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 ball for a ball game of the invention includes a fabric layer (1) having a spherical 12-hedron where twelve right pentagonal fabric pieces (2) are sewn together. The marginal edges of the fabric piece being folded by 90 degrees, and the marginal edges are sewn together with a sewing machine. The fabric layer is then reversed through cross-like slits (5a, 5b) formed in the fabric layer in a location opposite to a valve opening (5) (also formed in the fabric layer) in such a manner that the marginal edges are located on an inner side of the fabric layer. After the bladder is accommodated within the fabric layer through the closure hole (5), the hole (5) is closed by a patch. Onto a surface of the fabric layer, there is adhered the panels. Thereby, the ball for a ball game having no unevenness and soft feeling is attained.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure, such as inflatable cushions. The device includes an assembly configured for inflating a cushion cavity disposed between first and second layers of a film, and a sealing mechanism that preferably includes a rotary sealing drum, which can include a heat source.

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 plastic tube is prefabricated for producing gas-filled filling bodies. The tube comprises an upper film and a lower film which are connected together in superposed relationship along both of their longitudinal edges. The upper film is divided in its center by a longitudinal cut, thus forming upstanding flaps on both sides of the cut. The films are also subdivided into individual pockets by weld seams extending in the transverse direction of the tube at a spacing from each other. The tube can be filled by introducing a filling gas under the film flaps, the open ends of the pockets being closed after they have been inflated in that way.

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: The following invention relates to phenyl-linked polybenzoxazoles having terminal, aryl- or heteroaryl-attached cyanate groups which can be used for adhesive bonding and as dielectrics, especially for electronic components, and to a process for preparing them.

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: A method of manufacturing a multi-layer outer panel for a game ball includes three-dimensionally forming a top layer of an outer panel, as well as one or more backing materials disposed underneath the top layer, into a shape substantially corresponding to the surface of the ball. Multi-layer outer panels are then attached to or interconnected to surround an inflatable bladder, thereby producing a game ball while minimizing overstretching of the outer material or the backing material and improving resistance of the outer panels to delamination.

Abstract: A flexible container is provided for the storage and administration of medical solutions. The container incorporates a transparent front sheet made from a planar layer of a polymer and an opposing rear sheet. The rear sheet is made from a planar laminate layer. The front and rear sheets are sealed together along a common peripheral edge to form a volume enclosure. The volume enclosure is constructed of materials having high oxygen and moisture barrier properties which allows the container thermoplastic to be stored for extended periods of time without degrading the contents. The volume enclosure is then inflated with a pressurized gas to permanently stretch the front and rear sheets outwardly and to thereby increase the volume capacity of the container. An alternative embodiment of the container incorporates multiple compartments, separated by peelable seals, for containing a diluent and a medicament.

Abstract: Cellular cushioning material and a method for its production is described. In one scenario, the method includes providing a pre-welded sheet to a user comprised of at least two layers of plastic pre-welded to have a plurality of diagonally oriented, inflatable sleeves extending substantially the entire width of said sheet, and a longitudinally extending air entry passage. Each of the inflatable sleeves has an opening for allowing entry of air from said air entry passage into said sleeve. The user inflates the cellular cushioning material on an as-needed, real-time basis.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming inflated containers includes a film web that includes two juxtaposed film plies, a closed longitudinal edge, an open longitudinal edge, and a series of transverse seals having a first end located at the closed longitudinal edge and a second end terminating a predetermined distance from the open longitudinal edge such that each of the juxtaposed film plies have a section extending beyond the second end of the transverse seals, thereby forming a skirt that extends between adjacent containers at the open longitudinal edge. Such skirt facilitates inflation of each container.

