Non-uniform, Irregular Or Configured Web Or Sheet Patents (Class 162/109)
  • Patent number: 6120642
    Abstract: The invention relates to a papermaking fabric and method of producing a soft, bulky tissue web in which an embryonic fiber web is wet-molded onto a three-dimensional substrate wherein the web-contacting surface of said substrate is a three-dimensional porous nonwoven material. The method can provide higher levels of bulk and surface depth in tissues than is practical with woven papermaking fabrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Dean Lindsay, Mark Alan Burazin
  • Patent number: 6117270
    Abstract: A papermaking belt and paper made thereon. The papermaking belt comprises a patterned framework and a reinforcing element. The papermaking belt may be used as a through air drying belt, a forming wire, a backing wire, a conventional press felt, etc., The papermaking belt has a reinforcing element and a framework extending from the reinforcing element. Intermediate various portions of the framework are deflection conduits. The framework is interrupted and subdivided by synclines. The framework, synclines and deflection conduits respectively impart first, second and third values of intensive properties to regions of the paper made on these portions of the belt. The value of the intensive property of the regions of the paper corresponding to the synclines is intermediate the value of the regions of the paper corresponding to the framework and deflection conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Paul Dennis Trokhan
  • Patent number: 6106670
    Abstract: A smooth, high density tissue. The tissue has a relatively low caliper, yet maintains visually discernible machine direction micropeaks at a suitable micropeak frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Thomas Weisman, Scott Thomas Loughran
  • Patent number: 6103062
    Abstract: The present invention provides method for making a wet pressed paper web. An embryonic web of papermaking fibers is formed on a foraminous forming member, and transferred to an imprinting member to deflect a portion of the papermaking fibers in the embryonic web into deflection conduits in the imprinting member. The web, the imprinting member, and two felt layers, are then pressed in a compression nip with a foraminous backing member to mold and dewater the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robert Stanley Ampulski, Ward William Ostendorf, Paul Dennis Trokhan
  • Patent number: 6090241
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for making a differential density cellulosic web comprising a first plurality of high-density micro-regions and a second plurality of low-density micro-regions are disclosed. The process comprises the steps of providing a fibrous web containing fluid-latent indigenous polymers and water; depositing the web on a fluid-permeable molding fabric; applying ultrasonic energy to the web, thereby contributing to softening of the fluid-latent indigenous polymers in at least selected portions of the web; impressing the molding fabric into the web, thereby densifying the selected portions of the web and causing the fluid-latent indigenous polymers to flow and interconnect the fibers which are mutually juxtaposed in the selected portions; and immobilizing the fluid-latent indigenous polymers, thereby creating bonds thereof between the fibers which are interconnected in the selected portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Dennis Trokhan, Nagabhusan Senapati
  • Patent number: 6080276
    Abstract: Webs can be embossed using matched embossing elements with shoulders located off-centered. Such a configuration increases the bulk of the web and maintains the web's strength. The shoulder of one roll is located above or below the embossing surface mid-plane. The shoulder of the second roll substantially matches the off-centered elements of the first roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worlwide, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Burgess
  • Patent number: 6080266
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for fractionating cellulosic fibers that is effective to result in cellulosic fibers that exhibit desired properties such as fiber length and fiber coarseness values. The fractionating process is quite efficient and has been found to produce cellulosic fibers that are more homogeneous in their properties as compared to the starting mixture of cellulosic fibers. Also disclosed is a handsheet prepared from the fractionated cellulosic fibers for use in disposable absorbent products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James Ellis Horton, Jr., Kristin Ann Goerg-Wood, Jacek Dutkiewicz, Sheng-Hsin Hu
  • Patent number: 6077590
    Abstract: Rolled creped paper products, such as kitchen towels, can be provided with high roll bulk and a high degree of roll firmness by steaming the dry, creped paper sheet immediately prior to embossing the sheet between matched steel embossing rolls. The steaming preconditions the sheet such that the resulting sheet embossments maintain their shape and structural strength, thereby imparting greater bulk and firmness to the wound roll of product. In addition, the sheet experiences less cross-machine strength reduction as a consequence of the embossing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Sammy Lee Archer, Eric John Draheim, Thomas Garrett Neal, Jr., Jerome Steven Veith, Mary Martha Zielinski
