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Visit us on Facebook: facebook.com/fairtradecertified
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The US Supreme Court ruled 7-2 Tuesday that appellate review of factual matters in a patent dispute must apply the clear error standard of review, not a de novo standard. In Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. v. Sandoz, Inc., the court held that the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit was ...[read more]
A judge for the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on Thursday issued a preliminary order forcing the state to recognize more than 300 same-sex marriages performed on March 22, 2014. The couples wed a day after US District Judge Bernard Friedman declared the Michigan ban on ...[read more]
JURIST Guest Columnist Caitlin Borgmann of the City University of New York School of Law, discusses recent circuit court decisions addressing state abortion laws and predicts that one of the decisions may reach the US Supreme Court...Federal Courts of Appeals have recently addressed two important ...[read more]
The US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit on Monday denied a request to stay the executions of four death row inmates in Oklahoma until the court reaches a decision in their case. The appeals court affirmed the district court's decision to deny the request because the inmates "failed to ...[read more]
A judge for the US District Court for the District of South Dakota ruled Monday that South Dakota's same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional. Judge Karen Schreier ruled in favor of six same-sex couples who challenged the ban, finding that the ban violates the right to due process and equal ...[read more]
The US Supreme Court decided Monday not to take on a case to review Louisiana's ban on same-sex marriage. The ban was upheld by a federal trial judge in New Orleans in September. The couples were seeking to bypass the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The Supreme Court denied the ...[read more]
The US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit heard oral arguments on Friday regarding the constitutionality of same-sex marriage bans in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Federal courts overturned the same-sex marriage bans in Texas and Mississippi, while another federal court upheld Louisiana's ...[read more]
Federal appeals court judges heard arguments Wednesday on a restrictive Texas abortion law that critics say would close more than half the state's remaining abortion clinics. A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit is reviewing the law, which requires that abortion ...[read more]
A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on Wednesday upheld a New York state rule barring unimmunized children from public schools. On the district court level, Judge William Kuntz II of the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York ruled in favor of the ...[read more]
The US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on Monday affirmed a lower court decision that the Woman's Right to Know Act, which requires physicians to display and describe ultrasound images to women seeking abortions, is an unconstitutional violation of the First Amendment. Writing the ...[read more]

subset: commoncrawl


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Most Recent Articles In Fashion Scoops
Latest Fashion Scoops Articles
- Rick Owens Responds to Controversy
- Sir Philip Green in Talks to Sell BHS
- Front Row at Atelier Versace
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JED ROOT RELOCATION: Jed Root Inc., the fashion industry agency for photographers, stylists and hair and makeup artists, is planning to relocate from 61 Walker Street to 333 Seventh Ave., which is known as The Fur Trade Building.
According to CBRE Group Inc., Jed Root has signed a 10-year, 11,000-square-foot lease for part of the 9th floor. While the asking rent was $40 per square foot, it couldn't be immediately determined what the actual negotiated rent per square foot was under the signed lease. The 21-story building is between 28th and 29th Streets.


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Denon DRA-435R Service Manual covers following topics:
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Here you'll find the most recent content from around TU — blog posts, photos, videos and more from TU staff and members like you. Use the filters above to turn content on and off. For more information watch a video here.
We are now closed for the season until ice out 2015. Thanks for your buiness and see you in 2015.
stable temps means more midging fun
The river is in fair shape and there are salmon and grilse in all the holding pools. The leaves are beginning to change and the salmon are...
iced and put to bed...
They are calling for snow on Tuesday, Wednesday should be sunny with a high of 44 and a low of 28. Then we go back to rain, and snow Thursday,...
Check NOAA for your 7 day forecast before heading out.
Ice gone, give it a try
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An experienced & professional Trip Manager and Driver
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Boy Girl
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First name content excerpted from The Complete Idiot's Guide to 30,000 Baby Names © 2005 by Marcia Layton Turner. Buy this book online or call 1-800-253-6476.
Last name content copyright © 2006 Patrick Hanks.
First name origin & meaning:
Arabic: Praised one
First name variations: Muhammed, Mohamad, Mohammed, Mohamed, Mohammad, Mohamet, Mahmoud, Mehemet, Mehmet, Ahmad, Ahmet, Amad, Amed, Hamid, Hamad, Hammed
Last name origin & meaning:
Muslim: from a personal name based on Arabic mụhammad 'praiseworthy' (derived from the verb ̣hamida 'praise'). This is the name of the founder of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (570–632). He began to receive spiritual revelations at the age of 40. The Qur'an, the holy book of Islam, was revealed to him by the Angel Jibril (Gabriel). As a personal name, this name is extremely common throughout the Muslim world.
Famous people with this first name: Muhammad Ali
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The Latest and Greatest Book for Kids Search our interactive Book Finder for the top new books for kids of all ages, brought to you by the latest book in the I, Funny series, "I Totally Funniest."
Kindergarten Readiness App Wins Gold Our Kindergarten Readiness app won the Gold Award of Excellence in the educational category at the 2014 Communicator Awards. This valuable checklist comes with games and activities to help your child practice the essential skills she needs for kindergarten. Download the Kindergarten Readiness app today!
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We want to ensure that making a return is as easy and hassle-free as possible! If for any reason you decide that your purchase just isn't for you, simply return the item within 30 days of receipt and we'll cover the return shipping when you choose our FREE Pre-Paid Return Shipping Label. Learn more about our return policy.
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Armasight Quick Release Night Vision Mount Adapter is a fast and easy way to use your firearm in the darkest of tactical situations by mounting a night vision monocular to the receiver. These Armasight night vision accessories will attach and detach from your weapon with ease, thanks to its easy to use quick release installation system. The night vision accessory will mount to any Weaver-style or Picatinny rail, where the Arma-Sight QR Picatinny Mount Adapter for Night Vision Monoculars will be ready to accept a monocular for targeting or observation. Armasight has optimized the mount for a wide range of night vision monoculars, including the Spark, Sirius, Mini-NYX14, and the NYX-14. Add day or night versatility to your rifle of choice with the Arma Sight Night Vision Monocular Picatinny Quick Release Adapter Mount.


