Abstract: A method of forming a capacitor includes forming first and second capacitor electrodes over a substrate. A capacitor dielectric region is formed intermediate the first and second capacitor electrodes, and includes forming a silicon nitride comprising layer over the first capacitor electrode. A silicon oxide comprising layer is formed over the silicon nitride comprising layer. The silicon oxide comprising layer is exposed to an activated nitrogen species generated from a nitrogen-containing plasma effective to introduce nitrogen into at least an outermost portion of the silicon oxide comprising layer. Silicon nitride is formed therefrom effective to increase a dielectric constant of the dielectric region from what it was prior to said exposing. Capacitors and methods of forming capacitor dielectric layers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for growing films for use in integrated circuits using atomic layer deposition and a subsequent converting step is described. In an embodiment, the subsequent converting step includes oxidizing a metal atomic layer to form a metal oxide layer. The atomic layer deposition and oxidation step are then repeated to produce a metal oxide layer having sufficient thickness for use as a metal oxide layer in an integrated circuit. The subsequent converting step, in an embodiment, includes converting the atomic deposition layer by exposing it to one of nitrogen to form a nitride layer, carbon to form a carbide layer, boron to form a boride layer, and fluorine to form a fluoride layer. Systems and devices for performing the method, semiconductor devices so produced, and machine readable media containing the method are also described.

Abstract: A process for forming an integrated circuit structure comprises forming a layer of low k dielectric material over a previously formed integrated circuit structure, and treating the upper surface of the layer of low k dielectric material with a plasma to form a layer of densified dielectric material over the remainder of the underlying layer of low k dielectric material, forming a second layer of low k dielectric material over the layer of densified dielectric material, and treating this second layer of low k dielectric material to form a second layer of densified dielectric material over the second layer of low k dielectric material. The layer or layers of densified dielectric material formed from the low k dielectric material provide mechanical support and can then function as etch stop and mask layers for the formation of vias and/or trenches.

Abstract: A process for fabricating an integrated semiconductor device with a low dielectric constant material and an integrated semiconductor device with the low dielectric constant material interposed between two conductors is disclosed. The low dielectric constant material has a dielectric constant of less than about 2.8. The low dielectric constant material is a porous glass material with an average pore size of less than about 10 nm. The low dielectric constant material is formed on a semiconductor substrate with circuit lines thereover by combining an uncured and unmodified glass resin with an amphiphilic block copolymer. The amphiphilic block copolymer is miscible in the uncured glass resin. The mixture is applied onto the semiconductor substrate and the glass resin is cured. The glass resin is further processed to decompose or otherwise remove residual block copolymer from the cured glass resin.

Abstract: A platen for electrostatic wafer clamping apparatus comprising a platen body of dielectric material and grains of electrically conductive material diffused in the dielectric material so that the platen has a relatively large electrostatic capacitance due to the diffusion of the conductive grains with the result that the platen provides an increased clamping force regardless of humidity. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the thickness of the platen body can be decreased by an amount sufficient to maintain a constant clamping force with reduced applied voltage, to eliminate any residual voltage on the platen and to increase the speed of wafer release. The grains of electrically conductive material are present in an amount of from about 2.5 percent to about 15.0 percent of the volume of the platen body, and the grains of electrically conductive material are selected from the group consisting of carbonated transition metals, nitrified transition metals and carbonated grains.

Abstract: To mount a knob 10 onto a wire harness, at first, a belt portion 14 of the knob 10 is wound around the wire harness and an eye portion of the knob 10 is inserted through an elongated hole 20 formed in a base portion 12 of the knob 10. Next, tape is wound around not only the wire harness and the two end portions of the base portion 12 to thereby fix the base portion 12 to the wire harness. When dismantling a vehicle, a hook mounted on the leading end of a wire rope secured to a damper of a crane truck is secured to a circular eye 18 formed in the knob 10 and, after then, the wire harness is raised up by the crane truck.

Abstract: A socket may comprise an array of first contacts and a set of second contacts having a greater conductive cross-sectional area than the first contacts. The set of second contacts may also have a greater conductive area efficiency than the array of first contacts, with conductive area efficiency defined as a total conductive cross-sectional area divided by a total occupied area. The array of first contacts may electrically couple signal pads of a land grid array (LGA) component with a plurality of signal lines in a printed circuit board (PCB). The set of second contacts may electrically couple power delivery land pads of the LGA component with power and ground planes of the PCB.

