Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing absorbent sanitary articles according to a Machine Direction technique, each sanitary article having an absorbent body, a front waistband and a rear waistband having different lengths from each other.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing a bag having an internally reinforced header. A reinforcing material is combined with a bag material to provide strength to the reinforced header. The reinforcing material and the bag material are aligned during manufacturing such that the reinforcing material is positioned in a header area of a bag formed by folding the bag material. A seal that passes through both the reinforcing material and the bag material retains the reinforcing material within the bag header. A bag handle may then be punched into the header through the bag material and the reinforcing material.

Abstract: A method for making an intermediate component (11) of a single use capsule (1) for extraction or infusion beverages includes the step of: arranging a first strip (S1) of thermoformable filtering material above rigid bodies (2); joining the first strip (S1) of thermoformable filtering material to the rigid bodies (2) at respective rims (7); forming the first strip (S1) of thermoformable filtering material to achieve a filter (8) that defines a chamber (5) for a dose of product. A machine for making intermediate components of single use capsules (1) for extraction or infusion beverages includes: a feeding system (40); a transport system (50); a joining station (60); and a forming station (70).

Abstract: A fragrance sampler having an integral applicator is disclosed in which the sampler comprises a top ply having an upper surface and a lower surface, a mid ply having an upper surface, an outer perimeter edge, a back surface, a well formed therein, a bead of adhesive surrounding the well, and an area between the bead of adhesive and the outer perimeter edge, a non-woven material applicator having a sample material incorporated therein with the applicator being sized and shaped to fit within the well, and a bottom ply having a front surface and a back surface.

Abstract: A method includes: a severing step of successively producing a plurality of panels from a continuous web; an interval-increasing step of increasing an interval in width direction between a pair of panels, adjacent to each other in flow direction; a receiving step of receiving the panels by first and second rollers at first and second receiving positions, which are separated from each other in flow direction, wherein the first and second rollers for receiving the panels are placed so that axial lines of the first and second rollers are placed offset from each other in flow direction of the panels; and a placement step for placing the panels, from the rollers at first and second hand-over positions which are separated from each other in flow direction, onto opposite side portions of a body portion at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the body portion.

Abstract: A foil processing device comprises at least two supply units for supplying at least two foils for processing, a processing unit for processing the at least two foils to each other and a transport unit for transporting the foils from the supply unit to the processing unit. At least one of the foils is segmented comprising mechanically weak zones separating subsequent foil segments for enabling real-time correction of a relative position between the foils. The transport unit includes at least two support members for supporting at least two subsequent segments of the segmented foil.

Abstract: Absorbent article production equipment that includes: a forming mechanism for forming the absorbent articles; a conveyance mechanism for conveying the absorbent articles formed by the forming mechanism; and a counting mechanism for counting the absorbent articles supplied from the conveyance mechanism. The counting mechanism comprises: multiple guide members for holding the absorbent articles; a movement member for moving the guide members in a horizontal direction; and a support member disposed below the guide members in the vertical direction. The guide members protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the movement member in the horizontal direction. Opposing surfaces of the guide members that face each other are vertical surfaces which hold an absorbent article therebetween. The conveyance mechanism places the absorbent articles from above the guide members in the vertical direction between the guide members and parallel to the opposing surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ventilation board, an insulating board, a ventilation system, and articles and architectural applications comprising said ventilation board and a method of manufacturing the ventilation board. The said ventilation board comprises a layer (11) provided with a first aperture (5); an adjacent layer provided (13) with a second aperture (7), the first and second apertures being located relative to each other such that they are non-aligned and are substantially without overlap; and a passageway (9) interconnecting the first and second apertures thereby permitting the passage of fluid therebetween. Therefore, the carton comprising said ventilation board when used for fast food packaging provides sufficient ventilation of the carton so that water condensed from food vapors does not run on to the food in the carton, and sufficient insulation so that the food in the carton is kept warm.

