Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber comprising, chemically bonded together, (a) a conventional cellulosic fiber, such as a Kraft fiber or a chemithermomechanical pulp fiber; (b) poly(acrylate-co-itaconate) copolymer, such as the acid form of a poly(acrylate-co-itaconate) copolymer comprising 90-95 mole % acrylate and 5-10 mole % itaconate having weight average molecular weight of about 600,000-900,000; and (c) a polyol, such as polyethylene glycol; also disclosed are methods for making such fibers, especially evaporatively depositing an intimate mixture of the copolymer and polyol on the fiber followed by thermally crosslinking at specific temperatures for limited periods; absorbent paper which can be made by wet-laying the fiber, especially in admixture with conventional fiber; and derivative paper structures, such as multi-ply disposable absorbent towels.

Abstract: An absorption material, preferably for use in disposable articles such as diapers, sanitary napkins or wound dressings, comprises 70-95% of at least one type of absorbing fibers, 2-20% of bonding fibers activated by heat, and 2-25% of a highly absorbent material, the absorption fibers and the highly absorbent material having been bonded into a coherent body by means of the binding fibers.

Abstract: A hemostatic tampon kit including an oval-shaped tampon adopted for easy insertion into the nasal cavity by a layman, composed of a compressed synthetic sponge adapted to expand upon contact with an aqueous fluid, the tampon includes a string attached thereto for anchoring to a nasal bandage placed over the nostrils of the user which includes an absorbent drip pad and an attachment element on the bandage for engaging and holding the tampon string. A sealable container of liquid vasoconstrictive medication for wetting and expanding the tampon and a container of anti-bacterial ointment for lubricating the tampon during insertion.

Abstract: A liquid absorbent structure is made by dry laying a fibrous web having incorporated therein a superabsorbent material, and applying a latex coating to at least one surface of the web, which on curing imparts integrity to the resulting structure without substantially impairing the effectiveness of the superabsorbent material to absorb liquid.

Abstract: A tampon comprising a compressed pledget of absorbent material, shaped for insertion into a body cavity, and a withdrawal cord attached to the tampon to facilitate removal of the tampon from the body cavity. The pledget, prior to compression, is a filament tow of substantially hydrophilic filaments. The filaments have a substantially permanently crimped configuration, and are disposed in a randomly out-of-phase orientation with respect to each other so as to increase the pore volume ratio of the pledget, i.e., the fraction of pledget volume occupied by interfilament spaces or interstices between filaments. Preferably the pore volume ratio of the tampon is in the range of 60 to 95%, more preferably 70 to 90%, most preferably 80 to 85%.

Abstract: An absorbent structure comprising a fibrous web of cellulosic material, a first complex forming material present within said web and a second complex forming material present within said web. When wetted, the first and second complex forming materials form a complex thereby providing the fibrous web of cellulosic material with improved integrity.

Abstract: A catamenial tampon is disclosed for absorbing menstrual fluid. The tampon includes a compressed pledget having a major and a minor radius of curvature. Zones of different density fibers are arranged adjacent to each radius of curvature and the zones can extend substantially the entire length of the pledget. The pledget is constructed of absorbent fibers which are enclosed by a cover. A withdrawal string is attached to the pledget and facilitates removal of the tampon from a woman's vagina. The absorbent is compressed into an elongated, generally cylindrically shaped pledget having a zone of high density fibers and a zone of low density fibers. After compression, the low density fibers will expand and form a curved tampon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high wicking liquid absorbent composite suitable for a wide number of uses including personal care products and the process for making the same. The composite is made from a relatively uniform mixture of from about 5 to about 20 percent fine wettable fiber, from about 3 to about 30 percent pulp fibers, from about 50 to about 90 percent superabsorbent and from 0 to about 10 percent binder, the percentages being on a dry weight basis. The mixture is compressed into a composite having a density of from about 0.1 to about 0.5 grams per cubic centimeter and a vertical wicking height of at least about 10 centimeters in one hour. The process involves forming a sheet comprising 50 to 90 percent fine wettable fiber and 10 to 50 percent pulp fiber on a dry weight basis. The sheet is then fiberized into a plurality of individual fibers within an air stream.

