Abstract: This invention pertains to draw tape equipment, and methods for incorporating draw tapes into plastic and like bags. In general, a continuous plastic web is slit at a slitting station to form layers, and respective free edges. The web then passes to a hole forming station where holes are punched in the top and bottom layers adjacent the free edges. After the holes are punched, edge regions of the top and bottom layers are separated from each other, followed by forming of hems in the separated layers at hem forming stations arranged in parallel with each other. Concurrent with forming of the hems, continuous draw tapes are fed to the hem forming stations and the hems are formed about the draw tapes. The formed hems, with the draw tapes incorporated therein, optionally pass through first temperature control stations where the temperature of the plastic web is controlled to a desired temperature before hem sealing. The formed hems are then sealed to the main bodies of the respective top and bottom layers.

Abstract: This invention pertains to metal-air electrochemical cells wherein one or more air entry ports is located in the bottom of the cathode can, to provide for entry of oxygen-rich air into the cathode can, where the oxygen participates in the chemical reaction whereby the cell produces electrical energy. In this invention, multiple small air entry ports are provided. Generally, the use of multiple ports distributed over the bottom of the cathode can, opposite the reaction surface of the cathode assembly, while not increasing the overall open area of the ports, results in an increase in the ratio of the cell limiting current to the rate at which moisture is lost from the cell. Accordingly, moisture loss as a function of electrical energy produced, is reduced.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for fabricating a composite web having transverse stretch. In one embodiment a forming plow forms at least one groove in a first web of material. An applicator roll applies a second web of transversely stretchable material to the first web while maintaining a facing portion of the second web in facing relationship with, and spaced from, the portion of the first web formed in the groove. Urging apparatus, such as a push roll having an axis, can intermittently urge the second web into the groove and thereby into surface-to-surface relationship with the first web over substantially the entirety of the facing portion of the second web. The webs can be secured by an adhesive, applied to portions of the first and/or second web, or by ultrasonic bonding, to thereby fabricate the composite web.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a flashlight body. Either the main body or at least one closure cap has a luminescent outer surface. The outer surface comprehends a luminescent colorant composition in the base material. At least 50% by weight, up to 100% by weight, of the colorant composition in the base material is luminescent. No more than 50% by weight, of the colorant composition comprises reflective colorant material. Thus, the flashlight body emits, in the visible spectrum, light radiation derived in part from the reflective colorant material and in part from the luminescent colorant material. Light emitted from the luminescent colorant adds to the intensity of the light reflected by the reflective colorant to provide total emitted light intensity, from the flashlight body, greater than the light intensity from a corresponding amount of the reflective colorant alone, and characteristic fluorescent glow.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a three dimensional disposable garment, subassemblies of the garment, and apparatus and methods for making the garment and subassemblies. The garment is designed to hold a primary absorbent sanitary pad. The garment may have elasticized leg and waist openings and be stretchable about the hip and stomach regions of a user. The garment provides backup protection to control egress of fluids that leak or seep around or through the primary sanitary pad. The garment includes a secondary absorbent positioned in the crotch area and extending into the body of the disposable garment, front and back, and preferably over the leg elastics to trap, inside the garment, leakage from the primary absorbent, and to prevent strike through onto e.g. outer clothing and bed linen.

Abstract: An alternate action mechanism includes a ratchet cam moving a resilient contact between first and second positions. A push button, including an interface member, rotates the ratchet cam by applying force to ratchet teeth. The alternate action mechanism includes a frame supporting the ratchet cam and aligning the ratchet portion with the interface member. In one embodiment, the ratchet portion is between two cam portions. When the ratchet cam is rotated, the cam portions moves the resilient member to one of two alternating positions. In another embodiment, the cam portion is positioned between two ratchet portions. The frame includes cam support arms receiving the ratchet cam. The frame also includes detents which prevent improper movement of the ratchet cam and provide audible indication of actuation of the mechanism. The interface member can comprise a finger to contact a ratchet tooth and rotate the ratchet cam. The finger can be U-shaped, with the edges on the open side contacting the ratchet teeth.

