Abstract: An article of manufacture that has at least three layers of heat sealable material. There is at least one first heat seal between at least two of the layers in a first area effected at a first temperature. There is also at least one second heat seal between at least two more layers, where at least one of these two layers is distinct from the at least two layers joined by the first heat seal, in a second area effected at a second temperature, where the second temperature is different than the first temperature, thereby allowing for heat sealing of discrete areas of the article in discrete steps.

Abstract: Devices and methods for fusing materials using a heating element, where the overall mass to be sealed varies along the length of the seal. According to the invention, the heating element has a different profile in different areas. According to some aspects, the thickness and/or cross section of the heating element is different in different areas so that when a current is passed through the heating element, each area heats to a different degree. In some aspects, the heating element is shaped to conform to the shape of the parts to be fused together. The transition between areas of different thickness or cross-sectional area, or between areas of different shape may be sharply defined. This abrupt transition may be created by machining the heating element to a finished shape rather than bending flat stock to shape.

Abstract: Devices and methods for fusing materials using a heating element, where the overall mass to be sealed varies along the length of the seal. According to the invention, the heating element has a different profile in different areas. According to some aspects, the thickness and/or cross section of the heating element is different in different areas so that when a current is passed through the heating element, each area heats to a different degree. In some aspects, the heating element is shaped to conform to the shape of the parts to be fused together. The transition between areas of different thickness or cross-sectional area, or between areas of different shape may be sharply defined. This abrupt transition may be created by machining the heating element to a finished shape rather than bending flat stock to shape.

Abstract: A cell matrix expandable structure includes of a plurality of interconnected cells normally in flat form but readily expandable into the form of a container upon the introduction of fluid. The structures may be made out of recyclable films. Methods of manufacturing the cell matrix in a continuous manufacturing process are also disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable structure is manufactured using sheets of thermoplastic material sealed together. The expandable structure has a concertina pattern on its sides that allows the structure to expand and collapse like an accordion. The concertina pattern is cut into the sheets of material rather than being folded into the material to speed up the manufacturing process.

Abstract: An air mattress system is provided wherein longitudinal air supply tubes supply air to alternating laterally extending cross support tubes that extend between two longitudinal side rails. The side rails remain inflated despite failure of the pump or ruptures of the lateral support tubes. The structure of the air mattress is such that it can be produced as a continuous rolled product. A method for making the individual mattress of this construction is also set forth.

Abstract: An inflatable device for people to sit, lie or sleep on is provided, which device allows water vapor produced by the person's perspiration or condensation to escape from the vicinity of his/her body, which device can be readily manufactured without undue amounts of human labor, which device is suitable for disposable use, and which device is of such a construction that in the event that there is a rupture or loss of pressure the entire device will not collapse.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expandable bladder, and method for making same, having an interior sheet and an exterior sheet extending from a left direction toward a right direction and where the exterior sheet has an inner side and an outer side. The interior sheet is coupled to the inner side of the exterior sheet where the outer side is facing upwardly and the inner side is facing downwardly. The exterior sheet has at least one fold where, upon being subjected to bending, the at least one fold unfolds to provide additional material so that exterior sheet maintains a distance from the interior sheet.

Abstract: An air mattress system is provided wherein longitudinal air supply tubes supply air to alternating laterally extending cross support tubes that extend between two longitudinal side rails. The side rails remain inflated despite failure of the pump or ruptures of the lateral support tubes. The structure of the air mattress is such that it can be produced as a continuous rolled product. A method for making the individual mattress of this construction is also set forth.

Abstract: The throwing toy of the present invention can generally be described as a two part toy having a forward portion and a trailing portion, where the forward portion utilizes a substantially rigid, ring-like structure in which the center of gravity of the toy is located and the trailing portion is made of a collapsible cylindrical tail which extends from the forward portion and has a length of at least about two times the axial length of the forward portion.