Abstract: A vertically adjustable web slitter is adapted to be supported by a track of a web-slitting machine, and comprising an input port adapted to receive pressurized fluid. Also, a control assembly is adapted to controllably transmit the pressurized fluid into any one of a set of first fluid passageways. A cylinder is adapted to receive the pressurized fluid from one of the first fluid passageways. A piston, having a first end and a second end, is set into the cylinder and is adapted to be driven within the cylinder by the pressurized fluid. Further, a set of actuators that are adapted to be driven by pressurized fluid are separated by the piston and cylinder from the set of first passageways. Finally, the piston defines at least one second fluid passageway extending from the first end to the second end. A first flexible hose connects each second fluid passageway to a first fluid passageway and a second flexible hose operatively connects each second fluid passageway to one of the actuators.

Abstract: A web material roll rotatable retention assembly, comprising a shaft adapted to be inserted into a web material roll core and having a hydrogel filled chamber is disclosed. A hydrogel pressure applying assembly controllably applies pressure to the hydrogel and an outward pressure applying assembly pushes pressure applying members outwardly in response to the pressure of the hydrogel.

Abstract: A filter medium, a tackified binder composition and a method for providing a uniformly distributed tackifier on the glass fibers of an unwoven fiberglass web for improving filtration capacity and efficiency. An emulsified tackifier, such as polybutene, is mixed with a conventional binder composition and applied to the fibers before they are expanded into the web. The binder is cured in the conventional manner and the tackifier migrates to the surface on each fiber to enhance particle adsorption.

Abstract: An embossed plastic sheet material is molded to have a relief image with a peripheral edge that is formed by a partial shearing of the material of the plastic sheet near or at the peripheral edge so that the image lasts longer and does not relax or deteriorate naturally or with repeated and prolonged use. Also disclosed is a protective container made from the embossed plastic sheet material that can be used in a carrying case and an album to safely store and transport valuable and collectible items including coins, bottle tops, pogs, optical disks, magnetic disks, audio and video disks and tapes, stamps, photographs, match books, and other similar items. An embossing roller assembly is also described that can be used to fabricate the embossed plastic sheet material.

Abstract: A device for automatically sharpening the circular cutting edge of a disk-like blade while it is rotatably mounted in a blade cartridge is disclosed. The sharpener includes a coupling assembly adapted to matingly retain the cartridge in the same manner that it is retained in a slitter machine. A rotary drive assembly is adapted to engage with and rotate the disk-like blade while in the cartridge. A blade sharpening head is adapted to engage and sharpen the disk-like blade as the blade is being rotated by the rotary drive assembly.

Abstract: A CD-ROM tower holds 100 CD-ROM disks or like media in five removable magazines. The magazines are identifiable by a robotics control system in the tower. The tower further includes four drives which receive the disks and transfer data from the disks to a SCSI bus. A transport mechanism controlled by the robotics control system raises and lowers an elevator with respect to the magazines and the drives. A tray picker mechanism on the elevator pulls a tray out of a magazine, and a disk lifter mechanism on the elevator lifts a disk from the tray. After the tray is returned to the magazine, the elevator is moved a drive and the disk is lowered onto the drive drawer. In similar manner, a disk is removed from a drive drawer and returned to a magazine tray. The tower is configured to use commercially available CD-ROM drives or other media drives so that the drives are available at commodity prices and are easily replaceable and upgradeable.

Abstract: A non-occlusive dermal patch for collecting vapor phase perspiration from a subject's skin and retaining an analyte such as ethanol in the perspiration is disclosed. A method of collecting vapor phase perspiration containing an analyte such as ethanol over a period up to several days and detecting the analyte to determine the wearer's consumption of the analyte during the period when the patch was worn is disclosed.

Abstract: A filter medium, a tackified binder composition and a method for providing a uniformly distributed tackifier on the glass fibers of an unwoven fiberglass web for improving filtration capacity and efficiency. An emulsified tackifier, such as polybutene, is mixed with a conventional binder composition and applied to the fibers before they are expanded into the web. The binder is cured in the conventional manner and the tackifier migrates to the surface on each fiber to enhance particle adsorption.

Abstract: A power operated tool positioner for moving a tool parallel to a tool-positioning axis has a first tool-contacting member movable parallel to the tool-positioning axis for exerting a first pushing force against the tool, and a second tool-contacting member movable transverse to the tool-positioning axis for simultaneously exerting a second pushing force against the tool perpendicular to the first pushing force to resist any tendency of the first pushing force to tilt the tool obliquely relative to the tool-positioning axis. A third tool-contacting member is preferably provided for exerting a third pushing force to push the tool in the opposite direction from the first tool-contacting member, likewise while the second tool-contacting member is simultaneously pushing against the tool. The second tool-contacting member preferably exerts its pushing force prior to the commencement of the first or third pushing force.