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2009 Coeur de Terre Vineyard McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
12.7% alc., pH 3.15, 248 cases, $17. Released May 1, 2009. Sourced from the Coleman Vineyard in the McMinnville AVA. De-stemmed and pressed off immediately. 20% was racked to neutral oak puncheon and 80% to stainless tank. Residual sugar 10g/L. Cold stabilized and sterile filtered before bottling. · Very pale yellow color in the glass. A pleasing potpourri of tropical fruits and white peaches with notes of cut grass and lemon curd. Easygoing with a crisp finish. A fine example of this style. Good. Reviewed June 22, 2010
Winery: Coeur De Terre Vineyard From article: More Sips of Noiregon Pinot


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iOS Retro Games
1. Jetpack Joyride In this fast-paced game, players control their jetpack-clad character through hazardous corridors full of lasers, electric fields and missiles. Along the way, earn coins and tokens toward cosmetic upgrades like new jetpacks, costumes, distance credits or revival ability. Luck is a big factor in this game, but it cuts both ways. Price: $0.99 (…)


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Genre/Form: | History |
Document Type: | Book |
All Authors / Contributors: |
E A Ferguson; Jacob H Hollander |
OCLC Number: | 1578693 |
Description: | vi, 163 pages frontispiece (portrait) folded plate, folded map 24 cm |
Contents: | Preface.--Ferguson, E.A. Autobiographical sketch.--Hollander, J.H. The necessity of the railway.--Hollander, J.H. Legislation and litigation.--Testimony of E.A. Ferguson, before Special master commissioners.--Testimony of E.A. Ferguson, before investigating commission.--Account of the banquet, March 18, 1880, with speech of E.A. Ferguson.--Hollander, J.H. Municipal results.--Appendix: A. Text of Ferguson Act. B. Opinion of Judge Alphonso Taft, and concurring opinions. C. Common Carrier Act. D. Memorandum of agreement between the trustees of the Cincinnati Southern Railway and the Cincinnati Southern Railway Co. E. Form of the lease prepared by E.A. Ferguson. |
Responsibility: | with an autobiographical sketch, by E.A. Ferguson. |
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Related Subjects:(5)
- Cincinnati Southern Railway Company -- History.
- Railroads -- Ohio -- History.
- Cincinnati Southern Railway Company.
- Railroads.
- Ohio.
User lists with this item (1)
- Northwestern University Transportation Library New Books List 2012-01(413 items)
by NUTL updated 2013-06-11


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Recent Special Dividend Announcements 3 comments
There has been a significant amount of special dividend announcements lately. Below are links to the recent articles on special dividends by company.
HollyFrontier Corporation Announces Special and Regular Dividends
Neutral Tandem (NASDAQ:IQNT) Announces Special Dividend
ChangeYou.com Announces 16% Special Dividend
Warner Chilcott to Pay 23% Special Dividend
Spectrum Brands Announces Special Dividend
Back To Greg Group's Instablog HomePage »Instablogs are blogs which are instantly set up and networked within the Seeking Alpha community. Instablog posts are not selected, edited or screened by Seeking Alpha editors, in contrast to contributors' articles.
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How To Get 50% Of Your Stock Purchase In Monthly Income Installments http://seekingalpha.com/p/1jxsz Jan 24, 2014
I an using a covered call with blanket put on Intel (INTC) to generate monthly income. Read more at http://bit.ly/p4QKGD/ Sep 23, 2011
I think gold stocks are cheap compared to gold so I am going long GDX. Feb 22, 2010
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US 4676051 A Abstract A plastic bag is formed, filled, sealed and separated from a continuous web of longitudinally folded plastic material. The web passes downwardly between complementary L-shaped heat sealing jaws that reciprocate and cooperate to provide seams which form a pocket that is closed after it has been filled from above and indexed downwardly. The top seam of one pocket is formed simultaneously with the bottom seam of an adjacent pocket and a weakened line of juncture is provided therebetween. Grippers carried on the heat sealing jaws engage opposite sides of the plastic web above the location of the top seam of the filled pocket and cooperate with a separator that tensions the web along the weakened line to rupture the filled pocket from the web while the web is still in a thermally weakened condition.
Claims(25) 1. Apparatus for filling plastic bags formed from a web of plastic material, comprising:
frame means for receiving said web, means for guiding said web in a longitudinally folded manner downwardly into the frame means, complementary heat sealing jaw means mounted in said frame for lateral reciprocation relative to said folded web to provide a longitudinal side seam and a transverse bottom seam cooperable with said folded web to provide an upwardly open pocket and to form a transverse top seam for closing the pocket after the web has been advanced downwardly a predetermined extent relative to the frame means, drive means connected to said heat sealing means for effecting said reciprocation thereof and for applying to said web a predetermined pressure for forming said seams, gripper means carried on said jaw means for releasably engaging opposite sides of said web above the location of formation of said top seam of said pocket, and separator means mounted in said frame means below said gripper means for frictionally engaging opposite sides of said web below the location of formation of said top seam therein and cooperable in timed relation with said heat sealing means during formation of said top seam to tension said web longitudinally and thereby to cause a filled and closed bag to be formed and separated from the folded web, whereby plastic bags are filled and closed in a continuous manner. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1 including shaped surface means on said complementary heat sealing means cooperable during formation of said transverse top seam on said pocket to simultaneously form said transverse bottom seam on an immediately upstream pocket and to provide a weakened line of juncture between said top and bottom pocket seams for permitting said bag to be separated from said web when said tension is applied by said separator means.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said shaped surface means includes a flat platen and a tapered nose which cooperate tor form said top and bottom pocket seams on opposite sides of said weakened line of juncture.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said separator means includes a roller laterally engaging said web adjacent to the location of formation of said top seam and rotatable about a horizontal axis, and nip means juxtaposed with said roller on the opposite side of said web for creating friction between said web and said roller, and means for rotating said roller about its axis for frictionally tensioning said web downwardly to separate said filled bag therefrom.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said nip means includes a nip platen normally disposed alongside said web and engaging said opposite side of said web, and means for moving said nip platen relative to said roller axis for rotating said roller and thereby tensioning said web to effect said bag separation.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said nip platen moving means includes means mounting said platen to pivot about a horizontal axis below the rotational axis of said roller, and means for pivoting said platen about its axis.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said platen pivoting means includes means for biasing said platen toward said roller and web and for pivoting the platen about its horizontal axis, and means for returning said platen to its normal position alongside said web after separation of said bag therefrom.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7 including means for biasing said roller into continuous engagement with said nip platen during said pivotal motion of said platen toward said roller.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein both said nip platen and said roller are carried on said heat sealing means and are movable relative thereto to effect said bag separation as said complementary heat sealing means move away from said web.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said nip platen has a laterally extending protrusion engaging said folded web below said weakened line of juncture and above said roller for aiding in separating said web from said gripping means as said heat sealing means separate.
11. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said drive means includes a rocker shaft pivotally mounted in said frame alongside said folded web, linkage means connecting said rocker shaft to said complementary heat sealing means for causing said heat sealing means to move toward said folded web when said rocker shaft is pivoted in one direction and away from said folded web when pivoted in the opposite direction, a fluid pressure operated actuator connected to said rocker shaft for pivoting the same in said opposite directions, and means for increasing the fluid pressure in said actuator as said complementary heat sealing means advance into close proximity with one another to form said pocket seams.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said complementary heat sealing means includes a heater member and an anvil member both mounted for sliding movement toward and away from one another in said frame, a link connecting one of said members to said shaft and lost motion linkage means connecting the other of said members to said shaft, said lost motion linkage means causing its connected member to stop moving at a predetermined location with respect to said web while said link causes the other member to continue moving as said rocker shaft pivots.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said lost motion linkage means includes an angulated cam surface mounted to said frame and a cam follower engaging said cam surface and movably mounted to its connected member for movement vertically with respect to its normal path of movement as it approaches the folded web.
14. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the portion of said complementary heat sealing means that forms said longitudinal side seam extends for a distance which is at least about twice as long as the side seam formed in a single bag and extends along said folded web inwardly of its edges so that a pair of edge margins are formed between said side seam and the edges of the folded web, and including means for pulling said edge margins longitudinally and laterally of said web for separating said web edge margins from the web during forming and filling of the bags.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said pulling means includes a constant tension take-up roller engaging said web edge margins and tensioning the same continuously so that the edge margins are separated from the web before the filled bag is separated therefrom.
16. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said top and bottom seam forming portions of said heat sealing means extend less than completely across the width of the folded web from its folded side.
17. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said complementary heat sealing means has a heated zone, and including a layer of tetrafluoroethylene fabric interposed between said heated zone of said heat sealing means and said web, and means for periodically advancing said fabric relative to said heated zone.
18. In apparatus for forming and filling plastic bags, including means for guiding a longitudinally folded web of plastic as it descends vertically, complementary laterally movable heat sealing means cooperable to provide transverse and longitudinal seams in the folded web for defining therein an upwardly open pocket and to form a closure for the pocket after having been loaded by gravity, and means for subsequently separating the loaded pocket from the web, the improvement wherein said pocket separating means comprises means for gripping the web transversely above the transverse seam forming the pocket closure, and means cooperable with said heat sealing means after a predetermined heating time interval for applying tension to said pocket longitudinally of the web and thereby rupturing the loaded pocket from the web.
19. Apparatus according to claim 18 wherein said web tensioning means includes means providing a roller engaging one side of said web, means providing a nip on the opposite side of said web in juxtaposition with said roller, and means for effecting rotation of said roller for pulling on said web.
20. Apparatus in accordance with claim 19 wherein said nip providing means includes a planar surface disposed vertically alongside the web opposite the roller, and means for displacing said surface relative to the rotational axis of the roller for effecting said roller rotation and thereby tensioning the web.
21. Apparatus according to claim 20 including means for pivoting the nip surface and means for biasing the roller laterally toward said nip surface with the web engaged therebetween for thereby effecting said rotation of the roller and said tensioning of the web.
22. Apparatus according to claim 21 wherein said nip forming surface has a finger protrusion overlying at least a portion of the roller for engaging the web laterally above the roller to aid in separating the loading bag from the web.
23. In a method of forming and filling bags from a downwardly advancing web of plastic which is longitudinally folded to form a fold line and a pair of edges spaced therefrom, the improvement comprising the steps of:
heat sealing said web longitudinally inwardly adjacent to said edges to form an elongate side seam having a length at least as long as two filled bags, simultaneously with the formation of said side seam, heat sealing the web transversely to form a transverse seam having a heat weakened central portion located between the bottom of one pocket and the top of a precedingly formed pocket, loading the one pocket from above, gripping the loaded pocket transversely above its bottom seam, and while said transverse seam is in its heat weakened condition, tensioning the web from below for rupturing said web along said weakened portion and thereby separating a filled bag from the web. 24. A method according to claim 23 wherein said web tensioning step is effected by frictionally engaging said web between a roller and a nip platen, and while biasing the roller and nip platen toward one another, displacing the nip platen relative to the rotational axis of the roller.
25. A method according to claim 24 wherein said longitudinal seam is spaced inwardly from said web edges and said transverse seam formed in said web extends transversely from the longitudinal fold to at least said longitudinal seam but short of said web edges to form an edge margin, and including the step of continually pulling said edge margin downwardly and laterally with respect to said web for separating said web edge marging from the folded web before said filled bags are separated from the web.
Description The present invention relates to bag forming, filling and sealing methods and machinery, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming and filling bags from a continuous sheet of plastic material. Methods and apparatus are known for forming, filling and sealing bags formed from a continuous sheet of material. In conventional apparatus, a folded sheet of vertically disposed material is advanced longitudinally and heat sealed to form a bag, or pouch, which is gravitationally loaded by means of a declining chute connected to an elevated hopper. After the bag has been formed and loaded, its upper end is seamed to completely seal the bag. The thus filled bag is subsequently severed from the web. Machines of this general nature are disclosed in the following U.S. Pat. Nos.: 2,334,256; 2,385,229; 3,426,499; 3,731,451; 3,815,318; 4,144,693; 4,235,064; 4,322,929; and 4,391,081. Other types of packaging machines are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,319,538 and 3,397,505. Related types of commercially available packaging machines are sold by Rennco, Inc. of Homer, Mich.; Automated Packaging Systems, Inc. of Twinsburg, Ohio; and Bodolay-Pratt of Lakeland, Fla. A limiting factor in the reliability of a plastic bag forming a filling machine resides in the means utilized to separate the filled bag from the web from which it is formed. Known machines use knives, hot wires, and the like to effect separation. These separating mechanisms are undesirable, however, because the plastic accumulates thereon and causes them to malfunction. As a result, the machinery must be stopped periodically and cleared. Another acute problem is caused by the composition and quality of the plastic composing the web. For instance, when hot knives and wires are used as the bag separating means, their proper functioning is dependent on the composition and quality of the plastic, since different plastic materials, and variations in quality with a given roll of plastic, change the heat requirements needed to effect proper bag separation. This creastes further machine set-up and operating problems. In addition, the burning of the material by the hot wires causes undesirable fumes to be generated, and this is unsatisfactory. While each of the aforedescribed patented and commercially available machines may function satisfactorily for its intended purpose, there is a need for machinery which can operate in a reliable method with minimal maintenance to form, fill and seal bags made from a continuous web of plastic at relatively high rates of production. Furthermore, there is a need for a machine of the aforedescribed type which is tolerant of variations in plastic composition and quality and which can operate with a minimum of downtime and with a minimum of operator adjustments. Moreover, a commercially-desirable machine should also be capable of being run by a relatively unskilled operator. With the foregoing in mind, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a novel method and apparatus for forming, and filling and sealing bags made from a continuous sheet of plastic, and of doing so at relatively high production rates. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for reliably producing filled plastic bags in a trouble-free manner at relatively high production rates. A further object of the present invention is to provide a unique bag forming, filling and sealing machine which operates smoothly and reliably for prolonged periods of time with minimal operator intervention. As a still further object, the present invention provides an efficient machine which operates in a novel manner to form, fill, seal, and sever bags from a continuous web of plastic. More specifically, in the present invention, bags are formed, filled, sealed and severed in a high speed trouble-free manner from a continuous web of folded plastic material as it advances downwardly through the machine frame. Complementary L-shaped heat sealing jaws are mounted in the frame for lateral reciprocation with respect to opposite sides of the web for providing a bottom seam, a side seam, and a top seam after the bag has been filled. The top and bottom seams are provided by a specially-shaped heater bar and anvil which cooperate simultaneously to provide the bottom seam of one pocket and the top seam of a downstream pocket while forming a weakened line of juncture therebetween. The filled bag is then separated from the web by downward tension which ruptures the web along the weakened line of juncture. Downward tension is applied by a roller which is biased into engagement with the web and rotated about is axis when a counterbiased nip platen is pivoted relative to the roller axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal side seam extends inwardly of the folded edges of the plastic web and the edge margin is continuously separated from the plastic web by a constant tensioning device which pulls downwardly and laterally on the edge margin to ensure that it is laterally separated before the filled bags are separated from the web. The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a somewhat schematic, fragmentary perspective view illustrating the cooperation of certain components of the machine utilized in practicing the method of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a preferred bag forming machine embodying the present invention; FIG. 2A is a sectional view taken on line 2A--2A of FIG. 2; FIG. 2B is a sectional view taken on line 2B--2B of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a plan view of the machine illustrated in FIG. 2 but with portions broken away and sectioned to illustrate details of construction; FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of certain machine components in a home position at the beginning of a bag forming cycle; FIG. 5 is an illustration, similar to FIG. 4, but illustrating the position of the components in a preliminary stage of the bag forming cycle; FIG. 6 is a view, similar to FIG. 4, but illustrating the components of the machine in the seaming stage of the bag forming cycle; FIG. 7 is a view, similar to FIG. 4, but illustrating the position of the components upon completion of the bag filling and sealing portions of the bag forming cycle as the bag is being separated from the web and the machine components are returning to their home position illustrated in FIG. 4; FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating primarily the bag separating assembly of the machine of the present invention in the position corresponding to schematic FIG. 5; FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 but illustrating the relative positions of the separating assembly components during the seaming portion of the bag forming cycle as illustrated in FIG. 6; FIG. 10 is a view, similar to FIG. 8, but illustrating the components of the bag separating assembly in the course of rupturing the filled and sealed bag from the web from which it is formed as illustrated in FIG. 7; and FIG. 11 is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary sectional view showing a portion of the horizontal heater bar engaged with the plastic web while forming the horizontal seams and weakened zone therebetween. Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates somewhat schematically and in perspective portions of the appratus which is preferably used to practice the method of the present invention. As best seen therein, a web W of longitudinally folded plastic is fed downwardly in the direction indicated by the arrow into a machine indicated generally at M, and sealed and filled bags B1, B2 fall downwardly from the machine M into an appropriate receptacle (not shown). Prior to bag closure, parts are charged automatically into each partially formed bag B via a chute C connected at its upper end to a hopper (not shown). Primary and secondary heat sealing jaw assemblies J1, J2, respectively are mounted in the machine M for reciprocation laterally with respect to the plastic web W in the direction indicated by the arrows. Movement of the jaw assemblies J1, J2 is effected by a linkage mechanism L connected to a fluid actuator A, which in the present instance, is an air cylinder. The major portion of a bag separating mechanism is located in the region S of the jaw assemblies J1, J2 but is not illustrated in detail in FIG. 1 for purposes of clarity. In the illustrated embodiment, continuous downward tension is applied to the web W as a separated longitudinal edge margin E thereof is stripped from the side of the web W, i.e., toward the rear in FIG. 1. Appropriate position sensors and electronic circuitry is provided for controlling the operation of the machine M in the manner to be described. Referring now to FIG. 2, the machine M includes a frame 10 which comprises upright side panels 10a, 10b extending between upright end panels 10c, 10d which may be, and preferably are, supported on legs at the intersections thereof, such as the legs 10e, 10f. The longitudinally folded plastic web W is advanced vertically downward through the machine frame 10 centrally thereof by an indexing mechanism of conventional design which both pulls the folded web W from a supply roll and pushed downwardly on the folded web from above. The folded web W passes downwardly between the primary and secondary heat sealing jaw assemblies J1 and J2 respectively, which are mounted for reciprocation laterally of the web W in the machine frmae 10 on a pair of horizontally separated parallel guide rods, such as the guide rod 12, extending between the right hand machine frame member 10d and the left hand machine frame member 10c. As best seen in FIG. 3, each jaw assembly, such as the primary jaw assembly J1, includes a pair of low friction linear bushings, 14, 15 which slide on the guide rods 12, 13, respectively. The primary jaw assembly J1 extends between the linear bushings 14 and 15 and is connected thereto by brackets 16 and 17, respectively. The complementary secondary jaw assembly J2 is mounted for sliding movement on the guide rods 12 and 13 in a manner similar to the manner in which the primary jaw assembly J1 is mounted, having linear bushings 18 and 19 connected to brackets 20 and 21 to which the jaw assembly J2 is connected. Thus, when driven, the jaw assemblies J1, J2 are capable of reciprocating laterally with respect to the web W in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. 3. The jaw assemblies J1, J2 are driven by the actuator A and linkage L connected thereto. To this end, as best seen in FIG. 3, the linkage L includes a rocker shaft 25 which extends transversely across the machine frame between the side frame members 10a, 10b. An arm 26 is secured to the shaft 25 and projects upwardly therefrom. See FIG. 2. The upper end 26a of the arm 26 is connected to a rod 27 which is slidably mounted within the cylinder portion 28 of the actuator A. The cylinder 28 is pivotally connected to the side frame member 10b as by a trunnion 29 (FIG. 3). Thus, retraction of the actuator rod 27 rotates the rocker shaft 25 clockwise, and extension of the actuator rod 27 rotates the shaft 25 counterclockwise as indicated in FIG. 2. