Abstract: An item and an associated method utilizing an elongated core defining an outer surface having a series of axially-disposed regions about which windable materials can be wound involves anchoring locations at which the terminal ends of windable materials are anchorable. The series of regions are arranged along the core of the item in a sequential fashion with a first region being disposed adjacent a first end of the core, and the anchoring location of each subsequent region in the series of regions subsequent to the first region is circumferentially spaced about the outer surface of the core from the anchoring location of the region which immediately precedes the subsequent region by a predetermined distance and in a circumferential direction therealong which is opposite the direction in which the item is rotated during a material unwinding process.

Abstract: A roll (10) of glass ribbon (20) and an interleaf material (40) disposed in alternating layers, wherein a layer of the interleaf material is pinned to an adjacent layer of the glass ribbon by an electrostatic force that is of a value so that a shear force required to cause slip between the interleaf material and the glass ribbon is greater than or equal to 10 times that required to cause slip between them when not electrostatically pinned together. Methods for winding and unwinding the roll, as well as an apparatus for winding the glass ribbon and interleaf material into a roll, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming a tubular sheet product roll includes providing a sheet product roll having a first configuration and a void, centering a rotational axis of the sheet product roll on a longitudinal axis of a first tool, and inserting the first tool into the void of the sheet product roll to define an inner diameter of the void and to form the sheet product roll having a second configuration different from the first configuration.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of the present invention relates to a cord organizer having a base with first and second posts extending therefrom. First and second flexible nubs couple with the first post and the second post, respectively. The first and second flexible nubs each extend substantially outward from the posts and in a direction opposite and away from the other flexible nub. The result is a cord organizer device formed of two posts around which a cord may be wrapped in a figure-eight pattern. The flexible nubs at the ends of each post help to hold the cord onto the posts by preventing the cord from slipping off the ends of the posts on its own. However, when the cord is to be un-stowed from the cord organizer, the cord can be pulled straight away from the cord organizer, causing the flexible nubs to elastically flex to allow the cord to pass without requiring undue pivoting or rotating of the cord organizer, and further without causing twisting of the cord about its longitudinal central axis.

Abstract: A container system that includes a container portion having a base that defines a perimeter and a wall having a first end that is attached to the base, wherein the wall extends from the first end so that the base and the wall define an interior volume of space and wherein a second end of the wall defines an edge of an opening into the interior volume of space. The container system further including a cover having a surface that is positioned to contact the edge and block the opening, wherein the surface includes a pattern of perforations that defines a weakened area of the surface that is surrounded by the pattern of perforations.

Abstract: The present invention provides machinery used to create products (for instance disposable products). The machinery is operated at high speed, with the machine occupying a small footprint. Materials can be fed into the manufacturing process vertically (from above or below), using assembly stations to feed completed components into the system at appropriate stations. Additionally, restocking of raw components can be accomplished by robotic means of transferring the raw material from staging areas into infeeding or splicing stations, without the need for human operators.

Abstract: A roll of disposable pieces of hygienic paper from which pieces of hygienic paper can be removed with one hand without any need for tearing or cutting the hygienic paper, including an inner tube of a rigid material onto which the disposable pieces of hygienic paper are wrapped, with each one place in sequence with its predecessor, trailing edge to leading edge, and each disposable piece is encircled more than an entire wrap.

Abstract: A system for demarcating an area comprises a first vehicle, an attachment point, a demarcating element, a motor and a vehicle control unit. The demarcating element extends from the first vehicle to the attachment point. The system furthermore comprises a camera, which camera is operatively connected to the vehicle control unit.

Abstract: A plurality of tape feeders are held by a feeder holding device in a state in which component supply portions of the respective tape feeders are arranged in a plurality of rows each extending along a plurality of straight lines parallel to each other in one plane. Each of the plurality of tape feeders is separable into first portions and second portions, the first portions include: a reel holding portion configured to hold a reel on which a taped component is wound; the component supply portion; a taped-component guide portion configured to guide, to the component supply portion, the taped component drawn from the reel, the second portions respectively including taped-component feeding devices each for feeding the taped component to the component supply portion.

Abstract: A solar generator deployment device includes an assembly comprising a plurality of tape-springs supporting a windable membrane on a face of which is arranged a plurality of elements capable of converting the solar energy into electrical energy. The tape-springs and membrane are co-wound around a unique radius of curvature equal to the natural radius of curvature of folding of the tape-spring in the wound state. The tape-springs are substantially parallel and interlinked by transversal braces ensuring the rigidity of the bearing structure.

Abstract: A novel holder/dispenser for film-form polyethylene sorbent is a serially linked chain of holders to deploy sorbent material having a high affinity for oil for rapid early containment of an expanding oil spill on open water. Following containment and cleanup of the spill, the extended sorbent film is readily reeled in for incineration or for recovery and reuse of oil therefrom.