Abstract: A panel structure having a low-density core that can withstanding loads normal to a first primary surface, and a first facing of high-density sheet material that can extend along the first primary surface. The high-density sheet material can be laminated on the core such that the laminated core and facing cooperatively resist bending loads and loads along the primary surface. The first facing can extend from the first primary surface on a side of the core along a secondary surface, which can be non-parallel to the first primary surface. The first facing can bend along a score line between the first primary surface and the secondary surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns an element including: 1 sheet (1) including an intermediate zone (29) located between two zones designed to form side walls (9, 11), the intermediate zone (29) being designed to form a flap folded along the tip against one first (9) of the side walls, and elements (51a, 51b) for guiding tears in the sheet (1) the elements forming a single pull tab (58) to cause tears, the pull tab (58) being, in the intermediate zone, spaced apart from the media axis (A) of the zone designed to form the base (3). The invention is, for example, applicable to packaging of melted cheese.

Abstract: A process for making an absorbent component comprises the steps of providing individual sheets of fibrous material, conveying the individual sheets of fibrous material to a cutting edge of a cutting mechanism, feeding the individual sheets of fibrous material through an oscillating clamping gap formed between a clamping mechanism and the cutting mechanism, grinding the individual sheets of fibrous material to form fibrous shreds, and laying the fibrous shreds on a forming belt to form the absorbent component.

Abstract: Unattached elastic portions of an elasticised web are grasped and raised above a support surface for feeding the elasticised web. The raised portions are brought into contact with a knife blade that is positioned to protrude through the thickness of the raised elastic layer into free space so as to remain spaced from the support surface that is moving beneath the blade in a direction normal to the support surface. The raised elastic layer is held raised during trimming with the knife blade by an elevation element over which the elastic layer runs. A grasping device holds the unattached portion being cut in a taut state in the cross machine direction. The elastic layer thus spans across the elevation element and the grasping device. The knife blade extends through the thickness of the elastic layer along the spanned part of the elastic layer into free space.

Abstract: Methods for inserting a folded film into another folded film include combining the films without unfolding or folding either of the folded films. In particular, one or more implementations of a method of combining folded films involves directing a first folded film in a first direction and separating first and second halves of the first folded film. The method also involves directing a second folded film in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction. Additionally, the method involves inserting the second folded film between the first and second halves of the first folded film. Furthermore, the method involves redirecting the second folded film into the first direction while between the first and second halves of the first folded film.

Abstract: A process for making an absorbent component comprises the steps of providing individual sheets of fibrous material, conveying the individual sheets of fibrous material to a cutting edge of a cutting mechanism, feeding the individual sheets of fibrous material through an oscillating clamping gap formed between a clamping mechanism and the cutting mechanism, grinding the individual sheets of fibrous material to form fibrous shreds, and laying the fibrous shreds on a forming belt to form the absorbent component.

Abstract: A filter, in particular a pocket filter for filtration in air systems and devices, comprises at least one filter pocket, which is formed by folding a filter medium. A method for producing a filter, in particular a pocket filter for filtration in air systems and devices, comprises forming at least one filter pocket by folding a filter medium over a self-contained folding edge. A filter, in particular a pocket filter for filtration in air systems and devices, is also provided, which comprises a filter pocket made of a filter medium, wherein the filter pocket is self-contained and wave-shaped.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a covering structure for a cardboard package comprising a tubular body made up of one or more layers of a cardboard material and a lid sealably assembled to the tubular body, said covering structure comprising a lid cardboard and a safety membrane, said method comprising the flat assembly of three materials in sheets or strips, i.e.

Abstract: Methods for inserting a folded film into another folded film include combining the films without unfolding or folding either of the folded films. In particular, one or more implementations of a method of combining folded films involves directing a first folded film in a first direction and separating first and second halves of the first folded film. The method also involves directing a second folded film in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction. Additionally, the method involves inserting the second folded film between the first and second halves of the first folded film. Furthermore, the method involves redirecting the second folded film into the first direction while between the first and second halves of the first folded film.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a customizable modular pet house and entertainment system. In one general embodiment of the invention, a pet house comprises a module formed from a sheet of self-supporting material. The module comprises a top panel, a bottom panel, and four side panels. At least one of the panels may have at least one of a removable transition panel, a removable door panel, and perimeter of a removable window panel. Optional accessories include a top accessory panel, a side accessory panel, and an accessory bracket. More than one modular pet house may be joined together to form an extended structure. Embodiments of the invention have interior spaces and apertures sized for admittance of a common house cat.

