Abstract: A greeting card including an ornament/charm, and a jewelry fashion accessory either packaged together or purchased separately from a single merchandising fixture is provided. This novel card system allows the sender to provide a convenient object for the recipient to display on a fashion accessory, thus providing for the long term remembrance of the sender and also stimulate sales of greeting cards so that ornaments/charms can be collected to adhere to the fashion accessory received with the first card. The card provides all the functions of a conventional greeting card, such as delivering an appropriate message form the sender to the recipient. However upon receipt of the card, the ornament/charm may be fashionably displayed, and the card therefore provides an impression which endures much longer than if the card were simply stored away.

Abstract: A plate such as a motor vehicle licence plate comprises a casing which includes a flat rear wall surrounded by a forwardly projecting edge defining a light transmission opening, through which a flat symbol carrier extending parallel to the rear wall of the casing is visible. The symbol carrier has regions of differing transparency to represent symbols thereon. An electrically activatable light film between the rear wall and the symbol carrier shines light through the symbol carrier from the rear. To provide retroreflective properties, arranged in front of the light film and parallel thereto is a film which extends at least over considerable parts of the area of the light transmission opening and which is at least partially transparent for the light from the rear and which is retroreflective for light impinging thereon from the exterior. A light cover which is transparent at least in region-wise manner closes the light transmission opening.

Abstract: A decorated ear tag for livestock is disclosed that comprises a pre-printed multi-layer label bonded to a suitable tag blank to form a unitary finished tag. The resulting tag, and the information displayed thereby, are extremely resistant to deterioration by sunlight and other elements. In addition, the surface of the information panel of the resulting tag has a high slip factor that discourages obscurement of the displayed information by manure or other materials adhering to the tag.

Abstract: A scheduling sign system includes a main sign, at least one entity indicator, and at least one alternative indicator. The main sign displays an array of units of time. The entity indicator, which is separate from the main sign, displays information identifying an entity, e.g., a person. The alternative indicator, which is separate from the main sign and the entity indicator, displays information identifying a location, reminder, appointment, or activity, e.g., a scheduled doctor's appointment. The entity indicator indicates (e.g., points to) either a particular time on the main sign, e.g., the time of the doctor's appointment, or a particular alternative indicator. The alternative indicator indicates (e.g., points to) a particular time on the main sign or a particular entity indicator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for integrating an illuminated sign system with a dasher board in a hockey rink. The illuminated sign system includes an outer frame with an impact resistant transparent sheet secured to a front surface of the outer frame. The sign system includes a display panel member having a white front surface and a plurality of apertures therein. The display panel member includes a circuit board assembly having a plurality of LED trios positioned proximate the rear surface of the display panel member so that LED trios register and protrude through a corresponding aperture in the display panel member. The illuminated sign system includes a power supply and a controller for controlling the power supplied to specific LEDs in each of the LED trios. In addition, the controller controls the intensity emitted by the LEDs to thereby manipulate the color contrast with the white front surface of the display panel member.

Abstract: An illuminated display device includes an upper horizontal mount and a lower horizontal mount supported by a vertical pole with two opposite-facing translucent banners suspended between the mounts. The upper mount supports an enclosure which includes illumination means for projecting light downwardly. Two banners of substantially equal length are suspended between the supports and are disposed at an angle to each other, being spaced apart a greater distance at the top than at the bottom. The inside angled surfaces of each banner receive light projected downwardly from the enclosure. The enclosure may also include translucent side surfaces which can carry an advertising display or other printed communication to supplement the information provided on the outside surfaces of the banners. The banners are suspended between the mounting means by rod-and-hook attachments so that the banners can be easily removed and replaced.

