Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the continuous preparation of high internal phase emulsions which are suitable for subsequent polymerization into polymeric foam materials that, upon dewatering, act as absorbents for aqueous body fluids. The process involves continuous introduction of a certain type of monomer-containing oil phase and a certain type of electrolyte-containing water phase into a dynamic mixing zone at relatively low water to oil phase ratios. Flow rates are then steadily adjusted to increase the water to oil ratio of the streams fed to the dynamic mixing zone while subjecting the dynamic mixing zone contents to shear agitation which is sufficient to thereby form a high internal phase emulsion that, upon subsequent polymerization, provides a foam having an average cell size of from about 5 to 100 microns. The formation of such a stable high internal phase emulsion is completed by feeding the contents of the dynamic mixing zone to and through a static mixing zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the continuous preparation of high internal phase emulsions which are suitable for subsequent polymerization into polymeric foam materials that, upon dewatering, act as absorbents for aqueous body fluids. The process involves continuous introduction of a certain type of monomer-containing oil phase and a certain type of electrolyte-containing water phase into a dynamic mixing zone at relatively low water to oil phase ratios. Flow rates are then steadily adjusted to increase the water to oil ratio of the streams fed to the dynamic mixing zone while subjecting the dynamic mixing zone contents to shear agitation which is sufficient to thereby form a high internal phase emulsion that, upon subsequent polymerization, provides a foam having an average cell size of from about 5 to 100 microns. The formation of such a stable high internal phase emulsion is completed by feeding the contents of the dynamic mixing zone to and through a static mixing zone.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, having a liquid impervious backsheet, a urine pervious liner, and absorbent core intermediate the backsheet and liner is disclosed. The liner has a passageway to allow communication of solid waste materials to the core, thereby isolating such waste from the skin of the wearer. The liner is longitudinally contracted by elastic strands disposed longitudinally nonadjacent the passageway, improving the fit of the article to the wearer without sacrificing leakage protection and allowing various sections of the article to assume independent functions.

Abstract: An integral disposable absorbent article such as a diaper having an absorbent core, a backsheet, a continuous topsheet, an elastically contractible leg cuff along each longitudinal edge, and a pair of floating inner cuffs extending longitudinally along the absorbent article in at least the crotch region. The floating inner cuffs provide enhanced containment of body exudates and enhanced fit. The floating inner cuffs each preferably comprise a cuff layer, a base layer underlaying the cuff layer, a first seam that affixes a portion of the cuff layer to the base layer, a central seam that affixes another portion of the cuff layer to the base layer, an unadhered stand-up portion of the cuff layer between the first seam and the central seam, and a central elastic member having a pair of affixed portions and an unaffixed portion between the pair of affixed portions.

Abstract: Compound sanitary napkins comprising a primary menstrual pad and a panty protector joined by union means having limited extent. The primary menstrual pad comprises an absorbent core and, optionally, a pad overwrap and, also optionally, a fluid barrier. The panty protector comprises an absorbent element and a moisture barrier and, optionally, a protector overwrap and, also optionally, adhesive attachment means. The two constituents are joined at their corresponding ends, with the absorbent element of the panty protector interposed between the moisture barrier of the panty protector and the primary menstrual pad, by the union means in such a manner that the two are free to move relative to one another along essentially their entire common length. In use, the compound sanitary napkin is secured to the user's undergarments (as by the optional adhesive attachment means) in such a position that the primary menstrual pad is interposed between the panty protector and the user's body.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a composition of thermoplastic rubber which can be extruded into fibers and films with exceptional strength and good elasticity. Current formulations of some thermoplastic rubbers cannot be extruded into fibers or films with the accompanying strength and elasticity.Compositions of the current invention comprise 20 to 50% by weight of one of a group of fatty acids or fatty alcohols containing from about 12 to about 24 carbon atoms and 80 to 50% by weight of a member selected from the group consisting of A-B-A block copolymers, where B is poly(ethylenebutylene) and A is a thermoplastic polymer which is phase incompatible with B.This composition of matter results in a thermoplastic rubber composition that is easily extrudable into fibers or films. Extruded fibers of the current composition can be made into elastic fabrics, elastic bands for clothing or made into nonwoven structures for use in elastic bandages or wrapping.

Abstract: Resilient polyester foam materials. Acyl halide, polyol, and polyhydroxy cross-linking agent are reacted in the presence of alkali metal carbonate to prepare the resilient polyester foams. A process similar to that used in the one-shot preparation of polyurethane foams is used. Preferred reactants are adipyl chloride, quadrafunctional polyol based on pentaerythritol, propoxylated pentaerythritol cross-linking agent, and sodium carbonate. The resilient polyester foams find use in products such as catamenial tampons.

Abstract: Foams (as for example polyurethane foam) catamenial tampons which have been treated with surfactant. Catamenial tampons of this invention exhibit improved humid expansion characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, the catamenial tampons comprise particles of lubricated polyurethane foam which have been treated with surfactant and which are contained within a fluid permeable overwrap. The invention includes a process for making the above described catamenial tampons.