Abstract: The invention is a catheter (20) with a lumen (24) wherein the lumen is obstructed by a portion of the catheter (50). The catheter (20) includes a position detector (22) at the tip of the catheter (20).

Abstract: A comb-like device is useful in the measurement of hair thickness and density in order to determine the extent and/or degree of hair loss or thinning as well as hair regeneration if undergoing treatment therefore. The comb section or teeth are modified into a plurality of different sized tines for measuring hair depth and thickness while the handle is tapered and calibrated for measuring any increase or decrease in the size of the individual's part. The handle is further modified through the incorporation of a magnifying glass for visual inspection of the individual's hair and scalp. The device is primarily designed for women.

Abstract: A hair sculpting device having an elongated member with first and second free end portions and a middle portion. Universal coupling means are disposed proximate the first and second tree end portions and at least one intermediate location along the middle portion. The universal coupling means are adapted to allow the first and second free end portions and the intermediate location to be selectively coupled. The universal coupling means can be further used to couple the device to one or more additional devices, thereby allowing a user to configure the device(s) as a function of the hair length or form. In an exemplary embodiment, the universal coupling means includes a female portion having a closed loop and a male portion having adjacent first and second flexible prongs. Each of the first and second flexible prongs has an outwardly projecting shoulder portion adapted to retain the male portion in the female portion.

Abstract: This invention concerns a portable dental hygiene device with a treatment space (9) and a spray device (4a) by means of which a treatment medium can be sprayed into the treatment space (9), where the spray device (4a) and the parts (10) to be sprayed with the treatment medium are arranged separately but in spray relation to one another on a holding device (3a, 3b), which surrounds the spray device (4a) and the parts (10), with a release element being provided with which a spray head (11) of the spray device (4a) can be brought into spraying position, characterized in that a) the release element is a detachable cap (14) which can be placed on the holding device (3a, 3b) and has a release projection (14a) on its bottom (16a) on the inside; b) passages (15, 16), one of which is aligned axially with the spray head (11), are provided in the bottom of the holding device (3a, 3b) corresponding to the arrangement of the release projection (14a); c) the detachable cap (14) secures the spray device (4a) against the

Abstract: An improved dental flossing container comprising a generally cup-shaped housing, a spool of dental floss located within the housing, the housing being formed with an opening for allowing floss from the spool to exit, resilient device closing the open end of the housing, brake device to clamp the floss and, when not depressed, allowing the spool to move forward to engage device to lock the floss form moving, and rear cap device selectably positionable to allow or prevent moisture from entering the housing, and a device located within the housing causing the floss to pass forward through the open end of the housing.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus has a processing tank (21) for containing a processing liquid in which semiconductor wafers (W) are immersed, and a tubular vessel(22a) having a processing chamber (23) containing the processing tank (21). A side wall (26) of the vessel (22a), and a first partition wall (28) having an upright wall (27) standing on a bottom plate (23a) defining the bottom of the processing chamber (23) form a side ventilating duct (24). The bottom wall (30) of the vessel (22a), and a second partition wall (29) substantially horizontally extending from the lower end of the first partition wall (28) form a bottom ventilating duct (25). The side ventilating duct (24) and the bottom ventilating duct (25) can compactly arrange devices and pipes for supplying and discharging the cleaning liquid for cleaning semiconductor wafers (W), easily maintain the devices and pipes, easily arrange a ventilating system to the cleaning apparatus, and improve ventilation efficiency.

Abstract: A crutch has a pad, two bow rods connected to the pad downward, a handpiece connected to the bow rods transversely, a bolt and a butterfly nut fastening the handpiece and the bow rods together, a spring having two ends inserted through the bow rods, a sleeve having a through hole receiving lower portions of the bow rods, a pipe receiving the lower portions of the bow rods, the pipe having a taper end and a plurality of through apertures, and a tip cushion receiving the taper end of the pipe.

Abstract: A flame resistant, lightweight tent liner is disclosed. The tent liner is made from flame resistant polyester fibers. In one embodiment, the tent liner is opaque and white in appearance in order to provide maximum lighting inside a tent while at the same time preventing bystanders on the outside of the tent from looking into the tent.

