Abstract: A method for making and handling an improved intraoral x-ray film packet by forming a first outer and a second outer sheet from a thermoplastic material wherein the first outer sheet is made more rigid than the second outer sheet such that it has a tensile modulus of at least about 700 Kg/cm2. The two outer sheets are sealed together to form an envelope with a laminated perimetric edge wherein the laminated perimetric edge is substantially coplanar with the first outer sheet. This resultant planar surface on one side of the packet aids in the accurate positioning of the packet for subsequent operations and further enhances the ability to die cut the packet and maintain outside dimension tolerances. Individual film packets are transported to a Bernoulli fixture and a laminar air flow is generated across the surface thereof to accurately position the intraoral x-ray film packet against reference stops using the Bernoulli effect.

Abstract: A method for filling and degassing a pouch contained in a cartridge. A fluid injection unit introduces fluid into a rotatable pouch. The pouch contained in the cartridge is permitted to rotate from a vertical position for degassing and weighing to a horizontal position for fluid introduction. After several rotational cycles, accurate pouch weighing and complete evacuation of the pouch results in a precise fluid loaded pouch.

Abstract: An apparatus precisely delivers a prescribed amount of fluid into a degassed pouch contained in a cartridge. The apparatus has a rotating cartridge holding member that alternately positions the cartridge in either a horizontal position for filling or a vertical position for degassing. A digital weighing element associated with the fixture enables the cartridge to be weighed during the filling process to ensure the delivery of a predetermined amount of fluid.

Abstract: An intraoral x-ray film packet is taught which has an outer envelope wherein one of the two opposing outer sheets is more rigid than the other and serves as a stiffening sheet such that it has a tensile modulus of at least about 700 Kg/cm2. This is preferably accomplished by making both sheets from a thermoplastic material such as PVC and reducing the amount of plasticizer in the more rigid of the two sheets to less than 30%. A continuous perimetric seal is formed affixing the two outer sheets together and forming a perimetric laminated edge which is substantially coplanar with the more rigid of the two sheets. A film chip resides between the two outer sheets. The coplanar perimetric laminated edge and the added rigidity aid in improving accurate sizing of each individual packet and prevention of deflection of the marginal area of individual packets in subsequent operations.

Abstract: A method has been developed to connect an intermittent parts manufacturing process with a continuous motion assembly process. The method of connection utilizes pucks as a transport vehicle to carry components from the manufacturing process to the assembly process. In addition to eliminating timing problems between the intermittent and continuous processes, the pucks also provide a means of transporting difficult to convey parts. A means of accurately aligning the pucks to the die set in which parts are manufactured and to downstream assembly operations to improve the accuracy and reliability with which the parts are loaded into and removed from the transport pucks has also been developed.

Abstract: An assembly technique has been developed which reliably inserts the outer disk of an exposed film indicator into the crimp diameter of the cartridge end cap. This process gimbals the fixture containing the film cartridge, and rocks it in a manner that creates a circular wobble motion.

Abstract: A magnetic orientation process has been developed for the assembly of additional features to film cartridges to minimize the impact of the existing manufacturing process. This process orients the assembled film cartridge after it has been inserted into the packaging canister allowing an exposed film indicator to be added to the cartridge after it has been fully assembled and inserted into the canister. The orientation process uses magnetics to consistently orient the cartridge in the canister for subsequent assembly operations.

Abstract: A visual exposed film indication feature has been developed for assembly of additional features to film cartridges which minimize the impact on the existing manufacturing process. This process which uses a spring loaded conical centering device locates the center of the film spool after the assembled cartridge has been inserted into the packaging canister, without having to first rotationally orient the assembled film cartridge. It allows the exposed film feature to be added to the cartridge as a final step in the manufacturing sequence.

Abstract: A method to locally heat a thermoplastic hinge and fold its semicylindrical members together so as to form a film cartridge. The cooled integrated hinge is locally heated in a manner whereby the semicylindrical members remain cool. When the thermoplastic hinge is ductile from the heat, the semicylindrical members are folded together.

Abstract: An improved process, preferably continuous, for making a peroxyacid having about 6 to 18, preferably about 8 to 16 carbon atoms and at least one peroxyacid moiety, using as starting materials the corresponding carboxylic acid and hydrogen peroxide and using concentrated acid as the reaction medium, comprising the steps of (a) maintaining a reaction mixture having a liquid component comprising 60 to 80% concentrated acid, 2.5 to 12.5% hydrogen peroxide, and 7.5 to 37.5 % water and a dispersed solid component comprising crystals of the carboxylic acid starting material and peroxyacid product, the ratio of liquid to solids being from about 15:1 to about 49:1. Preferably the carboxylic acid is added as particles having a size of less than #100 mesh to a preformed solution of the concentrated acid and peroxide.