Abstract: A roller device has a handle with two arms extending from one end of a handgrip and a roller which is cylindrical having a surface composed of a spongy material, and two ends having an opening through the center of each end. The arms have ends which rotatably engage one opposing opening of the roller. The roller may have an inner part and an outer part with a spongy material on the surface of the outer part, or the entire outer part may be a spongy material. A method of using the roller device involves placing the roller on a leg above a top incision, rolling the device down the leg while applying moderate pressure, forcing fluids down and out a lower incision, wiping off the fluid, observing for additional fluid build up, and repeating the procedure until no further build up is observed.

Abstract: Moisture responsive members are disposed outboard of the absorbent core within disposable absorbent articles. The moisture responsive members expand in response to moisture from the wearer of the absorbent article thereby creating a seal between the moisture responsive member and the wearer of the absorbent article. The moisture responsive members can be disposed along the longitudinal sides of the disposable absorbent article or along the waist edges, both front and rear, of the disposable absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layer and an absorbent system arranged between the cover layer and the barrier layer, the absorbent article being drapeable and possessing the absorbency attributes required of a sanitary napkin.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layer and an absorbent system arranged between the cover layer and the barrier layer, the absorbent article being drapeable and possessing the absorbency attributes required of a sanitary napkin.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layer and an absorbent system arranged between the cover layer and the barrier layer, the absorbent article being drapeable and possessing the absorbency attributes required of a sanitary napkin.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layer and an absorbent system arranged between the cover layer and the barrier layer, the absorbent article being drapeable and possessing the absorbency attributes required of a sanitary napkin.

Abstract: A method for drying a material such as a polymer hydrogel which passes through a cohesive phase as it dries is disclosed. The method comprises agitating a composition while removing liquid until the solids content of the composition reaches a level at which the composition enters a cohesive phase, halting agitation, removing liquid from the composition in the absence of agitation, and resuming agitation. Practice of the present invention can eliminate the problems associated with adhesion of a material to itself and to process equipment during the cohesive phase.

Abstract: There is provided a composite comprising a bonded mixture of a binder and active ingredients such as spill control agents, odor control agents, anti-microbial agents, and biologically active agents. The mixture is applied to and fused and/or coalesced with a first substrate, preferably an nonwoven material that is fluid permeable or impermeable. The composite preferably contains a second substrate, preferably a nonwoven material, placed on top of the mixture that is fused to and/or coalesced with the mixture. Preferably, the composite adsorbs and/or absorbs moisture, liquids, and/or odors, and can provide an anti-microbial effect. The composite can be used to line an outer or inner functional surface such as a shelf, a drawer, a cabinet, a refrigerator, trash receptacle, shipping container, or as a backing for other surfaces such as carpeting, fabric, upholstery, drapes, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent article, such as a diaper, an incontinence guard, a sanitary napkin or the like, including a liquid-permeable upper surface and an absorbent structure exhibiting a planar extension. The absorbent structure includes an acquisition layer and at least one storage layer. The acquisition layer has a plurality of fragments of a liquid-absorbing, open-celled, polyacrylate-based foam material, and each fragment exhibits a planar extension having a transversal direction, a longitudinal direction, and a thickness direction extending perpendicularly to the planar extension. The width in the transversal direction of each fragment in a dry condition does not exceed 10 millimeters, and the total area of the fragments in the planar extension is lower than the area of the absorbent structure in the planar extension.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the swellability and the swelling kinetics of superabsorbent material (9) such as polymer gels, for example, which comprises introducing a defined volume of the dry superabsorbent material (9) into a measuring vessel (7), using a movable element (4) within said measuring vessel (7) to apply a restraining force (12) to said superabsorbent material (9) and capturing the expansion of said superabsorbent material (9) contactlessly within a chamber (14) in a continuous manner by capturing the change in height of a piston (4) which bounds said chamber (14), travels in a measuring vessel (7) and is marked with a height scale (6).