Abstract: The invention comprises a rotary valve having first and second inlet/outlet flow passages, as well as one or more (preferably between 6 and 8) flow ports. The valve has a plurality of positions simultaneously interconnecting the first and second flow passage to selected flow ports. In a preferred embodiment, the valve has a housing and the flow ports are disposed on outer peripheral walls of the housing. The valve may further include an internal rotary plug that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis to move between the positions, and containing openings to connect the flow passages to the flow ports. The plug may be divided into two chambers in the valve which may or may not be moved independently of each other. The valve may further include a movable seal between the housing and the internal plug member which is retractable to permit freer movement of the plug.

Abstract: A system for blending two-blend components to form a blended final product including a first supply line for supplying a first blend component at a first flow rate and a second supply line for supplying a second blend component at a second flow rate. The first supply line and the second supply line intersect to form a blended product line. The system further includes a blended product measuring device positioned in the blended product line for measuring the flow rate of the blended product and an auxiliary measuring device positioned in the first supply line for measuring the flow rate of the first blend component. The auxiliary measuring device may have a degree of accuracy less than that of the blended product meter. Alternatively, the auxiliary measuring device may have the same level of accuracy as that of the blended product meter.

Abstract: A method for preparing a welding fluid consisting of a mixture of at least two components. The method including the steps of withdrawing the mixture components from respective tanks and feeding them into a mixing zone at substantially identical pressures, monitoring the composition of the mixture formed, and if the composition is correct, feeding the mixture into a buffer tank to be stored.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for controlling the level of an ammonium fluoride-containing acid solution in an acid vessel. First, a tube provided with at least one hole in the sidewall is used as a high level sensing tube for the acid solution in the acid vessel. Then, an inert gas is blown into the high level sensing tube. The pressure of the inert gas is measured such that the acid solution is charged when the pressure is a first value and the acid solution is drained when the pressure is a second value larger than the first value. By means of the process of the present invention, when the bottom of the high level sensing tube is jammed with ammonium fluoride crystals and the acid solution level has not reached a level submerging the at least one hole, the inert gas can flow out via the at least one hole and the pressure measured is the first value.

Abstract: A fluidic oscillator includes a member having an oscillation inducing chamber, at least one source of fluid under pressure, at least a pair of power nozzles connected to the at least one source of fluid under pressure for projecting at least a pair of fluid jets into the oscillation chamber, and at least one outlet from the oscillation chamber for issuing a pulsating or oscillating jet of fluid to a point of utilization or ambient. A common fluid manifold connected to said at least a pair of power nozzles. The shape of the power nozzle manifold forms one of the walls of the interaction or oscillation chamber. In some of the fluidic circuits, the length can be matched to fit existing housings. The power nozzle can have offsets which produce yaw angles in a liquid spray fan angle to the left or right depending on the direction desired.

Abstract: A sub-atmospheric gas delivery system (100) with a backflow control apparatus (10) for preventing backflow into the sub-atmospheric gas source (14). The gas delivery system includes three fluidly coupled sticks: a purge stick (120), a process gas delivery stick (124) and an evacuation stick (130). The backflow control apparatus comprises a gas line (26) fluidly coupling the sub-atmospheric gas source to a chamber (50), a valve (20) attached to the sub-atmospheric gas source for blocking fluid communication between the gas source and the gas line upon receipt of a first signal, a flow restrictor (R) in fluid communication with the gas line and positioned between the valve and the chamber, and first and second pressure transducers (P1 and P2) in fluid communication with the gas line and positioned on either side of the flow restrictor. Each transducer is capable of generating a signal representative of pressure.

Abstract: A monostable valve for controlling the sudden discharge of a gas contained in an enclosure. This valve comprises, in a control conduit (17), a second shutoff (18) between a closed position wherein the gas contained in the control chamber (13) cannot escape and a discharge position wherein the gas contained in the control chamber can escape, a drive mechanism (19) for rapidly moving the control shutoff to its discharge position, and a mechanism (20) for returning the control shutter to its closed position, respectively, and in that the area defined by the cross section of the discharge conduit (11) is at least constant, even increasing from the rear chamber (9) toward the outlet conduit (6) in order to limit head loss, and the main shutter (12) has low inertia.

