Abstract: A reclosable fastener includes an insert element and a retention element. The retention element has a plurality of discrete, spaced projections extending generally orthogonally from at least one side edge of one of the opposing surfaces. At least one of the projections has a free end that includes a hook portion extending generally orthogonally from the projection toward the central longitudinal axis. The fastener operates in first and second conditions. In the first condition the fastener is open and the insert element is disengaged from the retention element, and in the second condition the fastener is closed and the insert element engages the retention element. In moving from the first condition to the second condition the insert element engages the retention element by overlaying onto the retention element and being pressed into place. In moving from the second condition to the first condition the insert element disengages from the retention element by peeling from the retention element.

Abstract: A tail gap winder transfers a web from a first core to a second core by, immediately after the web is cut, pivoting the idler roller to lengthen the distance between the idler roller and the rotating drum to create a gap between the cut ends of the web; removing the first core from the rotating drum surface as the gap passes under the first core location; moving the second core into contact with the rotating drum surface; and winding the incoming cut edge around the second core. The idler roller pivots toward the rotating drum to decrease the distance between the idler roller and rotating drum and to take up the extra length of web during the winding portion of the operating cycle.

Abstract: The coater apparatus enclosure encloses the entire die of a coating apparatus includes an enclosure structure, a saturation station which saturates a supply gas with solvent, a device which supplies solvent-saturated gas to the enclosure to continuously purge the enclosure, and a device which controls the gas flow to the enclosure. The saturation station could include a heated jacketed vessel and a porous metal bubbler, or it could include a series of heat exchangers. No streaks can form due to coating fluid drying on the die lip because the gas supplied to the die enclosure is saturated with the solvent.

Abstract: A web of material has a plurality of stems extending from at least one side of the web. The web includes a first layer of material having a first side and a second side and a second layer of material. The second layer of material has a first side which faces the first side of the first layer and a second side from which the plurality of stems extend. The first and second layers of material are joined together while they are both molten, before either layer has cooled. The first and second layers of material can be formed of thermoplastic material or melt processable polymeric material. A method of making a web of material includes selecting a first material for a first layer of material and selecting a second material for a second layer of material. The first and second layers of material are melt formed. Then, the first and second layers of material are joined while the layers are in the molten state to form a multiple layer sheet.

Abstract: A method of high speed bonding at least one material includes applying acoustic energy, using an acoustic horn and an anvil, to the material. The method also includes applying force to at least one of the horn and the anvil to yield a peak pressure between the horn and the anvil of at least 2.068.times.10.sup.7 N/m.sup.2. The acoustic energy and pressure are applied for a time sufficient to create bonds in the material such that the material is sufficiently quenched before reducing the pressure. The method can include applying acoustic energy at an amplitude of vibration selected in combination with the frequency of vibration to yield an acoustic velocity of no greater than 4.72 m/s.

Abstract: A box or carton sealer is disclosed having a frame with a conveyor for moving boxes therethrough. First and second longitudinal, laterally spaced-apart, independent gravity operated centering bars move inwardly and outwardly to center the boxes in the sealer. The centering force produced by the centering bars is proportional to the distance the box is off center in the sealer. A shiftable weight assists the respective centering bars to move laterally as required. A floating head has an inclined entry ramp for riding up over the box and lifting the floating head to a desired height as the box passes thereunder. The floating head has a sealing device for attaching the box flaps at whatever height the flaps happen to be at under the floating head.

Abstract: A rotary acoustic horn imparts energy at a selected wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. The horn includes a shaft having an axial input end and an axial output end and a welding portion. The welding portion is mounted on the shaft and has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the shaft. The welding portion has a weld face that expands and contracts with the application of acoustic energy. At least a portion of the weld face can be formed of a different material than the remainder of the welding portion. The welding portion can include a sleeve. The sleeve can be shrink fit onto the welding portion.

Abstract: A storage container for storing and shipping items is foldable between a flat unformed condition and a second folded formed condition. The container includes a base section, and first and second end sections hinged to respective first and second ends of the base section. First and second cover sections are hinged to respective second ends of the end sections. The container includes a structure to secure differently sized and shaped articles in the same location of the inner surface of the base section. The securing structure includes slots, retention columns, ridges, troughs having various walls forming a trough for securing these articles using a friction fit. The container also includes a device for indicating whether the container has been opened.

Abstract: A process and a high pressure apparatus are disclosed which are useful in preparing magnetic dispersions and other dispersions of hard, non-compliant particulates. The apparatus can be monitored for clogs and wear and allows for relatively quick and inexpensive replacement of orifices. The apparatus includes a high pressure pump and a series of impingement chambers comprising an input manifold where the process stream is split into two or more streams and an output manifold where the streams are recombined after passing through restrictive orifices configured in such a manner that the streams impinge on each other at high velocities. The orifices in each succeeding impingement zone are the same size or smaller than the orifices in the preceding impingement zone, and the orifices in the final impingement zone must be smaller than the orifices in the first impingement zone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evaporating a coating solvent from a coating on a substrate and for minimizing the formation of mottle. The coating is heated with a first drying gas at no higher than a first heat transfer rate. The first heat transfer rate is created by a first heat transfer coefficient and a first temperature difference between the first coating temperature and the first drying gas temperature. The first heat transfer rate causes maximum evaporation of the coating solvent yet insignificant formation of mottle when the coating is at the first coating thickness and the first coating viscosity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating components from a mixture includes a condensing surface located in a high vapor concentration region above the source of evaporated liquid. The evaporated liquid is condensed on the condensing surface. The condensed liquid is removed from the condensing surface while it remains liquid, using substantially capillary forces. A plurality of open grooves are formed on the condensing surface. The grooves channel the condensed liquid on the condensing surface away from the mixture. The grooves can be capillary grooves which satisfy the Concus-Finn Inequality.

