Abstract: A laser aiming light for firearms includes interchangeable switches for selectively limiting the laser output to an eye safe level for training purposes and for providing full power for operational use in a combat zone. A capability for using a remote switch is provided. As the output of the laser diode and associated components are temperature sensitive, temperature compensating circuitry ensures adequate power at high, as well as at low, ambient temperatures. Power is provided by enclosed conventional batteries retained by a sealed cap maintained in place by a pivotally mounted retainer and locking mechanism.

Abstract: An antler removal and collection device includes an antlered animal attractant holder adapted and constructed to hold an antlered animal attractant. The device also includes a flexible antler removal assembly mounted in proximity with the antlered animal attractant holder, the flexible antler removal assembly including at least one elastic antler removal element. The at least one elastic antler removal element is adapted and constructed to exert sufficient force to remove antlers that are ready to be shed by animals coming into proximity with the antlered animal attractant, but insufficient force to trap the antlered animal in the flexible antler removal assembly. The flexible antler removal assembly can include at least one frame assembly upon which the at least one elastic antler removal element is mounted. In an embodiment, the at least one frame assembly is provided as a pair of frame assemblies and a corresponding pair of elastic antler removal elements.

Abstract: An improved fishing rod holder and jigging apparatus has a cradle portion for engaging and loosely supporting a fishing rod, and a jigging device attached to the cradle portion for jigging a fishing line. The cradle portion provides a stationary support on which a fishing rod can be placed and removed easily during fishing. A support arm having a handgrip portion is connected to the cradle portion for supporting the jigging device. The jigging device includes a motor and a drive wheel driven by the motor. A fishing line striker is pivotally attached to the drive wheel about a pivot axis that is generally parallel to a rotation axis of the drive wheel and a longitudinal axis of the fishing rod. The fishing line striker and drive wheel are arranged such that the fishing line striker flops from a laid-back position into sudden engagement with the fishing line as a center of mass of the fishing line striker passes over its pivot axis during rotation of the drive wheel.

Abstract: An artificial, aquatic fishing lure which imitates the swimming motion of fresh and salt water fish and the method of manufacturing the same. The lure is used with a rod, line, hook, and usually a reel. The lure comprises an elongate body having thin, flexible fins extending along the body of the lure where the outer edges of these fins are longer in length than the attached edges. In another embodiment, a tail portion is included which may be helical in shape or ruffled. The helical design is present in a relaxed state. On tow through water, the helix is extended in a planar manner so that the fin forms a wavy or ruffled sheet-like membrane. In another embodiment, the lure is formed with a tail comprising two appendages which extend from the distal tail portion of the elongate body in an adjacent relationship to one another. In tow through water, the appendages which comprise the tail separate and effect the desired motion.

Abstract: It is provided a device for big fish baiting, comprising means (1) for feeding baits; means (2) for supporting said feeding means and fastening them to a craft; means (10) for conveying said baits from the feeding means (1) into a water environment, wherein said conveying means are intended to create in said water environment an appeal wake for big fishes into the proximity of the craft sailing said water environment.

Abstract: A device for preventing rats from climbing, characterized in that the device made of deformable plate (1), such as metal plate, comprises a plurality of adjacently arranged deformable plates (3) and a fixing part (2) for fixing the plurality of deformable plates to a pipe/rod (10) or other desired body which climbing rats is to be prevented. Each of the deformable plates has sharp teeth and/or protrusions at its edges and has an end connected to the fixing part. It is possible for the user to deform and extend the deformable plates in various directions by using tools, so as to form sharp construction around the contour of the pipe/rod (10), thereby preventing rats from climbing. Moreover, the fixing part is provided with a punched structure, through which fixing members such as screw, rope and steel sheet can penetrate for fixing the device or for connecting the device to other device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermally killing weeds and other unwanted vegetation from areas where their presence is undesirable. The method and apparatus are especially useful for killing weeds located adjacent auto or rail roadways or airport runways. The method of killing weeds involves first spraying the weeds with an amount of water sufficient to cover a substantial portion of the exposed outer parts of the weeds, and then subjecting the water covered weeds to an elevated temperature sufficient for the time of exposure to kill them. The apparatus for thermally killing weeds by this method includes a water sprayer unit and a heater enclosure or box, the water sprayer unit being located in front of the heater box. The heater box has burners located at the forward end thereof that impact a heatable element capable of generating infra-red radiation. A porous apron extends between the bottom of the heater box and the ground to allow exhausting of combustion products and water vapor.