Abstract: A water supply shutoff valve system is used with a fluid storage tank, such as a hot water heater, to automatically shut off the water supply to the storage tank as a result of leak containment which in turn causes a magnetic float to rise and consequently produce the mechanical force necessary to release and close a spring loaded water supply valve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is apparatus for installation on railroad cars and automatically connecting pneumatic and/or electric lines of two adjacent railroad cars. The principle of the product design is to apply pneumatic system's own pressure for automatically sealing the juncture area of the coupling and for sealing the hose end and maintaining air pressure at the compressor source when a train brake-in-two occurs. The preferred embodiment includes a substantially rectangular front-mating assembly attached to the front end of a rearwardly extending coupler shank and an installation portion for attaching said rectangular front-mating assembly to the undercarriage of a rail-car via said coupler shank. Said front-mating assembly includes a male and a female mating heads mounted on its front panel and a pair of alignment members installed at its two sides for guiding said mating heads to the appropriate coupling positions during the coupling.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling fluid according to which an inlet passage and an outlet passage are formed in a housing and a choke member is movable in the housing to control the flow of fluid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage and to exert a back pressure on the fluid. The movement of the choke member from a fully closed position to an open position is dampened.

Abstract: A check valve for use in a filler pipe of a motor-vehicle fuel system, having a housing fixed in the interior of the pipe and a movably mounted flap closure which is opened by the flow of fuel through the filler pipe to the fuel tank, and closes again automatically when fueling stops. According to the invention, a configuration that is particularly favorable in terms of flow dynamics is provided wherein the flap closure comprises two valve flaps which are movably mounted jointly in the region of the center of the housing.

Abstract: A valve for metered introduction of fuel, volatilized from a fuel tank of an internal combustion engine, into the engine, having a valve housing which has an inflow neck for connection to a fuel tank or to an adsorption filter downstream of the tank for the volatilized fuel, and having an outflow neck for connection to the engine, having a valve member accommodated between the inflow neck and the outflow neck in the interior of the valve housing, which valve member is actuatable by an electromagnet that has a magnet core, and which cooperates with a valve seat embodied on a valve seat body, is characterized in that the valve housing includes a first housing part, closed on the inflow side by a protective screen, in/on which the electromagnet, the valve member, the valve seat body and the outflow neck are provided, and a second housing part, on which the inflow neck is disposed and which can be secured to the first housing part.

Abstract: A fuel tank assembly for a motorcycle and a method for assembly thereof, in which a fuel pump can reliably suck in fuel when a fuel level fluctuates in response to acceleration, deceleration or changing posture of the motorcycle, and when there is little fuel in the tank. The invention provides a cup disposed on the bottom of the fuel tank which may house a fuel pump and a fuel suction filter. Because the fuel suction filter is mounted within the cup, it is not necessary to pass the filter through a hole in the bottom of the tank during assembly. This allows the use of a large filter without forming a large hole in the tank, and further increases the fuel capacity of the tank. A peripheral edge of the tank opening hinders the flow of fuel from the cup to the tank during changes in motorcycle posture, which maintains the fuel suction filter's submergence in fuel.

Abstract: A ball valve is provided with a one-piece housing, in which a ball is accommodated such that it can rotate. In addition to an upper bearing point, the ball valve has a lower bearing point, which is located diametrically opposite the first. The ball and the housing are matched to each other in such a way that the ball can be inserted into the housing from the outside via a fluid opening. In order to fix the ball inserted into the housing, provision is made for screw-in elements which have a spherical seal on the front side.

Abstract: An exhaust processor is provided having an exhaust processor body, first, and second end caps. The exhaust processor body includes an outer shell and a substrate positioned to lie within the outer shell. The outer shell includes an outer surface facing away from the substrate, an inner surface facing toward the substrate, spaced apart first and second ends. The inner surface of the outer shell defines a first end cap region at the first end, a second end cap region at the second end, and an inner surface side. The first end cap is positioned to lie in the first end cap region, and the second end cap is positioned to lie in the second end cap region. Each of the first and second end caps include a crimpable flange that is sizable to include a size substantially equal to the inner surface size of the inner surface of the outer shell.

Abstract: A flexible tubular pipe having an internal sheath and a pressure vault around the sheath with a helically would short pitch metal wire. The metal wire has an I-shaped cross-section with a narrowed central web and greater thickness internal and external flanges. Recesses in at least one set of the flanges enable fastening elements to be installed for holding to adjacent wire windings. The ratios of widths of the flanges, height and width of the wire, moments of inertia in the width wise and radial direction are disclosed.

