Abstract: A bucket of a type designed to attach to the stick of an excavator, using pre-existing pins. The bucket is powered by a hydraulic cylinder, the lines of which attach to excavator controls. Striker forks are mounted onto the stick of the excavator at a predetermined position. The clean-out system is a wiper plate incorporated into the bucket as the “roof”, which is designed to follow the inner contour of the sides of the bucket. As the bucket is filled, the wiper plate moves to the top of the bucket; when the bucket is emptied, the wiper plate contacts the striker forks, which force the material out of the bucket, preventing build-up of material on the inside of the bucket.

Abstract: An assembly mountable on a dipper stick operatively connected to a machine, having a fluid actuated assembly, and connectable to an implement having at least one pair of opposed, connecting pin receiving recesses generally consisting of at least one spacer link including a pair of segments pivotally connected together and angularly displaceable relative to each other between retracted, inoperable and extended, operable positions, one of the link segments having a pin portion connectable to the dipper stick for pivotal open about its axis and receivable in one of the implement recesses and the other of the link segments having a pin portion operatively connectable to the fluid actuating assembly for pivotal movement about its axis and receivable in the other of the implement recesses, and a latch mounted thereon and cooperable with the one link segment when the segments are disposed in their extended, operative positions for releasably securing the link segments in their extended, operative positions.

Abstract: A merchandising bin for the convenient display and storage of retail goods. The merchandising bin is designed to be used in conjunction with a plurality of bins holding different parts to provide consumers a convenient choice of similar products. The bins have a front face to which a replaceable indicia panel is mounted to identify the product within the bin. The panel is received within side channels and retained on the bin face by a spring clip which resiliently engages the bin. Release of the spring clip facilitates removal and replacement of the panel as different parts are placed within the merchandising bins.

Abstract: A bill board apparatus for displaying multiple messages from a plurality of message segments. A series of message segments are arranged upon an axis so as to form a complete display message by a minimum of two segments. A swing arm or actuator arm that is in conection with the first sign segment of the plurality of segments turns each segment 180° in order to display a different message when the time has come to display a new message. A computer may be used to actuate the actuator and this may be programmed so as to display different messages for different lengths of time.

Abstract: A fluorescent label for a computer keyboard key. The label is adhesive backed, having two layers of plastic vinyl such as Mylar and is rectangular and corresponds with the size of the key face and the character or message on the key. A kit is a sheet, having a set of labels for the various sizes of keys of a computer keyboard and the character or message thereon removable from the. The first layer of plastic vinyl has adhesive for attachment to a key face having a peel off paper backing and having a printed luminescent paint or ink on its upper side. An indicia is printed on the background corresponding to the key. A second layer of transparent plastic vinyl covers the luminescent layer.

Abstract: An illuminated identification system for providing efficient identification of a building structure in various light conditions. The illuminated identification system includes a housing unit, one or more light bulbs positioned within the housing unit, an identifying plate containing an indicia, a transparent cover plate, and a photocell switch unit electrically connected to the light bulbs. The light bulbs illuminate the interior of the housing unit when the photocell switch unit detects reduced outdoor lighting. The indicia may be formed within the identifying plate by coloring or by cutting out one or more slots forming the indicia.

Abstract: A toll pass display assembly comprises a mounting plate, a suction cup and coupler. The mounting plate is fabricated of a relatively hard material and has a generally rectangular configuration. It has a front surface and a rear surface. There is a long top edge with a parallel bottom edge and two parallel side edges there between. There is next provided a suction cup which is fabricated of a flexible elastomeric material. The suction cup has an internal generally spherical concave surface and an external generally spherical convex surface with a round circumferential edge there between. Lastly, there is provided a suction cup coupler. The coupler is fabricated of the same type of flexible elastomeric material as the suction cup and formed integrally therewith. The coupler has a front section coupled to the mounting plate. A pair of hook and loop fastener strips are coupled to the front surface of the mounting plate.

Abstract: A modular bulkhead display system containing a first end panel, a first intermediate panel, and a second end panel, each of which is an aluminum extrusion. Within the aluminum extrusion there is a first external channel, a second external channel, and a center channel. A decor panel is removably disposed within said external channel, and another decor panel may be disposed within the second external channel. End caps are removably connected to the assembly.

