Abstract: There is provided a high speed rotary valve which is relatively simple in design and which can effectively regulate the flow of fluid under high temperature conditions in such a manner as to produce perturbations in the fluid stream. Such a valve may be used to regulate the flow of fluid, e.g. air, toward a work piece to produce a perturbation in the piece for example. The clearance between the rotor and stator is such that the flow of fluid is never completely cut off, i.e., the valve continues to "leak through" the closed outlet port even when the rotor and stator openings are not aligned. Fluids having temperatures in the range of 40 to at least 900.degree. F. may be processed through this valve. The valve is also useful in creating aerosols of liquids and gases and in producing blown fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an ultrasonic transducer preferably including a signal generator circuit, a signal sensing circuit, a modulator circuit, and a bias circuit. The signal generator circuit provides a pulsed drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer. The signal sensing circuit senses the voltage and current of the drive signal. The modulator circuit provides a frequency control signal and an energy control signal to the signal generator circuit corresponding to a detected phase difference between the sensed voltage and the sensed current of the drive signal. The frequency control signal and energy control signal operate to adjust the frequency and energy level, respectively, of the drive signal.Within the transducer, a movable element in contact with a liquid is preferably positioned corresponding to the level of a dc bias signal provided by the bias circuit. By adjusting the level of the dc bias signal, the flow rate of the liquid is adjusted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an ultrasonic transducer preferably including a signal generator circuit, a signal sensing circuit, a modulator circuit, and a bias circuit. The signal generator circuit provides a pulsed drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer. The signal sensing circuit senses the voltage and current of the drive signal. The modulator circuit provides a frequency control signal and an energy control signal to the signal generator circuit corresponding to a detected phase difference between the sensed voltage and the sensed current of the drive signal. The frequency control signal and energy control signal operate to adjust the frequency and energy level, respectively, of the drive signal.Within the transducer, a movable element in contact with a liquid is preferably positioned corresponding to the level of a dc bias signal provided by the bias circuit. By adjusting the level of the dc bias signal, the flow rate of the liquid is adjusted.

Abstract: An ultrasonic apparatus and method for regulating the flow of a pressurized liquid through an orifice by applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid. The apparatus includes a die housing which defines a chamber adapted to receive a pressurized liquid and a means for applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid. The die housing further includes an inlet adapted to supply the chamber with the pressurized liquid, and an exit orifice defined by the walls of a die tip. The exit orifice is adapted to receive the pressurized liquid from the chamber and pass the liquid out of the die housing. When the means for applying ultrasonic energy is excited, it applies ultrasonic energy to the pressurized liquid without applying ultrasonic energy to the die tip and modifies the flow rate of the pressurized liquid the exit orifice.

Abstract: A nonwoven web having improved particulate barrier properties is provided. A surface treatment having a breakdown voltage no greater than 13 KV direct current is present on the nonwoven web. The particulate barrier properties are improved by subjecting said surface treatment treated nonwoven web to corona discharge.

Abstract: An ultrasonic apparatus and method for increasing the flow rate of a pressurized liquid through an orifice by applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid. The apparatus includes a die housing which defines a chamber adapted to receive a pressurized liquid and a means for applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid. The die housing further includes an inlet adapted to supply the chamber with the pressurized liquid, and an exit orifice defined by the walls of a die tip. The exit orifice is adapted to receive the pressurized liquid from the chamber and pass the liquid out of the die housing. When the means for applying ultrasonic energy is excited, it applies ultrasonic energy to the pressurized liquid without applying ultrasonic energy to the die tip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of attaching a substantially uniform distribution of particulates to individual exposed surfaces of a matrix of fibrous material. The method includes the following steps: 1) electrically charging a matrix of fibrous material having individual exposed surfaces to create a substantially uniform distribution of charged sites at the exposed surfaces; 2) applying particulates to the charged matrix of fibrous material so that at least some particulates adhere at the charged sites; and 3) attaching particulates adhering to the fibrous material at charged sites by substantially non-transient bonding. Also disclosed is a fibrous composite structure composed of a matrix of fibrous material having individual exposed surfaces; and a relatively uniform distribution of particulate material attached to individual exposed surfaces of the fibrous material by substantially non-transient bonding.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a multilayer film which includes a first surface layer and a second surface layer. The first surface layer is composed of materials which disintegrate when subjected to conditions present in conventional sewage systems. The second surface layer is formed from a material which is essentially inert to water, urine and other bodily fluids. Typically, the second surface layer is an extremely thin coating which provides a waterproofing effect. The multilayer film may be utilized as an outer cover in a wide variety of products such as, for example, disposable diapers and feminine care products such as sanitary napkins.