Abstract: Coacting die cylinders with one cylinder having a cutting blade and the other cylinder an anvil surface which when rotating cooperate to cut a blank from a web of low density material. The blade and the anvil surface are tapered in opposite axial directions so that the clearance between them can be readily varied and adjusted by moving the cylinders axially relative to each other. Preferably, the cylinders each have a pair of cylindrical bearers which are in contact and rolling engagement with each other when the cylinders are operating to cut a web of material. The die cylinders are journaled in bearing assemblies carried by the cylinders and removably received in the stand to facilitate easy removal and installation of the die cylinders when desired.

Abstract: The invention addresses problems with liquid absorbent pads having at least about 50% of their absorption capacity represented by water absorbent (including water-swellable) material capable of absorbing at least about 5 times its own dry weight of aqueous liquid. By openings of specified area, present in undulating layer(s) of such absorbent material in specified numbers and total area per unit area of said layer(s), and/or through forming such openings as hinges and displaced flap members for locking the layers of a moving composite together for bending into said undulating configuration, and/or through use of sheath members of material which substantially retain their structural integrity in contact with aqueous liquids, and have open or openable portion(s), pads are formed with both high absorption rate and capacity and/or ready disposability and/or rapid production characteristics, ideally suited for urinary incontinence care and other uses.

Abstract: Rotary apparatus comprising a die cutting station followed by a series of segment forming stations, a levelling station and a winding station continuously works a strip of lead into a configuration suitable for battery grid plates having expanded segments forming reticulations extending inwardly from parallel side edges of the strip to a medial unexpanded portion. The rotary die section includes rotary cutting and stripping dies which perforate the medial portion of the strip. At each segment forming station, a pair of upper coaxial shearing rollers, having peripherally projecting lobes each in the shape of one-half of an expanded segment, are transversely spaced to engage one face of the strip adjacent to the side edges thereof; and each shearing roller, in conjunction with a lower cylindrical supporting roller engaging the opposite face of the strip, has a shearing action thereon as the strip is fed through the station by a feeding roller engaging the perforated medial portion of the strip.