Abstract: A readerboard signage system which allows signage characters to be easily changed within a pair of parallel extending tracks. In the illustrative embodiments, the system includes an optically transparent character protective viewing panel that is placed over the sequence of characters held in place within the pair of parallel extending tracks. The panel includes a lip portion which cooperates with the lower character holding track, to prevent rain, ice, and snow from entering the tracks, while the viewing panel itself protects the underlying characters from such natural elements and vandalism, without detracting from the utility and aesthetic appearance of the system.

Abstract: A structural joint for connecting picture frames members together includes a base plate slidably residing in a channel of a first picture frame member and includes a ramped surface. A wedge plate slidably resides between the base plate and a top bearing surface of the frame and includes its own ramped surface where the ramped surface of the wedge plate is arranged in an opposite direction to the ramped surface of the base plate. The wedge plate is moved toward the base plate to cause the ramp of the base plate to bear on the ramp of the wedge plate to urge the base plate apart from the wedge plate creating a friction fit within the channel of the picture frame member thus securing the base plate relative to the frame. A second wedge plate is also provided for engagement with a second ramp on the base plate to further secure a second picture frame member to the first picture frame member, such as at a ninety degree angle relative thereto.

Abstract: A weapon system comprising a firearm having a barrel through which a projectile may be propelled and further comprising a non-lethal means for selectively ejecting a stream of fluid, such as an incapacitant, in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the barrel and aligned with the sights of the firearm. The system removably houses a fluid containing pressurized canister, the outlet of the canister co-operating with a nozzle for the release of said fluid from said canister under control of a nozzle trigger mechanism. The pressurized canister, nozzle and trigger mechanism may be removably mounted on said firearm.

Abstract: The shooting device, such as a revolver, has a housing with a barrel-receiving opening defined therein. A cylinder and a barrel are attached to the housing. The barrel has a rear section with a cylindrical segment that slidably engages the cylindrical segment. A spring has one end attached to the rear section of the barrel and a second opposite end attached to the cylindrical valve for urging the valve against a groove section of the cylinder so there is a tight fit between the valve and the cylinder during the firing of the bullet. This prevents any pressure loss when the bullet is fired.

Abstract: A grip that can be easily attached to and removed from a handgun or a rifle. In the case of a handgun, the grip is easily slipped onto the gun frame ahead of the trigger guard, and it extends downwardly with the exterior surface containing soft and comfortable finger grips for the other hand of the user. In the case of a rifle, the grip is provided at its upper end with a quick detachable mechanism that can be quickly attached and removed from the conventional mounting base on the under side of the stock of the rifle. The grip is provided with a soft material on its exterior surface with finger grips so that the rifle can be comfortably gripped by the user and allow the rifle to be held steadily when aiming and shooting.

Abstract: Animated decoys each having a flexible decoy body which is supported on a self-contained decoy movement device that imparts life-like movement to the decoy body. In a first preferred embodiment, the decoy body is formed of a flexible sheet material such as rubber or foam rubber, typically in the two-dimensional shape of a fowl, and includes an opening which inserts on a cylindrical collar provided on the decoy movement device. The decoy movement device is supported on the upper end of a tapered spring which is provided on the upper end of an elongated, flexible support rod, the lower end of which support rod is typically inserted in the ground. The tapered spring permits life-like feeding or swimming movements of the decoy body imparted by the decoy movement device to attract predators or other fowl for photography, observation or hunting purposes.

Abstract: A preset fishing line tension measuring device for permitting accurate fishing line tension adjustment with a drag mechanism is provided. A pair of fishing line guides are disposed in a spaced-apart relation to each other, and a tension sensor is disposed such as to provide an increased length of path of the fishing line between the two fishing line guided. Fishing line tension sensed by the tension sensor is displayed on a display part.

Abstract: A fishing lure capable of numerous operations to attract fish including a keel with a base platform at one end and an upper body at the other end. Forward fins are mounted on the upper body and a plurality of openings for tow points are provided. A tail rudder which can be rotated to provide various movements of the fishing lure is also mounted on the upper body. A bait line hook is mounted on the base platform to hold a fishing line.

Abstract: A lure for mounting bait fish includes a unitary weighted body having a socket for receiving the nose of the bait fish and a lower tail section having inwardly projecting hooks for penetrating the sides of the bait fish to effect a secure, properly oriented mounting.

