Abstract: Parallel plate devices for hemofiltration or hemodialysis are provided. A parallel plate device includes a parallel plate assembly having an aligned stack of stackable plate subunits, each stackable plate subunit having a through channel for blood, where the blood channels are opened up at opposite ends of the parallel plate assembly. The parallel plate assembly is configured to form filtrate/dialysate channels interleaved with the blood channels, adjacent channels being separated by a silicon nanoporous filtration membrane. A blood conduit adaptor is attached to the parallel plate assembly at each of the ends, and is configured to distribute blood to or collect blood from the blood channels. Also provided are systems and methods for using the parallel plate devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermoplastic bag comprised of a front panel and a back panel. The front panel and back panel are generally joined along a first side edge, a second side edge, and a bottom edge of the respective front panel and back panel. The front panel has a distal edge with the distal edge folded over the front panel to provide a hem and an overlap area immediately below the first hem. The overlap area comprises at least two layers of polymeric film which are sealed together.

Abstract: A method of producing a sealed structural joint between two components (23, 24) and such a sealed joint are provided. The method includes the steps of applying a layer of sealant (27) to the first component (23), applying liquid shim (28) to the second component (24), inserting an intermediate layer (29) between the sealant (27) and the liquid shim (28), the intermediate layer (29) having a series of raised structural features (31) to engage the first component (23). The features (31) are positioned to allow the sealant (27) to extend across the joint between the raised features (31) to form a continuous seal. The joint is then closed and cure of the liquid shim (28) and sealant (27) takes place to solidify the shim (28) to the desired thickness within the joint.

Abstract: A bow label for a beverage container is disclosed herein. The bow label may include a first sheet at least partially attached to the beverage container. The bow label also may include a second sheet at least partially attached to the first sheet. The first sheet and the second sheet may include a first configuration and a second configuration. In addition, the bow label may include a pull cord disposed between and at least partially attached to the first sheet and the second sheet. In this manner, movement of the pull cord may move the first sheet and the second sheet between the first configuration and the second configuration. In some instances, the second configuration may include a bow-like shape.

Abstract: Styrene-butadiene-based aqueous dispersions and methods for their preparation are described herein. The aqueous dispersions include water and a binder comprising a styrene-butadiene-based copolymer and an epoxysilane. Further described herein are binder formulations and methods for their preparation and use.

Abstract: A seed label including a label layer removably attached to a clear film layer by an adhesive layer, and at least one seed disposed between the label layer and clear film layer. The label layer may be made of a biodegradable material. The adhesive layer may be a dry release-clean release adhesive layer. The label layer may include water-based ink printing thereon. The adhesive layer may be a water-based adhesive. The seed label may be removably affixed to a package. The seed label may be disposable in a container for germinating the seeds. A method of manufacturing a seed label, includes providing a label layer, automatically placing at least one seed on one side of the label layer, and automatically attaching the label layer to a clear film layer by an adhesive layer, with the seed disposed between the label layer and clear film layer.

Abstract: A liner tube for repairing existing pipes is provided. The liner tube is sufficiently flexible to lie substantially flat under its own weight thereby defining an upper portion and a lower portion. The liner tube includes an inner layer, an outer layer disposed around the inner layer, a first intermediate layer disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer, the first intermediate layer being wrapped around the inner layer to overlap itself and define a first overlap portion in the upper portion, and a second intermediate layer disposed between the first intermediate layer and the outer layer, the second intermediate layer being wrapped around the first intermediate layer to overlap itself and define a second overlap portion in the lower portion. The first and second intermediate layers include a porous material and the inner layer includes material substantially impermeable to liquids.

Abstract: A method for management of wires, cords, tubes, or tubing is provided. The method includes providing a unitary strip having adhesive regions at least at opposite ends of a surface of the unitary strip. At least one protective strip covers at least one of said adhesive regions. The unitary strip is made of a material capable of being shaped at least at a location intermediate its ends. The at least one protective strip is peeled off and at least one of said adhesive regions is adhered to a surface so that the wires, cords, tubes, or tubing can freely slide under the unitary strip at the location intermediate its ends.