Abstract: Spunlaced fabric having improved water absorbency containing a blend of certain hydrophilic cellulosic and acrylic fibers and layered absorbent materials made therefrom.

Abstract: A composite textile fabric for moving moisture away from the skin is provided. The composite fabric includes a first fabric layer comprising either a polyester, acrylic or nylon material which has been rendered hydrophilic, a second fabric layer comprising at least 5% by weight of a super absorbent material and a barrier layer having a high moisture vapor transmission rate applied to said second fabric layer. The first fabric layer and the second fabric layer are formed integrally and concurrently by knitting a plaited construction.

Abstract: A nonwoven web of poly(vinyl alcohol) fibers which is prepared by a method comprising the steps of (1) preparing an aqueous polymer solution of a defined poly(vinyl alcohol); (2) extruding the resulting polymer solution under defined conditions through a die having a plurality of orifices to form a plurality of threadlines; (3) attenuating the resulting threadlines with a defined primary gaseous source to form fibers under conditions of controlled macro scale turbulence and under conditions sufficient to permit the viscosity of each threadline, as it leaves a die orifice and for a distance of no more than about 8 cm, to incrementally increase with increasing distance from the die, while substantially maintaining uniformity of viscosity in the radial direction, at a rate which is sufficient to provide fibers having the desired attenuation and mean fiber diameter without significant fiber breakage; (4) drying the attenuated threadlines with a defined secondary gaseous source; and (5) depositing the resulting fi

Abstract: Curled, twisted cellulosic fibers are reduced in size by mechanical means, i.e., by refining. The refined fibers are formed into sheets which are used as an absorbent layer in diapers, bandages and, especially, in sanitary napkins. In one mode, the refined fibers can be used to provide shaped sanitary devices. In an optional mode, fibers having intra-fiber capillary channels can be used to direct fluids into absorbent sheets comprising the refined, curled cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent articles, such as diapers, for the management of incontinence. Such articles utilize in their absorbent cores an fluid acquisition/distribution component and a fluid storage/redistribution component maintained in fluid communication with the acquisition/distribution component. The fluid acquisition/distribution component can be any porous hydrophilic, e.g., fibrous or foam-based, material which will provide an initial Fluid Acquisition Rate of at least 2 mL of synthetic urine per second and will also preferably provide a 30-minute Vertical Wicking Height of at least 2 cm. The fluid storage/redistribution component comprises a hydrophilic, flexible, open-celled polymeric foam having a free absorbent capacity of at least about 12 mL of synthetic urine per gram of dry foam and an absorbent capacity under a 5.1 kPa confining pressure which is at least 5% of this free capacity.

Abstract: A nonwoven web for absorbing and transporting a liquid, which web is capable of both interfiber and intrafiber liquid transportation. The web includes shaped fibers, which fibers define a notch, which notch defines an angle alpha such that .alpha.<180.degree.-2.theta. wherein .theta. is the contact angle between said liquid and the shaped fiber. The nonwoven web further includes high-absorbency material in fluid communication with said nonwoven web in an area wherein intrafiber liquid transport occurs.

Abstract: Novel apparatus and methods for a reusable, multi-layered diaper are disclosed. The diaper offers maximum health protection and ecological sensibility, with an ideal balance of comfort, cost and absorbency utilizing a unique multi-layered construction. The multi-layered construction comprises a first layer contacting a body, the first layer being a polyester wicking fabric. The multi-layered construction also comprises a middle layer associated with the first layer. The middle layer being significantly absorbent and characterized by the presence of viscose fibers to increase the absorbency of at least one middle layer. The multi-layered construction further comprises an outer layer associated with at least one middle layer. The outer layer being impermeable to liquids such that the diaper is waterproof. The present invention also comprises methods for making the reusable, multilayered diaper.

Abstract: A knit terry fabric having hydrophobic/hydrophilic characteristics provides hygienic panels for washable, reusable, incontinent pads and diapers. In one embodiment, a non-woven fabric, stiffener sheet is employed in an incontinent pad to resist its being folded in use. The diaper embodiment employs a Y-shaped configuration and is provided with preventing Velcro fasteners from being fouled during washing.