Abstract: The young tree support comprises a flexible polymer tube having its end staked by a first stake close to the tree. The flexible polymer tube is wound up the tree to a point between one-third and one-half the distance up the trunk of the tree. From that point, the second end of the tube is pulled to the windward. The second end of the tube has a spring by which the second end is connected to a second stake driven into the ground so that the second end is resiliently connected to the second stake. This provides adequate support for a young tree to permit flexure of the trunk during early growth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to germinate and dry grain, such as oats, wheat, barley, etc. in only one apparatus under optimum conditions automatically and on an industrial scale in a short period of time. The apparatus comprises a rotatable drum having a plurality of drain holes pierced through a surface thereof and an insulating cover covering the drum for preventing heat within the drum from radiating or escaping. The apparatus also includes a sprayer for spraying water on the grain and treating structure connected to the sprayer for heating, purifying, and increasing the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, while circulating the water to be supplied to the sprayer. A blower is also provided for heating, purifying, and blowing air into the drum. The apparatus makes it possible to produce germinated grain automatically by using electronic control devices and to produce large quantities of germinated grain in a short period of time without having to move grain from one place to another.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion and skirt portion. The sleeve may have an upper protective sleeve portion for enclosing a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed. The sleeve has an expansion element comprising a plurality of expandable folds for allowing portions of the base portion to expand to conform to the shape of a pot when a pot is disposed within the sleeve.

Abstract: A pot body is mounted in a transparent water container and defining a first water chamber on the inside and a second water chamber on the outside, a soil holder is mounted in the pot body above the first water chamber to hold soil for growing plants, and a flexible tube is connected to a bottom through hole of the pot body and controlled by a float to close/open a split on it subject to the level of water in the first water chamber, enabling water to flow from the second water chamber to the first water chamber for plants growing in soil in the soil holder when the water in the second water chamber drops below a lower limit level.

Abstract: A storm resistant device for a window that has a window frame enclosing at least one sash slidingly and pivotally mounted therein. The sash has side rails and the frame has vertical jambs that engage the side rails of the sash to raise and lower and pivot the sash. The storm resistant device comprises a first elongated bracket having a substantially Z-shaped cross section with two end segments and a middle segment connecting the two end segments. The middle segment is connectable to the side rails of the sashes with one of the end segments extending outward from the sash toward an adjacent jamb. There is a second elongated bracket having a substantially L-shaped cross section with two legs, one leg of the bracket adapted to be mounted to the jamb with a second leg of the L extending toward an adjacent side rail of the sash.

Abstract: A security window or security door that impedes forced entry or penetration by projectiles includes a jamb frame (2) and a panel frame (3) that is pivotably mounted in the jamb frame. The jamb frame and the panel frame are constructed from hollow profile members (5, 6, 8, 9) having hollow chambers (17, 18) extending longitudinally therein and including solid edge portions (14, 15). The solid edge portion (14) of the jamb frame (2) overlaps the solid edge portion (15) of the panel frame (3) in an overlap area (25) when the door or window is closed, while leaving a convoluted or non-linear gap (16) between the jamb frame and the panel frame through the overlap area. Inserts (23, 24) that help impede forced entry and/or bullet penetration can optionally be disposed in the respective hollow chambers, to easily adapt the degree of security provided by the door or window to the security requirements of any particular situation.

