Abstract: We have determined that strength characteristics of elastic strand improve when the strand is heated. Thus, the present invention is directed to improving strength characteristics of an elastic strand by heating the strand. The strand may be heated by thermal conduction and/or convection, by irradiative methods using, for example, infrared or microwave radiation, or some combination of these. If the elastic strand is made at a location different from the location where the strand is used as a raw material, the strand may be heated at either location, or both locations. Furthermore, the strand may be heated in-line, i.e. as part of the process that makes the strand or the process that uses the strand as a raw material, or off-line, i.e. in a step separate from either of the aforementioned processes. Finally, in addition to heat treating the strand, the strand's exposure to water or water vapor may be regulated to reduce or eliminate strength degradation.

Abstract: A latent material having various controlled shrinkage tensions and patterns and a method of making the same. The materials include polymer materials that are capable of absorbing microwave energy. Different degrees of shrinkage of the material may be controlled to create different tensions in the material. Additionally, various stereo and three-dimensional patterns may be generated on the material. These materials may be used in the formation of personal care articles. The materials are made by incorporating a polymer material onto the film, wherein the polymer material is capable of turning microwave energy into heat. Upon exposure to microwave radiation, the heat will cause the latent material to shrink. The use of different types and amounts of polymer materials will result in a latent material having different tensions and patterns.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous process for the manufacture of a garment. A web of fabric including opposing web side edges wherein the opposing web side edges are proximate a pair of opposing garment bottom edges of the garment is provided. The web of fabric is intermittently cut, thereby forming edges defining neck openings in the web of fabric. The opposing web side edges of the web of fabric are intermittently cut, thereby defining pairs of opposing indentations in the opposing web side edges of the web of fabric. The web of fabric is cut, thereby defining discrete garment-sized pieces. Each of the discrete garment-sized pieces of the web of fabric includes at least one neck opening, a front panel having a pair of opposing garment side edges, a back panel having a pair of opposing garment side edges, a portion of two pairs of the opposing indentations in the web side edges of the web of fabric, two garment end portions, and the pair of opposing garment bottom edges.

Abstract: A method of preparing a nonwoven web that has substantially continuous synthetic fine fiber includes preparing an aqueous amide crosslinked polymer solution. The solution is extruded through a die having a plurality of orifices to form a plurality of threadlines. The threadlines are then attenuated with a primary gaseous source under conditions sufficient to permit the viscosity of each threadline to increase incrementally with increasing distance from the die, at a rate sufficient to provide fibers having a desired attenuation and mean fiber diameter without significant fiber breakage.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of making a tissue product. An aqueous suspension of papermaking fibers is deposited onto a forming fabric thereby forming a wet tissue web. The wet tissue web is transferred to a sculpted fabric having a tissue machine contacting side and a tissue contacting side. The tissue contacting side includes an upper porous member comprising a base with nonwoven elevated regions thereon. The nonwoven elevated regions comprise a first group of nonwoven raised elements and a second group of nonwoven raised elements, both raised relative to the base. The first group of nonwoven raised elements extends in at least a first direction and the second group of nonwoven raised elements extends in at least a second direction.

Abstract: The present invention is a woven sculpted fabric for the manufacture of a tissue web having a tissue contacting surface. The tissue contacting surface of the woven sculpted fabric includes at least a first group of strands and a second group of strands wherein the first group of strands extend in the cross-machine direction of the woven sculpted fabric and the second group of strands extend in the machine direction of the woven sculpted fabric.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric protective cover article disclosed comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, at least one edge, and at least one weight joined thereto. The nonwoven fabric of the protective cover article is hydrophobic and has a basis weight from between about 0.15 osy to about 8.0 osy, an air permeability from about 60 ft3/min/ft2 to about 110 ft3/min/ft2, and stain resistance from about 4 to about 5 for blueberry, instant coffee, gravy, and wine.

Abstract: Synthetic co-polymers having moieties capable of forming hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, or covalent bonds with cellulose fibers and paper modifying moieties capable of modifying a paper sheet are disclosed. These synthetic co-polymers are derived from the reaction of an aldehyde functional polymer and an aldehyde reactive paper modifying agent containing a non-hydroxyl aldehyde reactive functional group.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of making a tissue product. An aqueous suspension of papermaking fibers is deposited onto a forming fabric thereby forming a wet tissue web. The wet tissue web is transferred to a woven sculpted fabric having a tissue contacting surface. The tissue contacting surface includes at least a first group of strands and a second group of strands wherein the first group of strands extend in a first direction and the second group of strands extend in a second direction.

Abstract: The energy efficiency of a primary drying papermaking process is improved by the use of auxiliary dryers to dry the wet tissue webs to a final moisture of about 5% or less and adjust the CD moisture profiles of the wet and partially-dried tissue webs.