Abstract: A mounting for a sheet to the side of a truck or the like includes attachment members forming a rectangle frame. Certain of the attachment members include frame members including mutually parallel multiple engagement surfaces defined on ribs. An elongate retainer, which cooperates with the frame members, is RF welded to the sides of the sheet. The retainer includes an elongate flange with an interlocking surface selectively interlocking with any one of the engagement surfaces on the frame. Both the frame member and the elongate retainer include rails. A tool including pinch rollers squeeze the rails toward one another to tension and mount the sheet. The sheet mounting for a roll-up door further includes rollers extending above the top of the door which are spring mounted. The sheet extends from the lower front of the roll-up door up over the rollers and is attached to the back side of an upper elongate panel of the roll-up door.

Abstract: A multi-component, interchangeable display system 500 is connectable with a support surface 276 such as an upright rail of a shelving system. The display system provides for the display of a variety of signs 652 on interchangeable display members 504 which may be slidably connected to a support bracket R. The support bracket includes a planar support body 506 having spaced fingers 508,510 which selectively engage openings 614 in the support rail. The display member includes a hinge portion 654, formed from a resiliently flexible material, which allows the sign to be bumped without damage.

Abstract: The present invention features a firearm safety mechanism with an improved trigger pull, wherein the weight of the safety mechanism is not on the trigger when the hammer is in the “full cock” position. The advancement presented in the present invention serves to separate the trigger from the trigger bar during the period when the trigger is pulled. As a result, the weight of the safety mechanism is not borne by the trigger while the hammer is fully cocked. This is accomplished by providing means for positioning the transfer bar into the extended position free from contact with the trigger. The present invention further features means, dependent upon the trigger, for facilitating the relocation of the transfer bar from its extended position into a retracted position upon release of the trigger subsequent to discharge of the firearm.

Abstract: A firearm safety bullet that locks into place rendering the gun inoperable. When fired the propellant forces a ram into an internal captive plastic sleeve. The shaft of the ram which has a tapered end, pushes its way through the center of a captive plastic sleeve expanding it with a pneumatic force causing the plastic sleeve to be pushed hard against the inside of the firearm and locking the shell inside the firing chamber. This will do several things all at one time, it will lock the shell inside the gun rendering it unusable, it will prevent a live shell from being introduced and it will stop anyone from using the firearm that is not aware that a safety bullet has been placed in the gun. It will save lives and prevent injury from accidental shootings.

Abstract: The modified magazine bottom (32 is provided with the two lateral cheeks (33′ or 33″) and the prisms (34′ or 34″) which provide for a slide fit in combination with lateral grooves existing on a pistol stock. The magazine with the magazine bottom (32) can thereby be fastened to the pistol stock and used as a support grip. The latch (32f) acts as a spring catch in combination with the transverse groove at the bottom of the pistol stock.

Abstract: A barrel with an adjustable bore diameter for use with a paint ball gun allowing the gun to fire paint ball pellets of different sizes. The barrel need not be removed from the gun in order to adjust the bore diameter, but rather an outer sleeve of the barrel is rotated to facilitate the change in the bore diameter. In one embodiment, the barrel includes an inner-bore sleeve, a barrel body having openings and force elements received in the openings. The barrel body and force elements are located between the inner-bore sleeve and outer sleeve. One embodiment includes recesses on an inner surface of the outer sleeve to rotationally index the force elements in the outer sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for unobtrusively disposing a replacement clip for an automatic weapon having a magazine well into which a clip is received. The apparatus is constructed and arranged to provide facile and expeditious insertion of a clip into the magazine well. The apparatus includes a sheath and mechanism for mounting the sheath to an automatic weapon. The sheath includes a structure for carrying the replacement clip including a dispensing port through which the replacement clip is withdrawn. The mechanism for mounting is positioned wherein a replacement clip carried within the sheath is fully withdrawn along an axis of the sheath, the clip is oriented and located relative to an entry to the magazine well to enable prompt insertion therein.

Abstract: A holding device is removably attached to the protection bow of a pistol. The holding device has a main body, a fixing portion, an abutting portion that is pivotably coupled to the main body, and an accommodation space defined between the fixing portion and the abutting portion for receiving the protection bow.

