Abstract: A fibrous sliver having particulate matter substantially homogeneously distributed therethrough is provided. The sliver is formed by first forming a low weight web of fibrous material and depositing unto said low weight web particulate material. The web is then compacted to the desired weight per unit area.

Abstract: A method for producing a substrate carrying a cementitious composition is provided. The method involves dispersing a mixture of an ion-leachable, inorganic compound and a poly(carboxylic acid) in a liquid to form a coating mixture wherein the liquid is selected to be a non-aqueous, non-leachable liquid in which the poly(carboxylic acid) is substantially soluble. The coating mixture is then applied to the substrate.

Abstract: An infant development toy comprising a plurality of rings of varying diameter connected to each other and to a central object by a flexible connecting means. Optionally, the connecting means may be extended outside the rings to form a primary handle and a bell may be contained within the central object or the primary handle. The rings and central object are of a size, and are spaced along the connecting means in such a manner that, when the toy is held aloft by and suspended from the point of connection of the largest ring and the connecting means, the rings are concentric and surround the central object.

Abstract: A cementitious composition is provided which includes a dry ion-leachable glass powder and further includes an essentially water-insoluble non-hydroxylic polycarboxylic aromatic compound. The composition is usable in orthopedic bandages, and particularly those bandages which are activated by dipping the substrate carrying the compound into a water-containing vessel to activate the compound.

Abstract: A cementitious composition including dry ion-leachable glass powder and further including an agent for modifying the rate of setting. The agent is selected to include the d,l form of tartaric acid.

Abstract: A combination tampon and packaging therefor is provided for which a lubrication may be applied to the tampon only immediately before use. The combination provides a separating sleeve slideably surrounding the periphery of the forward portion of the tampon and being spaced away from the forward portion of the tampon. A lubricant is deposited on that portion of the sleeve spaced away from the forward end of the tampon and a wrapper is provided enclosing both tampon and the sleeve. On removing the wrapper, the tampon may be slid forward relative to the sleeve and the lubricant automatically transferred to the tampon immediately prior to use.

Abstract: Peat moss having increased wettability and increased brightness while maintaining its absorbency and structural integrity is provided. The peat moss is treated so as to chemically graft onto its structure, unhydrolized polymeric chains of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and --CH.sub.3, X and Y are selected from the group consisting of --CN, --COONH.sub.2 and --OCH.sub.3 and wherein m and n are integers which when summed together equal at least 500.

Abstract: A catamenial tampon is provided in the form of absorbent material enveloped by a liquid permeable cover which is then folded and compressed into a cylindrical shape. The enveloped absorbent material is in the form of a flat cushion and is first folded into front, central and rear sections with the front and rear sections overlying the central section. A withdrawal cord is looped around the first folded cushion which is then folded around the withdrawal cord and compressed into the final tampon shape. The resulting tampon expands when wet into a cup-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A tampon-applicator assembly of reduced length is provided consisting of a cylindrical outer tube and a cylindrical inner tube snuggly nested coaxially within said outer tube. The inner tube is provided with a plurality of radially spaced ribs extending longitudinally along the inside surface thereof, the ribs terminating in bearing surfaces. A tampon is coaxially enclosed within the inner tube. A gripping portion is affixed to the distal end of the inner tube and extends out of the distal end of the outer tube. The gripping portion is provided for gripping the inner tube and reciprocating the same almost completely out of the distal end of the outer tube. At least one restraining element is provided in the distal end of the outer tube for restraining the tampon from reciprocating with the inner tube. In operation, the inner tube is reciprocated in a distal direction and the tampon is transferred from the inner tube to the outer tube.

Abstract: A tampon-applicator assembly of reduced length is provided comprising an outer tube, an inner tube nested therein and a tampon enclosed within said inner tube. A gripping portion affixed to the distal end of said inner tube is provided for reciprocating said inner tube almost completely out of the distal end of said outer tube while a restraining element is provided for restraining the tampon from being reciprocated with said inner tube. A deflecting portion is also provided at the distal end of the outer tube for deflecting at least a portion of the walls of the proximal end of the inner tube toward the center of the distal end of the tampon, when said inner tube is reciprocated. In operation, the inner tube is reciprocated out of the distal end of the outer tube, the tampon is restrained and hence transferred to the outer tube and the proximal walls of the inner tube are deflected toward the distal end of the tampon.

Abstract: An infant's toy with a hollow ball having openings disposed about its surface and having a freely movable insert trapped within the hollow ball, said insert provided with a pair of pivotally connected stems with a cage structure disposed at the end of each stem, each cage structure containing at least one loosely confined ball. The cage structures are readily movable in and out of the openings of the hollow ball but the insert is restrained from being removed from the hollow ball.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and products are described which inhibit the development of undesirable conditions arising as a result of microbial formation of ammonia from urea in excreted urine. Amino acid compounds are employed.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin is provided containing a perfume composition and means for inhibiting migration of components of the perfume composition. Means comprise providing within the napkin at least one elongated narrow strip element. The strip element carries the perfume composition and extends generally longitudinally within the napkin. Preferably, the strip element is a cellulosic string.

Abstract: A product is provided for absorbing body fluid that has the property of retaining a greater proportion of absorbent fluid in an interior layer. The product includes an absorbent element having a plurality of absorbent layers including a first layer comprising of cellulose fibers. Adjacent to the first layer is a second layer comprising, in admixture, peat moss and finely ground mechanical wood pulp, the mechanical wood pulp being present in a ratio of at least 0.35 grams per gram of peat moss.

Abstract: A thin absorbent product for adhesive attachment to a wearer's garment is provided with means for resisting deformation when worn or applied. Such means comprise providing on the garment facing major surface of the absorbent pad of such product, a densified, compacted, porous, absorbent, fibrous layer having a particulate hydrocolloid material distributed therein. Said densified layer provides the product with planar crush resistance.

Abstract: An absorbent structure is provided comprising peat moss in combination with mechanical wood pulp, said wood pulp having a Canadian Standard Freeness of from about 30-600 and present in the ratios, by weight of wood pulp to peat moss, of greater than about 0.35. The absorbent structure, which may also contain other absorbent materials such as long-fibered chemical wood pulp, rayon or the like, exhibits improved absorbent properties in both liquid-holding capacity and liquid-retention capacity and maintains its structural integrity.