Abstract: A test apparatus determines the state of torsional balance of an elongate device about its longitudinal axis. It has a base plate, supporting two sets of longitudinally spaced-apart low-friction roller bearings. The second bearings are mounted on the base at a higher location than the first bearings. A support for the second bearings has a side opening to allow lateral movement of the device under test into engagement with the underside of the second bearings which resting on the upper side of the first bearings. The device under test may be a rifle or a golf putter, the barrel or shaft respectively of which is supported on the roller bearings of the first set and in contact with the underside of the second bearings. The device will rotate about the longitudinal axis if not balanced about the axis. It is very easy and convenient for the user to place the tube in the guide to check for balance whenever checking balance of the item.

Abstract: A test apparatus determines the state of torsional balance of an elongate device about its longitudinal axis. It has a base plate, supporting two sets of longitudinally spaced-apart low-friction roller bearings. The second bearings are mounted on the base at a higher location than the first bearings. A support for the second bearings has a side opening to allow lateral movement of the device under test into engagement with the underside of the second bearings which resting on the upper side of the first bearings. The device under test may be a rifle or a golf putter, the barrel or shaft respectively of which is supported on the roller bearings of the first set and in contact with the underside of the second bearings. The device will rotate about the longitudinal axis if not balanced about the axis. It is very easy and convenient for the user to place the tube in the guide to check for balance whenever checking balance of the item.

Abstract: An unitary stratified composite composed of a first stratum and a second stratum integrally connected by a transition zone is disclosed. The first stratum serves as a liquid acquisition stratum that rapidly acquires and then transfers liquid to the second stratum. The second stratum serves to withdraw liquid from the first stratum and further severs as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent composite that includes a fibrous matrix having absorbent material dispersed in bands along the composite's length is disclosed. The bands define liquid distribution zones. On liquid contact, absorbent material swelling occurs and produces a wetted composite having flutes that include swollen absorbent material separated by distribution zones, regions of the composite that are substantially free of absorbent material. Absorbent articles that include the composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for forming an absorbent fibrous composite containing absorbent material dispersed in bands through the composite and along the composite's length are disclosed. The methods generally include depositing a fibrous slurry on a foraminous support to form a web and depositing or injecting absorbent material into the web across its width to provide a web having absorbent material in bands along the composite's length. Drying the web provides a fluted absorbent composite. In one embodiment, the method is a wetlaid method and in another embodiment, the method is a foam-forming method. Preferably, the methods are twin-wire forming methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent composite having improved surface dryness. The composite has three strata with adjacent strata separated by a transition zone. The composite's first stratum includes synthetic fibers and provides the composite with improved surface dryness. Methods for forming the composite and absorbent articles that incorporated the composite are also provided.

Abstract: A fibrous layer that includes a refined blend of crosslinked cellulosic fibers and noncrosslinked cellulosic fibers. In one embodiment, the layer includes about 85 percent by weight crosslinked fibers and about 15 percent by weight noncrosslinked fibers. An absorbent construct that includes the fibrous layer and a liquid storage layer. Personal care absorbent products that include the distribution layer.