Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical sensor which is made up of an insulating base plate bearing an electrode on its surface which reacts with an analyte to produce mobile electrons. The base plate is mated with a lid of a deformable material which has a concave area surrounded by a flat surface so that when mated to the base plate there is formed a capillary space into which a fluid test sample can be drawn. The side of the lid facing the base is coated with a polymeric material which serves to bond the lid to the base plate and to increase the hydrophilic nature of the capillary space.

Abstract: A method of forming a catamenial tampon is disclosed wherein the tampon is useful in preventing premature leakage of body fluid from a woman's vagina and in providing better utilization of the absorbent during use. The method includes the steps of assembling a resilient member and an absorbent to form a structure having a central longitudinal axis X--X. The resilient member can be either aligned with or offset from the central longitudinal axis X--X. The absorbent and the resilient member are rolled or folded up into an elongated softwind which has a first end and a second end. The softwind is folded upon itself such that the first and second ends are aligned adjacent to one another and the softwind contains at least two folds therebetween. The softwind is then compressed into a pledget having an insertion end and a trailing end. A withdrawal string is secured to the pledget to form a tampon. The withdrawal string facilitates removal of the tampon from the woman's vagina.

Abstract: A personal cleansing implement comprises a substantially rectangular hydrophobic batt. The batt is a piece of knitted tubing made from extruded linear low density polyethylene monofilaments knitted into a tube on a knitting machine having a setting ranging from 32 to 64 needles per machine diameter. The monofilaments have substantially circular cross-sections in the range of 0.003 inches to 0.015 inches diameter. The piece of knitted tubing also has a longitudinal axis with about 6 to about 9 stitches per inch, as typically measured along its longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the piece of knitted tubing is inverted upon itself at least once along its longitudinal axis to form a plurality of concentric layers of tubing, which are then substantially flattened to form the batt. Each of the layers has a similar length and substantially overlaps the other layers. The batt has a top surface, a bottom surface, and two open ends.

Abstract: Printed matter in form of single sheets or groups of sheets is converted into a sealed cover or parcel ready for mailing by glueing along all perimetral edges of the cover or parcel, in which a folding operation has been possibly previously carried out in order to form the size of a standard envelope for mailing.

Abstract: A welding method for a disposable diaper includes the steps of putting wing-like portions 21, 22 provided on front and rear bodies 5, 6 including a topsheet 2, a backsheet 3 and a core 4 sandwiched therebetween, one upon another, with the topsheet disposed face to face; placing covering sheets 20 on an outer surface of the wing-like portions, both the covering sheets and the wing-like portions having a melting point higher than the melting point of the backsheet; and welding, under heat and pressure exerted from above the covering sheets, laterally opposite side edges of the wing-like portions.

Abstract: A lampshade is manufactured from heat deformable sheet material by forming a blank of the sheet material, in the shape of a sector of an annulus, into a hollow truncated cone having upper and lower peripheral edges. The overlapping edges of the blank are welded or bonded together and the blank supported by an apparatus which engages the interior of the conical blank, which apparatus includes an upper former for engagement with the interior surface of the blank adjacent the upper edge thereof and a lower support, releasably supporting a stiffening ring around its periphery, for example magnetically, so that upper marginal edge portion of the blank projects beyond the upper former and so that the lower marginal edge portion of the blank projects beyond the stiffening ring supported by the lower support.

Abstract: This invention pertains to papermaking felts, methods of making such felts, methods of using the felts, and methods of making paper using such felts. A felt of the invention contains at least one substrate web having a fuse-bonded joint extending across the width of the felt. The joint is preferably formed by superposing, onto each other, end portions of a flat-woven substrate web element, with the end portions extending away from the ends in a common direction, and concurrently severing the ends from the end portions, and fuse bonding the end portions to each other, along a common cut line.

