Abstract: A drying apparatus for drying a fibre web (5) between two air-tight bands (1, 2) moving in the same direction. One band (1) is heated by hot steam and the other band (2) is cooled by water, and the fibre web (5) is passed through a drying zone formed by the bands (1, 2) with at least one felt or wire (3, 4) so that the fibre web (5) is in contact with the surface of the heated band, and the felt or wire (3, 4) is between the fibre web (5) and the cooled band (2). In the invention the drying zone and the water chamber (14) cooling the lower band (2) are in communication with each other for controlling the pressure difference between them by a simple connection, such as a pipe (25) opening at a suitable height.

Abstract: A drying apparatus for drying a fibre web between two tight bands that move in parallel and turn around turning rolls, wherein a fibre web is taken between heating wires through a drying zone defined by the bands, and auxiliary wires are arranged between the heating wires and the bands. The heating wires are permeable to steam, whereby the steam evaporating from the fibre web passes through the heating wires and the auxiliary wires toward the cooled bands simultaneously from both sides.

Abstract: A heat shield which is attached to a heatable roller in a stretching machine for the treatment of felt and wire cloths is designed to have channels for the heating medium extending in the machine direction. The ducts may be grouped in sections having a connection to an inlet and outlet manifold. Each section is attached to a by-pass. In this way a heating medium can be fed into the shield in controlled portions over the longitudinal direction of the shield thus obtaining the possibility of control and regulation of the temperature profile over the cross-section of the band.

Abstract: Radiant emitting walls enclose opposite sides of a central combustion chamber in an oven where coated objects to be dried are placed or passed. The radiant emitting walls generate primarily infrared radiation and have a nonuniform temperature distribution so that the temperature of the lower portion of the oven can be selectively adjusted to be significantly higher than the temperature of the upper portion. An insulated outer housing surrounds the radiant walls and defines combustion chambers each having a linear burner which runs substantially the entire length of the radiant emitting walls. The lower portions of the radiant emitting walls receive energy primarily from radiation from the linear burners and the upper portions of the radiant emitting walls receive energy from primarily radiation from the interior radiant emitting surfaces of the insulated outer housing and convection from the linear burners.

Abstract: A no-vent dry kiln for drying wood products such as lumber. The kiln has a dehumidification unit to remove excess moisture from the air utilized as the drying media. The dry bulb and wet bulb temperatures of the air within the kiln enclosure are precisely monitored to control the conditions of the atmosphere within the kiln enclosure. The kiln has a dehumidification unit to remove excess moisture from the air and to retain the sensible heat of the air stream passing through the dehumidification unit. The air stream, under a controlled flow rate passes through a first coil which removes the sensible heat from the air stream to lower the temperature of the air stream to at or below its saturation temperature. The heat removed by the first coil is transferred to a third coil down stream. A second coil downstream from the first coil lowers the temperature of the air stream well below the dew point causing the condensing of moisture. The condensed moisture is removed by a condensate removal system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing sodium perborate monohydrate by dehydrating sodium perborate tetrahydrate in a fluid bed with heated air. Contact surfaces are arranged inside the fluid bed whose total area is the same as up to 500 times the area of the approach-flow bottom of the fluid bed. The contact surfaces are advantageously designed as heat exchangers whose surface temperature is adjusted to maintain 90.degree. to 110.degree. C. at the contact surfaces. The method results in a sodium perborate monohydrate with especially high abrasion resistance. In addition, the energy requirement is lower than that provided in the previously known method commonly used in the industry.

Abstract: A stabilizing system providing motion control and cushioning. The stabilizing system is locating in the heel assembly and has at least one grid assembly extending laterally over at least a portion of the shoe construction from the medial to the lateral side in the heel region, and a cushioning wedge supporting the grid assembly. The cushioning wedge is thicker along the lateral portion than the medial portion and has greater compressibility than the other components in vertical alignment therewith whereby the medial portion is less compressible than the lateral portion thereby mitigating the likelihood of overpronation.