Abstract: This invention pertains to metal-air electrochemical cells wherein one or more air entry ports is located in the bottom of the cathode can, to provide for entry of oxygen-rich air into the cathode can, where the oxygen participates in the chemical reaction whereby the cell produces electrical energy. In this invention, multiple small air entry ports are provided. Generally, the use of multiple ports distributed over the bottom of the cathode can, opposite the reaction surface of the cathode assembly, while not increasing the overall open area of the ports, results in an increase in the ratio of the cell limiting current to the rate at which moisture is lost from the cell. Accordingly, moisture loss as a function of electrical energy produced, is less.

Abstract: An ultrasonic system for intermittently changing a condition of a workpiece is disclosed. The ultrasonic system includes an ultrasonic horn and a rotating anvil roll positioned to form a close relationship with each other comprising a nip. One of the ultrasonic horn and the rotating anvil roll includes an outer radial surface having a first length having a first amount of surface area per unit length of the respective outer radial surface, and a second length having a lesser amount of surface area per unit length of the respective outer radial surface. When ultrasonic energy is applied to the ultrasonic horn, the second length changes a condition of the workpiece when applied in the nip, but the first length does not change that condition. The change in condition occurs because the decrease in surface area along the second length increases the ultrasonic energy per unit area, as applied in the nip, to at least the threshold amount necessary to change the condition.

Abstract: A marine fender assembly includes a slip sheet for contacting a dock or other second object when a boat is moored. A cushion sheet is connected to the slip sheet, to make a shock absorbing subassembly for absorbing shock of lateral movement of the boat relative to the second object. The cushion sheet may be disposed between the slip sheet and the boat hull. In some embodiments, the slip sheet comprises two layers and a space between the two layers, and the cushion sheet is contained between the two layers, within the slip sheet. A fastener subassembly is secured to the shock absorbing subassembly, typically at the top of the shock absorbing subassembly so that the shock absorbing subassembly may be suspended downwardly along a portion of the boat hull. In some embodiments, attachment of the cushion sheet to the slip sheet is limited to loci adjacent the top of the cushion sheet, whereby sliding movement between the boat and the e.g.

Abstract: This invention pertains to papermaking felts, methods of making such felts, methods of using the felts, and methods of making paper using such felts. A felt of the invention contains at least one substrate web having a fuse-bonded joint extending across the width of the felt. The joint is preferably formed by superposing, onto each other, end portions of a flat-woven substrate web element, with the end portions extending away from the ends in a common direction, and concurrently severing the ends from the end portions, and fuse bonding the end portions to each other, along a common cut line.

Abstract: This invention pertains to novel alkaline electrochemical cells having high drain capacities, especially cells having high drain rate capabilities at voltages of at least 1.1 volts for use in small appliances such as hearing aids. The anode includes anode material in the cells including potassium hydroxide, zinc powder, 0.02% to 0.5% indium as indium compound separate from the zinc powder, optionally a low level of mercury, and preferably a surfactant comprising hydroxyethylcellulose. The cathode provides sufficient oxidative capability to oxidize the zinc at a sufficient rate to support the electrical drain demands on the cell. A cathode, in a preferred zinc air cell for a hearing aid, includes at least 5 air ports, evenly distributed over the surface of the bottom of the cathode can. Cells of the invention exhibit prolonged operation at relatively constant voltage over 1.

