supported at, at least three points by portions of the solidified mat 1 so that the respective articles are held at fixed positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically circumferentially wrapping a cable with a wrapping tape connectable to a fastener, wherein the apparatus comprises: a gripper device with movable jaws, a joining tool, a first feeder; a second feeder, and a control device. The jaws permit the fastener and the wrapping tape to be circumferentially guided around the cable. The joining tool joins overlapping portions of the tape, and is adapted to join the tape separately to the fastener. The first feeder advances tape to the gripper device during the wrapping operation and retracts the tape during tautening. The second feeder feeds the fastener to the gripper device. The control device locks the fastener in a predefined circumferential position relative to the cable, and causes the first feeder to advance the tape forward relative to the fastener by a predefined tape length.

Abstract: An inflatable device with air bag includes an air bag, two first assembly portions and two second assembly portions. The two first assembly portions are respectively fastened at two sides of the air bag, and the two second assembly portions are respectively fastened at another two sides of the air bag. The two second assembly portions correspond to the two first assembly portions. Thereby, by utilizing the assembly portions to repeatedly assemble the air bags, the dimension of the inflatable device with air bag is quickly expanded to a proper size to wrap the objects with different sizes. It prevents the object from being impacted, and achieves the waterproof effect and the moisture-proof effect. A packaging method by using the inflatable device with air bag is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing wrapped bales. Bales (3) is in a first wrappingstage moved past wrapping means (6) while said wrapping means (6) provided with dispenser means (4) are rotated around said bale (3) along a circular path in a first plane of rotation. In a further optional second stage of wrapping said bale (3) is rotated by rotating means in a second plane of rotation substantially normal to said first plane of rotation. Between said stages the surface of the wrapping material web is turned about 90° such that said surface of said web is always substantially normal to said planes of rotation in both stages. The first wrapping stage includes using of a tunnel means (9), which makes it possible to produce both unbound wrapped bales and bound wrapped bales.

Abstract: A cigarette packing machine for producing a rigid packet with a hinged lid has a first packing unit which folds a first blank about a group of cigarettes to form an outer container with a hinged lid; and a second packing unit which folds a second blank about the outer container to form a tubular slide surrounding the outer container to slide axially with respect to the outer container; the tubular slide has a transmission member, in turn having a first end integral with the lid, a second end opposite the first end and integral with the slide, and a deformable intermediate portion having a U-shaped fold between the outer container and the slide.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a palletized load between a pallet truck and a load wrapping surface may include a ramp configured to support at least a portion of the pallet truck. The ramp may include at least one fixed portion. The ramp may also include a movable portion configured to move relative to the fixed portion. The movable portion may be configured to support one or more wheel assemblies of the pallet truck, and move the one or more wheel assemblies of the pallet truck relative to the fixed portion.

Abstract: A system and method is shown for processing animals, such as calves, from birth to slaughter by utilizing hot-fed rations during the feeding process. The system and method reduces or eliminates the need to use hormones and simultaneously reduces or eliminates the need to sterilize the meat products. Each calf or animal is weaned at a weaning station, fed at a feeding station, slaughtered at a slaughter station to provide a carcass that is substantially the same size as other carcasses for the same breed of animal processed in the system. The consistent carcass size enables manufacture of consistent carcasses which, in turn, facilitates providing substantially the same size meat cuts. This feature enables use of a standard-size packaging, such as a case-ready package, which may be shipped for display and purchase at a store.

Abstract: A device to prevent breakage of a breakable container formed with an outer face and an opposed an inner face that meet at a parametric edge encircling an opening to the inner face of the breakable container. The device includes a container wrap formed of a shock resistant material. The container wrap is constructed to be applied over and across the outer face and the parametric edge of the breakable container to absorb and dissipate impacting forces to prevent breakage of the breakable container. At least one suction cup is formed in the container wrap to detachably secure the container wrap to a surface.

