Abstract: An attachment structure between an exterior member and a posterior attaching component to be attached to the exterior member includes: the exterior member that has a tube body shape and is included in a wire harness that has one or a plurality of conductive paths, the exterior member covering the conductive path. The exterior member includes a straight tube section that has a straight shape and is an attachment target section of the posterior attaching component. Multiple protrusions are formed on an outer surface of the straight tube section and include a plurality of protrusion groups arranged in rows, each of the plurality of protrusion groups includes the protrusions arranged at predetermined pitches in a tube axial direction, and the multiple protrusions are configured to be inserted into an annular wall of the posterior attaching component.

Abstract: A method for mechanically deforming a substrate assembly. The substrate assembly may advance at a first velocity toward a bonder apparatus. The bonder apparatus may rotate about an axis of rotation and include a support surface between a first member and a second member. The first and second members may rotate at the first velocity and may be separated by an initial angle. The first member may receive a leading portion and the second member may receive a trailing portion of the substrate assembly. The first member may decelerate to a second velocity, and, subsequently, the second member may decelerate to the second velocity. The first member and the second member may be separated by a process angle, which may be different than the initial angle. A central portion of the substrate assembly may be relaxed while the leading and trailing portion may be held at a process tension. The substrate assembly may then undergo one or more processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of coating compositions, comprising shaped transition metal, especially silver, particles and a binder, wherein the ratio of pigment to binder is preferably such that the resulting coating shows an angle dependent color change, for the production of security elements and holograms. When the coating compositions of the present invention are used in coating a hologram the obtained products show a an angle dependent color change (flip/flop effect), different colors in reflection and transmission, an extremely bright OVD image and extremely strong rainbow effect, high purity and contrast.

Abstract: A system for predicting the performance of a rotary unit operation on a web. The system includes a first rotary roll, a second rotary roll, a nip gap between the first rotary unit and the second rotary roll, a web enabled to travel through the nip, a predetermined pattern, and a computing device comprising a processor and a memory component. The first rotary roll and the second rotary roll are enabled to imprint the predetermined pattern on the web.

Abstract: Panel for forming a floor covering, wherein this panel comprises at least a layer of thermoplastic material, wherein said layer also comprises at least individual fibers having a length greater than 1 millimeter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing nonwoven/film laminates for personal hygiene articles, from an initial film web consisting of a thermoplastic polymer and an initial nonwoven web. According to said method, the initial film web and the initial nonwoven web, whose melting point lies above the crystallite melting point of the polymer, are heated to a temperature that exceeds the crystallite melting point of the polymer and lies below the melting point of the initial nonwoven web. The laminate is then guided through a cooled nip and is cooled to a temperature that lies below the crystallite melting point of the initial film web. The invention also relates to laminates that can be produced by said method.

Abstract: A method for forming a laminate can comprise moving an initial laminate and a sacrificial web at least partially coated with an adhesive in a downstream direction. The initial laminate can comprise a base web and an interactive web comprising a retained section and a scrap section. The method also can comprise forming a compound laminate by nipping the sacrificial web and at least the scrap section of the interactive web between a raised feature of a nip roller and an opposing support surface so that the adhesive at least partially bonds the sacrificial web to the scrap section. In addition, the method can comprise separating the compound laminate into a resultant laminate, comprising the base web and at least the retained section of the interactive web, and a sacrificial laminate, comprising the sacrificial web and at least the scrap section of the interactive web.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a cushioning product (88), comprising the following steps: providing a flat, longitudinal, two- or multilayered paper strip (10), wherein the individual layers (12, 14) of the paper strip (10) are connected to one another in at least some sections in a middle area (18) extending in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the individual layers (12, 14) of the paper strip (10) comprise marginal areas (20, 21, 22, 23) which are not connected to one another, opening adjacent marginal areas (20, 21, 22, 23) to form a paper strip (10) having a star-shaped cross section, and crumpling the paper strip (10) along the middle area (18).

Abstract: A waterproof decorative sheath system for walls of moist environments, including at least one layer of waterproofing material applicable on the wall surface of the moist environment, a first layer of specific adhesive material applied on the layer of waterproofing material, a layer of glass fiber tissue, applied on the first layer of specific adhesive material, having the final decorative aspect to be given to the walls, a second layer of specific adhesive material applied on the layer of glass fiber tissue, a substantially transparent first protective finishing layer, applied on the second layer of specific adhesive material, suitable for giving the layer of glass fiber tissue a partly translucent aspect, and a second substantially transparent scratch-resistant protective finishing layer, applied on the first protective finishing layer, to obtain a finished system that does not require the application of further additional decorative elements to obtain the desired final aspect.