Abstract: A packaging filler product and machine for making the product wherein the product includes an air-filled pouch having sealed edges and spots connecting the opposing sheets of the pouch together. The machine includes a frictional belt system for gripping a bulk supply of pouched package material and that urges the bulk material past an inflation device for serially introducing air to the interior of each pouch of the package material followed by employing a heater that heat seals the opening into the interior of each pouch. A trim cutter eliminates unnecessary material and individual pouches are separated from the bulk supply by using perforations provided between adjacent pouches. A feed mechanism including the belt system is provided for moving the bulk supply of pouches from a supply spool past the heater and through the trim cutter. Tensioning and idle rollers guide the bulk supply of pouches through the machine in an in-line series.

Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.

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.

Abstract: On the-inside of heated molds hollow bodies are formed by vulcanization, the bodies are formed of elements from natural or synthetic rubber and/or treated elastomers, possibly associated with different materials such as leather, skin, cotton, metals, expanded rubbers and others, combined with each other. A pressurized fluid, such as hot or cold air, vapor or compatible gas, is injected between the hollow bodies being formed. During vulcanization, the components, airtight-coupled with each other along at least a contact and sealing common line, are pushed and kept in forming adhesion against the mold surfaces by the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A flexible container is provided for the storage and administration of medical solutions. The container incorporates a transparent front sheet made from a planar layer of a polymer and an opposing rear sheet. The rear sheet is made from a planar laminate layer. The front and rear sheets are sealed together along a common peripheral edge to form a volume enclosure. The volume enclosure is constructed of materials having high oxygen and moisture barrier properties which allows the container thermoplastic to be stored for extended periods of time without degrading the contents. The volume enclosure is then inflated with a pressurized gas to permanently stretch the front and rear sheets outwardly and to thereby increase the volume capacity of the container. An alternative embodiment of the container incorporates multiple compartments, separated by peelable seals, for containing a diluent and a medicament.

Abstract: A process for producing multi-layer game ball products includes the steps of extruding an inner layer precursor as a parison in a partial melt state, forming an outer layer, introducing the inner and outer layers into a mold and expanding the parison within the mold to form the multi-layer game ball product. The outer layer may take the form of pre-cut panels vacuum supported in the mold and an intermediate layer may be provided for dimensional stability in the product. Subsequent to expanding the parison a filler such as foam may be injected into the center space for forming a core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball, in a particular a football. The ball according to the invention has, in its outer skin, a syntactic material that consists of a matrix material into which essentially dimensionally stable, elastic blow-molded parts are mixed. Furthermore, a new method of producing a ball with a verre églomiséprint is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a rubber basketball is disclosed, which has the following steps: (a) supplying a sheet of rubber material in a suitable shape and size; (b) folding, compressing and cutting the rubber material to make the rubber material into a bladder; (c) mounting a valve in the bladder; (d) inflating the bladder with air and curing the bladder at a temperature from 130° C. to 150° C.

Abstract: A process for producing multi-layer game ball products includes the steps of extruding an inner layer precursor as a parison in a partial melt state, forming an outer layer, introducing the inner and outer layers into a mold and expanding the parison within the mold to form the multi-layer game ball product. The outer layer may take the form of pre-cut panels vacuum supported in the mold and an intermediate layer may be provided for dimensional stability in the product. Subsequent to expanding the parison a filler such as foam may be injected into the center space for forming a core.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing packing material from a web material includes a folding member that folds the web material into a folded web, a longitudinal sealing assembly for sealing the longitudinal ends of the folded web material forming a continuous tube, and a lateral sealing assembly including a pair of lateral sealing rollers that effect staged lateral sealing of the continuous tube of the web material. Pressurized air is outlet after the longitudinal seal is formed and prior to forming the lateral seal. With this arrangement, air-filled pockets suitable for packing material can be readily formed for immediate use. The arrangement is compact in size and capable of producing packing material on demand and at a sufficient rate to satisfy immediate packing material needs.

