Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a breathable nonwoven fabric having enhanced moisture barrier properties. In particular, the invention pertains to a method of making a meltblown fibrous layer having an improved hydrohead performance (e.g. greater than 40 millibars (16 inches of H2O) and adjacent to at least one spunbond fibrous layer, wherein the method comprises secondary processing of the meltblown layer prior to bonding to spunbond layers. The resultant spunbond/meltblown (SM) nowoven fabric is breathable and characterized as having a cloth-like feel and softness and enhanced hydrohead performance rendering it suitable for use in, for example, personal hygiene, disposable industrial garment and infection control/clean room applications for items such as coverings, incontinence pads and diapers, especially as a diaper backsheet or containment flap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing the heating efficiency of a nonwoven web using heated air are provided. A flow modifier including a turbulence inducing bar arrangement is positioned between the heated air supply and the nonwoven web. The flow modifier increases the turbulence of the heated air before it contacts the nonwoven web, resulting in more thorough penetration of the web by the air, and better convective heat transfer between the heated air and the nonwoven web.

Abstract: A prefabricated multi-layered flexible product which can be used as a liner for an outer shell or as a stand-alone product. A substrate fabric material is placed in parallel with a synthetic film membrane to form a two ply laminate, and with outer substrate fabric material(s) to form multi-ply laminates. A thermoplastic film is strategically placed in between the layers to enhance bonding. The laminate(s) and/or separate sheets of above materials are assembled by using a radio frequency welding process and then out into two or three dimensional forms, which in their bonded state form either a prefabricated component liner or a prefabricated stand-alone product. The form may be a glove, sock, shirt, boot/shoe, hat, jacket, pant, etc.

Abstract: A process for continuously producing a multi-layer feminine hygienic pad comprising a plurality of long sheets of a thermoplastic resin as a backing sheet, a plurality of long sheets of a porous film of a thermoplastic resin, and a plurality of sheets of a fluid-absorbing macromolecular compound.

Abstract: A filter device filters contaminants from air for magnetic disk drive systems. The filter has layers of permeable fabric material allowing flow through the filter. An adsorptive slurry is deposited in a discreet pattern onto one layer with a cover layer mounted over the adsorptive deposit. The slurry retains a high adsorptive material surface area for improved adsorption of contaminants. The slurry is placed onto the base material using a screening or other similar application method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ink jet head for changing the volume in a pressure chamber by deformation of a laminate piezoelectric device and for jetting ink filled in the pressure chamber from the front openings of the pressure chamber through nozzle holes, and particularly to an ink jet head which is characterized by an adhesive layer interposed between the front end surface of the main body forming the pressure chamber and a nozzle plate. The nozzle plate is bonded to the front end surface of the main body via an adhesive layer formed by an adhesive. The adhesive layer is divided into a nozzle seal layer encompassing the nozzle holes and the periphery of the front openings of the pressure chamber, an outer periphery hermetic layer formed annularly around the outer periphery of a region in which the main body and the nozzle plate oppose each other, and a reinforcing layer distributed in an intermediate portion between the nozzle seal layer and the outer periphery hermetic layer.

Abstract: A laminated fibrous structure comprising at least two fibrous sheets and a method for manufacturing same are provided. At least one, and preferably two, of the fibrous sheets may be embossed. The sheets are movably joined together in a face-to-face relationship to form a laminated structure such that the sheets are able to move relative each other during the use of the laminated structure by a consumer, without tearing or separation of any one of the sheets comprising the laminated structure. The sheets comprising the laminated structure may be movably joined by using a bonding material, by mechanically engaging upstanding fibers created on the interfacing surfaces of the sheets, or by a combination of the bonding material and engaging the upstanding fibers.

Abstract: A welding method controls the welding temperature, welding cycle time, and welding pressure for fabrication of composite structural parts. A welding unit welds multiple plies of thermoplastic prepreg into welded multi-ply assemblies by concentrating welds along the thermoplastic prepreg plies at localized and strategic positions. Two platens weld a plurality of the multi-ply assemblies into a layup using a plurality of heated pins. The heated pins are hollow to reduce surface heating during welding and are non-uniformly shaped to allow indexing of the layup. After the layup is cut into a plurality of thermoplastic prepreg segments along a layup pattern, the thermoplastic prepreg segments are indexed according to the weld marks impressed by the non-uniformly shaped heated pins. The thermoplastic prepreg segments are formed into kits or wedges by stacking smaller thermoplastic prepreg segments on top of larger thermoplastic prepreg segments.