Abstract: Methods and systems for an armor system are provided. The system includes a first face sheet and a shaped preform extending from the first face sheet. The preform includes a first edge proximate the first face sheet, a sidewall extending from the first edge to a flange extending substantially perpendicularly from the sidewall. The preform circumscribes an area of the first face sheet. The system also includes a tile of armor material complementarily-shaped to fit within the area circumscribed by the preform. The tile is positioned within the preform such that at least a portion of the tile is between the first face sheet and the flange. The system includes a second face sheet covering the preform and the tile on a side opposite from the first face sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent structure, preferably for use in absorbent products, such as used in the food, consumer, household, building and construction, beauty and medical industry, and as used in the personal hygiene industry. The substantially cellulose free absorbent structures continuously immobilise absorbent polymer material via initial smaller pockets and subsequently larger compartments allowing excellent fluid management of the absorbent polymer material in dry, partially and fully liquid loaded state. Preferably such absorbent structure volume increases are result of temporary secondary attachment patterns made in combination with substantially permanent primary attachment grids allowing the release of bigger volumes from the initial smaller volumes by detachment of the secondary attachments.

Abstract: A self contained disposable bonded carry handle comprised of a layer of bonding material having a bottom side and a top side being coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive, said top side being coated with pressure sensitive adhesive about the periphery, at least one flexible handle having a first end and a second end affixed to the pressure sensitive adhesive on the top side of the bonding layer such that the center portion of the handle is movable and foldable, a protective layer affixed to the adhesive layer on the top side of the bonding layer, said protective layer having an opening to allow for access to the handle, and a surface layer having a centralized hole and a bottom layer substantially coated with pressure sensitive adhesive, said bottom layer affixed to the protective layer such that the handle passes through the centralized hole.

Abstract: A removable infant-seat liner that includes a first layer with a top portion, a bottom portion and a drawstring or elastic member along an outer edge of the first layer is provided. The liner further includes a second layer substantially affixed to the first layer top portion. The outer edge of the first layer is sized to be situated around an outer rim of a basket and the first layer is sized to fall within an internal portion of the basket.

Abstract: Devices for the occlusion of body cavities, such as the embolization of vascular aneurysms and the like, and methods for making and using such devices. The devices may be comprised of novel expansile materials, novel infrastructure design, or both. The devices provided are very flexible and enable deployment with reduced or no damage to bodily tissues, conduits, cavities, etceteras.

Abstract: A water hammer arrester and a process for making a water hammer arrester. The arrester includes a includes a cylindrical tube that contains a sliding piston separating the interior into a gas portion and a liquid portion. The gas portion is enclosed by a cap. The liquid portion has a pipe fitting for connection to a liquid-carrying pipe. The process includes assembling the piston, cylinder, fitting, and cap together outside of a pressured chamber used to charge the gas portion. A pressure chamber receives the cap and open end of the cylinder, and tabs around the cap allow fluid flow into the gas portion of the cylinder. Increasing gas pressure in the pressure chamber simultaneously increases gas pressure inside the gas portion. At this raised pressure, an ultrasonic welding horn engages the cap and/or cylinder to weld the two together trapping the gas therein under pressure.

Abstract: A compression garment having a sealable bladder pocket adapted for applying compression therapy to a selected body part of a patient. The compression garment includes a selectively inflatable bladder and a wrap having a selectively sealable pocket. The pocket has a sealable main opening sized for passing the bladder therethrough for inserting the bladder in the pocket and removing the bladder from the pocket. A connector on the bladder may be connected to a fluid supply line via the main opening. In other embodiments, the connector may be connected in fluid communication with the fluid supply line via a secondary opening separated from the main opening. Fluid is delivered from the fluid source to an inflatable interior of the bladder to impart compression therapy to the body part.

Abstract: Storage tank assemblies and methods for water on water reverse osmosis systems. A bladder type storage tank is fabricated by forming first and second shells, which when joined together at a center region of each shell, form a tank enclosure, the first shell having first and second openings therein away from the center region of the respective shell, coupling a bladder to the first opening in the first shell so that the bladder will be within the tank enclosure when the first and second shells are joined together at a center region of each shell, temporarily holding the bladder in a collapsed state away from the center region of the first shell with one or more strings and passing the strings through the second opening, welding the first and second shells together at the center region of each shell to form the tank enclosure, and withdrawing the strings to release the bladder.