Abstract: A cover for protecting a mound of particulate material in outside storage from the effects of weather elements includes a flexible double-ply canvas having a top layer affixed to a bottom layer. The cover includes a plurality of individual bladders disposed between the top and bottom layers of the canvas, the bladders being spaced apart from and parallel to each other. Each bladder is connected to a next adjacent bladder with a flexible conduit. The cover further includes a plurality of inlet conduits coupled to respective bladders for filling selected bladders with water. Pressure-actuated check valves disposed in each flexible conduit between bladders allows water to flow from an upstream bladder into respective downstream bladders. Each bladder includes a discharge conduit for selectively draining each bladder. A plurality of straps and knobs are fixedly attached to the canvas such that the canvas may be folded and secured in a desired configuration when respective bladders do not contain water.

Abstract: A combined gutter guard and storage compartment device (10) for housing a string of decorative lights (300) adjacent the roof line (100) of a house (101) having a rain gutter (200). The device (10) includes a generally elongated rectangular gutter guard member (20) having a tapered proximal end (22) attached to the roof (100), an intermediate portion (23) provided with drainage slots (26) that communicates with the rain gutter (200) and a distal end (24) which overlies the end of the rain gutter (200). The distal end (24) also forms the roof portion (33) of a compartment member (30) dimensioned to receive a string of decorative lights (300). The compartment member (30) is further provided with a closure panel (34) having a latching arrangement (40) which can selectively dispose the closure panel (34) at either a fully closed or partially open disposition relative to the compartment member (30) to selectively expose the string of decorative lights (300).

Abstract: A screen assembly is adapted to connect to a partition of the type having at least one upright frame member with openings in opposite side faces thereof to receive support hooks of hang-on accessory units. The screen assembly includes a sheet member defining at least one side edge, and a bracket is connected to the sheet member adjacent the side edge. The bracket includes a first member configured to extend around at least a portion of a first side of the upright frame member. The first member includes a connector adapted to engage the openings in the first side face of the upright frame member. The bracket also includes a second member configured to extend around at least a portion of a second side of the upright frame member. The second member includes a connector adapted to engage openings in a second side face of the upright frame member.

Abstract: A collapsible awning having an automatic extending flounce is divided into a first portion spanning an awning casing and a primary front section, and a second portion spanning a flounce area between the primary front section and a secondary front section. Awning cloth suspended at one end by the awning casing extends across both the primary and the secondary front sections. Articulated arms connected to the awning casing in the primary front section maintain the front section spaced away distally from the casing when the awning is unfolded and the main part of the awning is stretched. Spring elements connected to the primary front section and the secondary front section maintain the secondary front section located outward away from the primary front section at an angle relative thereto and the flounce portion of the awning cloth between the primary front section and the secondary front section is maintained stretched as well when the awning is extended.

Abstract: A modular component shelter includes an adjacent side-by-side array of curved, interlocking, rigid panels. The panels curve upwardly and inwardly to a common vertex from a common base-level circumferential rim. The panels interlock between adjacent panels by means of raised interlocking ribs. The ribs extending in generally vertical planes along opposite side edges of each panel so as to form a first channel along a first side edge of each panel and second channel along an opposite second side edge of each panel. The first channel is shaped to snugly fit within the second channel along the length thereof. The first channel is releasably securable in the second channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preventing insertion from the outside of instruments that could pivot the control bar situated on the inside of the skylight. The device is constituted by a box and two narrow strips positioned in an offset manner so as to form a baffle preventing any instrument being inserted while leaving a free passage for ventilation air. Spacers serve to stiffen the assembly. A cap protects the control lever for opening the lock of the skylight, and a fork enables the latch existing on the skylight to be moved.

Abstract: A passive collimating tubular skylight consisting of a radiant energy-collecting aperture, a radiant energy-delivering aperture, and a radiant energy passageway between these two apertures, the passageway having a specularly reflective interior surface and a configuration to improve the collimation of the radiant energy passing therethrough. The skylight can be configured with the radiant energy-collecting aperture located above the roof of a building, oriented to collect sunlight; and equipped with a sealed weatherproof glazing, with the radiant energy-delivering aperture, or luminaire, located at ceiling level within the building, and equipped with a diffusing glazing; and with the reflective tubular light passageway constructed with a larger cross sectional area near the radiant energy-delivering aperture than near the radiant energy-collecting aperture.

