Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a process for cutting a substrate wherein the apparatus comprises first and second cutting element and wherein the first and second cutting elements are rotatable about the axis of rotation at different circumferential speeds.

Abstract: A flexible curvilinear knife is disclosed. The flexible curvilinear knife is formed from a cutting element, a blade holder element, and a plurality of spring elements. A first, proximal end of each spring element of the plurality of spring elements is operably and fixably attached to a discrete location of the cutting element and a second, distal end of each spring element of the plurality of spring elements is fixably attached to a discrete location of the blade holder element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packing products into containers is described herein. More particularly, the method and apparatus are directed to packaging sheets of packages such as pouches or sachets that are joined together end-to-end. The apparatus may include a folding mechanism and a collection receptacle. The method and apparatus may perform one or more steps simultaneously so that the folding and packing of such sheets into containers can be carried out without the flow of incoming sheets being interrupted.

Abstract: A knife including a cutting edge, a fixed edge, and a plurality of beam elements connecting the cutting edge to the fixed edge, each of the beam elements having a beam element extent oriented between about 20 degrees and about 80 degrees off of the cutting edge, each beam element separated from adjacent beam elements by a reduced stiffness zone, each reduced stiffness zone having a reduced stiffness zone extent oriented from about 20 degrees to about 80 degrees off of the cutting edge. The knife can be employed in a process and an apparatus for cutting a web.

Abstract: A flexible curvilinear knife is disclosed. The flexible curvilinear knife is formed from a cutting element, a blade holder element, and a plurality of spring elements. A first, proximal end of each spring element of the plurality of spring elements is operably and fixably attached to a discrete location of the cutting element and a second, distal end of each spring element of the plurality of spring elements is fixably attached to a discrete location of the blade holder element.

Abstract: A knife including a cutting edge, a fixed edge, and a plurality of beam elements connecting the cutting edge to the fixed edge, each of the beam elements having a beam element extent oriented between about 20 degrees and about 80 degrees off of the cutting edge, each beam element separated from adjacent beam elements by a reduced stiffness zone, each reduced stiffness zone having a reduced stiffness zone extent oriented from about 20 degrees to about 80 degrees off of the cutting edge. The knife can be employed in a process and an apparatus for cutting a web.

Abstract: An article that is a porous, dissolvable solid structure that dissolves easily due to the shape, product orientation and/or method of manufacturing the porous, dissolvable solid structure. The process of making the Article involves preparing a pre-mixture, aerating the pre-mixture, dosing the pre-mixture into individual cavities in molds, and drying the pre-mixture to an Article having an open celled foam with a % open cell of from about 80% to about 100%.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packing products into containers is described herein. More particularly, the method and apparatus are directed to packaging sheets of packages such as pouches or sachets that are joined together end-to-end. The apparatus may include a folding mechanism and a collection receptacle. The method and apparatus may perform one or more steps simultaneously so that the folding and packing of such sheets into containers can be carried out without the flow of incoming sheets being interrupted.

Abstract: An article that is a porous, dissolvable solid structure that dissolves easily due to the shape, product orientation and/or method of manufacturing the porous, dissolvable solid structure. The process of making the Article involves preparing a pre-mixture, aerating the pre-mixture, dosing the pre-mixture into individual cavities in molds, and drying the pre-mixture to an Article having an open celled foam with a % open cell of from about 80% to about 100%.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing compressed, gas-stabilized tampons are disclosed. The gas-stabilized tampons include tampons having preferably multiple folds for improved leakage protection and comfort through improved expansion characteristics. The number of folds can vary from 3 to 20 and greater. The process includes the step of forcing a gas through the compressed tampon. The gas can include steam.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing stabilized compressed tampons are disclosed. The process includes the steps of providing a compressed tampon pledget and forcing gas through the compressed tampon. In some embodiments, the process may occur in the presence of moisture. The moisture can come from either the fibers of the material that comprises the tampon pledget and/or from the humidified gas or steam that is introduced. The process may include the steps of heating and/or humidifying the gas introduced during the process. The gas may be forced through the compressed tampon pledget intermittently during the process.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing stabilized compressed tampons are disclosed. The process includes the steps of providing a compressed tampon pledget and forcing gas through the compressed tampon. In some embodiments, the process may occur in the presence of moisture. The moisture can come from either the fibers of the material that comprises the tampon pledget and/or from the humidified gas or steam that is introduced. The process may include the steps of heating and/or humidifying the gas introduced during the process. The gas may be forced through the compressed tampon pledget intermittently during the process.