Abstract: A cylinder system for tissue paper lamination comprising an embossing cylinder (22), which includes a combined DESL (1) and Point to Point (2) embossing, and for this purpose, higher elements (23) are provided for DESL process, and lower elements (24) for Point to Point process, such elements forming several relieves on paper surface and can compose figures, ribbing and all sorts of drawings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a coating on a porous sheet, comprising the steps of: providing a porous sheet and a dispersion comprising at least one polyolefin; applying said dispersion on at least one surface of said sheet; and optionally, heating said sheet to a temperature above the melting temperature of said at least one polyolefin. Moreover, the present invention relates to methods for manufacturing single and two ply sacks and the use of at least one polyolefin as a water vapor barrier coating on a material suitable for a ply of a sack.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multilayer structure sheet for manufacturing an optical information recording medium having a multilayer structure with a plurality of recording layers comprises: an adhesive layer forming step of forming an adhesive layer on a first release sheet to obtain a first sheet; a recording layer forming step of forming a recording layer containing a polymer on a second release sheet or a release assisting layer formed on the second release sheet to obtain a second sheet; a laminating step of laminating the recording layer of the second sheet on the adhesive layer of the first sheet to obtain a third sheet in which the second sheet is laid on the first sheet; and a heating step of heating the second sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating composition, comprising shaped transition metal, especially silver, particles and a binder, wherein the ratio of pigment to binder is such that the resulting coating shows an angle dependent color change. When the coating compositions of the present invention are used in coating a hologram the obtained products show a an angle dependent color change (flip/flop effect), different colors in reflection and transmission, an extremely bright OVD image and extremely strong rainbow effect, high purity and contrast.

Abstract: Disclosed are a sound absorbing sheet having a micro resonant structure and capable of improving sound absorption performance up to the low frequency band by means of the micro resonance principle, a method for manufacturing same, and a sound absorption type soundproof panel using same. The sound absorbing sheet according to the present invention has multiple uneven patterns configured to have convex parts and concave parts on one surface of a porous base material, and the area ratio of the concave part determined by the following formula 1 is 40 to 99%. The area corresponding to the concave part has a lower air permeability than the area corresponding to the convex part. Area ratio of concave portion=[area portion of concave portion]/[area portion of porous base material].

Abstract: A method of increasing the density and reducing the bulk of multi-ply paper products allowing one to reduce the roll size or increase the roll content, while minimizing the destruction of favorable product attributes.

Abstract: A golf ball has, on a surface thereof, a rugged pattern composed of a land and a large number of dimples. A method for designing the rugged pattern includes the steps of: (1) assuming a large number of circles on a surface of a phantom sphere; (2) assuming a large number of generating points 16 based on positions of the large number of circles; (3) assuming a large number of Voronoi regions 18 on the surface of the phantom sphere by a Voronoi tessellation based on the large number of generating points 16; and (4) assigning a dimple and a land to the surface of the phantom sphere based on contours of the large number of Voronoi regions 18.