Abstract: A method is provided for laminating polyolefin resins, which includes placing a plurality of polyolefin resin films or sheets one upon another and sealing the adjacent surfaces of the films or sheets by high-frequency dielectric heating while being pressed between a mold and a level block, and which is further characterized in the claims. The method of the present invention yields sealed polyolefin resin articles having high mechanical strength and good transparency at the sealed site.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a single step sterilization wrapping material suitable for use, as an example, in wrapping surgical instruments and supplies for sterilization, transportation and storage. The material includes separate inner and outer wraps which, unlike previous wraps, are joined to one another. Common wrapping techniques involve wrapping items to be sterilized with two separate sheets of wrap. The present invention provides separate wraps which can be specially engineered to deliver specific properties for each sheet and then joined to one another so as to permit wrapping and opening in a neat single step process which increases efficiency and saves time and money. In special situations the outer wrap can be engineered with increased strength, the inner wrap with increased barrier properties and the inner and outer wraps can be made visually distinct from one another so that improper wrapping or opening, is not a problem.

Abstract: Business forms having longitudinal and transverse patterns of pressure activated cohesive requiring a sealing force of at least about 50 lbs. per lineal inch are sealed preferably by a single pass through a nip formed by first and second rollers. The first roller is a larger diameter substantially smooth surfaced roll, while the second roller is a small diameter serrated or ribbed roll, e.g. having serrations or ribs having a dimension substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of about 0.04-0.1 (e.g. about 1/16) inches, with spaces therebetween of between about 0.2-0.1 inches (e.g. between about 1/32-1/16) inches. Preferably the serrations or ribs are oppositely directed angled serrations or ribs on different halves of the second roll, each making an angle of at least about 10.degree. with respect to a plane substantially transverse to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: An optical module has a housing of synthetic resin incorporating a lens therein and a semiconductor device of a metal-cap package structure which is held in optical axis alignment with the lens. The optical module is manufactured in provisional and final fixing stages. In the provisional fixing stage, a first thermosetting resin is applied as a plurality of spaced dots to surfaces, to be joined, of a stem of the semiconductor device and an end of the housing, the lens and the semiconductor device are held in optical axis alignment with each other, and a high-frequency current is supplied to a coil extending around the stem to heat the stem to thermoset the first thermosetting resin by high-frequency induction heating. In the final fixing stage, a second thermosetting resin is deposited in a circumferential pattern on an outer circumferential surface of the stem along the end of the housing, and the second thermosetting resin is thermoset by heating.

Abstract: An album for containing items such as photographs or collectible cards, and its fabrication process, combining the advantages of a cover of one thermoplastic material with the different advantages of leaves of another thermoplastic material weld-incompatible with the cover material, using thermoplastic welding for securing the leaves to the cover. In its preferred embodiment, the album comprises a cover having vinyl inner and outer cover sheets secured to one another in superposed relation with a polypropylene sheet captured therebetween and extending along the cover's spine, and a plurality of polypropylene leaves thermally welded to the captured polypropylene sheet along the cover's spine and through the inner cover.

Abstract: A vertical pressure sealing assembly is disclosed for sealing four edges of a business form. The assembly defines a business form path in a single vertical plane. The assembly includes two sealing modules each having a frame to support upper and lower sealing wheels. The sealing wheels are aligned with the outer edges of the business form. Each sealing module includes a first and second pair of upper/lower sealing wheels on each side of the module frame. The first frame is positioned vertically above and offset from the second sealing module. The second sealing module is orthogonal to the first module. A form chute between the two sealing modules is positioned immediately below the first sealing module and adjacent the second sealing module. Conveyor belts and drive wheels are used to move the business form through the vertical pressure sealing assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing plastic cards with a layer structure, in each of which cards a flat coil and a chip which is connected thereto are embedded, these components being placed on a first web, to which a subsequent web for accommodating apertures for the components and at least one covering web are applied, which webs are then joined together by lamination so as to form a final web, out of which plastic cards are stamped.