Abstract: The invention provides an expandable double-walled sleeve whose space between the walls is filled with curable material and which is designed for the local support and/or reinforcement of a body vessel, absorbent material being provided between its walls which are fabricated from an essentially non-extensible material. This achieves the advantage that the curable material remains uniformly distributed between the walls of the sleeve even if the sleeve is rolled around a still unexpanded PTA balloon in order to be brought to the desired position by means of said balloon.

Abstract: To obtain a disposable diaper having at its respective waist sides welded zones which provide smooth touch, herein disclosed a method for making a disposable diaper 1 comprising steps of putting wing-like portions 21, 22 provided on front and rear bodies 5, 6 of the diaper 1 one upon another with a topsheet 2 facing inward, and welding these wing-like portions together under heat and pressure. In each wing-like portion 21, 22, a piece of sheet member is attached to at least one of the top- and backsheets 2, 3 so as to form an extension thereof and provide thereby the backsheet of said portion having a melting point higher than a melting point of the topside sheet member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of distributing opening devices and preparing the opening devices for application individually to a packaging containers. The opening devices are positioned, closed and marshalled together to form a web or a sheet. The prefabricated opening devices are arranged in rows of length x. Two or more of the opening devices in each row are provided with projections which are placed against corresponding opening devices in a neighboring row and are welded together using ultrasonic means.

Abstract: A method for adhesively joining two members includes the steps of mixing non-compressible beads with an adhesive, applying the resulting mixture to one of the members and hemming one member over the other in overlapping relationship. Apparatus for performing this method includes a container for containing a mixture of an adhesive and a plurality of non-compressible beads, an applicator for applying the mixture to one of the members, and hemming means for hemming one member over the other in overlapping relationship. A metering device for dispensing adhesive fluid is constructed with a dispensing rod having a cooling means for facilitating operation of the metering device. The present invention finds particular utility in bonding together the inner and outer panels of an automotive door assembly.

Abstract: A method for forming a strong and flexible bond between two plastic fabric layers requires the controlled use of an ultrasonic welding apparatus. Control of the time ultrasonic energy is delivered to the two overlapped plastic fabric layers, and of the pressure placed upon those layers during that time, is exercised to ensure that no melting of the yarns from which the two fabric layers are woven occurs. Rather, the yarns are softened by the application of ultrasonic energy, and are compressed together between the horn and an anvil to force them to adhere to one another. After the ultrasonic energy is turned off, compression is maintained while the overlapped plastic fabric layers cool and harden. A strong, flexible bond, suitable for operation as a seam for an endless belt, is obtained.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing degradable cigarette filters wherein adhesive is applied to at least one longitudinal edge of the plug wrap paper, a bond is made while the adhesive is molten and the resultant bond is held in compression for sufficient time to prevent bond movement, the improvement which comprises, using as the adhesive, a water sensitive hot melt adhesive comprising 50 to 90 weight percent of a graft copolymer which copolymer comprises 40 to 85 weight percent of at least one vinyl monomer and 15 to 60 weight percent of at least one polyalkylene oxide polymer, 0 to 50 weight percent of a compatible tackifying resin, 5 to 40 weight percent of a polar wax, 0 to 3 weight percent antioxidant and 0 to 30 weight percent of another compatible water soluble or water sensitive thermoplastic polymer; characterized in that the resulting cigarette filter will open when exposed to moisture.

Abstract: A machine for making cups of thermoplastic coated paper, the machine including a frame or housing having a turret rotatably mounted on the frame, a number of work stations mounted on the frame in an equally spaced relation around the turret, a number of mandrels corresponding to the number of work stations mounted on the turret and a curling die mounted on the turret in radial alignment with each of the mandrels. The turret being rotated intermittently to align the mandrels sequentially with the work stations, the work stations being movable radially inwardly into a working relation with each mandrel, the mandrels being moved radially inwardly simultaneously with the work stations to form a tucked curl on the top edge of the cup.

Abstract: A round duct and apparatus and method of forming the duct in which the side edges of the duct are formed to interlock when the duct is folded and the flap is secured in place to provide support when the finishing duct tape is applied to seal the flap and complete the joint.