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the primary jaw assembly J1 is connected to the rocker shaft 25 by a pair of elongate links 30, 31 each of which is connected to a short arm fastened to the rocker shaft 25, such as the short arm 32 connected to the link 30. As a result, clockwise pivotal movement of the shaft 25 displaces the link 30 leftward and causes the primary jaw assembly J1 to slide leftward on its guide rods 12 and 13 an amount corresponding to the angular displacement of the rocker shaft 25. The secondary jaw assembly J2 is also displaced by movement of the rocker shaft 25. To this end, as best seen in FIG. 3, the rocker shaft arm 32 has an upper end 32b connected to a short link 36 having an end portion which is connected at 36a to a spur 38 projecting from the secondary jaw assembly bracket 20. The secondary jaw assembly bracket 21 is similarly connected to the rocker shaft 25 by spur 39 and short link 40. Thus, as best seen in FIG. 2, when the rocker shaft 25 pivots clockwise from the home position illustrated, the primary jaw assembly J1 moved leftward, and the secondary jaw assembly J2 simultaneously moved rightward toward the centerline CL of the web W. As the secondary jaw assembly J2 engages the side of the web W, its movement rightward is arrested while leftward movement of the primary jaw assembly J1 is permitted to continue. To this end, lost motion connections are provided between the secondary jaw assembly J2, links 36 and 40, and the machine frame members 10b and 10a, respectively. As best seen in FIG. 2, the lost motion connections include cams 42 and 44 fastened to the frame members 10b, 10a, respectively. Each cam has an L-shaped slot, such as the slot 42a in the cam 42. The cam slots slidably receive followers 46 and 48 mounted on the ends of the links 36 and 40, such as the follower 46 mounted on the end of the link 36 in FIG. 2. The links 36 and 40 are also connected to the secondary jaw assembly J2 by cam followers 36', 39' engaging in vertical slots, 36", 39". See FIG. 4. Thus, as the rocker shaft 25 pivots clockwise from its home position illustrated in FIG. 2, it displaces the secondary jaw assembly J2 righward until such time as the follower 46 engages the bight of the L-shaped camming slot 42a, whereupon the follower 46 moves upwardly. This enables the link 36 to pivot counterclockwise and its pin 36' to move upwardly in the slot 36", thereby arresting rightward movement of the secondary jaw assembly J2 while permitting the primary jaw assembly J1 to continue its leftward movement toward the centerline of the web W. Accordingly, movement of the secondary jaw assembly J2 is arrested at a predetermined precise location with respect to the centerline CL of the web W. In accordance with the method of the present invention, the bags B are formed, filled, sealed and separated continuously in the machine M. Each bag, such as the lower bag B1 in FIG. 1, is characterized by a vertically disposed fold 50 extending along one edge of the bag B1 and a vertical edge seam 51 extending parallel thereto opposite the folded edge 50. A bottom seam 52 extends transversely across the bottom of the bag B1 and intersects the edges 50 and 51 thereof, and a top seam 53 likewise extends across the top of the bag B1 to define the perimeter of the bag B1. In the present instance, the web of plastic W is of thermoplastic sheet stock, such as low density polyethylene (LDPE), and the seams 51, 52, and 53 are formed by heat sealing the folded web W between the heat sealing jaw assemblies J1, J2. For this purpose, the heat sealing jaw assemblies J1, J2 are arranged in a generally L-shaped elevational configuration and in vertical planes on opposite sides of the web W. The heat sealing and anvile portions of the primary and secondary jaw assemblies J1, J2 are dimensioned so that the vertical seams 51 of a plurality of bags B are formed when the jaw assemblies J1, J2 are brough together and heat applied therebetween. Simultaneously therewith, the horizontal heat sealing and anvil portions of the jaw assemblies J1, J2 form the bottom seam 52 of one bag, such as the bag B1, the top seam 53 of the immediately preceding bag, such as the bag B2 and a weakened line of juncture 55 therebetween. See FIG. 11. As will be described, the weakened line of juncture 55 permits the bags to be separated from one another when downward tension is applied to a filled bag for thereby rupturing the weakened line of juncture 55. The web edge E is separated from the longitudinal side seam 51 by a conventional constant tension take-up means, such as a drum 56 that pulls laterally and downwardly simultaneously with formation of the horizontal seams 52, 53 from between the jaw assemblies J1, J2 while the vertical seam is in a thermally softened state. As a result, the web edge E is continuously attached to the web W above the location where the transverse seams are formed, thereby enabling advancing tension to be applied by the constant tension mechanism, such as indicated at 56 (FIG. 1). An indexing mechanism of conventional design cooperates with the constant tension device to advance the web W downwardly through predetermined increments, depending on the desired length of the finished bag. Parts are charged into the bag during that period of the forming cycle after which the side seam 51 and bottom seam 52 have been formed but before the web W is indexed downwardly and the top closure seam 53 formed. During this period, the web is gripped above its bottom seam 52 to protect the same by preventing falling parts from striking the seam 52 prematurely and thereby ripping the same. The grip is released just prior to indexing of the web. Web indexing occurs in timed relation with the movement of the heat sealing jaw assemblies J1, J2. The timing is predetermined to allow sufficient time for the bottom seam 52 and side edge seam 51 to set up without allowing sufficient time for the weakened line of juncture 55 between the transverse seams to become sufficiently strong as to make it difficult to separate the bags from the web by rupturing the same in the manner described. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, for a thermoplastic web W of LDPE having a thickness of 2 mils., a preferred heating cycle is about 0.2 to about 0.4 seconds with the heating jaw assemblies J1, J2 in contact with the sides of the web W under a pressure of about 200 psi. and at a heating jaw surface temperature of about 350� F. to about 400� F. Parts are charged from the chute C into the partially thus-formed bag while the web is still gripped and before the jaw assemblies J1, J2 begin to separate from the web W. Bags are formed, filled, sealed, and separated at a rate of about 50-60 finished bags per minute. For purposes of explanation, the jaw assembly which carries the heating elements is regarded as the primary jaw assembly J1, and the complementary jaw assembly which serves as a back-up for the primary jaw assembly J1 is regarded as the secondary jaw assembly J2. The actuator A and related web indexing apparatus, the heating cycle power and timing, and sealing pressure, among other functions, such as position sensing, is automatically controlled by a programmable controller which operates through various electronic sensors, solenoid air valves, and related mechanisms to effect the desired sequential operation of the various components of the machine M in the manner described. Since the controller utilzies state of the art electronics, it will not be discussed in detail herein except to the extent necessary to explain the functional interaction of the various machine elements. As best seen in FIG. 2, the primary jaw assembly J1 is illustrated in FIG. 2A, and the secondary jaw assembly J2 is illustrated in FIG. 2B. FIG. 2A is a view looking rightward in FIGS. 2 and 3, and FIG. 2B is a view looking leftward in FIGS. 2 and 3. The web W is superimposed in phantom lines in FIG. 2A to illustrate its relationship to the primary jaw assembly J1. Referring now to FIG. 2A, the primary jaw assembly J1 includes a platen 60 mounting a vertical heater bar 61 along one side portion thereof and a horizontal heater bar 62 along the lower portion thereof. The horizontal heater bar 62 has a left hand end portion 62a which underlies the lower end portion 61a of the vertical heater bar 61. The horizontal heater bar 62 extends completely across the width of the web W and, in the illustrated embodiment, therebeyond for a sufficient distance to enable webs of various widths to be accommodated within the machine M. The vertical heater bar 61 extends upwardly from the horizontal heater bar 62 a distance corresponding to at least two bag lengths (measured in the vertical direction) as indicated by the lines L1, L2 in FIG. 2A. Preferably, each heater bar, such as the vertical heater bar 61, is protected from direct contact with the web W by a movable sheath T1 of polytetrafluorethylene (Teflon) material which is carried in a dispenser 63 mounted on the backside of the platen 60. The sheath T1 is advanced manually periodically by means of a knurled knob 64 which is connected to a vertically elongate shaft around which the Teflon material is wrapped after passing from its storage dispenser 63 and about the nose 61b of the vertical heater bar 61. Although not illustrated, a similar means is provided for advancing the lower Teflon sheath T2 which covers the horizontal heater bar 62. Preferably the shaft about which the horizontal Teflon sheath T2 wraps is connected to the vertical shaft about which the vertical Teflon sheath T1 wraps by means of right angular bevel gears so that rotation of the knob 64 causes both the vertical and horizontal take-up shafts to rotate simultaneously. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating elements 61 and 62 are each preferably powered by 120 VAC proportional type (Triac controlled) electrical current which develops a surface temperature of about 350� F. to about 400� F. with a power consumption of about 150 watts. As well known in the art, the Teflon sheaths prevent the heater bars from sticking to the web W. In order to stabilize the web W as the bag seams are being formed while enabling the web W to be stripped from the sheathed heater bars 61, 62, a pair of elongate stripper bars 65a, 65b are provided in spaced parallel relation on opposite sides of the vertical heater bar 61. In like manner, a pair of horizontal stripper bars 66a, 66b extend in spaced parallel relation on opposite sides of the horizontal heater bar 62. The vertical stripper bars 65a, 65b are mounted to and project upwardly from the upper horizontal stripper bar 66b for movement in unison therewith. The stripper bars 65a, 65b and 66a, 66b are each mounted for elastic movement relative to their associated jaw assemblies. To this end, an air spring 68, best seen in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, and guide pins (not shown) mount the two vertical stripper bars 65a, 65b and the upper horizontal stripper bar 66b to the primary jaw platen 67. The lower stripper bar 66a is similarly elastically connected to the platen panel 67, by a helical compression spring such as indicated at 69 in FIG. 8. For purposes to be discussed, the lower stripper bar 66a is provided by a knurled roller mounted for rotation at its opposite axial ends in low friction bearings each of which is mounted to the end of a rod, such as the rod 70 connected to the spring 69 and illustrated in FIG. 8. Thus, both the horizontal and vertical stripper bars 65a-66b of the primary jaw assembly J1 are normally disposed in a forwardly projected position with respect to the primary jaw platen 67 and they are biased forwardly of their associated heater bars. The secondary jaw assembly J2 has anvils which cooperate with the stripper bars 65b and 66b to form the side edge and transverse seams in the web W. To this end, as best seen in FIG. 2B, a vertically elongate anvil bar 75b is mounted to the secondary jaw platen 76, and as best seen in FIG. 3, the anvil bar 75b is juxtaposed with respect to the stripper bar 65b on the primary jaw assembly J1, being aligned therewith so that they operatively engage the folded plastic web W therebetween. A horizontal anvil bar 77b is similarly mounted to the secondary jaw platen 76 in juxtaposition with the horizontal stripper bar 66b of the primary jaw assembly J1. See FIG. 3. As best seen in FIG. 3, an anvil bar 78 extends vertically in spaced parallel relation with the vertical anvil bar 75b and is aligned with the nose 61a of the heater bar 61 on the primary jaw assembly J1. Similarly, a horizontally elongate anvil bar 79 is provided below the horizontal anvil bar 77b and is aligned with the nose 62a of the horizontal heater bar 62. See FIGS. 8 and 9. As best seen in FIG. 8, the upper secondary jaw assembly anvil bar 77b is biased rightward away from its mounting platen 76 as by an air operated fluid actuator 80. The lower secondary jaw anvil bar 79 is rigidly affixed to platen 76 and moves therewith. With this structure, when the web W is interposed between the vertical heater bar 61 and its counterposed anvil 78, and heat and pressure applied, the vertical bag seam 51 is formed. As the seam 51 is being formed, the edge E is simultaneoulsy separated therefrom by being pulled laterally due to the softening of the thermoplastic material of the web W. As best seen in FIG. 11, the bottom seam 52 and top seam 53 (FIGS. 1 and 2A) are simultaneously formed when the horizontal heater bar 62 engages the web W and presses it against its anvil 79. As the top and bottom seams 52 and 53 are being formed, the web W is being provided with a weakened line of juncture 55 between the seams 52 and 53 due to the softening of the thermoplastic web W caused by heat and applied pressure and the somewhat sharp nose portion of the heater bar 62. During the heating portion of the cycle, pressure on the web W is increased by automatically increasing the pressure of the air admitted into the actuator cylinder 28. The increase in air pressure, of about 200%, ensures adequate seam formation and softening of the web W along the weakened line of juncture 55. Thus, not only does the single actuator cylinder 28 drive the jaws J1, J2, but it also enables the desired jaw engagement pressures to be controlled automatically. The filled bag is separated along the weakened line of juncture 55 when tension is applied thereacross during the bag separating portion of the bag forming cycle. To this end, separation is effected by rupturing the web W along its weakened line of juncture 55 while the thermoplastic material is relatively soft and weak. By utilizing a rupturing action to effect separation, knives, hot wires and the like are eliminated, thereby eliminating the proclivity for such conventional cutting mechanisms to malfunction and require frequent periodic cleaning due to melted plastic accumulating thereon. The bag separating mechanism may best be seen by reference to FIGS. 8-10. Referring first to FIG. 8, the bag separating mechanism, the location of which is indicated generally by S in FIG. 1, includes the lower separator bar roller 66a which engages laterally against the right side of the web W below the point of engagement therewith of the horizontal heater bar 62 and its back-up anvil 79. Juxtaposed with the bar roller 66a is a nip platen 85 mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axle 86 carried by the secondary jaw assembly J2. The nip platen 85 has a forwardly projecting nose 85a which, as best seen in FIG. 10, is adapted to engage laterally against the left side of the web W and to overlie a portion of the bar roller 66a when it is operatively engaged with the nip platen 85. The nip platen 85 is biased in a clockwise direction about its axle 86 by an extension spring 87 connected to the nip platen 85 rearwardly of its axle 86 and behind the horizontal anvil 79. For purposes to be described, a cam roller 88 is mounted for rotation coaxial with the point of attachment of the lower end of the extension spring 87 to the nip platen 85, and a rearwardly and upwardly inclined camming surface 89 is provided on the actuator rod 82. When the camming surface 89 is engaged with the cam roller 88 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 8, the nip platen 85 is maintained in its retracted position, i.e. as shown in FIG. 8. This is the relative position of the bag separating elements when they first are displaced into lateral engagement with opposite sides of the web W. In such position, the second horizontal separator bars 66b and 67b are urged into abutting engagement with the web W therebetween, thus frictionally gripping the web W. The lower heater bar anvil 79 laterally engages the web W while its cooperating horizontal heater bar 62 is spaced laterally therefrom. The nose 85a of the nip platen 85 is engaged with the left side of the web W and the lower spreader bar roller 66b is engaged with the right side of the web W opposite the separator platen 85. This is the relative position of the machine elements at the start of the bag making cycle as illustrated schematically in FIG. 5 after having been displaced thereinto from the home position illustrated schematically in FIG. 4, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. As discussed above, this motion of the machine elements occurs when the fluid actuator A is pressurized to pull its operating rod 27 inwardly and thereby pivot the rocker shaft 25 clockwise. During the next phase of the bag making cycle, the fluid actuator A continues to pull its operating rod 27 inwardly. As this occurs, the primary jaw assembly J1 continues to move leftward toward the centerline of the web W, such as in the manner illustrated schematically in FIG. 6. When the primary jaw assembly J1 reaches the limit of its excusion, the vertical and horizontal heating bars 61 and 62 engage the web W and are backed-up by their complementary anvils, and heat is applied to the web W therebetween for forming the vertical seam 51 and horizontal seams 52 and 53 as discussed heretofore. This may best be observed by reference to FIG. 9, wherein the horizontal heater bar 62 is shown engaged against the right side of the web W and its cooperating anvil 79 engaged