Abstract: Deactivating a data tag attached to packaging for user privacy or tamper-evident reasons. Each of a plurality of data tags stores identification information. At least one of the data tags is removable and capable of wireless signal transmission at a first range such that removal of the data tag substantially prevents communication of the identification information via the removed data tag and permits communication of the identification information via another data tag at a second range relatively smaller than the first range.

Abstract: Soft throughdried tissues, which are sufficiently soft to serve as premium bathroom tissues, can be made without the use of a Yankee dryer. The typical Yankee functions of building machine direction and cross-machine direction stretch are replaced by a wet end rush transfer and the throughdrying fabric design, respectively. It is particularly advantageous to form the tissue with chemimechanically treated fibers in at least one layer. The resulting tissues have high bulk (about 6 cubic centimeters per gram or greater) and low stiffness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying a liquid coating onto an object. The apparatus includes a device that has a handle and a transfer medium which is attached to the handle. The apparatus further includes a cover that is attached to the device. The cover includes a closure element that is operable to open and close an end of the cover. When the end of the cover is open, the cover is movable between a first position where the cover protects the transfer medium and a second position where the cover protects the handle. In another example embodiment, the cover is formed of a removable first layer that is positioned adjacent to the transfer medium when the cover is in the first position and a removable second layer that is positioned adjacent to the handle when the cover is in the second position.

Abstract: Mechanically and reversibly activating or deactivating a radio frequency identification (RFID) data tag. An RFID tag includes an RFID chip for storing an RFID code, an antenna for communicating a radio frequency (RF) signal, and a mechanical switch coupling the RFID chip to the antenna. Closing the mechanical switch enables the RFID chip and the antenna to communicate the RFID code via the RF signal.

Abstract: A cleaning composite comprising a foam layer, such as melamine foam, and an element adapted to engage a user's hand, is disclosed. The hand-engaging element may be adjustable. A second layer, attached to at least a portion of the foam layer, may also be present. When a second layer is present, the hand-engaging element, in some embodiments, may be positioned in facing relation to a surface of the second layer or a surface of the foam layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying a liquid coating onto an object. The apparatus includes a device that has a handle and a transfer medium which is attached to the handle. The apparatus further includes a cover that is attached to the device. The cover includes a closure element that is operable to open and close an end of the cover. When the end of the cover is open, the cover is movable between a first position where the cover protects the transfer medium and a second position where the cover protects the handle. In another example embodiment, the cover is formed of a removable first layer that is positioned adjacent to the transfer medium when the cover is in the first position and a removable second layer that is positioned adjacent to the handle when the cover is in the second position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, such as a decal, for releasing an agent capable of being sensed through olfaction, generally in conjunction with the use, application, or presence of water or water vapor, as in a shower, spa, bath tub, sink, sauna, basin, or the like. The decal includes a web and an agent that can be released, transmitted, or delivered so that the agent can be sensed or detected through olfaction. The decal further includes an affixation element, such as a bonding material, that attaches the decal to a surface. In some embodiments, the agent may be attached to the web while in other embodiments the agent may form part of the web. In one embodiment, the agent is menthol. In another embodiment, the agent is menthol and is accompanied by a material capable of effervescing. In yet another embodiment, the device for releasing an agent capable of being sensed through olfaction is attached to fixtures or molded surfaces that are typically associated with showers, baths, sinks, etc. (e.g.

Abstract: Deactivating a data tag attached to packaging for user privacy or tamper-evident reasons. A data circuit stores identification information. A plurality of antennas is coupled to the data circuit. At least one antenna of the plurality of antennas is a removable antenna capable of wireless signal transmission at a first range such that removal of the antenna substantially prevents communication of the identification information via the removed antenna and permits communication of the identification information via another antenna of the plurality of antennas at a second range relatively smaller than the first range.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a disposable cleaning product for use in household cleaning or personal care applications. The cleaning product of the invention is a multi-layer laminate product and may include at least two distinct layers, an abrasive layer and an absorbent layer. The absorbent layer contains a sponge-like member optionally in combination with a plurality of cellulosic fibrous webs. The sponge-like member can be made from various materials. For example, in one embodiment, the sponge-like member comprises one or more layers of a spunbond web containing crimped, bicomponent filaments.

Abstract: A RFID method for storing products in a defined location is provided to minimize undesired combinations of stored products resulting from improper placement of the products in the storage location. RFID smart tags are associated with any products to be stored within the storage location, the smart tags containing information to identify the product they are associated with. A product profile is compiled and stored for any products to be stored within the storage location, the profile may include information on products, materials, and substances that should not be stored together or in close proximity to the profiled product. A smart tag scanner is disposed at a position relative to the storage location such that the scanner is within range of any smart tag associated with a stored product at any position within the storage location, the smart tag scanner configured to retrieve the product identification information from the smart tags.