Abstract: A package (11) for a generally block-shaped food product comprises a sheet (10) of foldable material. The sheet has an inner portion (16) for enclosing the product and a frame-shaped sealing portion (18) surrounding the inner portion for sealing the package. Two side portions (24, 26) of the sealing portion abut one another to form a longitudinal seal and opposing end portions (20, 22) of the sealing portion abut each other to form seals along respective ends. A flap (28) is provided along one side of the sheet adjacent an outer edge of the respective side portion, and an outer edge region (32) of the other side of the sheet is folded inwardly to form a tab (36), the inner and outer surfaces of the flap portion and the tab are accessible.

Abstract: An improved wrapping apparatus for an ice-cream sandwich-making machine comprises an oscillating arm and cam which drives a horizontal slider plate connected to a frame, and a pusher unit connected to an air cylinder; an improved paper feeder system, including separate paper and knife drives, air compression springs, and a paper low sensor; and a hinged exit tray.

Abstract: An implement for transporting and wrapping large round bales of forage material includes an elongated transporter having longitudinally extending rails and an endless chain associated with each rail to move large bales of forage material rearwardly along the rails toward the bale wrapper connected to the rearward end of the transporter. The bale wrapper can be devoid of wheels and is carried between job sites on top of the transporter bed, being loaded and unloaded through use of the endless chains associated with each rail. The bale wrapper receives operative power from the transporter drive mechanism. A bale loader elevates round bales from the ground onto the rails. Once fully loaded, a push gate pushes the round bales rearwardly toward the bale wrapper.

Abstract: A tubular wrap is provided for enclosing the outside surfaces of a folded flat pillow. The tubular wrap includes a tubular body formed of a soft and resilient material with a central tunnel passing through longitudinally. The fabric tube has an opening on both ends. The tube surrounds the body of the folded pillow by passing through the central tunnel and bringing each end of the pillow to meet each end of the pillowcase, so that the pillowcase embodies the folded pillow.

Abstract: Wrapping material is supplied to the folding stations of a packaging machine, such as a cigarette packer, by a method that includes a step of dividing a continuous strip of multilayer material into single leaves, and a step of feeding the leaves to a wrapping unit; the step of dividing the continuous strip into leaves combines a first stage in which a partial cut is made in the strip by means of a laser device, leaving at least one layer of the multilayer strip intact, and a second stage in which a single leaf is detached by means of a tear device, separating along a score line created by the partial cutting step.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a flow wrapper disposed and sealed about a product. The flow wrapper has a sealed leading edge and a sealed trailing edge, wherein at least one of the sealed leading edge and the sealed trailing edge comprise a non-linear seal, and the sealed leading edge and the sealed trailing edge are different from one another with respect to a lateral contour across the flow wrapper. The apparatus may further comprise at least one non-linear periphery.

Abstract: Described herein is a shuttle device for producing wrappers of sheet material (F) containing a product (P) with at least one fantail-twisted end obtained by twisting said sheet material (F). The shuttle (10) comprises a first part (112a, 112b) for receiving the product (P) located in the precursor of wrapper and at least one second part (212a, 212b; 312a, 312b) that grips on a respective part of precursor of wrapper (F). The first part (112a, 112b) and the second part (212a, 212b; 312a, 312b) of the shuttle (10) are able to turn with respect to one another about a given axis (X10) so as to produce at least one fantail-twisted end as a result of the twisting action imparted on the precursor of wrapper (F) following upon the relative movement of rotation about the aforesaid given axis (X10).

Abstract: A method for wrapping at least a portion of an article (22) including folding the wrapper material (60) to cover at least one first peripheral face (24, 30) such that each one of at least two first wrapper sections extends beyond a respective first lateral edge (32) of the at least one first peripheral face (24, 30) and such that each one of at least one second wrapper section extends beyond an upper edge (38, 40) of a respective one of at least one second peripheral face (30, 24), folding and securing each first section against one of the at least one second peripheral face (30, 24), and folding and securing each second section against the respective second peripheral face (30, 24). The wrapper material (60) remaining at least partially grabbed until at least one of the at least one second section is secured.