against the left side thereof. In this position, it will be noted that the lower roller 66a is engaged against the right side of the web W and the nip platen 85 is engaged against the left side of the web W, forming a nip therewith. After a heating cycle of predetermined duration, such as discussed above, the acutator A is cycled in the reverse direction and its operating rod 27 extended. This causes the rocker shaft 25 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction, such as in the manner illustrated in FIG. 7. During such movement, the vertical stripper bars 65a, 65b, 75b initially remain engaged with opposite sides of the web W while the horizontal stripper bars 66b and 77b cooperate to grip the web W therebetween. The elastic connections between the horizontal stripper bars 66b and 77b and their respective mounting platens permit them to remain engaged with the web W on its centerline CL as the platens separate due to the reverse rotation of the rocker shaft 25. As the platens separate from one another, the lower anvil 79 separates from the horizontal heater bar 62, since these elements are non-relatively movably carried by their movable platens. As the platens 67, 76 continue to separate, the movable nip platen 85 begins to pivot in the clockwise direction about its axle 86 causing its associated roller 66 b to rotate about its axis. This motion creates a downward tension on the filled bag and thereby ruptures the same along the weakened line of juncture 55 described above. The nip platen nose 85a ensures a positive separating action. See FIG. 10. After the movable platens 67, 76 return to their home positions, such as illustrated schematically in FIG. 4, the nip platen fluid actuator 81 is signalled to move leftward, as by air pressure being introduced to the rod end of the piston thereof. This causes the camming surface 89, engaged with the cam roller 88, to pivot the nip platen 85 counterclockwise about its axile 86 for returning it to its retracted position illustrated in FIG. 8. Simultaneously, the horizontal separator bar 77b is retracted due to the interengagement of a tang 82a on the actuator rod 82 with a shoulder 77' on the underside of the horizontal separator bar 77b. This action ensures release of the filled bag from the bag 66b and nip platen 85, permitting the bag to drop freely by gravity into an appropriate receptacle. Thereafter, the web W is indexed downwardly and the cycle repeated. To prevent too much air from being contained in the bag before its top seam is formed, the filled bag is compressed slightly between a back-up plate 90 carried on the secondary jaw assembly J2 and an elastic pack, such as a sponge 91 carried on the primary jaw assembly J1. See FIG. 2. The back-up plate 90 and elastic pad 91 are juxtaposed on opposite sides of the filled bag and are movably mounted relative to their respective jaw assemblies by small fluid actuators, or air cylinders, 92 and 93, respectively. The fluid actuators 92, 93 are operatively connected in the control circuitry to retract quickly after making initial contact with the filled bag to ensure that only sufficient pressure is applied to the partially filled bag to expel the air but not to damage the bag or parts contained therein. If desired, the machine M can be used to form bag headers. This is accomplished by modifying the control circuitry to provide a pair of transverse seams in spaced parallel relation at the upper end of the bag. For instance, the lower one of the seams provides the top bag closure while the upper one of the seams, being spaced vertically therefrom, cooperates therewith to form a margin at the top of the bag. Preferably, printed bag material is used having printing in zones corresponding to the locations of the headers. In view of the foregoing, it should be apparent that the present invention now provides an improved method and apparatus for continuously forming, filling, sealing and separating bags from a web of thermoplastic sheet material. The method and apparatus functions efficiently with minimal operator supervision to produce filled bags in a relatively high speed manner. The apparatus is relatively simple in construction, and therefore highly reliable in operation. Because of its relative simplicity, the apparatus can be manufactured and operated economically. While a preferred method and apparatus have been described in detail, various modifications, alterations and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Patent Citations
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GOG.com's DRM-Free Summer Sale is giving away multiple PC games for free today as part of a '24-hour Adrenaline Rush.'
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Linux gaming revolution continues as XCOM: Enemy Unknown hits SteamOS
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5 insanely powerful tools you won't believe can fit on a flash drive
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The future of PC gaming goes portable, with lighter gear and nimbler services
Once the exclusive realm of hulking, stationary gaming desktops, advances in technology are bringing PC gaming to the couch, bed, bus, and more.
Patch Tuesday disaster breaks Office 2013 for thousands; here's how to fix it
Click-to-Run installations of the popular office suite fall prey to a crippling bug that leaves the software unable to launch whatsoever.
PC meets PSP: Steamboy Machine project wants to take PC gaming portable
The Steamboy Machine project revealed itself during E3, blending Sony's PlayStation Portable handheld with Valve's Steam Controller.
GOG.com, GamersGate kick off the PC game deals season with massive Summer Sales
Great games done dirt cheap, courtesy of GOG and GamersGate.


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As children move toward more independence in play, we want them to find toys and activities that help encourage this independent thinking. Continuing to pretend, to build, to create and to design will help them do it. And keep them engaged and excited for hours!
Use the "Magic" pen to colour in the pictures, and see vibrant colours, details, and patterns appear! Each page of the kids' activity book features a lively fairy-themed artwork to complete and a seek-and-find activity. Perfect for travel!
Includes 24 fairy-themed pictures and a no-mess marker.
See the magical world of fairy tales come to life with this Fairy Tale Friendship floor puzzle from Melissa & Doug! This puzzle features the images of a prince and princess, each on their own beautiful horse, with fairy tale creatures, a rainbow and a castle in the background. The 24 jumbo pieces are easy for small hands to piece together, and because it's 20% thicker than other floor puzzles it can stand up to more wear and tear. With its easy-clean surface and large 2 x 3 foot size, this Fairy Tale Friendship floor puzzle makes an excellent addition to any child's bedroom or playroom!
Measures approximately 24" long x 36" wide.
Create a sparkling, multi-coloured fairy scene with this easy-to-use Peel and Press Sticker by Number Kit from Melissa & Doug! Simply place each iridescent 3-D gem sticker on the corresponding number or letter on the pictures to create your colourful work of art - and don't forget to add some sparkle to the frame as well!
Includes: over 650 shining mosaic stickers in different shapes, sizes and colours, and 1 mosaic design with ready-to-hang wooden frame.
Measures approximately 10" long x 10.5" high.
Discover the playful world of Lundby! Featuring beautiful Swedish design with wonderfully modern details, Lundby doll houses and accessories are stylish living at 1:18 scale … read more...
We're now hiring staff for our brand new locations in Sherwood Park and Country Hills and our existing stores in Shawnessy and Westhills!
Send resumes to email@example.com
We are thrilled to announce the opening of our new store in Abbotsford, British Columbia! Details Here


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SOUTH PACIFIC - Rodgers & Hammerstein
Hinchley Manor Operatic Society (HMOS) will be holding their Launch Night for this wonderful musical show, to be performed at the Epsom Playhouse from the 13th to 16th May 2015, on Monday 10th November 2014.
Please join us for some "Happy Talk" and "Bali Ha'i where the weather will definitely
be better and we may be washing that man right out of our hair! Although "There is nothing like a dame", men, as well as ladies, will be most welcome!
We will also require some 'island children' for this show, so please join us to find out more about this fabulous production!