Abstract: A flexible plastic device for containing a compact disc and having a pocket configured such that the compact disc may be easily inserted into and removed from the pocket. The pocket is formed by a rectangular flexible plastic sheet and another flexible plastic sheet in superposed relation and welded together along three edges thereof with an opening between the rectangular sheet and an unsealed edge of the other sheet for receiving the disc, the unsealed edge extending between opposing welded together edges of the sheets and projectively contoured, the other sheet having an aperture for permitting access to the disc at the disc aperture when the disc is contained in the pocket, the other sheet having a narrow gap in the unsealed edge approximately mid-width thereof and communicating with the aperture of the other sheet.

Abstract: Methods and devices for separating leukocytes from a leukocyte contaminated blood fraction by use of a rotating membrane filter apparatus. The invention includes methods/devices for preparing substantially leukocyte free platelet concentrate for therapeutic use. The devices of the invention include a rotating membrane filter apparatus for leukocyte separation as well as tubing harness/component systems (FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c) useable in connection with automated apheresis instruments.

Abstract: A CD wallet with an entrapped graphics sheet and dedicated to the storing of a particular CD corresponding to the graphics on the entrapped graphics sheet, together with a method for fabricating the dedicated CD wallet. The wallet is fabricated of flexible panels of thermoplastic sheet material, and the entrapped graphics sheet includes two parallel scores thereon and is preferably of greater rigidity than the plastic panels, permitting the plastic panels to bend along the scores on the entrapped graphics sheet to form a spine when the graphics sheet is folded along the scores.

Abstract: A device for protectively holding a disk, and in particular a plastic wallet for protectively containing an optical digitally encoded disk such as a compact disc or CD. The wallet is fabricated of flexible thermoplastic sheet material and includes a pocket for containing the CD, as well as pockets arranged for containing a single graphics sheet viewable through the transparent front and rear covers of the wallet. A preferred embodiment of the CD wallet includes an opening through one of the sheets of the CD pocket for assisting in withdrawing the CD from its pocket.

Abstract: A device for protectively storing collectible disks, in particular a plastic album leaf for protectively storing and displaying collectible disks such as milk caps or coins. The device comprises two flexible plastic panels in superposed relation, and securing means securing the panels in such relation with a first opening between the panels, the securing means including an arcuate seam sealing the superposed panels together along a circular arc for containing at least one-half but not the entirety of the disk between the panels within the arc of the seam, the arc of the seam exceeding 180.degree. and terminating at a second opening between the superposed panels of sufficient width for permitting passage therethrough and into the arc of at least one-half of the disk when the disk is received by the first opening for containing the entirety of the disk between the panels.

Abstract: A warmer and dryer for fabric articles having a vertically disposed heated frame upon which one or more articles can be draped. A heated fluid is circulated through the frame by a pump that is mounted in the base of the frame. The frame is enclosed by a flexible enclosure made from a material that retains heat while at the same time allowing moisture to pass therethrough into the surrounding ambient. Sufficient heat is provided to warm the atmosphere within the enclosure.

Abstract: An expansible shaft assembly has core-engagement shoes pivotally mounted to a shaft for pivoting outwardly into tight engagement with the interior of a roll core automatically in response to the application of torque to the shaft. The core-engagement shoes have core-engaging surfaces, some being pivotable outwardly in response to torque applied to the shaft in one axial direction and others being pivotable outwardly in response to torque applied in the opposite axial direction. The respective oppositely-actuated core-engaging surfaces can both be on the same engagement shoe or, alternatively, on different shoes spaced axially along the shaft. For maximizing the speed with which the core-engagement shoes engage the core in response to torque application, the core-engaging surfaces are preferably angularly offset significantly from a radial direction extending between the axis of rotation of the shaft and the pivot axis of the engagement shoe.

Abstract: An elongate expansible shaft for a roll core has a peripheral surface defining multiple separate elongate slots helically intertwined and oriented at a pitch angle no greater than about 30.degree. measured from a longitudinal axis. Each slot is T-shaped in cross section and contains a respective separate, elongate, resilient bladder pneumatically expandable into frictional engagement with the core. The bladder has a unitary construction with hinge portions for minimizing the loss of force due to expansion of the bladder. An air inlet fitting is inserted in one end of each bladder and is independently connected to a respective separate valve for preventing the escape of air from the bladder irrespective of the air pressure in any other bladder.

Abstract: A warmer and dryer for fabric articles having a vertically disposed heated frame upon which one or more articles can be draped. .?.A heated fluid is circulated through the frame by a pump that is mounted in the base of the frame..!. The frame is enclosed by a flexible enclosure made from a material that retains heat while at the same time allowing moisture to pass therethrough into the surrounding ambient. Sufficient heat is provided to warm the atmosphere within the enclosure.