Abstract: Dispensing device can include a looped member having a plurality of stiff segments connected by hinges. For instance, the device can have five or six stiff segments connected by living hinges, at least three of which face outward and the other(s) inward in relation to the looped member. The device with six stiff segments can fold up so as to be placed inside a beverage container. As well, a dispensing device can have a member upon which a can or carton can rest and a reversible can-stop connected to it. The can-stop can be formed by a small, reversibly folding loop at one end of the member. In general, cylindrical objects exiting an opened carton can be restrained by providing a dispensing device having a generally flat base member and a can-stop; placing the base member under the objects in the carton with the can-stop outside the carton; and allowing at least one of the objects to roll from inside the carton to outside the carton where it is stopped by the can-stop.

Abstract: A light-weight face mask can heat and humidify inhaled air with previously-exhaled air by passing the air through a highly-effective and highly-efficient heat exchanger disposed within the mask. The heat exchanger has a multitude of layers of metallic mesh through which the air passes generally linearly. The warm exhaled air heats the mesh which in turn heats the incoming air before it is inhaled. Moisture from the exhaled air condenses on the relatively-cool heat exchanger and humidifies the incoming air. Inhaled air enters the mask generally upwardly, and exhaled air exits it generally downwardly.

Abstract: Apparatus for severing a plurality of plies of a thermoplastic material and sealing the severed margins thereof is provided. The apparatus comprises a hot-wire element proximate the thermoplastic material for severing and sealing the thermoplastic material. The apparatus further comprises a chamber or manifold for enveloping the hot-wire element in an inert atmosphere which impinges on a proximal portion of the thermoplastic material to be severed and sealed. The apparatus further comprises an actuating mechanism, associated with the hot-wire element, for translating the hot-wire element toward the proximal portion of the thermoplastic material. As a result, the hot-wire element severs the plurality of plies and seals the severed margins thereof so that the severed margins are enveloped by the inert atmosphere impinging on the thermoplastic material.

Abstract: Disclosed are a process and apparatus for eliminating the problem of color contamination during product recycle in the manufacture of reclosable thermoplastic bags having zippers of a color different than that of the remainder of the bag. Process and apparatus for effecting same include extrusion of the colored thermoplastic material from a separate, smaller secondary extruder to avoid process shutdown during recycle, encapsulation of the colored thermoplastic material within the colorless flow melt to enhance transport of the colored flow melt, and placement of a dump valve between the secondary extruder and the feedblock to controllably interrupt the flow of the colored flow melt as desired. Further disclosed are an apparatus and process for effecting encapsulation of the colored flow melt.

Abstract: A disposable or reusable and reclosable gussetted plastic bag capable of being compactly stored as a food container in freezers, yet capable of standing with an upright spout in a microwave oven for non-spill thawing and cooking of food contained in the bag. The bag is formed of two wing-shaped pouches on either side of the upright spout. The bag preferably has inner and outer skin layers of different heat sealing temperatures so that peripheral sealing is effected only with the inner skin layers, allowing the wing-shaped pouches to be formed out of a gussetted bottom without sealing of the outer skin layers of the gusset walls facing one another. Two pairs of relief seals are located adjacent each gusset joint at both edges of the bag. Each seal is positioned 45.degree. off the gusset joint and preferably has a radius shape. The heat seals are formed by applying heat adjacent each gusset joint with a hot bar or other heat sealing device following formation of the bag.

Abstract: A bag making machine and method for the continuous production of bags from a folded web of thermoplastic material is provided. The apparatus includes a capability for making bags of differing widths as well as making bags having consistent widths for the particular size of bag selected. The apparatus includes a rotatable drum having a plurality of sever and seal stations for forming individual positioned about the outer periphery of the drum. A source of a continuous folded web of thermoplastic material is also provided, and continuously fed onto the surface of the drum. Means positioned between adjacent sever and seal stations tuck the web of material inwardly from the periphery of the drum. To prevent the occurrence of stretching forces which may adversely affect the web and the resulting width of the bags during processing, a film tension compensation means is provided for maintaining a constant path length for the web of material between the web source and the sever and seal stations.

Abstract: A stand-up plastic bag has a pair of front and rear side walls defining an open bag mouth at upper edges thereof, and a pair of front and rear bottom gusset walls being disposed between the side walls. The walls are composed of a multi-layered film of different, heat-sealable, coextruded thermoplastics, such as polyethylene and Nylon. Polyethylene is on the interior surfaces and Nylon is on the exterior surfaces of the walls. The gusset walls have upper portions interconnected together to form a bottom wall extending between the front and rear side walls. The gusset walls also have lower portions joined by heat seals to lower portion of the front and rear side walls at contiguous portions of polyethylene material on their interior surfaces to form a support band which connects to and extends below the bottom wall.

Abstract: A disposable or reusable and reclosable gussetted plastic bag capable of being compactly stored as a food container in freezers, yet capable of standing with an upright spout in a microwave oven for non-spill thawing and cooking of food contained in the bag. The bag is formed of two wing-shaped pouches on either side of the upright spout. The bag preferably has inner and outer skin layers of different heat sealing temperatures so that peripheral sealing is effected only with the inner skin layers, allowing the wing-shaped pouches to be formed out of a gussetted bottom without sealing of the outer skin layers of the gusset walls facing one another. Two pairs of relief seals are located adjacent each gusset joint at both edges of the bag. Each seal is positioned 45.degree. off the gusset joint and preferably has a rounded peak shape. The heat seals are formed by applying heat adjacent each gusset joint with a hot bar or other heat sealing device following formation of the bag.