Launch: Monday 10th November at 8pm
Auditions for all parts: 1st week of December 2014
Venue: Surbiton Hill Methodist Church, 39 Ewell Road, Surbiton, Surrey. KT6 6AF
Director - John Harries-Rees
Musical Director - Adam Blosse
Choreographer - Sarah Platt
We will be welcoming new members for this show,
so we do hope that you will be able to join us!


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When Southwest Houston Adventure Boot Camp's owner and head trainer, Stacy Agee, chose her team of certified personal trainers, she knew she would need a deep bench. As a former college and semipro basketball player and a two-time MVP on the Houston Energy women's football team, she understood the value in building a team with diverse skill sets that play to the strengths of the others. To that end, she recruited Kim, a veterinarian turned certified trainer and rehab specialist; Darrin, a father, marathon and triathlon runner, and boxing instructor; June, a yogi and tai chi practitioner; and TJ, a trainer with a love of plyometrics.
These coaches draw from specialized backgrounds in personal training, Pilates and yoga instruction, massage, and mixed martial arts to design a range of workouts that change constantly, much like every encyclopedia once time travel is invented. In each of their four-week outdoor fitness programs, comprised of 20 one-hour sessions scheduled for early morning, mid-morning, or evening, they train participants of all genders, ages, and fitness levels. They foster a noncompetitive, support group atmosphere with a personal training feel.
Pre-race activities and number assignments begin at 6 a.m., with the pavement-pounding commencing at 8 (8:10 for walkers—strollers welcome). The pack heads out from the Stafford Centre. Partake in a springtime run or stroll while helping women find the same health you currently enjoy, then relax at the fantastic after-party. You can also visit the Total Body Expo at the Stafford Centre, where a percentage of all booth sales also benefit Pink Door.
Founded in 1998, Operation Warm distributes winter coats to children across America, protecting their health and safety as well as buoying their spirits. We spoke to executive director Rich Lalley about the organization?s history, mission, and accomplishments.
The Roots
After reading a newspaper story about children waiting at a bus stop on a cold February day just a mile from his home, retired businessman Dick Sanford was "outraged," Lalley said. "He couldn't understand how children in his community could be without coats. He went to a department store and bought all 58 children's coats in stock" and distributed them through a school, whose superintendent he knew from the Rotary Club. "Dick was blown away by the reaction of the kids and reaction of the parents."
Why a New Coat Means More Than Comfort
"Our motto is 'more than a coat,' and I like to say we bring happiness and warmth to children through a new winter coat," Lalley said. "When they get a brand-new winter coat all their own, it's like Christmas day. You will hear stories of a girl who wears the coat to bed for three weeks, the boy who wants to wear it into April. It's oftentimes the first new piece of clothing the children have received in their lives. They feel better about themselves, and when they feel better about themselves, children perform better in school."
"This Coat Was Made Just for You"
"One of the first coat distributions I was on was at a little afterschool program in [Chicago?s] Rogers Park. A Rotary Club near Rogers Park provides a great deal of support to this little afterschool program called Family Matters. One of the little girls looked at me and said, 'Thank you for the coat. When do I have to give it back?' And we said she could keep it. That's why all our coats have the label 'this coat was made just for you' sewn inside and kids can write their names on it."
Kid-Friendly Coats Made in the United States
Operation Warm distributes hundreds of thousands of new coats around the country each year?so many that it contracts with factories to make coats specifically for it. The organization's coats are brightly colored and have extra-deep pockets and detachable hoods, and they come in sizes 3T to adult large. Although domestic manufacturing tends to be expensive, Lalley says 20% of its coats (about 60,000) are made in a union factory in the United States.
The volunteers of Musicians On Call's Bedside Performance Program may not have gone through med school, but that doesn't mean they're not healers. In fact, in some cases the responses they're able to elicit from their small hospital-room audiences—a smile on a stress-racked face, a foot moving ever so slightly to the music—are enough to make most doctors jealous.
The concept is as simple as it is unconventional: a volunteer knocks on a hospital door and asks if the room's occupant would like to hear some music. Patients who agree are treated to a brief private concert, a respite from the anxiety and monotony that can characterize even brief hospital stays. These miniature performances are so effective that in its 14 years of existence the organization has garnered support from celebrities across the musical spectrum and has grown to include branches in six cities: New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Through these branches, it's arranged for more than 400,000 patients, family members, and caregivers to rest their minds and recharge their spirits through the power of live music.
Live music, however, isn't the only salve in Musicians On Call's arsenal. Hospitals in all 50 states, as well as in Puerto Rico and Ireland, have received comprehensive CD libraries, as well as CD players, as part of the organization's Music Pharmacy program.
NBC Nightly News features MOC from Ebie McFarland on Vimeo.
See how Groupon helps you discover local causes and lend a helping hand to projects big and small at the Groupon Grassroots blog.
In 2011 The Interrupters documentary introduced audiences to three Chicagoans whose job it was to walk the streets of their neighborhoods mediating violent disputes. They were part of CeaseFire?Chicago's Cure Violence program?working with other Violence Interrupters to mediate potentially lethal conflicts in the city. In 2013, CeaseFire workers mediated nearly 700 high-risk conflicts, often by physically standing between feuding individuals, putting their lives at risk to make their communities safer.
In addition to its work in Chicago, Cure Violence operates programs in five other Illinois cities and 22 cities across the US, and across four countries. The organization's founder, Dr. Gary Slutkin, is an epidemiologist who approaches violence as an infectious disease that should be treated like any other?with scientifically proven methods. Those include detection, intervention, and behavior modification, combined to alter a community's perspective of violence and stop the problem at its source.
Within violence-plagued neighborhoods, the organization's Violence Interrupters?often former violence perpetrators?detect and mediate potentially lethal conflicts. Outreach Workers, meanwhile, work with high-risk individuals to change the way they think about violence and help them improve their lives within the system. On a larger scale, Cure Violence shifts the discourse within whole communities and society at large, emphasizing a health approach to violence instead of punishment.
In 2012, FastCompany placed Siiri Morley in its ?League of Extraordinary Women.? The distinction is certainly deserved. Three years prior, Ms. Morley helped co-launch a program in Iraq that provided 50 women with jobs as candle makers and paid them a living wage in a safe workplace. The program included on-the-job training in candle-making as well as the basics of running a small business, equipping the women for future entrepreneurial pursuits. Ms. Morley and her cofounders soon expanded the scope of their program, bringing it back home to Easthampton and giving it a name: Prosperity Candles. Stateside, Prosperity Candles employs female refugees from Bhutan and Burma and guarantees the same workplace rights enjoyed by their coworkers in Iraq.
Prosperity Candles is not a charity. The female artisans work hard to produce beautiful, sweet-smelling candles that can be enjoyed in the home or given as a gift, keeping the company from relaying on outside funding. Each candle arrives on doorsteps with the story of the woman who crafted it, so recipients might reach out to her and offer their encouragement.
Seehow Groupon helps you discover local causes and lend a helping hand to projects big and small at the Groupon Grassroots blog.