Abstract: The present invention is a signal extension card socket for aligned wire connector through which the video signals on the LCD screen of small electronic products, such as GBA, PDA and notebook, can be conveyed and displayed easily on various large TV screens or computer monitors through the embedded signal extension card. The present invention for the signal extension card socket includes the base, the clip plate, the aligned wire and wire leads with a fixing part for one end of the aligned wire to plug in. The electric conducting strip with detailed electric conductors is attached on the base piled up with the clip plate. On the rectangle sides of the base are provided with the raised hook for positioning of the clip plate, ensuring a complete output of the video signals from the LCD screens when connecting to the GBA, PDA and notebooks.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical connector inserted into a circuit board for insertion of at least two mating electrical connectors so that the mating electrical connectors and the circuit board are electrically interconnected. The electrical connector includes an insulating housing having two spaced-apart side walls, at least two upper and lower stacked plug seats formed integrally with the insulating housing, a plurality of terminals received respectively in a plurality of terminal receiving slots formed in the plug seats. Each of the side walls is formed with a retaining notch that extends between two plug seats opposite to the insert direction for detachable insertion of a circuit board therein. When each plug seat permits detachable insertion for a mating electrical connector, the mating electrical connector is correspondingly and electrically connected to the terminals to establish electrical connection with the circuit board.

Abstract: A socket body 3 comprises a socket-forming section 4 having a mounting groove 6 around the outer periphery thereof. A cap 7 is integrally formed with a ring-shaped mounting portion 13 through a tether 12. The cap 7 may be mounted on the socket body 3 by engaging the mounting portion 13 in the mounting groove 6. Mounting the cap 7 on the socket body 3 requires no fastening members such as screws, thereby reducing the number of parts thereof and the number of assembly steps in comparison with those which require fastening members.

Abstract: A bridge to enable intersection of a first cable raceway and a second cable raceway. The first raceway has a first raceway section and a second raceway section joined by the bridge. The bridge includes a body shaped to communicate with the first and second raceway sections of the first raceway to define a continuous cable pathway from the first raceway section to the second raceway section. The body has a tunnel in its bottom side shaped to permit the second raceway to intersect the first raceway, whereby cables situated in the respective raceways may be prevented from touching.

Abstract: An apparatus for a power and/or data I/O port, comprised of a connector assembly (400 in FIG. 21A) which has male plug (433) with conductors (437, 435, 439, and 441), insulators (443, 438), and a female receptacle (414) with conductors (417, 419, and 421), and related elements (423) that create different electrical paths than had previously been present in electrical and electronic host devices. These newly-created electrical paths enable host devices and peripherals—such as a battery pack (450) and its battery power source (413), as well as one or more external power sources—to perform power and/or data functions in ways they could not without such an apparatus. By locating a connector assembly (400) in replaceable modules, such as a battery pack (450), users can upgrade and enhance the functionality of a multiplicity of existing (and future) electronic and electrical goods.

Abstract: A module connector assembly includes a mounting apparatus, and at least one module assembly coupled with a portion of the mounting apparatus, where the at least one module assembly includes a plurality of electronic components that are coupled to the module assembly. The module connector assembly further includes one or more shuttle assemblies coupled with the module assembly with a shuttle cable. The module connector assembly further includes at least one flexible circuit cable assembly and/or a twin axial cable assembly electrically coupled with one or more of the shuttle assemblies. Optionally, the shuttle cable includes one or more metal layers.

Abstract: A self-locking mechanism usable in conjunction with a printed circuit assembly (PCA). The self-locking mechanism generally comprises a central actuator, a pair of sliding members on either side of the actuator and one rotating lock member associated with each sliding member. The actuator, sliding members and rotating members preferably are mounted to a top edge of a vertically-mounted circuit board thereby forming the printed circuit assembly. The printed circuit assembly can only be removed from its host system after the actuator is turned to an unlocked position and then the sliding members are slid toward the actuator thereby causing the rotating lock members to disengage from their locked position. Turning the actuator also causes a signal to be asserted to the host system to disable power to the PCA. Upon installing the PCA, no power is provided to the PCA until it has been fully installed and the actuator locked.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle/connector having a releasable locking portion for securing most standard electrical male plugs in part is disclosed. The said receptacle/connector having relative positioned jut elements which accept and restrain the holes near the ends of the contact blades of a male plug; the male plug insert action is the same as mating with a non locking receptacle/connector. A locking release button is used to disengage the said jut element portion which constructed within the receptacle/connector to release the contact blades of the male plug, therefore to free the contact blades from said invention.