Abstract: A thin sanitary napkin is disclosed along with its method of manufacture. The napkin has a liquid-impermeable baffle and an absorbent retained on the baffle. The absorbent has a longitudinally-extending central absorbent zone with a width of less than about 2 inches. The central zone is capable of absorbing at least 20 grams of body fluid which is discharged from the vaginal cavity and deposited onto the napkin. The central zone also has a greater stiffness than adjacent portions of the napkin so as to resist twisting and bunching during use. The sanitary napkin further has a caliper of less than about 5 millimeters.

Abstract: A highly absorbent and flexible calendered and perfembossed cellulosic pulp fluff sheet for use in disposable absorbent products such as sanitary napkins, wound dressings, bandages, incontinence pads, disposable diapers and the like. The invention also extends to a method for manufacturing the highly absorbent and flexible pulp fluff sheet and its method of use in disposable absorbent products.

Abstract: A fibrous composition for absorbent pads which, in addition to cellulose fibers, also contains first and second synthetic polymeric materials. At least the second polymeric material is constituted by synthetic fibers which have a higher melting point than that of the first polymeric material. The fibrous mixture is formed into the desired shape, for example, an absorbent body for disposable sanitary products, by pneumatic means. The absorbent body thus formed is then heat-treated to a temperature higher than the melting point of the first polymeric material but lower than that of the second polymeric material for a period of time so as to melt the first polymeric material and form bonding points or bridges between at least the synthetic fibers which have not melted and which constitute the second polymeric material. The absorbent body is cooled to a temperature such that the first polymeric material sets, bonding at least the synthetic fibers together so as to form a framework containing the cellulose fibers.

Abstract: A diaper or incontinence shield having a liquid absorbent layer formed entirely of cellulose based material which is recyclable with paper products and, in another embodiment, a plastic liquid impermeable layer releasably held to the liquid absorbent layer for easy stripping off the soiled absorbent layer after use for recycling with other plastics. A woven rayon casing encloses the absorbent cellulose material and an odor and liquid proof container of recyclable cellulose base material is used to enclose the soiled absorbent layer for recycling therewith.

Abstract: A tampon is provided which includes an absorbent material (12) wound in a spiral configuration, the outermost winding (18) of the spiral having a liquid permeable overwrap material (10) disposed thereon, a portion of said overwrap being folded over the edge (18) of the spiral which corresponds to the withdrawal end of the tampon and adhered (seal 16) to the inside surface (13) of the outermost winding.

Abstract: An absorbent structure designed for use in absorbent pads such as diapers is disclosed. According to a first aspect of the invention, absorbent pads are provided which comprise at least two layers of cellulosic fibers (fluff) of different densities or average pore size ranges. When the absorbent structure is incorporated in a diaper, the lower density element extends to the full length and width dimensions of the normal absorbent component of the diaper. The higher density element lies beneath at least a portion of the lower density element. According to various embodiments of the present invention, it can run as a strip from the target zone to the back waist of a diaper, it can run along a central portion extending the whole length of the diaper, or it can underlie the entirety of the lower density element.

Abstract: There is described a tampon made of continuous filaments based on a man-made fiber tow with a water-holding capacity of at least 1000% by weight, the tampon consisting essentially of continuous filaments in a perpendicular arrangement relative to the longitudinal axis of the tampon with essentially only one free filament end at the surface per filament while the other free filament end is on the inside.

Abstract: A substantially hydrophobic and biodegradable laminar cellulose-base material consisting of a cellulose-base woven fabric treated with a reaction agent emulsified with a cationic starch and water together with a retention agent is disclosed. Novel assemblies of disposable goods useful for collecting corporal fluids excreted by human body are also disclosed.