Abstract: A method for processing high bulk tissue webs is disclosed for forming a wet web, drying the web, winding the dried web to form a plurality of parent rolls, unwinding the parent rolls by transmitting torque through the roll center and/or ends, moving the partially unwound roll to effect splicing with a subsequent parent roll, and rewinding the thus united web. In particular embodiments, the torque transmitting means comprise side clamping mechanisms that engage only the end surfaces of the parent rolls. In other embodiments, an automated off-line method for splicing tissue webs from different parent rolls utilizes a finishing unit that substantially continuously impacts each web during unwinding to splice the webs together.

Abstract: The present invention is a foam applicator system for applying foam to a tissue web. The foam applicator system comprises a foam applicator capable of applying a liquid-based composition to a tissue web. The foam applicator includes an extrusion head comprising a first nozzle bar and a second nozzle bar and having an inner surface and an outer surface. A first end of a flexible scraper is operatively associated with the first nozzle bar of the extrusion head. A second end of the flexible scraper outward from the first end of the flexible scraper. The foam applicator system may also comprise a vacuum slot positioned opposing the extrusion head with the tissue web therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention is a woven sculpted fabric for the manufacture of a tissue web having a tissue contacting surface. The tissue contacting surface of the woven sculpted fabric includes at least a first group of strands and a second group of strands wherein the first group of strands extend in a first direction and the second group of strands extend in a second direction.

Abstract: A web treatment device is disclosed capable of heating and creping a fibrous web with control systems for uniform operation. The web is pressed between two belts in a compression zone, where is it also subject to a temperature gradient that can assist in water removal. Durable coatings on the press belts can assist in maintaining good performance. The system can be used to apply texture to a fibrous web or drive chemical reactions or other physical changes in the web.

Abstract: A nonwoven web and method of preparing a novel nonwoven web of synthetic fiber are disclosed. An aqueous solution amide crosslinked synthetic precursor polymer is extruded under defined conditions through a plurality of die orifices to form a plurality of threadlines. The threadlines are attenuated with a defined primary gaseous source to form fiber 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 increase incrementally with increasing distance from the die, while substantially maintaining uniformity of viscosity in the radial direction, at a rate sufficient to provide fiber having the desired attenuation and mean fiber diameter without significant fiber breakage. The attenuated threadlines are dried with a defined secondary gaseous source. The resulting fibers are deposited randomly on a moving foraminous surface to form a substantially uniform web.

Abstract: Absorbent structures that form superabsorbent polymers in situ. The structures include an absorbent material and a fibrous material containing an activating agent. The fibrous material releases the activating agent upon stimulation with an activator, which causes the polymer to become a superabsorbent polymer. The absorbent component is desirably a water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer. The absorbent structures form a superabsorbent composition in situ. Methods of making the activating agent containing fibrous material are provided.

Abstract: A method for reducing adhesive build-up on ultrasonic bonding surfaces of ultrasonic bonding systems is disclosed. The method includes providing an ultrasonic bonding surface. A pad is provided proximate to, and in fluid contact with, the ultrasonic bonding system. A fluid is conducted to the pad such that the fluid is applied is intermittently or continuously applied to at least a portion of the ultrasonic bonding surface.

Abstract: A nonwoven web and method of preparing a novel nonwoven web of synthetic fiber are disclosed. An aqueous solution amide crosslinked synthetic precursor polymer is extruded under defined conditions through a plurality of die orifices to form a plurality of threadlines. The threadlines are attenuated with a defined primary gaseous source to form fiber 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 increase incrementally with increasing distance from the die, while substantially maintaining uniformity of viscosity in the radial direction, at a rate sufficient to provide fiber having the desired attenuation and mean fiber diameter without significant fiber breakage. The attenuated threadlines are dried with a defined secondary gaseous source. The resulting fibers are deposited randomly on a moving foraminous surface to form a substantially uniform web.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a garment having opposite waist regions separated by a crotch region. At least one of the waist regions includes an expansion panel adapted to elongate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the garment. The absorbent article also includes a pair of elastomeric strap members that are adapted to attach to the waist regions.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for uniformly applying a foam to a wet tissue web is provided. Specifically, a foam is first formed from a liquid-based composition and a gas, such as air. Once formed, the foam is applied by a foam applicator to the wet tissue web. In one embodiment, for example, the foam applicator applies the foam with a flexible scraper contacting the wet tissue web during the application of the foam. When applied with the foam, the wet tissue web typically has a solids consistency less than about 95% by dry weight of the tissue web. In some embodiments, one or more vacuum slots may be utilized in conjunction with the foam applicator to facilitate uniform application of the foam to the wet tissue web.