Abstract: A low-cost shield connector 1 connecting smoothly with a mating connector includes a connector housing 20, a terminal 21, an inner housing 22, a spacer 23 and a lance 42. The connector housing 20 is formed into tubular shape. The terminal 21 is joined to a shield wire 29. The inner housing 22 receiving the terminal 21 is received in the connector housing 20. The spacer 23 to be mounted in the inner housing 22 prevents the terminal 21 from coming off from the inner housing 22. The lance 42 formed integrally with the inner housing 22 is locked in the connector housing 20.

Abstract: A very high bandwidth electrical interconnect for conducting signals at high frequency, comprising a plurality of fine wire structures, each comprising a string of generally spherical elements, and an insulating medium surrounding the wire structures.

Abstract: The invention pertains to picking systems and more particularly to a paperless, order assembly system.

Abstract: For a detachable electrical connection of high-current contacts with cable strands, a clamping device is proposed that is formed from a clamping tube and a contact part. The clamping tube is provided with a funnel-shaped connection opening and a connection chamber, into which the cable strands are insertable, wherein a clamping shoulder with a conical surface provided in the connection chamber adjoins the connection opening. The contact part, which can be screwed in the centre of the clamping tube and is thus displaceable axially, likewise has a conical surface, which penetrates the centre between the bared strands on assembly and presses these against the conical surfaces and the clamping shoulder. The angles of the conical surfaces in the connection chamber and the contact part are executed differently in this case.

Abstract: A cable winding device of a USB cable adapter is disclosed. The device comprises a case including a spool and a straight groove; a crown shaped rotating mechanism comprising a channel put on the spool, two opposite edge openings, an internal curved trough, a cavity adjacent the curved trough, and an arcuate trough adjacent the cavity; a roller in the straight groove; and a worm spring secured onto the spool. A pulling of a flat cable causes the roller to move toward the arcuate trough with the worm spring being deformed while the roller is sliding. A release of the pulling causes the roller to move in the cavity for locking. A slight pulling of the cable from the locked position clears the roller from the cavity to move in the curved trough with stored energy of the compressed worm spring released for winding the cable.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a rail having a plurality of apertures therethrough, and two electrical connectors including a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector, the first electrical connector detachably mateable to the second electrical connector, the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector removably connected to the rail, at least one of the two electrical connectors being routed through at least one of the plurality of apertures.

Abstract: A connector structure of a circuit board for a power supply apparatus includes an insulating housing, conductive terminals, and at least one supporting rods with each connected to the mounting surface of the insulating housing and having a pillared portion, a first protruding latch and a second protruding latch both extending laterally from a first location and a second location on the pillared portion of the supporting rod respectively. The thickness of a first circuit board is different from the thickness of a second circuit board, thus when a supporting rod passes through a first pinhole on the first circuit board, the first protruding latch props against a bottom of the first circuit board, and when a supporting rod passes through a second pinhole on the second circuit board, the second protruding latch props against a bottom of the second circuit board to prevent a movement of the connector respectively.

Abstract: A junction box for a trainline including a housing having a lid and a body with a first non-circular opening in a first side wall of the body. An electrical connector extends through the opening, and a portion of the exterior surface of the connector has a non-circular shape and forms a non-rotational fit with the first opening. A flange of the connector is mounted to the exterior surface of the first wall and seals the first opening. The connector includes an electrical receptacle having a first portion of the exterior surface of the connector and a threaded second portion of the exterior surface of the connector. A gasket is positioned between the flange and the first wall encompassed in the first opening. The first non-circular opening may be generally triangular.

Abstract: Terminal tools 16 are fixed to end portions of a plurality of wires 12 that are covered with a shield lacing 10, and a shield case 30 is connected/fixed to the shield lacing 10. End portions of respective wires 12 are inserted into a unit housing 40 of the electronic unit from the outside and connected to circuits in the unit housing 40, and then connected portions between respective wires 12 and a unit housing 40 are covered with the shield case 30 from the outside by fixing the shield case 30 to an outer surface of the unit housing 40. Also, the shield case 30 and the shield lacing 10 are brought into the state that they can be grounded via the unit housing 40.

