Abstract: A method of supplying an additive in an oil filter, the method including: forming a dispersement device housing with a first chamber and a second chamber, the second chamber being sealed from the first chamber by a pair of dividing walls; sealing a first metering opening with an oil soluble material the first metering opening being in fluid communication with the first chamber when the oil soluble material is removed from the first metering opening; sealing a second metering opening with an oil soluble material the second metering opening being in fluid communication with the second chamber when the oil soluble material is removed from the second metering opening; disposing a first liquid additive within the first chamber; disposing a second liquid additive within the second chamber; sealing the dispersement device housing with a cap, the cap being configured to seal the first chamber and the second chamber within the dispersement device housing; and securing the dispersement device housing to a filter elemen

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a three-dimensional structure includes (a) placing a second porous sheet on top of a first porous sheet that has a predetermined external shape and at least part of which contains a first functional liquid, (b) bonding at least a range surrounded by a predetermined shape of the second porous sheet onto the first porous sheet, (c) processing the second porous sheet in the predetermined shape, and (d) after step (b), causing a second functional liquid to be contained in at least part of the range of the second porous sheet so that the first functional liquid and the second functional liquid are brought into contact through the first porous sheet and the second porous sheet.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods to dispense adhesives for fabricating multiple electrooptic devices. In addition the invention also discloses on how the cavities of these electrooptic devices may be filled by an injection process. The Electrooptic devices of this invention may comprise liquid or solid electrolytes.

Abstract: An inflatable or gas-filled insulation panel comprises an envelope having two outer sheets sealed together along edges of the sheets and at least one of the sheets has an outer reflective surface. The envelope encases a plurality of internal films that include a polymeric film having a plurality of reflective stripes disposed thereon and spaced apart on the films. Seals are formed along the gaps or areas between the reflective stripes on the films by application of heat and pressure, which causes the films to seal to each other and the outer sheets at spaced apart intervals. A channel is formed between the outer edges of the films and the outer sheets, and a valve, disposed at an end of the panel, is in fluid communication with the channel for the injection of a fluid, such as an inert gas or air, to inflate panel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are presented for the mass production manufacturing of planar mirrors inside transparent micro balls circumscribed by lubricated bearings for solar energy concentration and related applications such as optical switches, etc. These bearings permit rotational alignment of the balls with minimal friction. The preferred mass production process utilizes photolithography in an optical microlithographic photoresist process. The micro-balls are in the size range of ˜1 micron (1×10-6 m) to 1000 microns (1 mm). The micro-balls vary in geometry from spheres to cylinders to oblate ellipsoids to disks. The term “elements” is used to encompass all these shapes, which have one thing in common—a flat specularly reflecting mirrored surface.

Abstract: In a disk drive device having a double cover structure with low-density gas enclosed therein, embodiments of the present invention help to securely perform leak inspection on an outer cover and to prevent defects caused in joining the outer cover. According to one embodiment, a hard disk drive (HDD) comprises a flow amount adjuster on a base-facing side of its inner cover. Helium gas in an enclosure goes out through a ventilation hole via diffusion channel of a flow amount adjuster. The emitted helium gas remains in the space between the inner cover and an outer cover. This achieves easier detection of the leakage of helium gas from the joining section of the outer cover and prevention of emission of too much helium gas from the enclosure.

Abstract: An open grid fabric resin infusion medium and reinforcing composite lamina used in the manufacture of fiber reinforced polymer resin composites. The use of the open grid fabric as at least one of a composite lamina provides significant improvements in both the resin infusion rate and resin distribution uniformity throughout the laminate.

Abstract: An air mattress system is provided wherein longitudinal air supply tubes supply air to alternating laterally extending cross support tubes that extend between two longitudinal side rails. The side rails remain inflated despite failure of the pump or ruptures of the lateral support tubes. The structure of the air mattress is such that it can be produced as a continuous rolled product. A method for making the individual mattress of this construction is also set forth.