Abstract: An athletic shoe with a force responsive sole includes a first sole portion (110) having a multiplicity of projecting cleats (20), a second sole portion (12) with corresponding apertures (22) to receive the cleats (20). In one embodiment, a resilient membrane (14) is positioned between the sole portions and normally covers the apertures (22) so as to hold the cleats (20) separated from the apertures (22) in a rest position. A correspondingly apertured guide plate (15) is provided between the first sole portion (10) and the membrane (14) in the apertures (26) of which the cleats (20) are positioned to restrict transverse relative movement of the two sole portions (10, 12) and to maintain the cleats (20) in alignment with the apertures (22).

Abstract: An athletic shoe including an upper and a sole. The sole includes a cushioning bladder including a sealed, fluid-filled tube disposed about the perimeter of the shoe. In one embodiment, the bladder includes lateral and medial portions extending about the heel and forwardly towards the forefoot to define a central region occupying a substantial portion of the heel and forefoot of the shoe. No portion of the tube extends within the central region, which may be occupied by ambient air or by a second bladder or chamber which is not in fluid communication with the tube. In an alternative embodiment, the bladder includes a tube having lateral, medial and transverse portions, with the transverse portion extending between the medial and lateral portions at the instep area of the shoe, to define a central forefoot region. In a further alternative embodiment, both a central forefoot and a central heel area may be defined.

Abstract: A footwear system for providing enhanced protection and comfort to the foot of a wearer by reducing impact and shearing forces normally received by the foot. The footwear system has a knit sock and a shoe. The knit sock overlies and contacts the shoe and includes a ball portion, a heel portion, and an arch portion disposed between the ball and heel portions. Each of the ball and heel portions is formed of thicker knit fabric than the arch portion thereby providing a greater amount of protection and cushioning to the ball and heel of the foot of the wearer than to the arch portion. The shoe includes a sole having a ball portion, a heel portion, and a raised arch portion for contacting and interfacing with the respective overlying portions of the sock.

Abstract: The invention is related to an alpine ski boot having a rigid shell whose base has an external sole on which a shell base is mounted, which shell base is overlaid by an upper having a rear portion and a front portion. The shell includes an internal sole on its bottom and also receives an internal cushioning including a flexible and comfortable liner, interposed between the foot and the lower part of the leg of the skier and the rigid shell. The rigid internal reinforcement has an asymmetrical transverse section and is of an overall squared shape.

Abstract: The invention is a trailer-type snowplow assembly. The assembly includes one pivot mechanism that allows the plow blade to be raised or lowered. The assembly further includes a free pivot assembly that allows the blade to freely pivot in a transverse direction in response to directional changes of the tow vehicle or uneven snow impact along its length. Also disclosed is a multi-piece plow blade that has removable end portions that allow a user to elongate or shorten the effective length of the plow blade.

Abstract: A greeting card device comprised of a pair of foldable panels and having an inner foldable receptacle capable of retaining water for retention of a living plant. The receptacle contains an inner liner enabling the retention of water. In this way, the greeting card serves not only to present a greeting, but also functions as a plant holder and which may store the very grown plant which is given to the receiver, along with the greeting card. After decay of the living plant, the receptacle can be used for the retention of artificial plant items, such as artificial flowers. In addition, the receptacle can be used for the retention of potpourri, or like dried flowers which have been impregnated or treated with a scent, such as a perfume, scented oil or the like. Thus the greeting card becomes a relatively permanent item, as opposed to one which is disposable and immediately discarded.

Abstract: A ground-penetrating marker apparatus includes a sign-supporting assembly which includes a frame-like receptacle portion adapted to receive an information-bearing card. A spike assembly is connected to a bottom portion of the sign-supporting assembly, and the spike assembly is adapted for penetration into a ground surface. A cover assembly is connected to a top portion of the sign-supporting assembly for protecting the receptacle portion of the sign-supporting assembly from rain. The sign-supporting assembly includes a floor portion, a back wall portion supported by the floor portion, a front wall portion supported by the floor portion, and two side wall portions connected between the back wall portion and the front wall portion, all of which together define the receptacle portion of the sign-supporting assembly. A holder assembly for a writing implement is connected to a rear portion of the sign-supporting assembly.