Abstract: To provide a water-soluble film roll 3 having end faces 4 with masking materials 5 adhered thereto. By using the water-soluble film roll 3 and paying out a water-soluble film 1 while holding the masking materials 5 adhered to the end faces 4, it is possible to prevent moisture from adhering to the end faces 4 and to prevent the water-soluble film 1 from rupturing due to welding of the film 1 with itself. In this connection, the masking materials 5 are preferably a plastic film capable of being adhered to the end faces 4 with a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: The invention consists of a tower like container of height enough to hold 4 (but not limited to 4) rolls of toilet paper, stacked vertically, as they would appear on a toilet paper, and a headpiece above the tower that holds and dispenses a roll. The head piece (dispenser) consists of two arms that extend forward in a classic toilet paper holder manner; but instead of a long cylinder pressed between them with the help of a spring inside, there is a slot in the top of each arm where a short cylindrical piece sits to hold the roll like two fingers inserted into the ends of a tube, and is attached to a flexible strip of plastic or other material that would allow it to stay in place, yet flex upward and outward, when pressure is applied to it from below.

Abstract: A recording device includes a recording head for recording on a sheet; a first paper roll accommodating part for accommodating the first paper roll; a second paper roll accommodating part for accommodating the second paper roll; and a conveyance mechanism for conveying a sheet unwound from the first paper roll or a sheet unwound from the second paper roll to the recording head. The first paper roll accommodating part is provided inside the device body and is capable of being pulled to the outside of the device body by being slid in relation to the device body; and the second paper roll accommodating part is provided outside the device body, and can be rotated in relation to the device body.

Abstract: A roll paper supply device has a roll paper compartment that stores roll paper with the axis of rotation transverse so that the roll paper can roll thereinside; supply rollers that feed the roll paper from the roll paper compartment in a sheet; a roll paper cover that opens and closes the roll paper compartment; and a side pressure plate that contacts one side of the roll paper when the access cover is closed, and displaces away from the side of the roll paper when the access cover opens.

Abstract: A device for use in connection with a multi-ply rolled paper holder to separate multi-ply rolled paper into distinct individual plies. The device includes at least one arm and at least one member. Each arm has an upper end portion that is configured to releasably couple to a multi-ply rolled paper holder and a lower end portion that couples to the at least one member. The overall length L of the arm may be of a fixed length or may be adjustable through a telescoping or sliding mechanism. Each member has two ends, and a top surface and a bottom surface. When operatively positioned relative to the multi-ply rolled paper holder, the configuration of the member functions to divide the multi-ply rolled paper into the individual plies. A method of use and of assembly of the multi-ply rolled paper separating device are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mounting assembly for mounting and securely latching a printer and a label supply roll. The mounting assembly is almost entirely constructed of fabricated sheet metal by cutting and bending. The mounting assembly is well suited to mount the printer and a supply roll in any attitude for example on a table, or on a wall or overhead in a forklift truck.

Abstract: A powered dispenser for dispensing individual sheet segments from a continuous roll of sheet material provided with spaced tear lines comprises a powered feed mechanism, a releasable, powered drive mechanism, a powered transfer mechanism, a pair of web sensing sensors, a capacitive sensing system providing automatic sensitivity adjustment, and control circuitry. A dual power supply system provides a mechanical lock-out functionality, and the control system is protected from electrostatic build-up on the surface of the feed roller. The web sensor, and an antenna plate of the capacitive sensing system, are provided on respective printed circuit boards mounted in overlying relation. Utilizing signals received from the pair of web sensors and the capacitive sensing system, the control circuitry senses the presence of a user to activate the powered drive mechanism, and prevents further dispensing of the sheet material until a previously dispensed segment is separated from the roll.

Abstract: A holder appliance suitable for axially supporting a rolled product is disclosed having a holder and a rigid or semi-rigid root section. The holder includes a body having first and second ends and an engagement surface disposed therebetween contactable with a planar end surface of the rolled product, and a protrusion extending from the engagement surface toward the rolled product, the protrusion being engageable within an opening in the planar end surface. The root section is disposed at the first end and a tab disposed at the second end of the body. The tab extends radially away from the axis of the rolled product and axially away from the engagement surface. The tab has a greatest radial portion displaced from a plane defined by the engagement surface in a direction opposite to a direction in which the protrusion is extended. The tab has a contour that mirrors a user's thumb.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for removing scrap from tape material on original backing paper includes a supply reel, at least one cutting member, at least one heating member and/or cooling member, and at least one removal member. The supply reel is for supplying and unrolling tape material on original backing paper. The at least one cutting member is for cutting unrolled tape material while on original backing paper. The at least one of a heating member and a cooling member are for at least one of heating and cooling cut unrolled tape material on original backing paper. The at least one removal member is for removing scrap cut unrolled tape material from original backing paper.

