Abstract: A three-dimensional hydraulically entangled nonwoven composite structure made of nonwoven fibrous web and a fibrous material integrated in the nonwoven fibrous web by hydraulic entanglement is disclosed. The nonwoven composite structure has a greater ability to maintain an embossed pattern when wet and has the ability for the structure to recover after it has been compressed, to a greater degree than previously found. Also disclosed is a method of making an embossed hydraulically entangled nonwoven composite fabric.

Abstract: A barrier piston with an integrated seal for use with aerosol containers is disclosed. The barrier piston includes a piston body with flow channels disposed on the surface thereof. Stabilizers of a low durometer material are provided on the flow channels to prevent tilting and binding of the piston body within a container. A seal also of a low durometer material is disposed on the base of the piston body to ensure separation of the product and propellant.

Abstract: A barrier piston with an integrated seal for use with aerosol containers is disclosed. The barrier piston includes a piston body with flow channels disposed on the surface thereof. Stabilizers of a low durometer material are provided on the flow channels to prevent tilting and binding of the piston body within a container. A seal also of a low durometer material is disposed on the base of the piston body to ensure separation of the product and propellant. Furthermore, a method of multi-step injection molding the barrier piston is disclosed.

Abstract: A three-dimensional hydraulically entangled nonwoven composite structure made of nonwoven fibrous web and a fibrous material integrated in the nonwoven fibrous web by hydraulic entanglement is disclosed. The nonwoven composite structure has a greater ability to maintain an embossed pattern when wet and has the ability for the structure to recover after it has been compressed, to a greater degree than previously found. Also disclosed is a method of making an embossed hydraulically entangled nonwoven composite fabric.

Abstract: A method apparatus and article of manufacturing for using a computer to electronically clear and cash a check submitted to an on-line merchant from an on-line consumer by electronic means is provided. First, an input of check information submitted by a consumer by electronic means is accepted. Next the accuracy of the check information is verified and then is presented for clearing through the Federal Reserve's Automated Clearing House. Finally, the consumer's checking account from which the check was drawn is debited by the amount indicated in the check information and the merchant's account is credited by the amount indicated in the check information.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric includes a first composite layer that includes from about 50% to about 90% by weight non-thermoplastic absorbent staple fibers and from about 10% to about 50% by weight thermoplastic fibers. A preponderance of the fibers at a first outer surface of the first composite layer comprise non-thermoplastic absorbent staple fibers and a preponderance of the fibers at a second outer surface of the first composite layer comprise thermoplastic fibers. The nonwoven fabric further includes a second composite layer that includes from about 50% to about 90% by weight non-thermoplastic absorbent staple fibers and from about 10% to about 50% by weight thermoplastic fibers. The second composite layer is adjacent the second outer surface of the first composite layer.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric includes a first composite layer that includes from about 50% to about 90% by weight non-thermoplastic absorbent staple fibers and from about 10% to about 50% by weight thermoplastic fibers. A preponderance of the fibers at a first outer surface of the first composite layer comprise non-thermoplastic absorbent staple fibers and a preponderance of the fibers at a second outer surface of the first composite layer comprise thermoplastic fibers. The nonwoven fabric further includes a second composite layer that includes from about 50% to about 90% by weight non-thermoplastic absorbent staple fibers and from about 10% to about 50% by weight thermoplastic fibers. The second composite layer is adjacent the second outer surface of the first composite layer.

Abstract: The present invention desirably provides a fabric including a synthetic fiber structure first zone, a synthetic fiber structure second zone, and a short fiber third zone. The first zone may include a spunbond web layer and a meltblown web layer. The synthetic fiber structure second zone may be positioned proximate to the synthetic fiber structure first zone and the short fiber third zone may be positioned substantially between the first and second zones. Desirably, the first and second zones are entwined.

Abstract: An inventively enhanced near-field sensor includes circuitry which removes variation in standoff distance (of the sensor from the inspected object) as a factor in the inspection system readings. An original output voltage which varies linearly according to standoff distance is, modified and added to a counterbalancing output voltage which equivalently but oppositely varies linearly according to standoff distance, resulting in a constant output voltage regardless of standoff distance. For calibration purposes, a third output voltage can also be summed along with the modified output voltage and the counterbalancing output voltage. Since the effect of surface variation is nullified, the practitioner can more truly assess the interior physical condition of the inspected object, knowing that the object's surface roughess is rendered irrelevant.

Abstract: The present invention desirably provides a fabric including a synthetic fiber structure first zone, a synthetic fiber structure second zone, and a short fiber third zone. The first zone may include a spunbond web layer and a meltblown web layer. The synthetic fiber structure second zone may be positioned proximate to the synthetic fiber structure first zone and the short fiber third zone may be positioned substantially between the first and second zones. Desirably, the first and second zones are entwined.

Abstract: Field strength of an electromagnet is monitored at a threshold with a coupling coil positioned to monitor magnetic flux in a leg of an electromagnet. In the context of magnetic particle inspection for surface flaws (e.g. cracks) in ferromagnetic materials, sensing magnetic flux in a portion of a magnetic circuit including the material being inspected provides a continuous direct indication of whether or not the magnetic field strength produced is sufficient for reliable inspection to be performed. Since the magnetic flux in the electromagnet will be reduced with increases in reluctance of the magnetic circuit, the continuous monitoring of magnetic field strength also effectively monitors correct inspection technique by the magnetic particle inspection methodology.

Abstract: A dual function composite catalyst for isomerizing an isomerization feed containing an aromatic C.sub.8 mixture of ethyl benzene and xylene, comprises (a) a crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite having a low acid activity as measured by an alpha value of from 0.02 to 11, an average crystal size of not more than 0.4 microns for at least 50% by weight of the crystals, a silica to alumina ratio of at least about 12, a constraint index of about 1 to 12, a xylene sorption capacity greater than 1 gram per 100 grams of zeolite, and an ortho-xylene sorption time for 30 percent of said capacity less than 10 minutes, said sorption capacity and sorption time being measured at 120.degree. C. and a xylene pressure of 4.5.+-.0.8 mm of mercury, and (b) a supported metal of Group VIII of the Periodic Table having a high hydrogenation/dehydrogenation activity to provide the catalyst with a dehydrogenation activity of at least 10. The catalyst has an alpha value of 0.005 to 3.

Abstract: A dual function composite catalyst for isomerizing an isomerization feed containing an aromatic C.sub.8 mixture of ethyl benzene and xylene, comprises (a) a crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite having a low acid activity as measured by an alpha value of from 0.02 to 11, an average crystal size of not more than 0.4 microns for at least 50% by weight of the crystals, a silica to alumina ratio of at least about 12, a constraint index of about 1 to 12, a xylene sorption capacity greater than 1 gram per 100 grams of zeolite, and an ortho-xylene sorption time for 30 percent of said capacity less than 10 minutes, said sorption capacity and sorption time being measured at 120.degree. C. and a xylene pressure of 4.5.+-.0.8 mm of mercury, and (b) a supported metal of Group VIII of the Periodic Table having a high hydrogenation/dehydrogenation activity to provide the catalyst with a dehydrogenation activity of at least 10. The catalyst has an alpha value of 0.005 to 3.

Abstract: Cationic curable photoresists are patterned by exposing such to a laser beam in a pattern, followed by developing.