Abstract: A FISHING GEAR CADDY for holding a plurality of fishing rods and fishing gear includes a container having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. Each of a plurality of sleeves has an upper edge and a lower edge. Each of the sleeves is removably attached to an outer surface of the peripheral wall by brackets such that the sleeves are spaced from the peripheral wall. Each of the upper edges extends above the peripheral wall at a different height.

Abstract: An animal trap designed to restrain a raccoon. The trap has a spring trigger on which the bait is placed and a double swivel anchor chain to hold the trap. A movable restraint bar actuated by the release of the trigger and an internal fixed grip bar hold the paw of the raccoon inside the housing.

Abstract: A live trap and cage assembly has a base, opposing sidewalls and a central main support section. To either end of the sidewalls is a door. Each door is movable from an upper position to a lower position. The doors are configured so as to be quickly moveable from the upper position to the lower position upon the triggering of an event inside the assembly. The base of the assembly includes a bait reservoir or “billboard” which is situated to the exterior of the assembly, and a bait holder and release mechanism which is situated to the interior of the assembly. The bait holder is suspended within the interior of the assembly by a cable which extends downwardly from the central support of the assembly. The cable is attached to each of the opposing doors and allows full movement of each door from the upper position to the lower position. The bottommost portion of the bait holder is slidably attachable to a “trigger” bracket.

Abstract: Improved protection of plants and their crops is achieved by growing the plant under a construction having a roof with at least a substantial portion being made of a net of a mesh size allowing adequate ventilation. The net is made of a transparent or translucent polymeric material having incorporated therein a UV-light absorber.

Abstract: An improvement in a method of propagating, and an article useful in association with, or produced by, the method of propagating. Plants are produced in mats by steps including: providing a bottom net made of a material that is pervious to moisture, positioning a sheet of a fabric, depositing a layer of planting medium on said fabric, spreading viable wildflower seed over said medium, moistening said medium and said seeds, germinating seeds in the medium, such that roots of seedlings from said seeds intermesh with the fabric forming a sod mat; wherein the bottom net is sufficiently pervious to permit essentially unimpeded root contact with earth below the bottom net.

Abstract: A pot cover constructed such that a decoration can be included on the pot cover and the integrity of the decoration is maintained because the configuration of the pot cover does not result in the formation of arbitrary overlapping folds. The configuration of the pot cover allows a flower pot to be covered while the integrity of the decoration, such as a design or pattern, printed on each segment is maintained so that a decoration is presented throughout the outer peripheral surface of the formed pot cover.

Abstract: A flower pot cover comprising a base and a skirt. The base has an upper end, a lower end, and an outer peripheral surface having accordion pleating formed in at least a portion thereof. An opening intersects the upper end forming an inner peripheral surface and a retaining space. The skirt extends from the base and is substantially non-contractible and non-expandable.

Abstract: An external window shutter for use in front of an exterior window opening includes a frame surrounding the window opening and is attached to an exterior wall surface. The shutter has two panels that are movably mounted on the frame. The panels are mounted generally parallel to the wall surface and to the frame, and are actuatable along a path of travel between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The shutter includes a first guide member attached to respective upper and lower portions of a window facing surface of each panel and extending substantially along the entire length of each panel; and a second guide member attached to respective upper and lower portions of an outwardly disposed surface of the frame and extending substantially along the entire length of the upper and lower portions of said outwardly disposed surface of the frame.

Abstract: A guide assembly or balance shoe assembly for slidably and pivotably mounting a window sash to a window jamb is disclosed. The guide assembly includes a shoe housing having sliding surfaces that guide the housing in the jamb channel. A sash pivot is coupled to the window sash and a locking cam is rotatably coupled within the shoe housing. The locking cam includes a sash pivot that retains the sash pivot pin. The locking cam rotates substantially with the sash pivot and the locking cam has a locking surface that is configured to engage the jamb channel when the sash pivot is rotated to a first position.

Abstract: A vehicular power window regulator wherein flexibility required when a door glass is vertically moved is appropriately provided to a connected area of a guide rail where a main arm and the door glass are connected to thereby prevent working forces such as compression and tension generated due to lack of flexibility at the connected area according to the prior art from being generated, and to avoid the main arm from being bent when the door glass moves along a curved route, and to prevent a sector gear from being applied with an excessive force for decrease of noise caused by gear meshing.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting a gutter and hood includes a gutter support bracket and a mating hood support bracket. The gutter support bracket provides a cantilever support for a K-type gutter by connecting the front and rear lips of the gutter. The hood support bracket fastens to the gutter support bracket such that fastener-receiving apertures defined in both brackets align. The hood is supported by an upper arm of the hood support bracket in a position to define a longitudinal gap between the hood forward lip and the gutter front lip. A fastening tool and fastener are inserted through the gap to secure the hooded gutter assembly to a structure.

