Abstract: The invention relates generally to transport systems for cutting articles from a blank of material, and is well suited for use in, though not limited to, transporting and cutting labels from a web material and applying them to items. Specifically, an article transfer system is disclosed for transporting articles cut from a blank of material traveling in a first direction. The system comprises a support member including first and second surfaces and a plurality of openings extending between the first and second surfaces. The support member is movable along the first direction adjacent to the blank of material. The system also includes in one embodiment, a vacuum for generating a lower pressure adjacent to the second surface of the support member than the pressure adjacent to the first surface thereof such that the blank is urged to maintain contact with the first surface of the support member.

Abstract: A prismatic metal-air battery is provided for having at least one prismatic metal-air cell received in a cell cavity of a prismatic casing. The casing comprises a wall portion which defines a surface. The wall portion has at least one opening in communication with the cell cavity which is adapted to allow the passage of air into the cell cavity. The casing also includes a valve member having a surface bearing on the wall portion surface. The valve member also has at least one opening therein. The wall portion surface and the valve member surface are adapted to allow movement of the valve member across the wall portion surface between a closed position, in which the valve member opening does not overlap with the wall portion opening, and an open position, in which the valve member opening and wall portion opening at least partially overlap. Importantly, the casing also includes means for providing an attractive force between the wall portion and the valve member.

Abstract: A terminal conductor such as a nail for an electrochemical cell having a top made of a resilient material such as plastic with the conductor having integral anchoring means such as a rounded barb functioning as a buttress to substantially prevent extraction or expulsion of the conductor from the top.