Abstract: A paper structure having at least three regions is disclosed. The paper structure has a first region, a patterned second region, and a third transition region connecting the first and second regions. The first and second regions are disposed at different elevations, and can each have a thickness less than a thickness of the transition region. An apparatus and process for making such a paper structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides method for making a wet pressed paper web. An embryonic web of papermaking fibers is formed on a foraminous forming member, and transferred to an imprinting member to deflect a portion of the papermaking fibers in the embryonic web into deflection conduits in the imprinting member. The web and the imprinting member are then pressed between first and second dewatering felts in a compression nip to further deflect the papermaking fibers into the deflection conduits in the imprinting member and to remove water from both sides of the web. The first felt is positioned adjacent a first surface of the web. The imprinting member is positioned between the second surface of the web and the second felt. The second felt has an air permeability which can be greater than that of the first felt.

Abstract: Methods for the solventless transesterification of a polyol comprise reacting polyol with fatty acid alkyl ester in the presence of a basic catalyst to produce polyol fatty acid polyester product and lower alkyl alcohol by-product, wherein a majority of the polyol is fully esterified. The reaction is conducted in a reactor at a temperature in the range of from about 60.degree. to about 180.degree. C. and at atmospheric or superatmospheric pressure. An inert gas is sparged through the reactor with sufficient mass transfer surface area contact between the inert gas and reactor liquid to transfer the lower alkyl alcohol by-product from a liquid mixture of reactant and product to the inert gas and promote full esterification of a majority of the polyol without the use of vacuum pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for forming a sanitary napkin having a multi-segment core. Such a core is formed using a mold having a deposition cavity which is divided into cavity segments by at least one partition. Each partition can comprise a passageway for interconnecting adjacent cavity segments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for applying discrete particles of absorbent material to a predetermined location on a fibrous web. The apparatus comprises a continuously rotating mask, and a means for directing a supply stream of absorbent particles to form an acute included angle with a diverting surface on the rotating mask. The mask diverting surface splits the supply stream of absorbent particles into a first intermittent stream passing through the mask and a second intermittent stream deflected by the diverting surface. The absorbent particles in one of the first and second intermittent streams is directed to the fibrous web.

Abstract: A web winding apparatus and a method of operating the apparatus include a turret assembly, a core loading apparatus, and a core stripping apparatus. The turret assembly supports rotatably driven mandrels for engaging hollow cores upon which a paper web is wound. Each mandrel is driven in a closed mandrel path, which can be non-circular. The core loading apparatus conveys cores onto the mandrels during movement of the mandrels along the core loading segment of the closed mandrel path, and the core stripping apparatus removes each web wound core from its respective mandrel during movement of the mandrel along the core stripping segment of the closed mandrel path. The turret assembly can be rotated continuously, and the sheet count per wound log can be changed as the turret assembly is rotating. The apparatus can also include a mandrel having a deformable core engaging member.

Abstract: A disposable bib having an improved mechanical fastener assembly is disclosed. The mechanical fastener assembly includes an extended target surface and an array of prongs elements extending from a surface of the bib. The mechanical prong elements provide secure fastening of the bib shoulder extensions, yet are soft to the touch.

Abstract: A paper structure having at least three regions is disclosed. The paper structure has a first region, a patterned second region, and a third transition region connecting the first and second regions. The first and second regions are disposed at different elevations, and can each have a thickness less than a thickness of the transition region. An apparatus and process for making such a paper structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein is a multiple layer absorbent core having a front ear section, a crotch section and a back ear section, wherein the machine direction length of the crotch section equals the combined machine direction length of the front ear section and the back ear section, the angle and radii forming the transition from the crotch width to the ear width being equal, the core being suitable for use in an absorbent article, and a method for manufacturing such multiple layer absorbent core.

Abstract: An apparatus for making paper. The apparatus comprises a felt and a pattern layer joined to the felt. The felt has a relatively high UV absorbance. Such a high UV absorbance prevents the actinic radiation applied to cure the pattern layer from scattering when the radiation penetrates the surface of the pattern layer. By limiting the scattering of radiation beneath the surface of the pattern layer, extraneous cured pattern layer material is minimized in the regions of the felt where it is desired not to have pattern layer material.

Abstract: A multi-ply paper product. One or both of the plies may have embossments protruding towards and contacting the other ply. The plies are adhesively joined, preferably at such embossments. The adhesive is selected from a composition that advantageously provides a minimum wet ply bond strength and a dry ply bond strength which falls within a particularly desired range.

