Abstract: A system and method for welding edge seams at the edges of fabric is presented. A method begins by lowering a fabric pre-fold bar onto a piece of fabric. A pre-aligned portion of the fabric is pushed on top of the pre-fold bar so that the pre-fold bar is between the portion of fabric on top of the fabric pre-fold bar and other fabric below the pre-fold bar. The fabric on top of the fabric pre-fold bar is folded edge fabric and fabric not on top of the fabric pre-fold bar is not folded edge fabric. A folded edge is formed between these two sections of fabric. The method pinches some of the fabric at the folded end and then pulls the folded edge fabric off of the fabric pre-fold bar. After that, the method welds at least some of the folded edge fabric to the not folded edge fabric.

Abstract: A shipping sack includes a body including a first end and a second end, opposed lateral sides, and opposed first and second panels. The first end is a first closed end defined by a first end portion of the first panel extending beyond a first end portion of the second panel and the first end portion of the first panel is folded-over and secured to the first end portion of the second panel. The second end is a second closed end defined by a second end portion of the second panel extending beyond a second end portion of the first panel and the second end portion of the second panel is folded-over and secured to the second end portion of the first panel. A fill opening is located on the second panel and extends between the lateral sides and is disposed at a location adjacent the first closed end.

Abstract: A storage device for retaining an extended length of floating oil boom therein and a method of using the same. The storage device is made from a sheet of material that is foldable to define and surround an interior cavity in which the oil boom is received. A closure mechanism is engaged to secure the folded storage device about the oil boom. A lifting mechanism on the storage device is engaged with a cable extending from a suspension assembly mounted on a vessel for use on a large body of water. The suspension assembly maintains the storage boom adjacent a side wall of the vessel and a distance above the surface of the water until the oil boom retained therein is needed in an emergency.

Abstract: Methods and other embodiments associated with a fabric welding machine are presented. The fabric welding machine includes a base, a welding machine body, and a support beam with a first end and a second end. A first roller is positioned adjacent to the first end of the support beam opposite the welding machine body. A swing arm with a body end and a roller end is attached to the welding machine body. The roller end is opposite the welding machine body and is configured to move to a first position and a second position. A heat element attached to the first end of the support beam.

Abstract: Methods and other embodiments associated with a fabric welding machine are presented. The fabric welding machine includes a base, a welding machine body, and a support beam with a first end and a second end. A first roller is positioned adjacent to the first end of the support beam opposite the welding machine body. A swing arm with a body end and a roller end is attached to the welding machine body. The roller end is opposite the welding machine body and is configured to move to a first position and a second position. A heat element attached to the first end of the support beam.

Abstract: A relatively small and lightweight portable plastic welding machine is suitable for use on a table top. The welding machine has stationary and traveling modes for welding one or more sheets of flexible plastic material. A single motor is provided for driving rotation of pinch rollers adjacent a welding tip and rotation of a drive wheel to cause travel of the machine. A clutch provides the ability to easily switch between the stationary and traveling modes.

Abstract: A seaming machine and method are provided for seaming segments of sheet material to one another to form larger sheets. The machine typically includes a frame with a pair of spaced seaming devices mounted thereon for respectively seaming opposed edges of the segments of sheet material to one another. The process allows for the seaming of multiple sheet segments while the sheet segments remain atop a work surface. Relative back and forth movement between various components and the work surface typically facilitate the process.

Abstract: Methods and other embodiments associated with a fabric welding machine are presented. The fabric welding machine includes a base, a welding machine body, and a support beam with a first end and a second end. A first roller is positioned adjacent to the first end of the support beam opposite the welding machine body. A swing arm with a body end and a roller end is attached to the welding machine body. The roller end is opposite the welding machine body and is configured to move to a first position and a second position. A heat element attached to the first end of the support beam.

Abstract: Methods and other embodiments associated with a fabric welding machine are presented. The fabric welding machine includes a base, a welding machine body, and a support beam with a first end and a second end. A first roller is positioned adjacent to the first end of the support beam opposite the welding machine body. A swing arm with a body end and a roller end is attached to the welding machine body. The roller end is opposite the welding machine body and is configured to move to a first position and a second position. A heat element attached to the first end of the support beam.

Abstract: A welding machine having a frame that includes end supports spanned by a top beam with a truncated V-shaped cross-section and a method of using the same. A vacuum track assembly disposed vertically beneath the top beam retains fabrics to be welded on a perforated surface using suction. A welding head travels along the top beam and applies heat and pressure to the surface to weld the fabrics together. The top beam and vacuum track assembly are extendable by including additional unit segments from which the beam and assembly are constructed.

Abstract: A welding machine having a frame that includes end supports spanned by a top beam with a truncated V-shaped cross-section. A vacuum track assembly disposed vertically beneath the top beam retains fabrics to be welded on a perforated surface using suction. A welding head travels along the top beam and applies heat and pressure to the surface to weld the fabrics together. The top beam and vacuum track assembly are extendable by including additional unit segments from which the beam and assembly are constructed.

Abstract: A storage device for retaining an extended length of floating oil boom therein and a method of using the same. The storage device is made from a sheet of material that is foldable to define and surround an interior cavity in which the oil boom is received. A closure mechanism is engaged to secure the folded storage device about the oil boom. A lifting mechanism on the storage device is engaged with a cable extending from a suspension assembly mounted on a vessel for use on a large body of water. The suspension assembly maintains the storage boom adjacent a side wall of the vessel and a distance above the surface of the water until the oil boom retained therein is needed in an emergency.

Abstract: A seaming machine and method are provided for seaming segments of sheet material to one another to form larger sheets. The machine typically includes a frame with a pair of spaced seaming devices mounted thereon for respectively seaming opposed edges of the segments of sheet material to one another. The process allows for the seaming of multiple sheet segments while the sheet segments remain atop a work surface. Relative back and forth movement between various components and the work surface typically facilitate the process.

Abstract: A welding machine having a frame that includes end supports spanned by a top beam with a truncated V-shaped cross-section and a method of using the same. A vacuum track assembly disposed vertically beneath the top beam retains fabrics to be welded on a perforated surface using suction. A welding head travels along the top beam and applies heat and pressure to the surface to weld the fabrics together. The top beam and vacuum track assembly are extendable by including additional unit segments from which the beam and assembly are constructed.

Abstract: A seaming machine for seaming segments of sheet material to one another to form larger sheets includes a frame defining a sheet-receiving area and a pair of spaced seaming devices on opposed sides of the sheet-receiving area for respectively seaming opposed edges of the segments of sheet material to one another. The frame typically defines a table-receiving space for a table to support the sheet segments. The machine provides for the seaming of multiple sheet segments while the sheet segments remain atop the table or another work surface. Relative back and forth movement between the frame and work surface facilitate the process.