Abstract: An oral cleaning device that can fit onto a human finger is provided. The oral cleaning device, or dental wipe, is at least partially made from an elastomeric material, such as an elastomeric nonwoven, so that the wipe can more aptly fit onto a finger. Furthermore, the wipe, in some instances, can possess a barrier that is liquid-impervious, but vapor-permeable so that the finger of a user is more comfortable during cleaning. Various additives can be applied to the wipe to aid in the cleaning process.

Abstract: An oral cleaning device that can fit onto a human finger is provided. The oral cleaning device, or dental wipe, is at least partially made from an elastomeric material, such as an elastomeric nonwoven, so that the wipe can more aptly fit onto a finger. Furthermore, the wipe, in some instances, can possess a barrier that is liquid-impervious, but vapor-permeable so that the finger of a user is more comfortable during cleaning. Various additives can be applied to the wipe to aid in the cleaning process.

Abstract: A method of drying a paper web is provided. The method utilizes a dryer, such as a through-dryer, having a first dryer section and a second dryer section. Within the first dryer section, a relatively wet paper web is dried at an elevated temperature, such as between about 400° F. to about 500° F. After being dried by the first dryer section, the web is relatively dry and is further dried by the second dryer section at a reduced temperature, such as between about 300° F. to about 400° F. A variety of control techniques can also be utilized to control the temperature of each dryer section.

Abstract: A method for softening a paper-based product, such as facial tissues, bath tissues, paper towels, etc., is provided. In particular, the method of the present invention includes exposing a cellulosic fibrous material to ionizing radiation (e.g., electron beam radiation). It is believed that the ionizing radiation induces vibrational forces throughout the cellulosic fibrous structure, thereby disrupting hydrogen bonds between adjacent fibers and opening the crystalline structure of the material to result in a softer product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for forming meltblown material with a die assembly. The die may further include a die tip and a heating element positioned relative to the die tip apex to maintain the polymer material extruded from the die tip in a molten state.

Abstract: A heated controlled deflection roll including a center support and a rotatable roll shell surrounding the center support. A shoe assembly connects the center support and the inside surface of the rotatable roll shell. The shoe assembly includes a shoe in contact with the inside surface of the rotatable roll shell and a bladder positioned between the shoe and the center support. The shoe assembly has a length substantially equal to a length of the inside surface of the rotatable roll shell. Free space within a chamber within the rotatable roll shell is filled with a heat transfer fluid and heater elements. The heater elements have angled fins for directing the flow of the heat transfer fluid in a helical pattern towards one end of the rotatable roll shell. The heat transfer fluid returns to the opposite end of the chamber through a passage through the center support.

Abstract: A method for softening a paper-based product, such as facial tissues, bath tissues, paper towels, etc., is provided. In particular, the method of the present invention includes exposing a cellulosic fibrous material to ionizing radiation (e.g., electron beam radiation). It is believed that the ionizing radiation induces vibrational forces throughout the cellulosic fibrous structure, thereby disrupting hydrogen bonds between adjacent fibers and opening the crystalline structure of the material to result in a softer product.

Abstract: An oral cleaning device that can fit onto a human finger is provided. The oral cleaning device, or dental wipe, is at least partially made from an elastomeric material, such as an elastomeric nonwoven, so that the wipe can more aptly fit onto a finger. Furthermore, the wipe, in some instances, can possess a barrier that is liquid-impervious, but vapor-permeable so that the finger of a user is more comfortable during cleaning. Various additives can be applied to the wipe to aid in the cleaning process.

Abstract: A method of drying a paper web is provided. The method utilizes a dryer, such as a through-dryer, having a first dryer section and a second dryer section. Within the first dryer section, a relatively wet paper web is dried at an elevated temperature, such as between about 400° F. to about 500° F. After being dried by the first dryer section, the web is relatively dry and is further dried by the second dryer section at a reduced temperature, such as between about 300° F. to about 400° F. A variety of control techniques can also be utilized to control the temperature of each dryer section.