Abstract: Resin-impregnated carbon fiber composites containing metal inserts. Carbon fibers or a carbon fiber preform are bonded to a metal structural member. Once the carbon fiber-metal bond is established, the fiber-metal assembly or hybrid preform is impregnated with resin, to form an article in which bonding between the metal structural member and the composite remainder of the article is greatly enhanced. In a process embodiment, a metal insert, e.g. a steel insert, is provided in contact with particulate carbide-forming metal, e.g. titanium, and with carbon fiber segments. Then an electric current is passed through the carbide-forming metal particles and carbon fibers to heat them to a temperature above the melting point of the carbide-forming metal. This initiates an exothermic reaction, which forms liquid phase metal carbide. Subsequently the liquid phase metal carbide is cooled and solidified, thereby bonding the carbon fiber segments to the metal insert.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of manufacturing fluid-filled MEMS displays, where the fluid is sealed in the display assembly and substantially surrounds the moving components of the display to reduce the effects of stiction and to improve the optical and electromechanical performance of the display.

Abstract: A cushion pack including a corrugated fibreboard lattice within a flexible polymeric envelope which is vented to allow the air contained within the envelope to escape when the cushion pack is subjected to compression.

Abstract: Provided are a dye-sensitized solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes an opposing electrode and a photoelectrode. The opposing electrode includes a light-transmitting layer formed of a transparent glass substrate and an FTO (fluorine-doped tin oxide) thin film deposited on the transparent glass substrate, and a catalyst layer formed by depositing platinum on the FTO thin film. The photoelectrode includes a glass substrate and an FTO thin film deposited on the glass substrate. The photoelectrode is coated with a mixture of a fluorescent material and a transition metal oxide that includes titanium dioxide (TiO2) to thereby be adsorbed with a dye. An electrolyte is filled between the opposing electrode and the photoelectrode.

Abstract: A process for producing an adhesive type heat-generation according to the present invention comprises an adhesive layer forming process 30 and a heating composition filling and the adhesive layer gathering process 60. In the adhesive layer forming process, the hydrous hydrophilic adhesive layer is spread and sandwiched between a release film and a base film while continuously feeding the release film and the base film from respective rolls to form the adhesive layer. In the heating composition filling and the adhesive layer gathering process 60, the base film is placed on the air-permeable film at its one side opposite to the adhesive layer, peripheral edges of the films are melt-bonded to form a heat-sealed peripheral edge and thus to form a pocket between the base film and the air-permeable film for containing the heating composition. At the same time, an adhesive of the adhesive layer is pushed and gathered inside the heat-sealed peripheral edge.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a door having a window, the door having a first door skin and a second door skin, the method including the following steps in the order named: forming a first door light opening perimeter having a first plurality of tabs arranged about the first door light opening perimeter, wherein the first door light opening perimeter defines a first door light portion; forming a second door light opening perimeter having a second plurality of tabs arranged about the second door light opening perimeter, wherein the second door light opening perimeter defines a second door light portion; positioning the first door skin on a first press; positioning an insert in aligned registration with the first plurality of tabs; positioning the second door skin over the insert, wherein the second plurality of tabs are in aligned registration with the insert, and the first door light opening perimeter is aligned with the second door light opening perimeter; applying pressure with the first press to secure the firs

Abstract: An elastic laminate having fragrance releasing microcapsules embedded within a nonwoven web layer of the laminate is generally disclosed. The elastic laminate is configured to release the encapsulated fragrance upon stretching the laminate. The elastic laminate can continue to release fresh fragrance even after the first stretching force is applied, effectively extending the life of the elastic laminate. The resulting elastic laminate is useful for many applications, and is particularly useful in the construction of an absorbent article.

Abstract: To provide a secondary battery that is capable of shortening injecting time for injecting an electrolytic solution, and infiltrating the electrolytic solution uniformly, during a process for preparing the secondary battery. Also, to provide the secondary battery in which discordance of layers of positive-electrode plates, negative-electrode plates, and separators does not easily occur during a process for laminating them and the following process.

Abstract: A solar panel apparatus and method. The apparatus has an optically transparent member comprising a predetermined thickness and an aperture surface region. The apparatus has a solar cell coupled to a portion of the optically transparent member. In a specific embodiment, the solar cell includes a transparent polymeric member and a plurality of photovoltaic regions provided within a portion of the transparent polymeric member. In a specific embodiment, the plurality of photovoltaic regions occupies at least about 10 percent of the aperture surface region of the transparent polymeric member and less than about 80% of the aperture surface region of the transparent polymeric member.

