Abstract: A nonwoven material having a laminated construction and including a first layer of nonwoven fibers defining a first surface of the material; a second layer of nonwoven fibers defining the opposite surface of the material; and a third layer of nonwoven fibers located between the first and second layers. The layers are bonded together to form a laminate. At least one of the nonwoven layers comprises a nonwoven web of meltblown fibers. Additionally, one or more of the layers has been rendered permanently hydrophilic by forming the nonwoven web from meltspun fibers of a normally hydrophobic polymer having a hydrophilic melt additive incorporated therein.

Abstract: A method for detecting a non-fixed object in a system (12) is provided. The method includes applying a light emitting substance (13) to at least a portion (14) of an object (10). At least a section (20) of the portion (14) is illuminated with a non-fixed object illuminator (16). The object (10) is detected in the system (12) in response to illuminating the section (20). The object (10) is then determined to be a fixed or non-fixed object.

Abstract: An imaging system has a computer which monitors changes to any given front-panel control setting for a particular image processing parameter (e.g., dynamic range, transmit foci position, Doppler wall filter setting, etc.) as compared to its default or preset value. For each user ID (e.g., based on the system user's name or any user code) and each application type, if, over a number of exam cycles, the user is found to consistently adjust a particular control setting to values that deviate significantly from the preset value, the system computer will automatically adjust the preset value to, e.g., the average setting of that image processing parameter over the past N trials, where N is a predefined integer number.

Abstract: A method of manufacture involves the following steps: extruding a first zipper strip comprising a first zipper flange and a first closure profile; extruding a second zipper strip comprising a second zipper flange and a second closure profile that is interlockable with the first closure profile; interlocking the first and second closure profiles; and welding the first and second zipper flanges together in a first zone and welding the first and second closure profiles together in a second zone by applying energy to both zones in one operation or in separate operations. A generally T-shaped zone of fusion is formed. The second zone forms the top of the T shape, while the first zone forms the stem of the T shape. The first zone forms respective flange seals, while the second zone forms either back-to-back preseals or back-to-back slider end stops when the zipper is cut, depending on whether the zipper is sliderless or slider-actuated.

Abstract: A reclosable bag having a bottom flap with holes configured to allow a stack of the bags to be mounted on a wicket, a slider-actuated string zipper installed in a mouth at the top of the bag, and an open string zipper, not actuated by a slider, installed at the bottom of the bag. The wicket flap has a line of weakened tear resistance, such as a perforated line, along which the bag can be torn. Product is inserted into the receptacle via the open string zipper, and then that zipper is closed. After filling, the receptacle can be separated from the flap, which remains on the wicket, by tearing along the tear line.

Abstract: A simulation system and method enabled through the use of an XML-based Simulation Reference Markup Language (SRML) and a corresponding system runtime environment. The simulation system comprises a simulation reference simulator adapted to receive an SRML simulation model including a simulation item. The simulation reference simulator comprises an item manager for loading properties of each item of the simulation model, and an event manager for processing the simulation model. A method of conducting simulations comprises the steps of defining a simulation model with Simulation Reference Markup Language, communicating the model to a simulation reference simulator, executing the model with the simulation reference simulator, and providing an output of the modeled events.

Abstract: A reclosable package for scoopable products, such as flour and detergent. The package has a closed plastic zipper installed in a gusset. The gusset comprises first and second panels connected at a fold line. The zipper comprises first and second zipper portions respectively joined to the first and second gusset panels. In one embodiment, the zipper portions are connected by a fold line situated adjacent the gusset fold line. In another embodiment, the zipper portions are connected by a fold line situated away from the gusset. In a third embodiment, the zipper portions are not connected prior to opening the package along the gusset fold line. A peel seal is placed between the zipper portions and above the interlocked profiled closure elements of the zipper.

Abstract: A reclosable bag having a top flap with holes configured to allow a stack of such bags to be mounted on a wicket or a pair of dispensing posts, and having a slider-actuated zipper (e.g., a string zipper) installed in a mouth at the top of the bag. The top flap is connected to a double layer of film that forms one side of the receptacle mouth and is joined to one strip of the zipper. The flap, which extends downward near its connection to the double layer of film, can be wrapped under and around the bottom of one side of the slider. The holes in the flap (for the wicket) are disposed above the zipper when the wrapped-around flap is fully extended upward.

