Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed comprising a thin, flexible wicking barrier with a horizontal portion that is folded back upon itself to create a substantially longitudinal cuff. The wicking barrier can separate a central absorbent member from an outer absorbent member for improved center fill, with the cuff open toward the central absorbent member to intercept liquid flowing toward the longitudinal sides of the article. The wicking barrier cuff desirably contains spacer means to hold the cuff open, providing void space to receive fluid. In one embodiment, lateral compression of the article during use causes the wicking barrier cuff to lift up from the surface of the article, creating a bubble of topsheet material and wicking barrier material (a “dynamic bubble cuff”) that intercepts fluid and improves body fit and leakage prevention.

Abstract: An improved method for imprinting a paper web during a wet pressing event is disclosed which results in asymmetrical protrusions corresponding to the deflection conduits of a deflection member. In one embodiment, differential velocity transfer during a pressing event serves to improve the molding and imprinting of a web with a deflection member. Improved deflection members are also disclosed. Improved tissue webs produced are also disclosed having useful sets of physical and geometrical properties, such as a pattern densified network- and a repeating pattern of protrusions having asymmetrical structures.

Abstract: Providing communication between machines and feed-forward control in event-based product manufacturing. Some of the disclosed embodiments include a system, method, and computer-readable media for communicating data relating to a material between machines during a process for feed-forward control. Also disclosed are an intelligent event-based manufacturing system including a process for converting a raw material to a product and a method of reducing the probability of waste, delay, or a quality defect in a process having process conditions for the manufacture of a product from a sequentially trackable raw material.

Abstract: Providing quality management and intelligent manufacturing with labels and smart tags in event-based product manufacturing. Some of the disclosed embodiments include a system, method, and computer-readable media for storing, during a process, data associated with a material. Also disclosed are a method of collecting, storing, and reporting machine productivity, waste, and delay information on an event basis in a manufacturing system, a method of capturing and storing material history, a method of automating tracking of positions of components used in a process and correlating portions of a component with production problems, an improved inventory management system, and a method of tracking and recording actions of specific operators of a process performed by a machine.

Abstract: User interface for reporting event-based production information in product manufacturing. Some of the disclosed embodiments include a system, method, computer-readable medium, and display device for processing data stored in a database. The data include automatically collected event-based production information records in a manufacturing system wherein each record represents an event and includes a timestamp, an event code, and a measure of cost or production loss associated with the event.

Abstract: Providing quality management by validating a bill of materials in event-based product manufacturing. Some of the disclosed embodiments include a system and method for validating materials during manufacture of a product. Also disclosed are a method of validating that acceptable materials are being used on a machine during manufacture of a product, and one or more computer-readable media for storing a data structure representing a product specification in an event-based manufacturing system.

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 highly absorbent tissue product is provided having a uniform density and a three-dimensional structure including at least first and second background regions separated by a visually distinctive transition region. The first and second background regions include a series of parallel ridges and depressions extending in the machine direction.

Abstract: A method and system for predicting the profit attributable to a proposed sales promotion of a product, wherein the product has a wholesale price and a manufacturing cost per unit sales, including establishing a base volume for sales of the product in the absence of promotions; determining a sales lift for the plurality of single promotions; and correlating the sales lift with promotion information to provide a sales lift model. The method and system also include proposing a promotion having a cost per unit sales for a promotion time period and having a planned sale price for the product; applying the sales lift model to the proposed promotion to predict sales of the product for the promotion time period; and calculating manufacturer profit based upon the product's predicted sales, cost per unit sales for promotion, wholesale price, and manufacturing cost per unit sales during the promotion time period.

Abstract: A device for capturing a substance, the device including a generally tubular body including a generally tubular inner surface defined by a first layer, the inner surface defining a pocket therewithin, the pocket having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being generally closed and the proximal end being generally open, the proximal end being configured to allow the insertion of a finger into the pocket through the proximal end, and a generally tubular outer surface generally disposed radially outwardly from the inner surface, wherein a portion of the outer surface is adapted to capture the substance.