Abstract: An absorbent feminine hygiene article has an external absorbent pad for disposition against the labia majora of a user, and a nonabsorbent flexible sheath for extending into the vagina. The sheath intercepts body fluid in the vagina and directs it to the external pad. A conducting layer conducts fluid so intercepted by the sheath to an absorbing surface on the interior of the external pad, the interior absorbing surface being displaced from the user's body by a primary mass of an absorbent layer.

Abstract: An improved orthopaedic support (10) is provided in the form of an elongated, open-ended tubular body (12) having a continuous sidewall (13), with the latter presenting a recessed region (18) intermediate the ends (14, 16) for anatomically conforming with a limb joint such as a knee. The sidewall (13) is entirely free of transverse dart-defining seams at the recessed region (18). In preferred forms, the body (12) is fabricated with only a single seam (26) extending the length thereof. The body (12) is formed from fabric-faced closed cell neoprene rubber synthetic resin material, and the seam (26) is adhesively formed and covered with heat-applied seam tape (28, 30).

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of a flexible polymeric structure comprising a sealant barrier, consisting of a multilayer film a few microns thick, oriented longitudinally, in a continuous manner, whereby all of the components of said flexible structure are intimately bonded by a final heat treatment. Flexible polymeric structures manufactured according to this process. Application to the fields of the transport of all fluids and protection against external aggressive agents.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of a flexible tubular structure comprising a sealant barrier, consisting of a monolayer film a few microns thick, oriented longitudinally, in a continuous manner, whereby all of the components of said flexible structure are intimately bonded by a final heat treatment. Flexible tubular structures realized according to this process. Application to the fields of the transport of all fluids and protection against external aggressive agents.

Abstract: A method of making a flower pot or flower pot cover comprising a base and a skirt connected to an upper end of the base. The base includes a plurality of overlapping folds for providing structural integrity. The skirt includes a plurality of folds which are not connected to provide an overall pleated appearance. Portions of the folds in the skirt are connected and portions of the folds in the skirt are unconnected. In one embodiment, some of the folds in the base are connected and the remaining portions of the folds in the base are unconnected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for forming clear shrinkable film material for use as labels on containers. A blend of general purpose polystryene and styrene-butadiene or styrene butyl acrylate is extruded from an annular extruder die orifice to form a frustoconical tube which is stretched before cooling air is applied to form a clear film that has machine direction orientation and cross direction orientation that can be used as a shrinkable label on containers. As the tube is extruded, it is shielded from cooling air which is applied downstream from the extruder die orifice. The apparatus shields the hot annular extruded material adjacent the die orifice. The air is supplied downstream from an annular air orifice which is designed with a taper that allows ambient air to be freely drawn in and eliminates what would be a negative pressure zone immediately downstream of the air orifice while eliminating air turbulence and improving cooling.

Abstract: An intermediate from an I.D. card and method in which paper equipped with a patch of release material is combined with a film carrying pressure sensitive adhesive. The paper is die-cut in a generally rectangular configuration and so also is the film in a fashion so as to permit folding of the film on itself to encapsulate the card.

Abstract: Adhesive-coated wrapping paper is provided wherein one surface of the paper, to be positioned against a box or article to be wrapped, is provided with a continuous coating of adhesive, preferably at the time of manufacture, to facilitate the forming of a package by wrapping the paper around the box or article. The adhesive is preferably of the type having a relatively small amount of adhesion, such as the type commonly known as artist's adhesive.

Abstract: A flower pot or flower pot cover and method of making comprising a base and a skirt connected to an upper end of the base. The base includes a plurality of overlapping folds for providing structural integrity. The skirt includes a plurality of folds which are not connected to provide an overall pleated appearance. Portions of the folds in the skirt are connected and portions of the folds in the skirt are unconnected. In one embodiment, some of the folds in the base are connected and the remaining portions of the folds in the base are unconnected.

