Abstract: A fibrous structure having at least a first region defining a first plane and having a first elevation, and a second region outwardly extending from the first plane to define a second elevation, wherein the second region comprises a plurality of fibrous pillows. At least some of the fibrous pillows comprise fibrous domes and fibrous cantilever portions laterally extending therefrom at the second elevation. The cantilever portions are elevated from the first plane to form pocket therebetween. In a cross-section perpendicular to the first plane the fibrous pillow has a cross-sectional base measured at the first elevation and a cross-sectional perimeter, wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional perimeter to the cross-sectional base is greater than 4/1. A laminated fibrous structure is also disclosed, comprising at least one fibrous sheet having a plurality of fibrous cantilever portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a paper tissue, and in particular to facial tissue, and disposable handkerchiefs. Claimed and described is a paper tissue comprising at least two plies, characterized in that the paper tissue has a physiological surface smoothness parameter of less than 700 microns, preferably from 650 microns to 50 microns, more preferably from 650 microns to 300 microns and in combination has a caliper per ply of more than 0.09 mm, preferably from 0.09 mm to 0.5 mm, more preferably from 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm. In one preferred embodiment a three-ply tissue with embossed middle ply is provided. Further is a related process claimed and described.

Abstract: A deflection member comprising a patterned framework having a web-side and a backside opposite to the web-side and forming an X-Y plane. The framework comprises a plurality of bases extending from the X-Y plane in a Z-direction perpendicular to the X-Y plane, and a plurality of suspended portions laterally extending from the plurality of bases to form void spaces between the X-Y plane and the suspended portions. The deflection member can comprise a reinforcing element joined to the plurality of bases and positioned between the web-side and at least a portion of the backside of the framework. A process for making the deflection member comprises curing a coating of a liquid photosensitive resin supported by a forming surface through a mask having a pattern of transparent and opaque regions. The opaque regions comprise regions having first opacity and regions having second opacity less than the first opacity.

Abstract: In a deflection member comprising a framework having a web-side, a backside defining an X-Y plane, and a Z-direction perpendicular to the X-Y plane, the framework comprises a multi-layer structure formed by at least two layers joined together in a face-to-face relationship. Each of the layers has a deflection conduit portion extending in the Z-direction. The deflection conduit portion of at least one layer is fluid-permeable and positioned such that portions of that layer comprise a plurality of suspended portions elevated in the Z-direction from the X-Y plane to form void spaces between the X-Y plane and the suspended portions. The deflection member can comprise a reinforcing element positioned between the web-side and at least a portion of the backside of the framework. Each of the layers can comprise a substantially continuous network, a semi-continuous network, or a plurality of discrete protuberances.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for making a papermaking belt are provided, the belt comprising a reinforcing structure and a resinous framework joined together. The preferred continuous process comprises the steps of depositing a flowable resinous material onto a patterned molding surface; continuously moving the molding surface and the reinforcing structure at a transport velocity such that at least a portion of the reinforcing structure is in a face-to-face relationship with a portion of the molding surface; applying a fluid pressure differential to transfer the flowable resinous material from the molding surface onto the reinforcing structure and causing the flowable resinous material and the reinforcing structure to join together; and solidifying the resinous material thereby forming the resinous framework joined to the reinforcing structure.

Abstract: A smooth, high density tissue. The tissue has a relatively low caliper, as well as high smoothness and high density. The tissue is calendered from a multidensity, through air dried web.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for imprinting a web. A yankee drum and pressure roll are juxtaposed to form a nip. An imprinting member, such as through air drying belt or other patterning belt is interposed in the nip. A felt is also interposed in the nip, contacting the backside of the imprinting member. The imprinting member carries a paper web. The paper web is imprinted in the nip and simultaneously transferred to the yankee drying drum. The nip may be formed with a vacuum roll juxtaposed with the felt. The vacuum roll may remove from the felt and hence the web.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing bulk of a foreshortened fibrous web comprises a working surface designed to receive a foreshortened web thereon, a means for adding moisture to at least selected portions of the web thereby relaxing the crepe in the selected portions, and a means for retaining the crepe in the rest of the web. A preferred apparatus comprises a pair of opposite surfaces, at least one of which having expansion conduits therethrough, the web being impressed between the surfaces. A temperature differential is created between the two opposite surfaces, sufficient to drive the moisture added to the selected portions therethrough, thus relaxing the crepe in the selected portions which expand into the expansion conduits, while the crepe is retained in the rest of the web impressed between the two surfaces.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for removing water from a material are disclosed. The material can be selected from the group consisting of fibrous webs, textiles, plastics, non-woven webs, building materials, or any combination thereof, and may comprise an agricultural product, a food product, a pharmaceutical product, a biotechnology product, etc. The process comprises providing a material; providing an oscillatory flow-reversing impingement gaseous media having predetermined frequency; providing a gas-distributing system designed to emit the oscillatory flow-reversing impingement gas onto the material; and impinging the oscillatory flow-reversing gas onto the material, thereby removing moisture from the material.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for imprinting a web. A yankee drum and pressure roll are juxtaposed to form a nip. An imprinting member, such as through air drying belt or other patterning belt is interposed in the nip. A felt is also interposed in the nip, contacting the backside of the imprinting member. The imprinting member carries a paper web. The paper web is imprinted in the nip and simultaneously transferred to the yankee drying drum. The nip may be formed with a vacuum roll juxtaposed with the felt. The vacuum roll may remove water from the felt and hence the web.