Abstract: A bag making machine and method for the continuous production of bags from a folded web of thermoplastic material is provided. The apparatus includes a capability for making bags of differing widths. The apparatus includes a rotatable drum having a plurality of sever and seal stations for forming individual positioned about the outer periphery of the drum. A source of a continuous folded web of thermoplastic material is also provided, and continuously fed onto the surface of the drum. Means positioned between adjacent sever and seal stations tuck the web of material inwardly from the periphery of the drum.

Abstract: A stand-up plastic bag has a pair of front and rear side walls defining an open bag mouth at upper edges thereof, and a pair of front and rear bottom gusset walls being disposed between the side walls. The walls are composed of a multi-layered film of different, heat-sealable, coextruded thermoplastics, such as polyethylene and Nylon. Polyethylene is on the interior surfaces and Nylon is on the exterior surfaces of the walls. The gusset walls have upper portions interconnected together to form a bottom wall extending between the front and rear side walls. The gusset walls also have lower portions joined by heat seals to lower portions of the front and rear side walls at contiguous portions of polyethylene material on their interior surfaces to form a support band which connects to and extends below the bottom wall.

Abstract: An improved tube spreader for flattening and removing wrinkles from a bag film web in a form, fill, and seal packaging machine is provided. The tube spreader includes a plurality of clamping fingers which grasp a first edge of the bag film and a spreader bar, located within the bag film, and adapted to exert a lateral force on the opposite edge of the film to eliminate and remove wrinkles prior to the film being sealed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for cutting multiple plies of thermoplastic material having thickened sections, such as defined by cross-sections of matable parts of a zipper closure formed in the material, and for concurrently sealing the severed margins of the material which includes sealing the severed zipper closure portions thereof. The process and apparatus perform the operative steps of: first, preblocking the thickened material adjacent to the zipper closure portions of the material in areas thereof to be severed and sealed; then, applying heat and pressure to the thickened material and remaining sections of the material in those areas to render the material tacky and temporarily stick the multiple plies together in those areas; and, thereafter, contacting those areas of the material with a heated cutting and sealing element in order to sever all of the multiple plies and seal the severed margins thereof.

Abstract: A steering, joining and guiding mechanism is disclosed for joining together opposing rib and groove fastener elements on a traveling continuous bag film. The steering, joining and guiding mechanism includes a pair of opposing press rolls. The longitudinal axis of each of the press rolls is offset from the direction of travel of the bag film. The press rolls are offset from about 2.degree. to about 30.degree. from a line perpendicular to the direction of travel of the bag film, and are preferably offset at about 5.degree. from the direction of travel of the bag film.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for providing uninterrupted guidance of a reclosable bag through a filling station in a form fill and seal system. The apparatus includes a guide mechanism positioned inside the bag film for providing uninterrupted guidance of the bag film through the filling station. The guide mechanism includes a first guide wheel for engaging the bottom of the bag film and a second guide wheel for engaging interlocked fastener elements on opposing plies of the bag film. A separating device is positioned along the path traveled by the bag film for separating the interlocked fastener elements as the bag film is advanced.

Abstract: An improved high speed cast process for fusing fasteners, with strips of film at their base, to separately extruded film or sheet stock for making containers with integral closure means. The process makes available multiple sets of male and female fastener elements, with variable spacing, in a single extrusion operation. The apparatus is configured so that adhesion between the fastener elements and the film or sheet occurs very closely to the die lips before significant cooling of the extrudate occurs. Containers with improved profiles are obtained because the base permits the profiles to remain relatively rigid during closing and opening.

Abstract: An improved high speed cast process for fusing fasteners, with strips of film at their base, to separately extruded film or sheet stock for making containers with integral closure means. The process makes available multiple sets of male and female fastener elements, with variable spacing, in a single extrusion operation. The apparatus is configured so that adhesion between the fastener elements and the film or sheet occurs very closely to the die lips before significant cooling of the extrudate occurs. Containers with improved profiles are obtained because the base permits the profiles to remain relatively rigid during closing and opening.

Abstract: An improved high speed cast process for fusing fasteners, with strips of film at their base, to separately extruded film or sheet stock for making containers with integral closure means. The process makes available multiple sets of male and female fastener elements, with variable spacing, in a single extrusion operation. The apparatus is configured so that adhesion between the fastener elements and the film or sheet occurs very close to the die lips before significant cooling of the extrudate occurs. Containers with improved profiles are obtained because the base permits the profiles to remain relatively rigid during closing and opening.

Abstract: Apparatus for regulating the flow of refurbishing gas or air internally to tubular film produced by the blown film process, comprising a pair of opposed arm means or arms adapted to physically contact and sense growth or diminishment in the size of the film, as determined by the spacing between the arms, the arms being independently pivotable preferably about a common axis, or alternately parallel axis closely spaced to approximate a common arc of movement, a gas flow regulating valve comprising a pressurized gas line carried by one arm, at which vicinity it is interrupted to define a gap across which the gas stream flows prior to entering the film, a flow blockage valving means comprising preferably a valve plate fixed to the opposite arm, and having changing position in said gap responsive to relative movement between the arms, the valve plate defining an opening of tapered or variable width, which depending on alignment, partially hindered alignment, or non-alignment with the gas stream, increases or lesse

Abstract: A light-weight face mask can heat and humidify inhaled air with previously-exhaled air by passing the air through a highly-effective and highly-efficient heat exchanger disposed within the mask. The heat exchanger has a multitude of layers of metallic mesh through which the air passes generally linearly. The warm exhaled air heats the mesh which in turn heats the incoming air before it is inhaled. Moisture from the exhaled air condenses on the relatively-cool heat exchanger and humidifies the incoming air. Inhaled air enters the mask generally upwardly, and exhaled air exits it generally downwardly.