Abstract: A connector housing (10) has a terminal accommodating portion (11) with cavities (13) at upper and lower stages, and locks (21) project respectively into each cavity (13). Each lock (21) has a resiliently deformable arm (22) and a locking section (23) engageable with a female terminal fitting (30). A retainer (40) is mounted on the terminal accommodating portion (11) and has deformation restricting portions (44) that enter deformation spaces (24) for the locks (21) to prevent deformation of the locks (21). Each arm (22) has an engaging portion (29). Engaging portions (29B) at the lower stage engage a side wall (25A) of the cavity (13A) at the upper stage during the deformation of the lock (21B). Engaging portions (29A) at the upper stage engage a surrounding wall (41) of the retainer (40) during deformation of the lock (21A). Thus, the locks (21) cannot deform beyond their resiliency limit.

Abstract: A connector with a function of getting rid of surge includes a connecting head made of metal, a clasp made of metal, placed in the connecting head and having a pinching portion made of two parallel elastic pieces, a base plate and an emitting pieces formed in the other end of the clasp, and an insulating housing. A gap is formed between the upper end of the emitting member and the inner surface of the connecting head so that a surge or a thunderbolt may flow through the gap to the connecting head and be led to the ground to disappear.

Abstract: A plug has at least one passage that is defined in a bottom of the body to communicate an interior of the body to allow at least one cable to extend into the body. At least one prong is securely mounted on a seat formed on the body and has a first extension, a second extension and a contacting plate. The first and second extensions extend in a direction opposite to a direction of the contacting plate. A pusher extends into the body for pushing the at least one cable toward the at least one prong. The at least one cable is bent due to the pusher extending into the body and thus the at least one prong is able to pierce through an outer covering of the at least one cable that is inserted into the body from the at least one passage.

Abstract: A safety device for use with an electric apparatus is provided. The safety device includes a housing and at least two terminals disposed at least partially within the housing. The safety device also includes a cord set having at least two conductors. A first end of the two conductors is mounted at least partially within the housing. The safety device also includes a non-replaceable circuit interrupter disposed within the housing so as to be inaccessible to a user and coupled between i) one of the at least two terminals and ii) one of the at least two conductors of the cord set.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a phone plug assembly utilizes a shielded or two-connecter cable. A conductive tip is concentrically received in an insulator. One conductor of the cable electrically connects to a stem of the tip. The other conductor of the cable electrically connects to a conductive sleeve that concentrically receives a portion of the insulator. When a shielded cable is utilized with the phone plug assembly, an exposed section of a conductive shield can receive a metal band or metal tape. The sleeve is crimped about the metal band or metal tape to provide the electrical connection between the sleeve and the exposed section of the conductive shield. The conductive shield can also be folded back about a cable jacket and received within a portion of the sleeve. The sleeve is then crimped in alignment with the folded exposed section to enhance the electrical connection.

Abstract: An advanced modular plug connector assembly incorporating a substantially planar, low profile removable insert assembly with associated substrate disposed in the rear portion of the connector housing, the substrate adapted to optionally receive one or more electronic components. In one embodiment, the connector assembly comprises a single port with a single insert assembly. The conductors and terminals of the connector are retained within respective molded carriers which are received within the insert assembly. A plurality of light sources (e.g., LEDs) are also received within the housing, the conductors of the LEDs mated with conductive traces on the substrate of the insert assembly. In another embodiment, the connector assembly comprises a multi-port “1×N” device. Methods for manufacturing the aforementioned embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved connector assembly for use on, inter alia, a printed circuit board or other device is disclosed. The assembly comprises a connector housing having one or more modular plug recesses for receiving a modular plug such as an RJ-type plug; a plurality of conductors disposed within the recess for contact with the terminals of the modular plug; and an electrical pathway between the conductors and a corresponding set of circuit board leads. The connector assembly also includes at least one other recess for receiving a light source sub-assembly. Each light source sub-assembly provides one or more light sources (e.g., light-emitting diodes) adapted to permit viewing of status indications during operation. Each light source sub-assembly is constructed to substantially reduce electromagnetic coupling between the light source and the connector's signal paths. The light source sub-assembly further simplifies the manufacturing of the connector assembly.

Abstract: A high frequency electrical connector including a plurality of parallel contacts, a plurality of terminals, and conductors interconnecting the contacts to the terminals in a manner such that signals flowing through proximate contacts are transmitted in opposite directions to reduce near-end crosstalk.