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent cores for absorbent articles, which are intended to receive and retain bodily discharges such as urine. Such articles are disposable hygiene articles like baby diapers, training pants, adult incontinence articles, feminine care articles and the like. The improvement essentially is based on the recognition that replacing most or all of the cushioning fibrous absorbent material in an absorbent core by a liquid storage material capable of retaining liquid while maintaining or improving acquisition behavior is desirable as the reduction in cushioning is more than compensated by the gain in comfort. The comfort however can only be achieved if the more fundamental requirements of a diaper in respect to liquid handling are satisfied or improved.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent structure having wet integrity greater than about 4.0 mN/gsm, softness greater than 8.0/J, pliability greater than about 70/N, and providing a substantially dry liquid-accepting surface after receiving a quantity of liquid. The structure includes an upper ply having an upper fluid receiving surface and a lower surface and including (i) a top stratum including synthetic matrix fibers bonded with a binder, the matrix fibers having length from about 2 to about 15 mm; (ii) a middle stratum in fluid communication with the top stratum, the middle stratum including natural fibers, superabsorbent particles and a binder; and (iii) a bottom stratum in fluid communication with the middle stratum, the bottom stratum including natural fibers and a binder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for depositing particulate matter onto a supply of absorbent core fibrous substrate material are disclosed. The apparatus has a feed tray that has an inlet for receiving a supply of particulate matter. At least part of a lower pan of the feed tray is a slideable shuttle pan that has an outlet edge located near a supply of absorbent core fibrous substrate material that is moving in a machine direction. The supply of particulate matter passes over the outlet edge to exit the feed tray. A mechanism operates the shuttle pan through a range of motion having a forward stroke and a backward stroke. During the forward stroke, the outlet edge follows the supply of absorbent core fibrous substrate material.

Abstract: A disposable pull-on wearing article wherein: a body fluid absorbent assembly of a disposable pull-on wearing article is formed in a crotch region with a pair of inwardly folded portions on both sides of a longitudinal center line. The body fluid absorbent assembly comprises an hourglass-shaped core and a cover sheet used to cover this core. The core is formed its both side edges with notches and respective regions of the cover sheet lying in these notches are provided with a pair of crotch region elastic members extending in a back-and-forth direction and intersecting folding guide lines.

Abstract: A disposable diaper has an absorbent core. The core contains therein hydrophilic fibers of 30–70 wt % and super-absorbent polymer particles of 70–30 wt %. Of the super-absorbent particles, first super-absorbent polymer particles having a relatively long liquid-absorbing duration lying in a middle zone of the core as viewed in a transverse direction as well as in a thickness direction of the core to form a polymer phase and second super-absorbent polymer particles having a relatively short liquid-absorbing duration lying in the core above, below and laterally outside the polymer phase to form a mixture phase containing therein the hydrophilic fibers mixed therewith.

Abstract: A web of superabsorbent polymer and fiber made by an in situ neutralization, wet-laid process, wherein the degree of neutralization of the superabsorbent polymer is partial, preferably less than about 80 mol %. The web exhibits an excellent centrifuge retention capacity property, as compared to prior webs of superabsorbent polymer and cellulosic fiber made by in situ neutralization, wherein the degree of neutralization is total, such as 100 mol % or more.

Abstract: A pant-like absorbent garment having a swellable absorbent core positioned between an outer cover and a body side liner at least partially bonded to the outer cover. The swellable absorbent core is swellable to a final thickness (tf) which is at least three times an initial thickness (ti) of the swellable absorbent core; tf?3ti. The significant swelling renders the garment suitable for use as a toilet training aid.

Abstract: This invention relates to solvents which may be used to extract polymers that are made of hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a collagen material that possesses physical properties to an extent that allows suturing while still maintaining the biochemical properties inherently possessed by collagen, and retains its shape for a certain amount of time even after application to the body; its production process; and, a medical material on which it is based, examples of which include a artificial tube for nerve, artificial tube for spinal cord, artificial esophagus, artificial trachea, artificial blood vessel, artificial valve or alternative medical membranes such as artificial endocranium, artificial ligaments, artificial tendons, surgical sutures, surgical prostheses, surgical reinforcement, wound protecting materials, artificial skin and artificial cornea, characterized by filling or having inside a substance having biocompatibility that can be degraded and absorbed in the body into a matrix of a non-woven fabric-like multi-element structure of collagen fibers having ultra-fine fiber

Abstract: A method for drying a material such as a polymer hydrogel which passes through a cohesive phase as it dries is disclosed. The method comprises agitating a composition while removing liquid until the solids content of the composition reaches a level at which the composition enters a cohesive phase, halting agitation, removing liquid from the composition in the absence of agitation, and resuming agitation. Practice of the present invention can eliminate the problems associated with adhesion of a material to itself and to process equipment during the cohesive phase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable absorbent article which does not substantially impact the surface tension of the acquired liquid and thus allows to combine good liquid acquisition performance with a liquid handling structure having large open pores. The disposable absorbent article of the present invention comprises the topsheet, a backsheet, the liquid storage structure intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet and a liquid handling structure intermediate the topsheet and the liquid storage structure. The liquid handling structure and features large open pores in order to readily accept high viscosity liquids such as faces as well as low viscosity liquids such as urine. The various components of the absorbent article of the present invention do not substantially reduce the surface tension of the acquired liquid.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article suitable for absorbing and retaining aqueous body fluids includes a backsheet that is substantially liquid impervious except at a discontinuity therein and an absorbent core between the backsheet and a topsheet. The absorbent core includes a non-removable component and a removable and replaceable component in fluid communication with the non-removable component. Access for the removal and replacement of the removable component is provided by the discontinuity in the backsheet. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without removal of the absorbent article from the wearer.