Abstract: An inflatable cushioning system with separate inflatable cushioning chambers a common tool guideway and a common air inlet. The inflatable cushioning chambers each have an inflation port. The common air inlet is in fluid communication with each of the inflatable cushioning chambers. During inflation, pressurized air is inserted into the common air inlet. The pressurized air then enters the individual cushioning chambers through the inflation ports. The inflatable cushioning system is inflated using a multi-purpose inflation tool having a body with a main portion and a second portion, the second portion being connected to the main portion and both portions having hollow interiors. The second portion of the tool having a connecting means for connecting the tool to an external pressurized air source. The tool also having a blade connected to said main portion for cutting the tool guideway as the tool is advanced through the tool guideway.

Abstract: A tubular fibrous blanket is formed using a rotary fiberizer which produces a tow of substantially continuous thermoplastic fibers and a suction chamber with an annular, vertically extending, collection surface spaced from and surrounding the rotary fiberizer. The fibrous tow is collected on the annular, vertical collection surface or on a foraminous backing sheet passing over the collection surface in a spiral of very low pitch with succeeding portions of the tow at least partially overlapping and preferably, substantially completely overlapping preceding portions of the tow to form the tubular blanket. The tubular fibrous blanket and the backing sheet, when used, can then be slit longitudinally and unfolded to form a flat blanket having continuous fibers extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the blanket.

Abstract: A composite material and method of forming such composite material is provided in which first and second layers of plastic film are laminated together and define a multiplicity of spaced apart, gas filled cavities therebetween, and a third layer of a fibrous or other suitable material is mechanically bonded to one of the first and second layers of plastic film.

Abstract: There is provided an inflatable cushion filling machine for forming inflated packaging cushions from a roll of tubular thermoplastic material. The machine includes a film supply section and a cushion forming section. The cushion forming section includes means for delivering the tubular material through the cushion forming section; means for applying tension to the web of tubular material while air is being introduced into the tubular material. Means are provided for introducing air into the area between the tension means to fill the cushion. When filled, a sealing band, displaced transversely across the inflated tubular thermoplastic material, seals the lower end to form the top of one cushion and the bottom of the next cushion. Prior to forming the cushion, the walls of the tubular material separate from each other by the residual air from the filling operation of the previous cushion. A perforation knife may be provided to separate each cushion from the next succeeding cushion.

Abstract: A method and device for manufacturing one or more cushions filled with air from a piece of material having a tube form, wherein a piston member is placed into the tube form, a hole is pierced in the tube form, the piston member is moved whereby the tube form is carried along therewith and one or more weld seams are arranged in the tube form.

Abstract: A process for producing bubble-pack. Bulges are formed in a first sheet by a combination of mechanical pressure, vacuum and air pressure, without using the high temperatures associated with the prior art processes. A second sheet is sealed to the first sheet, opposite the bulges, by contacting the sheets and heating them only along the area of contact. The process of the present invention is suitable for forming bubble-pack from a wider variety of materials, notably HDPE, and bubble-pack with a lower weight per unit area, than are the prior art processes.

Abstract: A method for inflating a cushioning devices comprised of at least first and second distinct chambers having an interconnecting passage which provides fluid communication between the chambers. The method comprises either: (1) limiting the volume of at least one of the chambers, filling the chambers with a fluid at a single inflation pressure from a single inflation point and sealing the interconnecting passage, or (2) filling the chambers with a fluid at a single inflation pressure from a single inflation point compressing at least one of the distinct chambers, and sealing the interconnecting passage. The method is particularly suited to manufacture of a footwear cushion comprised of a body of elastomeric material having a plurality of sealed non-communicating cells having a single inflation point. At least two cells sharing a single sealed inflation passage are at different pressures.

Abstract: A method for producing inflated dunnage on the site of use, comprising providing, in web form, a plurality of preformed plastic bags, each of the bags comprising two plastic sheets in facing relationship and sealed along three edges with one edge remaining open. Air is blown toward each of the open edges in sequence, causing each bag to inflate, and the open edge of each inflated bag is sealed, the bag being empty except for the air. A plurality of sealed inflated bags is separated from the web and placed in a carton to serve as dunnage. The bags have a slip resistant outer surface which causes the bags to interlock in the carton and better protect objects therein from shock.