Abstract: A modular electronic power supply interconnecting device has a plurality of stackable modules for converting an AC input voltage into DC output voltages of various magnitudes. A base module receives the input power and generates a first output power. A first adjacent module receives transfer power from the base module and generates a second output power. A second adjacent module receives transfer power from the base module and generates a third output power. The base module and the first and second adjacent modules are releasably attached and electrically connected. The device can be used to covert AC input power into DC power of 5 volts, 12 volts, 19 volts or any other desired magnitude.

Abstract: An electrical contact (10) for receiving an incandescent bulb (12) having a glass body (14) enclosing a filament (16), a necked-down portion (18) and a glass base (20) having two lead-ins (22, 24) projecting from an end (26) thereof, each of the lead-ins (22, 24) having a looped, electrically conducting wire that is formed at a 180° angle to lay against the glass base (20), one of the lead-ins laying on one side of the glass base and the other of the lead-ins laying on the other side of the base. The contact (10) has oppositely disposed, spaced apart arms (30, 32) formed to receive and hold the bulb. One of the arms also makes electrical contact with one of the lead-ins. A lead-in straightener (33) is formed on the arm formed to make electrical contact with the lead-in, whereby misaligned lead-ins are straightened when the bulb is inserted into a socket (40).

Abstract: A terminal having a plug portion, and a wire clamp portion eccentrically connected to one end of the plug portion, the plug portion having two wide sides and two narrow sides, the wire clamp portion defining a mouth extended in direction same as one of the narrow side of the plug portion.

Abstract: A signal connector assembly with a plug contact within a plug having a high resistive portion. When the plug of the assembly first makes contact with the electrical receptacles within a mating receptacle, the high resistive portion prevents a voltage surge. As the plug is further inserted into the receptacle, the energy passing from the plug to the receptacle is gradually increased. Eventually, the receptacle contacts within the receptacle pass the high resistive portion and make contact with the conductive portion of the plug contact, thereby permitting transmission of valid signals without the generation of spurious errors.

Abstract: The present invention provides nonwoven glass composites formed from an essentially boron free glass wool and an essentially boron free chopped glass fiber, used as a reinforcing material. The nonwoven glass composites are suitable for air filtration apparatus and can be used in the semiconductor industry where the elimination of boron from clean rooms is of importance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydophobic, oleophobic and stain resistant fabric comprising a woven, non-woven, or knitted fabric substrate coated with a polymer system comprising a scrub resistant first layer at least partially penetrating the fabric substrate, the scrub resistant first layer including a polymer composition containing polymer compositional constituents similar to constituents on the fabric substrate; and a second layer comprising a fluoropolymer reacted to the surface of the scrub resistant first layer. A method for producing a hydophobic, oleophobic and stain resistant fabric including the steps of selecting a suitable fabric substrate and applying a base coating to form a scrub resistant first layer at least partially penetrating the fabric substrate; drying and curing the scrub resistant first layer; applying a fluoropolymer coating over the first layer to form a second layer; and drying and curing the second layer.

Abstract: A laundry sheet is disclosed which is a substrate having a laundry detergent applied thereto. The laundry detergent readily solubilizes off of the substrate sheet during the washing process to provide a total laundering process that cleans and softens. Also disclosed are several laundry detergent formulations which are preferably applied onto the substrate to make the laundry sheet of the present invention and a process for making the laundry sheet.

Abstract: Ballistic-resistant articles comprise a plurality of polybenzoxazole or polybenzothiazole polymer fibers and are lighter, more comfortable to wear and exhibit better ballistic-resistant properties than existing ballistic-resistant articles of equal weight.

Abstract: This invention relates to a disposable washcloth and a method of making and using the washcloth. The disposable washcloth includes an aqueous solution incorporated onto a nonwoven basesheet. The aqueous solution includes a combination of a moisturizer, a humectant, an alpha hydroxy acid compound, a skin vitamin, a mild surfactant and a preservative. A method of making and using the disposable washcloth includes providing a continuous web of nonwoven basesheet material onto which the aqueous solution is incorporated. The continuous web is longitudinally folded and transversely cut to provide a plurality of individual washcloths. A select number of the individual washcloths are stacked in a clip and placed in a package. The package of washcloths is heated to a select temperature above 98° F. One or more of the individual disposable washcloths are removed from the package to provide a warm, quick drying, moisturizing bath to a human being.