Abstract: A cover at least partially protects at least one item from one or more falling objects. An exemplary embodiment provides a flexible cover having a top side and a bottom side and a perimeter; a plurality of fluid-filled pockets dispersed along the bottom side of the cover; a channel formed around the perimeter of the cover material to house a drawstring, the channel having an opening that exposes at least a portion of the drawstring; and a drawstring disposed within the channel, wherein the cover positioned over an item may be selectively at least partially secured in position by pulling on the drawstring through the channel opening. Alternative embodiments provide selectively inflatable bladders and side drape portions and kits therefor.

Abstract: A personal hygiene assembly including a personal hygiene article such as a tampon and a towelette. The tampon is individually packaged in a wrapper and the towelette is also individually packaged in a wrapper. The assembly attaches the towelette package to the tampon package for convenient co-location of the articles. The towelette package can be attached to the outside surface of the tampon package either after sealing of the tampon package or during the sealing of the tampon package. As both the tampon package and the towelette package have a generally linear axial orientation, the articles can be axially aligned for attachment and convenient storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a web-form packaging material which comprises at least one layer, comprising a packaging material surface, of a sealable material, to a packaging unit with a transdermal therapeutic system and with a packaging material of this kind, and also to a process for producing a packaging unit. For this purpose, at least the abovementioned surface of the packaging material has a multiplicity of recesses and/or a multiplicity of non-recessed regions. The distance between two adjacent recesses and/or the distance between two adjacent non-recessed regions is less than five times the packaging material thickness. Moreover, the depth of the recesses is not less than 1.2 nanometers and not more than 95% of the packaging material thickness. With the present invention, the sticking of an adhesive on the inner face of the packaging material is effectively prevented.

Abstract: A packaging material dispenser may include a roll carriage having an upper portion and a lower portion, and a base plate separating the upper portion from the lower portion. The packaging material dispenser may also include a packaging material dispensing assembly mounted on an upper surface of the base plate and defining at least a portion of a packaging material path. A first portion of the packaging material path may extend behind the packaging material dispensing assembly. The upper portion of the roll carriage may include an opening defining a packaging material path access area positioned to provide access to a top of the packaging material path. The packaging material dispenser may also include a packaging material dispensing assembly drive mechanism extending below the base plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined amount of pre-stretched film based upon load girth. A non-rotating ring carries a belt. A film dispenser is mounted on a rotating ring, and the rotating ring includes a pulley that connects to the belt. Based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped, an amount of pre-stretched film to be dispensed for at least a portion of a revolution made by the rotating ring is determined. Good wrapping performance in terms of load containment (wrap force) and optimum film use is obtained by dispensing a length of pre-stretched film that is between approximately 100% and approximately 130% of load girth. Once the amount of film to be dispensed per revolution is determined, a mechanical ratio of ring drive to final pre-stretch surface speed (i.e., number of pre-stretch roller revolution/ring rotation) can be set.

Abstract: A film wrapping machine or apparatus wherein various operational conditions and data can be detected, determined, and subsequently utilized for diagnostic, operational performance, and safety characteristics, as well as for implementing improvements in operational performance so as to not only achieve optimal or predetermined performance characteristics but to also achieve economical usage of the wrapping or packaging film.

Abstract: A method and machine for folding sheets of packing material about respective groups of cigarettes to form respective packages, and wherein a web of packing material is first fed through a control station for detecting the position of a reference mark made on the web at a work station upstream from the control station, and is then fed through a cutting station where the web is cut into sheets of packing material, each of which is fed to a packing station where each sheet of packing material is folded about the respective group of cigarettes.