Abstract: A process for making a deflection member comprises steps of: providing a coating of a liquid curable material supported by a forming surface; providing a source of curing radiation; providing a mask having a pattern of transparent regions and opaque regions therein, and a pattern of a three-dimensional topography; positioning the mask in a face-to-face contact with the coating to selectively shield the coating with the opaque regions of the mask, and to form in the coating a three-dimensional pattern approximating the three-dimensional topography of the mask; curing the curable material, wherein the opaque regions of the mask at least partially shield selected areas of the coating from the curing radiation such that the selected areas are cured through at least a portion of their thickness; and then removing substantially all uncured material to leave a hardened resinous structure.

Abstract: An extrusion die for extruding a chemical functional additive for making a disposable paper product comprises a supply port and a distribution channel in fluid communication with the supply port. The distribution channel terminates with at least one discharge mouth having a passage cross-section therethrough. The discharge mouth comprises an entry orifice having an entry open area Ae, an exit orifice having an exit open area Ax, and a discharge distance defined between the entry orifice and the exit orifice. The exit open area Ax is greater than the entry open area Ae. This ensures that contaminants would pass through the discharge mouth, whereby plugging thereof is substantially avoided. Preferably, the passage cross-section of the discharge mouth continuously and gradually increases from the entry orifice to the exit orifice.

Abstract: An extrusion die for extruding an extrudable fluid comprises a distribution channel having a discharge mouth, and a dynamic flow inducer disposed therein. The dynamic flow inducer comprises a movable member, such as, for example, a rotatable bar disposed transversely relative to the flow of the fluid through the discharge mouth. As the extrudable fluid is passing through the discharge mouth, the motion of the dynamic flow inducer retards the accumulation of contaminant and thereby prevents clogging of the extrusion die.

Abstract: An embossed multiple ply paper product and process for producing such product displaying aesthetically pleasing decorative attributes and exhibiting functional characteristics of softness, absorbency, and drape. The decorative attributes comprise embossed patterns of indicia displaying a high quality cloth-like appearance for a softer, more quilted look. The plies are joined in a face-to-face arrangement by selective bonds which are limited to the indicia, in order to produce more permanent decorative figures that inhibit dissipation caused by compressive forces, humidity, absorption, etc.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for removing water from a fibrous web are disclosed. The process comprises providing a fibrous web having a moisture content from about 1% to about 99%; providing an oscillatory flow-reversing impingement gas having a pre-determined frequency; providing a gas-distributing system comprising at least one discharge outlet designed to emit the oscillatory flow-reversing impingement gas onto the web; and impinging the oscillatory flow-reversing gas onto the web through the plurality of discharge outlets, thereby removing moisture from the web. The apparatus comprises a web support designed to receive a fibrous web thereon and to carry it in a machine direction; at least one rotary valve pulse generator designed to produce oscillatory flow-reversing air or gas; and at least one gas-distributing system in fluid communication with the pulse generator for delivering the oscillatory flow-reversing air or gas to the web.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for making a papermaking belt are provided, the belt comprising a reinforcing structure and a resinous framework joined together. The preferred continuous process comprises the steps of depositing a flowable resinous material onto a patterned molding surface; continuously moving the molding surface and the reinforcing structure at a transport velocity such that at least a portion of the reinforcing structure is in a face-to-face relationship with a portion of the molding surface; transferring the flowable resinous material from the molding surface onto the reinforcing structure; causing the flowable resinous material and the reinforcing structure to join together; and solidifying the resinous material thereby forming the resinous framework joined to the reinforcing structure.

Abstract: A parpermaking belt comprises a reinforcing element and a resinous framework joined together. The resinous framework is formed by a plurality of resinous beads which mutually contract or cross-over. Super-knuckles extending outwardly from the reinforcing element are formed at points of contact. A preferred continuous process for making the belt comprises extruding, in a pre-selected pattern, a plurality of beads of a resinous material onto the forming surface thereby forming the resinous framework thereon, joining the resinous framework and the reinforcing element together, and then solidifying the resinous framework. The resinous material may comprise at least two chemically-active materials capable of cross-linking upon contract.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for removing water from a fibrous web are disclosed. The process comprises providing a fibrous web having a moisture content from about 10% to about 90%; providing an oscillatory flow-reversing impingement gas having frequency of from 15 Hz to 1500 Hz; providing a gas-distributing system comprising a plurality of discharge outlets designed to emit the oscillatory flow-reversing impingement gas onto the web; and impinging the oscillatory flow-reversing gas onto the web through the plurality of discharge outlets, thereby removing moisture from the web. The apparatus comprises a web support designed to receive a fibrous web thereon and to carry it in a machine direction; at least one pulse generator designed to produce oscillatory flow-reversing air or gas; and at least one gas-distributing system in fluid communication with the pulse generator for delivering the oscillatory flow-reversing air or gas to the web.

Abstract: A web transfer and chop-off assembly for a paper web rewinder used in a paper converting operation capable of maintaining positive control of the web at all times. The web transfer and chop-off assembly delivers a web to an empty core faced with glue and supported on a mandrel of a web winding turret assembly, at about the same time the web is severed from a fully wound core supported on a second mandrel on the turret assembly.