Abstract: An environmentally sound absorbent insert for use with cloth diapers and the like. The insert comprises a sandwich of first and second webs constructed of non-toxic, biodegradable, pliable, liquid-absorbent material, such as tissue paper, with a layer of non-toxic, biodegradable, liquid-absorbent material sandwiched between them. The sandwich is bonded in an environmentally sound manner, such as by a mechanical bond (such as crimping) or by a non-toxic, biodegradable adhesive. The insert is used by placing it in the diaper so that the absorbent insert is sandwiched between layers of cloth. The cloth acts as a wick to draw fluids from the body of the wearer to the absorbent insert, to be retained until changing. One feature is a process for making the insert via a continuous feed process.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent articles, such as diapers, for the management of incontinence. Such articles utilize in their absorbent cores a fluid acquisition/distribution component and a fluid storage/redistribution component maintained in fluid communication with the acquisition/distribution component. The fluid acquisition/distribution component can be any porous hydrophilic, e.g., fibrous or foam-based, material which will provide an initial Fluid Acquisition Rate of at least 2 mL of synthetic urine per second and will also preferably provide a 30-minute Vertical Wicking Height of at least 2 cm. The fluid storage/redistribution component comprises a hydrophilic, flexible, open-celled polymeric foam having a free absorbent capacity of at least about 12 mL of synthetic urine per gram of dry foam and an absorbent capacity under a 5.1 kPa confining pressure which is at least 5% of this free capacity.

Abstract: An envelope having flexible water-permeable or porous walls contains a quantity of particulate water-insoluble hydrogel. The quantity of hydrogel in the envelope is such that, when the hydrogel is fully swollen at 20.degree. C., its volume is at least 66%, preferably at least 100%, of the maximum non-stretched internal volume of the envelope. Thus, the envelope according to the invention is limp and floppy under dry conditions but in a wet environment the hydrogel absorbs water and swells accordingly causing the envelope to swell and take on a more rigid configuration. The envelope is particularly useful for the administration of sustained release pharmaceutically or veterinarily active ingredients. Thus the limp dry envelope may for example be rolled up for introduction through the throat but will swell up and therefore be retained in the stomach for sustained release of the active ingredient therein.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for bonding blends of cellulosic fluff pulp and fusible synthetic pulp or fiber having a melting point less than 250.degree. C., by high-speed dielectric heating. The process works in the absence of any dielectric sensitizing material, but requires the resulting blend have a density between 0.005 and 0.50 g/cc so that the blend can be bonded in less than 15 seconds. The process is useful for producing disposable baby diapers, adult incontinence products and feminine pads.

Abstract: An absorbent web formed from inflated cellulose fibers said webs possessing improved vertical wicking properties compared to a similar web of cellulose fibers. The webs have been found to be particularly well suited for use in forming absorbent products such as diapers and the like. In one aspect of the present invention, the inflated cellulose fibers are generally free of a surface finish. In a second aspect the inflated cellulose fibers are crosslinked.

Abstract: A fibrous web having an enhanced capacity for water absorption is produced by impregnating an absorbent fabric with a polymer or copolymer capable of forming by cross-linking an absorbent polymer or copolymer and subsequently heating the treated fabric effecting cross-linking of the polymer to form an absorbent polymer. The product may comprise a non-woven fibrous web or mat having a water-insoluble binder on one surface and a cross-linked hydrophilic polymer or copolymer on its opposite surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent structures and absorbent gelling agent compositions suitable for use in disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinence products and catamenial products. The absorbent structures comprise hydrophilic fiber material and nonfragile particles of polymeric gelling agent. The gelling agent particles incorporated into such structures are selected to have a mass median particle size ranging from about 400 to 700 microns, with the amounts of very large and very small particles kept below certain minimum concentrations. Absorbent structures utilizing gelling agent particles of such particle size characteristics possess unexpectedly high absorbent capacities and the gelling agent therein can be utilized very efficiently and effectively.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent product, such as a urinary pad, comprises a liquid-impermeable, substantially flexible shell, an absorbent core and a liquid permeable facing adhered to the shell so as to enclose the absorbent core therein. The absorbent core comprises at least one layer of tenderized peat moss, each such layer being cut adjacent to each lengthwise edge in one or more slits so as to aid lateral compression folding of the sheet, and, adjacent to the layer of peat moss, a receiving layer of an absorbent cellulosic material. The absorbent core has an M-fold configuration and comprises a longitudinally extending channel for receiving discharged liquid.

