Abstract: A highly efficient seed planting system and method for farmers with small acreages that allows quick changes in equipment to effect quick changes in planted seed patterns. The system includes a seed selector, a seed distributor, a planting member, a transport apparatus and a timing drive mechanism. Efficiency is provided by a number of features including easily changeable seed carrying drums each having different predetermined first seed patterns for different seeds that produce scaled second predetermined patterns in the ground, an easily changeable seed distribution arrangement, an easily changeable and variable seed supply, a simple vacuum/pressure producer, and a timing drive apparatus that synchronizes movement of the drums with the transport apparatus and allows easy changing of the seed spacing in each row.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for the thermal treatment of the body. A first container adapted to receive water is provided. A second container having a substance adapted to react with water and produce a thermal reaction is also provided. The second container is placed inside the first container. At least a portion of the second container is made of a material that at least partially dissolves in water, so as to allow the substance to mix with water and produce the thermal reaction.

Abstract: A multiple layer sheet structure has oriented layers of nylon and EVOH. Additional layers may or may not be utilized, and may or may not be oriented. Where additional layers are used, one of the additional layers, on the exterior surface of the structure, is preferably heat sealable. The structure shows improved impact resistance, after retort processing, over similar structures not having oriented nylon and EVOH layers. In certain embodiments, retort processed pouches made from the packaging structures have improved stress crack resistance when dropped onto a hard surface.

Abstract: Polymeric film which is a blend of about 10% to 65% by weight polyisobutylene and conversely about 90% to 35% by weight of polypropylene copolymer. The polypropylene is preferably a copolymer having about 70 to about 98 mole percent propylene moieties and conversely about 30 to about 2 mole percent ethylene moieties. Preferred films have a blend composition of 20% to 40% by weight polyisobutylene and 80% to 60% by weight polypropylene copolymer. It is also preferred that the polypropylene copolymer is 92 to 98 mole percent propylene moieties and conversely 2 to 8 mole percent ethylene moieties.

Abstract: Ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer is blended with polyetheramide block copolymer to form a novel composition of matter. The blended composition can be extruded and/or coextruded to make packaging films. In the most preferred embodiments, the blend is contained as one layer in a film comprising a multiplicity of layers, and at least the blend layer is molecularly oriented. Methods of making the films are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved rider roll assembly and winder, especially adapted for use on turret winders in the winding of sheet materials. The rider roll assemblies on the turret arms are mounted on the same axis as the winding rolls. The angular position of a rider roll may be controlled by control means such as a programmable controller operating through connecting linkages.

Abstract: A multiple layer sheet material comprising a first layer 12 of vinylidene chloride copolymer having a first softening temperature. A second polymeric sealant layer 14 has a second softening temperature no more than about 50.degree. C. less than the first softening temperature. An optional third layer 16 between the first and second layers has a third softening temperature greater than either of the first and second softening temperatures and comprises a polyethylene terephthalate composition. A fourth polymeric layer 18 has a fourth softening temperature greater than the first and second softening temperatures. The first layer is positioned between the third and fourth layers. A fifth impact layer 20 is positioned between layers 14 and 16.