Abstract: A liquid crystalline medium comprises a plurality of polymerizable monomers and a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. The liquid crystal molecules are selected from at least one of compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. “G1”, “G3” and “G5” are independently alkyl having 1 to 8 carbons or alkyenyl having 2 to 8 carbons. “G2” and “G6” are independently alkyl having 1 to 8 carbons or alkoxy having 1 to 7 carbons. “G4” is alkyl of 1 to 8 carbons, alkyenyl of 2 to 8 carbons or alkoxy of 1 to 7 carbons. “Z1” is single bond, ethyl or methoxy. “Z2” is single bond, ethyl, methoxy, or caroboxyl. “Z3” is single bond, ethyl, difluoromethoxy, difluoropropoxy or ethyl carboxyl. “Z4” is single bond, ethyl, difluoromethoxy, or difluoropropoxy. are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene. One of “E1” and “E2” is fluorine, and the other is chlorine.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for inflating an inflatable web in which, in one embodiment, the inflatable web is conveyed along a path of travel with an inflation element positioned between unsealed edges of the web and proximate the inflation ports of the web's inflatable chambers, and a tracking sensor is used to detect the transverse position of the web with respect to the inflation element. A web tracking system is employed to continually adjust the transverse position of the web to maintain it within a predetermined range with respect to the inflation element. In this manner, the consistency of inflation of the inflatable chambers is improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a component having a multipart cover layer and also to a component having a multilayer cover layer. The method according to the invention for the production of a component comprises the steps: a) insertion at least of two skins (3, 4; 20, 21; 41, 42; 81, 82) into the second tool half of a tool having a cavity-forming first tool half (1) and second tool half (2; 27; 40; 60; 80) such that the skins overlap in their end regions (5, 6; 22, 23; 43, 44; 83, 84); b) rear-foaming or rear-spraying of the skins with a foam material (7, 24) or spraying material, c) by exerting low pressure in the region of the overlap, the internally situated end region (6; 23; 44; 84) of the one skin (4; 21; 42; 82) being pressed against the externally situated end region (5; 22; 43; 83) of the other skin (3; 20; 41; 81) in a foam-tight or injection moulding-tight manner.

Abstract: An electrochemical detection system having a disposable cartridge capable of performing a plurality of assay protocols is disclosed. The cartridge includes a blister pack for the long-term storage and controlled release of multiple reagents. The blister pack is bonded to and operatively associated with a fluidic backbone for providing the fluid pathways, storage capacity, and fluid control functions for performing multiple assay protocols. The cartridge further includes a plurality of sensors having a multiple electrode arrangement in operative association with a respective flow cell defined by the fluidic backbone. After the user has transferred a sample into the cartridge and engaged the cartridge to the reader, the reader operatively interfaces with the cartridge such that different assay protocols may be simultaneously performed in isolation from one another inside the cartridge. The reader may be one of many readers that operatively communicate data to a remote server for processing.

Abstract: There is provided a method for continuous production of a functional membrane whereby a functional membrane in which a functional polymer is filled into the micropores of a porous resin sheet can be obtained both continuously and efficiently.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cushioned blown film including a first blown film layer, a second blown film layer, and a plurality of cushioning cells defined between the first blown film layer and the second film layer. The cushioned blown films may be bonded to a fibrous web to make film nonwoven laminates. Processes for making the cushioned blown film and the film nonwoven laminates are also disclosed. Such laminates are highly useful for use in personal care products, protective wear garments, medical care products, mortuary and veterinary products and the like.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for producing a sheet material including: an RFID reader (11) for reading information from an RFID tag; a sheet supply unit (12) for supplying the sheet material (4) having a heat-sensitive printing layer on one surface of a sheet-type base material, and having a heat-sensitive adhesive layer on the other surface of the sheet-type base material; a printing unit (13) for performing printing on the heat-sensitive printing layer of the sheet material (4) supplied from the sheet supply unit (12); a thermal activation unit (15) for heating the heat-sensitive adhesive layer of the sheet material (4), which is printed by the printing unit (13), to develop an adhesive force of the heat-sensitive adhesive layer; and a control unit (16) for controlling the thermal activation unit (15) to develop the adhesive force in a predetermined area of the heat-sensitive adhesive layer other than an area facing the RFID tag so as to form an adhesive area to be attached to the article, and for controlling t

Abstract: Hollow fiber membranes are potted by injection molding a thermoplastic material into a cavity containing the fibers. The cavity is formed in part by the interaction of a mold and a layer of an adhesive pre-applied to a bundle of the membranes.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an evaporative cooling garment uses discrete units of a liquid-retentive material formed from the liquid-retentive material in its natural state. The discrete units may be pellets, tablets, or liquid-soluble pouches or capsules. In the preferred embodiment granulated water-absorbent polymer crystals are formed into capsules. The capsules are then sealed in one or more chambers in the garment.

