Abstract: The process is used to remove the solvent from an elastomeric polymer solution containing at least 8% by weight of elastomeric polymer. The elastomeric polymer solution undergoes a preprocessing step in order to remove a large part of the solvent. Thereafter, the elastomeric polymer solution is fed into a main extruder in order to remove the remaining solvent. The preprocessing step includes: (a) introducing a heating fluid and the elastomeric polymer solution into a static mixer in order to mix the heating fluid and the elastomeric polymer solution and heat rapidly the elastomeric polymer solution to a temperature of 60.degree.-250.degree. C.

Abstract: A spray head attachment adapted for use with a flow metering device such as a metering gear head is effective to discharge a plurality of spiral spray patterns of hot melt adhesive, in elongated strands or fibers, onto the backing sheet of a hygienic article. The spray head attachment includes a manifold having adhesive passageways connected to outlets of the metering gear head, air passageways connected to a source of pressurized air and recirculation passageways connected to a source of hot melt adhesive. Outlets of the adhesive and air passageways, and inlets of the recirculation passageways, are formed on a discharge surface of the manifold in groups or arrays, so that nozzles mounted to the manifold are each connected to one array of adhesive, air and recirculation passageways.

Abstract: A method for the shaping of a sheet of preform material. A flat planar (heated) sheet of preform material is held tightly between two elastomeric sheets, the sheets and preform material forming a laminate assembly. The laminate assembly is then formed about a mold having the desired contours. The elastomeric sheets maintain the preform material parallel to the surface contours of the mold as the molding process proceeds. A fluid such as air is flowed between the mold surface and the laminate assembly during the forming process to prevent the elastomeric sheets from binding on the mold surface. Wrinkles are eliminated in the final shape of the preform material, and fiber distortion of tears or rips in the material are minimized due to the fluid lubrication between the mold surface and the laminate assembly.