Abstract: A hunting blind allows the hunter to lie on his back in an inclined position. The hunter's head rests on a head rest. A gun rest is provided laterally across the hunter's body. A pair of flaps cover the hunter and are easily openable when the hunter brings his or her gun into a shooting position and/or moves to a sitting position. The blind is collapsible, requires no assembly in the field, and may be carried on the hunter's back like a backpack.

Abstract: A bird decoy for attracting predators, which decoy may be supported on a rod, a rod/spring combination or suspended from a limb or pole, with wings that selectively fold and flap up and down in life-like, actual and simulated flying, landing and take-off movements, the decoy simulating foraging, predator or waterfowl birds. In a first preferred embodiment the decoy is supported on the upper end of a spring which is secured to the upper end of an elongated support rod, the lower end of which support rod is typically inserted in the ground or in the bottom of a water body. The spring facilitates life-like simulated flying movements of the decoy to attract predators for photography, observation or hunting purposes. Alternatively, the decoy can be mounted directly on the stake itself, without using the spring. In a second embodiment, the decoy is constructed in the size and shape of a foraging, predator or waterfowl bird and is suspended from a limb or pole, for flying in a circle to attract the predators.

Abstract: An adjustable pin rig and a method for rigging a bait wherein the pin rig includes at least one pin interconnected to a pin support. The pin has a free end which is structured to pierce through at least a portion of the bait. A fastener is included which is structured to engage the free end of the pin to at least partially secure the pin rig to the bait. The pin support includes an attachment mechanism structured to secure the pin rig to at least a portion of a leader to which one or more hooks are attached. A multi-purpose rigging tool is provided to facilitate securing of the fastener and attachment mechanism. The method includes inserting a hook attached to a leader into the bait, attaching a pin support to a portion of the leader, piercing a portion of the bait with a free end of a pin, and securing a fastener to the free end of the pin. The method may also include removing a portion of the pin extending outwardly from the bait.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for cultivating and consuming fresh Spirulina at home. The method comprises species selection of Spirulina for cultivation at home, cultivation environment and apparatus conditions, cultivation and maintenance of Spirulina, collection of fresh Spirulina, consumption and storage of fresh Spirulina. The invention changes the situations that Spirulina are only produced in plants and the finished products of Spirulina are bought in stores or hospitals. The invention not only enables the nutrients of Spirulina to be stored and utilized much completely, but also comprehensively utilizes this original biological resource and characteristics of Spirulina (such as absorption of carbon dioxide, release of fresh oxygen and production of high-protein nutrient source) and thus develops and popularizes much quickly the edible Spirulina to meet the needs of the public to health foods.

Abstract: A plant enclosure for protecting outdoor plants from cool weather conditions generally comprises a sheet of thermally insulating material scored to form a plurality of panels. Each panel is substantially identically shaped such that the sheet may be expanded and formed into an approximately conical shape from a folded shape, the folded shape being substantially identical to the shape of each panel. A plurality of fasteners are attached to the panels and adapted to maintain the sheet in either the approximately conical shape or the folded shape. The plant enclosure is also provided with a hood portion affixed about an orifice through the upper portion of the panel structure for enclosing the upper foliage of a protected plant.

Abstract: A planter having a base and a plurality of compartments integrally formed with the base and projecting upwardly from the base. Interior walls of each compartment and a portion of the base enclosed by the interior walls of each compartment define a receptacle for receiving a plant growing medium and for propagating a plant therein. The base extends laterally beyond each of the compartments.

Abstract: A seed treating apparatus used to inoculate and treat seeds, which consists of a portable tank, pump, valve and nozzle system. This system can be mounted on any agricultural hauling vehicle or seeding implement to apply inoculant to seeds before or during the planting process. On a seeder having a transfer duct with a feed hopper at one end for receiving seed from a supply, the spray nozzle is mounted above the duct for spraying the material into the seed as it enters the hopper.