Abstract: A web winding apparatus and a method of operating the apparatus include a turret assembly, a core loading apparatus, and a core stripping apparatus. The turret assembly supports rotatably driven mandrels for engaging hollow cores upon which a paper web is wound. Each mandrel is driven in a closed mandrel path, which can be non-circular. The core loading apparatus conveys cores onto the mandrels during movement of the mandrels along the core loading segment of the closed mandrel path, and the core stripping apparatus removes each web wound core from its respective mandrel during movement of the mandrel along the core stripping segment of the closed mandrel path. The turret assembly can be rotated continuously, and the sheet count per wound log can be changed as the turret assembly is rotating. The apparatus can also include a mandrel having a deformable core engaging member.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for applying a curable resin, such as a photosensitive resin, to a substrate such as a papermaker's dewatering felt. The method comprises the steps of providing a substrate; providing a curable liquid resin; providing a second material different from the curable liquid resin; applying the second material to the substrate to occupy at least some of the voids in the substrate intermediate the first and second surfaces of the substrate; applying the curable resin to the substrate; curing at least some of the resin to provide a resin layer on the substrate; and removing at least some of the second material from the substrate, wherein at least some of the second material is removed from the substrate after applying the curable resin to the substrate.

Abstract: A web winding apparatus and a method of operating the apparatus include a turret assembly, a core loading apparatus, and a core stripping apparatus. The turret assembly supports rotatably driven mandrels for engaging hollow cores upon which a paper web is wound. Each mandrel is driven in a closed mandrel path, which can be non-circular. The core loading apparatus conveys cores onto the mandrels during movement of the mandrels along the core loading segment of the closed mandrel path, and the core stripping apparatus removes each web wound core from its respective mandrel during movement of the mandrel along the core stripping segment of the closed mandrel path. The turret assembly can be rotated continuously, and the sheet count per wound log can be changed as the turret assembly is rotating. The apparatus can also include a mandrel having a deformable core engaging member.

Abstract: A web winding apparatus and a method of operating the apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus can include a turret assembly, a core loading apparatus, and a core stripping apparatus. The turret assembly supports rotatably driven mandrels for engaging hollow cores upon which a paper web is wound. Each mandrel is driven in a closed mandrel path, which can be non-circular. The core loading apparatus conveys cores onto the mandrels during movement of the mandrels along the core loading segment of the closed mandrel path, and the core stripping apparatus removes each web wound core from its respective mandrel during movement of the mandrel along the core stripping segment of the closed mandrel path. The turret assembly can be rotated continuously, and the sheet count per wound log can be changed as the turret assembly is rotating. The apparatus can also include a mandrel having a deformable core engaging member.

Abstract: A diaper having an inflatable component and a pump is disclosed. The pump has a pump chamber having an inlet port and an outlet port, and a resilient chamber wall. The resilient chamber wall is deformable to displace air from the pump chamber to the inflatable component. A check valve provides unidirectional flow from the pump to the inflatable component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wet pressed paper web. The web has a first relatively high density region having a first thickness K, a second relatively low density region having a second thickness P, which is a local maxima, and a third region extending intermediate the first and second regions. The third region includes a transition region having a third thickness T, which is a local minima. The present invention also provides a method of making a wet pressed web. An embryonic web of papermaking fibers is formed on a foraminous forming member, and transferred to an imprinting member to deflect a portion of the papermaking fibers in the embryonic web into deflection conduits in the imprinting member. The web and the imprinting member are then pressed between first and second dewatering felts in a compression nip to further deflect the papermaking fibers into the deflection conduits in the imprinting member and to remove water from both sides of the web.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for applying a curable resin, such as a photosensitive resin, to a substrate such as a papermaker's dewatering felt. The method comprises the steps of providing a substrate; providing a curable liquid resin; providing a second material different from the curable liquid resin; applying the second material to the substrate to occupy at least some of the voids in the substrate intermediate the first and second surfaces of the substrate; applying the curable resin to the substrate; curing at least some of the resin to provide a resin layer on the substrate; and removing at least some of the second material from the substrate, wherein at least some of the second material is removed from the substrate after applying the curable resin to the substrate.

Abstract: A diaper including a part for blocking movement of fecal material rearwardly out of the gluteal groove. The diaper comprises a core of absorbent material covered by top and back sheets, and a back area covering the gluteal groove. The diaper further comprises a blocking part in the back area, the blocking part being operable to create pressure in the gluteal groove to prevent the flow of fecal material rearwardly through the groove. The blocking part conforms to the shape of the groove, and it has compression and recovery ratios which enhance the conformity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bib having a filamentary network disposed between a paper topsheet and a plastic film backsheet. The filamentary network can comprise a polymeric net having openings sized to prevent tearing of portions of the topsheet or backsheet from the bib. In one embodiment the filamentary network can comprise a nylon net having openings with a maximum width less than about 0.25 cm.