Abstract: A resilient coform nonwoven web that contains a matrix of meltblown fibers and an absorbent material is provided. The meltblown fibers may constitute from 45 wt % to about 99 wt % of the web and the absorbent material may constitute from about 1 wt % to about 55 wt % of the web. The meltblown fibers may be formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains at least one propylene/?-olefin copolymer having a propylene content of from about 60 mole % to about 99.5 mole % and an ?-olefin content of from about 0.5 mole % to about 40 mole %. The copolymer may have a density of from about 0.86 to about 0.90 grams per cubic centimeter and the thermoplastic composition may have a melt flow rate of from about 200 to about 6000 grams per 10 minutes, determined at 230° C. in accordance with ASTM Test Method D1238-E. The coform web may be imparted with a three-dimensional texture by, for example, using a three-dimensional forming surface.

Abstract: A flexible coform nonwoven web that contains a matrix of meltblown fibers and an absorbent material is provided. The meltblown fibers may constitute from about 2 wt % to about 40 wt % of the coform web. The absorbent material may constitute from about 60 wt % to about 98 wt % of the coform web. The Cup Crush Energy/Thickness ratio of the nonwoven structure is desirably less than about 600. The coform web may be imparted with a three-dimensional texture by, for example, using a three-dimensional forming surface. The coform web is suitable for forming absorbent articles such as wipers and personal care absorbent products.

Abstract: A coform nonwoven web that contains a matrix of meltblown fibers and an absorbent material is provided. The meltblown fibers are formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains at least one propylene/?-olefin copolymer of a certain monomer content, density, melt flow rate, etc. The selection of a specific type of propylene/?-olefin copolymer provides the resulting composition with improved thermal properties for forming a coform web. For example, the thermoplastic composition crystallizes at a relatively slow rate, thereby allowing the fibers to remain slightly tacky during formation. This tackiness may provide a variety of benefits, such as enhancing the ability of the meltblown fibers to adhere to the absorbent material during formation of the coform web. In certain embodiments, the coform web may also be imparted with texture using a three-dimensional forming surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an inflatable pusher includes a front panel and a rear panel connected to the front panel so as to define a chamber between the front and rear panels. An expandable section is coupled to the front and rear panels such that the expandable section comprises at least one fold configured to allow the front panel to extend away from the rear panel upon receipt of an inflation fluid within the chamber. The expandable section may be configured to be resettable such that the front panel can be reapproximated with the rear panel for redeployment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymers. The present invention is also directed to a method of making ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymers and their applicability as binder compositions. The present invention is further directed to fiber-containing fabrics and webs comprising ion-sensitive, water-dispersible binder compositions and their applicability in water-dispersible personal care products.

Abstract: The present invention provides ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymers. The present invention also provides a method of making ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymers and their applicability as binder compositions. The present invention further provides fiber-containing fabrics and webs comprising ion-sensitive, water-dispersible binder compositions and their applicability in water-dispersible personal care products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymers. The present invention is also directed to a method of making ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymers and their applicability as binder compositions. The present invention is further directed to fiber-containing fabrics and webs comprising ion-sensitive, water-dispersible binder compositions and their applicability in water-dispersible personal care products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymers. The present invention is also directed to a method of making ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymers and their applicability as binder compositions. The present invention is further directed to fiber-containing fabrics and webs comprising ion-sensitive, water-dispersible binder compositions and their applicability in water-dispersible personal care products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymers. The present invention is also directed to a method of making ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymers and their applicability as binder compositions. The present invention is further directed to fiber-containing fabrics and webs comprising ion-sensitive, water-dispersible binder compositions and their applicability in water-dispersible personal care products.

Abstract: The present invention provides ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymers. The present invention also provides a method of making ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymers and their applicability as binder compositions. The present invention further provides fiber-containing fabrics and webs comprising ion-sensitive, water-dispersible binder compositions and their applicability in water-dispersible personal care products.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes first and second liquid containment beams that are moveable relative to a moisture barrier. In particular embodiments, leakage barriers formed of a liquid impermeable material are bonded to the moveable containment beams to impede lateral movement of liquid. In other embodiments, the moisture barrier is formed of a breathable material and the leakage barriers are positioned between the containment beams and moisture barrier to minimize condensation on an exterior surface of the moisture barrier. Desiccant particles may also be included adjacent the moisture barrier to further minimize condensation.