Abstract: A cutting device feeds a web between a die roll and an anvil roll, and cuts a continuous portion of the web. The cutting device includes a continuous portion transport unit configured to hold and transport the continuous portion of the web being continuous in a moving direction of the web, and a discontinuous portion transport unit configured to hold and transport a discontinuous portion of the web being discontinuous in the moving direction of the web. The die roll includes a first large diameter portion whose outer peripheral surface is provided with a cutting blade configured to cut the continuous portion of the web. The anvil roll includes a second large diameter portion disposed to face the first large diameter portion. By the discontinuous portion transport unit, the discontinuous portion passes through between the die roll and the anvil roll without contacting the first large diameter portion and the second large diameter portion.

Abstract: A shield that is attachable to a touch sensitive screen is disclosed. The shield may be attached to the touch sensitive screen only at its outer peripheral portion. An air gap is enclosed between the shield and the touch sensitive screen to form a planar air bearing. The shield preferably does not touch the active area of the touch sensitive screen when the user is not touching the shield but only viewing the touch sensitive screen through the shield. This mitigates unwanted optical artifacts such as trapped air bubbles, Newton rings and chromatic interference while maintaining the sensitivity of the touch sensitive screen.

Abstract: A corner flashing system is provided for sealing the corners of recessed window frames against moisture penetration. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises first and second double-flap members, a half-cube member, and caulking. The first and second double-flap members, and the half-cube member are preferably made of asphalt or petroleum based material. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises one double-flap member, a modified half-cube member, and caulking. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a single member that combines a double-flap member and a half-cube member, and caulking. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a combination member, a double-flap member, and caulking.

Abstract: Aspects of the methods according to the present disclosure relate to the fabrication of diaper pants wherein discrete chassis are advanced in a machine direction such that the longitudinal axis is parallel with the machine direction. Discrete lengths of elastic belt materials are then connected with the first waist region of a first advancing chassis and the second waist region of a second advancing chassis. The lengths of elastic belt materials are cut along the cross-direction between the discrete chassis forming a first elastic belt and a second elastic belt; the chassis are subsequently folded; and the first and second elastic belts disposed on the chassis are bonded together to create a discrete diaper pant. This apparatus and process configuration forms a continuous web of articles formed by intermittently spaced chassis and intermittently spaced elastic belts bridging the gap between the intermittently spaced chassis.

Abstract: A fastening member, a process of making a fastening member and an absorbent article that includes a fastening member are disclosed. The fastening member includes a tape, an actual fastener and an indicium in the form of a macro-mechanical fastener. The macro-mechanical fastener indicium helps a care giver attach the fasteneing member to a complementary surface.

Abstract: A cutting device feeds a web between a die roll and an anvil roll, and cuts a continuous portion of the web. The cutting device includes a continuous portion transport unit configured to hold and transport the continuous portion of the web being continuous in a moving direction of the web, and a discontinuous portion transport unit configured to hold and transport a discontinuous portion of the web being discontinuous in the moving direction of the web. The die roll includes a first large diameter portion whose outer peripheral surface is provided with a cutting blade configured to cut the continuous portion of the web. The anvil roll includes a second large diameter portion disposed to face the first large diameter portion. By the discontinuous portion transport unit, the discontinuous portion passes through between the die roll and the anvil roll without contacting the first large diameter portion and the second large diameter portion.

Abstract: An improved tabbed divider making apparatus is disclosed. The machine preferably improves upon existing tabbed divider making machines in its ease of use and efficiency. Among other elements, the machine may include a paper feeder, a processing section, and an output tray. An improved film delivery system is also disclosed, as well as methods relating to manufacturing of tabbed dividers.