Abstract: An adjustable pulley assembly includes a fixing plate securely mounted on top of an upper frame of a suspended door, an adjusting seat mounted to the fixing plate, a pulley seat securely attached to the adjusting seat to move therewith, a pulley attached to the pulley seat, and an adjusting bolt. An axle is extended through the pulley, a screw hole in the pulley seat, and a vertical slot in the adjusting seat, and a nut is engaged on a distal end of the axle. An adjusting bolt is extended through a hole in a top plate of the pulley seat and a screw hole in a top plate of the adjusting seat. A distance between the top plate of the pulley seat and the top plate of the adjusting seat is changed when the adjusting bolt is turned.

Abstract: A sliding sash window assembly which comprises a fixed rectangular outer frame securable in a window aperture and having upper and lower window units (13, 14) mounted in the fixed outer frame and at least one of which is relatively movable between an open position and a closed position of the window assembly, and respective rectangular frames for the units arranged to permit lower horizontal frame member of the upper unit (13) to be located alongside an upper horizontal frame member of the lower unit (14) when the window assembly is closed, so that a locking element can lock the frame members to each other. The rectangular outer frame has side frames in which counterweight arrangements are housed, and forming a stack of weights which can be pulled upwardly within the housing by an elongate tensile element (20) which is secured at one end at or near the lower end of the stack, and at its other end is engageable with a lower end region of the movable window unit.

Abstract: In a door structure for a vehicle provided with a door main body (4) having an opening (2) provided in an inner panel (3), a module base (7) in which a window regulator (6) for vertically moving a window panel (5) is assembled and a fastening portion (9a) provided near an outer periphery so as to be capable of closing the opening (2) is fixed to the inner panel (3) by a fastening member (10), and a handle (8a) provided in a room inside, the handle (8a) being fixed to the module base (7), reinforcing beads (19, 19a, 19b) are provided in the module base (7) along a line connecting a mounting portion (12) to which the handle (8a) is fixed and the fastening portion (9a) provided in a vertical direction of the mounting portion (12).

Abstract: A convertible public exhibition facility includes a stadium having an exhibition area and a seating area that is situated about the exhibition area for permitting spectators to view activities taking place in the exhibition area. The exhibition facility further includes a movable natural grass activity platform that has a surface area of natural grass that is at least 10,000 square feet and that is constructed so as to have a characteristic frequency of at least 6 Hz. Situated within the natural grass activity platform is a transport mechanism that is constructed and arranged so as to be able to move the natural grass activity platform as a complete unit from a location that is outside of the stadium to a location that is within the exhibition area. Preferably, the location that is outside of the stadium is an outdoor location that provides optimal conditions for the growth of natural grass.

Abstract: The present invention is a netting system (10) for use with bleachers and grandstands (11) to prevent children, persons, and debris from falling to the ground. A first end (12a) of a net (12) is operatively connected to a cable (18) proximate an attachment point (11a) proximate the top of the bleachers (11). Then, a second end (12b) of the net (12) is passed over the understructure (11c) of the bleachers (11) and then operatively connected to a cable (25) proximate an attachment point (11b) proximate the bottom of the bleachers (11).

Abstract: A flashing apron for use in grain bins roofs which has apron segments comprised of a single sheet of metal with a plurality of spaced crease lines therein wherein the crease lines create a plurality of truncated areas in an upper surface of the apron segment. Each apron segment has a side edge comprising a downwardly bent lip which fits underneath a side edge of an adjacent apron segment which is planar in shape and which lies on or above the bent lip. Suitable fasteners are provided to secure the apron segments together to create a composite flashing apron for mounting around the circular ring at the apex of the grain bin roof.

Abstract: An improved curtain wall casing bead for installation on buildings having stucco or similar curtain wall exteriors. The improved curtain wall casing bead incorporates a mesh attached to at least the front wall of the casing or starter bead, which mesh extends beyond the height of the front wall and provides additional area for the infiltration of over-applied stucco finishes or the like. Such additional infiltration, after drying of the over-applied layer provides a more adherent, higher quality and more durable attachment of the stucco finish to the casing bead and the overall wall structure is achieved.

