Abstract: An improved acoustically and thermally insulating composite material suitable for use in structures such as buildings, appliances, and the interior passenger compartments and exterior components of automotive vehicles, comprising at least one airlaid fibrous layer of controlled density and composition and incorporating suitable binding agents and additives as needed to meet expectations for noise abatement, fire, and mildew resistance. Separately, an airlaid structure which provides a reduced, controlled airflow therethrough useful for acoustic insulation is provided, and which includes a woven or nonwoven scrim.

Abstract: An improved acoustically and thermally insulating fire-retardant composite material suitable for use in structures such as buildings, appliances, and the interior passenger compartments and exterior components of automotive vehicles is provided. The material is comprised of at least one airlaid fibrous layer of controlled density and composition and incorporating suitable binding agents and additives as needed to meet expectations for noise abatement, fire-retardancy, and mildew resistance. Separately, an airlaid structure which provides a reduced, controlled airflow therethrough useful for acoustic insulation is provided, and which includes a woven or nonwoven scrim. A process for the production of the fire retardant nonwoven material is also provided.

Abstract: An improved acoustically and thermally insulating fire-retardant composite material suitable for use in structures such as buildings, appliances, and the interior passenger compartments and exterior components of automotive vehicles is provided. The material is comprised of at least one airlaid fibrous layer of controlled density and composition and incorporating suitable binding agents and additives as needed to meet expectations for noise abatement, fire-retardancy, and mildew resistance. Separately, an airlaid structure which provides a reduced, controlled airflow therethrough useful for acoustic insulation is provided, and which includes a woven or nonwoven scrim. A process for the production of the fire retardant nonwoven material is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent core for use in an absorbent article and methods to make the absorbent core and absorbent articles. The absorbent core has a discrete wicking layer made with compressible fibers such as a eucalyptus or chemically treated fibers. The absorbent core and articles made with it have improved vertical wicking capacity and superior rewet characteristics.

Abstract: An improved acoustically and thermally insulating composite material suitable for use in structures such as buildings, appliances, and the interior passenger compartments and exterior components of automotive vehicles, comprising at least one airlaid fibrous layer of controlled density and composition and incorporating suitable binding agents and additives as needed to meet expectations for noise abatement, fire, and mildew resistance. Separately, an airlaid structure which provides a reduced, controlled airflow therethrough useful for acoustic insulation is provided, and which includes a woven or nonwoven scrim.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention relate to a torque-limiting tool which includes a central cam having a receiver component, at least one cam holder component surrounding the central cam, propelled by a driving member or a tool handle, wherein the cam holder component includes first portions that substantially complement an external surface of the central cam and at least two second portions providing space for rotation of the cam holder component relative to the central cam, and at least one connection controlling element around the cam holder component having a bending strength to enable the cam holder component positioned to interact with the movement of the cam holder component.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention relate to a torque-limiting tool which includes a central cam having a receiver component, at least one cam holder component surrounding the central cam, propelled by a driving member or a tool handle, wherein the cam holder component includes first portions that substantially complement an external surface of the central cam and at least two second portions providing space for rotation of the cam holder component relative to the central cam, and at least one connection controlling element around the cam holder component having a bending strength to enable the cam holder component positioned to interact with the movement of the cam holder component.

Abstract: An improved acoustically and thermally insulating fire-retardant composite material suitable for use in structures such as buildings, appliances, and the interior passenger compartments and exterior components of automotive vehicles is provided. The material is comprised of at least one airlaid fibrous layer of controlled density and composition and incorporating suitable binding agents and additives as needed to meet expectations for noise abatement, fire-retardancy, and mildew resistance. Separately, an airlaid structure which provides a reduced, controlled airflow therethrough useful for acoustic insulation is provided, and which includes a woven or nonwoven scrim. A process for the production of the fire retardant nonwoven material is also provided.

Abstract: An ergonomic tool handle is disclosed, for applications including surgical hand tools. The tool handle includes a body centered about a rotational axis and having opposite end portions. The body includes an outer gripping surface between the end portions. The outer gripping surface is defined by three contoured side surfaces having a convex radial and longitudinal shape with respect to the rotational axis. The body defines a longitudinal cross-section bounded by the three contoured side surfaces, the cross-section being shaped substantially as a circular triangle having three rounded apices.