Abstract: Apparatus for joining cohesive coated plastic sheets in a closed peripheral pattern with bulging of at least one sheet within the closed peripheral pattern to provide a sealed compartment containing only a gas such as air, or foam, under superatmospheric pressure. A method for forming a sealed bulging compartment containing substantially only a gas at superatmospheric pressure comprises joining two cohesive material coated sheets by engagement of said portions of said cohesive material coating at a closed periphery while causing at least one of the sheets to be bulged by gas at superatmospheric pressure. A bulging sealed cushion formed of two sheets each coated on one side with cohesive, air impervious material, at least one of the sheets being bulged outward, and containing substantially only a gas at superatmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method for producing inflated dunnage on the site of use, comprising providing, in rolled form, a plurality of preformed plastic bags, each of the bags comprising two plastic sheets in facing relationship and sealed along three edges with one edge remaining open. Air is blown toward each of the open edges in sequence, causing each bag to inflate, and the fourth edge of each inflated bag is sealed, the bag being empty except for the air. At least one sealed inflated bag is separated from the roll and placed in a carton to serve as dunnage. In an alternate embodiment, the stock material is provided in a continuous tubular form, and an air inflation needle is used to puncture a surface of the tube for inflation purposes.

Abstract: The method includes the steps of i) molding an inner tube from butyl rubber, ii) processing the outer wall of the inner tube into a coarse surface; iii) preparing cover panels from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) through a foaming process and then processing the inside wall of each cover panel into a coarse surface; iv) covering the cover panels over the inner tube by a press to form a blank ball; and v) embossing the surface of the blank ball thus obtained by an embossing machine through a heating process and then quickly cooling the embossed ball.

Abstract: A play ball having visually distinctive colored patches distributed over its exterior. Portions of the ball exterior may be uncovered with patches, and have a color distinct from the color of patches. Regions of different tactile patterns are impressed on the ball with, and these regions may match all or parts of differently colored patches. A method of making a game ball with patches on its exterior.

Abstract: A method for forming a globe map on a rubber basketball having an inner ball base comprising steps of a) providing plural pieces of particularly shaped rubber pieces which can be put together to form a spherical piece, b) printing plural globe map elements, which are respectively corresponding to said rubber pieces and can be gathered together to constitute said globe map, respectively on said rubber pieces, c) respectively adhering said rubber pieces on said inner ball base, d) providing a mold, e) putting said ball base adhered with said rubber pieces in said mold, and f) vulcanizing said rubber pieces adhered to said ball base in said mode for permitting said rubber pieces to be integrally formed. Such method can permit an exquisite and delicate globe map to be printed on a basketball satisfactorily/economically/easily.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for inflating a bladder including a first and a second distinct chamber linked in fluid communication by an interconnecting port, and a fluid fill inlet linked in fluid communication with the first chamber. A first nozzle set at a first predetermined pressure level and connected to a first fluid pressure source is inserted in the fill inlet to thereby inflate the first and second chambers to the first predetermined pressure. The interconnecting port is sealed to isolate the first chamber from the second chamber out of fluid communication with each other such that the second chamber is isolated at the first predetermined pressure. The first nozzle is removed from the fluid fill inlet. A second nozzle set at a second predetermined pressure level and connected to a second pressure source is inserted into the fluid fill inlet to thereby inflate the first chamber to the second predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A fluid cushion is comprised of a top material layer having a first preformed cell pattern formed therein, and first seal lines pattern between cells, respectively, and a bottom material layer having a second preformed cell pattern formed therein. The second preformed pattern is congruent and complementary to the first preformed cell pattern and has a seal line matching the first seal lines, respectively. A first middle material layer has a third preformed cell pattern formed therein, with second seal lines between cells, respectively, the cells in the third preformed cell pattern being a fraction of the size of cells in the first preformed pattern. A second middle material layer has a fourth preformed cell pattern which is congruent and complementary to the third preformed cell pattern and has seal lines between cells matching and joined to the second seal lines to form small center cells, respectively, there being a cluster of small cells bounded by the larger outer cells.