Abstract: A plant for the production of embossed articles is disclosed. Upstream of the embossing group for the plant and add on a glue dispensing unit and/or a printing unit having a cliché roll for the application of the glue on a web of band or ink on the band is provided. The web or the band moves between the cliché roll and a contrast cylinder. Actuator means are provided for approaching or moving away a portion of the cliché roll from the contrast cylinder. Thus, regardless of the type of paper used, it is possible to obtain a perfect adhesion of the webs without jeopardizing the softness of the paper used. It is also possible to obtain the printing in selected areas of the product being processed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite film (10), in particular for packaging (1) in the food industry, having at least one sealing layer (12), which consists of sealable material and is connected, at least indirectly, to a first layer (11) which acts as an outer layer, wherein the sealing layer (12) has a lower melting point than the first layer (11). According to the invention, it is provided that, on that side of the sealing layer (12) which is directed away from the first layer (11), a second layer (13), which acts as an inner layer, is arranged in operative connection with the sealing layer (12), that the second layer (13) has a higher melting point than the sealing layer (12), and that the second layer (13) has at least one through-opening (17; 17a to 17c), which is covered over by the sealing layer (12).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microstructure film comprising an area of microstructures and two edge areas, wherein the height of the highest part in the edge areas exceeds the height of the highest point in the microstructures, preferably by about 1 ?m to about 1 mm. The application also describes how such a film may be manufactured.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating nanopatterned cylindrical photomasks are disclosed. A master pattern having nanometer scale features may be formed on a master substrate. A layer of an elastomer material may be formed on a surface of a transparent cylinder. The master pattern may be transferred from the master to the layer of elastomer material on the surface of the transparent cylinder. Alternatively, a nanopatterned cylindrical photomask may be fabricated by forming a pattern having nanometer scale features on an elastomer substrate and laminating the patterned elastomer substrate to a surface of a cylinder. In another method, a layer of elastomer material may be formed on a surface of a transparent cylinder and a pattern having nanometer scale features may be formed on the elastomer material by a direct patterning process.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent body includes: a suction member for moving a suction section along a predetermined travel path; a cover member surrounding a predetermined range of the travel path; and a supply opening through which liquid absorbent particles fall. The supply opening is provided above the travel path in a space within the cover member. Of the space within the cover member, a space located in a downstream side of a position of the supply opening in a direction along the travel path is divided into a first zone in which the liquid absorbent particle is suctioned to the suction section and a second zone in which the liquid absorbent particle is suctioned to the suction section, the second zone being adjacent to a downstream side of the first zone.

Abstract: A device comprising an absorbent structure and one or more resilient contact elements integrated into the absorbent structure is disclosed. The absorbent structure is preferably a sponge or foam structure and the resilient contact elements are squeegees, nodules, or combinations thereof. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the resilient contact elements include anchor features that are embedded within the absorbent stricture.

Abstract: Apparatus for bonding at least two plies of fibrous web, includes: a first roller having an outer periphery, a plurality of embossing protuberances being provided on the outer periphery, such first roller being an embossing roller; and a second roller having an outer periphery and being elastic at least in a radial direction and together with the first roller forming a nip through which the at least two plies are be fed, such second roller being a counter roller or a marrying roller, wherein at least a part of the outer periphery of at least one of the first and the second roller is irregularly rough so that the at least two plies are bonded at discrete locations corresponding to at least some of the embossing protuberances. A multi-ply product including the bonded plies and a corresponding method are also described.

Abstract: A device is provided to produce an embossed multi-ply material, comprising: a first embossing-laminating unit (3) comprising a first embossing cylinder (5) equipped with first projections (5P) defining a first pattern, a first pressure roller (7) cooperating with said first embossing cylinder (5), a first laminating roller (9) and a first glue dispenser (11), disposed between said first pressure roller (7) and said first laminating roller (9); an embossing unit comprising at least a second embossing cylinder (25) provided with second projections (25P) defining a second pattern and a second pressure roller (27) cooperating with said second embossing cylinder (25); a first path (P1) through said first embossing-laminating unit (3); a second path (P2) for at least a second ply (V2) towards and through said second embossing unit (23); a third path (P3) for said third ply (V3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminated strip, in particular a decorative strip, comprising an upper layer (12) consisting of metal, preferably aluminum, whose upper face (22) is embossed with a structure in relief (18) and whose underside (24) is fixed to a reinforcement layer (14) consisting of plastic. During the production of the strip, the reinforcement layer (14) and the protective layer (16) are applied after the structure in relief (18) has been embossed on the upper layer (12).

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprising heat-expanding particles, having bulk and high strength, and a method for producing the nonwoven fabric. The method of producing a nonwoven fabric according to the invention comprises a step of supplying a first sheet-forming material comprising fiber and water onto a belt, to form a first sheet layer on the belt, a step of spraying a high-pressure water jet onto the first sheet layer to form grooves extending in the machine direction on the surface, a step of forming a second sheet-forming material comprising fibers, heat-expanding particles and water into a sheet to form a second sheet layer, a step of layering the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer to form a third sheet layer, a step of drying the third sheet layer, and a step of spraying high-pressure steam onto the third sheet layer to expand the heat-expanding particles.