Abstract: A dry hydrocolloid powder with cold-gel capabilities is produced by: dissolving a hydrocolloid comprising polysaccharide chains in an aqueous solution; heating the dissolved hydrocolloid solution to a temperature and for a time sufficient to induce a substantial alteration in the tertiary structure of the polysaccharide chains of the hydrocolloid; cooling the dissolved hydrocolloid solution to a temperature and for a time sufficient to substantially return the polysaccharide chains of the hydrocolloid to their original tertiary structure, wherein the polysaccharide chains form a gelling network; and drying the cooled hydrocolloid solution to form a dry powder. In some embodiments, the dry powder has a viscosity of between about 10 and 40 mPa-s when reconstituted in a 2% weight/weight solution at 25 degrees C. In other embodiments, the dry powder has a water absorption of greater than 20 g H2O/g powder.

Abstract: An absorbent structure for absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinence protectors, sanitary napkins, panty liners and like articles, the absorbent structure comprising at least 40 percent by weight superabsorbent material, based on the total weight of the absorbent structure in a dry state in the region or regions in which the superabsorbent is distributed, wherein the superabsorbent material is only partially neutralized. Absorbent articles that include the absorbent structure.

Abstract: An absorbent composite (10) having a fibrous matrix that includes absorbent material is disclosed. The fibrous matrix defines voids (14) and passages between the voids, which are distributed throughout the composite. Absorbent material (18) is located within some of the voids (14). Absorbent material located in these voids is expandable into the void. In a preferred embodiment, the composite's fibrous matrix includes resilient and matrix fibers (16). The composite optionally includes a wet strength agent.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable top layer, a liquid-impermeable back layer, and a liquid retentive absorbent member, interposed between the top layer and the back layer. The absorbent member is arranged to form an opposing pair of barrier cuffs which are within longitudinal edges of the top layer and extend along the longitudinal edges. A pocket portion is formed between the pair of barrier cuffs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to a humid environment. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: A composite absorbent member containing layers that have a controlled pore size distribution is provided. For example, in some embodiments, the composite absorbent member has an inner layer and two outer layers, in which the inner layer has a higher weight percentage of pulp fibers than the outer layers and also contains smaller pores than the outer layers. In this embodiment, the resulting composite member can have a fast intake rate, less leakage, reduced rewetting, and reduced bunching and twisting.

Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided comprising a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and a liquid retentive absorbent member interposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent member comprises, in admixture, a superabsorbent polymer A having a rate of absorption of 8 g/30 sec/0.3 g or more measured by DW method and a superabsorbent polymer B having a rate of absorption of 5 g/30 sec/0.3 g or less measured by DW method at a polymer A/polymer B weight ratio of 90/10 to 10/90. The admixture optionally further comprises fluff pulp in an amount of from 0 to 30% by weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to cationic compounds and triester compounds to be used for preparation of compositions, which preferably can be in the form of lotions, creams, powders, oils, foams and the like, and be applied to the skin to prevent or reduce or treat skin rash or diaper rash resulting from lypolytic dermatitis. The compositions of the invention can also be applied to diapers, incontinent-pads, wipes and the like. The invention also relates to the use of such a composition to prevent or reduce such a skin rash and a process for reducing the enzyme activity enzymes which are deactivated when the pH is reduced, such as lipase enzymes present on external skin.

Abstract: There is provided a resilient, three dimensional material having fibrous texture and appearance and capable of fluid handling. It consists of a top surface and a bottom surface wherein fiber-like elements typically extend from one surface to the other forming flat to undulating surfaces characterized by a multiplicity of interconnected fluid passageways. Deformed, discontinuous film-like or encapsulated regions connect fiber-like elements and stabilize the material. The material of this invention is unique based on the three principle characteristics which are communicated in this application: 1) ff(?)<0.87, 2) SA/VV<186 cm2/cm3, and 3) caliper<0.150 inches. This material is useful for a number of purposes, such as for use as a liner for personal care products like diapers, absorbent underpants, swim wear, feminine hygiene products, adult incontinence products and the like.

