Abstract: A process is disclosed for forming a three-dimensional structure from a nonwoven web. The web is made of synthetic polymer filaments. The process comprises subjecting the web to a molding force at a temperature between the glass transition temperature and the melting temperature of the polymer. The nonwoven web is constructed so as to allow ample elongation of the constituent filaments. The web is preferentially bonded in selected areas. The filaments are only partially drawn during the spinning process, so as to preserve elongation potential. The three-dimensional structures made by the process can be shaped filters, for example for use in beverage capsules.

Abstract: A container is provided with a body defining an interior space having an opening. A filter is disposed in the body to define an ingredients chamber. Ingredients are disposed in the ingredients chamber and a cover is disposed over the opening to seal the interior space. The container is adapted to allow cover and filter with ingredients contained in ingredients chamber to be separated from the remainder of body.

Abstract: A beverage capsule is provided for use in a beverage preparing machine. A system and process for making the beverage capsule is also provided. The beverage capsule includes a body defining an interior space having an opening. A filter is disposed in the body to define an ingredients chamber and an extraction chamber. The filter has an air flow permeability of at least 400 L/s.m2. Ingredients are disposed in the ingredients chamber and a cover is dispensed over the opening to seal the interior space. The filter includes a vent region between the top surface of the ingredients and the bottom surface of cover for venting gas through said filter between said ingredients chamber and said extraction chamber. An alternate embodiment includes air flow channels defined in a side wall of body.

Abstract: A beverage capsule is provided having a body defining an opening. A filter is disposed in the opening and secured to the body. The filter is moldable to define an ingredients chamber. The filter is formed of a moldable nonwoven fabric comprising fibers that are undrawn or partially drawn prior to molding. Ingredients are disposed in the ingredients chamber for preparing a desired beverage and a cover is disposed over the opening for sealing the interior space.

Abstract: A multilayered material and a container (such as a beverage capsule) formed of at least one multilayered material is provided. A method for making a beverage container is also provided. The multilayered material comprises a barrier layer formed of a material adapted for deterring one or more undesired elements from passing through the barrier layer and a sealing layer formed of a material adapted for forming a seal with another surface. The multilayered material or container also comprise a gasket layer or gasket strips formed of a material having a plurality of channels adapted for receiving at least a portion of the material for said sealing layer.

Abstract: A beverage capsule has a body, a filter disposed in the body, ingredients disposed in the filter and a cover. The body includes a side wall that extends from an end wall to an opening that is covered by the cover. A boss extends into the interior space from the end wall inwardly of an extraction region. In one embodiment, the boss defines an engagement surface having a plurality of arms for engaging a bottom portion of the filter during use. In another embodiment, the boss engages the filter to define a tented filter zone wherein an inner portion of the filter is spaced a further distance from the end wall than an outer portion of the filter. In another embodiment, a diffusing surface is disposed in the body downstream of where a fluid is intended to enter the opening of the capsule during use with a beverage preparing machine.

Abstract: A beverage capsule is provided for use in a beverage preparing machine. The beverage capsule includes a body having a sidewall and a base defining an interior space. A first opening is defined at one end of the body and a second opening is defined at an opposing end of the body. A first cover covers the first opening and a second cover covers the second opening. A filter is disposed in the interior space a pre-determined distance away from the second opening. Ingredients, such as ground coffee beans, are disposed in the interior space between the first opening and the filter for preparing a desired beverage, wherein the ingredients have a statistical arithmetic mean particle size that is greater than 600 microns.

Abstract: A multi-component liquid dairy product dispensing system is provided which preferably utilizes an ultrasonic mixing chamber to essentially instantaneously combine and reconstitute liquid dairy product streams of various concentrations, with or without water, into a single homogeneous final liquid dairy product. Depending on the ratio of the liquid dairy products, a resultant liquid dairy product is provided which possess the same quality and attributes of the traditional liquid dairy products known by consumers, and can meet the regulatory standards for identification for various milk and cream products with respect to milk solids and fat content percentages. The liquid dairy product streams are preferably aseptic products in order to increase their shelf-life and stability. The resultant liquid dairy product dispensing system provides a system which is capable of rapidly providing a variety of liquid dairy products.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent composite web comprising a primary material having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of apertures extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. Furthermore, a secondary material is positioned adjacent to the primary material bottom surface. The secondary material extends into the plurality of apertures in the primary material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of making a multi-layered absorbent composite web. The web comprises at least a primary material and a secondary material. The primary material comprises apertures wherein fibers from the secondary material are inserted for fluid capture and transport. The secondary material may form a layer on the primary material once the apertures of the primary material are filled. That is, the secondary material may form a layer of material placed adjacent to the bottom surface of the primary material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of making a multi-layered absorbent composite web. The web comprises at least a primary material and a secondary material. The primary material comprises apertures wherein fibers from the secondary material are inserted for fluid capture and transport. The secondary material may form a layer on the primary material once the apertures of the primary material are filled. That is, the secondary material may form a layer of material placed adjacent to the bottom surface of the primary material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent composite web comprising a primary material having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of apertures extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. Furthermore, a secondary material is positioned adjacent to the primary material bottom surface. The secondary material extends into the plurality of apertures in the primary material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article having a rewet barrier. The absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, a fibrous acquisition layer positioned between the topsheet and the absorbent core, and a rewet barrier positioned between the fibrous acquisition layer and the absorbent core. The rewet barrier is an apertured, macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional polymeric web having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface.