Abstract: Apparatus and method for handling an ophthalmic lens in a manufacturing line where lenses are presented for picking and transport to a respective lens receptacle. The problem of lens fly-away is prevented by a cover which releasably couples to the lens picking means and is deposited over the lens receptacle immediately following release of the lens into the secondary receptacle and withdrawal of the lens picking means.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a wrapper about a floral grouping wherein the wrapper is a sleeve or sheet of material having a cinching tab or strip of bonding material, or both, and a detaching element such as perforations for detaching a portion of the sleeve or sheet of material. The floral grouping is placed on the sheet of material which is wrapped thereabout, or the floral grouping is disposed in the interior space of the sleeve. The wrapper may further comprise an additional strip of bonding material for bonding an informational card or label to the wrapper. After the wrapper is wrapped about the floral grouping, a portion of the wrapper may be removed by using the detaching element, thereby leaving a portion of the wrapper wrapped or bound about the floral grouping.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing pressurized packages capable of obtaining gas displacement pressurized canned goods with high accuracy of internal pressure by atomizing liquid nitrogen, and supplying it together with low temperature vaporized gases to a head space of a can. A spray device assembly (10) for atomizing and spraying the liquid nitrogen is provided in an opening of the bottom of a liquefied gas storage tank (1) formed as a vacuum heat insulating structure. The spray device assembly (10) is constituted such that a valve (2) for controlling the flow rate of liquid nitrogen, a spray nozzle (3), a liquid nitrogen flowpassage (4) extending from the valve (2) to the spray nozzle (3), a nozzle cooling tank (5) for cooling the flowpassage, and a purge device for cutting an outer peripheral portion of a nozzle and an outlet portion off from the air, so as to prevent them from being frosted, are integrally mounted on a spray body 6.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a wrapper about a floral grouping wherein the wrapper is a sleeve or sheet of material having a cinching tab or strip of bonding material, or both, and a detaching element such as perforations for detaching a portion of the sleeve or sheet of material. The floral grouping is placed on the sheet of material which is wrapped thereabout, or the floral grouping is disposed in the interior space of the sleeve. The wrapper may further comprise an additional strip of bonding material for bonding an informational card or label to the wrapper. After the wrapper is wrapped about the floral grouping, a portion of the wrapper may be removed by using the detaching element, thereby leaving a portion of the wrapper wrapped or bound about the floral grouping.

Abstract: Latex paint in a container is inhibited against skinning by providing a thin layer of an aqueous mixture of diethylene glycol on the exposed surface of the latex paint after the container is filled with the paint.

Abstract: The present invention teaches apparatus and method for an improving the sterilizing of paperboard web material within the typical form, fill, and seal machines currently being used in the aseptic packaging of liquid drinks. By the present invention an anilox roll, typically used in the printing industry, has a sterilant, such as hydrogen peroxide, imbedded within the microscopic pores formed on the cylindrical surface of the roll after which the paperboard material subjected to rolling contact with the roll whereby the sterilant is uniformly applied to the paperboard thereby sterilizing the surface of the paperboard.

Abstract: A surgical spear includes a cut sponge element that has been processed to render it at least substantially free from particulates and other debris; an eye spear comprised of an essentially particulate-free sponge element is uniquely suited for LASIK surgery. In most instances the surgical spear will be enclosed in a packaging component, which may or may not be fabricated from a water-permeable material and may or may not be left unsealed in the packaging step.

Abstract: Disclosed is a package containing a plurality of cut lengths of fibrous casing which are moisturized to substantially soaked levels of moisture and are retained in an evacuated plastic bag wherein the moisture level of the casing is derived from free water added into the bag prior to evacuation. Also disclosed is a method of packaging cut lengths of casing which provides for the addition of soaked levels of moisture to the casing in the bag.