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: Curly cellulose fibers having a high wet resiliency and a method of making high wet resiliency curly cellulose fibers with a chemically-assisted curling method. Polymeric reactive compounds are used to provide intrafiber crosslinking in curly fibers, thereby chemically setting the curl in the fibers, resulting in fibers that are stiff enough to not collapse upon wetting. These high wet resiliency curly cellulose fibers maintain a capillary structure during fluid acquisition and distribution, thus increasing absorbency.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed comprising a central absorbent member, an outer absorbent member, and a central rising member for urging the central absorbent member toward the body of the user when compressed laterally inward by the legs of the user. The article is able to achieve good center-fill performance when in use and maintain excellent body fit. Also disclosed is a lateral wicking barrier for inhibition of wicking from the central regions of the article to an outlying outer absorbent member. The combination of a wicking barrier isolating the central absorbent member from the longitudinal sides of the article and a central rising member urging the central absorbent member toward the body yields an article with excellent absorbency and leakage protection.

Abstract: The present invention is a woven sculpted fabric for the manufacture of a tissue web having a tissue contacting surface. The tissue contacting surface of the woven sculpted fabric includes at least a first group of strands and a second group of strands wherein the first group of strands extend in the cross-machine direction of the woven sculpted fabric and the second group of strands extend in the machine direction of the woven sculpted fabric.

Abstract: The present invention is a woven sculpted fabric for the manufacture of a tissue web having a tissue contacting surface. The tissue contacting surface of the woven sculpted fabric includes at least a first group of strands and a second group of strands wherein the first group of strands extend in a first direction and the second group of strands extend in a second direction.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of making a tissue product. An aqueous suspension of papermaking fibers is deposited onto a forming fabric thereby forming a wet tissue web. The wet tissue web is transferred to a woven sculpted fabric having a tissue contacting surface. The tissue contacting surface includes at least a first group of strands and a second group of strands wherein the first group of strands extend in a first direction and the second group of strands extend in a second direction.

Abstract: Paper sheets useful for tissues, paper towels, napkins, disposable absorbent products and the like can be made to exhibit a high degree of wet resiliency. This property is achieved by using a combination of high yield pulp fibers (such as bleached chemithermomechanical pulp fibers) and a wet strength agent in an uncreped throughdrying process. The resulting product, when wetted, can spring back after being crumpled in one's hand.

Abstract: A data management system and method for raw material, the system including a network adapted to permit data transfer between a manufacturer and a supplier, wherein the manufacturer produces a product, and wherein the supplier supplies a raw material, the raw material having a raw material code and raw material property data; a database of raw material specifications in communication with the network, wherein the specifications are searchable by the raw material code; and a database of raw material property data connected to the network, wherein the database includes raw material property data from the supplier, and wherein the raw material property data are searchable by the raw material code.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed having excellent body fit, center-fill fluid handling performance, and good leakage control in that flow from the center of the article to the longitudinal sides thereof is hindered by a wicking barrier. The article comprises a lower absorbent member, an horizontal wicking barrier over the lower absorbent member, and a central absorbent section forming a medial hump over the horizontal wicking barrier. An optional central rising member can further enhance the topography of the article when compressed by urging a central portion to deflect vertically upward. In one embodiment, longitudinal upward projections on the horizontal wicking barrier also help control the deformation of the article for good body fit.

Abstract: A tampon is adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent, the tampon including a body having a proximal end and a distal end, the body including an absorbency zone adjacent the distal end, wherein the absorbency zone includes absorbent material; an application zone adjacent the proximal end and spaced apart from the distal end; and a therapeutic agent positioned substantially within the application zone. A method produces a device for delivering a therapeutic agent, the method including manufacturing a tampon having a body with a distal end, a proximal end, an absorbency zone adjacent the distal end, and an application zone adjacent the proximal end; and locating a therapeutic agent substantially within the application zone.