Abstract: A method for making a cover for a document includes placing first and second sheets of a transparent film on a rigid plane. The first sheet is attached to the rigid plane and is welded to the second sheet along an edge. A medium is inserted between the first and second sheets. The first and second sheets with the medium inserted in between are joined together. The first and second sheets can be joined together with the medium inserted in between by cold lamintion, thermal lamination, or by self-adhesive surfaces of the first and second sheets.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices directed to the use of flexure assemblies to assist components driven by actuators, including but not limited to electroactive polymer transducers for providing sensory feedback. The present invention may be employed in any type of user interface device including, but not limited to, touch pads, touch screens or key pads or the like for computer, phone, PDA, video game console, GPS system, kiosk applications, etc.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a first part for assembly to form an aircraft component, by applying a shim to a first surface of the first part, the method comprising the steps of placing the first surface of the part adjacent to a second surface of a second part, inserting a solid shim into a gap between the first and second surfaces and holding the shim in the inserted position, and subsequently introducing a liquid shim through the first part into a region between the first part and the solid shim.

Abstract: A continuous, non-metallic conduit for conductors, such as electrical wiring and/or fiber optic cable. The continuous conduit being formed from at least one pair of first and second conduits having enlarged ends coupled together. The enlarged ends are belled or otherwise have a diameter greater than that of the straight run (non-belled) portions of the conduit. The enlarged ends of the conduit being coupled together by fusion or welding, and an internal bead or ridge being formed by the coupling process. The enlarged ends are dimensioned such that the internal bead or ridge formed at the junction between the two enlarged ends does not project radially inward to a position equal to or less than the diameter of the straight run portion of the conduits. The continuous conduit is configured to allow the conductor to be passed therethrough such that the conductor does not contact the internal bead or ridge.

Abstract: Smokeless oral products are disclosed. In some embodiments, a smokeless oral tobacco product is provided comprising a permeable pouch and smokeless tobacco. The permeable pouch comprises a woven polylactide material. This material may offer the advantages of being sustainable and biodegradable, offering improved control of manufacture and pore size, having antibacterial properties, and/or being resistant to discoloration.

Abstract: An apparatus 100 of the present invention for manufacturing an absorbent article which includes a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet and an absorber provided between the topsheet and the backsheet, is provided with a lower press roller 110B which presses outer edge areas 81 which correspond to outer edges of the extended portions 50 of a continuous body constituted by the plurality of continuous sheets. The lower press roller 110B is provided with a plurality of rear end protrusions 115 which protrude outward in a radial direction of the roller and press rear end inclined areas 81S which correspond to the outside-to-inside inclined areas of the outer edge areas 81. An extending direction LD2 of the rear end protrusions 115 differ from an extending direction of a rear end outline 87 extending along the shapes of rear end inclined portions 50B in the rear end inclined areas 81S.

Abstract: A utility cover identification system including a cover, a tray having a recess and being embedded within the cover, and an identification plate insertable into the tray to engage the tray recess to retain the identification plate within the tray. A method of forming the cover identification system includes the steps of coupling the cover and a tray together, curing the cover to secure the tray to the cover, and inserting an identification plate into the tray and retaining the identification plate in the tray.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a micro-electrode array package including a micro-electrode array comprising: a substrate section including a liquid crystal polymer; an electrode section collecting and transferring bio-signals; and a cover section insulating and protecting the electrode section and including a liquid crystal polymer, wherein the electrode section is disposed in contact with one surface of the substrate section, the cover section is adhered in contact with the surface of the substrate section on which the electrode section is disposed, and a space independent from the external environment is formed between the substrate section and the cover section adhered thereto.

Abstract: A self contained disposable bonded carry handle comprised of a layer of bonding material having a bottom side and a top side being coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive, said top side being coated with pressure sensitive adhesive about the periphery, at least one flexible handle having a first end and a second end affixed to the pressure sensitive adhesive on the top side of the bonding layer such that the center portion of the handle is movable and foldable, a protective layer affixed to the adhesive layer on the top side of the bonding layer, said protective layer having an opening to allow for access to the handle, and a surface layer having a centralized hole and a bottom layer substantially coated with pressure sensitive adhesive, said bottom layer affixed to the protective layer such that the handle passes through the centralized hole.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for charging a compact vapor cell, including placing an alkali-filled capillary into a reservoir cell formed in a substrate, the reservoir cell in vapor communication with an interrogation cell in the substrate and bonding a transparent window to the substrate on a common face of the reservoir cell and the interrogation cell to form a compact vapor cell. Capillary action in the capillary delays migration of alkali in the alkali-filled capillary from the reservoir cell into the interrogation cell during the bonding.

