Abstract: The roll properties of tissue sheets are improved either by imparting cross-machine direction dominant bar-like protrusions to the air side of the tissue by using specially woven transfer fabrics and/or by offsetting recurring surface features of the sheet relative to the surface features of adjacent sheets within the roll, such as by providing a throughdryer fabric with an offset seam. Both techniques provide the resulting tissue sheets with improved capabilities for providing an improved combination of roll bulk and roll firmness.

Abstract: An improved process for making sheet from a fibrous furnish includes: depositing the furnish on a foraminous support; compactively dewatering the furnish to form a nascent web; drying the web on a heated cylinder; creping the web therefrom and throughdrying the web to a finished product. The microstructure of the web is controlled so as to facilitate throughdrying. The product exhibits a characteristic throughdrying coefficient of from 4 to 10 when the airflow through the sheet is characterized by a Reynolds Number of less than about 1. The novel products of the invention are characterized by wet springback ratio, hydraulic diameter and an internal bond strength parameter.

Abstract: A soft crepe paper machine comprises a wet section with a press section having a press defined by first and second press elements forming a press nip through which a press felt runs with a paper web. A suction roll is arranged in the loop of the press felt before the press nip at a distance from the second press element, and the felt with the web thereon runs around the suction roll with a large wrap angle. A drying cylinder forms the second press element. The first press element is either a solid press roll, a suction press roll, or a variable crown press roll.

Abstract: Base sheets are disclosed having a reduced coefficient of friction in the wet state. In accordance with the present invention, the base sheets can be treated with a high molecular weight polyethylene oxide, a derivatized polyethylene oxide or an acrylate copolymer containing polyethylene moieties. The base sheet can be single ply or multi-ply. The base sheet can be a tissue product, such as a facial tissue, a bath tissue, or a paper towel. Alternatively, the base sheet can be a pre-moistened wipe.

Abstract: Papermaking fabrics, particularly those fabrics useful for making tissue and towel products, can be modified to alter their structure, such as surface texture, and re-used to make a different product. The fabrics can be modified after removal from the paper machine or while on the paper machine, including while the machine is running, so that down time between making different products can be eliminated or greatly reduced.

Abstract: A process for making a fibrous structure including the steps of: providing a deflection member comprising a macroscopically monoplanar, patterned framework having a backside forming an X-Y plane and a web-side opposite to the backside, wherein the framework comprises a plurality of bases extending from the X-Y plane in a Z-direction perpendicular to the X-Y plane, and a plurality of suspended portions laterally extending from the plurality of bases in at least one direction substantially parallel to the X-Y plane and elevated in the Z-direction from the X-Y plane to form void spaces between the X-Y plane and the suspended portions; providing a plurality of fibers on the deflection member, thereby forming a partly-formed fibrous structure; and separating the partly-formed fibrous structure from the deflection member, thereby forming the fibrous structure.

Abstract: A multi-ply tissue includes a first cellulosic embossed ply having an emboss pattern applied over a portion of its surface and a second cellulosic embossed ply of tissue. The first ply is contact laminated to the second ply so that the primary adhesion between the plies of tissue is the result of contact between cellulosic fibers. The first and second plies contact one another in contact areas, with the contact areas between the first and second plies defining compliant voids. The contact areas between the first ply and the second ply are elongated and/or rounded contact areas.

Abstract: New and improved methods and products are disclosed relating to softness of fibrous webs. Increased softness, among other things, is obtained by abrading the surface of the web to create fuzziness from protruding fibers.

Abstract: A dry end section for a paper-making machine for producing a high-bulk tissue is provided. Such a machine comprises a through-air dryer adapted to finally dry a paper web and a through-air drying fabric configured to transport the web through the through-air dryer. A separating device is included for facilitating separation of the web from the through-air drying fabric. A reel is also provided and is configured to receive the web thereon. The web is received directly on the separating device or on a fabric wrapped about the separating device. In some instances, the web may be compressed between the separating device and an adjacent roll or by a web-compressing device disposed along the fabric transporting the web. The web is then transported to the reel directly from the fabric or other support mechanism extending between the separating device and the reel, without free draw of the web. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: An insulating paperboard contains at least one layer of cellulose fibers. The one layer is at least partially composed of bulky fibers. The paperboard is sufficiently insulated to provide a hot water ?T across the paperboard of at least 0.7° C.±2.3° C. per 0.1 mm of caliper. The paperboard may be embossed to decrease surface transmission of heat. A hot cup may be produced from the insulating paperboard.

