Abstract: An improved method for preparing a composition including a heparinoid, a local anesthetic, and a buffer for treatment of a lower urinary tract disease or condition can comprise either: (A) (i) providing a heparinoid in solid form or liquid form; (ii) providing a local anesthetic in solid form or liquid form; (iii) adding a liquid buffer to the heparinoid in solid form or liquid form; (iv) adding the local anesthetic to the mixture of the liquid buffer and the heparinoid; and (v) if necessary, adjusting the pH of the mixture of the liquid buffer, the local anesthetic, and the heparinoid so that a pH is achieved of from about 6.8 to about 8.

Abstract: An absorbent article having improved softness signals is disclosed. The article may include a topsheet or a backsheet including a nonwoven web. The web may have a basis weight of 30 gsm or less, may be formed of spunlaid fibers including polyolefin and up to 5 percent by weight TiO2, and may be impressed with a pattern of bond impressions to a bond area percentage of at least 10 percent forming a pattern of bonded regions and raised regions. The web may have opacity of 42 or greater; have an average height difference between bonded regions and raised regions of at least 280 ?m; be hydroengorged; and/or have a cross-direction tensile strength of 350 gf/cm. A nonwoven web manufactured to have a suitable combination of such features exhibits an enhanced appearance of softness, soft tactile feel and satisfactory mechanical attributes, while being relatively cost effective.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy composition includes, in weight percent: 0.7-1.10 manganese; 0.05-0.25 iron; 0.21-0.30 silicon; 0.005-0.020 nickel; 0.10-0.20 titanium; 0.014 max copper; and 0.05 max zinc, with the balance being aluminum and unavoidable impurities. The alloy may tolerate higher nickel contents than existing alloys, while providing increased corrosion resistance, as well as similar extrudability, strength, and performance. Billets of the alloy may be homogenized at 590-640° C. and controlled cooled at less than 250° C. per hour. The homogenized billet may be extruded into a product, such as an aluminum alloy heat exchanger tube.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy includes, in weight percent, 0.70-0.85 Si, 0.14-0.25 Fe, 0.25-0.35 Cu, 0.05 max Mn, 0.75-0.90 Mg, 0.12-0.18 Cr, 0.05 max Zn, and 0.04 max Ti, the balance being aluminum and unavoidable impurities. The alloy may be suitable for extruding, and may be formed into an extruded alloy product.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nonwoven including the steps of: forming a nonwoven web substantially comprised of continuous fibers; applying a bonding pattern to said nonwoven web using a smooth roll and a calender roll wherein said bonding pattern comprises a pattern having unbonded areas; and subjecting the side of said nonwoven web contacted by said smooth roll to a hydraulic treatment at a pressure of between 25 and 75 bars and a total energy of about 0.01-0.04 kwhr/kg., wherein said continuous fibers are comprised of between 97% and 98.5% by weight of an olefin resin comprising substantially of polypropylene and between 1.5% and 3% by weight of a whitener.

Abstract: An absorbent article having improved softness signals is disclosed. The article may include a topsheet or a backsheet including a nonwoven web. The web may have a basis weight of 30 gsm or less, may be formed of spunlaid fibers including polyolefin and up to 5 percent by weight TiO2, and may be impressed with a pattern of bond impressions to a bond area percentage of at least 10 percent forming a pattern of bonded regions and raised regions. The web may have opacity of 42 or greater; have an average height difference between bonded regions and raised regions of at least 280 ?m; be hydroengorged; and/or have a cross-direction tensile strength of 350 gf/cm. A nonwoven web manufactured to have a suitable combination of such features exhibits an enhanced appearance of softness, soft tactile feel and satisfactory mechanical attributes, while being relatively cost effective.

Abstract: An absorbent article having improved softness signals is disclosed. The article may include a topsheet or a backsheet including a nonwoven web. The web may have a basis weight of 30 gsm or less, may be formed of spunlaid fibers including polyolefin and up to 5 percent by weight TiO2, and may be impressed with a pattern of bond impressions to a bond area percentage of at least 10 percent forming a pattern of bonded regions and raised regions. The web may have opacity of 42 or greater; have an average height difference between bonded regions and raised regions of at least 280 ?m; be hydroengorged; and/or have a cross-direction tensile strength of 350 gf/cm. A nonwoven web manufactured to have a suitable combination of such features exhibits an enhanced appearance of softness, soft tactile feel and satisfactory mechanical attributes, while being relatively cost effective.

Abstract: An absorbent article having improved softness signals is disclosed. The article may include a topsheet or a backsheet including a nonwoven web. The web may have a basis weight of 30 gsm or less, may be formed of spunlaid fibers including polyolefin and up to 5 percent by weight TiO2, and may be impressed with a pattern of bond impressions to a bond area percentage of at least 10 percent forming a pattern of bonded regions and raised regions. The web may have opacity of 42 or greater; have an average height difference between bonded regions and raised regions of at least 280 ?m; be hydroengorged; and/or have a cross-direction tensile strength of 350 gf/cm. A nonwoven web manufactured to have a suitable combination of such features exhibits an enhanced appearance of softness, soft tactile feel and satisfactory mechanical attributes, while being relatively cost effective.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cationic polymer emulsion binder that may be combined with a cationic active ingredient and used as a non-woven binder. This combination of cationic binder and cationic active ingredient may occur as a mixture of a cationic binder and at least one cationic active ingredient, which is then applied to loose fibers to form a non-woven; or the combination may occur after a non-woven is formed using a cationic binder, and said non-woven is then contacted with a cationic active ingredient. Non-woven wipes of the invention retain far less cationic active ingredients during use, resulting in less waste and less use of the active ingredients for the same effect as wipes made with anionic or non-ionic binders.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprises: a first layer comprising hydrophilic spunbond fibers including a hydrophilic melt additive, the first layer forming at least one exposed outer surface of the nonwoven fabric; a second layer comprising hydrophobic spunbond fibers, the second layer forming an opposite exposed outer surface of the nonwoven fabric; and a third layer comprising meltblown fibers interposed between the first and second layers; wherein the nonwoven fabric has an absorptive capacity of at least 100%.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fibrous substrate made of chemically bonded fibers, where the fibers are bound with a polymeric binder in an amount which is sufficient to bind the fibers together to form a self-sustaining web, and where the binder is characterized as having a wet tensile strength of greater than 4500 grams per inch (g/in) when measured at a 20 percent add-on on Whatman #4 CHR chromatography paper which is drum dried for 90 seconds at 210 to 215° F. and cured for 2 minutes at 300 to 325° F. Preferably the level of free formaldehyde in the fibrous substrate is less than 15 ppm. The emulsion binders of the invention may be used to bind fibers together in a substrate; may be used to bind pigment, colors or other substances to a substrate; may be used as a backing material; or may be used to finish or surface-treat a substrate.