Abstract: A method for the packaging of oil-coated cutting tools, and the resultant packaged product. An oil-coated cutting tool is packaged by providing a package blank which includes a pair of panels of heat-sealable and oil-impervious material defining a product-containing area between them. The panels have edges defining a package top, bottom and opposite sides, and are permanently sealed to each other along the side-defining and top-defining edges, with an opening along the bottom-defining edges. The package blank additionally includes a zipper-type recloseable strip in the form of an interlocking bead structure, which effects an openable and recloseable seal between the panels. The interlocking bead structure extends across the panels generally from one of the side-defining edges to the other, and is spaced a distance from the top-defining edge to define a tear zone portion of the panels between the top-defining edge and the interlocking bead structure.

Abstract: A method for producing cosmetic samplers that incorporates the genuine cosmetic through the use of bulk thin film application techniques such as extrusion or spray technology. The method comprises first applying a cosmetic slurry to a base substrate and then attaching a cover sheet by means of an adhesive on either wide-web offset or label equipment.

Abstract: A liquid-nitrogen injection system comprises a vacuum-insulated reservoir that is held aloft and to one side of a flexible dosing arm. Such reservoir is completely sealed and capped on its top and sides, the vent, feed, return, and supply conduits enter only from the bottom. The feed and return conduits connect to the dosing arm through a long flexible, stainless steel, vacuum-insulating jacket. Such allows an injection nozzle at the end of the dosing arm to be adjusted up and down, in and out, and even tilted relative to both the assembly line and the reservoir. This also means the hydraulic pressure head at the control nozzle can be adjusted in the field. A metering orifice is positioned within the dosing arm such that it is behind the control nozzle valve. A nitrogen gas purging system is connected to provide a freeze-up shielding gas flow from a liquid nitrogen tap in the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method (400) for packaging sponge or porous polymeric devices, e.g., scrubbing brush. The method includes a step of providing a porous polymeric member (401), which has an outer surface and may also include inner surfaces. The member is substantially free from impurities (e.g., ions, particles) that may be distributed on the surface and through the member. Preferably, the method treats the devices using a preservative to prevent bacteria growth during storage or shipping of the devices. The brushes are removed from the wash treatment and placed within containment packages.

Abstract: There is provided a process of packaging metal pigment in a substantially non-dusting manner. The process includes the step of dampening the metal pigment with a liquid which may be water or an organic solvent compatible with that pigment type. The dampened pigment is then placed into a porous container which is sealed prior to removal of the liquid. The porosity of the container is chosen to permit removal of the liquid (for example by evaporation and/or centrifugation) whilst retaining substantially all of the pigment. Suitable containers include paper bags (such as autoclave bags), woven fiber materials (optionally calendered or coated) and polymer materials. The substantially dry metal pigment can be conveniently stored or transported within the container and is in a convenient form to use in a powder coating process.

Abstract: A device (1) for packaging finely divided, moistened tobacco material in individual portion packages, comprising a means (2) for feeding the material into pockets (4) formed in a rotary portioning wheel (3) for portioning the material into portions. The device further comprises at least one compression means (10, 11, 12) for compressing these portions, a unit (23, 27) for advancing a packaging material (17) in synchrony with the compressed portions, at least one means (14, 15, 16) for discharging the portions from the pockets and advancing them the packaging material, and a unit (28, 29, 30, 31, 33) for forming individual portion packages from the discharged portions and the packaging material. At the intended point of discharge of the portions to the packaging material, said material has the form of a tape (17), the compression means (10, 11, 12) being arranged to compress the portions in a direction which differs from the discharging and the feeding directions.

Abstract: A process is provided for displacing air from containers prior to seaming a lid to a container. In the process, a container body is filled with contents and is then injected with liquid nitrogen. A lid is immediately placed on the container body, and a biasing force is immediately applied against the lid to maintain the lid on the liquid nitrogen filled container bodies until the container body reaches the seaming mechanism. The biasing force is sufficient to allow a portion of nitrogen gas from vaporization of the liquid nitrogen to escape from the container body, and to allow air originally present in the container body to escape from the container body, while preventing surrounding air from entering the container body.

Abstract: A method of preventing or reducing the incidence of staphylococci and other infections as a result of surgical or medical treatment procedures is implemented by inserting into or attaching to each sterile package containing a tool, implement, or implantable for use in such a procedure at least one impregnable swab containing a solution of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 packaged in a separate sterile pack, for use by the surgeon, therapist, or assistant in wiping down the tool, implement, or implantable, as the case may be, before use to maintain the sterility thereof in such procedure. The solution of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 is in a concentration of about 3% by volume. A plurality of separate sterile packs may be inserted in or attached to the sterile package, in which each of the sterile packs contains at least one swab impregnated with a solution of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 in such concentration.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing surfaces has a tube and a plurality of nozzles wherein a mixture of hot air and vaporized hydrogen peroxide is fed from the tube, which is heated and which includes a porous section for feeding vaporized hydrogen peroxide into hot air fed through the tube to provide a mixture of hot air and vaporized hydrogen peroxide, the mixture being fed from the tube to surfaces to be sterilized by the nozzles.

Abstract: A method for producing cosmetic samplers that incorporates the genuine cosmetic through the use of bulk thin film application techniques such as extrusion or spray technology. The method comprises first applying a cosmetic slurry to a base substrate and then attaching a cover sheet by means of an adhesive on either wide-web offset or label equipment.

Abstract: An improved package and method for manufacturing extruded monofilament string trimmer line incorporates preconditioning of the line to provide a high moisture content. The line then is packaged in a sealed package with a removable cap to permit withdrawal of line from the package. A moisture-laden sponge may be placed within the bottom of the package to maintain a high humidity within the package. Copper chloride or cobalt chloride salts also may be coated on the line, or added to the plastic forming the line to provide a color indication of the relative moisture content of the line.

Abstract: A diffusing device containing a fragrance or deodorant material includes a gel of a water swellable/water absorbing resin carrying the fragrance and/or deodorant components. The fragrance or deodorant release device can be readily produced on an industrial scale, is easy for a user to handle, and employs a water swellable/water absorbing resin. The gel is produced by enclosing a water swellable/water absorbing resin in a water resistant container, such as a packet, having a water permeable portion and immersing the packet into an aqueous medium containing the fragrance and/or deodorant components whereby the resin absorbs the fragrance and/or deodorant components.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for manufacturing solutions including medical solutions. To this end, in an embodiment, a method for preparing a medical solution is provided comprising the steps of: placing a solution in a gas permeable container; and allowing carbon dioxide to permeate through the container until a desired pH is achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process, as well as a device which is suited for the same, for the processing of containers, particularly of bottles or the like, into which a fluid is injected for the expulsion of the air from the head room of the bottles after the filling, before the aperture of the container is closed, in a sealing manner, by means of a closure cap. After the injecting of the fluid, a closure cap is first of all moved forward to the opening of the container and held, for a certain period of time, in a position above the opening, in such a manner that the open aperture is covered by the closure cap, but that gas can exit from the container between the opening and the closure cap. After that, the closure cap is attached to the container in a sealing manner.

Abstract: A micromachined device is packaged to reduce stiction. In one embodiment, a level of moisture is introduced in the package to create a very thin film over surfaces of the device. The device can also be packaged with a vapor deposition of an organic material after a wafer of devices has been separated into individual dies and the individual dies are placed in open containers. In another embodiment, a micromachined device is positioned in an open package and a liquid or solid organic material is disposed within the package so that when the device is sealed, the organic material vaporizes and coats portions of the die to reduce stiction.

Abstract: Disclosed are microwave popcorn articles which upon microwave heating provide popcorn of reduced fat content, better fat distribution and improved taste as well as methods for the preparation of such articles. The articles comprise any conventional microwave popcorn bag and an improved popcorn/fat charge. In addition to unpopped popcorn kernels and fat, the charge further essentially includes minor amounts of salt, color and/or flavors. The present method involves the spraying of a fat/salt slurry at the same time as and at an angle to a falling cascade of unpopped popcorn kernels as they are charged to the upper open end of the microwave popcorn bag. The angle of the fat/salt spray is such as to intersect with the falling popcorn cascade within the popcorn bag below the top seal area. By applying the fat/salt slurry to a falling cascade of unpopped popcorn kernels during bag filling, improved distribution of the slurry over the popcorn is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removing and transporting articles, such as contact lens sections from a manufacturing line to inspection and packaging stations. The lenses are deposited in a transparent plastic primary package which carries the lenses through the inspection station and becomes part of the primary package when a cover is sealed thereto. The invention includes various assemblies, including lens transfer assemblies, deionized water filling and removal assemblies, a water degassing assembly, a lens inspection assembly, and a lens package sealing assembly. The lenses are removed from pallets at a post hydration station, transported and spatially redistributed, and deposited in the primary packages disposed on a second set of pallets. The packages on the second set of pallets are filled with degassed deionized water. The contact lenses and packages are then transported to an inspection station.

