Abstract: A medical device lubricating assembly for imparting a lubricious and/or antimicrobial liquid onto a medical device is provided. The medical device is surrounded by a pouch and the assembly includes a barrier for bifurcating the pouch into a wet compartment and a dry compartment. Lubricating fluid is stored in the wet compartment or is otherwise introduced into the wet compartment prior to removal of the medical device from the pouch. This assists in insertion and implantation of the device into a body cavity or opening.

Abstract: A disposable face mask includes a mask body covering substantially a nose and mouth of a wearer, and a connecting means included with the mask body. The connecting means includes a pair of ties, an elastic cord, and/or an extension having lateral panels which have a connectable section. A cord is coupled to and extends between at least one pair of lateral panels. The connecting means is configured to releasable encircle a back of a wearer's head to hold a mask body in position over a wearer's nose and mouth.

Abstract: A multilayer laminate comprising a fine fiber nonwoven composite web which is a mixture of a first group of fibers and a second group of fibers such that the first and second fibers comprise polymers that are incompatible with each other. The fine fiber nonwoven composite web is bonded to a barrier layer such as a microporous film or a nonwoven web of meltblown fibers.

Abstract: Side-by-side conjugate filaments made from thermoplastic elastomers and spunbond-type polyolefins exhibit an extremely high propensity to self-crimp. At appropriate polymer ratios and processing conditions (with mechanical or aerodynamical drawing) the crimp develops spontaneously after relaxation of the attenuation force. The amount of crimp and the degree of elastic properties depend on the elastomer content and the processing conditions. The resulting crimp is typically in the range of 25-200 crimps per inch. This combination of exceptionally high crimp and an elastomer component imparts stretch and recovery properties. The filaments can be wrapped around a cylindrical supporting structure to create a continuous, seamless elastic band, useful for body-fit articles.

Abstract: An absorbent article for use in cleaning oil spills comprises a first exposed outer layer of hydrophobic, liquid-permeable, fibrous polymeric nonwoven web and an absorbent body, adjacent the outer layer, comprising oil absorbent, cellulose-based material. Desirably, the article further comprises a second exposed outer layer of hydrophobic polymeric material with the absorbent body disposed between the first and second exposed outer layers. The absorbent article is placed on a layer of oil resting on the surface of a body of water for oil spill clean up. The absorbent article selectively absorbs oil over water because the outer hydrophobic layer repels water but attracts oil and transfers the oil to the oil absorbent body encased between the exposed outer layers. This invention results in considerable savings in cost and in non-renewable resources because the bulk of the product is a cellulose-based material, which is renewable, while only a small portion is polymeric nonwoven, which is non-renewable.

Abstract: The invention provides a perforated nonwoven web fabricated from a bonded thermoplastic polymer web. The perforated nonwoven web contains a multitude of self-sustaining sustaining perforations that are substantially free of melt-fused edges and can be characterized as stretch-opened perforations. The invention further provides a process for producing the perforated nonwoven web.

Abstract: A shaped nonwoven fabric comprises continuous spunbond filaments made by directly forming the spunbond filaments into a web in a single process. The fabric has an array of discrete surface features such as apertures or projections, or both. The spunbond filaments are bonded together with an adhesive polymeric component so that the shape of the fabric is retained. The fabric can be engineered to have particular fluid handling properties, strength properties, abrasive properties and aesthetic properties. Articles such as personal care products, garments, medical products and cleaning products are also disclosed.