Abstract: A fibrous product (10, 20, 20b, 30), especially tissue paper product, non-woven products or a hybrid thereof, and preferably hygiene and cleaning product has at least one first ply (42; 62; 84; 104) with at least one embossing pattern including embossed depressions starting from a base plane of the ply; the embossed pattern being characterized by the following features: the embossing pattern has a minimum motive surface area of at least 3 cm×3 cm; the pattern includes a high number of embossed depressions which are sized and/or positioned such as to form a motive element covering the motive surface area; wherein at least some of the embossed depressions are sized and/or positioned such that minimum distances between pairs of consecutively arranged embossed depression vary. A method for producing such a fibrous product is also described.

Abstract: An embossing and texturizing system capable of imparting a natural cloth-like surface to a flexible thermoplastic material or film simultaneously to either or both of its two exterior surfaces, through the use of a unique device and technique combining metal rolls, metal and rubber rolls, and embossing and texturizing fabric rolls into an embossing system creating the desired visual and tactile feel of natural fabrics as well as additional performance characteristics. The embossing and texturizing system embosses and texturizes the exterior surface of the flexible thermoplastic material or film by selectively altering the exterior surface, and therefore, the film can be embossed simultaneously on either or both of its two exterior surfaces (face and reverse) without necessitating major interruption or adjustment of the system.

Abstract: An optical-sheet manufacturing device 1 is provided with a first belt-shaped mold S1, a second belt-shaped mold S2, first and second supply units that supplies resins to the belt-shaped molds S1 and S2, respectively, and first and second embossing units that embosses the supplied resins on the first and second belt-shaped molds S1 and S2 to form first and second embossed sheets A? and B?. The optical-sheet manufacturing device is characterized in that the first embossed sheet A? embossed on the first belt-shaped mold S1 and the second embossed sheet B? embossed on the second belt-shaped mold S2 are shifted by the rotation of the first belt-shaped mold S1 and the second belt-shaped mold S2 and the first embossed sheet A? and the second embossed sheet B? are sandwiched between the first belt-shaped mold S1 and the second belt-shaped mold S2 and are laminated.

Abstract: A decorative stainless steel rolled sheet has an embossed pattern, suitable for use as a surface finish or an interior surface finish of products, wherein a thin stainless steel sheet subjected to surface treatment including nanoceramic coating or PVD ionic coating resulting in various colors and a release sheet alone or with a nonwoven fabric layer bonded thereto by means of a hot melt adhesive layer are embossed together and bonded to each other with the embossed pattern, thus exhibiting superior bonding strength, heat resistance, fire resistance, scratch resistance, shape stability, flexibility and wrinkling resistance. In the method of manufacturing such a decorative stainless steel rolled sheet, the rolled sheet can be mass produced at uniform quality using a continuous process.

Abstract: The present invention is method for forming a sandwich structure having a pattern of particulate material enveloped between a carrier material and a cover material. The method allows accurate forming of pre-determined pattern at high production speed. Such a method is particularly useful in the manufacture of disposable absorbent articles, such as baby diapers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible nanoimprint mold which can fabricate sub-15 nm ultra fine structures on either planar or curved substrates. The mold comprises a top ultra-thin rigid layer of imprint patterning features and a bottom thick flexible layer of polymer elastomer. The two distinct layers are preferably integrated via chemically bonding. The top layer of the mold enables a sub-15 nm resolution of pattern fabrication and the bottom layer affords a conformal contact to planar or curved surface of substrates. The methods for fabricating the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A diffuser-integrated prism sheet is provided, in which diffuser layers are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the prism sheet and prism-shaped protrusions are formed in the prism sheet. The prism sheet for backlight units includes a lower diffuser layer having a light diffusion structure, a lower layer formed on the lower diffuser layer, a first intermediate layer formed on the lower layer and having prism-shaped protrusions formed parallel to each other, a second intermediate layer formed on the first intermediate layer, an upper layer formed on the second intermediate layer, and an upper diffuser layer formed on the upper layer and having a light diffusion structure, wherein an air layer is formed between the lower surface of the second intermediate layer and the valleys of the prism-shaped protrusions of the first intermediate layer. Also, a method of manufacturing the diffuser-integrated prism sheet is provided.