Abstract: A bio-compatible, biodegradable macromolecular water-absorbent polymeric material having a three-dimensional configuration with intermolecular covalent bonds and containing free functional groups selected from OH, SH, NH2, and COOH. The polymer is formed by polymer-polymer inter-coupling interaction between a natural water-soluble polymer A or its derivatives having a molecular weight between 20,000 and 500,000 Da, and a synthetic polymer B in a ratio of A:B of 15:85 to 85:15.

Abstract: Hydrophilic open-celled resilient foams comprising melamine-formaldehyde resins, obtainable by (a) heating and crosslinking an aqueous solution or dispersion each containing at least a melamine-formaldehyde precondensate, an emulsifier, a blowing agent and a curing agent to form a foam, (b) then conditioning the foam at from 120 to 300° C. for from 1 to 180 minutes to remove volatiles, and (c) treating the foam during the conditioning or thereafter with at least one polymer containing primary and/or secondary amino groups and having a molar mass of not less than 300, are useful in hygiene articles to acquire, distribute and immobilize body fluids.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for coating the surface of substrates such as a sheet, film, foam, fiber, etc., with a curable liquid resin or solution of curable resin, then in one embodiment, stably attaching a superabsorbent polymeric powder to such resin, and then curing the resin to form a coated superabsorbent product. Such substrates may include polymeric materials. Other process embodiments utilizing curable and thermoplastic resinous powders may be used instead of curable liquid resins and resulting products are included in the invention. Other embodiments involve affixing a container at least partially filled with superabsorbent polymeric powder to a substrate, placing the container proximate to the element, or affixing the container to a separate member. The products may be utilized for water and nutrient retention in combination with irrigation, erosion control, to direct plant root growth, and to clean up standing water and petroleum spills.

Abstract: An absorbent composition providing unexpectedly high fluid capacity with minimal gel-blocking, articles comprising the absorbent composition and methods of preparing the absorbent composition are disclosed. The absorbent composition optionally comprises a surface crosslinked polymer disbursed within a fibrous matrix of wettable fibers. The surface crosslinked polymer has an FVAUL value of at least about 60 cc after 10 minutes.

Abstract: A solidifier for a liquid, the solidifier comprising a mixture of absorbents having different apparent densities whereby at least one absorbent is negatively buoyant and at least one absorbent is positively buoyant relative to the liquid sought to be solidified. Packaging for the solidifier is disclosed for effecting selective dispersal of the solidifier within the liquid sought to be solidified.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. One or more of the backsheet, topsheet, and absorbent core is constructed of an absorbent composite that includes an absorbent layer of hydratable fine fibers in the form of microfibril obtained from cellulose or a derivative thereof and super absorbent polymer (SAP) particles bonded together by the hydratable fibers, and a nonwoven substrate supporting the absorbent layer such as SMS. The absorbent layer is coated over the surface of the nonwoven substrate. The core may include one uniform layer of the absorbent composite or a composite having one layer of the nonwoven substrate and a plurality of segmented absorbent layers applied thereon. In the latter design, the absorbent layers are spaced apart from one another to expose surface sections of the substrate. These non-coated surface sections provide wicking zones which allow room for the absorbent layers to expand and prevent gel blocking.

Abstract: An absorbent pad has a cavity formed by a first flexible sheet of a liquid impermeable material and a second flexible sheet of a liquid permeable material. An opening defined by at least one of the first sheet and second sheet. An interior sheet of a liquid absorbent material forms a gel upon contact with a liquid.

Abstract: There is provided a distribution/retention layer for personal care products which is a nonwoven fabric having retention materials and distribution materials in a side-by-side configuration as rows, stripes, channels, etc. These rows may be continuous or discontinuous and may be straight, wavy, or in other patterns. This construction allows liquid to wick along the distribution rows and to be absorbed by the retention material along a broad front on either side. Such a construction more fully utilizes the absorbent core, producing cost and weight savings. This construction also provides greater comfort to a wearer. There is further provided personal care products having the nonwoven web as a component.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for coating the surface of substrates such as a sheet, film, foam, fiber, etc., with a curable liquid resin or solution of curable resin, then in one embodiment, stably attaching a superabsorbent polymeric powder to such resin, and then curing the resin to form a coated superabsorbent product. Such substrates may include polymeric materials. Other process embodiments utilizing curable and thermoplastic resinous powders may be used instead of curable liquid resins and resulting products are included in the invention. The coated product may be utilized for water and nutrient retention in combination with irrigation, erosion control, to direct plant root growth, and to clean up standing water and petroleum spills.