Abstract: A glass fibre wall covering is made by sequential application of aqueous dispersion and an image coating to selectively create an image for painted effects. The image pattern is based on a spatial expansion of second image coating upon heating during the drying process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite structures comprising an open weave, natural or synthetic fabric or backing having fibers and a urethane froth foam, wherein the fibers of the fabric or backing are at least partially penetrated and/or embedded by the urethane froth. This invention also relates to a process for the production of a composite structure comprising A) applying a reactive urethane froth to an open weave, natural or synthetic fabric or secondary backing having fibers, B) passing the fabric or backing coated with the reactive urethane froth under a doctoring device such that the reactive urethane froth at least partially penetrates and/or embeds the fibers of the fabric or backing, and C) curing the reactive urethane froth.

Abstract: The gas adsorption sheet of the present invention has a granular activated carbon-containing sheet comprising a granular activated carbon having an average particle diameter of 60 to 600 &mgr;m, a supporting fiber for fixing the granular activated carbon in contact with it, and an adhesive fiber which mainly contributes to shape retention. An air-purifying filter of the present invention is obtained by forming the gas adsorption sheet into a shape of pleats or wave. A method for producing a gas adsorption sheet of the present invention comprises a step of forming a granular activated carbon-containing sheet by using an aqueous slurry containing a granular activated carbon, a supporting fiber and a water-swelling adhesive fiber.

Abstract: A nonwoven laminate product comprising a fine denier base web of thermoplastic material joined to a bulk layer and method of manufacture thereof. The bulk layer is preferably cellulosic material and more preferably wood pulp. The nonwoven laminate product has improved properties of strength, softner and drapability compared to conventional nonwoven laminate products.

Abstract: A launderable fluid containment textile composite of stitch bonded construction useful in an incontinence pad. The textile composite includes a fluid retention layer of non-woven fabric formed from a plurality of intermingled textile fibers. A liquid permeable barrier layer of porous fabric is disposed across the fluid retention layer. A plurality of spun yarns including polyester and rayon constituents extend in a repeating stitch bonding pattern through the fluid retention layer and the liquid permeable barrier layer such that the spun yarns form a surface layer over the liquid permeable barrier layer at the technical face of the textile composite. The stitch bonding pattern is characterized by a stitch density in the machine direction of about 4 to about 14 stitches per inch.

Abstract: Electroprocessed polymers are used to form specifically-shaped shoes, clothing or other related garments. A mandrel having a preselected shape is used as the target in the electroprocessing step. The resulting product has a polymer matrix of exactly the shape of the mandrel. In practice, a person's foot or other body part is used to create the predetermined shape.

Abstract: Making suitable nonwoven webs requires good adhesion between the binder and the absorbent material. The present invention relates to a nonwoven web having improved adhesion based on tackifiers present in the binder. Optionally, the binder with tackifier may also contain an adhesion promoter, usually grafted polyolefins, and an enhancement agent, usually inactive inorganic compounds in powder form. The web comprises from about 5 to about 25% by weight binder fiber and from about 75 to 95% by weight absorbent. The absorbent may be a natural absorbent or a super absorbent polymer or a combination of these. The binder fiber contains less than about 40% by weight tackifier. Tackifier is selected form the class of rosin, rosin esters, terpene based, piperylene based, and hydrocarbon based compounds.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying the physical characteristics of a web which involves passing the web between at least one pair of interengaged rolls to incrementally stretch the web, and then withdrawing the incrementally stretched web from between the rolls under tension. A web modified according to the disclosed method has desirable breathability and liquid impermeability, as well as extensibility and a soft, cloth-like textured surface. One embodiment of the present invention provides a breathable web comprising a microporous film exhibiting an MVTR of at least about 2000 g/m2/24 hr, a dynamic impact value of less than about 10 g/m2, a bubble pressure at least about 45 psi, and an air flow of at least about 2 liters/m2/s.

Abstract: A highly densifiable wood pulp product is disclosed. In one embodiment, the densifiable product includes fibers having low coarseness, preferably having a fiber coarseness less than about 22 mg/100 m, and a densifying agent. In another embodiment, the densifiable product further includes fibers having coarseness greater than about 22 mg/100 m. Juvenile wood fibers are the preferred source of fibers having low coarseness. A densified pulp product formed by compacting a fibrous composite that includes fibers having a fiber coarseness less than about 22 mg/100 m, a densifying agent, and optionally, fibers having coarseness greater than about 22 mg/100 m is also disclosed. The pulp products can be advantageously incorporated into absorbent articles and can optionally further include superabsorbent material. Methods for forming the densifiable and densified fibrous products are also disclosed.