Abstract: A tissue anchor system includes a fixation device and a tool. The fixation device includes a tab connected to a tissue anchor. The tool includes a shaft connected between a proximal handle portion and a distal tip. The distal tip is configured to limit movement of the fixation device during loading of the tissue anchor.

Abstract: A Link 16 terminal. The Link 16 terminal includes a red enclave. The red enclave comprises a Link 16 radio. The Link 16 radio is configured to send commands to Link 16 modems. The commands specify time slots when operations in the commands should be performed by the Link 16 modems. The Link 16 terminal further includes a black enclave physically separated from the red enclave. The black enclave includes a Link 16 modem configured to receive commands from the Link 16 radio. The Link 16 terminal further includes a communication channel configured to facilitate communication between the red enclave and the black enclave. The Link 16 radio is configured to dynamically adjust when commands are sent to the Link 16 modem with respect to time slots specified in the commands based on latency between the Link 16 radio and the Link 16 modem.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed towards a through-air drying system comprising a hood and a rotatable cylinder with a porous cylindrical deck. The system includes a seal, and more particularly a seal along the lateral edges of the system. The seal generally prevents the exhaust of drying medium from the system through the gap between the hood and the rotatable cylinder and enables the system to be operated at positive air pressure. The seal may be formed by providing the hood with an axial hood flange, which extends at least partially along the bottom edge of the hood and overlaps an axial annular flange disposed on the cylinder when the hood is in a closed and sealed position.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed towards a through-air drying system comprising a hood and a rotatable cylinder with a porous cylindrical deck. The system includes a seal, and more particularly a seal along the lateral edges of the system. The seal generally prevents the exhaust of drying medium from the system through the gap between the hood and the rotatable cylinder and enables the system to be operated at positive air pressure. The seal may be formed by providing the hood with an axial hood flange, which extends at least partially along the bottom edge of the hood and overlaps an axial annular flange disposed on the cylinder when the hood is in a closed and sealed position.

Abstract: Laminates are described that contain a frangible layer adhered to at least one extensible layer, such as an elastic layer. In one embodiment, a frangible layer is positioned between two opposing elastic layers. The frangible layer includes lines of separation that generally extend in a first direction. The lines of separation allow the elastic layers to stretch and recover in a direction perpendicular or skew to the lines of separation. In one particular embodiment, the lines of separation comprise lines where the frangible layer has been weakened. The lines of separation can be formed after the laminate is made using groove rolls.

Abstract: Tissue products are described that have been topically treated with a chemical additive, such as a softener. The softener may be, for instance, a polysiloxane. The polysiloxane is topically applied to a tissue sheet, such as a single ply sheet, so as to form a Z-directional gradient in the sheet. Particular, most of the polysiloxane remains on the surface of the tissue product as opposed to migrating to the center of the sheet. In this manner, tissue sheets are formed with improved softness at lower levels of polysiloxane and without the need for applying any surfactants to the sheet. A system for applying chemical additives to tissue sheets is also described. The system includes a chemical additive applicator, such as a meltblown die that emits the chemical additive through a plurality of orifices. In one embodiment, the system includes a device for periodically cleaning the orifices during application of the chemical additive.

Abstract: A paper machine includes a dryer and a reel; at least one blow box located between the dryer and the reel; and a blower supplying a source of dry air to the at least one blow box.

Abstract: A paper machine includes a dryer and a reel; at least one blow box located between the dryer and the reel; and a blower supplying a source of dry air to the at least one blow box.

Abstract: A method of making paper comprising over drying the paper web by a dryer; transporting the paper web to a reel; and supplying dry air adjacent at least a portion of the paper web's travel path from the dryer to the reel. A paper machine comprising a dryer and a reel; at least one blow box located between the dryer and the reel; and a blower supplying a source of dry air to the at least one blow box.

Abstract: Tissue products are described that have been topically treated with a chemical additive, such as a softener. The softener may be, for instance, a polysiloxane. The polysiloxane is topically applied to a tissue sheet, such as a single ply sheet, so as to form a Z-directional gradient in the sheet. Particular, most of the polysiloxane remains on the surface of the tissue product as opposed to migrating to the center of the sheet. In this manner, tissue sheets are formed with improved softness at lower levels of polysiloxane and without the need for applying any surfactants to the sheet. A system for applying chemical additives to tissue sheets is also described. The system includes a chemical additive applicator, such as a meltblown die that emits the chemical additive through a plurality of orifices. In one embodiment, the system includes a device for periodically cleaning the orifices during application of the chemical additive.

Abstract: Tissue products are described that have been topically treated with a chemical additive, such as a softener. The softener may be, for instance, a polysiloxane. The polysiloxane is topically applied to a tissue sheet, such as a single ply sheet, so as to form a Z-directional gradient in the sheet. Particular, most of the polysiloxane remains on the surface of the tissue product as opposed to migrating to the center of the sheet. In this manner, tissue sheets are formed with improved softness at lower levels of polysiloxane and without the need for applying any surfactants to the sheet. A system for applying chemical additives to tissue sheets is also described. The system includes a chemical additive applicator, such as a meltblown die that emits the chemical additive through a plurality of orifices. In one embodiment, the system includes a device for periodically cleaning the orifices during application of the chemical additive.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for topical application of compositions containing a chemical additive onto a paper web. The present invention is also directed to paper products formed from the method. In general, the method includes the steps of extruding a composition containing a chemical additive through a melt blown die and then applying the composition to a moving paper web. In particular, the method provides for the application of tacky compositions to a web through a melt blown die while avoiding die tip clogging. In one embodiment, the chemical composition is extruded into fibers and applied to the paper web. The chemical composition may contain, for instance, various additives, such as a polysiloxane softener and one or more beneficial agents.