Abstract: A method and a device for packaging product portions in a wrapper are proposed, wherein at least two webs of a packaging material are aligned parallel, with the longitudinal edges facing each other overlapping, and each transported towards one upwardly open folding shaft, the webs are severed transverse to the overlapping longitudinal edges, creating flat blanks of the wrappers, and the blanks are folded into the folding shaft , creating an upwardly open wrapper, whereupon the product portion is placed in the open wrappers and the upwardly protruding sections of the wrappers are then turned inward while overlapping. The blanks, whose inner edges overlap, are guided in frictional engagement to their folding position above the folding shafts, whereupon the longitudinal edges of the overlapping blanks facing each other are, lifted together , whereupon the blanks are released by releasing the frictional engagement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ventilation board, an insulating board, a ventilation system, and articles and architectural applications comprising said ventilation board and a method of manufacturing the ventilation board. The said ventilation board comprises a layer (11) provided with a first aperture (5); an adjacent layer provided (13) with a second aperture (7), the first and second apertures being located relative to each other such that they are non-aligned and are substantially without overlap; and a passageway (9) interconnecting the first and second apertures thereby permitting the passage of fluid therebetween. Therefore, the carton comprising said ventilation board when used for fast food packaging provides sufficient ventilation of the carton so that water condensed from food vapors does not run on to the food in the carton, and sufficient insulation so that the food in the carton is kept warm.

Abstract: A system, and associated components and methodology, having a dunnage supply with an outlet through which one or more crumpled strips are supplied, a positioning device that positions in juxtaposition portions of the one or more strips of dunnage, and a stapler for connecting the juxtaposed portions to hold them together. In a particular system, the system includes a converter that has a conversion assembly that converts a sheet stock material into a crumpled strip of dunnage and has an outlet through which the strip of dunnage is emitted. The system also includes a coiler that rolls the strip of dunnage into a coil, and a stapler that secures the trailing end portion of the strip of dunnage to at least the next-innermost portion of the strip in the coil by inserting a staple through the trailing end portion and the juxtaposed portion of the coiled strip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ventilation board, an insulating board, a ventilation system, and articles and architectural applications comprising said ventilation board and a method of manufacturing the ventilation board. The said ventilation board comprises a layer (11) provided with a first aperture (5); an adjacent layer provided (13) with a second aperture (7), the first and second apertures being located relative to each other such that they are non-aligned and are substantially without overlap; and a passageway (9) interconnecting the first and second apertures thereby permitting the passage of fluid therebetween. Therefore, the carton comprising said ventilation board when used for fast food packaging provides sufficient ventilation of the carton so that water condensed from food vapours does not run on to the food in the carton, and sufficient insulation so that the food in the carton is kept warm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a folding machine for a web-fed printing press is disclosed. The folding machine includes a cutting blade cylinder operable with a folding blade cylinder and a folding jaw cylinder. A drive is connected to the cutting blade cylinder. The drive is operable in a non-uniform manner in a collecting mode of the folding machine to supply a first and a second exemplar of different sheet lengths and is operable in a uniform manner in a non-collecting mode of the folding machine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tabbed divider making apparatus preferably adapted for use with smaller, more individualized jobs in an office or the like. The apparatus preferably includes a paper feeder, a film provider, a knife package for shearing a portion of the paper to create a tab, at least one strut, a pivotable arm, at least one spring, and a cam having an oblong shape. The rotation of the cam preferably causes movement between loaded and unloaded positions of the spring, which causes the knife package to shear the paper. Also disclosed is a removable film cartridge for use with the apparatus. The cartridge preferably includes a housing, a roll of film, one or more rollers, a creasing finger for creasing the film, and two or more opposed extensions for folding the film along the crease. Further disclosed is a method of producing a tabbed divider utilizing the above-mentioned apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a folding machine for a web-fed printing press is disclosed. The folding machine includes a cutting blade cylinder operable with a folding blade cylinder and a folding jaw cylinder. A drive is connected to the cutting blade cylinder. The drive is operable in a non-uniform manner in a collecting mode of the folding machine to supply a first and a second exemplar of different sheet lengths and is operable in a uniform manner in a non-collecting mode of the folding machine.

Abstract: Pop-up Business Card by this invention is characterized by—information printing part which contains the information of the card such as the company name, personal name, and contact number, —main folding line generated by the line-drawing process on one side of the card so that part of the card can be folded, —cutting-line pattern which contains cutting-lines formed from the main folding-line to the other side of the card, —the 1st folding-line pattern generated by line-drawing process on one side of the card so as to be juxtaposed with the cutting-line pattern, —the 2nd folding-line pattern generated by line-drawing process on the other side of the card paper so as to be juxtaposed with the above cutting-line pattern, *—the generation of the solid figures on the card when it is folded according to the above main folding-line, cutting-line pattern, the 1st folding-line pattern, and 2nd folding-line pattern, —solid figures reversibly popped up when the card is opened from the folded state along the main folding

Abstract: A three-dimensional ornament (1) comprising a plurality of folded elements (8), (9), (10), (11), (22) and (23) created from a plurality of nesting cuts (6), (7), (20) and (21) in a planar surface (1). The folded elements (8), (9), (10), (11), (22) and (23) are fastened in opposing planes (15), (16) and (28) so as to give a unique and distinctive appearance. A multitude of three-dimensional ornaments (1) may be fastened together to form a snowflake (19) which may be suspended from a ceiling, tree or the like. The planar surface (1) may have a decorative surface and be of various colors, sizes and textures.

