Abstract: A slip cutting system sheets an infeed web into discrete articles and merges the articles to a carrier web. The slip cutting system comprises a continuously rotating cutting die having knife blades and packings consecutively around a peripheral surface. The packings cooperate with the knife blades to define a circumferential space between each packing and an associated knife blade. When a packing is at a nip with an anvil roller, the infeed web is drawn in a downstream direction. When a circumferential space is at the nip, the infeed web halts downstream motion. When a knife blade is at the nip, the knife blade sheets the infeed web. An insert station cooperates with the cutting die to longitudinally space the articles as they merge to and are propelled downstream by the carrier web. At a subsequent station, the composite web is cut to manufacture individual products.

Abstract: A rotary heat sealing system heat seals top and bottom webs to each other around discrete articles held in predetermined alignments and spacings between the webs. The rotary heat sealing system comprises a sealing station at which the heat sealing occurs, and a tensioning station upstream of the sealing station. The tensioning station produces a tension in the top and bottom webs and the articles by wrapping them in a reverse bend so as to maintain the predetermined alignments and spacings of the articles as they enter the sealing station. The sealing station includes an anvil and a heating die with a heat sealing grid and pockets between circumferential rails. The articles enter the pockets, and the webs are sealed to each other at areas corresponding to the heat sealing grid. A force mechanism applies a predetermined force between the heating die rails and the anvil.

Abstract: A rotary heat sealing system heat seals top and bottom webs to each other around discrete articles held in predetermined alignments and spacings between the webs. The rotary heat sealing system comprises a sealing station at which the heat sealing occurs, and a tensioning station upstream of the sealing station. The tensioning station produces a tension in the top and bottom webs and the articles by wrapping them in a reverse bend so as to maintain the predetermined alignments and spacings of the articles as they enter the sealing station. The sealing station includes an anvil and a heating die with a heat sealing grid and pockets between circumferential rails. The articles enter the pockets, and the webs are sealed to each other at areas corresponding to the heat sealing grid. A force mechanism applies a predetermined force between the heating die rails and the anvil.

Abstract: A rotary heat sealing system heat seals top and bottom webs to each other around discrete articles held in predetermined alignments and spacings between the webs. The rotary heat sealing system comprises a sealing station at which the heat sealing occurs, and a tensioning station upstream of the sealing station. The tensioning station produces a tension in the top and bottom webs and the articles by wrapping them in a reverse bend so as to maintain the predetermined alignments and spacings of the articles as they enter the sealing station. The sealing station includes an anvil and a heating die with a heat sealing grid and pockets between circumferential rails. The articles enter the pockets, and the webs are sealed to each other at areas corresponding to the heat sealing grid. A force mechanism applies a predetermined force between the heating die rails and the anvil.

Abstract: A slip cutting system sheets an infeed web into discrete articles and merges the articles to a carrier web. The slip cutting system comprises a continuously rotating cutting die having knife blades and packings consecutively around a peripheral surface. The packings cooperate with the knife blades to define a circumferential space between each packing and an associated knife blade. When a packing is at a nip with an anvil roller, the infeed web is drawn in a downstream direction against a drag force. When a circumferential space is at the nip, the infeed web halts downstream motion. When a knife blade is at the nip, the knife blade sheets the infeed web. An insert station cooperates with the cutting die to longitudinally space the articles as they merge to and are propelled downstream by the carrier web. At a subsequent station, the composite web is cut to manufacture individual products.

Abstract: A sterile delivery system for delivering an adhesive strip or bandage with one hand. The bandage or strip is encapsulated in a protective sterile covering, whereby the bandage or strip may be removed from its sterile covering and applied with one hand without contaminating any portion of the bandage or strip. The delivery system may be manufactured from suitable thin films and may include a blocking member positioned between the strip and the protective sterile covering. The apparatus and method to manufacture the unique bandage or strip is also disclosed.

Abstract: A support platform includes a notch for engaging an upright member, such as a tree or utility pole, and further includes a flexible steel band that encircles the upright member and supports the platform. The band is positioned at an angle extending upwardly and rearwardly from the platform and further supported at either side of the platform with adjustment means to lengthen or shorten the band to accommodate the periphery of the upright member.