Abstract: The invention relates to an embossed sheet 10 made up of at least a first and a second ply 12, 14 of creped cellulose cotton of the type in which the first ply 12 has an embossed design 16 involving a first series of first projections 18 that form in particular first alignments and in which the apexes 32 are connected to the internal face 24 of the facing second ply 14 characterized in that these two plies 12, 14 each have a second embossed design 36 involving a second series of second projections 38, 40, and by the fact that the apexes 42, 44 of the second projections 38, 40 of a ply 12, 14 extended outward and are facing and near apexes 44, 42 of the second projections 40, 38 of the other ply 14, 12.

Abstract: A process for producing paper webs having a pattern formed into the web is disclosed. The pattern is formed during formation of the web and is made by varying the basis weight of the web. The paper web is produced by depositing an aqueous suspension of fibers between two forming surfaces. One or both of the forming surfaces include lower permeability areas that create lower basis weight areas in the web. The lower permeability areas are contained in the forming surface according to a particular pattern. For instance, the lower permeability areas can be formed into a drainage roll sleeve contained on a drainage roll which contacts a forming surface. The drainage roll can be a forming roll or a breast roll.

Abstract: A process for making a unitary fibrous structure comprises steps of: providing a fibrous web comprising a plurality of cellulosic fibers randomly distributed throughout the fibrous web and a plurality of synthetic fibers randomly distributed throughout the fibrous web; and causing co-joining of at least a portion of the synthetic fibers with the cellulosic fibers and the synthetic fibers, wherein the co-joining occurs in areas having a non-random and repeating pattern. A unitary fibrous structure comprises a plurality of cellulosic fibers randomly distributed throughout the fibrous structure, and a plurality of synthetic fibers distributed throughout the fibrous structure in a non-random repeating pattern.

Abstract: An insulating paperboard contains at least one layer of cellulose fibers. The one layer is at least partially composed of bulky fibers. The paperboard is sufficiently insulated to provide a hot water ?T across the paperboard of at least 0.7° C.±2.3° C. per 0.1 mm of caliper. The paperboard may be embossed to decrease surface transmission of heat. A hot cup may be produced from the insulating paperboard.

Abstract: An insulating paperboard contains at least one layer of cellulose fibers. The one layer is at least partially composed of bulky fibers. The paperboard is sufficiently insulated to provide a hot water ?T across the paperboard of at least 0.7° C.±2.3° C. per 0.1 mm of caliper. The paperboard may be embossed to decrease surface transmission of heat. A hot cup may be produced from the insulating paperboard.

Abstract: An insulating paperboard contains at least one layer of cellulose fibers. The one layer is at least partially composed of bulky fibers. The paperboard is sufficiently insulated to provide a hot water ?T across the paperboard of at least 0.7° C.±2.3° C. per 0.1 mm of caliper. The paperboard may be embossed to decrease surface transmission of heat. A hot cup may be produced from the insulating paperboard.

Abstract: A unitary fibrous structure comprises a plurality of cellulosic fibers randomly distributed throughout the fibrous structure, and a plurality of synthetic fibers distributed throughout the fibrous structure in a non-random repeating pattern. A process for making the unitary fibrous structure comprises the steps of providing an embryonic fibrous web comprising a-plurality of cellulosic fibers randomly distributed throughout the fibrous web and a plurality of synthetic fibers randomly distributed throughout the fibrous web and causing redistribution of at least a portion of the synthetic fibers in the embryonic web to form the unitary fibrous structure in which a substantial portion of the plurality of synthetic fibers is distributed throughout the fibrous structure in a non-random repeating pattern.

Abstract: A fibrous structure and method for making the fibrous structure, wherein the method includes the steps of: providing a plurality of synthetic fibers onto a forming member having a pattern of channels such that at least some of the synthetic fibers are disposed in the channels; providing a plurality of cellulosic fibers onto the synthetic fibers such that the cellulosic fibers are disposed adjacent to the synthetic fibers; and forming a unitary fibrous structure including the synthetic fibers and the cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: A fibrous structure and method for making the fibrous structure, wherein the method includes the steps of: providing a plurality of cellulosic fibers onto a forming member having a pattern of channels such that at least some of the cellulosic fibers are disposed in the channels; providing a plurality of synthetic fibers onto the cellulosic fibers such that the synthetic fibers are disposed adjacent to the cellulosic fibers; and forming the unitary fibrous structure from the synthetic fibers and the cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making a sheet of paper comprising at least two crimped cotton-wool-like cellulose plies (20, 40). It consists in: unwinding a first ply (20) in the form of a strip from a reel, embossing it on an embossing unit (10, 12) and forming protuberances at its surface, unwinding a second ply (40) in the form of a strip from a reel, guiding it downstream of the embossing unit (10, 12), superposing the two strips, with their protuberances facing inwards, and in applying a linking means (14, 16) so as to make the two strips integral with each other. Said method is characterised in that immediately upstream of said linking means (14, 16), a tension regulating means (18) is applied in the machine direction on one of the strips, such that the two strips have the same elastic deformation in the machine direction when the linking means is applied. The invention also concerns a product obtained by said method.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for application of compositions onto non-woven webs, such as paper webs. The present invention is also directed to products made from the process. In general, the method includes applying a composition to a non-woven web using a non-impact printer, such as an ink jet printer. The composition is applied, in one embodiment, as droplets that remain as discrete shapes on the substrate. In this manner, treated areas and untreated areas are formed on the web. Through this process, the water absorption and control properties of the web can be adjusted as desired while simultaneously treating the web with a composition that improves the physical and/or chemical properties of the web.

Abstract: A screen (i) for use in forming a patterned paper by a wet-laying technique. The screen is of a mesh material (2) that is pervious to water and has formed therein repeats of pattern forming elements 3a–c, 4a–d and 5 which are defined by an area of at least partial blockage of the mesh and which are bounded by mesh that is not blocked to drainage. The pattern forming elements have a maximum are of 100 mm2 that is blocked to drainage. The screen may be used for producing patterned tissue paper from which tea and coffee bags may be produced.

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: The present invention is a through-air-drying process for producing a fibrous web that possesses not only softness and absorbency but also strength. The method of the present invention monitors and controls the overall charge in the headbox.

Abstract: A paper product having improved strength properties as disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, the paper product is treated with a strength agent comprising a derivatized polyethylene oxide. The paper product can be, for instance, a facial tissue, a bath tissue, a paper towel or the like.

Abstract: An improved paper and the process of making an improved paper web is disclosed. The improved paper is characterized as having two regions; one is a network (or open grid) region and the other is a plurality of domes. At least a portion of either region of the paper web contains a bonding material that penetrates at least partially through the paper's thickness.

Abstract: A method and machine for the manufacture of a fiber web, in particular of a tissue web or of a hygienic web, in which the fiber web is formed on a soft clothing with fine pores and the clothing is guided over a surface subject to suction and in which the fiber web is transferred from a soft clothing with fine pores directly onto a TAD wire of a TAD drying apparatus. An optimum quality of the respective final product is achieved with an energy effort which is as low as possible, in particular, the energy effort required with vacuum generation in the dewatering of the fiber web is reduced.

Abstract: Pulp fibers can be treated with water insoluble chemical additives resulting in a minimal amount of unretained water insoluble chemical additives present after redispersing the treated pulp fibers in the process water. One embodiment of the present invention is a method for preparing chemically treated pulp fiber. A fiber slurry is created comprising process water and pulp fibers. The fiber slurry is transported to a web-forming apparatus of a pulp sheet machine thereby forming a wet fibrous web. The wet fibrous web is dried to a predetermined consistency thereby forming a dried fibrous web. The dried fibrous web is treated with a water insoluble chemical additive thereby forming a chemically treated dried fibrous web containing chemically treated pulp fibers.

Abstract: A tissue product containing a cellulosic fibrous material and less than about 10 wt. % of a superabsorbent material (e.g., fibers, particles, etc.) is provided. In some instances, the superabsorbent material can absorb between about 100 to about 350 grams of an aqueous solution per gram of superabsorbent material. In some embodiments, the superabsorbent material can be applied at the stock-preparation stage of a papermaking process, and can be provided in a dry or preswollen state.

Abstract: A method for applying a softening composition to a paper web of a tissue product is provided. The softening composition is applied primarily to the elevated regions of the tissue product. The application of the softening composition in this manner allows for the use of hydrophobic softeners, such as amino-functionalized polysiloxanes, in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 5% by weight of the tissue product while maintaining a Wet Out Time of less than about 10 seconds.

Abstract: A consolidated cellulosic article of increased thickness and target face density, as well as an apparatus and method of manufacturing same, are disclosed. The apparatus includes first and second dies adapted to move toward one another with a mat of cellulosic material and a binding agent therebetween. When the dies move together, the mat is compressed under pressure and heat with forms on one of the dies forming indentations in the mat. Compression zones of increased density form between the indentations and a first face of the mat. By spacing the forms appropriately, the compression zones overlap, and the first face of the resulting consolidated board is provided with substantially uniform density. Since the entire board is not compressed to the same degree, its overall thickness is enhanced while the density of the first face of the mat is increased, and relatively little material is used.