Abstract: An absorbent structure designed for use in absorbent pads such as diapers is disclosed. According to a first aspect of the invention, absorbent pads are provided which comprise at least two layers of cellulosic fibers (fluff) of different densities or average pore size ranges. When the absorbent structure is incorporated in a diaper, the lower density element extends to the full length and width dimensions of the normal absorbent component of the diaper. The higher density element lies beneath at least a portion of the lower density element. According to various embodiments of the present invention, it can run as a strip from the target zone to the back waist of a diaper, it can run along a central portion extending the whole length of the diaper, or it can underlie the entirety of the lower density element.

Abstract: A tampon having a single layer wrap of fibers attached together by a powder binder. The wrap is embossed around a tampon pledget. The wrap in one embodiment includes a blend of hydrophobic synthetic fibers and hydrophilic cellulosic fibers laminated together with bonding powder. Another embodiment has only hydrophilic cellulosic fibers laminated together with bonding powder.

Abstract: A hygienic disposable article used as a diaper and possessing an absorbent body enhanced with expandable material. The expandable material is to be applied along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the diaper, in decreasing quantity outwards from the crotch area in such a way that the concentration of the expandable material in the crotch area is 8% to 40% of the weight of said absorbent body, while in the area of the waist, it is 1% to 7% thereof. In this way an optimal distribution of the absorbent components of the diaper is achieved in accordance with the distribution pattern of the fluid excreted from the wearer.

Abstract: A fibrous absorption body intended for use in disposable products such as diapers, sanitary napkins or wound dressings. The distinguishing feature of the inventive absorption body is that at least one type of absorbing fibers is included therein as well as a binder activated by heat, preferably in the form of bonding fibers; that the absorption fibers are bonded to a coherent body with the aid of the binder; and that the body, due to compression of its bulk volume, will obtain a continuous density gradient across its thickness which is retained both in a wet and a dry state.

Abstract: A disposable cover or liner for use with all standard cuffs of blood pressure measuring devices (sphygmomanometers). The use of the cover prevents cross contamination between users and hematomas from continuous use of monitoring equipment, protects damaged skin from bacteria on the cuff and prolongs the useful life of the cuff.The disposable cover/liner is comprised of at least three layers, a first layer of a non-woven web which allows moisture to pass through to a second or middle layer of absorbent material to collect and hold moisture; and the third or outer layer of thin vapor-poof plastic. The cover/liner also has a low-tack adhesive applied to the outer layer in order that the cover/liner can be secured to the inside of the cuff with a peel-off protector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a surgical sponge which contains contrast agent embedded in a polymer matrix in proportions of up to 70 wt. %. The matrix consists of a polymer material free of plasticizers. In the process for the production of the sponge a matrix for the contrast agent is used, which is an uncrosslinked, viscous liquid, prepolymer state until after it has been extruded onto the basic fleece material, and not until a process step that then follows is the polymerization completed.

Abstract: A web or structure is formed by feeding separate supplies of fibrous material into contact with two separate lickerins that are parallel to each other and rotated toward each other. The fibers from the two lickerins pass through a mixing zone and are accumulated on a moving conveying screen that is moved parallel to the axes of the lickerins. Segmented baffle plates may be inserted into the mixing zone to control the lateral or cross-sectional composition of a web formed by the fibers accumulated on the screen. A segmented feed may be used to advantageously deliver different fiber materials at different rates to each lickerin. Radially layered composite web structures having circular cross-sections may be formed with the same apparatus by forming the conveying screen into a U-shape and selectively controlling the air flow through the screen.

Abstract: Discolsed are wet wiper products that incorporate antimicrobially-active nonwoven fabrics, preferably comprising: bonded fibers; a binder distributed on said fibers; and an antimicrobial agent distributed on from 10% through 50% of said fibers, said antimicrobial agent being substantive to said fibers such that said antimicrobial agent is prevented from substantially diffusing from said fabric.