Abstract: An actuator for a dispenser for paper towels having a manually operated element which dispenses a paper towel when moved. The actuator includes a connector coupled to the element. The actuator includes a hands free manually operated powerless activation assembly connected to the connector which when activated by a user, moves a connector causing the element to move and dispense a paper towel. A method for dispensing paper towels from a dispenser having a manually operated element which dispenses a paper towel when moved. The method includes the steps of placing a foot of a user on a pedal assembly. There is the step of depressing the pedal assembly with the foot of the user causing a connector coupled to the element to be moved and dispense a paper towel.

Abstract: A plurality of dispensers of thin polymeric envelopes are distributed throughout a public exercise facility whereby the users can extract the envelopes to cover the contact areas of the exercise device that they will be using. When finished, the shielding envelopes are removed and discarded into a collection receptacle to be thereafter recycled. Preferably the envelopes are formed of a thermoplastic polymer structure and are therefore sterilized directly in the course of recycling. Each envelope may include a transparent portion that can be aligned over various exercise data displays and may be provided with a releasable attachment by which it is retained during its use.

Abstract: Taping heads having an applying arm connected to a buffing arm are described. The taping heads include at least one buffing cam and buffing cam guide are described. Taping heads having two buffing cams and two buffing cam guides are also described.

Abstract: An elongated web of flexible material having a covering of excelsior across a portion thereof has an elongated edge portion uncovered. The elongated covered portion is folded over upon itself a number of times, and the elongated uncovered side portion (a tail) are wound upon a roll for utilization after unrolling, as a sediment barrier, properly staked into the ground.

Abstract: An electric wire sizing-cutting apparatus including an electric wire delivery apparatus, which is easily handled and can smoothly supply the electric wire without generating a kink, is provided. The electric wire delivery apparatus includes: a transfer means transferring an electric wire, which is delivered from an electric wire reel, along a longitudinal direction of the electric wire; a correcting means arranged between the electric wire reel and the transfer means and correcting a bending habit of the electric wire by allowing the electric wire to pass through between a plurality of rollers arranged zigzag; and a rotation controlling means arranged on an upstream-side of the correcting means and putting the electric wire between a pair of rollers biased in a direction approaching each other.

Abstract: A tissue roll for peripheral dispensing is provided with zones of perforations for facilitating the detachment of tissue substrate sheet. The tissue roll is wound along its length and has a width that is perpendicular to its length. The zones of perforations have a general direction that is at an angle greater than zero to the width of the tissue substrate. Benefits for ease of dispensing and for process-ability are induced. In one embodiment a differential perforation pattern is used. The invention also relates to the process of making such a tissue roll.

Abstract: A safety shield (32) is provided for use with a hand-operated winch wheel (18) of a boat lift (10), the wheel (18) having a rim (22) connected by spokes (26) to a hub (24), multiple openings (28) defined between the spokes (26) and the rim (22). The safety shield (32) includes at least one sheet of material (32) having a perimeter (36) shaped to conform to a perimeter (38) of one of the openings (28). The sheet (34) includes a plurality of connection points (40) and/or connectors (42) for attaching the perimeter (36) to the spokes (26) and the rim (22).

Abstract: A pen with a paper roll is disclosed. A volute spring surrounded by the paper roll is fastened on a reel. A volute spring pushes the paper roll for keeping the outer surface of the paper roll to touch a barrel which contains the paper roll. The surface of barrel has the prominent lines for decreasing the friction between the outer surface of the paper roll and the inner surface of the barrel. The barrel is configured in an outer casing of a pen, and the barrel and the outer casing have a first opening and a second opening separately. The first opening and the second opening is correspondent to each other. One side of the second opening is an inward bevel edge which extends into the first opening and interferes with the outer tier of the paper roll. The outer end of the paper roll can be pushed out of the first opening and the second opening against the inward bevel edge.

Abstract: The toilet paper dispenser as claimed for the invention including a housing in which is housed a roll of a paper strip, which has perforations transverse to strip defining rectangular paper sheets whose width is transverse and whose length is longitudinal. Housing features a nozzle with a dispensing orifice, by means of which the paper strip is unwound. The dispenser is characterized in that the nozzle and the paper roll are disposed in such a way that the paper sheets unwind one by one and emerge with a reduced crumpling as they exit the nozzle, the width of a sheet is between 125 mm and 180 mm, and the ratio of the width of a sheet to its length is between 0.45 and 1, preferably between 0.5 and 0.65, the paper being consumed optimally and in a pleasant manner.

Abstract: An apparatus to package a tape spool that can be also used to unwind the tape spool.

Abstract: A device for unrolling an elastic material in sheet form from a roll has a frame that has a series of roller members, the axes of which are essentially parallel. The series of roller members is arranged in accordance with a curved path that adjoins an out-feed such that the roll can be supported by the series of roller members and the material in sheet form can be unrolled from the roll via the out-feed.