Abstract: A method of making a sealed tennis ball container, and the container so sealed. The container is first inserted into a cylindrical canister, resting the shoulder of the container on the upper rim of the canister. After tennis balls are placed into the container, a disk having heat sealable polymer membrane material is placed on the container shoulder. An induction heat/sonic transducer head is clamped to the container shoulder under pressure, pressing the seal against the container shoulder. The sonic transducer is then energized to molecularly bond the disk to the container shoulder, to thereby seal the container from the passage of air, with the tennis balls inside. A heated probe is then melted through the wall of the container to thereby make an opening in the wall. A gas is injected into the container through the probe while still inserted in the container, to a level of pressure substantially above the final desired pressure.

Abstract: An air bag restraint system for protecting vehicle occupants during a collision comprising a seamless inflatable confinement of braided fabric constructed by strands of multiple fibers which are interlocked by diagonally crossing a number of these strands alternately over and under one or more of the other strands. The seamless air bag is formed by braiding textile yarns to a mold having the shape of the desired confinement. An elastomer coating may be applied to render the braided fabric either essentially non-porous and non-permeable to air or semi-permeable to control air flow. Also, methods for manufacturing such seamless braided fabric confinements.

Abstract: A method of making tennis balls by a single core part and fabric piece bonding step is disclosed wherein an assembly of core parts, including a pair of hemispheric core halves, and fabric cover pieces, including a pair of figure eight fabric dumbbells, are assembled to one another to a subassembly of core parts held together by a dried but uncured first curable cement, the fabric pieces are held about the core subassembly by a second dried but uncured cement and a third curable cement is provided between the fabric pieces to form the exterior ball seam. The assembly of core and cover parts and pieces thus held together by the tackiness of dried but uncured cements is then placed within a snugly fitting mold and cured in the presence of heat to bond the core parts to one another, the fabric cover pieces to the core and the fabric piece edges to one another to a completed ball.

Abstract: A method of making tennis balls by a single core part and fabric piece bonding step is disclosed wherein an assembly of core parts, including a pair of hemispheric core halves, and fabric cover pieces, including a pair of figure eight fabric dumbbells, are assembled to one another to a subassembly of core parts held together by a dried but uncured first curable cement, the fabric pieces are held about the core subassembly by a second dried but uncured cement and a third curable cement is provided between the fabric pieces to form the exterior ball seam. The assembly of core and cover parts and pieces thus held together by the tackiness of dried but uncured cements is then placed within a snugly fitting mold and cured in the presence of heat to bond the core parts to one another, the fabric cover pieces to the core and the fabric piece edges to one another to a completed ball.

Abstract: An improved ink jet printhead is disclosed which comprises an upper and a lower substrate that are mated and bonded together with a thick insulative layer sandwiched therebetween. One surface of the upper substrate has etched therein one or more grooves and a recess which, when mated with the lower substrate, will serve as capillary-filled ink channels and ink supplying manifold respectively. The grooves are open at one end and closed at other end. The open ends will serve as the nozzles. The manifold recess is adjacent the groove closed ends. Each channel has a heating element located upstream of the nozzle. The heating elements are selectively addressable by input signals representing digitized data signals to produce ink vapor bubbles. The growth and collapse of the bubbles expel ink droplets from the nozzles and propel them to a recording medium.