Abstract: A method for temporarily attaching an electrical component to a pad, testing the component, removing and replacing the component if necessary, and making a final attachment of the component to the pad. The method provides for attachment and removal of components, to and from pads located on the substrate of a printed circuit board, wherein the method enables components to be easily removed prior to final assembly without damaging the circuit board or components mounted thereon. The method utilizes a layer of conductive, radiation-curable adhesive placed between the component's lead and the pad. Radiation is then directed through a mask onto a portion of the adhesive layer, which cures the portion while leaving a remaining area of the adhesive layer uncured. Because the portion of the adhesive layer that receives the radiation, and is consequently cured by the radiation, is only a limited portion of the whole adhesive layer, the component may be easily removed from the pad by applying a small mechanical force.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure includes applying an electron beam curable polymer material to a generally planer material, placing two sheets of the planer material in laminar juxtaposition with one another, and forming and curing nodelines between adjacent sheets of the planar material with an electron beam.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for intermittently bonding a substrate web in fabricating a blank subassembly for an absorbent article. The invention comprises ultrasonic bonding apparatus including an anvil roll, a substrate web thereon, and at least one rotary ultrasonic horn. The substrate web can comprise at least first and second layers of material. The rotary ultrasonic horn, in combination with the anvil roll, ultrasonically bonds intermittent segments of the first and second layers of the substrate web to each other. Such intermittent bonds can comprise end seals for the absorbent articles. The ultrasonic horn and anvil roll are periodically separated from each other to provide the intermittent bonding of the substrate web. An actuator apparatus periodically moves the anvil roll and ultrasonic horn from engaging contact with each other preventing bond formation.

Abstract: A method of applying a pattern of stop-off material to a sheet is described, the pattern being stored in a computer memory; the method comprises:(a) placing the sheet (22) on a table (12) that is traversable by a printing head (14) capable of applying jets of fluid from a reservoir onto the underlying sheet,(b) supplying a suspension of stop-off material to the fluid jet reservoir and(c) traversing the printer head (14) with respect to the sheet and(d) so controlling the head that it applies jets of stop-off material to the sheet to form a pattern of stop-off material in accordance with the pattern stored in the said memory.The method finds particular use in applying stop-off material in combined diffusion bonding/superplastic forming fabrication techniques.

Abstract: For forming a packaged product sample held in a carrier material (1), in a first operation two sections of material (8, 9), for example sections of film, are applied next to each other to the same side of the carrier material (1). Then, the product sample (10) is applied to one section of material (8). Subsequently, by folding the carrier material (1) about a folding line (11), the other section of material (9) is placed over the section of material (8) carrying the product sample (10). Subsequently, the two sections of carrier material (1a, 1b) lying one over the other and carrying the sections of material (8, 9) are joined to each other, to be precise along a closed region surrounding the product sample (10). In order to be able to remove the product sample, within the joining region between the two sections of carrier material (1a, 1b) there is provided a line of weakness which defines a tear-open part.

Abstract: Methods of improving the bondability of thermoplastic plastic substrates are described. In the methods, a bondable substrate is adhered to a thermoplastic plastic material of choice through mechanical, thermal, or chemical procedures, resulting in bond-enhanced thermoplastic materials. In one example, a urethane honeycomb panel with bond enhancement substrates is described. Thermoplastic panels with bond enhancement layers are laminated to secondary materials such as metal or plastic by applying an adhesive to the bond enhancement layer and adhering the secondary material.

Abstract: Process for the production of a composite sheet (90) comprising a cellular core (41) and at least one outer layer (42) by bonding the outer layer (42) to the cellular core (41), for example with the aid of an adhesive film (84) under pressure and at elevated temperature, where the adhesive film (84) may initially extend over the entire surface and breaks up in the region of the honeycomb interior under the action of heat and on exposure to a gaseous medium, concentrating at the points of contact between the cellular core (41) and the outer layer (42). The outer layer (42) itself has an adhesive layer or an adhesive film (83) on the side facing the cellular core. The outer layer bonds to the cellular core under pressure and at elevated temperature.

Abstract: A topsheet for body exudates absorbent article includes a hydrophilic nonwoven fibrous sheet and a plurality of thermoplastic synthetic resin filaments extending in one direction parallel to one another and continuously bonded to an upper surface of the nonwoven fibrous sheet so that a composite sheet of these sheet and filaments have crests and troughs alternately repeating longitudinally of the filaments and respectively extend transversely of the filaments. An apparatus and a method for manufcturing the topsheet are also disclosed, wherein a pair of mutually engageable embossing rolls are used for forming the crests and the troughs onto the coposite sheet.

