Abstract: A disposable thermal pad includes a substantially planar laminate structure having a first side and a second side and a plurality of heat generating cells embedded between the first and the second sides. The plurality of heat generating cells each are spaced apart and fixedly attached to the laminate structure. The laminate structure provides oxygen permeability to each of the plurality of heat generating cells. Oxygen permeability is achieved entirely on the first side of the laminate structure. The disposable thermal pad is releasably attachable to an inside portion of a user's clothing. The disposable thermal pad is releasably attachable on its first side of the laminate structure so that the second side of the thermal pad may be placed directly against a user's body.

Abstract: A disposable thermal pad comprises a substantially planar laminate structure having a first side and a second side and a plurality of heat generating cells embedded between the first and the second sides. The plurality of heat generating cells each are spaced apart and fixedly attached to the laminate structure. The laminate structure has means for providing oxygen permeability to each of the plurality of heat generating cells. The means for providing oxygen permeability is located entirely on the first side of the laminate structure. The disposable thermal pad also comprises means for releasably attaching the thermal pad to an inside portion of a user's clothing. The means for releasably attaching is also located on the first side of the laminate structure so that the second side of the thermal pad may be placed directly against a user's body.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided an apparatus for conveying a web. The apparatus is able to continuously stretch the web or continuously release the stretching forces from a web in the cross-machine direction. The apparatus includes two pairs of opposing belts wherein each belt travels along an endless path. The pairs of belts diverge or converge from each other in the cross-machine direction. Each pair of belts comprises an upper belt and a lower belt which are adjacent to each other. Each of the upper and lower belts has a non-planar outer surface which contacts the web. The non-planar outer surfaces of each upper belt continuously abuts the non-planar outer surface of its adjacent lower belt along a predetermined distance when traveling in the machine direction. This creates at least one nip for continuously gripping the web while it is being conveyed. The apparatus also includes a means for driving the belts so as to convey the web in the machine direction.