Abstract: A cleaning tool, which in some instances may be a mop, for use in cleaning a surface is provided. The cleaning tool includes a frame and a primary cleaning member that is carried by the frame. The primary cleaning member is configured for removing generally smaller size particles from the surface that is cleaned. A secondary cleaning member is included and is also carried by the frame. The secondary cleaning member is configured for removing generally larger size particles from the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: An airway ventilation device for insertion in an elongate body cavity is provided. The airway ventilation device includes an endotracheal tube and an inflation cuff. The inflation cuff is toroidal in shape and includes one or more recessed attachment zones which allow for movement of the endotracheal tube without breaking the seal between the inflation cuff and the elongate body cavity.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a central absorbent member and a lateral wicking barrier for inhibition of wicking from the central regions of the article to an outlying outer absorbent member. The wicking barrier has a vertical component for prevention of radial wicking in the plane of the article and thus promotes center filling of the article with fluid and reduces the likelihood of leaks from the sides of the article. The wicking barrier can also have a horizontal component to prevent leakage, redirect fluid flow, and improve fit and performance of the article. In one embodiment, the central absorbent member is a concentric absorbent structure having alternating rings of barrier material and absorbent material, including a spiral wound composite formed from a layer of barrier material wound with a layer of absorbent material and then sliced.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process and a method providing a high bulk tissue which is both strong and soft. Specifically, it has been discovered that certain low pressure printing technologies may be used to deliver a bonding material to the surface of a high bulk paper web such as an uncreped, through-dried web. The bonding material may be applied to the web either before, during or after the web is softened with a mechanical straining process which will decrease the web bulk by no more than 20% of the initial bulk in order to increase the web softness. The web may be softened by any of a variety of mechanical straining processes such as, for instance, microcreping, microstraining, rush transfer, or other low-compressive softening methods. The cured bonding material on the web may not only increase the bulk of the web when dry and wet, but also increase the wet resiliency and the wet strength of the web.

Abstract: A composite material comprising a plurality of nanofibers intertwined with a plurality of coarse fibers to form one or more layers is provided. The nanofibers can be any suitable type of nanofiber, including electrospun fibers. A composite material comprising a plurality of electrospun fibers intertwined with a plurality of coarse fibers to form a single layer is also provided. A composite material comprising a plurality of electrospun fibers combined with a plurality of coarse fibers to form a plurality of layers, i.e., a multi-layer material, is also provided. In some embodiments, gradients in one or more directions are produced. Embodiments of the invention also provide processes for producing the composite nanofiber material. The materials are useful for any type of disposable garment, wipe, hospital garment, face mask, sterile wrap, air filter, water filter and so forth. Materials described herein can provide strong and varying surface effects, such as wicking.

Abstract: A composite material comprising a plurality of nanofibers intertwined with a plurality of coarse fibers to form one or more layers is provided. The nanofibers can be any suitable type of nanofiber, including electrospun fibers. A composite material comprising a plurality of electrospun fibers intertwined with a plurality of coarse fibers to form a single layer is also provided. A composite material comprising a plurality of electrospun fibers combined with a plurality of coarse fibers to form a plurality of layers, i.e., a multi-layer material, is also provided. In some embodiments, gradients in one or more directions are produced. Embodiments of the invention also provide processes for producing the composite nanofiber material. The materials are useful for any type of disposable garment, wipe, hospital garment, face mask, sterile wrap, air filter, water filter and so forth. Materials described herein can provide strong and varying surface effects, such as wicking.

Abstract: A web for use in applying a functional material is provided. The web includes a layer that has a plurality of elevated regions. The layer defines a plurality of cavities such that the cavities are located between adjacent elevated regions. A plurality of depressed regions are located on the layer intermediate the elevated regions. The layer has a longitudinal direction and a longitudinal mid-plane defined therethrough. A plurality of functional material members are located in the cavities of the layer. The functional material members are adapted for adhesion of particles or surfaces thereon. The layer is extendable in the longitudinal direction so that the elevated regions are moved in a direction towards the longitudinal mid-plane.

Abstract: A package for carrying and dispensing wipes is described. The package has a wallet-like configuration and includes a first compartment separated from a second compartment along a foldable seam. The package can be configured to carry any suitable wipes including facial tissue, bath tissue, and any suitable pre-moistened wipes.

Abstract: Rendering data stored within an electronic data tag unreadable. A receptacle receives an article with the data tag, detects the presence of the electronic data tag, and decommissions the electronic data tag. The receptacle further modifies a label on the article to remove data printed thereon.