Abstract: Miniaturized planar column devices are described for use in liquid phase analysis, the devices comprising microstructures fabricated by laser ablation in a variety of novel support substrates. Devices formed according to the invention include associated laser-ablated features required for function, such as analyte detection means and fluid communication means. Miniaturized columns constructed under the invention find use in any analysis system performed on either small and/or macromolecular solutes in the liquid phase and may employ chromatographic, electrophoretic, electrochromatographic separation means, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: An improved booklet of the present invention comprises: (a) a cover having a fold which divides the cover into a front cover panel and a rear cover panel wherein each panel has an inner and an outer surface where at least one of said inner surfaces is vinyl treated latex saturated paper substrate; (b) a vinyl sheet heat sealed along three adjacent edges to said surface of said vinyl treated paper substrate thereby forming a pocket between said vinyl sheet and said vinyl treated paper substrate and further leaving one non-sealed edge; and (c) a plurality of leaves each attached along at least one marginal edge to the fold, the leaves forming pages in the booklet.

Abstract: Described is a process for producing heat-insulated panels for the large-scale panel method of construction, which can be used for the production of load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls and supporting walls. The process is characterised in that firstly a hard foam panel (5) is put on to or extruded on to at least one flat table (1), thereafter place-reserving devices in the form of frames or the like for for production of door, window and other openings (8, 14, 16, 18) and inner hollow chambers are put in accurately positioned relationship on to the hard foam panel, then the remaining free surfaces of the hard foam panel (5) are provided with connecting members (12) and preferably fixed by bonding agent and/or preferably undercut grooves are provided in the region of the free surfaces. A concrete layer (11) is then cast and compacted on to the hard foam panel (5) which is provided with an outer boundary 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: Laminates having microfluidic structures disposed between sheets of the laminate are provided. The microfluidic structures are raised on a sheet of laminate, typically by printing the structure on the sheet. Printing methods include Serigraph, ink-jet, intaligo, offset printing and thermal laser printing.

Abstract: The same material as the molded members is dissolved in solvent. The solvent is evaporated to form an adhesive layer. The molded members are adhered together via the adhesive layer. The molded members and the adhesive layer are heated and fused together to produce an ink jet head having a monocoque structure formed from a single material including the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A ceramic packing element (500) is formed from a stack of ceramic plates (502) having parallel ribs (504) forming parallel grooves therebetween. The grooves are formed into channels by being contacted with the surface of an opposed plate. The ribs (504) may engage the end surfaces of ribs on an adjacent plate or may be interleaved with the ribs (504) of an opposed plate to form smaller channels. The plates (502) are adhered to each other by firing a stack of plates (502) in the green state or by adhering cured plates (502) by means of an inorganic adhesive such as sodium silicate. Pressure drop and cracking may be reduced, mass transfer and heat efficiencies increased by enlarging the inlets (542) to the channels and by providing perforations through the plates between the ribs (504). Elements may be preassembled into larger units before placement in a column by wrapping metal bands around an assembly of elements.

Abstract: A zoned hot air knife assembly and process include a plurality of discrete, spaced apart air knives is useful for the inter-filament bonding of nonwoven webs, for the thermal bonding of laminates including nonwoven webs, and other applications. The zoned hot air knife assembly and process facilitate the manufacture of low bond area, low density nonwoven webs and laminates having high structural integrity. The zoned hot air knife also reduces the amount of heated air and, thus, energy required for the production of thermally bonded nonwoven webs and laminates.

Abstract: A composite elastic material includes a layer of ribbon-shaped elastomeric elements disposed in machine direction alignment and point bonded to an extensible layer which may be a gatherable layer or a stretchable layer. A layer of meltblown elastomeric fibers may be bonded to the layer of elastomeric ribbon-shaped elements before bonding to the extensible layer. The elastic composite has excellent cohesion, controlled breathability to air and water vapor, an opaque appearance, and is easy to cut and convert to end use products such as garments, pads, diapers, and personal care products where elasticity is desired.

Abstract: An embossing and laminating machine comprising a first embossing cylinder with a surface provided with a first set of protuberances, a second embossing cylinder with a surface provided with a second set of protuberances, said two embossing cylinders forming a nip, and a first and a second pressure roller interacting with said first and second embossing cylinders respectively; and in which said sets of protuberances are made in such a way that in said nip some of said first set of protuberances coincide with some of said second set of protuberances, while other protuberances of said first set are out of phase with corresponding protuberances of said second set, wherein said embossing cylinders are mechanically connected by a transmission which does not keep the cylinders in phase and which causes slight relative slippage between said embossing cylinders.

Abstract: A process of preparing new down-like clusters employs a method of point-bonding thermoplastic cut fibers in a stack of webs of carded fibers or continuous filaments in a tow, and then cutting and separating the resulting clusters which have an entirely different structure that is refluffable. Ultrasonic bonding has worked well as the bonding method, but other methods may prove useful.