Abstract: A resilient rod frame for a sign includes side elements for removably supporting a sign display sheet. The side elements extend to spaced lower elements that are received in a rigid keeper. The rigid keeper may be rotated to move the lower elements to an overlying position and thereby cause the side elements to move toward each other to facilitate the mounting and dismounting of the display sheet. The keeper may also be used as a step or pedal to drive spikes formed by terminal rod portions into the ground or other supporting foundation.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved telescopic sight system for rifles, particularly by providing for AK47-type rifles an improved telescopic sight system utilizing a pistol-type telescopic sight and a mounting method which does not require disassembly of the rifle for mounting or for cleaning and which provides maximum stability and rigidity. The pistol-type telescopic sight is mounted above the normal front gunsight and its mounting there does not interfere with "fast" normal-size sighting of a target.

Abstract: A bird decoy used to attract waterfowl, such as ducks and geese. The decoy comprises a frame that represents a three-dimensional outline of the head, neck and body of a waterfowl. The frame is constructed of a semi-flexible material which will maintain a certain shape. An air-tight, light-weight, flexible covering is disposed about the outside of the frame to represent an entire three-dimensional shape of a waterfowl. The constructed decoy is open on its bottom side so that a plurality of decoys may be stacked compactly, one upon the other, in their assembled form. The decoy may be supported above the ground by a stake, for the purpose of allowing the decoy to move in a life-like manner when affected by the wind. Alternatively, the decoy may include the same neck and head frame with two stakes protruding downward from the rear of the neck and a windsock-type body portion of flexible material extending from the rear of the neck.

Abstract: An improved underwater fish attracting device including a housing of fish shaped design retractably attached to a first cable to a boat. A parachute is retractably attached through a third cable to the fish-like housing and a second cable retractably attaches the parachute to a fishing rod on the boat. A fishing lure is also attached to the parachute. The fish-like housing is provided with a propeller on a forward outside end thereof which is in activating relationship with a movable spool within the housing for releasing and retracting the third cable to which the parachute is attached. The parachute is openable in response to the pressure of water on the underside of the parachute.

Abstract: A hook-and-loop fastener for holding the pieces of multi-piece fishing rods together, when the rods are being stored or transported. The fastener is in the form of a strip with a hook portion and a loop portion. An adhesive backing is provided on either the loop portion or the hook portion, whichever is shorter in length. The adhesive is used to attach the shorter portion of the fastener to the fishing rod handle and the other longer portion of the fastener is looped around the other pieces of the fishing rod to hold the bundle together.

Abstract: A fishing lure having visual and aromatic attraction to fish. A spindle carries a rotatable spinner and a cone shaped housing that is slidable on the spindle between an upper and lower position. A cavity is formed in the bottom end of the housing and the spindle extends axially down through the housing and into and through the cavity and out the cavity mouth. A restriction on the spindle determines the lower position of the housing on the spindle. A bead on the spindle is positioned in the cavity mouth with the housing in the lower position. The cavity can be filled with scented bait when the housing is slid upwardly on the spindle to move the bead out of the cavity mouth. With the housing in the lower position the bead retains the bait in the cavity.

Abstract: A bobber for buoyantly supporting a fishing line and resisting motion of the line towards a fishing reel. The inventive device includes a buoyant resistance assembly for floating and resisting motion in water. A coupling assembly depends from the buoyant resistance assembly for slidably coupling to a fishing line to support a casted fishing line within a body water and resist motion of the line towards an associated fishing reel.

Abstract: A deep troller weight apparatus for connecting a fishline to a weight body. This invention consists of a locking device located within the weight body for engaging or disengaging a fishline after the deep troller weight apparatus has been submerged into a body of water. By exerting a moderate force on the fishline, the weight body glides by gravitational force along the fishline towards the hook and lure for reeling in the catch. A spiral shaped guide holds the fishline at a fixed position about the deep troller weight body and prevents the locking device from releasing the fishline under relatively small forces.

Abstract: A portable mosquito killing system for use indoors and out of doors is disclosed. The system includes a base member having a plurality of apertures disposed on a floor and a roof, a canopy member having a flat top section and a plurality of outwardly sloped downwardly disposed sides. A cylindrical tower is disposed between the base and the roof and has an inner shell and an outer network of electrified low voltage wires in a spaced apart relationship for forming an annular zone therein. A plurality of upstanding non-conducting rods are also in the annular zone. A transformer converts current from 120 volts to a lower voltage for delivery to the low voltage wired network. A thermostat maintains the heat emitting tube in an operating temperature range, and a pilot light indicates the electrical operating status of the transformer and the heat emitting tube.