Abstract: The present invention is a tissue product comprising at least one tissue sheet. Each tissue sheet comprises a first side and an opposing second side. At least one tissue sheet comprises selectively treated pulp fiber treated with at least one hydrophobic chemical additive distributed non-uniformly in the z-direction within the tissue sheet. The tissue sheet has a % z-directional hydrophobic chemical additive gradient between the first side of the tissue sheet and the second side of the tissue sheet of about 20% or greater.

Abstract: Tissue products are disclosed that contain a hydrophobic additive, such as a polysiloxane. In accordance with the present invention, the tissue products are further treated with a wetting agent. The wetting agent may be applied after application of the hydrophobic additive to one or more surfaces of the base sheet. The wetting agent improves the wettability properties of the base sheet.

Abstract: Paper products, such as wiping products, are disclosed that have a fabric-imprinted pattern in combination with a crepe pattern. In producing paper products according to the invention, a base web containing pulp fibers is formed. Once the base web is substantially dry, the web is creped to form a first pattern. The creped web is then placed between two moving conveyors and guided around one or more compression inducing elements. As the web is guided around the compression inducing element in between the two conveyors, shear forces and compressive forces are imparted to the web that form a fabric-imprinted pattern superimposed on the crepe pattern. In one embodiment, the fabric-imprinted pattern comprises high density troughs.

Abstract: Toilet paper, paper towel and facial tissue products (10) are presented. Information may be placed, through printing or embossing, on the toilet paper, paper towels and facial tissues. The information (62) may comprise advertisements, coupons, prizes (such as stickers and crossword puzzles), games or other promotional materials. In addition, information (62) may be placed on a sheet separate from the toilet paper and/or paper towels and/or facial tissues. The information sheet may be then be placed in conjunction with the toilet paper, paper towel or facial tissue by rolling or by interleaving (16) the information sheet with the toilet paper, paper towel or facial tissue. In another aspect, different information may be place on two or more sheets to convey a story (39) or other information. The information (72) may, for example, be used to help potty train children, or to teach children numbers or the alphabet.

Abstract: Articles containing cellulose materials and treated with a chemical additive are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, at least a portion of the cellulose containing the article is modified to include a first moiety. A chemical additive, such as softener or a humectant, is then chosen that includes a second moiety. When the chemical additive is applied to the article, the second moiety on the chemical additive forms a chemical linkage with the first moiety on the cellulose material. In this manner, the chemical additive becomes bonded to the cellulose material alleviating problems associated with retention. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to the formation of tissue products, such as facial tissue, bath tissue and paper towels.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a process for hot embossing a base sheet and/or to a process for perforating and bonding multiple plies of a paper product together. The process can be used in order to apply a decorative pattern to a paper product and/or to bond multiple ply products together. In one embodiment, the process of the present invention includes feeding a previously formed single ply or multi-ply base sheet through a heated embossing nip. As the base sheet passes through the heated embossing nip, sufficient heat and pressure is imparted to cause the fibers within the sheet to begin to melt or glassinate. Upon cooling, inter-fiber bonding occurs resulting in a well-defined embossment as well as bonding between plies of a multi-ply product.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for producing an absorbent article. A wet resillient, cellulosic basesheet having elevated and depressed regions with an Overall Surface Depth of at least 0.2 mm is prepared. The cellulosic basesheet has an upper surface and a lower surface. A contiguous, fibrous nonwoven web having a plurality of openings is integrally attached onto the upper surface of the cellulosic basesheet such that a portion of the openings are superposed over the depressed regions of the cellulosic basesheet. An absorbent core and an impervious web are attached to the lower surface of the cellulosic basesheet such that the absorbent core is sandwiched between the impervious web and the cellulosic basesheet.

Abstract: Modified condensation polymers containing azetidinium groups, such as polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE) resins, can be combined with amphiphilic hydrocarbons containing polyethers into a single molecule to provide several potential benefits, depending upon the specific combination employed, including: (a) wet strength aids that impart softness; (b) softeners that do not reduce wet strength: (c) wet strength with improved wet/dry strength ratio; (d) surface feel modifiers with reduced linting and sloughing; (e) wet strength aids with controlled absorbency; (f) wet strength aids with controlled decay rate after wetting; and (g) Yankee dryer additives that provide surface protection and adhesion with controlled release properties.

Abstract: Spirally wound paper products are disclosed having desirable roll firmness characteristics and softness properties. The rolled products can be made from a single ply tissue web formed according to various processes. Once formed, the tissue web is subjected to a shear-calendering device that increases the fuzz-on-edge properties of the web and preserves the bulk of the web when wound.