Abstract: Various skylight connectors are disclosed. A sheet is integrally formed with tabs along opposed axial edges of the sheet, and the sheet can be bent into a tubular configuration with the tabs along one edge engaging tab holes along the other edge and vice-versa to hold the sheet in the tubular configuration. Also, a skylight dome fastener adaptor includes a hollow body, and ribs are formed on the outer surface to engage a hole in a skylight dome to impede rotation of the body in the hole when a fastener is disposed in the adaptor and threadably engaged with a dome flashing. Additionally, various quick connect zip ties and clips are disclosed for quickly and easily engaging components of a skylight assembly.

Abstract: A framed storm window construction having a relatively thick, impact and penetration resistant panel surrounded by a frame for mounting either over or within an opening formed in a wall. The peripheral edges of the panel fit within interior channels formed in the frame members. The frame members each have exterior channels on its exterior peripheral edges which define outwardly opening channels. Connector members having tongue portions fitted and held within said channels extend outwardly of the channels and terminate in connector strip flanges which are adapted to be secured, by mechanical fasteners, to the edge portions defining a window opening in a building wall. The framed window resists penetration by forcefully applied objects, such as wind hurled debris.

Abstract: A hurricane protection system comprises a rigid sheet in a rectangular configuration positioned within a window opening with an upper edge, a lower edge, and parallel side edges. A plurality of fixed retention mechanisms are secured to the sheet adjacent to the lower edge. Each fixed retention mechanism has a plate secured to the sheet and a downwardly extending finger with a lower end positioned in an associated hole and an upper end secured to the plate. A plurality of supplemental retention mechanisms are secured to the sheet adjacent to the upper and side edges. Each of the supplemental retention mechanisms include a J-shaped finger with a short leg and a long leg terminating in a free end reciprocal between a locked orientation within an associated hole and unlocked orientation out of, but aligned with, an associated hole. Each of the supplemental retention mechanisms include a bracket with a central face attached to the sheet.

Abstract: A floor assembly (10) including a plurality of rectangular panels (12) disposed in end-to-end relationship in adjacent rows with the panels (12) of one row overlapping the panels (12) of the next adjacent row, the panels being in abutting edge to edge relationship. A groove (18) is disposed in each of the abutting edges and a dowel strip (20) is adhesively secured in one of the grooves (18) of the abutting edges of adjacent panels (12). A discrete and resilient block (22) extends downwardly from the bottom surface (16) of the corner of each panel (12) to engage a support surface. A plurality of hooks (26) engage the outer peripheral edges of the peripheral panels (12). Each of the hooks (26) includes a tubular element (36) secured to the bottom surface (16) and a cable (38) and a tensioning device (40) places the cable (38) in tension between the elements (36) of first and second hooks (26).

Abstract: A log construction, such as a log home or log cabin. The construction includes a plurality of horizontal logs extending between vertical log posts. A cap log can extending across a length of at least three vertical log posts. The load of the structure, particularly the roof, is supported by the vertical log posts. The ends of the horizontal logs abut and are preferably secured to the vertical posts. In one embodiment, old or dead logs, rather than green logs, are used in the construction.

Abstract: A trim piece for installing at a drywall external right angle corner which is provided with a bullnose corner bead includes an intermediate portion which wraps over the convexly curved portion of the bullnose corner bead and has two edges extending parallel to the edges of the flanges of the corner bead. Two leaves are attached to the intermediate portion of the trim piece at the two edges respectively. The intermediate portion of the trim piece has an interior surface at a first end matching closely the exterior surface of the corner bead and an exterior surface which is convexly curved at the first end and is right-angled at the opposite second end and provides a transition from the convex curve to the right angle between the first and second ends.

Abstract: There is provided a premanufactured structural building panel system for effectively promoting the efficient construction of the exterior wall members of a building having improved insulation, sound absorption, fire retardant and structural properties. The premanufactured structural building panels are made of a pair of C-shaped structural channels having first and second flanges. The channels are secured to a foam insulation member to form the panels. A fire retarding member can be secured to a flange of at least one of the channels to define an interior surface. The structural panels are supported on wall support members and connected to each other in a side-by-side fashion to form an exterior wall member of a building. The exterior wall members include vertical sidewalls, a horizontal roof and ceiling wall, and a pitched roof system. The interior surface of the walls can be prepared for finishing. Affixed to the exterior of the wall members is a weatherable covering.

