Abstract: An automated process for monitoring and controlling contamination activity in a production area comprises capturing image from the production area over a period of time, processing the image data with a computer to determine whether a contamination event has occurred in the production area, and activating a contamination control device in accordance with the processing of the image data. The contamination event can be a germ-releasing event from an individual in the production area, a pipe leaking fluid into the production area, etc. The automated monitoring and control may also determine whether an article of contamination control equipment (e.g., face mask, glove, etc) is properly positioned on the individual to prevent the contamination from entering the production area in a form that could contaminate product, equipment, or the production area itself.

Abstract: In an automated process for monitoring and controlling contamination in a production area, captured image data is processed to determine whether an individual is to wearing an article of contamination control equipment (e.g., gloves, face mask, etc) and whether the equipment is properly positioned on the individual. A determination that the contamination control equipment is not present or not properly positioned automatically activates a contamination control device such as contamination control means (e.g., shutting off power to machine) or an alarm or generates and sends a report of the contamination control protocol violation. An automated system for monitoring and controlling contamination includes a computer, an imaging sensor in communication with the computer, and a computer-readable program code disposed on the computer.

Abstract: A machine vision process monitors and controls safe working practice in a production area by capturing and processing image data relative to personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by individuals, movement of various articles, and movement-related conformations of individuals and other objects in the production area. The data is analyzed to determine whether there is a violation of a predetermined minimum threshold image, movement, or conformation value for a predetermined threshold period of time. The determination of a safety violation triggers computer activation of a safety control device. The process is carried out using a system including an image data capturing device, a computer and computer-readable program code, and a safety control device.

Abstract: An automated process for monitoring and controlling cleaning in a production area comprises tracking or identifying an object the production area, monitoring the movement of fluid in the production area, analyzing the interaction between the object and the fluid to determine a level of cleanliness achieved, and triggering an event based on at least one member selected from the group consisting of: (i) the interaction between the object or body part and the fluid or fluid-like medium and (ii) the level of cleanliness achieved. The event comprises at least one member selected from generating a report, activating an alarm, report, activating an alarm, inactivating equipment in the production area, and blocking access to at least a portion of the production area. The system employing a combination of computer(s), computer vision system(s), RFID tag(s), mechanical and electromechanical, chemical, electrical, or photonic devices(s) to conduct the tracking, identifying, monitoring, and triggering.

Abstract: An automated process for monitoring and controlling cleaning in a production area comprises tracking or identifying an object the production area, monitoring the movement of fluid in the production area, analyzing the interaction between the object and the fluid to determine a level of cleanliness achieved, and triggering an event based on at least one member selected from the group consisting of: (i) the interaction between the object or body part and the fluid or fluid-like medium and (ii) the level of cleanliness achieved. The event comprises at least one member selected from generating a report, activating an alarm, report, activating an alarm, inactivating equipment in the production area, and blocking access to at least a portion of the production area. The system employing a combination of computer(s), computer vision system(s), RFID tag(s), mechanical and electromechanical, chemical, electrical, or photonic device(s) to conduct the tracking, identifying, monitoring, and triggering.

Abstract: A mechanically expandable foam sheet has comprising a plurality of discrete slits therein that allow the foam sheet to be expanded from an unexpanded foam sheet configuration to an expanded foam sheet configuration. The expandable foam sheet has a density of from 14 g/liter to 48 g/liter in the unexpanded configuration and a thickness of from 6 mm to 50 mm. The slits are of a kind and of a size and arrangement that the expanded foam sheet locks into the expanded configuration by exhibiting a pressure-to-close of at least 5 gm/cm2. Each of the slits provides only a single free volume in the expanded foam sheet. An expandable foam sheet having serpentine-shaped expansion and locking arms is also disclosed, as are various cushioning articles comprising expanded foam sheet.

Abstract: In an automated process for monitoring and controlling contamination in a production area, captured image data is processed to determine whether an individual is to wearing an article of contamination control equipment (e.g., gloves, face mask, etc) and whether the equipment is properly positioned on the individual. A determination that the contamination control equipment is not present or not properly positioned automatically activates a contamination control device such as contamination control means (e.g., shutting off power to machine) or an alarm or generates and sends a report of the contamination control protocol violation. An automated system for monitoring and controlling contamination includes a computer, an imaging sensor in communication with the computer, and a computer-readable program code disposed on the computer.

