Abstract: A method is provided of forming a multi-pack container assembly having at least two containers joined together by a channel. The method includes the steps of providing sheet having a barrier layer thermoforming the sheet into a multi-pack container assembly having a plurality of containers wherein each container comprises a flange and the flanges of adjacent containers are connected by an engineered area of weakness or channel. Resultant containers can be used for low-moisture, shelf-stable, ready-to-eat food products.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for forming coreless paper rolls. The apparatus includes an expansible mandrel that can be used in conjunction with an existing rewinder. The mandrel is segmented, with the segments expanding when the mandrel is loaded into the rewinder. While in the rewinder, a web of material, such as the type used to form register receipt rolls, is wound upon the mandrel. After a sufficient amount of material has been taken up, the mandrel is removed from the rewinder. Upon removal, the segments contract whereby the cross section of the mandrel is reduced and the roll can be removed. The result is a coreless roll of material.

Abstract: A trailer having an endless conveyor is provided. The trailer comprises a support frame, and a load supporting floor having opposed first and second ends, the floor being disposed above the support frame. A pair of opposed sidewalls extend upwardly from lateral sides of the floor. A first roller positioned towards the first end of the floor and a second roller positioned towards the second end of the floor. An endless belt extends about the floor and the first and second rollers such that an upper portion of the belt passes over the floor and a lower portion of the belt extends below the floor. The belt has sufficient elasticity to frictionally engage the first and second rollers. A drive mechanism is coupled to the first roller for rotating the first roller and causing travel of the belt. A tensioning mechanism for maintaining a relatively constant belt tension during travel of the belt is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a risk management tool and method for creating an improved initial risk management process that captures, assesses, and prioritizes risks and implements mitigation plans to more effectively manage risk in large-scale development projects. A web-based system allows users and management to share and access risk information to more readily identify and assess risks, develop mitigation plans and track the risk management process. The tool and specifically the Pf and Cf tables are tailored to each project to more accurately calculate and prioritize risk factors RF and thus anticipate and minimize or eliminate risks before they occur. The demonstrated value of the tool is found in timely deliveries and a reduction of cost overruns as well as an increase in customer enhanced award fees.

Abstract: A winding machine can wind webs into a plurality of rolls at spaced positions. The machine has a winding roll assembly including a winding roll support and driver. A rider support supports a plurality of rider rollers at and between the spaced winding positions, without projecting between the rider rollers. Some of the rider rollers can contact the rolls. Each of the rider rollers has encircling the rider support a rim wheel with a member. The member is selectively operable to interlock and move together with an adjacent one of the rim wheels. Rider rollers at the spaced winding positions can be pressed in a common direction toward the rolls to limit air entrapment. At least one adjacent pair of the rider rollers at the edge of a roll can be linked together in order to move in unison.

Abstract: A plurality of core mounting outer ring members are each rotationally slidably mounted on a corresponding inner ring member having cam surfaces in the outer surface. A rotating drive shaft has radial pistons and rotates the inner ring member by frictional engagement of the pistons displaced by an inflatable bladder. A plurality of strips in one embodiment are between the bladder and the pistons for providing increased torque on the inner ring member. The outer ring member has a first annular array of bores with core gripping balls resiliently urged radially outwardly to grip a core receiving a winding strip thereabout. A second array of bores in the outer member receive larger core gripping balls which freely displace in the bores. Ramp camming grooves are in the outer surface of the inner ring member, the larger gripping balls are engaged with the grooves and are forced into gripping engagement with the received core when the inner ring member is rotated.

Abstract: A plurality of core mounting outer ring members are each rotationally slidably mounted on a corresponding inner ring member having cam surfaces in the outer surface. A rotating drive shaft has radial pistons and rotates the inner ring member by frictional engagement of the pistons displaced by an inflatable bladder. The outer ring member has a first annular array of bores with core gripping balls resiliently urged radially outwardly to grip a core receiving a winding strip thereabout. A second array of bores in the outer member receive larger core gripping balls which freely displace in the bores. Ramp camming grooves are in the outer surface of the inner ring members, the larger gripping balls engaged with the grooves and forced into gripping engagement with the received core when the inner ring member is rotated. The spring loaded balls provide initial friction load between the core and outer ring members so that the ramp balls can operate to grip the core upon rotation of the inner ring member.