Abstract: A window assembly for garage doors having an opening with cooperative dimensions to receive a transparent panel with a reduced surface on one side and a peripheral flange making the outer surface larger than the internal surface. The underside of the peripheral flange member comes in abutting contact with the panel's external surface to which it is glued. An external frame member is mounted over the peripheral edge of the external side of the transparent panel. An internal frame member is mounted over the peripheral edge of internal surface. Fastening members are used to keep the transparent panel member in place.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems, and devices for installing thermal barriers in openings or gaps in or between structures such as walls, ceilings, and floors. At least one thermal barrier molding bag is positioned in the hole or gap, and a flowable firestop material that is operative to cure or harden, such as a hydratable cementitious slurry, is introduced into the bag to mold a barrier in the hole or gap.

Abstract: A building structure suitable as a two-unit building module which may be incorporated into a variety of multi-storey commercial or residential buildings. The structure includes two vertically stacked units which each define a respective self-contained space. As a module, the building structure extends downward from a planar ceiling surface which forms the ceiling of an uppermost unit to a planar lower floor surface of the second lower other unit. Together, the pair of stacked units has an overall height equal to two and one-half to three full storeys, and a height selected between twenty-three and thirty-six feet, depending upon the respective building structure (7.5-12 feet). The building module is bordered on each lateral side by load-bearing support pillars or sidewalls which extend the height of the building. An interior dividing bearing wall is positioned within each of the units between the load-bearing sidewalls, and which divide each unit into primary and secondary living areas or spaces.

Abstract: A demountable modular floor for watertight raised decks consisting of a plurality of modularly assemblable composite slabs made of steel sheet and concrete, provided with a drainage system for collecting and conveying the rainwater between the slabs, wherein each composite slab comprises a bottom element (1) made of corrugated metal sheet surrounded by four suitably shaped metal sections (2, 3) and filled with a concrete layer (14), as well as four segments of upwardly open gutters (6, 7) peripherally arranged around said composite slab. The structure is completed by grid elements (8) covering the gutters (6) of larger width. The floor structure allows a rapid setting up of the raised deck and, at the same time, it affords the total dismantling thereof and prevents any seepage or leakage of water towards the underlying area.

Abstract: A decorative laminated building panel, usable for placement on an exterior surface of a building to improve the appearance thereof. The panel includes a foam core, a thin fabric mat attached to at least one surface of the foam core, and a durable material attached to the fabric mat with a binding agent. The durable material is intended to be used on an outward-facing surface of the panel, and may be selected from materials including stone, tile, and brick. Optionally, the panel may include a final finish covering the exposed exterior surface thereof, to give a more pleasing appearance. The panel is intended for a non load-bearing application, and the rear surface of the panel is preferred to be substantially cement-free, that is, free of Portland-type cement. Among other uses, panels according to the invention are suitable for use as exterior skirting material on manufactured homes.

Abstract: A concrete building panel has a slab and a plurality of ribs and beams. A series of horizontal holes in the end ribs are spaced at a selected constant spacing such that adjacent panels, may be fastened together through them. In one type of panel, the slab is separated from the ribs to provide an air gap. Connections between holes in two adjacent concrete wall panels are made by a hollow conduit having an abutment at either end to engage the concrete wall panels. Other connections between adjacent panels involve a stitch with legs which extend through holes in the beams. Other connections involve a space made by vertical channels of horizontally adjacent panels. A plate fitted into the space aligns the adjacent panels and may extend upwards to align upper panels. Load bearing horizontal holes through the ribs are reinforced with reinforcing bar in the concrete arranged in generally triangular shapes.

Abstract: A laminated shingle simulates a tiled roof when placed with other similar shingles on a roof deck. The laminated shingle includes an overlay member and an underlay member fixedly attached to each other. The overlay member includes an upper or headlap portion and a lower or exposed butt portion with one or more substantially identically shaped tabs with a cutout between each tab. The lower edge of the tabs may have a curving or negative contour. The tabs may taper in width from the butt edge to the lower edge of the headlap portion. The upper edge of the cutouts may have a generally straight contour or a generally curved contour. The lower edge of the underlay member may have a generally straight contour or a portion of the lower edge may have a generally curving contour. The overlay member and/or underlay member may include a darker shading area to enhance the tile simulating aspect of the shingle.