Abstract: Spring cushions (10) having slow-acting pocketed spring cores (12) characterized by the individual springs of the cores (12) being pocketed within semi-impermeable fabric material and a method of making such pocketed spring cores (12). Fibrous material is located between adjacent rows of pocketed springs and upper and lower sheets are secured to at least some of the strings of springs to reduce noise.

Abstract: A flexible cover is formed from a rectangular sheet of plastic film material and a continuous elastic or rubber band. The sheet has a predetermined amount of material cut from each corner. The sheet is placed onto a table between four posts that extend from the table. The sheet is positioned so that a post lines up with each corner of the sheet. A rubber band is stretched across the four posts into a similar shaped rectangle and rests just above side edges of the sheet. The side edges of the sheet are folded inward and over the stretched band and heat sealed directly to the sheet. The band is now sealed within a pocket formed along the sides of the sheet. Each corner of the stretched band is released from its post, allowing the band to relax and pull the formed pockets toward the center.

Abstract: A pouched non-tobacco product includes a lined pouch material of a web and a water-soluble liner adjacent the web and a non-tobacco flavorful component contained within the lined pouch material. The water-soluble liner is interposed between the web and the non-tobacco flavorful component. The liner preferably reduces staining of the web by the non-tobacco flavorful component. Additionally, the liner may include a flavorant.

Abstract: The method disclosed herein for making a label having at least one resealable brochure and being suitable for attachment to a mounting surface includes providing a base planar member having oppositely disposed first and second surfaces and a first lateral edge, the first surface being suitable for coupling the base planar member to the mounting surface, providing a brochure sheet, laying a portion of the brochure sheet over the base planar member, coupling a portion of the second surface of the base planar member and a portion of the brochure sheet with a planar overlying member, wherein, a portion of the brochure sheet and overlying member project beyond the first lateral edge of the base planar member such that when the label is attached to the mounting surface, the overlying member may be selectively uncoupled and recoupled to the mounting surface.

Abstract: A process for providing a cushioned region (14) on a substrate (12) is disclosed. The substrate (12) is at least partially covered by a sheet (18) of preferably textured material. A skin (22) is coupled to the substrate (12) and a compressible material (24) (such as foam) is injected between the sheet (22) and skin (24). The sheet (18) is intended to promote adhesion to the compressible material (24) (e.g. mechanical and/or chemical joining or bonding). If portions of the coversheet (18) are exposed on a visible surface, the coversheet may also be configured to provide a decorative or ornamental appearances.

Abstract: A stent device delivery system and method of making. The stent device delivery system includes a stent device and an outer sheath overlaying the stent device in a radially compact, delivery configuration of the stent device. The system also includes a pull member for pulling proximally on to retract the outer sheath, wherein a portion of the outer sheath is heat shrunk radially onto a relatively heat shrink resistant support member in order to capture a distal portion of the pull member radially between the outer sheath and the heat shrink resistant support member.

Abstract: A stent device delivery system and method of making. The stent device delivery system includes a stent device, an outer sheath overlaying the stent device in a radially compact, delivery configuration of the stent device, and a pull member. The outer sheath may include a first layer and a reinforcement layer that are laminated together, a portion of the pull member captured radially between the first layer and the reinforcement layer. At least a partial length of the captured portion of the pull member may be formed with a varying radial profile.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a safety razor cartridge that includes providing an assembly having a platform having a top face, the platform including a cap portion and two lateral side portions, at least one cutting member extending between the lateral side portions of the platform, the cutting member being supported by the platform, the cutting member being movable with respect to the platform, the platform and cutting member cooperating to guide a movement of the cutting member with respect to the platform, a cover having a bottom face facing the top face of the platform. The cover includes a cap portion that covers the cap portion of the platform and two lateral side portions that cover the lateral side portions of the platform. The cover is welded to the platform by applying an ultrasonic beam to a plurality of discrete locations of the assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an especially panel-shaped vacuum insulation element which is wrapped in a film and is filled with a powder. According to said method, the unmolded, loose powder is filled, particularly poured, into the opening of a bag which is formed from a high-barrier film and is open on one side; a filter material that is permeable to air and impermeable to powder dust is fixed to the internal face of the film bag in the area of the opening of the filled film bag in such a way that the interior of the bag is closed in a dust-tight manner while air can still be discharged; the interior of the dust-tightly closed film bag is then evacuated; and the evacuated film bag is finally air-tightly closed in a vacuum.