Abstract: In a torque-limiting device, a first end engages a fastener, a second end receives an applied torque, and a magnetic torque limiter transmits the applied torque from the second end to the first end to rotate the first end in conjunction with the second end when the applied torque is less than a predetermined limit.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a multiple port catheter or medical tubing connector comprising a generally elongate central housing portion having a closed first end and open second end; a central lumen running along a longitudinal axis within said housing portion, said central lumen terminating at an open second end of the housing portion; a plurality of individual side ports extending from said central housing portion, each side port having an open end in communication with a port lumen within, and each port lumen individually converging in communication with said central lumen; and a transparent planar viewing window located on the side of said housing portion. The multiple port catheter connector can be used in a variety of scenarios within the medical field which require coordination and attachment of a plurality of catheters to conjoin into a unified efflux or exit flow, such as multiple site drainage or patients requiring multiple intravenous administration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel system for suspending artwork, photographs, documents and other planar material for display in which one edge (the top edge of the material) instead of being attached to hinges, is positioned between opposed magnetic materials having a strong reciprocal force tightly gripping the planar material therebetween whereby the planar article is releasably mounted for display. One of each set of opposed magnetic materials is seated within a recessed area of a mounting board providing a backing for the artwork or other planar article; while the other magnetic material is seated within a mat or other planar material designed to be positioned over the face of the artwork or other planar material to be displayed. It is particularly useful for mounting for display priceless artwork and archival documents which can suffer irreversible degradation from the hinging techniques heretofore employed for such priceless planar materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel system for suspending artwork, photographs, documents and other planar material for display in which one edge (the top edge of the material) instead of being attached to hinges, is positioned between opposed magnetic materials having a strong reciprocal force tightly gripping the planar material therebetween whereby the planar article is releasably mounted for display. One of each set of opposed magnetic materials is seated within a recessed area of a mounting board providing a backing for the artwork or other planar article; while the other magnetic material is seated within a mat or other planar material designed to be positioned over the face of the artwork or other planar material to be displayed. The invention is particularly useful for mounting for display priceless artwork and archival documents which can suffer irreversible degradation from the hinging techniques heretofore employed for such priceless planar materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent core for use in an absorbent article and methods to make the absorbent core and absorbent articles. The absorbent core has a discrete wicking layer made with compressible fibers such as eucalyptus or chemically treated fibers. The absorbent core and articles made with it have improved vertical wicking capacity and superior rewet characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for softening cellulose pulp using chemical softening agents or debonders, which include compositions comprising lower alkyl acid esters or cyclic esters of polyhydroxy compounds, without adversely affecting the absorbency of the cellulose fiber products thereof, and products thereof. The process of the invention may also be used in combination with plasticizing agents for cellulose such as glycerol, mono- and di-saccharides, glycols, and oligomers thereof. The process of the invention provides cellulosic fiber which is easier to fluff (refiberize) and to subsequently densify airlaid pads formed from the resulting individualized fibers, without adversely affecting absorbency.

Abstract: The present invention provides cellulose fibers having low median desorption pressures and low water retention values (WRV), which exhibit improved drainage and fluid flow properties. These fibers are particularly well suited for use in acquisition, distribution, and acquisition-distribution layers, or in absorbent core structures. One embodiment of the invention is a method for preparing cellulose fibers by refining cellulose fibers to a freeness ranging from about 300 to about 700 ml CSF and crosslinking the refined fibers. Another embodiment of the invention is fibers crosslinked with at least one saturated dicarboxylic acid, aromatic dicarboxylic acid, cycloalkyl discarboxylic acid, bifunctional monocarboxylic acid, or amine carboxylic acid. A crosslinking facilitator, such as oxalic acid, may be present during the crosslinking reaction to improve the efficacy of the crosslinking agent. Yet another embodiment of the invention is an absorbent core comprising SAP particles and reversible crosslinked fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for softening cellulose pulp using chemical softening agents or debonders, which include compositions comprising lower alkyl acid esters or cyclic esters of polyhydroxy compounds, without adversely affecting the absorbency of the cellulose fiber products thereof, and products thereof. The process of the invention may also be used in combination with plasticizing agents for cellulose such as glycerol, mono- and di-saccharides, glycols, and oligomers thereof. The process of the invention provides cellulosic fiber which is easier to fluff (refiberize) and to subsequently densify airlaid pads formed from the resulting individualized fibers, without adversely affecting absorbency.

Abstract: A discrete superabsorbent layer is adhered to the lower surface of a fibrous absorbent structure using a water-based polymeric binder is disclosed. The advantages are that a superabsorbent roll good can be prepared for later conversion into disposable absorbent products. The use of the water-based polymeric binder prevents particles of superabsorbent from becoming dislodged from the structure during handling and processing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydrogel-forming polymeric material including a first compound which is a superabsorbent polymer and a second compound present in the first as a dispersed phase including an elastomeric material effective to increase the fracture resistance of the superabsorbent. The material is prepared from a first compound including carboxylic-functional polyelectrolytes in combination with a crosslinkers reactive with carboxyl or carboxylate groups and an effective amount of a second compound including an aqueous dispersion of a rubbery material. In one preferred embodiment, the fracture resistant polymer is prepared from monomer/crosslinker solution mixed with latex.