Abstract: A Network Function Virtualization (NFV) Management and Orchestration (MANO) data system supports an Application Layer Traffic Offload (ALTO) system for a Network Service (NS). An orchestrator exchanges network data with a Virtualized Infrastructure Manager (VIM) to support the NS. The orchestrator exchanges function data with a Virtual Network Function Manager (VNFM) to support the NS. The VIM exchanges the network data with NFV Infrastructures (NFVIs) to execute Virtual Machines (VMs) that instantiate Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) to support the NS. The VNFM exchanges the function data with the VNFs to support the NS. The NFV MANO orchestrator indexes some of the network data and the function data to generate NFV ALTO topology data that associates individual ALTO Provider Identifiers (PIDs) with individual ones of the NFVIs and with individual ones of the NFV VNFs.

Abstract: An absorbent device for insertion into a vaginal cavity, the absorbent device having an absorbent body and an indicator structure arranged and configured within the absorbent body, the indicator structure having a resilient member maintained in a strained configuration by a restraint; wherein the resilient member is capable of reverting to a relaxed configuration upon the weakening of the restraint and the restraint weakens upon exposure to moisture.

Abstract: A two layer structure comprising a fluid permeable, first layer in fluid communication with a fluid permeable second layer is provided. The two layers contact one another through a plurality of disconnected macrofeatures that project either from the first layer or the second layer. The structure has particular utility as a cover/transfer layer for use in absorbent articles.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of forming a three dimensional topographical support member for producing apertured films, to the three dimensional topographical support member formed by the method of the invention, and to the apertured film produced thereon. The topographical support member is formed by moving a laser beam across the surface of a workpiece while modulating the power of the laser beam, thereby sculpting the surface of the workpiece to form the three dimensional topographical support member.

Abstract: A two layer structure comprising a fluid permeable, first layer in fluid communication with a fluid permeable second layer is provided. The two layers contact one another substantially only through a plurality of disconnected macrofeatures that project either from the first layer or the second layer. The structure has particular utility as a cover/transfer layer for use in absorbent articles.

Abstract: This invention provides a three-dimensional apertured film having a caliper defined by a first plane and a second plane. The film comprises a plurality of disconnected macrofeatures and a plurality of apertures. The apertures are defined by sidewalls that originate in the film's first surface and extend generally in the direction of the film's second surface to terminate in the second plane. The first surface of the film is coincident with the first plane at said macrofeatures. The film may be used in personal care products, such as sanitary napkins, and has stable, low Penetration Rate when used in conjunction with an absorbent core containing superabsorbent material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a topographical support member which is useful for-producing nonwoven fabrics or apertured plastic films. The topographical support member is a rotatable hollow cylindrical tube having a substantially smooth surface and plurality of apertures therethrough. A substantial portion of the surface of the topographical support member has an ion beam deposited coating, the coating being highly adherent and exhibiting improved wear resistance relative to uncoated topographical support surfaces. The coating layer is deposited on the support member by a beam of ions containing two or more of the elements of C, Si, H, O, or N.

Abstract: An absorbent device for insertion into a vaginal cavity, the absorbent device having an absorbent body and an indicator structure arranged and configured within the absorbent body, the indicator structure having a resilient member maintained in a strained configuration by a restraint; wherein the resilient member is capable of reverting to a relaxed configuration upon the weakening of the restraint and the restraint weakens upon exposure to moisture.

Abstract: An apertured film for use as a topsheet in absorbent products wherein the film is apertured and includes a plurality of micro-holes and a plurality of large-sized holes. A method of forming the film is disclosed, as well as an absorbent product incorporating the apertured film as a topsheet.

Abstract: An apertured film for use as a topsheet in absorbent products wherein the film is apertured and includes a plurality of micro-holes and a plurality of large-sized holes. A method of forming the film is disclosed, as well as an absorbent product incorporating the apertured film as a topsheet.

Abstract: A method of forming an apertured support member is accomplished by directing a laser beam at a workpiece, focusing the laser beam at the top surface of the workpiece, moving the laser beam in a series of raster scans over the surface of the workpiece. During each scan, the laser is turned on at predetermined intervals to drill one or more discrete portions of each of the apertures to form apertures surrounded by a plateau on the resulting support member.

