Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for forming nonwoven webs by spinning filaments into a quench chamber where they are contacted with a quenching fluid, then utilizing the quench fluid to draw the filaments through a two-dimensional nozzle spanning the full machine width, and collecting the filaments as a web on a porous surface. In contrast with the prior art, low motive fluid pressures can be used, and a non-eductive drawing means utilized to minimize air turbulence and the resulting filament entanglement in the drawing means while maintaining substantially constant cross machine filament distribution. The apparatus and process reduce problems relating to filament breakage and spreading and result in increased productivity and improved web formation. Other advantages include the ability to continuously spin highly pigmented polymer filaments and reduced hazards associates with high noise levels.

Abstract: An elasticized waist diaper in which a layer of elastic material is positioned in an opening in the waist area of a diaper. The elastic layer is located such that it forms a portion of the waist edge of the diaper. The elastic layer may be formed from the same piece of elastic material as is used for the diaper leg elastic.

Abstract: Highly absorbent low density fibrous structures such as webs or batts formed from mixtures of powdered or microcrystalline hydrogel preparations with surfactant treated filler materials having a particle size equal to or greater than the hydrogel particle size. Absorbent materials of the invention exhibit good wicking properties and result in more efficient use of hydrogels by minimizing gel blocking. Additional improvements include reduced dusting, improved stabilization and somewhat higher absorbency when compared with hydrogel materials alone. Uses for these materials include, by way of example and not limitation, disposable diapers, incontinent pads, sanitary napkins, wipes, surgical sponges and the like.

Abstract: An absorbent article for absorbing blood having a conventional absorbent includes a blood gelling agent to thicken and bind menstrual fluid within the absorbent.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin of otherwise conventional construction is provided with an adhesive on at least one end of the napkin at the body-facing side. The adhesive area is provided at a portion of the end extending beyond the absorbent layer and the wrap in this area is folded over to prevent attachment to the body.

Abstract: A tampon having absorbent fibers is provided with a removal aid which does not interfere with absorbency. The removal aid is selected from a class consisting of the compounds myreth-3 myristate, glycereth polyethoxy cocoate and isopropyl palmitate.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin having a pressure sensitive adhesive applied on the underside of a moisture impervious baffle for attachment to undergarments is provided. The adhesive is geometrically shielded without the presence of a release liner.

Abstract: Methods for pre-forming and feeding a lightly compacted batt of individualized fibers having a controlled cross-directional profile directly to a rotary fiber orienting and screening mechanism across the full width thereof so as to maintain a controlled cross-directional profile in an air-laid web of dry fibers formed in a high speed dry web forming system.

Abstract: A method therefor for forming an air-laid web of dry fibers suitable for use in a wide variety of products ranging from bath and facial tissues to towels having basis weights on the order of 13 lbs./2880 ft..sup.2 to 50 lbs./2880 ft..sup.2 on a high-speed production basis, wherein the web is characterized by random array of individualized fibers substantially undamaged by mechanical action and having a controlled cross-directional profile, and by its freedom from nits, pills, rice and the like, thereby improving both the appearance and the tensile strength of the web. The full-width feeding of dry fibers to a 2-dimensional flow control and fiber screening system is described wherein substantially no cross-flow forces are created in the system, ensuring a uniform cross-directional basis weight profile.

Abstract: Laminate of nonwoven fabric having unique properties suitable especially for use as a recreational fabric in the manufacture of tents, outer garments, tarpaulins and the like. The laminate includes, as essential components, an outer spunbonded layer treated for resistance to ultraviolet radiation and intended as the exposure surface, an inner microporous meltblown layer, preferably densified for resistance to liquid strike-through, and, on the unexposed surface, another nonwoven layer treated for flame retardancy. The combination optionally includes additional pigments in the exposed surface layers for desired appearance as well as pigments and/or ultraviolet radiation resistance treatment in the inner meltblown layer. As additional options, further layers of meltblown or spunbonded nonwovens may be included to attain desired physical properties.

Abstract: A tampon having a pledget with a bullet-shaped outer configuration as provided in which the bottom portion of the tampon has a fluid impermeable layer and the inner portion of the tampon is hollow. The inner portion serves as a reservoir for excess menstrual fluid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for forming a wound cellulosic tampon in the shape of a truncated cone by winding a flat cellulosic web while a portion of the web which forms the outer surface of the pledget of the tampon is in contact with a tapered receptacle. The wound tampon resists telescoping during withdrawal after use.

Abstract: An absorbent pad containing a nonwoven hydrophilic thermoplastic filamentary microfibrous web as part of the absorbent material is provided. The microfibrous web exhibits good wicking and fluid retention properties.

Abstract: Flexible ceramic/organic webs are prepared by coating, using fixed nip techniques, a highly viscous, thixotropic material over at least two sides of an organic, thermoplastic substrate. The substrate, having fibers randomly arranged, highly dispersed and bonded at the filament junction, is the type which disintegrates at highly elevated temperatures. The resulting material is highly loaded with ceramic particles such that greater than 70 percent of the total weight of said web is ceramic material. Webs prepared in accordance with the present invention can be shaped into a variety of desired configurations and then fired at highly elevated temperatures causing the substrate to disintegrate, to thereby form ceramic articles having very high ceramic bonding properties.

Abstract: Method for improving fiber throughput in a high speed production system for forming an air-laid web of dry fibers and wherein individual fibers are separated from aggregated fiber masses in an enclosed, pressurized rotor chamber comprising forming a segment of the chamber wall with a plurality of closely spaced, elongated, narrow slots oriented parallel to the axis of the rotor chamber.

Abstract: A dual function, composite absorber/barrier battery separator for alkaline cells is comprised of a moderately cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol film and a flexible, fibrous and wettable absorber web, the film being semipermeable to electrolyte flow. The film is mechanically bonded to a top surface of the web in a manner so as to minimize the delays of transitions from hydrodynamic flow to diffusional flow through the separator during cell operation.The invention also includes the method of making the composite separator.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin having a fluid directing means around an absorbent layer is provided. The napkin has a fluid impervious baffle covering the undersurface, extending up the sides and terminating along the longitudinal periphery of either side of the top surface of the layer. In a particularly preferred embodiment, two absorbent batts are utilized and fluid directional means are provided to direct the fluid in a cross direction extending under the longitudinal top covering portions of the baffle along the sides of the topmost layer and terminating between the bottom surface of the upper layer and the top surface of the lower layer.

Abstract: A papermaking headbox with adjustable rigid slice lips especially adapted to permit deflection of the slice lips on a headbox utilized with a twin wire or crescent forming papermaking machine. The headbox comprises elongated slice lips extending into the forming zone located between converging papermaking wires or fabrics, the slice lips being substantially rigid in construction and affixed at their rearmost ends to headbox support members. One or both of the slice lips may be provided with a full width machined channel into which the actuating means in the form of relatively inflexible bellows are positioned. These metal bellows are in turn connected to a fluid supply means which cause a small axial movement only. The fluid supply means is adapted to supply a fluid under pressure of at least 1,000 pounds per square inch to the bellows, such that upon actuation of the bellows, the slice lip will be deformed, thereby restricting the slice opening.