Abstract: A method for impregnating porous material with a liquid flavoring. The porous material comprises embossed sheets or disks of porous absorbent material, each of which is dispensed automatically onto a conveyor. Each individual disk is squirted automatically with a selected amount of liquid flavoring and then immediately packaged automatically. The selected amount of flavoring is less than the amount required to supersaturate the disk. Thus, by a passive capillary action, or "wicking" effect, dispersal of the flavoring liquid throughout the disk continues during the packaging step. This method reduces the amount of flavoring which is wasted in conventional impregnation methods. Further, the use of the capillary action to complete the saturation process allows the packaging to be commenced prior to completion of the saturation process and thereby substantially increases the speed with which the process can be completed.

Abstract: The present invention, which relates to post hydration processing of contact lenses and the packages into which the lenses are placed, includes several assemblies which are ideally suited to performing the various steps which are associated with post hydration processing.

Abstract: A method of forming thermal insulation comprising forming recycled cotton fibers into a relatively loose mass, impregnating the cotton fibers with a liquid fire retardant, drying the impregnated cotton fibers, mixing the impregnated cotton fibers with the dry granules of fire retardant while causing the granules to adhere to the cotton fibers, blending the cotton fibers with synthetic springy fibers and with bi-component bonding fibers having core components and sheath components, forming the blended fibers into a composite web of predetermined thickness to provide a desired insulation value, heating the composite web to soften the sheath components of the bi-component fibers to cause the same to bond the fibers together into a bonded composite web, slitting the bonded composite web longitudinally into narrower strips of a predetermined width corresponding to the widths of individual batts of insulation, severing the strips into predetermined lengths to form individual batts, and packaging the individual batt

Abstract: The disclosure is of a method and apparatus for packaging articles, and cushioning the packages with biodegradable, starch based materials. The materials, packed as loose nuggets within the package, are converted to a single, unitary cushion in-situ to protect the article.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for manufacturing solutions including medical solutions. To this end, in an embodiment, a method for preparing a medical solution is provided comprising the steps of: placing a solution in a gas permeable container; and allowing carbon dioxide to permeate through the container until a desired pH is achieved.

Abstract: An improved, automated method and apparatus for molding contact lenses generally comprises the steps of: (1) forming anterior and posterior mold cavities in longitudinally spaced relation in first and second webs of material, respectively; (2) dispensing a liquid, curable, lens material (e.g., monomer) in each anterior cavity of the first web; (3) aligning and bringing the posterior and anterior cavities into sequential, mating, centered engagement with each other; (4) curing the lens material captured between respective posterior and anterior molds; and (5) separating the webs to release the lenses cast therebetween. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the mold cavities are vacuum-formed in the respective webs, and packaging receptacles are formed in one or both of the webs used to mold the lenses.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a method for wrapping a floral grouping, to form a wrapper with a water holding and releasing material disposed in the wrapper in contact with a portion of the floral grouping, are disclosed. Several embodiments of wrappers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for packaging foodstuffs in substantially rigid containers. A desired quantity of foodstuff to be packaged is placed in the container, a quantity of aqueous liquid in an amount sufficient to generate, when boiled, a volume of vapor sufficiently in excess of the volume of the container to substantially completely displace all other gases from the container, is added. The container is closed but not sealed, so as to permit communication between the interior of the container and the ambient atmosphere. The container and its contents are warmed to a temperature sufficient to generate the volume of vapor when the container is subjected to a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. The temperature is kept as low as possible so that no cooking of the foodstuffs occurs. After warming, the containers are exposed to a low pressure so that the liquid in the container boils. The boiling liquid generates vapor in the container sufficient to drive out and displace other gases from the container.