Abstract: A support for a plant has a rod with at least two spaced apart brackets, the uppermost bracket being proximate the upper end of the rod. One or more cages has means thereon adapted to cooperate with the brackets to connect the cage substantially concentrically about the rod. The depth of the uppermost cage from its top to its connecting means is greater than the distance from the uppermost bracket to the upper end of the rod, so that the top of the uppermost portion of the cage extends significantly above the top of the rod.Preferably, each of the cages has a plurality of substantially horizontal loops fixed in spaced-apart relationship by a plurality of substantially vertical legs. The loops of each cage are substantially circular and each sequentially higher loop preferably has a diameter greater than an immediately preceding loop of the cage.

Abstract: An assembly of pots for raising and transplanting seedlings. A plurality of cylindrical pots are made of paper and each pot is connected by a connection member into a continuous form. The connection member includes slits for allowing the spacing between adjacent pots to be elongated to a length corresponding to one intrarow spacing for various kinds of plants. The generally H-shaped or generally U-shaped slits can be vertically and alternatively provided from upper and lower edges of the connection member.

Abstract: Improved turf units for assembling a natural turf playing surface in a stadium or the like. Natural turf units are provided which are transportable between first and second locations, the second location being for the growth and maintenance of the turf unit; the first location being a location for the performance of the desired activity. A fence section hingeably connected to the growing pan of the turf unit provides for maintenance of the top level of the plant growing medium at a significant height above the top of the side walls of the growing pan. A turf unit in accordance with the invention is used to assemble such a playing surface without removable parts. Also, the outer periphery of the fence extends outwardly beyond the outer periphery of the side walls of the growing pans such that, when the turf units are assembled adjacent each other to create the playing surface, large areas exist beneath the playing surface to provide adequate space for drainage of the field.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: A regulator assembly for moving a window panel between its open and closed positions, suitable in certain preferred embodiments for operation of motor vehicle windows for example, has drive mechanism such as a hand crank or electric motor for delivering a drive force to the regulator assembly to move the window panel. Linkage, including at least a lifting arm and, optionally, a cross-arm, etc., is connected to the window panel at one end and mounts at its other end a sector gear engaging the drive mechanism. Load absorbers are provided for releasably absorbing drive force upon operation of the regulator assembly between any two points of travel of the window panel between the open and closed positions. The load absorbers help to level the peak loads otherwise experienced by the regulator assembly and, particularly, an electric drive motor thereof, during start-up and travel stall at the full open position, full closed position, intrusion or blockage during closure travel.

Abstract: A window assembly having an internal propelling system is provided. A movable window unit within a frame of the window assembly is provided. Also provided is an internal propelling system comprising at least one piston and cylinder assembly mounted at least partially within the frame of the window assembly. The internal propelling system propels the movable window unit to a relatively open position upon activation of the system.

Abstract: A gutter protector for mounting in the open top of a gutter attached to the edge of a roof. The gutter protector includes an elongate sheet of flexible material for being flexed into a curved shape under tension and placed into the open top of the gutter while in the flexed condition. The shape and dimensions of the gutter retains the gutter protector in the flexed position in the gutter. The gutter protector has a curved outer surface extending upwardly above the opening of the gutter to define a debris-diverting surface. Two embodiments are disclosed. One embodiment uses a flange and the tension of the protector when bent into the gutter to hold it in place. In another embodiment, retainers clip onto the lips of the gutter to hold the protector in place. Holes in the sheet of flexible material permit water to pass through the protector into the gutter.

Abstract: A truss roof and floor joist storage device which provides access to and creates convenient storage space for a large variety of typically stored items from boxes to sporting equipment to tools and seasonal items. The device includes a large shelf which rotates up between the trusses of a garage or up against the floor joists in a basement. It has an optional pulley to raise and lower the shelf and two latches for safety. It is aesthetically compatible in either finished (drywalled) or unfinished space.

Abstract: A molded tombstone or monument preferably formed of moldable polymeric material preferably having granite affect fillers and a textured surface providing the appearance of natural cut granite. The tombstone/monument is a solid, one-piece body having a base and an upright display area extending upwardly from the base and including an inscription area. The inscription area may include engraved indicia or separately formed indicia secured thereto by securing members. The tombstone/monument is secured in the ground using anchors which are secured to apertures provided in the bottom of the tombstone such that they are concealed from view. Alternately, the monument is secured to a concrete slab.