Abstract: An antenna support structure has the outward appearance of a palm tree. The antenna support structure has a vertical support pole with an upper portion, an intermediate portion and a lower portion. The lower portion is of a color and texture to resemble the trunk of a palm tree. Disposed outwardly from the intermediate portion is a plurality of antenna receptor members appropriately configured to receive desired electromagnetic signal waves. At the top of the support pole is a plurality of green members having the appearance of new palm fronds. Below the green members are a plurality of drooping members disposed downwardly about the intermediate portion of the support pole and covering the antenna receptor members. The drooping members have colors and textures to resemble a palm tree skirt.

Abstract: A space saving system to provide stable and supported movement of an expandable room or other moveable structure relative to a vehicle or other base structure is disclosed. The space saving system provides an inner and outer nested tubular member within a floor of the base structure. Low friction bearings are used to separate and support the nested tubular members relative to one another. The inner member is fixed to the base structure and the outer member is allowed to move telescopically relative to the inner member. The outer member is vertically supported by the base structure through use of a low friction bearing. The expandable room is supported upon the outer member.

Abstract: A volumetric modular building system comprising a reinforced concrete inverted “tee-beam” module. The module has a series of integral cross-walls which are spaced to coincide with the dimensions of the rooms and corridors constituting a section of a building, these rooms being formed by a matched pair of such modules acting in parallel, separated by, and adapted to support between them, a suspended concrete floor, external infill walls, internal partition walls, fixtures and services. The dimensional control of the modules is ensured by means of a removable structural steel framework gauge attached to and forming a part of the casting mold adjacent to the ends of the integral cross-walls. The legs of the gauge serve to locate and secure, during casting, top and bottom steel bearing-plates which are in turn separated, regulated and perforated by vertical steel tube tie-rod sleeves embedded locally near the ends of the concrete cross-walls.

Abstract: A method and structural component for use in constructing geodesic domes using standardized polygon panels. The invention allows for the use of a reduced number of components to construct a geodesic dome. In one embodiment, a set of kite-shaped quadrilateral panels with an external convex surface are used to substantially construct a geodesic dome. A panel includes two lip seal panel edges. The lip seam edge includes an inwardly disposed lip forming a mating surface suitable for mating with an adjacent straight seam edge of a corresponding panel so that the engagement between the two edges forms a seal. The seal may be made to impede moisture by various fastening methods, including screwing, riveting, gluing, taping or welding. Practice of the invention reduces transportation, inventory, and handling expense. Procurement, assembly, and maintenance complexity for the end user is also reduced.

Abstract: A portable fire curtain system to provide a cloak to cover a vented opening. When deployed it will alleviate the incoming wind, which is fueling the fire. The fire curtain is made of one sheet of a fire resistant or fire proof material that is folded and sewn together. Encapsulated within the fire curtain are 6 bars of high-tempered aluminum running laterally. Each corner of the fire curtain has holes that are drilled through the top and bottom bars. Four 5 foot cable leaders with loops, (one to each corner) will be secured to these holes. Two 40 foot ropes with snaps on all ends will be connected to these cable leaders to be used in the deployment. The ropes are packed in two rope deployment bags in order to prevent the ropes from tangling.

Abstract: A seal for a fixed window in a motor vehicle, including a pane-holding channel to receive and grip the opposite faces of a margin of a window pane. A sealing lip extending parallel with the pane-holding channel has a root located a small distance apart from the top edge of the pane-holding channel, and an outer margin of the lip extends to and presses sealingly against an outer surface of the window pane. In a preferred embodiment of the invention an outer margin of the main member of the seal defines a channel to receive and grip the opposite faces of a margin of the structure defining a window opening in the motor vehicle. A locking strip engaged in a locking strip groove keeps the seal in place after installation. Where two seal members meet, the respective sealing lips meet to form a curved concave corner.