Abstract: In a method of making high-absorbency articles for use in wound care, incontinence, ostomy applications, and other more varied uses, a loose high-absorbency powder is arranged between a pair of sheets. The sheets and powder are compressed in certain areas. Loose powder is extracted e.g. by vacuum or gravity, and by cutting and sealing, packet-like articles are produced.

Abstract: A self-adhesive label comprising a multilaminar label portion, a self-adhesive laminar material extending over, and adhered by its self-adhesive surface to, the multilaminar label portion thereby to form two self-adhesive edge portions thereof on opposed sides of the multilaminar label portion, a backing of release material to which one of the edge portions is releasably adhered and an unadhesive portion which is located on the rear surface of the said one edge portion.

Abstract: A prefabricated multi-layered flexible product which can be used as a liner for an outer shell or as a stand-alone product. A substrate fabric material is placed in parallel with a synthetic film membrane to form a two ply laminate with excess membrane at an edge thereof. A pair of the laminates are overlaid with the substrate fabrics opposing each other with the fabric edges aligned, and a thermoplastic film is strategically placed in between the layers to enhance bonding between the fabric layers and the excess membranes. The laminate(s) and/or separate sheets of above materials are assembled by using a radio frequency welding process and then out into two or three dimensional forms, which in their bonded state form either a prefabricated component liner or a prefabricated stand-alone product. The form may be a glove, sock, shirt, boot/shoe, hat, jacket, pant, etc.

Abstract: An embossing and laminating machine is provided comprising a first embossing cylinder with a surface provided with a first set of protuberances and a second embossing cylinder with a surface provided with a second set of protuberances. The two embossing cylinders forming a nip. First and second pressure rollers interact with the first and the second embossing cylinders respectively. The protuberances are constructed in such a way that in the nip some of the protuberances of the first set coincide with some protuberances of the second set while other protuberances of the first set are out of phase with corresponding protuberances of the second set.

Abstract: A method of forming a laminate for construction units and particularly laminates of fiber reinforced plastic, includes the step of locating a core between a pair of laminas, the core including a plurality of transverse openings such as a tesselated structure joined at intersections, permitting passage of an adhesive therethrough for joining the laminas. The core is of a lightweight very inexpensive material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid and low cost procedure for joining webs and films containing dissimilar polymers. It is especially applicable but not limited to the construction and assembly of disposable products such as infant and adult incontinent products, feminine hygiene products, and other low-cost, high volume disposable products. The process involves producing a high rate of heat flux through the dissimilar materials where the material with the higher plastic point is at the influx point and the lower plastic point material is adjacent and further from the heat source. In addition to this constraint and as a necessary component the application of the high rate of heat flux must be accompanied by a pressure of appropriate to the difference in plastic points and to the relative thickness of the dissimilar materials to be joined.

Abstract: A glass channel insert to guide, support, and seal a slidable window in a supporting channel window frame. The channel insert includes a centrally disposed durable plastic strip to bear the weight of the window and side sealing or glide members, preferably a laterally disposed pair of opposed pile weatherstrips to seal the inner and outer window surfaces from wind and water. The bearing strip and the weatherstrips are adhered to a common surface of a flexible backing web, preferably by simultaneous ultrasonic welding, providing a substantially planar glass channel element which can be wound as a roll. In installation, the planar element is folded longitudinally to form a U-shaped glass channel insert, which can be sliced transversely at intervals along its back side to permit bending of the insert to follow the curved edges of windows.

Abstract: A method for fixing a reagent layer directly onto a supporting base plate in the preparation of a dry analysis kit for determining a specific component in a liquid specimen wherein at least one of the reagent layer and the base plate is a thermoplastic resin, and which comprises the steps of:placing the reagent layer in contact with the base plate and externally applying ultrasonic vibration and pressure to the two layers to generate frictional heat thereby to melt the surface of the thermoplastic resin;applying pressure to make the molten surface of thermoplastic resin bite the non-thermoplastic material or to integrate the surfaces of thermoplastic layer and base plate; andremoving the ultrasonic vibration and pressure.

Abstract: A method for bonding together at least two conductive members 20, wherein each member includes at least one metallic 22 having a respective bonding area 24. At least one member has a deposition of metallic bonding material 26 attached to each respective conductor proximate each bonding area, and at least one member has a plastic element 28 attached thereto proximate each respective bonding area. The members 20 are positioned in a predetermined orientation, clamped together between an ultrasonic horn and anvil arrangement, with pressure and orthogonal ultrasonic energy being applied thereto so that each plastic element 28 is heated, which in turn melts the bonding material 26. Any plastic element material between the conductors is squeezed away therefrom and the respective conductors 22 are brought into proximity with each other so that a molten joint of bonding material physically contacts each respective conductor.