Abstract: A reclosable vacuum storage bag having a zipper that can be hermetically sealed after the zipper is closed and before the bag is evacuated. The hermetic seal can be provided by means of a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating on one of the two zipper strips or by means of a pair of cohesive coatings on confronting portions of the respective zipper strips. The coating or coatings run the entire length of the bag mouth.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding assembly comprising a horn, an anvil and an anvil cover. The horn comprises a generally T-shaped flattening surface and a rail projecting forward of the flattening surface. The rail is shaped to serve as a dam for flowing thermoplastic zipper material during stomping of slider end stops. The horn further comprises a plurality of vertical energy directors designed to direct ultrasonic energy into the mass of zipper material and deflect flowing zipper material toward the dam. The horn further comprises first and second recesses located on opposite sides of a stem of the T-shaped flattening surface. The anvil cover overlies opposing portions of the anvil and comprises a T-shaped cutout. The T-shaped flattening surface of the horn fits in the T-shaped cutout of the anvil cover. The resulting zipper has slider end stops located at opposing ends.

Abstract: A slider-operated zipper having recessed slider end stops. The recesses can be formed in top portions of the profiled closure members or in outwardly facing side portions of one or both profiled closure members. Alternatively, the openings of throughholes that pass through the profiled closure members can serve as end stop recesses. The slider has one or more projections or ridges designed to impinge on a wall of a respective recess or throughhole opening in the zipper, thereby stopping the slider, provided that the pull off resistance is not overcome.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for ultrasonically welding plastic parts together. The ultrasonic welding apparatus includes: an air cylinder having a piston rod; an ultrasonic horn substantially rigidly coupled to an end of the piston rod and having a distal end; a rotary anvil having an axis of rotation generally perpendicular to an axis of the piston rod and comprising a periphery; a transducer for converting electric potential differences into ultrasound wave energy, the horn being acoustically coupled to the transducer; and drive means for causing the anvil to rotate. The distal end of the horn confronts the periphery of the anvil throughout rotation of the anvil. On one application, interlocked zipper strips are passed through a gap between the distal end of the horn and the periphery of the anvil. The anvil periphery has a plateau that presses the zipper against the distal end of the horn. The transducer is energized in synchronism with the plateau being opposed to the distal end of the horn.

Abstract: A slider that reduces the tendency of a slider-zipper assembly to deactivate under freezer conditions. One embodiment of the slider comprises an opening window comprising a top portion, first and second side portions respectively connected to opposing ends of the top portion of the opening window, and a keeper connected to and projecting downward from the top portion, the keeper being disposed closer to the first side portion than to the second side portion of the opening window; a closing window comprising a top portion, and first and second side portions respectively connected to opposing ends of the top portion of the closing window, the closing window being separated from the opening window by a central zone; and a pair of opposing ridges located in the central zone proximal to the opening window and comprising respective convex surface of curving form. The ridges cam the profiled closure members of the zipper together and cam the male-profiled closure member toward the keeper.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling universal remote access and display of diagnostic images acquired by diagnostic imaging equipment, independent of the identity of the vendor that manufactured the equipment. One system includes a local area network; a scanner capable of sending objects formatted in accordance with a communications protocol, each object incorporating at least one image frame; and a data capture device connected to the local area network and programmed with data capture software to capture an object originating from the scanner in response to that scanner being specified as an object of diagnosis. This system further includes a communications channel, e.g., a virtual private network, for connecting the data capture device to a central service facility. The preferred communications protocol is DICOM. In response to an instruction from the service center, the data capture device on the LAN captures image files from a malfunctioning scanner and forwards them to the service center for diagnosis.

Abstract: A dimmer control system has a communication control loop that connects a master unit in series with a plurality of remote units, and it is superimposed in series on the dimmer load line so as to allow two-way communication between the master unit and remote units without affecting the operation of the load. Communications from the master to the remote units are encoded in loop current fluctuations, whereas communications from any remote to the master unit are encoded in loop voltage fluctuations. The master unit has a switched power supply, for use during normal LOAD ON operation, in tandem with a capacitive power supply, for use during LOAD OFF operation of the control units so as to minimize hum. The master unit power supply circuit provides an output rail voltage comprised of a reference voltage for the load superimposed with a control loop voltage for the voltage drop across the series-connected remote units.

Abstract: A reclosable package has a flexible zipper and a flexible funnel that can be turned inside out to provide a spout for dispensing the package contents. The funnel has a terminal portion that is offset relative to a midplane of the package. Initially, the funnel is tucked inside the filled package in an unopened state. The funnel can be accessed by pulling apart the zipper halves. The consumer must reach inside the open package and pull the funnel inside out. Then the tip of the funnel is snipped, cut or torn to provide a spout for dispensing product. The offset of the opening allows the consumer to better direct the pour of the package contents, while making the bag easier to handle, especially large bags. The funnel itself directs the package contents, especially fine powders, away from the reclosable zipper profiles so that one or both profiles do not become clogged with matter that might interfere with interlocking.