Abstract: A stretchable composite strip material comprising coextensive lengths of a band of elastic material and a stretchable non-elastic drawstring formed of textile material, and means releasably securing said drawstring alongside said band in lengthwise-bulked condition to medial portions of the elastic band is provided. The composite strip may be formed into a composite endless loop and incorporated into a garment. An apparatus and method for making the composite strip material is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for forming an envelope capable of containing sheet material therein having a width equal to the width of the envelope by performing the steps of: feeding a sheet having a width and a length from a tray in a predetermined direction; folding the sheet across its width into a single fold to form first and second flaps, each flap having a width equal to the width of the sheet; pressing the first and second flaps together; and applying an adhesive tape over ends of the sheet to secure the first and second flaps together to form an envelope having an internal width at least the same as the width of the sheet, the adhesive tape completely forming the ends of the envelope.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fabricating a container structure such as a flower pot cover. The invention comprises a frame supporting a reciprocating mandrel and a feed bed, said feed bed having an aperture positioned such that said reciprocating mandrel reciprocates into and out of said aperture; a roller for feeding a substrate across said feed bed and aperture; a die fixed to said frame in proximity to said aperture, said die cutting a form from said substrate, said form having a central section and a plurality of surrounding sections created by a plurality of radial slits cut by said die, said radial slits extending outward from said central section, each of said surrounding sections folding to form a sidewall of said container structure when said reciprocating mandrel pushes said cut form through said aperture; and ultrasonic weld heads for sealing said sidewalls so as to form a container a flower pot cover.

Abstract: On an electric circuit substrate comprising an electric circuit, a radiator plate is placed for heat radiation of an integrated circuit structure and a transistor which emits heat, and the integrated circuit structure and the transistor are placed on the radiator plate and a power supply terminal is integrally provided on the radiator plate.

Abstract: A method is described for sealing at least one end of a liquids package, in the form of a tube (1), a top having wall panels (9, 10) with an opening means (11) and a bottom (3,6) and at least some of the wall panels (9,10) of the top (8) consisting of synthetic plastics coated papers, cardboard or the like carrier material and which includes the steps of first laying flat an already formed tube (1), open at the top and bottom in a plane (22') so that at least the wall panel (10) for the opening means (11) is positioned in this plane (22'), and so that an anchoring device (15,17,18) for the handle (14,14') is positioned on a lateral edge of the laid-flat tube (1) and a handle (14,14') is injection molded onto the tube (1) so that the main plane (22') of the handle (14,14') lies in the same plane (22,22') as the laid-flat tube (1) so that the handle (14,14') is fixed in the region of the top (8) of the package and simultaneously the opening means (11) is injection molded into place, and then the tube (1) togeth

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing an ornament for gift wrapping purposes and the like. The ornament has a basic member with a plurality of radially disposed conical elements, and these basic members may be combined to produce spheroidal or hemispheroidal ornaments having a plurality of radial cones or spikes. In the method, a flat circular blank is formed with a plurality of radially disposed leaves. The leaves are wrapped around a conical form and adhesively secured to form one of the basic members. The apparatus includes a winder for wrapping the leaves around the conical form and positioning means for holding the blank and locating each leaf on the form to be wrapped into a conical element by the winder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing an ornament for gift wrapping purposes and the like. The ornament has a basic member with a plurality of radially disposed conical elements, and these basic members may be combined to produce spheroidal or hemispheroidal ornaments having a plurality of radial cones or spikes. In the method, a flat circular blank is formed with a plurality of radially disposed leaves. The leaves are wrapped around a conical form and adhesively secured to form one of the basic members. The apparatus includes a winder for wrapping the leaves around the conical form and positioning means for holding the blank and locating each leaf on the form to be wrapped into a conical element by the winder.