Abstract: An improved method of making a fabric covered tennis ball is disclosed wherein a pair of molded semi-hemispheric elastomeric material core halves are joined together by a thermosetting adhesive means, the joining of the core halves taking place in the presence of atmospheric pressure. Heat and pressure are applied externally to the core halves to cure and set the adhesive, and in a preferred embodiment to localize areas, particularly where the adhesive resides between the core halves. An integrally molded air valve is provided in a side wall of one of the core halves to facilitate the introduction of additional air pressure into the core after its having been bonded in assembled condition. A tennis ball fabric covering is provided about and adhesively secured to the core covering the air valve, the fabric being air permeable to allow introduction of additional amounts of air into the completed tennis ball to facilitate production of a desired ball bounce characteristic for the tennis ball.

Abstract: A dunnage shock absorber and a method and apparatus for making the same is disclosed. The shock absorber is constructed from plastic material which forms a series of trigonal-shaped, gas-filled units which maintain adequate shock absorbing characteristics over a broad range of temperature conditions. This disclosed method includes the steps of forming a plastic tubular body, introducing a cooled gas into the body and forming individual trigonal-shaped units having cooled gas entrapped through angularly heat sealing the edges of such units. The disclosed apparatus forms plastic film into a series of gas-filled trigonal units through the use of fin seal rollers to seal the film into a tubular body. Sponge-like rollers downline of the fin seal rollers grip the tubular body and a conduit injects cooled gas into the tubular body. Horizontal and vertical sealers are provided downline of the sponge-like rollers to heat seal the tubular body with gas entrapped therein.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a cushioning material of air-filled film, wherein a plastic film sheet formed into a cylindrical shape is transversely fusion-bonded so that small air-filled cells are fabricated continuously. Manufacturing equipment is provided with a means for forming a plastic film into a cylindrical shape, a longitudinal sealing means, a roller means, and a transverse sealing means.

Abstract: Inner tubes for pneumatic tires including a toric cushion made from an elastomer material having cells independent of each other.A process for manufacturing such inner tubes with a mold for preforming and vulcanizing semi-toric elements, the mold includes fingers for molding recessed cavities and an incorporated heating network, the preformed semi-toric elements having undergone a first vulcanization are then joined together and subjected to a second vulcanization in an appropriate apparatus.

Abstract: A cellular air bag insulator and its uses in insulating a house window, a house door, a house wall and a process equipment, such as an evaporator, a refrigerator and a distillation column. A cellular air bag insulator can also be used as an instant shelter and can also be incorporated into an insulated panel. A cellular air bag insulator is a light weight insulator and comprises an outer enclosed bag and an expansible and collapsible multicompartment core such as a honeycomb structure joined to the outer bag. It can easily be inflated and deflated.

Abstract: A fluid filled ring for a shaft sealing apparatus in a machine casing or container wall through which a rotatable shaft passes. The sealing apparatus comprises a housing fixed about its exterior surface to the machine casing. The housing defines an interior chamber in which one or more seals are positioned about the shaft. Each seal comprises a mechanical packing encircling and in contact with the shaft and an elastomeric compression ring positioned to encircle the mechanical packing.

Abstract: A method for producing inflated dunnage on the site of use, comprising providing, in rolled form, a plurality of preformed plastic bags, each of the bags comprising two plastic sheets in facing relationship and sealed along three edges with one edge remaining open. Air is blown toward each of the open edges in sequence, causing each bag to inflate, and the fourth edge of each inflated bag is sealed, the bag being empty except for the air. At least one sealed inflated bag is separated from the roll and placed in a carton to serve as dunnage. In an alternate embodiment, the stock material is provided in a continuous tubular form, and an air inflation needle is used to puncture a surface of the tube for inflation purposes.

Abstract: A method for producing inflated dunnage on the site of use, comprising providing, in web form, a plurality of preformed plastic bags, each of the bags comprising two plastic sheets in facing relationship and sealed along three edges with one edge remaining open. Air is blown toward each of the open edges in sequence, causing each bag to inflate, and the open edge of each inflated bag is sealed, the bag being empty except for the air. A plurality of sealed inflated bags is separated from the web and placed in a carton to serve as dunnage. The bags have a slip resistant outer surface which causes the bags to interlock in the carton and better protect object therein from shock.