Abstract: A machine and method for manufacturing a disposable absorbent continence pad. The machine has a series of stations including a shell-forming station for forming a shell from thermoplastic material, a slitting station for forming slits in a facing material to be sealed to a shell in order to permit the facing material to adapt to the shape of the shell and a sealing station where the facing material and the shell are heat sealed together. The shell-forming station, slitting station and sealing station have special components to assure accurate molding of the shell and prevent wrinkles in the facing material. The manufacturing method embodies a series of processing steps as carried out at the aforesaid stations.

Abstract: A silverware dryer having a casing with ducts and nozzles for directing air to a drying chamber, a portable basket usable in a washing operation and thereafter positionable in said drying chamber and with the basket having a series of vibratory holders for silverware which are also mounted for rotational movement and motor-driven members for rotating and vibrating said holders.

Abstract: A machine and method for evacuating sealed packages formed from flexible sheet material and for flushing or filling, as required, the evacuated package with an inert gas. The product enclosed within the package is preferably a food product such as luncheon meats, sausage, cheese, or the like. In constructing the package, one or more spaced apart apertures are formed in one sheet and a slit is formed in the other sheet so that preferably the slit will be on the opposite side of the package from the apertures. An initial peripheral seal is made between the two sheets to enclose the slit, apertures and product. The package is then evacuated through the slit with the sheets being separated and then the slit is sealed and gas introduced through the apertures, or, for a gas flushed package, the slit may be sealed after gas is introduced. Next the apertures are sealed thus forming a gas flushed or filled package.