Abstract: A conduit, in particular for sanitary and/or heating installations, comprising a pipe for conveying a fluid or for accommodating supply lines such as electric power supply lines or fluid-conducting pipes, is characterized in that the pipe is connected to a mounting material strip for fastening the pipe to a surface, and object or the like, the mounting material strip projecting laterally from the pipe and extending along the pipe.

Abstract: A tensioner for gripping an inserted thread in a weaving shed and applying or removing tension based on the thread's inserted tension. Through the use of sensors in a thread gripper, the inserted thread tension is compared to a desired value in a controller which controls the direction of rotation of a drive motor connected to the tensioner. A thread positioner which cooperates with the gripper assures that the threads are repeatedly gripped at the same general location. This expedites the detection of the inserted tension and avoids false initial tension readings.

Abstract: A multilayer papermaker's fabric includes: a first set of machine direction yarns; a top set of cross machine direction yarns interwoven with the first set of machine direction yarns; and a bottom set of cross machine direction yarns interwoven with the first set of machine direction yarns.

Abstract: The terry fabric comprises a basic warp, weft threads and a pile warp or loop warp. The terry fabric is based on a float repeat or weft beat-up repeat, which includes a first and a second weft group. Whereas the first weft group in each case contains partially beaten up wefts, the second weft group contains in each case one fully beaten up weft or additionally a smooth weft.

Abstract: A wire bending jig which has a plurality of apertures extending into the top face of the jig but stopping short of the opposite or bottom face. A plurality of pegs are placed into selected apertures to define a pattern for bending wire around the pegs into a specific shape. A pattern of the specific shape is attached to the bottom face of the jig, and the jig is transparent so the pattern can be seen from the top face, and so the pattern will be protected during the wire bending process.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reloading a plurality of shotmeters supplying fluid material to a plurality of robots from a bulk supply. The method is capable of alternating which of the shotmeters is being reloaded at any given time. This greatly reduces the capacity requirements of the bulk supply. The method includes the steps of activating one of the shotmeters to define a primary shotmeter. The material in the primary shotmeter is then dispensed. Once the primary shotmeter is emptied, the other of the two shotmeters associated with the robot is activated and becomes the primary shotmeter. This shotmeter then dispenses the material. A request is forwarded to the system programming logic controller to reload the emptied shotmeter. Once approval is received, the emptied shotmeter is reloaded. The system programming logic controller only allows the emptied shotmeter to reload when the emptied shotmeter is the only one of the plurality of shotmeters relying on the bulk supply at that time.

Abstract: A paint cartridge replenisher (51) is constituted by a replenishing stool (52) having a feed tube passage hole (56) and a container support portion (57), a connector member (59) connectable to and communicable with a fore distal end of a feed tube (28), and a replenishing valve (61) operative to turn on and off paint supply from a paint source to the connector member (59). A paint cartridge (25) is set on the container support portion (57), thereby passing the feed tube (28) into the feed tube passage hole (56) on the side of the replenishing stool and bringing a fore distal end portion of the feed tube (28) into fitting engagement with the connector member (59). In this state, the replenishing valve (61) is opened, whereupon paint is supplied from the paint source to the connector member (59) and replenished into the container (26) of the paint cartridge (25), utilizing the opening at the fore distal end of the feed tube as a replenishing port of the paint cartridge (25).

Abstract: An air and gas vessel (1) having a downward opening is mounted within a tank (10, 20) for transport of liquid, e.g., oil. From the top side of the vessel runs a conduit (2) toward the inlet of the bridging hose (5) to the next tank. The conduit (2) may be closed by means of a cock (3). When the tank is filled with liquid from level A with the cock (3) closed, a volume will be stored in the vessel (1) when the tank is filled to level B. In order to drain the bridging hose (5), the cock (3) is opened. The confined air/gas volume will use up into the bridging hose (5) and the liquid volume will run back into the tank. The tanks may then be closed by means of the cocks (4) prior to starting the transport.

Abstract: An electronic onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) system including an electrically operated ORVR valve that selectively opens and closes a fuel vapor path between a fuel tank and a collection canister. An electronic control circuit generates control signals to selectively open and close the ORVR valve. The electronic control circuit receives one or more inputs from one or a plurality of sensors and evaluates the one or more inputs to determine whether to activate the ORVR valve. The sensor inputs include at least a sensor indicating fuel is being introduced into the filler neck and may also include at least a sensor indicating a fuel level within the tank.