Abstract: Process for providing a laminate product comprising a substrate and a printed film, the process comprising an embossing step synchronized with a decoration of the printed film and carried out continuously, through the passage of the laminate product between an engraved embossing cylinder, and a pressure counter-cylinder; the registration of the engraved cylinder, for keeping the synchronism between embossing and decoration, comprises suitable displacements of the engraved cylinder and is carried out with a temporary separation of the counter-cylinder from the engraved cylinder, or with a reduction in the embossing pressure existing between the engraved cylinder and the counter-cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatus for the production of a paper web, comprising: a first embossing unit (1) with a first embossing cylinder (2) and a corresponding counter-cylinder (3) for embossing a first paper ply (4); a second embossing unit (5) with a second embossing cylinder (6) and a corresponding counter-cylinder (7) for embossing a second paper ply (8), such that, once embossed, the said plies have a series of oppositely oriented reliefs (R4, R8), said embossing units (1, 5) being synchronized so that the said reliefs are nested into each other; a sizing unit (1C, 2C, 3C) associated with said first embossing cylinder (2) to distribute a predetermined amount of glue on the side of the second ply (8) opposed to that from which the respective reliefs (R8) emerge; means (11) for joining to each other the plies (4, 8) exiting from the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is method for forming a sandwich structure having a pattern of particulate material enveloped between a carrier material and a cover material. The method allows accurate forming of pre-determined pattern at high production speed. Such a method is particularly useful in the manufacture of disposable absorbent articles, such as baby diapers.

Abstract: The invention proposes an embossed sheet (10) comprising at least one ply (12) of tissue having an embossing pattern comprising at least one series of protuberances (18) formed projecting from one surface of the said ply (12) of tissue, and at least one ply joined to the said at least one ply (12) of tissue and located opposite the said surface of the ply (14) of water-soluble material, characterized in that the ply (14) of water-soluble material is joined to the said at least one ply (12) of tissue at the summits (18a) of at least part of the protuberances (18). The invention also proposes a method for manufacturing such a multi-ply sheet (10).

Abstract: A pouched tobacco product includes a lined pouch material of a web and a water-soluble liner adjacent the web and a tobacco component contained within the lined pouch material. The water-soluble liner is interposed between the web and the tobacco component. The liner preferably reduces staining of the web by the tobacco component. Additionally, the liner may include a flavorant.

Abstract: A liquid-pervious fibrous non-woven fabric includes staple fibers made of thermoplastic synthetic resin fused together which is formed on its upper surface with a plurality of ridges, and a plurality of grooves extending in parallel in a longitudinal direction. The ridges and grooves are arranged alternately in a transverse direction. On the upper surface, some of the staple fibers extend across the ridges to the adjacent grooves on each side of the ridges and are, in the respective grooves, fused to the staple fibers of a different type from the former staple fibers.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to create an embossing device for at least two-layered planar products such as toilet paper, tissues, or similar, which makes it possible to easily make high-quality planar products that are provided with decorative patterns. The aim is achieved by an embossing device for at least two-layered planar products such as toilet paper, tissues, and similar. Also, the embossing device has at least one first and at least one second couple of rollers, each of which is composed of an embossing roller and a squeezer.

Abstract: Apparatus for bonding at least two plies of a fibrous web, includes: a first roller having an outer periphery, at least one embossing protuberance provided on the outer periphery; and a second roller having an outer periphery and being elastic at least in a radial direction, the second roller including at least an inner layer and an outer layer that is harder than the inner layer, the second roller together with the first roller forming a nip through which the two plies are to be fed, wherein an embossing element is located on top of at least one of the embossing protuberance(s), an embossing area of each embossing element being smaller than an embossing area of the corresponding embossing protuberance(s) so that the two plies are bonded at discrete locations corresponding to the first and second embossing elements. Multi-ply product including the bonded plies and corresponding method are also described.

Abstract: In a process of producing a stretch sheet, a strip-shaped laminate sheet 10A having an elastically stretchable elastic layer 1 and substantially inelastic, inelastic fiber layers 2 and 3 partially joined to each other at bonds 4 or a strip-shaped fibrous sheet containing an elastic component and a substantially inelastic component and having embossed regions formed by embossing in parts is stretched in directions starting from the bonds 4 or the embossed regions to obtain a stretch sheet 10. The stretch sheet has raised ridges and recessed grooves extending in the direction perpendicular to the stretch direction, and the bonds 4 or the embossed regions are present in the ridges.