Abstract: A glued three piece folding basket carrier which has two partitions for dividing the carrier into six cells with each partition being constructed of a different material than used to construct the outside basket carrier. Each partition is glued to a handle panel and a divider flap on the end of the basket carrier and a to a side wall to form a bottle cell with walls that are perpendicular to the divider between the two sides of the carrier and which are also formed as part of the partition.

Abstract: A machine for folding and applying onserts onto consumer goods such as cigarette packs comprises a continuous roll of preprinted onserts and a transverse cutter assembly for cutting onsert segments from the continuous roll. Each onsert segment includes a pair of side-by-side preprinted onserts. A buckle folder receives each cut onsert segment and folds that segment along at least one transverse fold line. A longitudinal cutter assembly longitudinally cuts each folded onsert segment into two individual onserts. A transport system serially receives the individual folded onserts and moves the onserts along dual diverging paths where a pair of spaced apart lug belt conveyors receives the onserts from the discharge end of the transport system. Each lug belt conveyor includes spaced apart transverse lugs along the length thereof against which the onserts are positioned.

Abstract: An interfolding machine, having first and second folding counter rotating rollers, a substantially cylindrical body and a plurality of folding means for engaging at a contact line (15) for making a stack of folded and/or interfolded sheets in a folding area. Each folding roller (1) is held by at least one support (10) arranged substantially opposite to the contact line in order to not impede folding operations in the folding area. Between the support and the folding roller, a bearing (20) is mounted that allows free rotation. The support holds the folding roller at an angular portion circumferentially unoccupied by folding elements or mechanical clamps and inclined at an angle with respect to a plane containing the axes of the two rollers. The support does not interfere with the adjusting operation of the folding roller and allows processing of the sheet or web of paper without interrupting continuity.

Abstract: A tamper evident hinge type closure includes, as is conventional in such closures, a body portion, a lid portion and a hinge portion. Advantageously, at least one tamper evident band is provided so as to mechanically secure the lid portion to the body portion at a position that is distal from the hinge. The tamper evident band, which is designed to break upon initial opening of the closure by a consumer, is preferably integral with both the body portion and the lid portion, so as to ensure more reliably than was possible with interlocking mechanical tamper evident structures that the closure may not be opened without defeating the tamper evident band. A process for making the improved closures is also disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous supply of preformed reclosable fasteners suited for use in combination with an apparatus for attaching a reclosable fastener to a web of flexible material primarily intended for use with a host packaging machine to form a reclosable container. Strips of reclosable fasteners are arranged in side-to-side relation to each other, and the distal ends of each fastener strip are flattened by the application of heat and pressure whereby the distal ends are not only reduced in thickness, but also fused one to the other, thereby resulting in a continuous length of preformed reclosable fasteners. In a preferred form, the continuous length is wound around a core to create a roll of fasteners. This roll is suited for use in combination with an apparatus for attaching reclosable fasteners to a web of flexible material used by a form, fill, seal, and separate machine making reclosable containers.

Abstract: Curled decorative grasses and methods for producing same are disclosed wherein the curled decorative grasses have improved bulk and simulate Spanish moss in color and appearance.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods of defining and developing first and second sets of periodic features of a web wherein neither the first set or second sets of features is readily sensed as a reliable registration element against which the location of the other can be registered. The method comprises applying registration images along the web, leading edges of the images being consistent with sufficient acuity and measurable intensity of image, and having suitable outline, to be discerned by a registration sensor. The registration images can thus serve as registration marks for determining positions along the length of the web. The web features are applied periodically along the web, forcing registration of the first set of web features to the registration images. The trim material is removed from the web, defining and developing the cut-outs in registration with ones of the first set of web features.