Abstract: A system and process for measuring paper formation characteristics in real time is disclosed. The system comprises apparatus used in a papermaking process, and includes a rotating forming fabric having an upper and lower surface. A paper slurry is deposited upon the upper surface of the moving forming fabric to prepare a wet paper web. The wet paper web typically moves at a high rate of speed as it rides along upon the surface of the forming fabric. Light is transmitted from a light source to the surface of the wet paper web, and then reflected from the surface of the wet paper web to a camera. An image is formed corresponding to the pattern of the reflected light, and in some instances data generated from the reflected light may be compared to other values to provide a feedback loop to adjust the parameters of the papermaking process in real time.

Abstract: A process for producing paper webs having a pattern formed into the web is disclosed. The pattern is formed during formation of the web and is made by varying the basis weight of the web. The paper web is produced by depositing an aqueous suspension of fibers between two forming surfaces. One or both of the forming surfaces include lower permeability areas that create lower basis weight areas in the web. The lower permeability areas are contained in the forming surface according to a particular pattern. For instance, the lower permeability areas can be formed into a drainage roll sleeve contained on a drainage roll which contacts a forming surface. The drainage roll can be a forming roll or a breast roll.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for topical application of compositions containing a chemical additive onto a paper web. The present invention is also directed to paper products formed from the method. In general, the method includes the steps of extruding a composition containing a chemical additive through a melt blown die and then applying the composition to a moving paper web. In particular, the method provides for the application of tacky compositions to a web through a melt blown die while avoiding die tip clogging. In one embodiment, the chemical composition is extruded into fibers and applied to the paper web. The chemical composition may contain, for instance, various additives, such as a polysiloxane softener and one or more beneficial agents.

Abstract: Paper products, such as wiping products, are disclosed that have a fabric-imprinted pattern in combination with a crepe pattern. In producing paper products according to the invention, a base web containing pulp fibers is formed. Once the base web is substantially dry, the web is creped to form a first pattern. The creped web is then placed between two moving conveyors and guided around one or more compression inducing elements. As the web is guided around the compression inducing element in between the two conveyors, shear forces and compressive forces are imparted to the web that form a fabric-imprinted pattern superimposed on the crepe pattern. In one embodiment, the fabric-imprinted pattern comprises high density troughs.

Abstract: Tissue products are described that have been topically treated with a chemical additive, such as a softener. The softener may be, for instance, a polysiloxane. The polysiloxane is topically applied to a tissue sheet, such as a single ply sheet, so as to form a Z-directional gradient in the sheet. Particular, most of the polysiloxane remains on the surface of the tissue product as opposed to migrating to the center of the sheet. In this manner, tissue sheets are formed with improved softness at lower levels of polysiloxane and without the need for applying any surfactants to the sheet. A system for applying chemical additives to tissue sheets is also described. The system includes a chemical additive applicator, such as a meltblown die that emits the chemical additive through a plurality of orifices. In one embodiment, the system includes a device for periodically cleaning the orifices during application of the chemical additive.

Abstract: A method for increasing caliper control of a fibrous web as the web is wound onto a roll is provided. The method includes winding the fibrous web containing cellulosic fiber onto the roll to form a wound product and conveying the web through a nip prior to winding the web onto the roll. The nip is configured to apply a pressure to the web to selectively decrease the caliper of the web as the web is wound onto the roll. Also disclosed is a system for controlling the caliper of the fibrous web in which a calender device forms a nip through which the fibrous web is conveyed. The system includes an adjustment device, which is configured to adjust the nip of the calender device to increase pressure on the fibrous web as the diameter of the roll increases thus increasing uniformity of the caliper of the fibrous web.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for topical application of compositions containing a chemical additive onto a paper web. The present invention is also directed to paper products formed from the method. In general, the method includes the steps of extruding a composition containing a chemical additive through a melt blown die and then applying the composition to a moving paper web. In particular, the method provides for the application of tacky compositions to a web through a melt blown die while avoiding die tip clogging. In one embodiment, the chemical composition is extruded into fibers and applied to the paper web. The chemical composition may contain, for instance, various additives, such as a polysiloxane softener and one or more beneficial agents.

Abstract: A process for increasing the tactile properties of a base web without adversely effecting the strength of the web is disclosed. In one embodiment, the process includes the steps of placing a creped base web between a first moving conveyor and a second moving conveyor. The conveyors are then wrapped around a shear-inducing roll which creates shear forces and compressive forces that act upon the base web. The shear forces disrupt the web, increasing the softness and decreasing the stiffness of the web. The compressive forces are localized at the areas where the fabric knuckles contact the base web, imparting a unique fabric-imprinted pattern to the web with limited caliper reduction. The shear-inducing roll typically has a relatively small diameter. In some applications, more than one shear-inducing roll may be incorporated into the system.