Abstract: A method for providing a high in-plane and through-plane thermal conductivity path between a heat producing electronic device and a heat sink is described. A vapor chamber is formed of a bottom metal shell and a top plate which are diffusion bonded together at their edges. The top plate is itself a circuit board that may be a metal core type, a ceramic type, or any bondable composite material. The metal core circuit board is preferably aluminum, and the dielectric regions on its top surface are aluminum oxide regions. A metal circuit layer is formed on the dielectric regions for interconnecting electronic devices mounted on the circuit board. Since the back surface of the circuit board is directly in contact with the working fluid in the vapor chamber, there is the ultimate in thermal coupling between the circuit board and a heat sink connected to the back of the vapor chamber.

Abstract: A method of forming an elastic labeling band. The method includes covering a central portion of a web of tag material with a release agent, advancing the web of tag material longitudinally and disposing a layer of molten elastomer over the advancing web of tag material, including over the release agent on the central portion thereof. The layer of molten elastomer is disposed over the web of tag material so that the elastomer bonds only to those portions of the web not covered with the release agent. The method includes curing the elastomer to define, with the web bonded thereto, an advancing web assembly, and separating a longitudinal segment from the web assembly to define an elastic labeling band.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming an elastic labeling band. The method includes covering a central portion of a web of tag material with a release agent, advancing the web of tag material longitudinally and disposing a layer of molten elastomer over the advancing web of tag material, including over the release agent on the central portion thereof. The layer of molten elastomer is disposed over the web of tag material so that the elastomer bonds only to those portions of the web not covered with the release agent. The method includes curing the elastomer to define, with the web bonded thereto, an advancing web assembly, and separating a longitudinal segment from the web assembly to define an elastic labeling band.

Abstract: A multi-layered surface control blanket for soil stability and turf management, comprising a sandwiching of: a fluid permeable lower layer of flexible material; a fluid permeable upper layer of flexible material; at least one intermediate layer of fibrous material treated with a displaceable chemical agent, wherein the chemical agent consists of a soil treatment agent selected from the group comprising: a tackifier, a flocculant, and a polyacrylamide.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system comprises at least two material pieces, at least one being a sheet of paper having a coating thereon, and an object such as a disc positioned between the material pieces. The coating includes at least one polymer capable of being heated to its softening point using radio frequency energy. Additionally, the system includes a die press to create a heat-seal fusing the material pieces, forming a pocket therebetween containing the disc. The die press may be heated, thereby causing the coating to melt and create a seal between the material pieces. The disc is substantially surrounded by the heat-seal. Further, the system may include access means formed in at least one of the material pieces to allow for access to and retrieval of the disc.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a load sensor including a load detection element and a support element is provided. The support element includes a base and a spring. The spring includes a support portion, a connection portion bonding to the base, and a connecting member coupling the support portion and the connection portion. The support element transmits a detection load to the load detection element via the base and the spring. The method includes: sandwiching the load detection element between the base and the support portion; bonding the connection portion on the base so that the connecting member is deformed beyond the elastic deformation region to reach the plastic deformation region; pressing the support portion so that a contact surface of the support portion is plastically deformed; and returning deformation of the connecting member to be in the elastic deformation region.

Abstract: A membrane cartridge is manufactured by repeatedly folding and joining two strips of membrane to form a cross-pleated cartridge with a stack of openings or fluid passageways configured in an alternating cross-flow arrangement. The cartridge can be modified for other flow configurations including co-flow and counter-flow arrangements. Methods for manufacturing such cross-pleated membrane cartridges, as well as apparatus used in the manufacturing process are described. Cross-pleated membrane cartridges comprising water-permeable membranes can be used in a variety of applications, including in heat and water vapor exchangers. In particular they can be incorporated into energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) for exchanging heat and water vapor between air streams being directed into and out of buildings.