Abstract: Devices and methods for inflating and sealing packaging pillows from a material web are shown for consistently producing high-quality packaging pillows. A web of material is advanced past an inflation nozzle, inflated with gas, and sealed closed by a sealing element. The temperature of the sealing element is monitored using a thermocouple connection and automatically adjusted using a closed-loop system. A sealing clamp parallel to the sealing element maintains two sheets of the web in contact through the sealing step. The inflation nozzle is provided with two inflation outlets: a first outlet inserting gas longitudinally into the web of material, and a second outlet inserting gas laterally into the material. Gas input is controlled with the use of relief valves to maintain pillow quality at all stages of production.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a process of liquid crystal panel with one drop fill (ODF). A black matrix, which can not be penetrated by an ultraviolet light while curing a sealant, is formed on the other substrate. Hence, in this present invention, it can avoid the aforementioned problem during the curing process and simplifies the curing process.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel is provided which includes bonding a pair of substrates to each other with a gap maintained therebetween and defining an intake between the substrates, injecting liquid crystal into a space between the substrates through the intake in an environment heated in comparison with room temperature, and sealing the intake by a sealant, with the environment kept heated from the injecting of the liquid crystal.

Abstract: A sole component and a method of manufacturing the sole component are disclosed. In general, the sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing structure extending around the bladder. The reinforcing structure is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure extends along the side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process.

Abstract: A bladder which is particularly useful for a sole assembly of a shoe is formed of multiple layers of barrier film to provide multiple pressurized layers of cushioning fluid or gas when the bladder is filled. A multiple gas layer bladder enhances cushioning response by relying more on the response characteristics of the gas and reducing the amount of foam and the dependence on foam as a cushioning material. The internal film layers provide a truss-like geometry in cross section and act as tensile members to impart a generally smooth surface contour to the bladder. The bladder is constructed to provide complex regionalized cushioning profiles which are coupled to the anatomy of the foot and expected loads at known points.

Abstract: A machine for the manufacture of inflated plastic dunnage and other fluid filled units is disclosed. In a disclosed and pictured dunnage embodiment, the machine includes a hollow shaft rotatably mounted on a frame. In the preferred embodiment the shaft is solid. With either embodiment a drive is operably connected to the shaft for causing the shaft to rotate about its axis and a drum mounted on the shaft to rotate with the shaft. The drum is in the form of a pair of closely spaced discs having perimetral, cylindrically contoured sealing surfaces for support and, in cooperation with driven metal belts, transport of a web being formed into dunnage units. Sets of heating and cooling shoes having spaced arcuate surfaces are complementally positioned adjacent the drum surfaces with the cooling shoes downstream from the heating shoes in the direction of dunnage formation rotation. A nozzle is mounted generally tangentially of the drum at a location midway between the discs.

Abstract: A system is provided for application of a layer permanently adhering to the inside of a breast prosthesis formed as a shell-shaped body made from a soft-elastic material, in which a two-component silicone rubber forming the adhesive layer is injected into a mold prior to curing of the body and then cured together with the body. Alternatively, the two-component silicone rubber forming the adhesive layer is first cured in a shell, with the shell then being applied to the body in a mold and then cured again with the body. In a third alternative, the adhesive layer is cured while being joined to a carrier film, with the carrier film then being adhered to the prosthesis sheath which is then filled with addition-vulcanizing two-component silicone rubber and cured in a mold.