Abstract: An aparatus adapted to be mounted on a sewer vent stack to inhibit frost buildup in cold weather including a supporting frame containing a central rotatable shaft with a wind turbine on the end exposed and four vanes on the end within the vent pipe. The rotation of the shaft will cause frost build up to be scraped off by the vanes. Lack of rotation in a breeze will indicate excessive build up and a possibly dangerous situation.

Abstract: A holdown strap connection including a sheet metal holdown strap connector for joining a generally vertical frame member such as a post or stud to a concrete foundation made from one piece of sheet metal that installs easily to otherwise identical left and right corner vertical frame members with the same load values for resistance to uplift forces. The one-piece, in-line sheet metal holdown strap connector includes a foot section embedded in the concrete, a transition section connected to the foot section and an elongated strap section integrally connected to the transition section that extends in registration with the side face of a vertical frame member and attaches thereto.

Abstract: A hollow, glass, building block contains elastomeric or gel-like cured polydiorganosiloxane composition product being optically at least translucent and present in an amount sufficient to fill completely the available interior volume of the building block providing a space adjacent to the cured product to permit expansion of the cured product relative to the block during changes in temperature. This glass building block has improved fire resistance.

Abstract: A plastic block comprising of a generally rectangular plastic block consisting of contoured faces on opposite sides connected by adjoining edges. These blocks give the appearance of glass blocks without the weight, fragility, or cost of standard glass blocks commonly used as decorative wall components. These blocks consist of interlocking male and female connectors integral to the side wall of the blocks so as to facilitate assembly.

Abstract: A grid assembly, and method for use in manufacturing a grid reinforced concrete deck, including a plurality of longitudinally extending main beams in parallel spaced relation, each of the main beams having a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots therein and a central flange thereon, a plurality of cross bars adapted to be inserted through the aligned slots and rotated into an upright position, a form pan extending between two adjacent main beams and having a first and a second side portion adapted to rest on the central flange of the two adjacent main beams, respectively, wherein the form pan includes at least a first ridge extending upwardly thereon, the first ridge having a height which enables a lower edge of the cross bars to come into contact therewith when in the upright position, wherein the contact causes a downward force on the first ridge which mechanically locks the form pan between the cross bars and the flange on the adjacent main beams.

Abstract: A built-up post for use in a building is disclosed. It includes: (a) an upper post resembling a long column, the upper post having a first end to be fixedly connected to a steel girder or a ceiling of a building, and a second end having a longitudinal hole, the longitudinal hole having an inner wall with an internal thread; (b) a lower post resembling a long column, one end to be fixedly connected to a steel girder or a floor of a building, the other end having a longitudinal hole, the inner wall of the longitudinal hole having an internal thread; and (c) an intermediate post resembling a long column, each end thereof having a long thread for screwing into the longitudinal holes of the upper and lower posts. The upper post, intermediate post and lower post are joined in alignment with each other, with the long threads of the intermediate post being screwed into the longitudinal holes of the upper and lower posts, respectively.

Abstract: A roof single includes a substantially rectangular tab extending from an end portion of a widthwisely extending eave side of a shingle body. When a long side of the rectangular tab is X and a short side thereof is Y, the shingle body has a width of 2X and a depth of 2Y+a (where a>0).

Abstract: A method of and wall sheet for building up a silo with lining and a method of manufacturing wall sheets for such a silo. The wall sheets are pre-formed wall sheets, comprising a base sheet and a sheet of lining material, bonded thereto in a slightly staggered manner. The lining material covers a number of bolt holes of the base sheet and already fitted in the covered bolt holes are fastening means, secured against rotation and also covered by the lining material. After the wall sheet has been mounted, free edge strips of the layer of lining material fall over uncovered edge zones of adjacent wall sheets. Connecting sheets of lining material are welded together along the edges, and, if necessary, the overlapping strips are bonded to the subjacent wall sheets.