Abstract: An adjustable truss for reinforcing a floor supported atop horizontal joists has a beam which underlies the floor and includes reinforcing members having spaced apart limbs which provide space for the accommodation of utility components such as wiring, pipes, and conduits. The support members are removable from the beam so as to enable any selected support to be uncoupled from the beam and recoupled thereto following movement of the support member in such manner as to enable the utility components to be accommodated in the space between the limbs. The support members are rockable in either of two opposite direction so as to enable the beam to be adjusted in such manner as to maintain bearing engagement with the underside of the floor.

Abstract: Face plates 11 and 12 of a hollow shape member 10 are abutted against face plates 21 and 22 of a hollow shape member 20. Grooves 18 formed to said face plates 11 and 12 at the abutted region receive projections 28 formed to said face plates 21 and 22. A connecting plate 14 orthogonal to said face plates 11 and 12 is provided to the hollow shape member 10. There is no connecting plate orthogonal to face plates 21 and 22 disposed on the end of the hollow shape member 20. Friction stir welding heat causes the face plate 21 (22) to move toward the thickness direction of hollow shape members 10 and 20, but such movement is suppressed by the groove 18 and projection 28. Thereby, the abutted region is welded flatly. Since the hollow shape member 20 requires no connecting plate corresponding to plate 14, the welded members are light in weight.

Abstract: The present invention involves a window trim system with a bracket and trim ring, and a method of installing the same. The window trim system includes a clamping bracket which is press fit and screwed into preformed channels in the window frame. The clamping bracket has a receiving portion, such as a depression or catch, for interfitting with an engagement portion of the trim ring, such as a protrusion or catch. A trim ring is then snapped into place over the clamping bracket, thus hiding the screw head from sight. Advantageously, the window trim system is capable of securing the window frame to the vehicle wall with a minimal number of brackets and screws.

Abstract: A building element for use as a column or a beam includes a profile of substantially uniform cross-section extending lengthwise between first and second ends. The profile is defined by a web, a pair of side flanges perpendicular to the web, and curved outer corners joining the side flanges, respectively, to the web. The web includes at least one constriction extending in the same direction as the side flanges and having a pair of arms extending angularly inwardly toward one another from curved inner corners of the web to a curved base having an apex. The side flanges extend from the outer corners to tips, respectively, terminating at side edges, respectively. The building element has an overall width between the web and the tips. The at least one constriction has a width between the web and the apex about ⅓ the overall width.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing hollow metal frames having a grout filled interior is disclosed. An apparatus includes a substantially planar body having an upper and lower surface. The upper surface includes at least one grip. The lower surface includes a gasket and a number of protrusions. The protrusions are placed into holes on the hollow metal frame into which additional components such as hinges are to be added. Grout is added to the frame and allowed to harden. Once the grout is hardened, the grout guard is removed and air spaces are retained. Screws and other components are typically filled into the air spaces.

Abstract: A building system includes structural insulated panels having an inner insulating core such as of foam plastic or agri-board and strong thin facings such as of plastic impregnated/reinforced paper on opposed surfaces of the insulating core. The impregnated/reinforced paper provides the panel with high strength and facilitates attaching the panel to dimensional lumber or to similar adjacent panels. The opposed outer facings overlap/extend beyond the insulating core's edges in various configurations so as to provide several different panels, each adapted to satisfy a specific structural purpose. In a first configuration, three edges of the outer facings overlap respective edges of the insulating core for also overlapping a base plate, a top plate and an adjacent stud, panel, window or doorjamb.

Abstract: A machine for producing packets of cigarettes, each packet having a group of cigarettes enclosed in packaging material, has a number of conveyors, each having a respective given number of respective members which are brought into contact with the groups and/or the packaging material, and cooperate with the members of at least one adjacent conveyor; the number of members of each conveyor being equal to a multiple or to a divisor of the number of members of an adjacent conveyor.

