Abstract: Apparatus and method for receiving and holding debris in a collection chamber of a vacuum cleaner. The collection chamber has an inlet opening through which debris-entrained air enters the collection chamber. When the vacuum cleaner is off, an internal valve prevents debris from leaving the collection chamber through the inlet opening. The internal valve is movable from a first sealed position, in which the internal valve covers the chamber inlet opening, to a second unsealed position in which the internal valve does not cover the chamber inlet opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for receiving and holding debris in a collection chamber of a vacuum cleaner. The collection chamber has an inlet opening through which debris-entrained air enters the collection chamber. When the vacuum cleaner is off, an internal valve prevents debris from leaving the collection chamber through the inlet opening. The internal valve is movable from a first sealed position, in which the internal valve covers the chamber inlet opening, to a second unsealed position in which the internal valve does not cover the chamber inlet opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for receiving and holding debris in a collection chamber of a vacuum cleaner. The collection chamber has an inlet opening through which debris-entrained air enters the collection chamber. When the vacuum cleaner is off, an internal valve prevents debris from leaving the collection chamber through the inlet opening. The internal valve is movable from a first sealed position, in which the internal valve covers the chamber inlet opening, to a second unsealed position in which the internal valve does not cover the chamber inlet opening.

Abstract: This invention is a surge material having permanent storage properties that results in faster intake and greater saturation capacity and reduced fluid flowback. More specifically the invention is a surge material with a superabsorbent material printed on in a pattern of discrete regions. The objective of the invention is obtained by printing, or other known application process, a liquid superabsorbent precursor solution containing a crosslinkable composition onto a surge material and then curing the printed surge material to crosslink the polymers to get a surge material having discrete regions of superabsorbent material in the surge material. This invention is also useful in making an absorbent core of an absorbent article with improved strength, increased absorbency, and decreased shedding of superabsorbent material.

Abstract: This invention is a surge material having permanent storage properties that results in faster intake and greater saturation capacity and reduced fluid flowback. More specifically the invention is a surge material with a superabsorbent material printed on in a pattern of discrete regions. The objective of the invention is obtained by printing, or other known application process, a liquid superabsorbent precursor solution containing a crosslinkable composition onto a surge material and then curing the printed surge material to crosslink the polymers to get a surge material having discrete regions of superabsorbent material in the surge material. This invention is also useful in making an absorbent core of an absorbent article with improved strength, increased absorbency, and decreased shedding of superabsorbent material.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed which exhibits improved fluid management. The article includes an absorbent having first and second oppositely aligned surfaces and a longitudinally extending central axis. A bicomponent cover is positioned over the first surface of the absorbent and includes a first and a second material. The first material has openings formed therein and is aligned along the longitudinally extending central axis of the absorbent. The second material is nonapertured and is secured to, or positioned adjacent to, the outer periphery of the first material. The first and second materials cooperate to enclose the absorbent. Positioned between the first material and the first surface of the absorbent is a separation means. The separation means directs fluid from the body downward, in the z direction, away from the bicomponent cover, and outward in the x and y directions to provide a more efficient use of the absorbent material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a duo-functional nonwoven composite having a support layer with a top surface and a bottom surface separated by a thickness. On the bottom surface of the support layer is a fibrous nonwoven web with all or a portion of the fibers being formed from a material which is soluble in a fluid such as water. At least a portion of the fibers extend through the thickness of the support layer from the bottom surface and project beyond the top surface to give the top surface a cloth-like appearance. Upon wetting the top surface of the support layer by a fluid such as water, urine or menses, the soluble fibers begin to shrink and dissolve until all or a portion of the filaments have retracted back into and through the thickness of the support layer. In so doing, the applied fluid is transported substantially away from the top surface of the composite.