Abstract: A web for use in applying a functional material is provided. The web includes a layer that has a plurality of elevated regions. The layer defines a plurality of cavities such that the cavities are located between adjacent elevated regions. A plurality of depressed regions are located on the layer intermediate the elevated regions. The layer has a longitudinal direction and a longitudinal mid-plane defined therethrough. A plurality of functional material members are located in the cavities of the layer. The functional material members are adapted for adhesion of particles or surfaces thereon. The layer is extendable in the longitudinal direction so that the elevated regions are moved in a direction towards the longitudinal mid-plane.

Abstract: Absorbent articles comprising fibrous nits and other free-flowing particles are disclosed. In one embodiment, an absorbent article is disclosed comprising free-flowing particles in a central portion which, in conjunction with other absorbent members, provides excellent body fit and good fluid handling performance. In another embodiment, good leakage control is provided by the combined effect of good intake and fluid handling performance of fibrous nits coupled with a wicking barrier between the nits and the longitudinal sides of the articles. An optional central rising member can further enhance the topography of the article when compressed by urging the portion comprising nits to deflect vertically upward. Methods of preparing cellulosic nits and incorporating them into absorbent articles are also described.

Abstract: Reversibly activating or deactivating a radio frequency identification (RFID) data tag comprising a circuit responsive to an environmental factor. An RFID tag includes an RFID chip for storing an RFID code, an antenna for communicating a radio frequency (RF) signal, and an environmentally sensitive switch.

Abstract: An aroma delivery device is disclosed that may be packaged with a consumable product or used to provide a scent to a consumable product at the point purchase. In one embodiment, the aroma delivery device includes a plurality of user-selectable aroma elements. Each aroma element may possess a different scent. When the aroma delivery device is packaged with a consumable product, a user can then select one of the aroma elements for providing a scent either to the product or to the environment in which the product is to be used. The consumable product, for instance, may comprise a personal hygiene product or a tissue product. In an alternative embodiment, an aroma delivery device may be configured to inject a scent into a consumable product at the point of purchase.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, the applicator includes a base that has a first section, a second section and a weakened section which is between the first and second sections. The applicator further includes a first bladder and a second bladder. The first bladder is connected to a first outlet and the second bladder is connected to a second outlet. The first and second bladders are positioned on one side of the base such that neither of the first and second bladders overlaps the weakened section of the base. The applicator further includes a first material that is stored within the first bladder and a second material that is stored within the second bladder. When the base is folded at the weakened section, the first and second sections of the base force the materials from the first and second bladders through the respective first and second outlets.

Abstract: A cleaning wipe for use in cleaning a surface may be used as a stand-alone product or incorporated with any manner of cleaning tool. The wipe includes a base material having an application face and a plurality of projections extending generally transversely from the application face. The projections may have various shapes, including a mushroom-shape. A high friction element is applied to at least a portion of the projections such that the projections provide the cleaning wipe with an enhanced abrasive scrubbing functionality.

Abstract: A cleaning tool, such as a mop, used for cleaning a surface includes a cleaning head having a face with a plurality of projections extending therefrom. A cleaning pad is removably attached to the cleaning head face by engagement with the projections, the pad being formed of a first material having a thickness and composition such that the projections penetrate through the pad and extend beyond an outer planar surface of the first material. The projections thus serve to securely attach the cleaning pad to the head and also provide an abrasive scrubbing functionality to the cleaning tool.

Abstract: A gas dispenser includes a reservoir for holding a liquid, and a chamber in communication with the reservoir. The chamber receives the liquid, and a micro power source generates energy for conversion of the liquid disposed in the chamber. A nozzle defining an orifice in selective communication with the chamber. The nozzle is used to release the converted liquid from the chamber through the orifice.

Abstract: A floor-cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning head having a cleaning device, a control handle connected to the cleaning head for controlling the cleaning head and a micro power source in communication with the cleaning device. The micro power source is lightweight, compact, and rechargeable or replaceable for generating energy to power the cleaning device.

Abstract: A warming dispenser includes a housing having a compartment. The compartment holds a plurality of sheets. A heating device is located adjacent the plurality of sheets. A micro power source is connected to the heating device to generate energy from a fuel source, wherein the heating device uses the energy to warm at least one of the sheets. The micropower source may be, for example, a micro fuel cell adapted to deliver electricity for resistive heating.

Abstract: A process and method which ‘locks in’ three-dimensional texturing added to a paper web by virtue of an adhesive material which is printed onto the surface of the web is generally disclosed. The adhesive may be applied to the web either before, during, or after the web is molded to increase the surface texture. The adhesive may be applied at relatively low pressure so as to preserve surface texture without significant deformation of the web. The cured adhesive material inhibits the web from reassuming a two-dimensional state or may contribute additional texture by rising above the surface of the web. This process may not only increase the bulk of the web when dry and wet, but also increase the wet resiliency, the wet strength, and the tactile properties of the web.