Abstract: An automated fueling nozzle for transferring fuel from a fuel storage tank to a vehicle fuel storage tank has a vacuum sensing means disposed outboard of a discharge end of an outlet spout of the nozzle to interrupt the flow of fuel when the tank is substantially full to prevent reflux of fuel from the vehicle tank through the inlet conduit of the vehicle tank.

Abstract: A transfer guard for use by an individual for transferring contents from a supply container into a receiver container includes a supply adapter, a receiver adapter, a support structure and a needle. The supply adapter connects the supply container to the transfer guard, and the receiver adapter connects the receiver container to the transfer guard. The support structure couples the supply adapter with the receiver adapter, and the needle passes through the supply adapter and the receiver adapter. The needle is attached to one of the adapters for support and provides a passage for the contents to transfer from the supply container into the receiver container. The needle also includes at least one pointed end that is substantially protected by the transfer guard from contact with the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing transmission fluid in an automatic transmission. The apparatus comprises a tank separated into a pair of compartments by a bladder or diaphragm. At least one pressure regulator communicates with the tank. A vent valve assembly also communicates with the tank. A process for cleaning an automatic transmission and for replacing after cleaning used automatic transmission fluid in the automatic transmission with fresh automatic transmission fluid. The process includes flowing fresh ATF into a first compartment of a tank and into a pliable tub or bladder member in communication with the first compartment until the pliable tub or bladder member and the first compartment are filled with a volume of fresh ATF. A chemical cleaning compound is disposed in the used ATF of the automatic transmission and is circulated through the automatic transmission and its associated components to clean the same and produce contaminated used ATF.

Abstract: A method of inflating a dunnage bag in a box including the steps of inflating the dunnage bag; with one or more sensors, monitoring deflection of at least two surfaces of the box while inflating the dunnage bag; upon detecting through monitoring that deflection of either of at least two surfaces reaches a corresponding preseleted threshold, automatically terminating inflating of the box.

Abstract: A fully automatic apparatus and process for aliquotting liquid samples from a sample container is provided which includes the steps of creating an opening in the sample container, transferring an aliquot of the sample liquid into an aliquot tube, sealing the container and conveying the aliquot tube to a location for conducting the desired tests on the sample aliquot.

Abstract: A device for metering a pasty product and mixing the same with a solvent has an exchangeable packing drum containing the pasty product and arranged in a dimensionally stable container, and a vacuum metering device arranged below the container. An outlet of the packing drum which extends through a bottom opening in the container is coupled to a product inlet of the metering device. In order to ensure in a reliable manner that the pasty product exits the packing drum only when the packing drum is coupled to the metering device, to avoid product coming in contact with service personnel, the outlet of the packing drum is designed as an outlet spout. A tubular spout holder is provided in the area of the product inlet, and is fitted with an inner cutting element. The cutting element pierces the seal material covering the free end of the outlet spout, as the latter is installed on the tubular spout holder.

Abstract: A loading mechanism is disclosed for loading bottles (14) onto a turret (12) and includes a screw (22), a linear conveyor (24), a pair of star wheels (26 and 28), and a drive. The assembly is characterized by a groove in the screw (22) having a cross section with a narrow throat (30) for engaging a neck (16) of the bottle (14) and a larger portion (32) above the throat (30) for establishing a space about the neck (16) of the bottle (14) spaced therein by the narrow throat (30). A pair of opposing lips (34) are spaced apart to define the throat (30) and a pair of spaced side walls (36) extend into the screw (22) from the lips (34) to a bottom wall (38), which remain out of contact with the neck (16) of the bottles (14).

Abstract: An apparatus (22) and method for detecting leaks in a pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system (24) comprising a cartridge (26) is described. A facility (28) is for fluidly coupling the cartridge (26) to the pressurized system (24). An assemblage (30) is for forcing a secondary fluid (32) out of the cartridge (26), through the fluidly coupling facility (28) and into a service valve (34) of the pressurized system (24). The cartridge (26) has a first open end with an inner nozzle (33) which connects to the system being charged and an outer nozzle (37).

Abstract: A fluid-dispensing valve for a container-filling apparatus comprises a vent tube having an axial mating surface; a nozzle positionable over and axially moveable in relation to the vent tube to define open and closed conditions of the fluid-dispensing valve, the nozzle including an axial mating surface; a biasing member for biasing the nozzle in a closed condition of the fluid-dispensing valve, the biasing member having a fluid passageway therethrough, and further including at least two axial mating surfaces, one axial mating surface axially abutting with an axial mating surface of each of the vent tube and nozzle to define an axially mated condition of the fluid-dispensing valve; and one or more members for maintaining the vent tube, nozzle, and biasing member in the axially mated condition of the fluid-dispensing valve.

