Abstract: A hook and loop fastener having an increased coefficient of friction compared to conventional nonwoven hook and loop systems. The increased coefficient of friction strengthens engagement between a hook component and a loop component, both when the hooks and loops are engaged, and even when the hooks and loops are not engaged but merely in contact with one another. The coefficient of friction can be increased by adding tackifiers in the hook forming process and/or in the loop forming process, or by extruding multi-component fibers using a fiber type that enhances strength and a fiber that has less strength but has a higher coefficient of friction, or by using fibers of various cross-sectional shapes, or by processing surface bloom additives into the hook and/or loop structures.

Abstract: A bi-stable hook component of a touch fastener can bend into, and remain in, a stable concave position. Another stable position enables initial engagement with a mating component (e.g., a loop component). The concave position applies engagement-enhancing tension to the engaged loops, and in some cases forces end portions of the hooks into close proximity with one another to secure the fastening and to produce a curved touch fastener that, as engaged, can better conform to an underlying curved surface, such as the contour of a wearer's body. Absorbent articles having such a bi-stable fastening system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A skin-friendly hook component of a hook and loop fastener that reduces or eliminates the occurrence of red-marking and/or irritation if brought into contact with a wearer's skin. In one embodiment, the hook component can have a relatively large top surface area among the hooks with respect to a surface area of the hook backing. In another embodiment, the hook backing is highly flexible, attributable to a flexible resin and/or modified topography. In yet another embodiment, a highly flexible polymer, or polymers, can be used to make individual hooks such that the hooks bend in response to a minimum amount of pressure. Various illustrated hook tapes have features along their edges to enhance skin-friendliness. A skin-friendly hook component results any combination of the disclosed embodiments. The hook component is particularly beneficial when used in absorbent articles.

Abstract: A fastening system wherein complementary components each have engaging elements protruding from a backing, and an attractive magnetic force applied through the complementary components. The attractive magnetic force can be supplied by external magnets attached to the backings, or by using a magnetic composite to form the backings and/or the engaging elements. The fastening system is particularly beneficial when used in absorbent articles.

Abstract: A method of treatment of allergic contact dermatitis, which comprises treating a patient with a formulation capable of inducing oxidative stress and a heat shock response so as to convert the allergic reaction of the allergic contact dermatitis to an irritant reaction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an absorbent article with a tissue-wrapped absorbent core wherein the tissue is made from a specifically designed thermoplastic fibrous nonwoven web which is particularly well-suited to trapping and retaining particulate material such as superabsorbent particles. The invention has particular application in conjunction with personal care products such as diapers, training pants, incontinence garments, sanitary napkins, bandages and the like.

Abstract: A device for removing a fluid layer off of another fluid surface is shown. The device includes a funnel having a converging surface and a flow exit area. The device further includes an upper member having a corresponding converging surface which is adjacent to the converging surface of the funnel, and defining a converging annular passageway extending generally from the periphery of the funnel to the flow exit area of the funnel.

Abstract: A machine for dispensing a freshly mixed cup of juice or other beverage made from concentrate mixed with water immediately prior to the dispensing, comprising a generally U-shaped water reservoir, the water in which is kept at an essentially constant level by means of a proximity switch interacting with a solenoid valve located in the principal water supply. Coils of a refrigerant unit are disposed in the reservoir to chill the water to a temperature above the freezing point, and one or more concentrate tanks are located between the arms of the U-shaped reservoir, so that the concentrate will be chilled to, and maintained at, a desired temperature. Modular pump units are utilized for pumping concentrate into a mixing chamber, with a power driven impeller utilized in the mixing chamber to effect a mixing of concentrate with a suitable quantity of water from the reservoir.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for forming soft, bulky absorbent webs including thermoplastic fibers. The web is bonded under conditions that heat the thermoplastic fibers to produce web bonding while avoiding direct contact with the heat source. The apparatus includes a pair of foraminous belts or wires between which the web or webs to be bonded are enclosed. The construction of the foraminous wires and belts is selected to produce the desired degree of bonding and yet maintain separation between the subsequently applied heat source and the web or webs. The combination of the web and belts or wires is then directed under tension to a heat source which may be, for example, a series of heated cans, and the opposite sides of the combination are alternately contacted by the surfaces. After heating, the web is allowed to cool and retains its bonded configuration determined by the structure of the wires or belts and the content of the web.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for forming soft, bulky absorbent webs including thermoplastic fibers. The web is bonded under conditions that heat the thermoplastic fibers to produce web bonding while avoiding direct contact with the heat source. The apparatus includes a pair of foraminous belts or wires between which the web or webs to be bonded are enclosed. The construction of the foraminous wires and belts is selected to produce the desired degree of bonding and yet maintain separation between the subsequently applied heat source and the web or webs. The combination of the web and belts or wires is then directed under tension to a heat source which may be, for example, a series of heated cans, and the opposite sides of the combination are alternately contacted by the surfaces. After heating, the web is allowed to cool and retains its bonded configuration determined by the structure of the wires or belts and the content of the web.