Abstract: A method for producing fibers from a molten thermoplastic material includes the steps of extruding the molten thermoplastic material from a material outlet having a longitudinal axis and producing a stream of pressurized fluid that exists a fluid tube removably securable to a die head assembly and including an outlet coaxial with the material outlet longitudinal axis and extending at least into the material outlet. The method may be carried out using various material outlet and fluid tube configurations.

Abstract: A device that can be used to treat appendage ailments is provided. The device, or appendage sleeve, can be used for wounds, cuts, and blisters, as well as joint related ailments, such as arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. In some instances, the appendage sleeve can at least partially made from an elastomeric material, such as an elastomeric nonwoven, so that the sleeve can more aptly fit onto a finger or toe. Furthermore, the sleeve can also possess a barrier that is liquid impermeable, but vapor permeable so that the finger or toe of a user is more comfortable. Various additives can be applied to the sleeve to aid for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and a valving means, the valving means comprising at least one one-way valve and a connection means which permits the connection of a pumping means, wherein the valving means allows air to be distributed into one or more regions of the article. The valving means of the article allows air to be discharged into the article in a region between a wearer's skin and the product.

Abstract: An oral cleaning device that can fit onto a human finger is provided. The oral cleaning device, or dental wipe, is at least partially made from an elastomeric material, such as an elastomeric nonwoven, so that the wipe can more aptly fit onto a finger. Furthermore, the wipe, in some instances, can possess a barrier that is liquid-impervious, but vapor-permeable so that the finger of a user is more comfortable during cleaning. Various additives can be applied to the wipe to aid in the cleaning process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for forming meltblown material with a die assembly. The die may further include a die tip and a heating element positioned relative to the die tip apex to maintain the polymer material extruded from the die tip in a molten state.

Abstract: A method of drying a paper web is provided. The method utilizes a dryer, such as a through-dryer, having a first dryer section and a second dryer section. Within the first dryer section, a relatively wet paper web is dried at an elevated temperature, such as between about 400° F. to about 500° F. After being dried by the first dryer section, the web is relatively dry and is further dried by the second dryer section at a reduced temperature, such as between about 300° F. to about 400° F. A variety of control techniques can also be utilized to control the temperature of each dryer section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus, including a die, for forming meltblown material. The die may further include a die tip and a heating element positioned proximate to the die tip to maintain the polymer material extruded from the die tip in a molten state.

Abstract: A die head assembly for meltblowing thermoplastic material comprising a first chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid, a second chamber for receiving a pressurized molten thermoplastic material, the second chamber defining an outlet through which the molten thermoplastic material exits the die head, and a fluid tube removably securable to the first chamber and defining a passageway having an inlet in communication with the first chamber and an outlet extending at least into the outlet of the second chamber.

Abstract: A die head assembly for meltblowing thermoplastic material comprising a first chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid, a second chamber for receiving a pressurized molten thermoplastic material, the second chamber defining an outlet through which the molten thermoplastic material exits the die head, and a fluid tube removably securable to the first chamber and defining a passageway having an inlet in communication with the first chamber and an outlet extending at least into the outlet of the second chamber. The die head assembly of claim 1, wherein the outlet of the second chamber defines a longitudinal axis, and the outlet of the second chamber and the outlet of the fluid tube define at least one elongated opening therebetween elongated in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the molten thermoplastic material passing through the elongated opening as it exits the die head.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing the heating efficiency of a nonwoven web using heated air are provided. A flow modifier including a turbulence inducing bar arrangement is positioned between the heated air supply and the nonwoven web. The flow modifier increases the turbulence of the heated air before it contacts the nonwoven web, resulting in more thorough penetration of the web by the air, and better convective heat transfer between the heated air and the nonwoven web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved quenching of nonwoven filaments utilizing a turbulence inducing bar arrangement disposed in a stream of quenching gas between the quenching gas supply apparatus and the group of filaments being extruded. The bar arrangement increases the turbulence of the quenching gas so that the gas applied to the filament group has a turbulence intensity of at least about 5%. The turbulent quenching gas penetrates the interior of the filament bundle to provide more efficient removal of heat.