Abstract: Disposable liquid absorbent mats are described. The mats generally include at least a liquid absorbent layer and a liquid impervious layer. The liquid absorbent layer may be made from a tissue web, a hydroentangled web, an airlaid web, a coform web, and the like. The liquid impervious layer, on the other hand, may comprise a meltspun web, a film, a hydroentangled web, or even a tissue web that has been treated with a sizing agent that renders the web resistant to fluid flow. In one embodiment, the mats can be made so as to have a relatively low caliper so that the mats can be spirally wound into a roll. In other embodiments, however, the mats may be packaged in a stacked arrangement. The mats have various uses and applications. For instance, the mats are well suited for use during food preparation. The mats are well suited to absorbing fluids while preventing the fluids from striking through the product. In some embodiments, the mats are also well suited to serve as an absorbent and cut resistant surface.

Abstract: A gradient material comprising at least two types of nanofibers distributed non-uniformly throughout the material to form one or more gradients is provided. In one embodiment, the at least two types of nanofibers intertwine to form a single layer of material, i.e., are at least partially physically intertwined, i.e., entangled with one another in a multi-component material. Such intertwining can occur when both types of nanofibers are deposited substantially simultaneously in an overlapping region. In another embodiment, the at least two types of nanofibers combine to form a plurality of layers. The nanofibers can be electrospun fibers. The material can have a gradient in the planar and/or thickness directions. Embodiments of the invention also provide processes for producing the gradient 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.

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: In one example form, the present invention relates to a decal for treating a surface. The decal includes a web and an agent for treating the surface. The agent is attached to the web. The decal further includes a bonding material that attaches the decal to the surface. The bonding material is also attached to the web. In some embodiments, the agent may be attached to the web while in other embodiments the agent may form part of the web. In addition, the agent may be at least partially, or wholly, soluble in the web, or may be suspended in the web. In another form, the present invention relates to a method of treating a surface. The method includes attaching a decal to the surface and treating the surface with the decal. Attaching a decal to the surface may include adhering the decal to the surface with an adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a decal and method for treating a surface. The decal includes a web and an agent for treating the surface. The decal further includes a bonding material that attaches the decal to the surface. In some embodiments, the agent may be attached to the web while in other embodiments the agent may form part of the web. In one embodiment, the agent includes a composition formed of Urea HP and boric acid. In another embodiment, the agent includes a composition formed of polyhexamethylene biguanide and boric acid. In still another embodiment, the agent includes a composition formed of Urea HP and polyhexamethylene biguanide. In yet another embodiment, the agent includes a composition formed of polyhexamethylene biguanide and benzoic acid. In another embodiment, the agent includes a composition formed of polyhexamethylene biguanide and propionic acid.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an article has a mechanical fastener and configured is to be worn by a user. The article comprises a body portion configured to be worn by a user. The body portion may include a fibrous landing layer wherein the fibrous landing layer comprises a plurality of fibers. The body portion may also include a foam layer, such that the foam layer has a first surface comprising a plurality of free-stranding struts adapted for engaging at least a portion of the plurality of fibers of the landing layer. The foam layer and fibrous landing layer are capable of being engaged with a Shear Resistance of about 100 grams of force or greater per square centimeter and a Peel Resistance of about 50 grams or less of force per square centimeter.

Abstract: An improved method for imprinting a paper web during a wet pressing event is disclosed which results in asymmetrical protrusions corresponding to the deflection conduits of a deflection member. In one embodiment, differential velocity transfer during a pressing event serves to improve the molding and imprinting of a web with a deflection member. Improved deflection members are also disclosed. Improved tissue webs produced are also disclosed having useful sets of physical and geometrical properties, such as a pattern densified network and a repeating pattern of protrusions having asymmetrical structures.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and attaching cleaning wipes or cleaning blocks is provided. The apparatus includes a container configured for holding at least one cleaning wipe or block. The container has a body with an attaching surface. An attachment mechanism is included and is configured for attaching the cleaning wipe or block to the attaching surface for use in a cleaning procedure. The container is capable of being grasped to aid in positioning of the cleaning wipe or block during the cleaning procedure.

Abstract: A kit for use in cleaning is provided. The kit includes a first cleaning element that is made at least partially of foam that has a first cleaning property. A second cleaning element is also included and is made at least partially of foam and has a second cleaning property. The first and second cleaning elements are configured for cleaning a surface. A first identifying feature is present that identifies the first cleaning element as having the first cleaning property, and likewise a second identifying feature is present that identifies the second cleaning element as having the second cleaning property. The cleaning properties of the first and second cleaning elements are different from one another.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a paper web with a highly textured surface and a method of forming the highly textured web. The process includes printing a viscous material onto the surface of a paper web in a pattern with a low pressure printing process. Specifically, it has been discovered that certain low pressure printing technologies may be used to deliver a viscous material to the surface of a paper web such as a tissue, an air laid web, or a fibrous nonwoven web with good control of material delivery. At some point after the viscous material is applied to the web, the material may be fibrillated into a three-dimensional structure and then cured. In various embodiments, the viscous material may be fibrillated and cured so as to provide a good scrubbing surface to the web, provide an attachment structure on the web, or provide a good contact surface against a second substrate in forming laminate products.