Abstract: Disclosed is a fibrous absorbent structure that is wet stable and has large void volume with a density below the critical density of the fiber employed. In one embodiment, the fibrous absorbent uses open-celled foam technologies to keep the fibrous structure expanded and bonded. In other embodiments, the resulting fibrous structure resembles an open-celled polymeric foam, with fibers serving as struts stabilized by binder material. In another embodiment, the resulting fibrous structure is filled with hydrophilic open-celled foams with the cell size substantially smaller than the fibrous pores. Such a wet-stable, high void volume fibrous absorbent can be used in a disposable product intended for the absorption of fluid such as body fluid, including extensible absorbent articles.

Abstract: Pressurized web treatment systems include a moving web that passes through a pressurized treatment chamber having a sealing assembly with a leakage control system. Leakage control is achieved by the cooperative effect of localized leak detectors and leak reduction means that applies a local sealing force on the seal assembly responsive to a signal from the leak detectors such that increased sealing occurs in the vicinity of the leak. In particular, an air press for paper web dewatering has improved efficiency by virtue of the leakage control system, which features local leak detectors and local force generation means associated with a flexible seal assembly to reduce leakage at the edges of the stationary plenum of the air press. Local leak detection can be based on sonic measurement with microphones, detection of escaping tracer gas, optical signals, and other means.

Abstract: An elongate, liquid absorbent pad for controlling liquids and/or collecting liquid spills and leaks. The pad includes: (1) an elongate, substantially coherent, liquid absorbent structure formed of a matrix of fibrous material having a substantially polygonal cross-section; (2) a flexible, liquid permeable cover enclosing the absorbent core, and; (3) at least one fastening means positioned on at least a portion of the liquid permeable cover. The fastening means may be a hook and loop fastening system, a magnetic fastening system, clips, snaps, fasteners, eyes, hooks, pins or the like. The fastening means may also be an adhesive layer or a combination of mechanical systems and adhesives. The fastening means is adapted to secure the absorbent pad or sock to a surface, to another absorbent pad, or to a device for wiping up liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fibrous absorbent structure that is wet stable and has large void volume with a density below the critical density of the fiber employed. In one embodiment, the fibrous absorbent uses open-celled foam technologies to keep the fibrous structure expanded and bonded. In other embodiments, the resulting fibrous structure resembles an open-celled polymeric foam, with fibers serving as struts stabilized by binder material. In another embodiment, the resulting fibrous structure is filled with hydrophilic open-celled foams with the cell size substantially smaller than the fibrous pores. Such a wet-stable, high void volume fibrous absorbent can be used in a disposable product intended for the absorption of fluid such as body fluid, including extensible absorbent articles.

Abstract: A method for making a textured tissue sheet on a conventional tissue making machine using a conventional cylindrical drum dryer creates a product that is remarkably bulky, soft, and wet resilient. A combination of rush transfer and sheet molding with three-dimensional fabrics is combined with the step of web inversion to ensure that the surface of the web which was molded onto a first textured transfer fabric is the surface which is placed against the surface of the cylinder dryer. Web inversion improves machine productivity and enhances physical properties of the web.

Abstract: Applications of photoerasable colorant composition include photoerasable price markings for pricing goods, documents such as gaming tickets for securely communicating concealed information, photoerasable paint for temporary markings on terrain and structures such as signs, roadways, trees, and buildings, marking instruments such as pens, and wick or felt markers, ultraviolet light exposure indicators, and dry printing. The photoerasable or mutable colorant composition comprises a mutable colorant and an ultraviolet radiation transorber which, upon irradiation with ultraviolet radiation, interacts with the colorant to irreversibly mutate the colorant and thereby render the colorant substantially colorless. The mutable colorant composition may also include a molecular includant.

Abstract: Applications of photoerasable colorant composition include photoerasable price markings for pricing goods, documents such as gaming tickets for securely communicating concealed information, photoerasable paint for temporary markings on terrain and structures such as signs, roadways, trees, and buildings, marking instruments such as pens, and wick or felt markers, ultraviolet light exposure indicators, and dry printing. The photoerasable or mutable colorant composition comprises a mutable colorant and an ultraviolet radiation transorber which, upon irradiation with ultraviolet radiation, interacts with the colorant to irreversibly mutate the colorant and thereby render the colorant substantially colorless. The mutable colorant composition may also include a molecular includant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a papermaking fabric and method of producing a soft, bulky tissue web in which an embryonic fiber web is wet-molded onto a three-dimensional substrate wherein the web-contacting surface of said substrate is a three-dimensional porous nonwoven material. The method can provide higher levels of bulk and surface depth in tissues than is practical with woven papermaking fabrics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a papermaking fabric and method of producing a soft, bulky tissue web in which an embryonic fiber web is wet-molded onto a three-dimensional substrate wherein the web-contacting surface of said substrate is a three-dimensional porous nonwoven material. The method can provide higher levels of bulk and surface depth in tissues than is practical with woven papermaking fabrics.