Abstract: The present invention is directed to highly attenuated fibers produced by melt spinning a composition comprising destructurized starch, a thermoplastic polymer, and a plasticizer. The present invention is also directed to highly attenuated fibers containing microfibrils which are formed within the starch matrix. Nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the highly attenuated fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A smooth, high density tissue. The tissue has a relatively low caliper, as well as high smoothness and high density. The tissue is calendered from a multidensity, through air dried web.

Abstract: A paper web and method of making the paper web are disclosed. The paper web has a background portion and a non-embossed decorative pattern. The decorative pattern has at least one high basis weight region having a basis weight greater than the average basis weight of the surrounding background portion. The decorative pattern can include a number of discrete, decorative indicia. Each decorative indicia can be separated from adjacent decorative indicia by the background portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for removing water from a cellulosic web. The papermaking apparatus comprises imprinting member having an absolute void volume that enables a hydraulic connection to be formed between a cellulosic web and a capillary dewatering member when compressed in a nip. The absolute void volume is predetermined based on an estimate of the volume of water expressed from the cellulosic web.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for imprinting a web. A yankee drum and pressure roll are juxtaposed to form a nip. An imprinting member, such as through air drying belt or other patterning belt is interposed in the nip. A felt is also interposed in the nip, contacting the backside of the imprinting member. The imprinting member carries a paper web. The paper web is imprinted in the nip and simultaneously transferred to the yankee drying drum. The nip may be formed with a vacuum roll juxtaposed with the felt. The vacuum roll may remove water from the felt and hence the web.

Abstract: A multi-layered paper product. The paper product has individual layers for providing a soft tactile sensation to the user, for providing strength, and for providing bulk. Suitable fibers for increasing bulk may be synthetic fibers, debonded fibers, weakly bonded fibers, curled fibers, and fibers combined with particulate fillers. An exemplary embodiment having five layers is disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent structure comprising freestanding osmotic absorbent sites disposed on or within a capillary substrate. The sites extend outwardly normal to the plane of the absorbent structure or fill apertures within the plane of the absorbent structure. Upon imbibing liquids, the sites of osmotic absorbent can expand without constraint from the substrate.

Abstract: A paper web and method of making the paper web are disclosed. In one embodiment the paper web includes a continuous relatively thinner region and a plurality of discrete relatively thicker regions. The relatively thicker regions are disposed in the plane of the relatively thinner region. The paper web can have a relatively patterned face and a relatively smooth face. The paper structures can be dried relatively quickly and efficiently, and can provide enhanced absorbency and bulk density while having a relatively smooth face.

Abstract: A paper web and method of making the paper web are disclosed. In one embodiment the paper web includes a continuous relatively thinner region and a plurality of discrete relatively thickner regions. The relatively thicker regions are disposed in the plane of the relatively thinner region. The paper web can have a relatively patterned face and a relatively smooth face. The paper structures can be dried relatively quickly and efficiently, and can provide enhanced absorbency and bulk density while having a relatively smooth face.

Abstract: A non-through air dried paper web and method of making such a paper web are disclosed. The paper web includes at least two regions of different density and at least two regions of different basis weight. In one embodiment, the paper web includes a relatively high basis weight continuous network region, a plurality of discrete, relatively low basis weight regions dispersed throughout the relatively high basis weight continuous network region, and a plurality of discrete, intermediate basis weight regions circumscribed by the relatively low basis weight regions.

Abstract: A chemically enhanced paper structure having a discrete pattern of a chemical composition is disclosed. The paper structure comprises a cellulose substrate, such as tissue paper. The substrate has a topography comprising at least two different elevations. The chemical composition may include a chemical softener composition or a surface-active composition and is selectively disposed in register with one of the elevations of the cellulose substrate, preferably the higher elevation regions. The paper structure is suitable for use as bath tissue or facial tissue.

Abstract: A paper web and method of making the paper web are disclosed. The paper web has a background portion and a non-embossed decorative pattern. The decorative pattern has at least one high basis weight region having a basis weight greater than the average basis weight of the surrounding background portion. The decorative pattern can include a number of discrete, decorative indicia. Each decorative indicia can be separated from adjacent decorative indicia by the background portion.

Abstract: An absorbent structure comprising freestanding osmotic absorbent sites disposed on or within a capillary substrate. The sites extend outwardly normal to the plane of the absorbent structure or fill apertures within the plane of the absorbent structure. Upon imbibing liquids, the sites of osmotic absorbent can expand without constraint from the substrate.

Abstract: Multi-layered tissue paper webs comprising biodegradable chemical softener compositions and binder materials are disclosed. The multi-layered tissue webs are useful in the manufacture of soft, absorbent paper products such as facial tissues and/or toilet tissues. The multi-layered tissue paper products contain a biodegradable chemical softening composition, preferably comprising a mixture of an ester-functional quaternary ammonium compound and a polyhydroxy compound. The multi-layered tissue paper webs also contain an effective amount of binder materials to control linting and/or to offset the loss in tensile strength, if any, resulting from the use of the chemical softening compositions. Preferably, the majority of the biodegradable chemical softening compositions will be disposed on the outer layers of the multi-layered tissue paper products where they are most effective at enhancing softness.

Abstract: A smooth, high density tissue. The tissue has a relatively low caliper, as well as high smoothness and high density. The tissue is calendered from a multidensity, through air dried web.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for use in making a web of papermaking fibers. The apparatus comprising: a dewatering felt layer having a first web facing felt surface at a first elevation and a second oppositely facing felt surface, and a web patterning layer comprising a photosensitive resin. The patterning layer penetrates the first felt surface, and extends from the first felt surface to form a web contacting top surface at a second elevation different from the first elevation. The invention also comprises a method of forming a web support apparatus having a felt layer and a web patterning layer.

Abstract: A soft absorbent, creped tissue paper having an ATP factor of less than about 0.036, a slip/stick coefficient of less than about 0.024, and a lint level of less than about 6. The tissue paper preferably has a density of less than about 0.15 gram/cm.sup.3. Preferably, the creped tissue paper is a single- or multi-layer, single-ply tissue. More preferably, the creped tissue paper is made by a through air drying technique. Tissue paper having unique combinations of these above attributes is highly desirable by the consumers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cellulosic fibrous structure, such as paper. The fibrous structure has at least three intensively distinct regions. The regions are distinguished from one another by intensive properties such as basis weight, density and projected average pore size, or thickness. In one embodiment, the fibrous structure has regions of two basis weights, a high basis weight region and a low basis weight region. The high basis weight region is further subdivided into low and high density regions so that a fibrous structure having three regions is produced. A second embodiment is a four region fibrous structure. Two of the regions have generally equivalent relatively high basis weights and two of the regions having generally equivalent relatively low basis weights.

Abstract: A chemically enhanced paper structure having a discrete pattern of a chemical composition is disclosed. The paper structure comprises a cellulose substrate, such as tissue paper. The substrate has a topography comprising at least two different elevations. The chemical composition may include a chemical softener composition or a surface-active composition and is selectively disposed in register with one of the elevations of the cellulose substrate, preferably the higher elevation regions. The paper structure is suitable for use as bath tissue or facial tissue.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for use in making a web of papermaking fibers. The apparatus comprising: a dewatering felt layer having a first web facing felt surface at a first elevation and a second oppositely facing felt surface, and a web patterning layer comprising a photosensitive resin. The patterning layer penetrates the first felt surface, and extends from the first felt surface to form a web contacting top surface at a second elevation different from the first elevation. The invention also comprises an method of forming a web support apparatus having a felt layer and a web patterning layer.