Abstract: An anchored resilient ventilated athletic flooring structure having vertical restraints secured to a base in parallel relationship to each other and the restraints have outwardly directed flanges, parallel spaced apart struts positioned under the flanges and transverse to the vertical restraints, a resilient upward biasing means secured under the struts so that the struts are resiliently engaged with the outward directed flanges of two adjacent vertical restraints, parallel spaced apart nailers secured transversely to the top surface of the struts and parallel to the vertical restraints, and a wood flooring secured transversely to the nailers. The spaced apart relationships or the struts and nailers provides a ventilated subfloor. The spaced apart relationships of the vertical restraints, struts and nailers permits the “tuning” of the subfloor by modifying the size and spacing of the subfloor components to effect changes in the measurable properties of the floor.

Abstract: A siding panel for installation on walls, soffits or other exposed surfaces of a structure, having a nailing hem folded back upon itself to form a double thick lateral edge of the siding panel. A plurality of elongated apertures are defined in the nailing hem, which apertures are surrounded by longitudinally extended protrusions or bumps. The protrusions or bumps are spaced apart less than the width of the head of a carpenter's hammer, such that a nail or other fastener cannot be fully set flush against the surface of the nailing hem. The double thick nailing hem provides increased strength and the provision of the bumps permits relatively longitudinal movement of the siding relative to the head of the fastener. A novel interlocking reverse S configuration is provided adjacent the nailing hem so as to interlock with a corresponding portion on the opposing longitudinal edge of the siding.

Abstract: A surface covering system is described which involves a series of interconnected tiles having a spline system located between the tiles to simulate the appearance of grout. Each tile has on its sides, at least one tongue section and at least two groove sections wherein the tongue section of one tile interconnects with the groove section of a second tile and further forms a gap at least at the upper surface between the two tiles. A first spline, having two tongue sections for interconnecting with the groove section(s) of at least one tile, is inserted between a series of tiles. A second spline capable of fitting into the gap formed between two or more tiles, which are interconnected at a tongue of a first tile and a groove of a second tile is further used. Methods of installing the surface covering system of the invention are further described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a connector that comprises a coupling comprising a first portion, a second portion that is located adjacent the first portion, a top surface, and a bottom planar surface that is located opposite the top surface. The bottom planar surface is continuous through the first portion and the second portion. The top surface is substantially planar through the first portion while defining a shape through the second portion that is asymmetrical in two dimensions about a set of perpendicular axes centered in the second portion. The present invention also provides a connection system, a portable assembly, and a method of assembling a portable structure that utilizes the coupling.

Abstract: Fastening devices of this invention comprise a screw and a spacer element. The spacer element can be cylindrical in shape and includes a central opening extending between opposite axial surfaces. One or more grooves are disposed within and extend diametrically along at least one axial spacer surface. The groove is adapted to accommodate a wire section of a wire lath. The screw includes a head at one axial end positioned adjacent the spacer groove, and a tip at an opposite axial end for penetrating and engaging a surface of an adjacent structure. The head includes an enlarged diameter section that extends radially outwardly therefrom a sufficient distance to cover at least a portion of the groove when the mounting means is disposed within the central opening. The fastening device is used to attach a wire lath to another surface by placing a wire section of the wire lath within the spacer groove, and driving the mounting means into the other surface.

Abstract: A spindle or baluster for use in a fence or deck railing which comprises a plastic outer shell having a first end section, a second end section opposite the first end section, and a middle section intermediate the first and second end sections. An elongate wood reinforcing element is positioned within the outer shell and extends from the first end section to the second end section.

Abstract: Reinforcement of structures in high moisture environments is achieved by applying reinforcement layers which include a fabric portion (34) and an uncured resin portion (56) where the uncured resin contains a conversion agent and a thickening agent. The uncured reinforcement layer (44) is cured in place about the structure to form a composite reinforcement shell (32). The uncured reinforcement layer (44) is formed from woven or stitched unidirectional fabric. The invention finds particular use in reinforcing bridge supports and pilings which are at least partially submerged in water. Containment layers are used to prevent resin dilution and de-lamination during curing of the reinforcement structure. The resin used is non-toxic with respect to aquatic wildlife.