Abstract: A package of material for unwinding from a flush end. The package of material includes an elongated winding member to receive a continuous strand of material substantially normal to an axis of the elongated winding member. The continuous strand of material wound about the elongated winding member substantially covers at least one of two ends of the winding member to define a flush end of the package of material. The covered end of the winding member does not protrude beyond the continuous strand of material wound on the winding member. The continuous strand of material is to be unwound over the flush end in a substantially parallel misaligned manner relative to the axis of the elongated winding member. The continuous strand of material being unwound from the elongated winding member is free of obstruction from the covered end of the winding member.

Abstract: A hose reel has a drum (4) having a damper (15) for damping rotational movement of the drum in at least one direction, corresponding to the unwinding of a hose pipe from the drum. The damper prevents unwanted unwinding of hose pipe from the drum due to inertia in the latter.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a device for deploying on the ground a temporary surface covering (1) stored rolled, characterized by the combination, on the one hand, of the temporary surface covering (1) and, on the other hand, by at least one flexible tube (2) pressed against the internal surface of said covering (1) over substantially all its length and in conjunction with the covering, said flexible tube (2) being adapted to be connected, at the free end of the rolled-up assembly, to a source of fluid under pressure (5) for its inflation.

Abstract: A system and method for unwinding cable from a cable spool typically using an all-terrain vehicle. The cable spool is typically rotatably mounted on a conventional jackstand provided on a trailer, and the cable unwinding system includes a roller drum rotatably mounted on the conventional rear rack of the all-terrain vehicle. According to the method of the invention, the free end of the cable is initially extended from the cable spool and looped around the roller drum, and a tether provided on the trailer or jackstand is removably fastened to the free end portion of the cable on one side of the roller drum. As the all-terrain vehicle is driven away from the cable spool, the roller drum pulls the cable from the cable spool as the rotating cable spool dispenses the cable. After a selected length of cable has been removed from the cable spool, the all-terrain vehicle is stopped and re-positioned for pulling another segment of cable from the spool.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying adhesive transfer tape, including an adhesive tape transfer roll holding an adhesive transfer tape, a roll locking cylinder wherein the roll locking cylinder stops the adhesive tape transfer roll from rolling, stopping the transfer of the adhesive transfer tape, and where the locking cylinder further holds the adhesive transfer tape roll for a predetermined time after the completion of the tape transfer such that internal stresses are dissipated. The apparatus and method may further include a piston that raises the adhesive transfer tape at the same time as the roll locking cylinder stops the adhesive tape transfer roll stops rolling.

Abstract: A system and method for unwinding cable from a cable spool typically using an all-terrain vehicle. The cable spool is typically rotatably mounted on a conventional jackstand provided on a trailer, and the cable unwinding system includes a roller drum rotatably mounted on the conventional rear rack of the all-terrain vehicle. According to the method of the invention, the free end of the cable is initially extended from the cable spool and looped around the roller drum, and a tether provided on the trailer or jackstand is removably fastened to the free end portion of the cable on one side of the roller drum. As the all-terrain vehicle is driven away from the cable spool, the roller drum pulls the cable from the cable spool as the rotating cable spool dispenses the cable. After a selected length of cable has been removed from the cable spool, the all-terrain vehicle is stopped and re-positioned for pulling another segment of cable from the spool.

Abstract: Materials are off-wound from a package by magnetically levitating the package about a centerline, such that the package remains relatively free from rotation; and removing the material from the package in a direction that is approximately parallel to the centerline.

Abstract: A deployment control for an inflatable escape slide for use in a structure such as an aircraft is disclosed wherein the escape slide has an inboard end and an toe end. The inboard end of the slide is suitably attached to an egress on the structure for deployment and extension of the slide by inflation means whereby the slide extends from an elevated egress to a ground support. The slide has inflatable tubes with a slide surface. The inflation means is operative upon actuation to provide pressurized fluids to the tubes which will inflate and distend the tubes into a longitudinally extending escape slide under the control of a restraining control device (or devices). Such device is operative upon pressurization of the tubes to deploy an outboard portion of the slide to which one end of the device is connected to move relative to the inboard end of the slide to which the other end of the device is connected at a controlled rate for a predetermined length of the slide.

Abstract: A method is provided for automatically opening and removing a web from a clamshell film cassette. During opening of the cassette a first actuatable means releases a cassette latch. A second means is provided to open one clamshell half upon release of the latch, and a third means is provided to open the other clamshell half. The second and third means each include a pivotal arm having a plurality of suction cups for gripping a wall of a calm shell half. The pivotal arms are positioned by automatic actuators. Vacuum means are provided for picking up the leading end of a web roll within the cassette and transporting it to a web path.