Abstract: Provided is a water-decomposable absorbent article including a water-decomposable back layer, a water-decomposable and liquid-pervious surface layer, and a water-decomposable absorbent layer sandwiched between the back layer and the surface layer. The absorbent layer is formed of at least one composite sheet of a water-soluble or water-swellable polymer layer and a water-decomposable fibrous layer, of which the uppermost layer adjacent to the surface layer is the water-decomposable fibrous layer.

Abstract: An absorbent composite that can handle complex fluids and maintain high absorbent capacity under high loads even after the material has been subjected to rigorous processing conditions. The absorbent composite includes an inhomogeneously crosslinked superabsorbent polymer having a highly crosslinked outer shell. The surface of the superabsorbent polymer includes a protective fibrous coating material and an association agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composition for efficiently releasing hydrophilic or water-soluble skin care actives from an oleaginous composition. The substantially oleaginous composition of the present invention comprises: (1) at least one skin care active; (2) a release agent having an HLB of at least about 3; and (3) a hydrophobic barrier protectant. The novel release composition may be topically applied to skin using a dispensing means such as an absorbent article, a wipe, a bandage, a pad, a canister, a stick, an aerosol dispenser, a sprayer, and the like.

Abstract: A method for drying a material such as a polymer hydrogel which passes through a cohesive phase as it dries is disclosed. The method comprises agitating a composition while removing liquid until the solids content of the composition reaches a level at which the composition enters a cohesive phase, halting agitation, removing liquid from the composition in the absence of agitation, and resuming agitation. Practice of the present invention can eliminate the problems associated with adhesion of a material to itself and to process equipment during the cohesive phase.

Abstract: An absorbent composition providing unexpectedly high fluid capacity with minimal gel-blocking, articles comprising the absorbent composition and methods of preparing the absorbent composition are disclosed. The absorbent composition optionally comprises a surface crosslinked polymer disbursed within a fibrous matrix of wettable fibers. The surface crosslinked polymer has an FVAUL value of at least about 60 cc after 10 minutes.

Abstract: Absorbent articles including an absorbent material that contains superabsorbent polymer non-adhesively attached to and restrained by a nonwoven. The material, used particularly in isolated portions of the absorbent articles of the invention, has a superabsorbent retention of at least 50% according to a stirbar retention test. Examples of such absorbent articles include pant-like garments with containment flaps and/or side panels made of the absorbent material. Other examples include swim wear garments containing the absorbent material.

Abstract: Absorbent, elastomeric materials and methods of making absorbent, elastomeric materials. The absorbent, elastomeric materials include an elastomeric substrate and a superabsorbent polymer non-adhesively attached to the substrate. The elastomeric substrate includes at least one nonwoven, and may include, for example, elastic strands, elastic film, and/or elastic foam between layers of nonwoven. The superabsorbent polymer includes particles that either encase fibers of the nonwoven or bond themselves to fibers of the nonwoven.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article (10) having a longitudinal direction (26), and a lateral, cross direction (24). The article includes a liquid permeable top sheet layer (28), a substantially liquid impermeable backsheet layer (30), and an absorbent structure (32) having a primary retention portion (48) sandwiched between the top sheet and backsheet layers. The retention portion (48) includes a wet-formed mixture of fibers and superabsorbent material. The retention portion has a selected edge-wise compression value, such as an edge-wise compression value of not more than a maximum of about 9 g/gsm, and a modified circular bend value, such as a modified circular bend value of at least minimum of about 0.3 g/gsm. In particular aspects, the retention portion (48) can include cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: A fibrous absorbent composite containing absorbent material, methods for its formation, and absorbent articles that include the composite are described. The composite is a fibrous structure that includes absorbent material dispersed throughout the composite and in increased concentration in bands that extend along the composite's length.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment includes a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. A pair of inboard leg gathers are attached to the topsheet on opposite sides of a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article and extend at least through the crotch area. The absorbent garment further includes an upper, partial length absorbent structure. The upper absorbent structure has a front edge extending near the front waist opening and a rear edge terminating in the area of the crotch region. A second pair of inboard leg gathers are positioned inboard of the first pair of leg gathers, and disposed on top of the upper absorbent structure. A BM containment pocket is formed beneath the upper absorbent structure. The BM containment pocket reduces mixing of urine and BM and prevents soiling of genitals, thereby reducing the incidence and severity of diaper rash.