Abstract: A lumber structural enhancer of unitary, one-piece and integral construction is adapted for use with an axially extending beam of wood, the beam being of substantially rectangular cross-section and having a pair of opposing sides and at least one bight connecting the opposing sides. The enhancer includes an axially extending, thin, substantially planar web of structural metal, and a pair of axially extending folded tubes of structural metal, the tubes being of substantially rectangular cross-section and connected by the web. The web is configured and dimensioned to overlap and abut the beam bight, and each of the tubes is configured and dimensioned to overlap and abut a respective one of the opposing beam sides. The enhancer and the beam of wood are joined together in use, e.g., by nailing, to form a composite combining a high moment of inertia and a low weight per linear foot.

Abstract: An insulated concrete structure including at least one longitudinally-extending side panel and at least one web member partially disposed within the side panel. The web member extends from adjacent the external side of the side panel through and out of the interior surface of the side panel. The first embodiment of the present invention uses opposed side panels that form a cavity therebetween into which concrete is poured and cured. The second embodiment uses a single side panel as a form, onto which concrete is poured. Once the concrete cures on the single side panel, it is used as a tilt-up wall, floor, or roof panel.

Abstract: A method of providing a roof structure having a plurality of purlins spaced apart from one another in a parallel arrangement includes the first step of providing a carriage upon which is mounted a supply of support sheet and a supply of netting. A first section of the roof structure is then constructed. The first section includes purlins, the support sheet, and the netting. The carriage is then moved along the length of the purlins in a direction away from the completed first section of the roof structure, wherein movement of the carriage dispenses the support sheet and the netting.

Abstract: An adjustable support piece is provided which can selectively raise or lower the level of a building surface or industrial component such as a mechanical pump, etc. A base member, crown member, and threaded tubular stem which can be cut with a hand saw are provided and which can be selectively adjusted in height to raise or lower the height of the building surface. In one embodiment, a coupling may be used to interconnect two tubular stems together. Further, a crown coupling spacer may be used to moderately increase the total length of the adjustable support piece.

Abstract: Cigarette packets of a file wherein packets having satisfactory envelopes are randomly distributed among packets with defective envelopes, particularly envelopes having improperly glued and/or loose flaps, are advanced by a belt conveyor between two laterally adjustable guides. The guides bear upon the adjacent fold lines for pairs of mirror symmetrical flaps with a force which suffices to intensify the defects of envelopes with one or more non-adhering or improperly adhering flaps. This facilitates subsequent detection and segregation of packets having defective envelopes.

Abstract: The present invention tablet filler device system includes a plurality of individually secured cells with a tablet hopper and drum functionally adapted to regulate and orient gravity outflow of tablets, a gravity feed chute connected to and downstream from the hopper to singularly align and feed tablets, and a rotatable starwheel having slots to receive tablets from the feed chute to move tablets to a container filling substation. There is also a tablet inspection mechanism located on the feed chute to discern quality characteristics of tablets moving down the feed chute in accordance with a predetermined standard, and a tablet ejector to eject unacceptable tablets. A stepper drive motor with a counter capability for driving the starwheel in a step fashion for controlled release of tablets is included, and an optional counting verification sensor. The cells are interconnected for computer controlled automatic order filling for a variety of tablet types and container sizes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing a decorative covering for a flower pot. The method includes the step of providing a decorative covering assembly comprising a header assembly and at least one sheet of material detachably connected to the header assembly. The header assembly is secured to a holder assembly such that the decorative covering assembly is supported by the holder assembly and at least one sheet of material can be detached from the header assembly. At least one sheet of material is detached from the header assembly and is disposed about at least a portion of the flower pot to provide a decorative covering for the flower pot.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for tying bundles with baleband made of paper pulp fibers and water-soluble adhesive. The machine is positioned transverse to a conveyor upon which bundles are moved into position for tying. The machine includes a track for guiding the baleband around the bundle, applying water to the forward end of the baleband, clamping the forward end of the bale band, tightening the baleband around the bundle, pressing the forward end against an overlapped portion of the baleband while heating the end of the baleband to seal the ends together, pressing the ends together and cutting the overlapped portion of the baleband and releasing the bundle for unloading from the conveyor.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, an automatic measuring and material length control device, including: apparatus for measuring length of an article to which a material is to applied, the apparatus for measuring being able to measure the length without contacting the article; and apparatus for receiving from the apparatus for measuring a signal representative of the length and determining a length of the material to be dispensed and providing a control signal to a dispenser of the material to dispense the length of the material.

