Abstract: The present invention provides an elegant and simple way to provide mechanisms for invocation of objects by client applications and for argument passing between client applications and object implementations, without the client application or the operating system knowing the details of how these mechanisms work. Moreover, these mechanisms functions in a distributed computer environment with similar ease and efficiency, where client applications may be on one computer node and object implementations on another.The invention includes a new type of object, termed a "spring object," which includes a method table, a subcontract mechanism and a data structure which represents the subcontract's local private state.

Abstract: The mechanism of the dispensing apparatus of the present invention advantageously presents the tape or web material at an application point thereof for easy application of a leading edge of the tape or web material to an object as the dispenser and object are moved relative to one another. After a specific length of tape or web material is applied, the actuation of a single actuation element, by manipulation of a trigger or otherwise, completely severs the previous length of tape that has been applied to the object and then, only after the blade is sufficiently retracted out of the path of the tape or web material, an advancing means drives the tape or web material toward the application point so that it is presented for the next application.

Abstract: The invention addresses problems with liquid absorbent pads having at least about 50% of their absorption capacity represented by water absorbent (including water-swellable) material capable of absorbing at least about 5 times its own dry weight of aqueous liquid. By openings of specified area, present in undulating layer(s) of such absorbent material in specified numbers and total area per unit area of said layer(s), and/or through forming such openings as hinges and displaced flap members for locking the layers of a moving composite together for bending into said undulating configuration, and/or through use of sheath members of material which substantially retain their structural integrity in contact with aqueous liquids, and have open or openable portion(s), pads are formed with both high absorption rate and capacity and/or ready disposability and/or rapid production characteristics, ideally suited for urinary incontinence care and other uses.

Abstract: An improved holder and protector (10) for sterilizable instruments is disclosed which comprises two layers (12) of heat fusible, reticulated foam material joined to define a plurality of open-ended pockets (18) for receiving instruments and a cover flap (22) for folding over the instruments and pockets to protect them. A strip (20) of the layers below the pockets is fused to provide a smooth surface on which indicia of the contents of the pockets may be provided, as by manual printing.

Abstract: A cover for a laundry bag supported between pivotally interconnected leg members of inverted U-shape. The cover comprises a hood having slots near the ends of its opposing side walls, for fitting over pivot members extending between the two leg members and pivoting thereon from an open position in which the mouth of the bag is exposed to a closed position in which it is completely covered. The cover may be hand operated or spring closed and foot opened.

Abstract: The disclosure describes various forms of scuff-type slippers which are durable and resist turning under of the heel portion in use. These include a transversely elastic vamp, a sole which can be bent transversely by tension forces in the vamp, to which it is fusion bonded, and, extending above the sole, a heel overlayer that is secured to the sole at least in part by fusion bonding along the sides thereof. Also disclosed are methods of making such slippers.

Abstract: Slipper-boots made of synthetic polymeric foam sheeting material comprise an upwardly flared foot-receiving throat having an upper opening with a first perimetral length to provide excess material for stress distribution and a lower opening having a second, smaller perimetral length to grip the wearer's ankle. Gussetted bottom soles also may be provided for additional width. An apparatus and method for making such slipper-boots comprise means or steps for simultaneously forming the heel of a leading slipper and the toe of a following slipper across an intermittently moving folded band of material, whereby slipper size may be varied by altering the time of movement of the folded band of material between formations of the slipper-boot heels and toes. Material folding means are also disclosed.

Abstract: Slippers of heat-sealable synthetic polymeric sheeting comprise a sole member and an upper member joined thereto by a heat-seal joint, the upper member having a progressively wider portion of said sheeting relative to the sole member, as measured across the slipper, whereby a permanent foot-receiving pocket is provided to facilitate donning the slipper without requiring the use of the hands. Method and apparatus for making such slippers comprise steps or means for joining separate bands of the material by heat-sealing the bands to each other on profiles corresponding to the sole and upper members, while simultaneously providing extra width in the upper member to create the foot receiving pocket.