Abstract: A form fitting diaper comprises a backsheet having a front section, a back section, and a crotch section, and has bonded thereto an absorbent layer. The diaper further comprises a pair of elastic side panels bonded between the front and back sections of the backsheet and define therewith a circumferentially continuous and elastic waist, and further defining leg openings. The side panels having substantially unidirectional elasticity whereby the panels are elastic in the circumferential direction and substantially inelastic in the direction perpendicular thereto. The side panels being of composite construction comprising an elastomeric layer with a unidirectionally elastic nonwoven layer bonded thereto. The composite combines the barrier and strength properties of the elastomeric layer with the unidirectional elasticity and fabric-like properties of the nonwoven layer. The unidirectional elasticity of the composite is useful for putting on and taking off the diaper.

Abstract: A modular die for applying hot melt adhesive onto a substrate comprises (a) a manifold having adhesive and air passages formed therein, (b) a plurality of self-contained and interchangeable die bodies mounted on the manifold, and (c) a die head detachably mounted on each die body. The die heads are selected from melt spraying, meltblowing, and linear bead applicators permitting the application of a variety of adhesive patterns on the substrate.

Abstract: A quick change pump assembly for an adhesive pumping system includes three main components: a manifold, a pump, and a motor. These components are secured to a subframe which is adapted to be detachably mounted on the mainframe of the system. The subframe with the three components mounted thereon is selectively movable between an operating position and a withdrawn position. In the withdrawn position, any of the components on the subframe may be replaced or repaired.

Abstract: Meltblown thermoplastic fibers are cooled by microsized water droplets produced by airless ruby nozzles. The droplets have an average diameter of less than 20 microns.

Abstract: Modular die constructions includes a plurality of side-by-side self-contained, interchangeable meltblowing modules on a manifold so that the length of the die can be varied by adding modules or removing modules from the manifold.

Abstract: A meltblowing die for producing nonwoven polymer webs includes an inner tube having a plurality of orifices arranged in a row thereon, and an outer tube encasing the inner tube and having a slot formed therein in registry with the row orifices. The inner tube and outer tubes are constructed to define converging air passages on either side of the row of orifices, whereby hot air delivered to the outer tube converges on polymer fibers extruded through the orifices and imparts drag forces thereon to attenuate and draw down the fibers to microsize.

Abstract: An in-line continuous method of formulating and applying a hot melt adhesive to a substrate involves metering a particulate polymer adhesive and a tackifier in a weight ratio in an extruder where the raw materials are formed into a homogeneous melt. The melt is continuously discharged directly into a hot melt applicator for deposition onto a substrate.

Abstract: A meltblowing die assembly featuring a preassembled die tip assembly permitting the rapid exchange thereof. The preassembled die tip assembly includes a die tip having a triangular nosepiece, a member mounted on the die tip assembly for conforming the die tip to the die body, and a pair of air plates mounted on the die tip and in combination with the nosepiece define converging air slots.

Abstract: A six-sided fibrous batting is coated with a nonwoven polymeric material by passing the batt sequentially through three coating stations. Four sides of the batt are coated in the first two stations and, after the batt is turned 90.degree., the final two sides are coated, completely encapsulating the batt in fibrous nonwoven coating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for oil cleanup or protection includes meltblowing equipment mounted on a vessel or vehicle for the generation and deposition of an oil absorbent web at the site of the spill.

Abstract: A meltblowing die assembly featuring a preassembled die tip assembly permitting the rapid exchange thereof. The preassembled die tip assembly includes a die tip having a triangular nosepiece, a member mounted on the die tip assembly for conforming the die tip to the die body, and a pair of air plates mounted on the die tip and in combination with the nosepiece define converging air slots.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive polymer is applied to a diaper backsheet by an aligned series of meltblowing units which are selectively operable to apply the coating in the desired geometry on the diaper backsheet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a meltblown continuous and seamless nonwoven tube is described. The apparatus comprises a meltblowing die for extruding two groups of polymer thermoplastic filaments onto a rotating mandrel to form a multilayer layer tube thereon. The tube is withdrawn from the mandrel by a rotating screw. The present apparatus is capable of producing nonwoven tubes having variable fiber diameters and/or composition in the radial direction, making them ideally suited for filtration purposes.

Abstract: A meltblowing die assembly features (a) intermittent operation, (b) modular valve actuator to selectively shut off polymer flow, (c) an in-line electric heater, and (d) meltblowing units arranged in side-by-side relationship.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for oil cleanup or protection includes meltblowing equipment mounted on a vessel or vehicle for the generation and deposition of an oil absorbent web at the site of the spill.

Abstract: A meltblowing system with a modular die design and on-line monitoring of web properties is described. The modular die consists of individually fed side-by-side meltblowing units. Automated control of the polymer feed rates to the units have been shown to produce a web with excellent uniformity of basis weight. The die also features a valve assembly for minimizing polymer afterflow and die tip plugging.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus of the type for forming a nonwoven web from a fiber forming thermoplastic polymer resin which includes a reservoir for supplying a quantity of melted fiber forming thermoplastic resin, a pump for pumping the molten resin to a fiber forming die, and a die for forming a discrete resin stream to flow therefrom. The die includes a first fluid passageway for forming a stream of fluid, such as air, in contact with and substantially surrounding the formed flow of resin for a predetermined distance within the die and a fluid interrupt system for selectively cycling the flow of resin on and off and clearing the resin from the fiber forming die. A receiving belt collects the fibers formed from the resin flow beyond the first fluid passageway spaced at a predetermined distance from the die.

Abstract: A meltblowing die assembly features (a) intermittent operation, (b) modular valve actuator to selectively shut off polymer flow, (c) an in-line electric heater, and (d) meltblowing units arranged in side-by-side relationship.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly and method for delivering swirls of a thermoplastic melt to a substrate operate on the principle of contacting a thermoplastic spun filament with swirling air to impart a circular swirling expanding cone pattern to the filament. The swirling filament is deposited on a substrate or collector as circular beads.

Abstract: A polymer metl delivery system includes a preheated hopper, a high clearance auger, a gear pump, and provisions for delivering heat to the polymer. The resin is melted and fed to the auger and pumped to the gear pump and further pump to an extrusion die. Heat is added to the polymers from the hopper and throughout its course to the outlet connection for the extrusion die. The preheated in the hopper includes heat conductive fins. The system is particularly suited for use in combination with a meltblowing die.