Abstract: An access door is suitable for installation in a structure such as a building and allows ready access to an enclosed region of the structure. The access door includes a door frame that can be mounted on the structure and that forms an access opening. A panel removably covers the access opening on an exterior side of the door frame. Two parallel connecting links are pivotably connected both to the door frame and to the panel in a manner permitting the panel to be moved from an open position where the access opening is uncovered to a closed position where the panel covers the access opening. A frame member connects the two links together in a rigid manner. One or more threaded fasteners can be used to detachably connect the panel so that it is secured in the closed position. In one embodiment, a single screw can detachably connect the panel to a pivotable connecting frame that includes the two links. In another version, the panel can be detachably and directly connected to the door frame by fasteners.

Abstract: A self-bearing curtain wall system is provided, the system including a matrix of unitized kinematically integrated cladding panels flexibly joined to a structural member so as to thereby responsively anchor said matrix of unitized cladding panels. Adjacent cladding panels of the matrix of unitized cladding panels are responsively linked horizontally and vertically for horizontal and vertical rotation. Horizontally adjacent cladding panels of the matrix of unitized cladding panels are responsively joined to a cable type structural member via an anchor fixture, which allows the structural member to move freely along the wall.

Abstract: A space-dividing wall panel system having a plurality of base panels which are serially connectable one with the other to define a vertically enlarged wall supported on a floor. Each base panel is defined by at least one horizontal box-beam rigidly connected to a pair of laterally spaced apart vertical uprights which are connected at the opposite ends of the box-beam and have a reduced thickness compared thereto. With this clearance between the faces of the box-beam and the uprights, the box-beam, cross rails at the ends of the uprights as well as additional extension panels are formed with longitudinally extending channels which are positioned free of interference with the vertical uprights and aligned with serially-adjacent channels of serially-adjacent wall panels.

Abstract: A connector that is to be partially embedded in a cementitious member is adapted to make a more positive connection to a form board for the cementitious member. The embedded portion of the connector is formed with a opening that can receive and hold the shank of a nail that is partially driven into a form board. Preferably, a double-headed nail is held by a keyhole-shaped opening. The double-headed nail is held by the narrow portion of the keyhole slot at the upper portion of the shank between the end most head and the intermediate flanges or head of the nail. The nail is moved into position by inserting the nail through the wide portion of the keyhole opening so that the intermediate head and the upper portion of the shank is received thereby. Then, the upper portion of the shank of the fastener is slid out of the wide portion and into the narrow portion of the keyhole opening to finish the connection.

Abstract: A tile (1) provided with lateral longitudinal fixed joinable lower elements (13) on an underlying surface (8) and upper (14), and at a front end of the tile, an antisliding detent (15) is present. A method and system for covering a roof using a tile (1) having a central curved portion whereby two or more tiers are formed by the tiles joined together by upper elements and lower elements, and adjacent tiers joined together with one tier overlying an adjacent tier and being locked together by the antisliding detent.

Abstract: A structural building module is provided as a generally rectangular, hollow, extruded, interlocking tubular element formed of a plastic material. The module has two opposed first sides and two opposed second sides extending along a longitudinal axis. Two flanges project from one of the second sides of the element parallel to the first sides and extend along the longitudinal axis for the length of the element. Two recessed areas extend along the longitudinal axis for the length of the element from another of the second sides of the element and aligned with the two flanges. The flanges of one module interlock with the recessed areas of an adjacent module. Structures made with the modules may be assembled easily and quickly. Individual modules have a high stiffness to weight ratio, rendering the modules particularly appropriate for low cost residential housing, auxiliary buildings such as garden sheds or garages, or emergency huts or shelters.

Abstract: A truss system wherein the structural components and fixtures are formed from light gauge metal. The trusses are fabricated from roll formed truss chord members and truss web members. The truss chord members are roll formed to have a generally U-shaped cross-section with a base and two substantially parallel legs with recessed web attachment faces and outwardly extending stiffening flanges to improve structural capacity thus improving the strength-to-weight ratio of the chord member and minimizing costs. The truss web members are formed by nesting two roll formed C-shaped members to form a web member which is box-shaped in cross section. The web members provide the structural advantages of a box-shaped member and the ease and flexibility of a roll formed member.