Abstract: A flexible cover is formed from a rectangular sheet of plastic film material and a continuous elastic or rubber band. The sheet has a predetermined amount of material cut from each corner. The sheet is placed onto a table between four posts that extend from the table. The sheet is positioned so that a post lines up with each corner of the sheet. A rubber band is stretched across the four posts into a similar shaped rectangle and rests just above the sheet. The stretched rubber band now has four sides which correspond to the four sides of the sheet. The side edges of the sheet are folded inward and over the stretched band and heat sealed directly to the sheet. The band is now sealed within a pocket that is formed along the sides of the sheet. Each corner of the stretched band is released from its post, allowing the band to relax and pull the four corners of the sheet toward the center.

Abstract: A lens element comprising: a rear substrate having a front surface provided with a surface relief having a plurality of zones each capable of providing a lens effect; a front substrate disposed in front of the rear substrate and having a rear surface provided with a surface relief having a plurality of zones each capable of providing a lens effect, the zones of the surface reliefs provided on the rear substrate and the front substrate having the same spatial arrangement over the area of the lens element; and solid or liquid, isotropic, intermediate material disposed between the front surface of the rear substrate and the rear surface of the front substrate, the intermediate material having a refractive index different from the refractive index of each of the rear substrate and the front substrate. This construction reduces the degree of Fresnel reflection which would otherwise degrade the optical performance.

Abstract: An oil and gas well drilling system is provided that includes a top drive assembly having an output shaft; and a pipe running tool having a top drive extension shaft connected to the top drive output shaft and engageable with a pipe string to transmit translational and rotational forces from the top drive assembly to the pipe string, wherein the pipe running tool further includes a cementing pipe connected to the top drive extension shaft and having a fluid passageway which receives cement during a cementing operation.

Abstract: A filter bag, filter assembly, and method of making wherein the filter bag including a pair of longitudinally extending fluid pervious filter panels positioned in spaced opposed relation to form filter bag sides therebetween, the opposed longitudinally extending fluid pervious filter panels being connected together by at least one joiner in strip form arranged to extend longitudinally between the longitudinally extending spaced opposed filter panels and fastened on opposite longitudinal side edges of the joiner to the opposed panels from a downstream end to joiner separation points a selected distance from the upstream end.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a first part for assembly to form an aircraft component, by applying a shim to a first surface of the first part, the method comprising the steps of placing the first surface of the part adjacent to a second surface of a second part, inserting a solid shim into a gap between the first and second surfaces and holding the shim in the inserted position, and subsequently introducing a liquid shim through the first part into a region between the first part and the solid shim.

Abstract: A stuffed textile article and method of manufacturing the same has at least one compartment having a baffle gate which receives a tube-like stuffing tool through which loose stuffing is blown into the compartment. Upon removal of the tool, the surrounding layers and panels which define the compartment are placed under tension by the stuffing causing the baffle gates to automatically close upon removal of the tool permanently preventing migration of the stuffing out of the compartment. The gate has a primary panel secured to the top and bottom layers of the article and an adjacent secondary panel at least partially covering the primary panel. The primary panel has a slit and the secondary panel has a slot. Taken individually, the slit and slot are each preferably longer than the thickness of the stuffed textile article and longer than half the circumference of the stuffing tool.

Abstract: An automatic shaping method for production of hive-like Venetian blinds being preset in width and full length, draping length (or folds thereof) beforehand via an electric equipment is consisted of several operation steps. First, half-produced hive-like slats of said blind are formed in the first sealing step of high frequency welding after two roller fabrics of the same width sent out separately via roller shafts are met at a material-feeding wheel, and then sealed at both corresponding edges thereof and printed with decoration patterns thereon via an ultrasonic wave device. Second, the step of glue-applying, said half-produced hive-like slats are applied with thermal molten glue at the bottom side thereof according to the pre-set draping length thereof before an automatic detection unit censors out the defectives for a cutting device to exclude the defectives thereof and divide said half-produced hive-like slats at a pre-set length.

Abstract: A method for producing an expandable and collapsible product for use in a window covering includes the steps of pleating a continuous length of material, bonding together opposing faces that face one side of the product to form a series of enclosed cells, bonding together opposed faces facing the other side of the product to form another series of enclosed cells, and removing creases from one side of the product to open one of the series of enclosed cells so that the other series of enclosed cells remains intact and connected to one another. The creases may be removed by abrading the material along the creases. The opposed faces may be bonded by applying a bead of adhesive to one of the faces and compressing the faces together. Also provided is a window covering having a multi-cellular expandable and collapsible body. The body has a number of strips of material that are creased in the center parallel to the long edges. The long edges are joined together to form a tab.