Abstract: Machine and process for the production of a tissue web that includes a drying cylinder and a press shoe arrangement. The press shoe arrangement and the drying cylinder are arranged to form a nip with lateral edge areas. A plurality of contact pressing elements are arranged to exert pressing pressures across the nip, a measuring device is structured and arranged to measure pressing pressures resulting in at least the lateral edge areas, and at least one of a control and regulating device is structured and arranged to locally adjust the pressing pressures in the lateral edge areas by adjusting pressing pressures exerted by contact pressing elements assigned to the lateral edge areas. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: An embossing system is provided for embossing a web having a first embossing roll having embossing elements and a second embossing roll having embossing elements, wherein at least a portion of the embossing elements of the first and second embossing rolls are substantially oriented in the cross-machine direction. The embossing roll may be crowned, may have alignment means, and may be provided with precision gearing.

Abstract: Spirally wound paper products are disclosed having desirable roll firmness characteristics and softness properties. The rolled products can be made from a single ply tissue web formed according to various processes. Once formed, the tissue web is subjected to a shear-calendering device that increases the fuzz-on-edge properties of the web and preserves the bulk of the web when wound.

Abstract: A fibrous material and a method of producing it, the material is mainly intended to be incorporated in an absorbent article and comprises a layer of continuous fibers, so-called tow, which have been bonded together in points, lines or spots in a bonding pattern, but otherwise are substantially unbonded to each other. The tow layer is bonded with at least two bonding patterns: a first relatively strong and diffuse bonding pattern, and a second more distinct second bonding pattern. Bonding of at least the first bonding pattern takes place by thermobonding, wherein a pattern roll is used which provide the desired bonding patterns. In the first welding step the pattern roll is driven at a higher speed than the feeding speed of the tow layer, so as to create a relatively diffuse and strong bonding pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roll constituted by a plurality of tissue paper sheets each having a specific surface weight between 10 and 40 g/m2 and exhibiting thick zones (4) separated over at least 90% of their periphery by thinner zones (5). According to the invention, and as regards at least the outermost turns of the roll, the thick zones are at least partly superposed one on the other in a way to add the thicknesses cumulatively and hence to create height differentials on the roll's outside. The invention also relates to a method for making a roll, wherein a strip composed of a plurality of juxtaposed tissue paper sheets exhibiting thick zones separated by thinner zones will be wound on itself. According to the invention, the winding of the roll is such that the thick zones (4) of the outermost roll turns are at least partly superposed in order to constitute a salient topography on the roll's outside.

Abstract: A process for producing tissue webs is disclosed. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an improved process for drying webs. According to the present invention, a formed web still containing a substantial amount of moisture is passed through a nip formed between a press roll and a heated drum. When passed through the nip, the web is placed on a porous fabric. The web is then carried through the nip for a period of time and subjected to temperatures and pressures sufficient to create a steam front which travels through the web and expels a significant amount of moisture from the web through the porous fabric.

Abstract: A method of dewatering a fiber web in a paper machine, includes the steps of: dewatering the fiber web in a forming section to a solids content of greater than approximately 10%; displacement pressing the fiber web in an air press assembly to a solids content of greater than approximately 40%; and through air drying the fiber web in at least one air press assembly to a higher solids content.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for softening a wet laid cellulosic structure. A particularly preferred structure is an absorbent tissue. Further disclosed are tissue structures softened using the composition. The composition includes an effective amount of a softening active ingredient; a vehicle in which the softening active ingredient is dispersed; an electrolyte dissolved in the vehicle; and a bilayer disrupter. The electrolyte and the bilayer disrupter cooperate to cause the viscosity of the composition to be less than the viscosity of a dispersion of the softening active ingredient in the vehicle alone. Preferably, the softening active ingredient is a quaternary ammonium compound with the formula: (R1)4-m—N+—[(CH2)n—Y—R3]mX? the vehicle is water, the electrolyte is calcium chloride, and the bilayer disrupter is a nonionic surfactant. Also disclosed is a method of using the compound by adding it at a use concentration to the wet end of a papermaking process.

Abstract: Tissue paper having a bulk between 2 and 8 cm3/g and containing an amount of a wet strength agent, wherein the tissue paper contains a wet strength agent in the form of a nitrogen-containing polymer having hydrophobic side-chains. Said tissue paper before converting has a relative wet strength value (RWS) of at least 45%.

Abstract: A machine for producing a tissue web is provided, including a former having a forming region which includes at least one circulating, continuous dewatering wire having zonally variable wire permeability. Furthermore, a process for producing the tissue web in a tissue machine is provided. The process includes forming the tissue web in a forming region of a former, wherein the forming region includes at least one circulating, continuous dewatering wire having zonally variable wire permeability.