Abstract: A topographical support member and a method of forming a topographical support member for use in producing nonwoven fabrics with raised portions, especially intaglio and slub type portions. The topographical support member includes a body having a top surface including a first micro-sized topographical pattern and a pattern of apertures extending through the body. At least one macro-sized region recessed below the top surface is provided. The micro-sized pattern produces a background portion of the fabric and the macro-sized recessed regions produce the raised portions of the fabric. Multiple levels may be provided in the macro-sized region to produce multiple level raised portions.

Abstract: A topographical support member and method of forming a topographical support member for use in producing nonwoven fabrics, especially tricot-like nonwoven fabrics. The topographical support member includes a body having a top surface comprising a pattern of a plurality of peaks and valleys and a plurality of apertures. The apertures have a conical top portion that is surrounded by a cluster of the peaks and valleys. The center line to center line spacing of adjacent apertures is less than the major diameter of the conical top portion of the apertures. The topographical support member is formed by focusing a laser beam so that the focal point is below the top surface of a starting workpiece and drilling with the laser beam the predetermined pattern of tapered apertures. The pattern of tapered apertures forms the cluster of peaks and valleys surrounding each aperture on the top surface of the resulting support member.

Abstract: A topographical support member and a method of forming a topographical support member for use in producing nonwoven fabrics with raised portions, especially intaglio and slub type portions. The topographical support member comprises a body having a top surface including a first micro-sized topographical pattern and a pattern of apertures extending through the body. At least one macro-sized region recessed below the top surface is provided. The micro-sized pattern produces a background portion of the fabric and the macro-sized recessed regions produce the raised portions of the fabric. Multiple levels may be provided in the macro-sized region to produce multiple level raised portions.

Abstract: An apertured film for use as a topsheet in absorbent products wherein the film is apertured and includes a plurality of micro-holes and a plurality of large-sized holes. A method of forming the film is disclosed, as well as an absorbent product incorporating the apertured film as a topsheet. The method includes the step of supporting the starting film on a backing member which has recessed zones into which the film may be deformed. In the preferred embodiment, fluid in the form of columnar streams is directed from at least two sets of orifices against the upper surface of the starting film. The orifices of the first set have a diameter greater than 10 mils, and the orifices of the second set have a diameter less than or equal to 10 mils. The fluid is discharged from the smaller orifices at a pressure of at least 500 psig, and the fluid is discharged from the larger orifices at a pressure less than 500 psig.

Abstract: An improved laser processing head comprising a housing, a lens holder-nozzle mounted within the housing and a gas distributor for introducing gas adjacent a focusing lens retained within the housing to cool the lens and prevent the lens from becoming contaminated or damaged from material ablated from the workpiece. The gas distributor is comprised of a plurality of angled distribution slots that creates a vortex gas flow action directed away from the face of the lens and towards the nozzle outlet.

Abstract: A topographical support member and a method of forming a topographical support member for use in producing nonwoven fabrics with raised portions, especially intaglio and slub type portions. The topographical support member comprises a body having a top surface including a first micro-sized topographical pattern and a pattern of apertures extending through the body. At least one macro-sized region recessed below the top surface is provided. The micro-sized pattern produces a background portion of the fabric and the macro-sized recessed regions produce the raised portions of the fabric. Multiple levels may be provided in the macro-sized region to produce multiple level raised portions.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabrics having a fibrous background portion in one plane thereof and raised fibrous portions in another plane thereof. There may be two types of raised portions. In one type, the basis weight of the raised portion is substantially the same as the basis weight of the background portion. In another type of raised portion, the basis weight is greater than the basis weight of the background portion. The raised portions are joined to the background portion by a fibrous transition region.

Abstract: A topographical support member and a method of forming a topographical support member for use in producing nonwoven fabrics with raised portions, especially intaglio and slub type portions. The topographical support member comprises a body having a top surface including a first micro-sized topographical pattern and a pattern of apertures extending through the body. At least one macro-sized region recessed below the top surface is provided. The micro-sized pattern produces a background portion of the fabric and the macro-sized recessed regions produce the raised portions of the fabric. Multiple levels may be provided in the macro-sized region to produce multiple level raised portions.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabrics having a fibrous background portion in one plane thereof and raised fibrous portions in another plane thereof. There may be two types of raised portions. In one type, the basis weight of the raised portion is substantially the same as the basis weight off the background portion. In another type of raised portion, the basis weight is greater than the basis weight of the background portion. The raised portions are joined to the background portion try a fibrous transition region.