Abstract: A soft, silky, cloth-like polymeric web exhibiting either patterns of microapertured or microbubbled surface aberrations, said webs further including a contrasting visually discernible pattern which imparts an embossed appearance to at least one surface thereof. Such polymeric webs may be either fluid-pervious or fluid-impervious, as desired, depending upon the particular end use. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the visually discernible pattern comprises a regularly repeating pattern which imparts an improved aesthetic appearance to the webs. Method and apparatus for producing such polymeric webs are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for uniformly macroscopically expanding and, if desired, aperturing a plastic web. This is preferably accomplished by supporting the plastic web on a moving three-dimensional forming structure which is supported in a fluid pressure differential zone by a stationary support member. By providing a relationship between the size and pattern of the apertures in the stationary support member and the size and pattern of the apertures in the three-dimensional forming structure, substantially all of the apertures present in the forming structure are unobstructed by the stationary support member at some point during the forming structure's traverse of the fluid pressure differential zone. Thus the resultant plastic web is uniformly debossed and, if desired, apertured in the pattern of the three-dimensional forming structure.

Abstract: A method for applying a high pressure liquid jet or stream to a web of polymeric film while the film is supported on a moving forming structure to produce a novel microbubbled substantially fluid-impervious web exhibiting substantially the same consumer preferred soft and silky tactile impression and reduced noise generation levels heretofore only achievable in microapertured, and hence substantially fluid pervious polymeric webs. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the microbubbled polymeric web exhibits a fine-scale pattern of discrete mushroom shaped surface aberrations, each of said surface aberrations having its amplitude oriented substantially perpendicular to the surface in which the surface aberration originates. Apparatus for producing microbubbled webs either in "planar" or "macroscopically expanded" form are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for uniformly macroscopically expanding and, if desired, aperturing a plastic web. This is preferably accomplished by supporting the plastic web on a moving three-dimensional forming structure which is supported in a fluid pressure differential zone by a stationary support member. By providing a relationship between the size and pattern of the apertures in the stationary support member and the size and pattern of the apertures in the three-dimensional forming structure, substantially all of the apertures present in the forming structure are unobstructed by the stationary support member at some point during the forming structure's traverse of the fluid pressure differential zone. Thus the resultant plastic web is uniformly debossed and, if desired, apertured in the pattern of the three-dimensional forming structure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for imparting a uniformly apertured three-dimensional pattern to a heated plastic material subjected to a fluid pressure differential while in contact with said forming structure. In a preferred embodiment, said forming structure is created by forming a substantially continuous pattern of apertures in a multiplicity of planar sheets, at least a portion of said sheets having aperture patterns which are concentrically aligned but dissimilar in size to one another. The sheets having said concentrically aligned aperture patterns are thereafter superposed upon one another so as to form a stack exhibiting a three-dimensional continuum of capillary networks. A sufficient number of laminae are employed to ensure that said networks are of greater overall length than the maximum depth to which the plastic film being processed thereon is drawn when subjected to said fluid pressure differential.

Abstract: A macroscopically expanded three-dimensional plastic web exhibiting a non-glossy visible surface, and, if desired, a cloth-like or fiber-like tactile impression. The visible surface of a macroscopically expanded three-dimensional plastic web of the present invention is preferably provided with a regularly spaced, microscopic pattern of surface aberrations which is too fine to be discernible by the naked eye when the perpendicular distance between the viewer's eye and the plane of said web is about 12 inches or greater, but which pattern is effective in substantially eliminating specular reflection of incident light. Said webs may be produced by means of a one-sided forming process wherein said surface aberrations are transmitted through the thickness of said web during processing or by means of a two-sided forming process wherein said surface aberrations are imposed directly onto the visible surface of said web.

Abstract: Method for constructing a forming structure for imparting a uniformly apertured three-dimensional pattern to a heated plastic material subjected to a fluid pressure differential while in contact with said forming structure. In a preferred embodiment, said forming structure is created by forming a substantially continuous pattern of apertures in a multiplicity of planar sheets, at least a portion of said sheets having aperture patterns which are concentrically aligned but dissimilar in size to one another. The sheets having said concentrically aligned aperture patterns are thereafter superposed upon one another and bonded together at contact points so as to form a stack exhibiting a three-dimensional continuum of capillary networks. A sufficient number of laminae are employed to ensure that said networks are of greater overall thickness than the maximum depth to which the plastic film is drawn when subjected to said fluid pressure differential.

Abstract: An article of manufacture is disclosed for absorbing liquids, particularly body exudates such as menstrual discharges. An apertured formed film topsheet having a layer of fibers affixed to the inner surface thereof overlays an intermediate layer having a multiplicity of tapered capillaries. The apertured formed film topsheet has a specified combination of caliper, percent open area and percent of apertures having an equivalent hydraulic diameter less than or equal to 0.025 inches (0.064 cm.) which impart a stain resistant character to the topsheet.

Abstract: A nondestructive method of and apparatus for optically detecting the presence of and inferentially determining the relative degree of anomalous subsurface structure in translucent articles: for instance, such anomalous subsurface structural phenomena as pre-carious lesions in in vivo teeth. Moreover, dynamic changes in the degree of such anomalous subsurface structure can be identified and relatively quantified. Thus, for instance, progressive subsurface deterioration of teeth can be monitored, and the efficacy of products directed towards arresting or reversing the development of pre-carious lesions in teeth can be evaluated through the use of the present invention.

Abstract: Improved anti-static compositions comprising an electrically conductive metal salt dispersed in a water-insoluble quaternary compound are employed in improved detergent compositions. Detergent-compatible fabric softeners, and detergent compositions containing same, comprising a smectite clay softener and the improved anti-static compositions are provided.