Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for attaching a continuously moving elastic ribbon to a continuously moving web such that only selected discrete areas of a finished conformable garment fabricated from the web are elasticized. The web is moved into engagement with a continuously moving first conveyor means having a plurality of spaced apart gaps in its surface and the first conveyor means travels along an inclined guide means toward a second conveyor means traveling opposite to and in the same direction as the first conveyor means. The second conveyor means carries a plurality of spaced apart web tucking means which are moved by the second conveyor means into registry with the gaps in the first conveyor means. As each of the web tuck means move in registry with the gaps, the web tuck means are inserted into the gaps to form tucks in the web due to the movement of the first conveyor means toward the second conveyor means.

Abstract: Production of high bulk nonwoven materials particularly useful as wipers and the like having a varying pattern of bonds and cloth-like feel. In one embodiment the method includes opposed, varying, high density bonding patterns on opposite sides of the materials formed by contact with surfaces having varyingly shaped or sided lands and grooves. Where both surfaces are contacted by such lands and grooves, increased spacing in the unbonded areas permits high loft, essentially unbonded fiber portions between the bond points. Construction of the individual land areas is preferable with tapered sides with vertical so as to permit engraving and high bond density and pattern depth while reducing wear. Resulting products have unique softness and absorbency characteristics for improved wipers because of the bond constructions. In addition, a wide variety of attractive patterns may be obtained.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing garments from continuous webs in which flattened pairs of left and right sleeves arranged in series are made from longitudinally moving superposed webs of sleeve material and transferred to parallel shingled arrangement in which elastic is attached to the cuffs. Sleeves with cuff elastic are transferred to a first moving web of garment body material and attached to the web; the first web and attached sleeves are combined with and attached to a second moving web of garment body material which is severed along transverse shoulder seam lines to form garments.

Abstract: Smokable tobacco compositions having a reduced tendency to produce carbon monoxide and made by including in the composition an alkali-metal salt of a carboxylic acid in the range of from about 6.5 to about 20%. Such additives have been included in smoking compositions in the past, but normally in minor amounts and as burn enhancers. In accordance with the invention increased amounts result in greatly reduced production of undesirable carbon monoxide while not otherwise adversely affecting the tobacco smokable composition. At higher concentrations such additives may retard burn which may be further desirable where fast burning tobacco compositions are employed. Examples of alkali-metal salts include sodium or potassium salts of acids such as carbonic, formic, acetic, propionic, malic, lactic, glycolic, citric, tartaric, fumaric, malonic, and succinic.

Abstract: In a melt blowing die tip having a generally triangular nose portion with a knife-edge forming the extremity of the die tip, a channel extending lengthwise of the die tip, a row of small openings extending from the channel to the knife-edge extremity of the die tips, and a plurality of tie bars of generally elliptical cross section integral with the die tip and bridging the channel to strengthen the die tip to withstand the internal, outwardly directed pressure exerted by molten polymer forced into the channel from the die body and flowing to be extruded through the die openings.

Abstract: An automated sleeve transfer apparatus and method adapted to receive continuous webs of material including pairs of left and right sleeves alternating between cuff-to-cuff and shoulder-to-shoulder relation and having a die cutting mechanism for receiving the pairs of sleeves from the webs is disclosed having a circular wheel having rotatable vacuum plates on its circumference for carrying pairs of sleeves along a circular path to a transfer point, a conveyor for transferring successive severed pairs of cuff-to-cuff sleeves from the die cutting mechanism to the vacuum plates on the circumference of the circular wheel, a mechanism within the circular wheel for rotating the vacuum plates to turn each sleeve end for end to rearrange the sleeves from cuff-to-cuff to shoulder-to-shoulder relation while moving along the circular path before said transfer point, a second conveyor for receiving successive severed pairs of shoulder-to-shoulder sleeves from the die cutting mechanism and for conveying the sleeves in spac

Abstract: A surgical drape for use in procedures requiring exposure of both legs and containment of the perineum comprised of a flexible draping material, a second smaller sheet of foam/film laminate bonded to the first sheet with two elongated fenestrations formed through both layers of sheets. The elongated fenestrations open onto one end of the drape and extend toward the middle of the drape in alignment with the sides and with each other and spaced apart to receive the legs of a patient. The drape is folded to form a compact unit for storage and sterilization and in a manner that unfolding and application of the drape to the patient can be accomplished with a minimum chance of contamination.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin as provided with an absorbent batt folded along the longitudinal edges to provide a soft surface abutting the wearer's legs. The folded portion of the batt is cut away to produce a cavity on the bottom portion; with the cavity having garment attachment adhesive positioned therein.

Abstract: Methods and systems for dispensing a plurality of serially connected separable wipers stacked in a carton is disclosed. Wiper folding techniques and carton dispensing port designs are employed to effect detaching a leading wiper from a trailing wiper in a manner enabling the trailing separable wiper to protrude through the port in a "pop-out" fashion, poised in a state of readiness as the next wiper to be dispensed.

Abstract: A surgical drape sheet has an instrument support table incorporated in the structure of the sheet. The table is provided by a flat sheet of plastic or cardboard located between the base sheet and fenestration area reinforcement fabric and stabilized against lateral movement.

Abstract: Disposable fitted sheets and method for making them. The sheets are formed without necessitating prior cutting by folding edges of the material and attaching the folded-over edges along diagonal lines associated with each corner. Elastic bands cooperate with each pocket to maintain the fit on the corners of the mattress. The bands are fastened in a stretched condition to the folded-over edges while the sheet is in a flat state. The process of the invention is particularly adapted to continuously forming such sheets which may be formed from a variety of inexpensive materials. Sheets of the invention are particularly useful in hospitals and nursing homes where frequent bedding changes may be needed.

Abstract: Sheet material especially useful in forming wrappers for smokable articles such as cigarettes that results in reduced sidestream smoke. The sheet is formed by applying to a cellulosic web an amount of an alkali metal salt greatly in excess of the amounts of such materials previously used as burn enhancers. The cellulosic material may be flax fiber or other natural cellulosic fibers conventionally used for such wrappers. Examples of salts include the sodium or potassium salts of acids such as carbonic, formic, acetic, propionic, malic, lactic, glycolic, citric, tartaric, fumaric, oxalic, malonic, succinic, nitric, and phosphoric. The composition can be applied by any conventional method such as coating, dipping, impregnating, printing, and the like. For example, at least about 6% by weight of potassium citrate is needed to obtain the benefits of the invention, and preferably an amount in the range of from about 12% to about 16% by weight.

Abstract: A specific class of thermoplastic polymers with improved processability resulting from initial partial degradation of high molecular weight polymers using a chemical prodegradant present in excess of the amount reacted during pelletization. This class of polymers includes polymers and copolymers of polypropylene and butylene. After pelletizing, the polymer including unreacted prodegradant can be safely handled and shipped without difficulty. When remelted by extruding or the like, the prodegradant in the pellets reacts, further reducing the molecular weight as well as narrowing the molecular weight distribution of the polymer to a point where high capacity production of quality fibers and extruded products can be obtained.The prodegradant is preferably of the type that predictably and controllably affects the polymer molecular properties without being significantly affected by minor fluctuations in the polymer producer's or processor's manufacturing steps.