Abstract: Aspects of the methods herein relate to the fabrication of absorbent articles wherein a continuous topsheet web is advanced in a machine direction. A liquid acquisition layer and an absorbent core are combined with the continuous topsheet web. The combined continuous topsheet web, liquid acquisition layer, and absorbent core advance through the embossing nip to emboss a pattern in the continuous topsheet web. As the combined continuous topsheet web, liquid acquisition layer, and absorbent core advance through the embossing nip, the rotating patterned embossing roll contacts the continuous topsheet web. And the rotating anvil roll contacts the absorbent core. By advancing the topsheet together with the acquisition layer and absorbent core through the embossing nip, a relatively deep pattern can be embossed into the topsheet than otherwise might be possible when embossing relatively thin topsheet web materials.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of producing a highly electrically conductive sheet molding compound (SMC) composition and a fuel cell flow field plate or bipolar plate made from such a composition. The plate exhibits a conductivity typically greater than 100 S/cm and more typically greater than 200 S/cm. In one preferred embodiment, the method comprises: (a) providing a continuous sheet of a substrate material (bottom sheet) and a continuous sheet of flexible graphite (top sheet) from respective rollers; (b) feeding a resin mixture (comprising a thermoset resin and a conductive filler) to a space between the top sheet and the bottom sheet in such a way that the resin mixture forms a uniform core layer sandwiched between the two sheets to obtain a laminated structure; (c) compressing the laminated structure to obtain a SMC composition having two opposite outer surfaces; and (e) impressing a fluid flow channel to either or both of the outer surfaces (e.g.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a composite filler includes at least one die and a device for moving a stack of reinforced ply strips through the die. The die has peripheral die face adapted for forming the ply strip stack into a desired cross sectional shape. The cross section of the die face may vary around the periphery of the die.

Abstract: The present application describes an arrangement for applying a label to the periphery of a moving object. The arrangement may include an initial label dispensing an application station, a label tacking station, and a label wrapping station. Associated methods are also described.

Abstract: A decorative stainless steel rolled sheet has an embossed pattern, suitable for use as a surface finish or an interior surface finish of products, wherein a thin stainless steel sheet subjected to surface treatment including nanoceramic coating or PVD ionic coating resulting in various colors and a release sheet alone or with a nonwoven fabric layer bonded thereto by means of a hot melt adhesive layer are embossed together and bonded to each other with the embossed pattern, thus exhibiting superior bonding strength, heat resistance, fire resistance, scratch resistance, shape stability, flexibility and wrinkling resistance. In the method of manufacturing such a decorative stainless steel rolled sheet, the rolled sheet can be mass produced at uniform quality using a continuous process.

Abstract: The device for joining at least two plies of paper (V1, V2), in particular tissue paper, comprises a ply-bonding unit (9) and moistening means (11) to moisten at least one of said two plies before joining.

Abstract: A transparent laminate film which has visible light transmittance, sunlight blocking properties, radio wave transmittance and good appearance is provided. A transparent laminate film includes a laminate structure formed on at least one side of a transparent polymer film, in which a metal oxide layer and a metal layer are laminated, the metal oxide layer containing an organic component, wherein grooves having a width of 30 ?m or less are formed in the laminate structure, and an overall surface resistance is 150?/? or more. Preferably, the grooves are numerous cracks, or are formed by laser processing. Further, preferably, the transparent polymer film has an easy adhesion layer formed on at least one side thereof, and the laminate structure is formed on top of the easy adhesion layer. Furthermore, preferably, the metal oxide layer containing the organic component is formed by a sol-gel method using optical energy during sol-gel curing.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for making a disposable bodily fluid handling composite pad having thickness-reduced regions on longitudinally opposite ends. The disposable bodily fluid absorbing composite pad includes a bodily fluid absorbing first pad and a bodily fluid absorbing second pad seperably attached to the first pad. A continuous web having continuous bodily fluid absorbing layer and bodily fluid impervious layer permanently attached together is fed to pass through paired compression rolls to obtain a worked web formed in regions which will become ends of the first pad with thickness-reduced regions. A bodily fluid absorbing web is seperably attached to the worked web to obtain a first composite web. A bodily fluid impervious web, pressure-sensitive adhesive and a separator are placed on the bodily fluid absorbing web of the first composite web to obtain a second composite web from which the composite pad is cut out.