Abstract: A nonwoven web is formed by feeding separate supplies of fibrous material into contact with two separate lickerins that are parallel to each other and rotated toward each other. The fibers from the two lickerins pass through a mixing zone and are accumulated on a moving conveying screen that is moved parallel to the axes of the lickerins. A baffle plate may be inserted into the mixing zone and acts to control the lateral or cross-sectional composition of a web formed by the fibers accumulated on the screen. When different fibrous materials are fed to the lickerin along their length, the vertical composition of the web is altered.

Abstract: Superabsorbent synthetic fibers are prepared by a method wherein segments of synthetic fibers are coated with a solution of (a) a hydrophilic, uncomplexed polymer and (b) a complexing agent, and the coated fibers are fluff or flash dried causing the polymer to complex and to form a superabsorbent coating on the synthetic fibers in situ.

Abstract: An absorbent material derived from a vegetable material containing pectin.

Abstract: A method and media for producing bacterial cellulose under agitated culture conditions resulting in sustained production over an average of 70 hours of at least 0.1 g/liter per hour are achieved. A unique reticulated cellulose product is produced using the methods and conditions claimed, and may be in the form of a sheet characterized by substantial resistance to densification and great tensile strength when produced by sheet forming means.Strains of Acetobacter that are stable under agitated culture conditions and that exhibit substantially reduced gluconic and keto-gluconic acids production are described.

Abstract: Fungicidally active cellulosic textile compositions, or articles of manufacture, which can be placed in contact with infected human skin, or worn for the treatment and cure of skin diseases. A fungicidally active phenolic compound, drug, or medicinal, is bonded to cellulose or cellulose-containing materials, or finished articles of clothing, notably e.g., socks, rendering these materials useful for the treatment and cure of skin diseases caused by fungi infections over the infected skin areas with which they are in contact. These materials, as bandages or finished articles of clothing, can be washed, dried, and reused over-and-over without addition of a fresh drug, for effective continuing treatment of a skin disease.

Abstract: An improved adhesion-preventative barrier fabric comprising an oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) fabric (or matrix having equivalent properties) which is drapable, conformable, adherent to body organs. and substantially absorbable within thirty (30) days in the body, which fabric has heparin absorbed thereon, said heparin being present in a non-toxic, adhesion-preventative, effective amount and potency; and, the process of using said improved barrier fabric or matrix to administer heparin to prevent surgical adhesions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastic absorbent which comprises a substantially homogeneous mixture of pulverized cellulose pulp and staple fibers of a split yarn obtained by splitting a tape-form oriented laminate comprising at least one layer of a synthetic resin having a high melting point and at least one layer of a synthetic resin having a low melting point, in which the layer of the synthetic resin having a low melting point is at least partially exposed to the surface. Another elastic absorbent comprises an intermediate layer of a powdery polymeric water-absorbing agent, which is interposed between upper and lower layers, each of the upper and lower layers comprising a substantially homogeneous mixture of pulverized cellulose pulp and staple fibers of the same split yarn as mentioned above.

Abstract: Highly absorbent, pectin-containing materials from vegetable origin are disclosed. A process for preparing such materials from pectin-containing agricultural by-products is also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a surface sheet, an absorbent and a back sheet, a part or all, being not to contact the skin, of said back sheet having the below listed three requirements:(a) a coefficient of a kinetic friction against an acrylic resin plate is 1.5 or higher,(b) it is elastic so that it breaks at a length of 300 or larger percent based on the original length, and(c) a force to stretch it by 50 percent based on the original length is 100 kg/cm2 or larger.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonwoven, textile sponge for use in medical and hygienic applications consisting of at least one outer, thermally consolidated, moisture-repellent fiber layer containing at least 80% synthetic heterofil filaments and at least one layer of absorbent fibers. The sponge is perforated, but does not have any substantial fiber entanglement, and contains no binding agent of any kind. Also disclosed is a method for the manufacture of the sponge, in which the fiber nonwovens are laid one on the other, hydraulically perforated without fiber entanglement, and then thermally consolidated through heterofil filaments.