Abstract: Holders for flat objects such as computer disks which can provide pages of a book which carries such objects, instruction for their use and etc. Each page is made of a single sheet of foldable material, preferably spunbonded olefin (such material being available from DuPont under their tradename "Tyvek"). The sheets are cut into the shape of rectangular center panels with bottom and side flaps extended therefrom; the side flaps extending from opposite side edges of the center panel and being off-set from each other. Since a single sheet is used it may be printed with visible indicia (e.g., the name of the manufacturer of and the computer program on the disks), prior to cutting, by conventional printing techniques in one pass through the press. The cut sheets (blanks) can then be manipulated in envelope manufacturing equipment which scores, applies adhesive lines and folds the flaps to provide a plurality of partially overlapping pockets, disposed one above the other.

Abstract: A sheet made from a foamed polystyrene resin which is heat-shrinkable in one axial direction and has a heat-insulatingness is prepared. A printing process is applied to this sheet to produce a label. A container made from a thermo-plastic resin is covered with said cylindrical label and is put in a furnace in order to heat-shrink the label to be fitted on the container.The container with the label manufactured in accordance with the present invention has a superior heat-insulatingness, and thus can maintain the temperature of water contained therein for a longer time. Also, when it is used in a electronic-range, a temperature of an outer wall surface of the container can be prevented from increasing, and thus the container can be held by a bare hand even immediately after cooking.

Abstract: A pull strap handle (10) for an automotive interior is fully cushioned by forming a foamed resin cushion (20) that is fit around and over both faces of a strap (15) for the handle. A backing bar (30) is then positioned to extend over cushion (20) and be spaced from strap (15), and a resin cover (25) is wrapped over the cushion and over backing bar (30) so that edges of the cover overlap adjacent the backing bar. Then a dielectric bonding bar (31) presses the overlapping edges of cover (25) against the metal backing bar so that the cover edges are dielectrically bonded together in a seam that preferably has the same surface texture pattern as the rest of the cover material, so as to be inconspicuous. Then backing bar (30) is slid endwise out from under cover (25), to leave the seam (32) spaced from strap (15) by the thickness of cushion (20) which can extend all around and over both faces of the strap. Handle ( 10) is then completed by forming the strap and providing end anchorages, as is generally known.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for fabricating belts wherein the leading edge of a web is conveyed from a supply roll in a straight path a predetermined first distance from a web receiving platform having a cutting edge, the web is cut at the cutting edge to form a web segment having the leading edge at one end and a trailing edge at the opposite end, the leading edge is conveyed a predetermined second distance in an downstream direction to form slack in the web, the lower surface of the web adjacent the trailing edge is inverted, the lower surface of the web adjacent the leading edge is inverted, the leading edge and the trailing edge are overlapped to form a lap joint on the upper surface of an elongated anvil having a centerline positioned substantially perpendicular to the straight path of the web to form a loop of the web segment loosely suspended from the joint formed by the overlapped leading edge and trailing edge, the loop of the web segment on the anvil is conveyed along either an arcuate path to position

Abstract: An improved construction for an air perimeter support for the marginal perimeter of a waterbed mattress, and the method for manufacturing such improved air perimeter support. The improved air perimeter support includes a first sheet of flexible, substantially dimensionally stable material folded back on itself and joined together at a location spaced from the longitudinal marginal side edges thereof to form an elongated chamber, of substantially rectangular cross-section, intermediate the marginal side edges. One longitudinal marginal side edge is again folded back and joined to the chamber at the wall opposite the wall formed by the other longitudinal marginal side edge.

Abstract: A gasket is formed with a mounting portion which is generally cylindrical, and provides an anchoring projection extending radially from the outer side thereof. A sealing projection is joined to the mounting portion by a hinge section. The sealing projection is placed in compression when the gasket is formed into a circle, and becomes bistable. In one position of stability, the sealing projection is substantially aligned with the mounting portion, and in the other position of stability, the sealing projection is located generally within the mounting portion. The gasket is positioned around a core, with the sealing projection aligned with the mounting portion, and is cast into an opening provided by the material of the manhole riser. In such position, the sealing projection is partially embedded within the material of the riser. Prior to installation of a sewer pipe, the sealing projection is manually released from the material of the riser and is pushed through to its other position of stability.

