Abstract: Novel apparatus and method are disclosed for cutting a sheet material by a rotary die cutter. A die shaft has an outer circumference and at least two die shaft bores having coaxial counterbores. The counterbores relieve stresses imposed by a die cutting insert. A knife formed about an outside periphery of the die cutting insert has a cutting edge and first and second side walls aligned at an angle of at least 15 degrees. The die cutting insert is removably attached at the inside periphery to the die shaft outer circumference. At least two threaded bolts sized to die cutting insert apertures secure the die cutting insert to the die shaft bores. Stresses are relieved in the internal metal of the die shaft as each insert is mounted, interchangeably and repeatedly, for cutting layered absorbent articles in large numbers and with multiple replacement of cutting die inserts without machining all of the die surfaces to keep the nip constant.

Abstract: A method for making a throughdried tissue sheet is disclosed. The method includes the steps of depositing an aqueous suspension of papermaking fibers onto an endless forming fabric to form a wet web. The wet web is then transferred to a throughdrying fabric such that the wet web has a fabric side in contact with the throughdrying fabric and an opposite air side facing away from the throughdrying fabric. The wet web is routed over a throughdryer to dry the web. The web is then transferred to a Yankee dryer for further drying and is creped from the Yankee dryer to obtain a creped web having a basis weight of about 15.2 pounds per 2880 square feet. The creped web in then calendered in a calendering unit that includes a smooth calender roll and a resilient calender roll. The resilient calender roll has an exterior covering formed of ethylene propylene diene polymer and the creped web is oriented such that the fabric side is disposed toward the resilient calender roll.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper, incontinent pad, sanitary napkin and the like that has as a component of the absorbent core a fluff cellulosic material. The absorbent core is especially effective and efficient for absorbing body fluids contacting the surface of the absorbent article. The absorbent core comprises a first absorbent layer having a fluff cellulosic material and a second absorbent layer of a resilient cellulosic material. The first absorbent layer can have an acquisition orifice so the second absorbent layer can quickly acquire any discharged body fluids. The absorbent article exhibits excellent wet crush recovery substantially without the use of polymeric or polyolefinic materials in either of the absorbent layers. The absorbent core when laterally crushed to approximately 40% of its initial dimension will recover to at least about 70% of its initial, precrushed dimension.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition that comprises a unreacted mixture of an aliphatic polyester polymer selected from the group consisting of a polybutylene succinate polymer, a polybutylene succinate-co-adipate polymer, a polycaprolactone polymer, a mixture of such polymers, or a copolymer of such polymers; a multicarboxylic acid; and a wetting agent. The thermoplastic composition is capable of being extruded into fibers that may be formed into nonwoven structures that may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided having an adhesive on the bodyfacing surface for securement of the article to the wearer. The adhesive has a rheological property tan &dgr; at 20° C. ranging from about 0.01 to about 0.6 at a frequency of about 0.1 radian per second and a tan &dgr; ranging from about 0.1 to about 1.7 at a frequency of about 1000 radians per second. Preferably the adhesive is a hot melt adhesive.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for transporting and reorienting items between two locations. The apparatus includes first and second upstanding members each having a first end and a second end. The first and second upstanding members are joined together at the first ends by a third member to form a frame. A track is formed in the first, second and third members which defines a path which spans at least 180 degrees and a set of four sprockets interact with the track. A movable member is positioned within the track and is looped around the set of four sprockets. An integral carrier is secured to the movable member. The integral carrier includes first and second members each having a first end, and a third member affixed to the first ends of the first and second members to form a nonadjustable, approximately C-shaped configuration wherein the first and second members are permanently spaced apart from one another and aligned in a parallel relationship.

Abstract: A method for forming a substantially uniform distribution of particulate material within a fibrous web includes a conveying step for providing a gas entrained supply of the particulate material. A transferring step directs the particulate material into a delivery gas stream through a delivery conduit and delivery nozzle into a web forming chamber. A fiberizing step provides a flow of a selected fibrous material into the web forming chamber. A foraminous forming layer is disposed within the forming chamber for receiving the fibrous material and the particulate material to produce a fibrous web.

Abstract: An upright facial tissue carton is disclosed with improved tissue dispensing. The carton has a top wall, four sidewalls and a bottom wall. The top wall has an aperture formed therein through which the tissue can be withdrawn. An inverted U-shaped clip of interfolded tissue is positioned within the carton. The clip of tissue is maintained in close proximity to the aperture by a support means to facilitate singular dispensing of the tissues from the carton. The support means is formed from a flexible material that is folded into an inverted U-shape along with the clip of tissue.