Abstract: An automated process for monitoring and controlling contamination activity in a production area comprises capturing image from the production area over a period of time, processing the image data with a computer to determine whether a contamination event has occurred in the production area, and activating a contamination control device in accordance with the processing of the image data. The contamination event can be a germ-releasing event from an individual in the production area, a pipe leaking fluid into the production area, etc. The automated monitoring and control may also determine whether an article of contamination control equipment (e.g., face mask, glove, etc) is properly positioned on the individual to prevent the contamination from entering the production area in a form that could contaminate product, equipment, or the production area itself.

Abstract: A machine vision process monitors and controls safe working practice in a production area by capturing and processing image data relative to personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by individuals, movement of various articles, and movement-related conformations of individuals and other objects in the production area. The data is analyzed to determine whether there is a violation of a predetermined minimum threshold image, movement, or conformation value for a predetermined threshold period of time. The determination of a safety violation triggers computer activation of a safety control device. The process is carried out using a system including an image data capturing device, a computer and computer-readable program code, and a safety control device.

Abstract: An automated process for monitoring and controlling cleaning in a production area comprises tracking or identifying an object the production area, monitoring the movement of fluid in the production area, analyzing the interaction between the object and the fluid to determine a level of cleanliness achieved, and triggering an event based on at least one member selected from the group consisting of: (i) the interaction between the object or body part and the fluid or fluid-like medium and (ii) the level of cleanliness achieved. The event comprises at least one member selected from generating a report, activating an alarm, report, activating an alarm, inactivating equipment in the production area, and blocking access to at least a portion of the production area. The system employing a combination of computer(s), computer vision system(s), RFID tag(s), mechanical and electromechanical, chemical, electrical, or photonic device(s) to conduct the tracking, identifying, monitoring, and triggering.

Abstract: A process for collecting spilled oil, comprises deploying a mechanically expanded sheet of foam so that it contacts spilled oil, the mechanically expanded sheet of foam comprising an oleophilic composition, absorbing oil into the expanded sheet of foam to produce an oil-containing expanded sheet of foam so that the expanded sheet of foam contains collected oil, squeezing the oil-containing expanded sheet of foam so that absorbed oil in the oil-containing expanded sheet of foam is released from the expanded sheet of foam; and collecting the oil released from the oil-containing expanded sheet of foam.

Abstract: A mechanically expandable foam sheet has comprising a plurality of discrete slits therein that allow the foam sheet to be expanded from an unexpanded foam sheet configuration to an expanded foam sheet configuration. The expandable foam sheet has a density of from 14 g/liter to 48 g/liter in the unexpanded configuration and a thickness of from 6 mm to 50 mm. The slits are of a kind and of a size and arrangement that the expanded foam sheet locks into the expanded configuration by exhibiting a pressure-to-close of at least 5 gm/cm2. Each of the slits provides only a single free volume in the expanded foam sheet. An expandable foam sheet having serpentine-shaped expansion and locking arms is also disclosed, as are various cushioning articles comprising expanded foam sheet.

Abstract: A package and a method for packaging one or more rolls of material are provided. The package includes a tray defining at least one cavity and at least one compressed roll of material positioned within a respective cavity. The package also includes a lid attached to a surface of the tray covering the cavity to define an enclosed volume and to enclose the at least one compressed roll within the enclosed volume.

Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.

Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.

Abstract: A packaging cushion insert is useful for cushioning a packaged object. The insert comprises a top sheet, a bottom sheet; and a plurality of interior sheets between the top and bottom sheets. The top sheet, the bottom sheet, and the plurality of interior sheets are in stacked and laminated arrangement. The top sheet, bottom sheet, and plurality of interior sheets each comprise one or more materials selected from an air-cellular cushioning material, cellular foam material, and crumpled paper material.

Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.

Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.

Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.

Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.