Abstract: An inflatable cushioning article is made by a process of extruding two multilayer films (or extruding one film which is either annular or folded over) each having (a) a seal layer, (b) a tie layer containing an anhydride modified olefin polymer containing anhydride at a level of at least 150 ppm, based on the weight of the modified olefin polymer, and (c) an oxygen barrier layer comprising crystalline polyamide, crystalline polyester, ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyacrylonitrile, and/or crystalline polycycloolefin. Selected portions of the films are heat sealed to one another in a selected area providing a heat seal pattern which leaves inflatable chambers between the films, whereby an inflatable cellular cushioning article is produced. At some point after extrusion, at least one of the multilayer films are aged for a time and at a temperature in accordance with at least one member selected from the group consisting of: (i) 141° F. to 250° F. for a period of at least 1 second; (ii) 101° F. to 140° F.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unitary run flat tire (RFT) reinforcement using filament material that is formed into a relatively rigid shape. The reinforcement is insertable into a mold for an RFT support and can maintain the needed structural rigidity for such insertion. Further, the invention provides an RFT support that is molded and includes the RFT reinforcement. The invention also provides a wheel assembly including a tire, a rim, and an RFT support between the rim and the tire, where the support includes the RFT reinforcement. The RFT support can have a colored indicator formed or subsequently applied thereto to indicate one or more attributes of the support.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for manufacturing a plurality of multi-layered cells, particularly liquid crystal display cells, or electrochemical photovoltaic cells, or a combination of such cells, each cell including at least two superposed sealed cavities each delimited by a sealing frame and filled with a liquid, this method comprising the step of collectively manufacturing a batch of cells including at least three plates common to all the display cells and connected to each other by patterns of sealing material connecting said plates to each other and forming the sealing frames which delimit the cavities of said cells, this method being characterised in that filling holes are pierced through the plates such that each of the cavities of a cell is fed by a different filling hole, each of the filling holes being in communication with at least two cells and feeding the cavities of the same level, i.e.

Abstract: Devices and methods for inflating and sealing packaging pillows from a material web are shown for consistently producing high-quality packaging pillows. A web of material is advanced past an inflation nozzle, inflated with gas, and sealed closed by a sealing element. The temperature of the sealing element is monitored using a thermocouple connection and automatically adjusted using a closed-loop system. A sealing clamp parallel to the sealing element maintains two sheets of the web in contact through the sealing step. The inflation nozzle is provided with two inflation outlets: a first outlet inserting gas longitudinally into the web of material, and a second outlet inserting gas laterally into the material. Gas input is controlled with the use of relief valves to maintain pillow quality at all stages of production.

Abstract: Capsules, for example for the delivery of pharmaceuticals, are produced from at least three films (12, 13, 14) of a water-soluble polymeric material, by deforming two of the films (12, 14) to form a multiplicity of recesses, and filling the recesses (18, 32) with a flowable filling material. A film (13) is used to cover the recesses (18) in at least one of the films (12), and is welded to it by dielectric welding. The films with filled recesses are then brought together and welded together by dielectric welding to form filled capsules, which are cut or punched out of the welded film. The polymeric material may be gelatin, or a water-soluble cellulose derivative such as hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and may also contain a plasticiser.

Abstract: A machine for the manufacture of inflated plastic dunnage and other fluid filled units is disclosed. In a disclosed and pictured dunnage embodiment, the machine includes a hollow shaft rotatably mounted on a frame. In the preferred embodiment the shaft is solid. With either embodiment a drive is operably connected to the shaft for causing the shaft to rotate about its axis and a drum mounted on the shaft to rotate with the shaft. The drum is in the form of a pair of closely spaced discs having perimetral, cylindrically contoured sealing surfaces for support and, in cooperation with driven metal belts, transport of a web being formed into dunnage units. Sets of heating and cooling shoes having spaced arcuate surfaces are complementally positioned adjacent the drum surfaces with the cooling shoes downstream from the heating shoes in the direction of dunnage formation rotation. A nozzle is mounted generally tangentially of the drum at a location midway between the discs.

Abstract: A method for thermoforming a resilient, fluid-filled bladder structure with thermal contact molding is disclosed. The bladder includes two sheets of thermoplastic material that are separated by at least one core formed of two spaced outer layers connected together by a plurality of connecting members. The bladder is formed by bonding the sheets to the core, bonding the sheets to each other around the periphery of the core and forming a sidewall between the sheets in a single mold. A fluid is then inserted into the space bounded by the peripheral bond and the two sheets such that the connecting members are extended.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel is provided which includes bonding a pair of substrates to each other with a gap maintained therebetween and defining an intake between the substrates, injecting liquid crystal into a space between the substrates through the intake in an environment heated in comparison with room temperature, and sealing the intake by a sealant, with the environment kept heated from the injecting of the liquid crystal.