Abstract: This invention relates to a construction module which is designed to interconnect with similarly constructed modules to form a structure, such as, a wall or a fence. The construction module is formed by a continuous sheet of extrudable material which is bent at different angles, so as to define a three-portion module. The first, open-end portion is formed by a pair of plates having converging extensions which define a passageway leading into the space between the plates. The second portion has a substantially reduced width suitable for fitting into the passageway of an abutting module. The third, closed end portion is smaller in width than the space between the plates allowing the third portion to fit into the space between the plates of the abutting module and receive upwardly extending tips of the converging extensions in corresponding grooves.

Abstract: A chair for supporting, positioning and retaining a concrete reinforcing bar in place at predetermined height in the pouring and construction of concrete slabs or beams at a jobsite wherein the concrete reinforcing bar remains as an integral, strengthening element of the construction. The chair includes a cap with a recessed or slotted upper face for retaining and supporting the concrete reinforcing bar, and a base; the cap (which supports the concrete reinforcing bar) being supported above the base via a stem. Caps and bases of standard size can be supplied to a jobsite, and chairs of varying height readily constructed therefrom at the jobsite by cutting stems of desired length from a concrete reinforcing rod, based on the requirements of slab thickness, or beam depth.

Abstract: A beam-to-column connection is suitable for connecting an H-beam to a column surface. The connection is defined at an end of the H-beam which has a web plate and a pair of flange plates. The connection comprises a web plate member integrally formed with the web plate of the H-beam; and a pair of flange plate members, each of which is integrally formed with the flange plates and has a tapered zone.

Abstract: A wall base for wall-to-wall carpeting, formed of a rubbery plastic material, has a flat planar portion for engaging against the wall and an outwardly extending bead or flange positioned to engage the surface of the carpet and to cover its edge. In a preferred embodiment the extending bead has a convexly curved upper surface and a flat lower surface, giving the bead appreciable rigidity, so that a carpet with its edge lying over the bead can easily be tucked under the bead using a blade-type tool. In one embodiment the flat lower surface can be downwardly inclined slightly, e.g. about 5.degree., so that the outer edge line of the bead engages the carpet pile in a sharp line. A tail extension of the flat planar portion extends below the bead or flange and establishes a proper height of the flange above the floor. The carpet wall base of the invention may be installed before installation of a carpet, and may be left in place when a carpet is removed and replaced.

Abstract: A portion of film, with a length proportionate to the dimensions and to the characteristics of the product to be wrapped, is subjected to a transverse pre-stretching, the extent of which is also proportionate to the said parameters. The film is held at one end by a fixed dispenser (30) and at the other end by a movable rear clamp (61), which conveniently reduce the longitudinal tension of the film, both in pre-stretching and during the subsequent lifting of the product. In this phase, the side clamps (78-178) approach each other to reduce the pre-stretching, and are then inserted under the product and are opened, to extend the side flaps of the film under the product.

Abstract: A cartoner for loading products into cartons and for sealing the ends of product cartons as the cartons move along a carton path therein comprises a tuck module located at a position on the cartoner along the carton path for engaging an end flap of the product carton and tucking a portion of the end flap into the carton to seal the carton end and a glue module, selectively interchangeable with the tuck module at the position along the carton path, for engaging an end flap of a product carton and gluing the end flap to a portion of the carton such that a single cartoner may be used to seal cartons by selectively tucking or gluing the end flaps.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting a shortage or excess of an article enclosed in respective envelopes in an automatic mail enclosing and sealing machine. The method comprises the steps of receiving information relative to the number of sheets enclosed in respective envelopes, detecting a variable corresponding to the number of sheets enclosed, discriminating whether the detected variable is within or out of the allowable range corresponding to the sheet number information, and deciding whether a shortage or excess of article is enclosed.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a wrapper about a floral grouping wherein the wrapper is a sleeve or sheet of material having a cinching tab or strip of bonding material or both and a detaching means such as perforations for detaching a portion of the sleeve or sheet of material. The floral grouping is placed on the sheet of material which is wrapped thereabout, or the floral grouping is disposed in the interior space of the sleeve. The cinching tab is attached near one end of the sheet or sleeve. The cinching tab has a bonding material disposed thereon which, when the cinching tab is pulled tightly about the wrapper, causes the wrapper to be crimped and tightly bound about the stems of the floral grouping.