Abstract: Several embodiments of apparatus for producing disposable absorbent personal articles are disclosed. According to one embodiment, apparatus is disclosed for depositing superabsorbent polymer powder on a portion of a fluff mat in a given concentration greater than zero and a second, different concentration of superabsorbent polymer powder on another portion of a fluff layer, so that there is a heavier concentration of super absorbent polymer in a target area than in areas adjacent the target area. Such apparatus has a dosing cylinder with a discontinuous outer cylindrical surface which has a pattern of first dosing depressions adjacent to a pattern of second dosing depressions. The dosing cylinder is rotated through a polymer powder hopper and powder received in the first and second depressions is sequentially discharged from the hopper and deposited on a fluff substrate in alternating areas of high powder concentration and low powder concentration.

Abstract: The invention addresses problems with liquid absorbent pads having at least about 50% of their absorption capacity represented by water absorbent (including water-swellable) material capable of absorbing at least about 5 times its own dry weight of aqueous liquid. By openings of specified area, present in undulating layer(s) of such absorbent material in specified numbers and total area per unit area of said layer(s), and/or through forming such openings as hinges and displaced flap members for locking the layers of a moving composite together for bending into said undulating configuration, and/or through use of sheath members of material which substantially retain their structural integrity in contact with aqueous liquids, and have open or openable portion(s), pads are formed with both high absorption rate and capacity and/or ready disposability and/or rapid production characteristics, ideally suited for urinary incontinence care and other uses.

Abstract: Slipper-boots made of synthetic polymeric foam sheeting material comprise an upwardly flared foot-receiving throat having an upper opening with a first perimetral length to provide excess material for stress distribution and a lower opening having a second, smaller perimetral length to grip the wearer's ankle. Gussetted bottom soles also may be provided for additional width. An apparatus and method for making such slipper-boots comprise means or steps for simultaneously forming the heel of a leading slipper and the toe of a following slipper across an intermittently moving folded band of material, whereby slipper size may be varied by altering the time of movement of the folded band of material between formations of the slipper-boot heels and toes. Material folding means are also disclosed.

Abstract: Slippers of heat-sealable synthetic polymeric sheeting comprise a sole member and an upper member joined thereto by a heat-seal joint, the upper member having a progressively wider portion of said sheeting relative to the sole member, as measured across the slipper, whereby a permanent foot-receiving pocket is provided to facilitate donning the slipper without requiring the use of the hands. Method and apparatus for making such slippers comprise steps or means for joining separate bands of the material by heat-sealing the bands to each other on profiles corresponding to the sole and upper members, while simultaneously providing extra width in the upper member to create the foot receiving pocket.