Abstract: A folding apparatus that is useable in a web-fed rotary printing press has a lower overall structural height. The folding apparatus includes a web delivery device and a folding cylinder group. The folding cylinder group is arranged generally at 90° to the direction of the feed of the material web to the web delivery device, which may include longitudinal fold formers. The material web is directed into the folding cylinder group in an essentially horizontal direction.

Abstract: A storage bag formed from a thermoplastic film includes a pad secured to the inside bottom thereof. The pad is disposed adjacent the bag material at or near the bottom by one or more strips of material extending across the pad. Each strip has an intermediate portion extending over the pad and two opposed portions each affixed on opposite sides of the intermediate portion to the bag material. If a single strip is used to secure the pad, the single strip has a sufficiently narrow width that the pad extends preferably beyond the strip on opposite sides of the intermediate portion. If two strips are used to secure the pad, each strip is disposed at a spacing to the other in extending over the pad. Thus, in either case at least part of the pad is exposed and uncovered by the strips of material.

Abstract: A continuous supply of preformed reclosable fasteners suited for use in combination with an apparatus for attaching a reclosable fastener to a web of flexible material primarily intended for use with a host packaging machine to form a reclosable container. Strips of reclosable fasteners are arranged in side-to-side relation to each other, and the distal ends of each fastener strip are flattened by the application of heat and pressure whereby the distal ends are not only reduced in thickness, but also fused one to the other, thereby resulting in a continuous length of preformed reclosable fasteners. In a preferred form, the continuous length is wound around a core to create a roll of fasteners. This roll is suited for use in combination with an apparatus for attaching reclosable fasteners to a web of flexible material used by a form, fill, seal, and separate machine making reclosable containers.

Abstract: An innovative method of making pinatas utilizes pre-cut and scored cardstock designed with tab and slot closures. Once the shapes are folded and secured, the pinatas can be decorated using traditional or innovative methods. By designing the tab/slot closure of the body on the bottom of the pinata, the enclosed treats may be released in a non-destructive manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a sheet of material into an article, such as a flower pot cover, is provided. The apparatus includes a female die and a male die. A sheet of material is positioned between the male die and the female die. The male and female dies are shaped such that at least a portion of the male die is receivable in the opening of the female die to form the article. The apparatus further includes means for supplying a stream of air between the female die and the formed article to release the formed article from the female die and means for holding the formed article against the male die as the male die and the female die are positioned from a forming position to a discharge position whereby the formed article is removed from the female die.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for repetitively making products, such as cap liners continuously from web material. A rotary knife drum having an array of die cutters cooperates with a counter-rotating anvil to thereby define a convergent web working zone therebetween. A pair of servo-motor driven nip feeders feed a web through the convergent work zone of the drum and anvil.

Abstract: A device is provided to join the lower end of a strip of paper coming from a nearly-empty reel to the upper end of another strip of paper coming from a full reel. The joining device comprises a rotating striking arm equipped with a hammer on one of its ends and with a cam on the other end. When the join between two strips is to be made, a jack actuates a castor which butts against the cam, thus bringing a striking surface of the hammer closer to the strips to compress and join the strips. The device further comprises a front and a rear cutting fixture permitting the remaining ends of the strips of paper to be cut on either side of the join. Air bearings are provided to guide one or both strips.

Abstract: A machine for attaching a reclosable fastener to a web of flexible material primarily intended for use with a host packaging machine to form a reclosable container. The fastener attaching machine includes a motor that indexes the flexible material along a path through the fastener attaching machine. A cutting device disposed along the path forms a cut through a predetermined segment of the flexible material. A fastener supply means provides reclosable fasteners having distal ends and a predetermined length to an endless belt that conveys each fastener to a fusing means that respectively melts and cools the distal ends of each fastener. The endless belt then conveys the fused fastener to a sealing means that seals the reclosable fastener in overlying relation to the cut formed in the flexible web of material.

Abstract: A cotton swab is described whose stick is formed from an elongate stem with a conical member at each end flared outwardly and having a hollow center. The hollow flared conical members provide expanded swab ends rendering the tips softer and larger yet employing less cotton and paper in its manufacture. A die-cut paper used for forming the swab stick and a manufacturing process are also described.