Abstract: Apparatus and method for the manufacture of a non-woven fibrous web, such as paper, from a dispersion of fibers in a foamed liquid. In a preferred embodiment, a solution of surfactant in water is initially discharged from a headbox into the nip of a twin forming wire prior to its passage over a curvilinear path defined by a forming roll. The water-surfactant solution is caused repeatedly to pass through the outer one of the twin forming wires until there is created, and stored in a silo, a foamed liquid containing about 65% air in the form of bubbles of from about 20 to about 200 microns in diameter. The foamed liquid is directed from the silo into a mix tank wherein a slurry containing fibers at 20% to 55% solids is added and mixed. The mixture is pumped to the headbox and into the nip of the forming wires. The outer wire retains the fibers while passing and again foaming the liquid for return to the silo and the mix tank for addition of fibers and return to the headbox.

Abstract: An improvement in distributors for air-laid fibers wherein one or more impellers within a distributor housing receive fibers from a hammer mill or other source, and impel fibers smaller than a certain size through a first screen extending over the outlet opening of the distributor housing onto a moving forming wire. A partial vacuum is formed beneath the forming wire to hold the fibers thereon and to form a continuous web of fibrous material. The impellers are blades which rotate about a vertical shaft immediately above the first screen. The invention is directed to improvements in the first screen, wherein it is endless and is mounted for movement across the outlet opening of the distributor housing, in the same direction and at the same speed as the forming wire.

Abstract: A refrigerated food is packaged in a paperboard tray covered by a plastic film bonded to upper edges of the tray sidewalls in provision of a barrier against contamination of the food. The film and the tray are transparent to microwave energy for heating the food, and automatic venting of the covered tray, while heating, is afforded by a relatively small strip of electrically conductive material on the film and absorptive of microwave energy in an amount sufficient to heat the same and melt a vent opening in the film.

Abstract: An end construction for a sealed carton comprises a first weakness line disposed between the closure panel end flap and an extension thereof. The first weakness line is severable by a wire over which the panel and its extension are sealed to a carton end, by gluing, in a form, fill, and seal apparatus. Severance of the first weakness line by the wire is effected as the sealed carton is moved through the apparatus. A second weakness line is provided in the closure end flap and extends with angularity to the first weakness line to intersect same. A resulting triangular section of the closure end flap is glued, as is the severed flap extension to the end of the carton, and retains the closure in closed position until such time the second weakness line is torn upon moving the closure to open position. The severed flap extension remains glued to the end of the carton to reinforce same and maintain its assembly.