Abstract: Absorbent retentive pulp, produced by mechanically treating a dispersion of cellulose fiber to the disintegrated and outer secondary walls to microfibrillar form. The beaten dispersion is then freeze dried.

Abstract: A peat moss containing board is manufactured by first conditioning the board to a specific water content and then densifying the board by calendering between rollers. A board of enhanced absorbency results.

Abstract: A hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesive is provided which is selected to exhibit critical rheological properties which manifest themselves into the desired performance criteria of tenacious bonding and clean release.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining the presence or absence of a coating on a substrate. The substrate is placed into optical contact with a light guide and the principle of frustrated total internal reflection is utilized. Light scattered from the coating surface is monitored to indicate the presence of a coating and failure to detect scattered light indicates the absence of said coating.

Abstract: Between a pre-shaping device and a pressing device for tampons there is interposed a delivery device. The longer parallel legs of the L-shaped pressing jaws are set at a distance which corresponds to the diameter of the tampon. The shorter legs of the pressing jaws are oriented towards the longer leg of the other pressing jaw. The width of the pressing jaws corresponds at least to the length of the tampon and of the withdrawal cord. The delivery device is arranged for reciprocating movement transversely of the pressing jaws and has a transmitting channel which corresponds to the opened pressing device as well as a receiving channel which corresponds to the closed pressing device. Also interposed along with the delivery device, and in alignment with the transmitting channel, there is a transmitting device, and there is also a transmitting device in alignment with the receiving channel and the ejecting channel.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a highly reactive, ion-leachable glass for cement compositions. The method contemplates blending together a mixture of ion-leachable, inorganic compositions, forming the blended mixtures into shaped charges, heating the shaped charges to form a homogeneous melt, and finally blowing, in a gaseous mixture, to form partially solidified thin glass fibers. The method uniquely produces glass having a degree of crystallinity of less than 1 percent by weight in crystalline form.

Abstract: An improvement in a process for producing an absorbent composite wherein a solution of acrylic or methacrylic acid salts are applied to a substrate and irradiated to form a water swellable polymer in-situ within such substrate. The component comprises saturating the irradiated substrate with an aqueous liquid and then drying to a moisture content of less than 20 percent by weight whereby the dried substrate exhibits rapid absorption properties.

Abstract: A puzzle toy is provided comprising a plurality of pieces which can be easily gripped and manipulated by a young child and which can be assembled and disassembled into various structural combinations. The puzzle comprises pieces of various sizes having an aperture therein for fitting around a post upstanding from the base. The pieces are so designed so as to allow them to be placed randomly on the post and by manipulating and jogging the pieces, the puzzle solver may order the pieces in size order about the post.

Abstract: A blister package, particularly for sanitary tampons (3) for women hygiene, is comprised of a pressed foil (1) forming a deep hollow and of a cover foil, and comprises a deposit (6) for an additive, preferably a lubricant. The deposit (6) is arranged in a main trough (19) intended to receive the sanitary tampon (3). The deposit (6) may be shaped as a cup (5) of the pressed foil (1) and opened in the hollow of the pressed foil (1) or be covered or separated from the main trough (19). The deposit (6) may be relieved through the opening of the blister package and brought in contact with the end (3a) and the pad (3), but the deposit may also be pressed by means of the finger applied pressure in the direction of the end (3a) of the pad (3) to coat it before the opening of the blister package and the use of the pad (3). The additive will therefore be applied immediately before using the sanitary tampon, so that all of the amount of additive available achieve its purpose.

Abstract: Hydrophilic, water retentive synthetic wood pulp fibers are provided which are capable of forming low density fluff. The fibers comprise polyolefins and polyvinyl alcohol wherein the polyvinyl alcohol has, grafted thereto, hydrophilic polymer moieties.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a highly reactive, ion-leachable glass for cement compositions. The method contemplates blending together a mixture of ion-leachable, inorganic compositions, forming the blended mixtures into shaped charges, heating the shaped charges to form a homogeneous melt, and finally blowing, in a gaseous mixture, to form partially solidified thin glass fibers. The method uniquely produces glass having a degree of crystallinity of less than 1 percent by weight in crystalline form.

Abstract: A tampon pack is provided for containing a tampon of the type having a coated insertion end and an uncoated rear end. In accordance with the invention, a constriction is provided in that portion of the pack adapted to contain the rear end of the tampon and by virtue of this constriction, the insertion end of the tampon is held out of substantial contact with the container walls.

Abstract: The absorbent material is treated to increase its wettability in a substantive manner. This is accomplished by reacting a diepoxide compound with an absorbent material selected to have accessible hydroxyl groups and with a surfactant having functional end groups selected from the group consisting of primary amine or hydroxyl groups.

Abstract: A catamenial tampon is provided in the form of absorbent material enveloped by a liquid permeable cover which is then folded and compressed into a cylindrical shape. The enveloped absorbent material is in the form of a flat cushion and is first folded into front, central and rear sections with the front and rear sections overlying the central section. A withdrawal cord is looped around the first folded cushion which is then folded around the withdrawal cord and compressed into the final tampon shape. The resulting tampon expands when wet into a cup-shaped configuration.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and products are described which inhibit formation of undesirable products on body surfaces and environs resulting from microbial action on lipoidal materials in body secretions. Amino acid compounds are employed.

Abstract: An absorbent material is provided for body fluid absorbent products which material has relatively high tensile strength, and is extremely flexible and may be incorporated into absorbent products without substantial loss in user's comfort. The material is made by forming a slurry of water wherein the solids comprise cellulosic fibers and hydrocolloidal material. The wet web is formed from the slurry and the web is then dried. The dry web is then compacted to a density of at least 110% and preferably at least 150% based on the density of the dry web. The resulting product has a tensile strength of at least 10 Kg/cm.sup.2 and the Gurley Stiffness of less than about 40 gm.