Abstract: A form fitting diaper comprises a backsheet having a front section, a back section, and a crotch section, and has bonded thereto an absorbent layer. The diaper further comprises a pair of elastic side panels bonded between the front and back sections of the backsheet and define therewith a circumferentially continuous and elastic waist, and further defining leg openings. The side panels having substantially unidirectional elasticity whereby the panels are elastic in the circumferential direction and substantially inelastic in the direction perpendicular thereto. The side panels being of composite construction comprising an elastomeric layer with a unidirectionally elastic nonwoven layer bonded thereto. The composite combines the barrier and strength properties of the elastomeric layer with the unidirectional elasticity and fabric-like properties of the nonwoven layer. The unidirectional elasticity of the composite is useful for putting on and taking off the diaper.

Abstract: A yarn of meltblown thermoplastic fibers is manufactured by meltblowing fibers onto a collector to form a thin web thereon, and continuously withdrawing and twisting the web into a generally circular yarn. In a preferred embodiment the yarn has a reinforcing cord disposed therein to lend strength thereto. The yarn is suited for many applications, including knitted and woven fabrics, and cartridge filters.

Abstract: A modular die for applying hot melt adhesive onto a substrate comprises (a) a manifold having adhesive and air passages formed therein, (b) a plurality of self-contained and interchangeable die bodies mounted on the manifold, and (c) a die head detachably mounted on each die body. The die heads are selected from melt spraying, meltblowing, and linear bead applicators permitting the application of a variety of adhesive patterns on the substrate.

Abstract: A quick change pump assembly for an adhesive pumping system includes three main components: a manifold, a pump, and a motor. These components are secured to a subframe which is adapted to be detachably mounted on the mainframe of the system. The subframe with the three components mounted thereon is selectively movable between an operating position and a withdrawn position. In the withdrawn position, any of the components on the subframe may be replaced or repaired.

Abstract: Meltblown thermoplastic fibers are cooled by microsized water droplets produced by airless ruby nozzles. The droplets have an average diameter of less than 20 microns.

Abstract: A meltblowing die for producing nonwoven polymer webs includes an inner tube having a plurality of orifices arranged in a row thereon, and an outer tube encasing the inner tube and having a slot formed therein in registry with the row orifices. The inner tube and outer tubes are constructed to define converging air passages on either side of the row of orifices, whereby hot air delivered to the outer tube converges on polymer fibers extruded through the orifices and imparts drag forces thereon to attenuate and draw down the fibers to microsize.

Abstract: An in-line continuous method of formulating and applying a hot melt adhesive to a substrate involves metering a particulate polymer adhesive and a tackifier in a weight ratio in an extruder where the raw materials are formed into a homogeneous melt. The melt is continuously discharged directly into a hot melt applicator for deposition onto a substrate.

Abstract: A meltblowing die assembly featuring a preassembled die tip assembly permitting the rapid exchange thereof. The preassembled die tip assembly includes a die tip having a triangular nosepiece, a member mounted on the die tip assembly for conforming the die tip to the die body, and a pair of air plates mounted on the die tip and in combination with the nosepiece define converging air slots.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive polymer is applied to a diaper backsheet by an aligned series of meltblowing units which are selectively operable to apply the coating in the desired geometry on the diaper backsheet.