Abstract: A package is provided with a plastic overwrap having a tear tape treated with a corona discharge. The tear tape has a tear tab which overlaps a portion of the tear tape on the wrapped package. The corona treatment of the tear tape allows the tear tab to adhere to the tear tape at said overlap.

Abstract: An invention for forming, filling, and sealing a flexible recloseable container. Both vertical and horizontal methods for placing product within the container are disclosed. The invention includes guiding a web of film which has interlocking fastener strips sealed to the web. A slider for locking and unlocking the fastener strips is placed in the correct orientation, spread apart at a pair of inner feet, and inserted over the fastener strips. The slider is positioned to close a substantial portion of the strips, and then an end stop, docking station, and corner seal are formed against a sealing plate. The slider is then repositioned, and a tamper evident seal may be placed over the fastener strips.

Abstract: A process for producing a package comprising a composition contained within a closed water soluble envelope comprises the initial steps of moulding a first sheet of water soluble material to form at least one recess adapted to contain the composition, placing the composition in the at least one recess, placing a second sheet of water soluble material across the recess, and sealing the first sheet to the second sheet to form a continuous closed seal around the recess thereby closing the package. The or each closed package is conditioned in an environment of raised relative humidity for a period of time prior to or during the packaging of the package within a secondary pack. The secondary pack includes a moisture barrier to maintain the package within the secondary pack in a conditioned form.

Abstract: A bag for use in an automatic bagging apparatus, said bag comprising: a back panel having a top edge, a bottom edge and first and second side edges; and a front panel having a top edge, a bottom edge and first and second side edges, the back panel being longer than the front panel, wherein the back panel includes a tear line which runs parallel to the top and bottom edges of the back panel and extends between the side edges thereof, the tear line including a middle portion which is perforated and two lateral portions which are cut and intersect the side edges of said back panel, the front panel being juxtaposed with the back panel such that the side edges and bottom edges are contiguous, the front panel being joined to the back panel along their corresponding side edges and bottom edges is disclosed.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method for use in connection with closing a liquid packaging container, the said container comprising a cylindrical or truncated cone-like casing part (1) and end members (2,3) connected to it, of which at least one (3) is formed of fiber-based, such as board-based material, for example, liquid packaging board, and comprises a skirt (15) folded in the direction of the casing part, by which skirt the end member is connected to the casing (1), in which method the container, which is finished at least with respect to its casing part (1) and the said one end member, is filled with a liquid (4) and the container is closed. According to the invention, the surface of one end member (3) which is on the outside of the container is moistened before the container is closed, thus reducing its rigidity to such an extent that the end member can be used in a bellows-like manner for controlling the pressure inside the container.

Abstract: An automatic packaging machine for forming and filling a latching flip-top box uses a two part mandrel which are joined by a hinge. One of the two hinged parts has a roller thereon for following a cam track having a quarter turn spiral therein. As the roller follows the spiral causing one hinged part to move through a quarter turn causing the flip-top to fold over and be formed. A somewhat loose tab on the top edge of the bottom of the box is a latch tab which is caught when the flip-top folds over.

Abstract: A foal weaning gear for wear by a nursing mare to deny access by a foal includes a protective pad disposed over the mammary glands and resiliently held in position by a plurality of adjustable straps providing continuous triaxial resilient biasing of the protective pad throughout normal physical activities of the mare without requiring ongoing adjustment during the weaning period.