Abstract: A conformable, absorbent structure having profiled stabilization and, consequently, decreased stiffness, includes an absorbent material at least partially stabilized with a binder material and located in a central longitudinal region and in two distal longitudinal regions located along opposite sides of the central longitudinal region. The absorbent material is more stabilized in the central longitudinal region than in either of the two distal longitudinal regions. The absorbent structure can be included in a number of absorbent articles, including diapers, training pants, swimwear, absorbent underpants, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products, for example. The invention also includes a method of forming an absorbent structure having profiled stabilization.

Abstract: An in-line formed web or other material (such as foams) having major surfaces in the X-Y plane and a depth in the Z direction is suitable for use as an integral fluid distribution and fluid retention material in a disposable absorbent article. The web or material contains multiple zones of material which may have both thermoplastic fibers/materials and absorbent material components. The multiple zones can have different compositions of thermoplastic fibers/materials and absorbent material as applied in-line by various arrangements of thermoplastic melt dies and absorbent fiber/material dispensers. By arranging at least two of the multiple zones in an opposing relation overlaid in the Z-axis direction of the web/material, a gradient can be formed in the Z-direction of the web/material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a densified stabilized absorbent composite material and a method for making densified stabilized absorbent composite material which may be used in or as an absorbent core material for absorbent products such as personal care absorbent products.

Abstract: A unitary axle seal (52) for use in an axle assembly of a motor vehicle to reduce the flow of contaminants from an exterior source (92) to an interior region (93) of the axle assembly is disclosed. The unitary axle seal (52) may be used in combination with unitized bearing seals (46) to reduce the exposure of contaminants to a bearing pack (44) contained within the axle assembly. The unitary axle seal combines a complex labyrinth (96) with an elastomeric seal (74) forming frictional sealing contacts (80,84,88) with the axle (10).