Abstract: This present invention relates to an automatic recycling machine and automatic waste disposal system for plural types of household and commercial waste materials which automatically sorts, processes, shreds, crushes, compacts, rinses by cleaning liquid for removal of contamination and dirt from certain washable waste types, packages the waste material, and identifying the package with waste type and waste source by barcode marking.The automatic recycling machine is constructed as an appliance and includes separate fluid power actuation means for each type of recyclable material and non-recyclable waste, and control system to control the recycling process for each waste material type separately. The automatic recycling machine also comprises an operator control panel which includes warning indicators to inform on filled waste package of certain waste material type.

Abstract: A liquid-impregnated flexible sheet includes high capillarity pores for retaining the impregnated fluid. The fluid may be an oil having a boiling point and vapor pressure sufficient to promote vaporization of the oil at room temperature. The vaporizable oil can function as a corrosion inhibitor making the sheet useful for wrapping metallic articles. A surfactant may also be added to the sheet to enhance corrosion inhibition. The sheet comprises a homogenous mixture of a polyolefin-based component and an inert filler. The sheet may be used alone or as one component of a composite that includes materials that have other desirable properties. The composite may be assembled into a container, such as a gun case.

Abstract: A method and device for stabilizing and storing bicarbonate solutions is provided. In an embodiment, a device is provided having a container and carbon-dioxide generating substances that include a solid material which upon contact with water generates carbon-dioxide gas. The device may be packaged together with the bicarbonate or in a separate overpouch. The present invention also provides a method for the stabilization of bicarbonate solutions utilizing a means that generates high pressure carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flavoring coffee with a particular flavoring ingredient in situ within the package. The apparatus includes a hopper for containing a supply of coffee and a connected feed tube through which the coffee is delivered in measured amounts into the lower end of a tube of sheet material or web which is being continuously formed about the coffee feed tube to define the package for the coffee. A flavoring feed tube connected in communication to a reservoir containing a supply of flavoring material is disposed along the coffee feed tube and through which the flavoring material is circulated for injecting a predetermined amount of flavoring material into the coffee being delivered into the lower end of the continuously formed tube. The lower end of the continuous tube containing the predetermined amount of coffee and flavoring material is thereafter sealed and separated from the remainder of the continuous tube to define an individual package of flavored coffee, and the sequence repeated.

Abstract: A method of regulating the amount of anti-bacterial agent in sterile packaging processes within the package which involves the steps of partially filling a container with any of a number of anti-bacterial agents in a solution of liquid, semi-liquid or frozen form, then placing articles into the container, so that an air space is formed within the container partially dehumidifying the air so that when the container is sealed the heating of the container and its contents to a temperature substantially below the boiling point of the solution and at a pressure of about one atmosphere, the surface within the container above and below the solution level, and the entire contents of such container, are sterilized, and have a regulated amount of anti-bacterial agent present in the air space.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a method for wrapping a floral grouping, to form a wrapper with a water holding and releasing material disposed in the wrapper in contact with a portion of the floral grouping, are disclosed. Several embodiments of wrappers are also enclosed.

Abstract: A device for loading a product into a container wherein the device includes a delivery apparatus movable during a travel cycle toward and away from a travel limit and wherein the product is delivered through the delivery apparatus into the container during a certain portion of the travel cycle includes means operable during another portion of the travel cycle prior to the certain portion for applying a coating to an inner wall of a container.

Abstract: A method is provided for filling seed trays particularly tobacco seed trays, with growing filler material whereby dry pockets are prevented from forming in the seed trays. The method includes partially filling an upright loading device with the filler material in a manner so that the surface plane of the filler material is at an inclined angle of repose with respect to horizontal. A leading edge of the filler material is established and maintained from the front end of the loading device. A seed tray is passed below the loading device so that the forward edge of the seed tray initially passes below the leading edge of the filler material so that the filler material cascades down into the individual pockets of the seed tray at a controlled rate. In practicing this method, the individual pockets of the seed tray are generally completely filled from the bottom up with the filler material before being conveyed under the bulk portion of the filler material, thereby minimizing the occurrence of dry pockets.