Abstract: An article of insulation and its method of manufacture, in which a planar sheet member has a plurality of score lines (24--24) made in the exterior surface thereof, and is then folded along the score lines (24--24) and then sealed to form an enclosed, airtight volume. Positioned between the upper and lower portions (12,14) of the sheet member are a plurality of thin, flexible, resilient, spaced interior elements (36--36). The combination is deformed to form corrugated surfaces and then expanded so that the upper and lower portions are spaced apart and the interior elements are again substantially flat. The space between the upper and lower elements is evacuated.

Abstract: The specification describes and claims a method of making therapeutic rings from a curable silicone rubber based composition. The rings are capable of controlled release of the therapeutic agent in the human or animal body. The method includes the steps of:(i) extruding a first composition comprising a therapeutic agent and a first elastomer-forming silicone composition to provide a core;(ii) extruding a second composition comprising a second elastomer-forming silicone composition to provide a sheath enclosing the core;(iii) bringing together end portions of a piece of extruded core and sheath to form a ring,(iv) effecting crosslinking of the extruded core, and(v) effecting crosslinking of the extruded sheath.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing gift wrap ornaments of the type having a plurality of radiating conical points. The ornament is produced by cutting from a continuous strip of flexible material, a continuous strip of longitudinally spaced-apart blanks, each blank having transversely opposed petals and a central portion therebetween. The petals are formed into cones to produce a string of elements having opposed cones. These elements are separated, a plurality of them are stacked in a circular arrangement and the central portions of the elements are compressed and stapled together to form the ornament.

Abstract: A fluid packaging means comprises tubular side walls and end walls disposed at the ends thereof, forming a bottom and a top, wherein the top comprises thermoplastic material without a carrier material, is injection moulded to the outer edge of the tube along that edge and has a pouring means, and the bottom is quadrangular and has triangular flaps which are folded over to lie against at least one adjacent panel. In order to provide such a packaging means with a particularly advantageous bottom, the invention proposes that at least two mutually oppositely disposed triangular flaps of the bottom are folded inwardly into the plane of the bottom or outwardly on to the side wall, about the lower edge between the bottom and the side wall, and fixed in that position.

Abstract: A microwavable package, comprising a folded package for use in holding a variety of cookable items, such as popcorn, other food products, or other substances, all to be heated within a microwave oven, the package being formed of a polymer material, comprising one or more liners of such laminated material, with the package being formed into the tubular configuration, and having a paper or paper-like web of material located and adhesively secured within its manufacturer's joint; the formed tubular like material is then folded at its bottom segments, adhered temporarily through the usage of a hot melt of other adhesive, and having a paper or paper like seal applied thereover, to form a fully integrated and foldable package which is capable of functioning and maintaining its structural integrity even when exposed to the energy of a microwave oven.

Abstract: A water mattress bag (1) of a watertight resilient material with tensile strength is provided with a valve for filling/draining water and is intended for use together with a main mattress member (3) of a resilient, flexible foamed plastic or the like, which is provided with a recess (4) in its upper face extending over a substantial portion of its length (L) and width (B). The bottom (1a) of the bag (1) is shaped with a bulge (1a') for cooperation with recess (4), and the top (1d) of the bag (1) has a length and width approximately equal to the length (L) and width (B).Water mattress (10) comprises the above mentioned components and a flexible sheet (15) on top of water mattress bag (1) and a mattress cover (16). Water mattress bag (1) is partly filled with water and extends outwards to the lateral edges (3a) of main mattress member (3) and covers the flat edges (3b) of main mattress member (3) around recess (4).

Abstract: A hollow, flexible, bendable, cylindrical-shaped, hat-like sleeve is water-tightly joined with the upper end of the riser section of a manhole structure. The free end of the sleeve is trimmed so that its upper edge fits beneath the shoulder of the frame supporting the manhole cover to prevent subsurface water from entering into the manhole interior through the regions between the manhole cover supporting frame and the top of the riser section, which is usually fitted with adjustment rings to bring the manhole cover frame up to grade. The sleeve is easily cut to any height to accommodate either a greater or lesser number of height adjustment rings. The sleeve flange is cast into the riser section. The sleeve may be folded into itself to significantly lower its profile to expedite handling, transportation and assembly. A plastic clamping band may be placed into the interior of the sleeve to water-tightly join the upper end of the sleeve to the manhole cover support frame.