Abstract: A wood turning tool has an elongated handle with an end and a blade mounted to that end. The blade is formed as a plow with top and bottom surfaces and a working edge extending between those surfaces and having an apex. The working edge has an undercut ground bevel forming with the blade top surface a first cutting edge on one side of the apex and an overcut ground bevel forming with the blade bottom surface a second cutting edge on the other side of said apex, each bevel having a selected bevel angle.

Abstract: A fluted feed roll has inner replaceable flute inserts which abut and are bolted to anchor pieces welded in place on a cylindrical roll body. Part of the inner longitudinal edge of the flute inserts bears directly against the surface of the roll body. Traction elements on the outer longitudinal edge of the flute inserts protrude radially outwardly beyond the anchor pieces.

Abstract: A tire has a toroidal-shaped carcass and an airtight layer which contains at least one ductile metal layer. In one embodiment the airtight layer is a deformable metal layer having a thickness less than or equal to 5 &mgr;m applied on the interior surface of the tire carcass by a support carrier on which the metal layer has been deposited. The support carrier may be retained as part of the tire or removed after applying the metal layer on the interior surface of the tire carcass.

Abstract: An opaque article having a surface and substantially asymmetric striae extending along the surface. A portion of the striae reside in a first area and have an orientation. Another portion of the striae reside in a second area and have an orientation substantially opposite the striae in the first area. The first area striae and the second area striae create an optical contrast therebetween at a wide range of viewing angles and illumination angles. The opaque article can be a tire. The striae can reside at numerous locations on the tire, including, for example, the sidewall, tread ribs or blocks, and stone ejectors.

Abstract: A belt reinforcing layer is disposed outwardly in the radial direction of a tire so as to reinforce the whole portion or the end portions of a tread portion. The belt reinforcing layer is formed by spirally winding a rubber-coated and narrow strip made of a fiber cord/cords around a tire. A pair of bead fillers are disposed directly above bead cores of a pair of bead portions. The cords of the belt reinforcing layer are made of organic fiber cords, and have a 2.7% or less elongation under load of 1.4g/d at the temperature of 50±5° C., and have a 1.5 to 6.0% elongation under load of 0.7g/d at the temperature of 170±5° C. The height L of each of the bead fillers corresponds to 20 to 60% of the cross sectional height T of a tire.

Abstract: An apparatus for the processing and segmenting of a cover-forming laminate web or sheeting structure which is adapted to interconnect a plurality of containers, such as the base members of blister packages each of which is designed to contain a hydrophilic contact lens in a sterile aqueous solution. More specifically disclosed is an apparatus for the imprinting, perforating, slitting and cutting the laminated web structure such that the severed laminate segments constitute printed covering label for an array of such containers, and whereby the laminated web or sheeting segment may be severed along weakening or perforation lines so as to provide a separable packaging arrangement for individual of the containers which are subsequently adhered thereto.

Abstract: The invention refers to a process for changing reels at paper machines, particularly tissue machines. It is mainly characterized by adhesive being applied to an empty reel over almost the entire web width, the core shaft being placed thus prepared on the moving paper web, the paper web being detached across its entire width from the reel currently in use, then secured immediately to the empty core shaft as the paper continues to be wound on the reel. In addition, the invention refers to a device for implementing the process, where an adhesive application device is provided, which is installed on a movable mounting on a winding device at least above the paper web area, at right angles to the web running direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that produces shaped and laminate articles and recovers the excess material or flash as a part of the manufacturing process. The apparatus uses a combination of rotary die and anvil roller assemblies in successive multiple stations to cut and separate each raw material into final product portions and recyclable flash portions as each raw material enters the apparatus. The apparatus separately reclaims each raw material flash portion and delivers the flash of each material in a recyclable form to an auxiliary recycling operation. In recovering the flash, the apparatus does not adversely affect the speed or quality of production of the final shaped or laminated product. To ease removal of the flash, the apparatus applies lubricant to the blades of the rotary die. To avoid damage to web material, the apparatus uses vacuum belts to convey the web material and web product through the apparatus.