Abstract: For manufacturing filter material, a non-woven filter web is formed from electrostatically charged dielectric fibers. In order to give dimensional stability to the filter material without adversely affecting the permeability of the filter material, filaments or narrow strips are placed essentially at a distance from each other on at least one of the two sides of the filter web and fixed to the non-woven filter web.

Abstract: The objectives of the invention is to obtain the complex cell structured material which has the advantages of toughness and of being light in weight. Also it is economical when utilized in the field of the general structural materials such as architecture, civil engineering, machinery structure field, automobiles, ships, cars, aircrafts, space crafts, space stations, submarines. The manufacturing of this invention also consists of simple procedures. A complex cell structure is comprised of a maintained spatial surface on which is the complex cell bodies are bonded. The complex cell bodies are distributed/bonded on the maintained spatial surface. The maintained spatial surface is rolled, annual ring shaped, whirlpooled, laminated, plate shaped or crossed. The liquid coagulant fills the empty space. The coagulant is coagulated to produce the complex cell structure. Also, the method to produce is as follows. Prepared complex cell bodies are composed of rigid sections and a light material.

Abstract: Method to anchor foils for green-tape circuits, whereby the foils of alumina in the raw state or of another like or analogous material, which are personalized, printed and dried, are superimposed on each other in a coordinated and organized manner, at least one green-tape foil (10) being bonded to at least one other previously positioned green-tape foil (10) by means of at least one weld (11-12-13-14-15) made by a source of heat (laser, microwaves, ultrasounds, hot point, etc.).

Abstract: A method for attaching reclosable zipper strips transversely to thermoplastic film material which may be used to make reclosable bags or packages in a form-fill-seal machine is claimed. The zipper strip includes a male profile and a female profile. The male profile includes a male interlocking member and an integral web comprising a trailing flange and, optionally, a leading flange. Likewise, the female profile includes a female interlocking member and an integral web comprising a trailing flange and, optionally, a leading flange. As the film material is advanced into the form-fill-seal machine in bag length increments, the interlocked zipper strip is disposed on the film material transversely thereto with the trailing flange oriented in a direction opposite to the motion of the film material. The zipper strip is then sealed to the film material at its extremities. In this manner the male and female profiles are sealed to each other and to the film material.

Abstract: A cushion article, such as a wrist support or the like, and a method of manufacturing same are provided. The cushion article includes a multiple density, cushioned surface bonded to a molded foam shell. The saddle includes a contoured fabric surface with an underlying layer of soft gel. The gel may be molded to form embossment or imprinting in the fabric surface. A method of the invention includes the steps of disposing the saddle shell having a fabric sealed thereto, into a mold having a molding surface defining a desired contour and/or a desired pattern of embossment to be formed in the fabric. A thermoplastic gelable liquid is injected between the shell and the fabric. The fabric is contoured and or embossed by allowing the gelable liquid to cool while the shell is disposed in mold. The shell may be made of a foam material which is compressed into a desired shape and heat treated to form a shell having firmer, more dense portions and softer, less dense portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-sealing flexible plastic valve for a non-latex balloon, to a balloon incorporating such a valve, to a method of manufacturing such a valve, and to a method of manufacturing a balloon incorporating such a valve. The valve is made from two flexible plastic strips, bonded together along the side edges to define a valve passageway or tube, and having an open inlet end and an open outlet end. The inlet end of one or both valve strips flares or otherwise curls outwardly to facilitate opening of the valve to insert a gas supply mechanism to inflate the balloon.

Abstract: A label for displaying information regarding a container and suspending the container from a support, and methods for forming the same. The label includes a base label having a base adhesive on the lower surface thereof. A connector strip is secured to the upper surface of the base label along a longitudinal edge by at least one adhesive patch. A hanger is secured by the legs thereof to the connector strip. The hanger is foldable between a stored position wherein the hanger lies adjacent the upper surface of the base web and a hanging position wherein the hanger is folded away from the base label for receiving the support through the opening. A remaining portion of the upper surface of the base label is not covered by either of the connector strip and the hanger when the hanger is in the stored position. The label may further include at least one removable self adhesive secondary label forming a part thereof.