Abstract: A non-nodal mounting system for an ultrasonic element includes a drive ring and a flexible disk. The drive ring is rotatably connected to a mounting housing. The flexible disk is fixed at a radially inner portion to the ultrasonic element and at a radially outer portion to the drive ring. The flexible disk can include flexible fingers for reducing the force transmitted to the drive ring. Also, the flexible disk can include an inner annular ring at the radially inner portion and a concentric annular ring at the radially outer portion. The rings are connected by the fingers.

Abstract: An acoustic horn imparts energy at a selected wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. The horn has at least one nodal plane and a natural frequency of vibration. The horn has an outer surface and at least one cutout located in the outer surface. The cutout is located at a longitudinal location on the surface that does not contact the nodal plane. The horn length is a function of the shape, size, number, and location of the cutouts, and is less than the length of a solid horn having the same natural frequency of vibration. The horn can vibrate at a natural frequency and the length of the horn can be less than one-half wavelength of vibration.

Abstract: An applicator for a lint removal device includes a handle portion connected to a tape-receiving portion. The tape-receiving portion includes a tape-receiving surface, an inner lip, an outer lip, and grooves adjacent the lips. The outer lip is tapered. After a roll of tape traverses over the outer lip it is locked in place on the tape-receiving surface and cannot be removed by sliding it back over the outer lip.

Abstract: The horn includes an outer cylinder and an inner shaft connected by a disk. The shaft has an axial input end, and receives vibrational energy at the axial input end and transmits the vibrational energy to the cylinder. The cylinder is hollow and has an inner surface, an outer surface, and first and second opposing end surfaces. The second end surface serves as a welding surface which applies vibrational energy to an object. The welding surface moves with the application of vibrational energy to the input end of the shaft. The disk portion connects the inner shaft to the cylinder and transmits the vibrational energy from the inner shaft to the cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for removal of adhesive-backed objects attached to a liner with the objects and liner constituting a pad which includes a curved surface and a removal head. The curved surfaces preferably a drum, is adapted to receive the pad of the adhesive-backed objects for disposition around the drum with a radius sufficient to spread the individual objects of the pad apart. The removal head is positioned adjacent the drum for selectable engagement with the objects of the pad. The removal head includes at least one piston movable between a first position out of contact with the pad and a second position where the piston contacts the pad and applies a force thereto to securely maintain the position of the pad around the drum. The removal head further includes at least one gripper member positioned for engagement with an individual object of the pad. The gripper member is movable between a first position away from the drum and a second position adjacent an individual object attached to the liner.

Abstract: A fastener arrangement includes a first fastener member having a base sheet and a plurality of engaging members projecting from the base sheet. The fastener arrangement includes a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on a surface of a base sheet opposite of the engaging members, and a dual purpose cover sheet. The dual purpose cover sheet protects the adhesive layer of the first fastener member, and the engaging members of a second, underlying fastener member. The dual purpose cover is releasably attached to the second fastener member by fusing or by using an adhesive having a first non-tacky consistency and a second tacky consistency.

Abstract: A linerless, coreless roll of tape includes a backing layer having an adhesive layer formed on one side. The tape is formed into a roll having a plurality of wraps with the adhesive side facing outwardly. The tape is sufficiently stiff and self-supporting to obviate the need for support material, and the entire roll, including the last wrap, is completely usable for its intended purpose without wasting any tape. As lint removal tape, the tape is used while it is still on the roll, and the tape is removed from the roll only after use, to discard it. The roll can be sufficiently compressible to create a plane of contact during use to remove lint. The roll of tape can be mounted on an applicator.

Abstract: A tab for placement on one end of a length of tape has at least one perforation. The tape can have a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side. Adhesive is on the first side, and the tab is located at the first end of the tape and adhered to the first side of the tape. The tab has at least one perforation such that when the tape is wound into a roll, the adhesive accessible through the perforation adheres the tab to the tape to prevent the tab from protruding from the roll while permitting the tab to be grabbed easily to begin unwinding the roll of tape.

Abstract: A hook fastener portion is disclosed for use in a hook and loop fastener that has a woven backing with portions of pile monofilaments projecting from its front surface providing hooks adapted for making releasable engagement with loops of the fastener. In another embodiment, a hook fastener-portion is disclosed for interengagement with an opposed, like hook fastener portion. A layer of thermoplastic material along a rear surface of the backing and the mechanical engagement of the portions of the pile monofilaments woven into the backing anchor the monofilaments in the backing, and that layer of thermoplastic material can be a hot melt adhesive used to adhere the hook fastener portion to a substrate.