Abstract: The invention is a method of fabricating a semiconductor device involving selectively etching at least a first semiconductor layer on a semiconductor wafer so as to perform a lateral taper etch in said layer, forming a second layer over the resulting etched region so as to planarize the etched area, and subsequently performing a second etch over a portion of the etched region so as to form a mesa geometry. This material allows device fabrication with a lateral taper, beneficial to monolithic integration of devices, such as expanded beam lasers, while reducing or eliminating unwanted increases in mesa width (mesa bulge) resulting from the lateral taper.

Abstract: A plurality of core mounting outer ring members are each rotationally slidably mounted on a corresponding inner ring member having cam surfaces in the outer surface. A rotating drive shaft has radial pistons and rotates the inner ring member by frictional engagement of the pistons displaced by an inflatable bladder. A pluraltiy of strips in one embodiment are between the bladder and teh pistons for providing increased torque on the inner ring member. The outer ring member has a first annular array of bores with core gripping balls resiliently urged radially outwardly to grip a core receiving a winding strip thereabout. A second array of bores in the outer member receive larger core gripping balls which freely displace in the bores. Ramp camming grooves are in the outer surface of the inner ring member, the larger gripping balls are engaged with the grooves and are forced into gripping engagement with the received core when the inner ring member is rotated.

Abstract: A rewinder for rewinding a web into one or more rolls on separate cores, includes at least one rewinding mandrel having a distal end. The rewinder also has a supply device for supplying the web to the rewinding mandrel, and a drive device. The drive device can (a) rotate the rewinding mandrel in order to wind at least a portion of the web onto the rewinding mandrel, and (b) axially retract the mandrel to unload the portion of the web wound on the mandrel. Also included is a holder for holding the one or more rolls. The rewinder also has a lifter for (a) raising the holder to support the portion of the web wound on the mandrel, and (b) lowering the holder. This rewinding mandrel is rotated in order to wind at least a portion of the web onto the rewinding mandrel. The holder is then raised to support the portion of the web wound on the mandrel. Next, the mandrel is axially retracted to unload the portion of the web wound on the mandrel, before lowering the holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting sealed packages of product includes a conveyor belt for receiving the packages. An inspection belt contacts the packages and moves away from the conveyor belt a particular distance depending on whether the packages are properly sealed. When engaged by a package with a good seal, the inspection belt is moved a first distance which causes an indicator carried thereon to send a signal which prevents removal of the good package from the conveyor belt. However, when a leaky bag contacts the inspection belt, the inspection belt is moved a second distance which is insufficient to cause the indicator to send a signal. Consequently, the improperly sealed package is removed from the conveyor belt. The inspection belt may be mounted for linear or pivotal movement upon being contacted by the packages carried by the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A respirator suspension system is disclosed. A face mask for covering the mouth and nasal passages of the user has a peripheral sealing portion for establishing a seal with the user's face and filter cartridges disposed in air inlet passage on either side of the face mask. The cartridges are provided with guide fittings and guide surfaces for support and guiding of a single adjusting strap which interconnects a crown support with the face mask. In accordance with the disclosure, the crown support comprises a first precurved member extending over the top of the head of the user and a second precurved member integrally joined to the first which fits around the back of the head of the user.

Abstract: An on-road hopper trailer has a hopper bin with front and rear walls, a rear ladder frame mounted on at least one axle extending forward to the rear wall of the bin, and a base frame mounted on the ladder frame. The base frame extends about the hopper bin and has four members each extending inwardly from the periphery of the bin. The hopper bin has a rectangular top frame from which a plurality of struts extend to the base and ladder frames to provide sufficient strength and rigidity to the structure.