Abstract: A adjustable shuttle stop apparatus for use in controlling feeding of material to a machining operation on a machine tool, such as a band saw. The apparatus comprises a feed conveyor, a band saw adjacent to the feed conveyor, a shuttle vise movably disposed on the feed conveyor, and an adjustable stop on the feed conveyor for adjusting a distance between the stop and the shuttle vise and for stopping the shuttle vise at the cutting position. The adjustable stop compensates for undesired movement of the shuttle vise caused by clamping the workpiece such that the distance between the stop and the shuttle vise remains substantially constant. This allows for a consistent cut length of the workpiece on subsequent cutting cycles. Different embodiments of the adjustable stop are disclosed along with a method of use of the apparatus.

Abstract: A bottle support plate for use in a rotary capping machine used to apply caps onto the upper threaded neck of one or more containers having a non-fully circular flange. The containers are moved along a generally circular path by a star wheel. The bottle support plate is connected to the star wheel and includes a pocket that at least partially supports and at least partially mates with the flange of the container to at least partially inhibit rotation of the container during the threading of a cap on the upper threaded neck of the container.

Abstract: In a device for loading film (3) on machines for wrapping products, a carriage (4) which supports and moves a reel (5) has a guard (9) covering the end of a pair of rollers (6, 7) for pre-stretching and feeding the film (3), opposite the end attached to a platform (8) which supports the rollers; the guard (9) covers each roller (6, 7) in such a way that it defines a continuous through-channel (C) at least at the surfaces (6s, 7s) of the rollers (6, 7) which make contact with the film (3), so that the film (3) can be inserted between said surfaces from the outside.

Abstract: Methods of producing a terminally sterilized topical patch preparation are provided. In the subject methods, a topical patch preparation is exposed to electron beam radiation, preferably low level electron beam radiation, for a period of time sufficient to terminally sterilize the topical patch preparation. Also provided are the terminally sterilized topical patch preparations produced by the subject methods and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Methods of selectively packaging clips of tissues in flat or boutique cartons include depositing clips on carriers and turning and dropping clips into transverse channels in the carrier floors from where fat clips can be pushed into flat cartons, or selectively depressing the mid-portion of clips spanning the channels into the channels to form U-shaped clips which can be pushed into boutique cartons.

Abstract: The method entails unwinding portion of film stored in roll form. The film is made of a heat-sealable single- or multilayer flexible material. The flaps for the unwound portion are folded until they are side by side or overlapped along a narrow band. The resulting new lateral edges are folded further so as to form longitudinal accordion-like portions and the bottom is then formed with a transverse heat-sealed portion which is produced simultaneously with a median cut relative to the heat-sealed portion, successively separating two pairs of adjacent containers. The heat-sealed bottom is inserted into the container by an extent which is equal to half the width of the lateral accordion-like portion and a longitudinal heat-sealed portion is then produced in the region where the flaps lie side by side and/or overlap, blocking the bottom and the accordion-like portion, simultaneously with a complete or partial cutting of the longitudinal heat-sealed portion.

Abstract: A packaging machine is described. A plurality of working stations is arranged between the input side and output side of the machine. A conveyor moves packages carrying a product along a path from the input side to the output side through the working stations. A device feeds a cover film onto the packages. The cover film has two layers bonded together with a limited bonding strength. A first layer has a portion protruding beyond said second layer. Another device separates the first layer from the second layer in a defined region extending across the cover film transversely to the conveyor path. The separator seals the defined region of the cover film and supplies a pressurized fluid to said defined region. The defined region includes at least part of the protruding portion of the first layer. A method of using the packaging machine to package product also is described along with the package that is made.

Abstract: An exemplary pocket spring assembly comprises a plurality of elongate fabric tubes disposed adjacent each other. Each fabric tube has a plurality of pockets, with at least some of the pockets of adjacent fabric tubes being welded together at midpoints on the adjacent pocket. Further, a spring is disposed in each of the pockets.