Abstract: A heat-in package with doneness indicator for heating applications, such as microwave heating of foods or sterilization applications. The doneness indicator comprises indicia printed with thermochromatic ink on the heat-in packaging. The doneness indicator can be sealed from front to back on the heat-in packaging in such a way that the heat transfer to the sealed area is controlled so that the contents contained within the heat-in packaging has adequate time to heat before a color change or other visual transformation is observed in the doneness indicator. Furthermore, the sealed area containing the thermochromatic ink is not in direct contact with the contents within the packaging. The ink changes due to heat conduction through the film. A venting system can further be incorporated to prevent excessive pressure build-up within the packaging.

Abstract: A method of folding a sheet of packing material, having an extraction opening, about a group of cigarettes; the method includes the steps of: bringing a first end wall of the group of cigarettes into contact with the flat sheet of packing material, so that the major transverse edges of the group of cigarettes are parallel to the short sides of the sheet of packing material, and the minor transverse edges of the group of cigarettes are parallel to the long sides of the sheet of packing material; folding the sheet of packing material into a U about the major transverse edges of the first end wall, so that the sheet of packing material covers both the major lateral walls of the group of cigarettes completely; folding the sheet of packing material onto a second end wall of the group of cigarettes; and folding the sheet of packing material onto the minor lateral walls of the group of cigarettes; the first end wall of the group of cigarettes is positioned asymmetrically with respect to the sheet of packing material

Abstract: Ultrasonic scanners and methods of manufacturing ultra-sonic scanners. One embodiment of a method includes integrating a flexible electronic device (e.g. an IC) and a flexible ultrasonic transducer (e.g. a portion of a circular CMUT array) with a flexible member. The IC, the transducer, and the flexible member can form a flexible subassembly which is rolled up to form an ultrasonic scanner. The integration of the IC and the transducer can occur at the same time. In the alternative, the integration of the electronic device can occur before the integration of the transducer. Moreover, the integration of the transducer can include using a semiconductor technique. Furthermore, the rolled up subassembly can form a lumen or can be attached to a lumen. The method can include folding a portion of the flexible subassembly to form a forward looking transducer. The flexible member of some subassemblies can include a pair of arms.

Abstract: In methods and systems for activating a label including a thermochromic ink used as a time/temperature indicator, the label has a first or printing section, and a second or thermochromic ink section. A package parameter, such as the weight of a food package or portion, is determined and printed on the printing section of the label. The label is advanced to an activation energy station. At least the thermochromic ink section of the label is exposed to activation energy, such as heat or radiation. The label is then quickly moved to a cooling station. At the cooling station, at least the thermochromic ink section of the label is quickly cooled, to activate the label for use as a time/temperature indicator.

Abstract: A catheter product package and method of forming same in which the package comprises a sheet material wrapped about the catheter product to form a package for the catheter product. The catheter product extends generally longitudinally within the package, and the sheet material extends from a point beyond the proximal end to a point beyond the distal end of the catheter product. The sheet material of the package is wrapped about the catheter product in a manner defining confronting proximal end edges, confronting distal end edges, and confronting side edges. The confronting proximal end edges, distal end edges and side edges of the sheet material are joined by a seal after the sheet material is wrapped about the catheter product to define a sealed cavity. The sheet material has a tear strip affixed to it which causes the sheet material to tear along the tear strip to thereby cause the package to open along an intended opening line.

Abstract: An air freshener device includes an open-cell, polyurethane foam body having a scent material interspersed in the foam body that is capable of diffusing out of the foam, and a flexible cover surrounding and conforming to the foam body having at least one hole in the cover to facilitate the release of scent. The foam body can be flexible and compressible, and also resilient and returnable to its original configuration. The flexible cover can have a fabric shell that is soothing to the touch, and may also have a non-porous inner liner to contain the scent material and prevent it from migrating out of the foam body. In addition, the air freshener can have a freestanding, self-supported, three-dimensional shape, and can be fashioned into the shape of a common sports ball, such as a baseball.