Abstract: A method for folding and sealing sheets comprises feeding a sheet forward along a path, bulging a portion of the sheet, folding said bulged portion, adhering a portion of the sheet face to face to a portion thereof trailing backward of the fold, and passing the formed fold forward. Apparatus for folding and sealing sheets comprises means for feeding a sheet, means for bulging a portion of the sheet, means for folding the bulged portion, and means for adhering a sheet portion face to face to a portion thereof trailing the fold. Apparatus for enhancing the security of information on a front side of a sheet comprises said apparatus for folding and sealing sheets, where a plurality of folds are provided and the front side of said sheet is concealed from view inside said folds, said folds being sealed along the lateral side edge portions thereof. Address information may be applied adjacent the trailing edge of said sheet, and the trailing edge portion is folded to expose the address information to view.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a drum handling ring having an inverted frustoconical geometry to facilitate engagement of a conventional parrot beak gripper with the ring. The end of an advancing, straight strip of heated thermoplastic material, continuously provided by an extrusion head, is fed at a first location to the circular periphery of a continuously rotating, large diameter turntable where the strip is clamped thereto and then cooled so that the clamped portion of the strip thermally sets into an arcuate shape corresponding to the periphery of the turntable. At a second location diametrically opposed to the first, the now arcuate end portion of the strip is unclamped and guided away from the turntable periphery to a cutting station where the continuously advancing strip is cut into arcuate pieces each having an arc length generally corresponding to the desired circumference of a drum handling ring.

Abstract: A machine for forming open ended cartons from flat die cut blanks of flexible material. The machine includes a magazine adapted to contain a supply of the blanks, and first, second and third forming stations through which the blanks are successively shifted by automatically operable transfer mechanisms. The blanks are progressively folded as they progress through the forming stations. At a final stage in the forming process, adhesive is selectively applied to the undersides of exposed side flaps, and these side flaps are then folded to produce the desired end product. At various stages during the forming process, the partially erected blanks are supported both internally and externally in order to avoid deformation or collapsing of open ends, and to insure precise bending along fold lines.

Abstract: A method of joining two sheets each comprising a metallic foil and heat-sealable material comprises applying heat and pressure to squeeze the heat-sealable material away from a region between the foils so as to provide electrical contact, either directly or by way of an inserted filament, between the foils.

Abstract: Apparatus for folding and sealing sheets comprises means for feeding a sheet, means for bulging a portion of the sheet, means for folding the bulged portion, and means for adhering a sheet portion face to face to a portion thereof trailing the fold. Apparatus for enhancing the security of information on a front side of a sheet comprises said apparatus for folding and sealing sheets, where a plurality of folds are provided and the front side of said sheet is concealed from view inside said folds, said folds being sealed along the lateral side edge portions thereof. Address information may be applied adjacent the trailing edge of said sheet, and the trailing edge portion is folded to expose the address information to view.

Abstract: A method for folding and sealing sheets comprises feeding a sheet forward along a path, bulging a portion of the sheet, folding said bulged portion, adhering a portion of the sheet face to face to a portion thereof trailing backward of the fold, and passing the formed fold forward. Apparatus for folding and sealing sheets comprises means for feeding a sheet, means for bulging a portion of the sheet, means for folding the bulged portion, and means for adhering a sheet portion face to face to a portion thereof trailing the fold. Apparatus for enhancing the security of information on a front side of a sheet comprises said apparatus for folding and sealing sheets, where a plurality of folds are provided and the front side of said sheet is concealed from view inside said folds, said folds being sealed along the lateral side edge portions thereof. Address information may be applied adjacent the trailing edge of said sheet, and the trailing edge portion is folded to expose the address information to view.