Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for making absorbent structures having a layer of discrete particulate absorbent material which is divided into two or more bands separated by a substantially particulate-free zone. The method of making such absorbent structures comprises the steps of first generating an initial particle suspension comprising a two-phase fluid of particles of absorbent gelling material suspended in a gas (such as air) flowing in an inlet duct. The initial particle suspension is then divided into multiple final particle suspensions in corresponding multiple branch ducts, each of the final particle suspensions having a given percentage of particles as a function of cross-sectional area of the inlet duct. The particles in the final particle suspensions are substantially uniformly distributed as a function of cross-sectional position in the branch ducts. Finally, the suspended particles are filtered from the final particle suspensions by capturing them on a substrate such as a layer of tissue.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for forming a single-layer, durably wettable polymeric web having a plurality of apertures. This process comprises melting a mixture of at least one thermoplastic polymer and at least one migratable surfactant and extruding the mixture to form a single-layer, substantially continuous polymeric film. The film is then apertured using high pressure fluid flows. Aperture formation is conducted when the single-layer polymeric film has a contact angle of at least about 30.degree., to minimize wash-off of the surfactant impregnated in the polymer web. The invention also relates to durably-wettable apertured webs.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, training pants, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments, and the like designed to provide sustained dynamic fit about the wearer during use as well as to improve the containment of body exudates and wearer comfort/mobility. Such an absorbent article has an absorbent core preferably designed to fit within the low motion zone of the wearer so that dynamic forces imparted by movements of the wearer on the absorbent core are minimized. the absorbent article is also provided with a closure system for anchoring the absorbent article on the wearer to sustain the dynamic fit of the absorbent article throughout wearing. The closure system is designed so that a plane of tension is formed at least about the front waist portion of the article to preclude rollover of the front waist portion.

Abstract: An embossed paper laminate having two laminae is provided. The laminae are joined such that there is at least one zone of the laminate wherein the peel strength of the laminate in that zone is greater than the peel strength of the laminate in other zones of the laminated paper product. The laminate is made by two close tolerance pattern rolls juxtaposed to form a nip. Each pattern roll has radially extending protuberances which contact the periphery of the other pattern roll intermediate its protuberances. The laminae are fed through the nip in face-to-face relationship and are embossed and adhesively joined to the other lamina by the radially extending protuberances. The laminating adhesive is supplied to the various zones of the laminated paper product at a level that is appropriate for providing the requisite peel strength for that zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a HIPE-derived heterogeneous polymeric foam structure of interconnected open-cells, wherein the foam structure has at least two distinct regions. Such heterogeneous foams have various applications, such as energy and fluid absorption, insulation, and filtration.The invention further relates to a heterogeneous absorbent polymeric foam that, upon contact with aqueous fluids (in particular body fluids such as urine and blood), can acquire, distribute, and store these fluids.The foams of the invention have at least two distinct regions having different density, polymer composition, surface properties, and/or microcellular morphology.The invention further relates to a process for obtaining the heterogeneous foams by polymerizing a high internal phase water-in-oil emulsion, or HIPE. In one aspect, the process utilizes at least two distinct HIPEs, with each emulsion having a relatively small amount of an oil phase and a relatively greater amount of a water phase.

Abstract: A non-continuous absorbent core having a plurality of interconnected strands separated by voids. The strands comprises a porous absorbent macrostructure. The porous macrostructure has interconnected absorbent gelling particles that are surface crosslinked with cationic, preferably polymeric, amino-epichlorohydrin adducts. Upon contacting liquids such as water or body exudates (e.g., urine), the absorbent core can absorb the liquids without undesirable planer expansion. The core is useful in absorbent articles such as diapers, adult incontinence pads, and sanitary napkins are disclosed.

Abstract: A core for core wound paper products. The core is made by wrapping dual plies in a spiral pattern and adhering the plies together. The edge of one ply overlaps the ply gap of the other ply, preventing a single ply thickness from occurring anywhere on the core. Alternatively, the edge of each ply may overlap the ply gap of that respective ply. In yet another embodiment, the overlap may be formed by a separate ply applied to either ply.

Abstract: Polymers are made from 1,3,7-octatriene or like conjugated polyenes and a crosslinking agent having at least 2 activated double bonds such as ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. These polymers can be used to make absorbent foams that are useful in absorbent articles such as diapers, as well as latexes that are useful as binders and adhesives.

Abstract: Wet-like cleaning wipes and similar articles that are particularly useful in removing perianal soils. These wipes comprise a carrier substrate such as tissue paper web and a emulsion applied to the substrate, wherein the emulsion comprises a continuous external lipid phase and a dispersed internal polar phase (e.g., water). The continuous external lipid phase of this emulsion is sufficiently brittle that it ruptures when subjected to low shear during use to release the dispersed internal polar phase.