Abstract: This invention pertains to cutting dies for cutting continuous strip elements from a continuous web of fibrous and/or polymeric material. An improved cutting die has an elevated stripping land between adjacent but spaced elongated cutting knives. The elevated stripping land obviates the trim element becoming lodged in the trim zone between the cutting knives, and thereby assists in stripping the trim element from the trim zone.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes an absorbent core located between a bodyside liner and an outer cover. A containment flap is joined to the bodyside liner. A reservoir wall attaches to the containment flap and a base structure comprising, in combination, the bodyside liner and an outer cover. Passageways in the containment flaps allow exudates to flow from the region between the flaps and into a reservoir defined outwardly from the containment flap. In one embodiment, a surface near the outer edge of the reservoir wall is attached to the bodyside liner. In another embodiment, the reservoir wall attaches to the outer cover of the absorbent article. In yet another embodiment, the reservoir wall attaches to the containment flap, first near a distal edge thereof, and secondly near the base of the containment flap.

Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for processing workpieces on a moving continuous web using ultrasonic energy. The ultrasonic system includes one or more sets, each set containing first and second ultrasonic application devices, corresponding to an ultrasonic horn and a corresponding anvil. A first element of the set is mounted on a rotating work drum which carries the web of workpieces while the workpieces are being processed with ultrasonic energy. The second element of the set is mounted for rotation with the work drum. As the work drum rotates, the second element rotates with the drum. With each rotation of the work drum, the second element extends over the work drum and the first element, ultrasonic energy is applied to the workpiece, and the second element withdraws from over the work drum and the first element.

Abstract: This invention pertains to electrode cans and metal air electrochemical cells made with the electrode cans. The invention provides improved structure, and methods for making the outer edge of the closed end of the can at the joinder of the closed end of the can with an side wall extending from the closed end. A substantially flat portion of the outer surface of the closed end of the can extends outwardly of the inner surface of the side wall. The electrochemical cells are assembled using improved assembly methods. Button-type electrochemical cells made using the invention are free of the inward dishing common to especially cathode cans in such button cells.

Abstract: This invention pertains to novel water craft, having novel standoff assemblies. The standoff assemblies prevent the water craft from being driven with destructive force into a dock or other relatively immobile object above the outer edges of the water craft. The standoff assemblies of the invention extend upwardly from the outer edge of the water craft. Adjustably extensible support members mount the standoff assembly to the water craft at typically three mounting loci. The mounting loci are typically spaced both vertically and laterally from each other.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods for use in constructing a garment including a stretched elastic. Specifically, the invention contemplates incorporating stretched elastic into a continuous web, including one or more segments which exert retractive forces in directions counterproductive to the function of either the web, the garment, or both, and nullifying that portion of the stretched elastic which would be counterproductive. The elastics may be cut at appropriate loci. The stretch may be intermittently reduced or eliminated on one or more selected ones of the elastics as the elastics are incorporated into the web. A special coating may be used on the processing rolls to maintain the width dimension of the web at loci disposed after incorporation of elastic stretched across the transverse dimension of the web. Transverse bonds may be formed on the web using a rotary carrying drum, and energy application devices which rotate with the drum, to increase bond forming time.

Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for processing workpieces on a moving continuous web using ultrasonic energy. The ultrasonic system includes one or more sets, each set containing first and second ultrasonic application devices, corresponding to an ultrasonic horn and a corresponding anvil. A first element of the set is mounted on a rotating work drum which carries the web of workpieces while the workpieces are being processed with ultrasonic energy. The second element of the set is mounted for rotation with the work drum. As the work drum rotates, the second element rotates with the drum. With each rotation of the work drum, the second element extends over the work drum and the first element, ultrasonic energy is applied to the workpiece, and the second element withdraws from over the work drum and the first element.

Abstract: Apparatus including a rotating base roll for applying at least one stretched strip of a first material to a base web comprising a second material and moving continuously in first direction. The discrete length strip is cut, on the rotating roll, from a continuous ribbon, is rotated on the base roll to a desired orientation, and is stretched to a desired length. The apparatus includes the rotating roll feed apparatus for feeding the continuous ribbon to a circumferential engagement with the rotating roll, a cutter for cutting the discrete-length strips from the continuous ribbon, at least one rotating extensible platen mounted on, and rotating with the rotating roll, and an applicator rotating in concert with the rotating base roll, for applying the cut, rotated, and stretched strips to the base web.