Abstract: An automatic washer comprises a remote sump fluidly connected to a drain pump and a recirculation pump, and a separator comprising an array of regularly-spaced fins oriented upstream of the recirculation pump for intercepting foreign objects in wash liquid. The remote sump also comprises a wash liquid heater. The separator is automatically purged when the drain pump is operated.

Abstract: Wallcoverings which include a nonwoven synthetic substrate and a water-based ground coating which is applied thereto. The ground coating includes emulsion polymer pigment binders and a mineral pigment composition. The ground coating provides the nonwoven substrate with superior printing and durability properties, enabling the production of wallcoverings which may be printed with a decorative design. The wallcoverings are desirable for environmental, health, and safety reasons.

Abstract: A swashplate seal assembly sized for rotor shaft rotation therein, including an outer cover encircling the rotor shaft and covering a sealing ring having an inner circumference on which a resilient sealing wiper is inwardly disposed. The outer cover, sealing ring and resilient sealing wiper are sectioned in respective like-configured curved segments for disassembly without removing adjacent segments during inspections. Inboard of the sealing ring is a flanged seal ring having an outer surface diameter limited in size to allow positioning the seal ring within the sealing wiper. The seal ring is fitted on an outer perimeter of a bearing retainer positionable within the sealing ring, thereby positioning the seal ring outer surface in sliding engagement with the sealing wiper during rotor shaft rotation. The outer cover positioning and the engaging relationship between seal ring and sealing wiper operate to minimize contaminants intrusion along the rotor shaft during rotation.

Abstract: An automatic washing machine capable of washing with both a toroidal and inverse toroidal washing motion.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a vertical axis automatic washer. The washer has a rotatable wash basket, a rotatable agitator concentrically mounted in the wash basket and a drive motor. The drive mechanism includes a first drive shaft driven by the motor at a first rotational speed and with a first torque. A second drive shaft is arranged to rotatingly drive the agitator. A mechanism is arranged between the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft to convert the first rotational speed and the first torque to a second rotational speed and a second torque at the second drive shaft. A first clutch is arranged between the wash basket and the first drive shaft to allow for selective engagement and disengagement between the wash basket and the first drive shaft. A second clutch is arranged between the wash basket and the second drive shaft to allow for selective engagement and disengagement between the wash basket and the second drive shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fibrous substrate made of chemically bonded fibers, where the fibers are bound with a polymeric binder in an amount which is sufficient to bind the fibers together to form a self-sustaining web, and where the binder is characterized as having a wet tensile strength of greater than 4500 grams per inch (g/in) when measured at a 20 percent add-on on Whatman #4 CHR chromatography paper which is drum dried for 90 seconds at 210 to 215° F. and cured for 2 minutes at 300 to 325° F. Preferably the level of free formaldehyde in the fibrous substrate is less than 15 ppm. The emulsion binders of the invention may be used to bind fibers together in a substrate; may be used to bind pigment, colors or other substances to a substrate; may be used as a backing material; or may be used to finish or surface-treat a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disorder of the lower urinary tract, and in particular, reducing the symptoms (including treatment) of interstitial cystitis in vivo. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to treatment formulations and methods for reducing interstitial cystitis in patients.

Abstract: A foreign objects trap is provided for an automatic washer, wherein the washer has a wash tub with an outlet leading to a recirculation pump and drain pump. The trap comprises a container having a water inlet in communication with said tub outlet for defining an initial flow path for water from said wash tub into said container. The trap also includes a first wall positioned in an impact orientation relative to the initial flow path downstream of said inlet, at least one quiet zone downstream of the first wall, at least one baffle downstream of the quiet zone, the baffle extending substantially perpendicular to a direction of flow of said water, an outlet leading to the drain pump downstream of the baffle, and an outlet leading to the recirculation pump downstream of the baffle. A heater can be inserted in the trap as can an air dome and pressure sensor. A second quiet zone and baffle, between the first baffle and the outlets may also be provided.

Abstract: A foreign objects trap is provided for an automatic washer, wherein the washer has a wash tub with an outlet leading to a recirculation pump and drain pump. The trap comprises a container having a water inlet in communication with said tub outlet for defining an initial flow path for water from said wash tub into said container. The trap also includes a first wall positioned in an impact orientation relative to the initial flow path downstream of said inlet, at least one quiet zone downstream of the first wall, at least one baffle downstream of the quiet zone, the baffle extending substantially perpendicular to a direction of flow of said water, an outlet leading to the drain pump downstream of the baffle, and an outlet leading to the recirculation pump downstream of the baffle. A heater can be inserted in the trap as can an air dome and pressure sensor. A second quiet zone and baffle, between the first baffle and the outlets may also be provided.