Abstract: A lower holding table and an upper holding table, which hold substrates, respectively, are moved relative to each other, causing one of the substrates to contact the drops of liquid crystal, formed on the other substrate. The substrate that is held on the lower holding table is thereby made to float. Next, the floating substrate is made to abut on the lower holding table. A contact load smaller than the bonding load to be applied to bond the substrates together is thereby applied to the two substrates, thus aligning the substrates with each other in the horizontal direction. The bonding load is applied to the two substrates thus aligned. The substrates are thereby bonded with a seal layer.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing shoe insoles with antibacterial and foot odor activity mixes Angelica, Ligussticum sp., Menthae Herba, Mugwort, charcoal, and Osterium koreanum in a predetermined weight ratio with a subsidiary component into a composition. Outer, first and second fabric sheets are cut into predetermined suitable sizes and laminated. An inlet is formed at a toe region of the laminate into a pocket that is filled with the herbal composition. A finish sheet is sewn on the laminate, the finish sheet being hemp or wool fabric. Holes are formed at predetermined intervals on the inside face and snap type buttons are fixed at the holes by pressing.

Abstract: A method of creating a fluorescent painted sign, advertisement or decorative article for application to a window or wall. The method comprises applying a fluorescent paint to a first side of a white substrate material. Following this step, the method comprises applying a black vinyl or ink outline to the fluorescent paint applied to the white substrate material. A protective coating is then applied to the fluorescent paint and vinyl or ink outline. An adhesive is applied to a first portion of a second side of the white substrate material. The substrate material is then installed on a window or wall.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing a microlens substrate which is excellent in chemical resistance and light fastness to intense light irradiation, and is capable of forming a microlens substrate of a high accuracy of form. The method includes the steps of: forming a lens-shaped curve at a surface side of a transparent substrate; forming an inorganic material film on the transparent substrate so as to bury the curve therewith; and planarizing the surface of the inorganic material film to provide a microlens where the curve is buried with the inorganic material film.

Abstract: A method of producing a liquid crystal display device. A first substrate having a liquid crystal dripped thereon, and a second substrate, are arranged in a vacuum chamber. The first substrate is held by a first electrostatic chuck and the second substrate is held by a second electrostatic chuck. The second substrate is urged onto the first substrate to bond the first substrate and the second substrate together. The bonded first and second substrates are then peeled off from the electrostatic chucks. A resin sheet is arranged on the second electrostatic chuck, so that the bonded first and second substrates do not cluig to the second electrostatic chuck when peeled off.

Abstract: A sheetlike article comprising a single-layer homogenous matrix containing at least one active substance such as a crop protection agent, biocide, fertilizer, plant strengthener, cosmetic substance or fragrance, is produced by applying the at least one active substance to at least one of two layers of identical composition, placing the two layers atop one another so as to enclose the at least one active substance, irreversibly joining the layers with the at least one active substance therebetween under pressure to form a laminate and storing the laminate under defined conditions for a duration sufficient to effect migration of the at least one active substance into the base layer and connection of the layers at their interfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming inflated containers generally includes a mechanism that conveys a web of film along a path of travel, the film web including one or more pre-formed flexible containers; an inflation assembly positioned adjacent the travel path to direct gas into the containers, thereby forming inflated containers; and a device for sealing closed each inflated container. Various improvements for more reliably and consistently inflating the containers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A machine for the manufacture of inflated plastic dunnage and other fluid filled units is disclosed. In a disclosed and pictured dunnage embodiment, the machine includes a hollow shaft rotatably mounted on a frame. In the preferred embodiment the shaft is solid. With either embodiment a drive is operably connected to the shaft for causing the shaft to rotate about its axis and a drum mounted on the shaft to rotate with the shaft. The drum is in the form of a pair of closely spaced discs having perimetral, cylindrically contoured sealing surfaces for support and, in cooperation with driven metal belts, transport of a web being formed into dunnage units. Sets of heating and cooling shoes having spaced arcuate surfaces are complementally positioned adjacent the drum surfaces with the cooling shoes downstream from the heating shoes in the direction of dunnage formation rotation. A nozzle is mounted generally tangentially of the drum at a location midway between the discs.

Abstract: An integrated process for making an inflatable laminated article comprises extruding a first film and a second film, followed by cooling the first film and the second film so that the films will not fuse to one another upon contact with each other. The films are then brought into contact with one another, and selected portions of one or both films are heated so that the films are heat sealed to one another in a selected area having a desired pattern. The unsealed area between the film provides inflatable chambers between the first film and the second film. An alternative process utilizes a film tubing in lay-flat configuration to produce a laminated inflatable article.