Abstract: A method of protecting an electronic component from the environment comprising the steps of providing a bag made from thermoplastic heat shrink material, inserting said electronic component into said bag, injecting a liquid polymerizable resin into said bag, heating said bag to shrink it about said electronic component and said resin, and curing said resin.

Abstract: A method of hot filling a plastic container includes the steps of introducing a heated product into the container at a temperature of about 190.degree. F., introducing liquid nitrogen into the container and sealing the container before any significant thermal distortion occurs and cooling the container to room temperature, while maintaining a positive pressure within the cooled container.

Abstract: In the manufacture of wet wipes, compressing the wet wipe stack within the container prior to sealing the container improves one-at-a-time dispensing of the wipes, e.g. the tendency for certain wipes to stick together upon removal is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing containers, such as beakers, on a line of an aseptic food packaging machine has a sintered stainless steel tube (6) surrounded by an outer tube (7) which has a plurality of outlets (10). A source of hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2 O.sub.2) (1) is vaporized by heated air (4) and passed into the sintered tube (6), from where it permeates to the outer tube (7) and via the outlets (10) to respective containers (18), to sterilize the containers. The combination of the sintered tube and outer tube serves to evenly distribute the H.sub.2 O.sub.2 vapor to evenly sterilize a row or beakers, indexed through the apparatus.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing bag-like packs including a continuous strand (17) which is formed from packaging material folded in a V-shape and having transverse seams (15). Prepared portions (21) of fibrous filling material are pushed into pockets (18), open at the side, during the continuous transporting of the strand (17) by the apparatus. Thereafter, the pockets (18) are closed at a longitudinal seam (16) formed during the continuous transporting. The packs are formed by being severed from the strand (17). The strand (17) and the portions (21) are transported by synchronously running endless conveyors, and specifically by a spreading ring (27) and a portion turret (35), respectively. The above-mentioned conveyors are mounted axially parallel to each other such that, with synchronous running, the portions (21) are pushed radially out of the portion turret (35) into the pockets (18).

Abstract: A dispenser-container for wet tissues comprises wet tissues impregnated with liquid and a container, which is a cylinder, a box or a bag made of a flexible and impervious sheet, having the wet tissues contained therein. The tissues are made of a continuous sheet-like material which has weakened lines for separating therealong at a predetermined distance or are made of a plurality of short tissues, adjacent edges of which short tissues are partially overlapped with each other. The wet tissues contained in the container are formed in a rope-like or tape-like shape. Processes for manufacturing the a dispenser-container for wet tissues, and apparatuses for manufacturing the dispenser-container for wet tissues.

Abstract: A method of handling books between a library and a treatment site in which the books are held against relative movement during transit but are released during treatment.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed case (2) delimits a chamber (7) with an inert atmosphere within which are located a series of product processing and transfer stations (10,14,19,21,22). A product washing means (5,6) forms an inlet lock to the chamber while a product packaging means (23,24,26,30) forms an exit lock from the chambrer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pre-packaged, pre-soaked cleaning system for use to clean the cylinders of printing machines. The system includes a pre-soaked fabric roll saturated to equilibrium with low volatility organic compound solvent which is wrapped around a cylindrical core having open ends to form a roll. The saturated, wrapped fabric roll is inserted in a heat-sealable or heat-shrinkable and heat-sealable plastic sleeve, the sleeve being to intimate contact with the fabric roll after being subjected in heat-sealing or heat-shrinking and heat-sealing, thus permitting transporting and storage of the system until use without detrimentally affecting the cleaning ability of the fabric roll.The system may also include a slotted canister in which the saturated wrapped roll is inserted before it is placed into the plastic sleeve and heat-sealed or heat-shrunken and heat-sealed thereon or end caps inserted in the open ends of the core.A method for making the system is also disclosed.