Abstract: An absorbent member comprising at least one region which comprises an absorbent material in a concentration of from about 60 to 100% by weight. The absorbent material has a improved physical property after swelling and comprises a mixture of (1) a plurality of absorbent gelling particles comprising a water-insoluble, water-swellable polymer, and (2) an absorbent property modification polymer reactive with at least one component included in a urine. When a urine is applied to the absorbent member, the absorbent gelling particles are spontaneously connective through the absorbent property modification polymer. The absorbent material has at least one of the improved absorbent properties after swelling such as (1) liquid permeability, (2) porosity, (3) wet integrity, and (4) recovery property when subjected to external forces.

Abstract: Porous, absorbent macrostructures that comprise flexible interparticle bonded aggregates and are useful in absorbent articles such as diapers, adult incontinence pads, and sanitary napkins are disclosed. These porous macrostructures are treated with an effective amount of a latex to coat at least a portion of the particles comprising the bonded aggregate so as to impart increased flexibility to the macrostruture. This latex is capable of being sintered at a temperature of about 25.degree. C. or lower, is at least somewhat hydrophilic when sintered, and has a Tg of about 25.degree. C. or lower when sintered.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an absorbent core capable of absorbing discharged aqueous body fluids. The core contains a swellable fluid storage material that forms, upon contact with aqueous body fluids, a fluid acquisition zone. The fluid acquisition zone is located remote from the user, to avoid flowback or rewetting of the topsheet of an article containing the core. The disclosure further relates to an absorbent article useful for absorbing discharged aqueous body fluids that comprises: A) a fluid pervious topsheet; B) a backsheet; and C) an absorbent core, as described above, positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a HIPE-derived heterogeneous polymeric foam structure of interconnected open-cells, wherein the foam structure has at least two distinct regions. Such heterogeneous foams have various applications, such as energy and fluid absorption, insulation, and filtration.The invention further relates to a heterogeneous absorbent polymeric foam that, upon contact with aqueous fluids (in particular body fluids such as urine and blood), can acquire, distribute, and store these fluids.The foams of the invention have at least two distinct regions having different density, polymer composition, surface properties, and/or microcellular morphology.The invention further relates to a process for obtaining the heterogeneous foams by polymerizing a high internal phase water-in-oil emulsion, or HIPE. In one aspect, the process utilizes at least two distinct HIPEs, with each emulsion having a relatively small amount of an oil phase and a relatively greater amount of a water phase.

Abstract: A smooth, high density tissue. The tissue has a relatively low caliper, yet maintains visually discernible machine direction micropeaks at a suitable micropeak frequency.

Abstract: Absorbent foams materials that are capable of acquiring and distributing aqueous fluids, especially discharged body fluids such as urine. These absorbent foams combine relatively high capillary absorption pressures and capacity-per-weight properties that allow them to acquire fluid, with or without the aid of gravity. These absorbent foams also give up this fluid efficiently to higher absorption pressure storage materials, including foam-based absorbent fluid storage components, without collapsing. These absorbent foams are made by polymerizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs).

Abstract: An absorbent material that comprises a water-insoluble, water-swellable absorbent polymer. The absorbent material comprises a reactive polyether chemically bonded to the absorbent polymer whereby the contact angle of blood on a surface of the absorbent material attains from about 0 degree to about 40 degree. Because of the improved wettability with liquids, the absorbent material can provide higher absorbent characteristics with liquids, in particular with blood.

Abstract: Strong and soft multi-ply tissue paper products useful as absorbent sanitary products such as bath tissue, facial tissue, and absorbent towels are disclosed. At least one internal surface of the tissue paper product has a surface deposited strengthening agent.

Abstract: An absorbent material comprising a mixture of (1) a plurality of absorbent gelling particles comprising a water-insoluble, water-swellable polymer, and (2) an absorbent property modification polymer reactive with at least one component included in a urine. The mixture is made by (i) applying a solution containing an organic solvent, water and the absorbent property modification polymer onto the plurality of absorbent gelling particles, wherein the weight ratio of the organic solvent to the water is at least 50:50, and (ii) removing a portion of the organic solvent and water from the applied absorbent gelling particles. When a urine is applied to the absorbent material, the absorbent gelling particles are spontaneously connective through the absorbent property modification polymer. The absorbent material has at least one of the improved absorbent properties after swelling such as (1) liquid permeability, (2) porosity, (3) wet integrity, and (4) recovery property when subjected to external forces.

Abstract: An adapter (1) for dispensers receiving coreless toilet paper rolls (3) having a receptacle (2) into which to place a coreless toilet paper roll (3) and at least one suspension arrangement (8) for fastening the adapter (1) to conventional mountings (9) of wall mounted dispensers (10) use for core-type toilet paper rolls.

Abstract: Foams capable of absorbing blood and blood-based fluids, especially menses. These absorbent foams have high capillary absorption pressures required of absorbents used in catamenial products, yet have sufficient openness to allow free movement of the insoluble components in blood-based fluids such as menses. These absorbent foams are made by polymerizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) where the volume to weight ratio of the water phase to the oil phase is in the range of from about 20:1 to about 125:1. These foams are particularly useful as absorbent members for catamenial pads.