Abstract: A control circuit for a cool/heat pump in which two separate motors are utilized, each with a main winding and an auxiliary winding. A single dual rated capacitor is provided in series with both auxiliary windings. A selectively operative switch, which may be in the form of a thermostat, is provided in series between one of the alternating current lines and the windings of one of the motors to selectively terminate power to that motor while maintaining power to both windings of the other motor. The switch is also used to alternately energize an electric heater unit when the motor power is terminated. Such a control circuit avoids a de-icing operation normally required with cool/heat pumps working in a heating mode, when the outdoor temperature is below freezing.

Abstract: The reaction canister of a passenger-side airbag module is locked into position behind the instrument panel in such a manner as to permit freedom of movement of a retaining member along three axes while retaining structural integrity. This results from an arm depending from the reaction canister passing through an enlarged opening in the retaining member extending from the panel, or a portion thereof. The arm carries a rod which limits relative vertical movement of the retaining member between the canister and rod.

Abstract: Biocontrol agents are disseminated for the control of pests using a device which directs a flying insect through a biocontrol agent and out of the device. The device provides separate entry and exit openings which allow the surface contaminated insect to ultimately lethally infect the F.sub.1 larvae.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high wicking liquid absorbent composite suitable for a wide number of uses including personal care products and the process for making the same. The composite is made from a relatively uniform mixture of from about 5 to about 20 percent fine wettable fiber, from about 3 to about 30 percent pulp fibers, from about 50 to about 90 percent superabsorbent and from 0 to about 10 percent binder, the percentages being on a dry weight basis. The mixture is compressed into a composite having a density of from about 0.1 to about 0.5 grams per cubic centimeter and a vertical wicking height of at least about 10 centimeters in one hour. The process involves forming a sheet comprising 50 to 90 percent fine wettable fiber and 10 to 50 percent pulp fiber on a dry weight basis. The sheet is then fiberized into a plurality of individual fibers within an air stream.

Abstract: A playing field that utilizes a conventional baseball diamond includes, beginning at the back of the infield, arcuate segments lined off in the outfield to create scoring zones. The last line or the field's boundary fence is the home run zone. Additionally, a plurality of vertical hoops are placed at selected locations in the playing field with the opening of the hoop facing home plate.A hitter scores points for hitting the ball on the fly into a particular segment of the playing field. The farther the hitter can hit the ball of the fly, the more points the player can score. The hitter receives the most points for hitting the ball over the last boundary line or over the boundary fence--a home run. The player also receives points for hitting the ball through one of the vertical hoops. The ability of the hitter to achieve points for hitting the ball through the vertical hoops creates parity between the placement hitter and the home run hitter.

Abstract: A method for attaching a composite elastic material to a gatherable article including the steps of stretching a composite elastic material; compressing said stretched composite elastic material to temporarily inhibit recovery of the composite elastic material; and attaching said temporarily inhibited composite elastic material to a gatherable article at least at two locations. Additionally, the temperature of the temporarily inhibited composite elastic material may be increased to facilitate recovery of the composite elastic material to within about 80 percent of its pre-stretched dimensions.

Abstract: A wet wipe which is elastic in at least one direction, and includes an elastic sheet having at least one non-elastic non-woven web joined thereto at least at two areas. The non-elastic web is gathered between said two areas and a liquid is distributed within the sheet and/or the web. The sheet is preferably a nonwoven web or meltblown ethylene vinyl acetate fibers and the non-elastic web is preferably a nonwoven web of spunbonded fibers. The liquid may include a fragrance and/or a preservative. An arrangement for dispensing an interleaved stack of the wet wipes is also provided.

Abstract: Particle-laden meltblown material, methods for forming such material, composite laminate fabrics using such material as a layer of the laminate, and uses of such material and/or laminate thereof are disclosed. The particle-laden meltblown material is a coform of the particles and meltblown fibers, consolidated into a meltblown material. The meltblown fibers are made of polymeric materials such that the fibers are tacky after extrusion from the meltblowing die and prior to consolidation as meltblown material; active particles (such as active carbon) are incorporated in the stream of meltblown fibers, as the fibers pass from the die to the consolidation surface, at a location where the fibers are tacky, so that the particles adhere to the surface of the fibers. The polymeric materials forming the meltblown fibers can be elastomeric materials, and/or blends of polymers.