Abstract: An improved, lightweight, portable, and self-contained concrete form for fabricating tilt-up concrete walls is provided. The form includes a frame made from metal frame members joined at their ends with the frame members forming the sides of the frame. The frame members may be channel shaped with their channels facing inwardly. A reinforcing mat comprising an array of crisscrossed rebars is disposed within the frame and is held in place with a plurality of brackets on the ends of at least some of the rebars and welded to respective frame members. The rebar mat is sized to be positioned in the mid portion of the frame and the brackets on the ends of the rebars are slid outwardly into and attached to the frame members by spot welding. The brackets are then spot welded to the ends of their rebars to form a rigid, lightweight concrete frame.

Abstract: A method of erecting a building ceiling in a structure having a floor plate and a circumferentially closed building wall erected on the floor plate, wherein a ceiling plate is manufactured on the floor plate, and wherein the circumferential contour of the ceiling plate corresponds to the inner contour of the building wall. Together with a circumferentially closed and water-tight side wall, the ceiling plate forms a floating body. Water is filled into the space defined by the inner side of the housing wall and the side wall, so that the floating body floats upwardly. When the ceiling height has been reached, the ceiling plate is connected to the building wall.

Abstract: A domed construction is formed by positioning and temporarily supporting a series of elongate structural elements in radially-extending positions, and forming structural joints between the adjoining radial edges of the structural elements, such that the series of structural elements form a self-supporting shell.

Abstract: Combined packages including a plurality of complementary containers are disclosed. A first such container is a first generally rectanguloidal container that contains a first item and a second such container is a second generally rectanguloidal container that contains a second item that is different from and complementary to the first item. A packaging material at least partially surrounds each of the containers, thus holding the container in mutual abutment. A combined package can also include an adhesive between the containers that holds a face of the first container and a face of the second container in mutual abutment. To facilitate palletizing the combined packages, the overall shape of the combined package can be generally rectanguloidal. The first container can have a plurality of faces, each of which is generally coplanar with a respective face of the second container. Apparatus and methods for manufacturing such combined packages are also disclosed.

Abstract: A feed unit for a container closure device, with a feed device for container closures and a transfer device which transfers the closures from the feed device to a workstation at which containers are closed. The feed device has a rail that terminates at a stationary check shoulder which protrudes into the feed path of the closures along the feed device rail to position each closure to be picked up by the transfer device moving on a path.

Abstract: A bottle carrier system for enabling a user to quickly and easily divide bottled beverages into six packs. The bottle carrier system includes a plurality of bottles. A bottle carrier has a plurality of apertures, each aperture is structured to frictionally engage a top of an associated one of the plurality of bottles when the top of the associated one of the bottles is inserted through the aperture. A rigid planar member has a plurality of holes. Each of the holes is positioned to align with an associated one of the apertures when the rigid planar member is positioned over the bottle carrier, whereby applying a downward force to the rigid planar member when the bottle carrier is positioned between the plurality of bottles and the rigid planar member urges the top of each the bottle through the associated aperture to secure the bottle carrier to the plurality of bottles.

Abstract: This machine is a cell for bulk palletizing a load such as the packaging of containers (bottles). The machine comprises a tier building system, a bulk load and dunnage supply systems. The cell also includes a programmable robot with cantilevered arm including an effector for transferring pallets, tiers of bulk product, tier sheets and top frames to the load build area. The effector includes an inverted drawer, suction means, pallet gripper means and top frame grippers for doing the transferring.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for producing a mixed batch of consumer products without the use of a mechanical mixer to carry out the mixing. An image sequencing means is provided which sequences images to be printed by a digitally-controlled printhead. Varying images are placed on consumer products or parts thereof—e.g. cigarette cards—as those products or parts of products pass under the printhead at a point in the production line. The consumer products, once assembled, are packaged directly from the production line to form mixed batches of product—without an additional mixing step.

Abstract: A system of dividing an endless, wide multi-layered web of packing material into a plurality of individual webs of equal width and aseptically processing the individual webs comprises laser-cutting elongated slits into the endless wide multi-layered web at a distance corresponding to the width of the individual webs to produce the individual webs, the slits extending through all layers of the web except for a web layer remote from the laser, which is only notched at least at selected distances, whereby the notched remote web layer holds the individual webs together, then sterilizing the laser-cut multi-layered web in a sterilization station, and conveying the sterilized, laser-cut multi-layered web in a sterile chamber to a number of tube-shaping elements corresponding to the number of individual webs, the notched remote web layer being torn by the tube-shaping elements to separate the individual webs from each other.