  • Patent number: 6077390
    Abstract: High bulk tissue webs are processed sequentially through separate calendering and embossing units to optimize the balance between sheet caliper for winding tension and embossing element height for pattern definition, resulting in embossed, high-bulk tissue products with improved embossing pattern clarity. The multiple step converting process enables the use of male embossing elements having a height of about 0.04 inch or greater. The tissue webs have a Residual Waviness value of 12 micrometers or greater, which is attributable to average surface waviness values for the spot embossments being about 30 micrometers or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Zeinab Salman, Richard Douglas Jennings
  • Patent number: 6068731
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a soft, thick, single-ply tissue and to a process for the manufacture of such tissue product having a basis weight of at least about 15 lbs./3,000 square foot ream and having low sidedness, said tissue exhibiting:a specific total tensile strength of between 40 and 75 grams per 3 inches per pound per 3000 square feet ream, a cross direction specific wet tensile strength of between 2.75 and 7.5 grams per 3 inches per pound per 3000 square feet ream, the ratio of MD tensile to CD tensile of between 1.25 and 2.75, a specific geometric mean tensile stiffness of between 0.5 and 1.2 grams per inch per percent strain per pound per 3000 square feet ream, a friction deviation of less than 0.225, and a sidedness parameter of less than 0.275.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Dwiggins, Ranga Ramesh, Frank D. Harper, Anthony O. Awofeso, T. Philips Oriaran, Galyn A. Schulz, Dinesh M. Bhat
  • Patent number: 6063239
    Abstract: The invention relates to security paper and in particular to a method for the manufacture of security paper that is provided with high-quality watermarks. In particular such a method comprises forming a papermaking suspension comprising cellulosic fibers and polyvinyl alcohol fibers, which polyvinyl alcohol fibers are soluble in water at temperatures of from 95 to 100 degrees C, dewatering the papermaking suspension through an emboseed wire mesh or other embossed means, wherein the embossing creates a profile of peaks and troughs corresponding to the light and dark areas of the watermark, and the formed paper after dewatering with the watermark feature is thereafter dried to provide the resulting security paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Portals Limited
    Inventors: Paul Howland, Jonathan Paul Foulkes
  • Patent number: 6054020
    Abstract: Amine-modified polysiloxanes are applied to the opposite outer surfaces of a tissue product, such as the two outer surfaces of a 3-ply facial tissue, providing improved softness to the surfaces and a degree of hydrophobicity to prevent wet through of liquids during use. However, the degree of hydrophobicity is controlled by the chemical structure of the amine-modified polysiloxane and/or by blending the amine-modified polysiloxane with a more hydrophilic modified polysiloxane such that liquid is still allowed to enter the tissue structure in a reasonably short time to be absorbed by the center ply, but the absorption in combination with the hydrophobicity of the other outer surface substantially delays the liquid from passing completely through the tissue product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Thomas Goulet, Dale Alan Burghardt, Duane Gerard Krzysik
  • Patent number: 6039838
    Abstract: An improved absorbent consumer paper product is made on an improved drying fabric that forms an aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior pattern on the paper web before creping. The drying fabric is characterized by a plurality of shute threads extending substantially parallel to each other in a cross-direction of the drying fabric; and a plurality of warp threads extending substantially parallel to each other in a machine direction of the drying fabric. The shute and warp threads are woven together so as to define a number of relatively long warp knuckles at locations where one of said warp threads crosses over at least four of the shute threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Kaufman, Jeff Herman
  • Patent number: 6039839
    Abstract: A paper web and method of making the paper web are disclosed. The paper web has a background portion and a non-embossed decorative pattern. The decorative pattern has at least one high basis weight region having a basis weight greater than the average basis weight of the surrounding background portion. The decorative pattern can include a number of discrete, decorative indicia. Each decorative indicia can be separated from adjacent decorative indicia by the background portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Dennis Trokhan, Dean Van Phan, Howard Thomas Deason, Jorg Kleinwachter
  • Patent number: 6033761
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a soft, thick, single-ply tissue and to a process for the manufacture of such tissue product having a basis weight of at least about 15 lbs./3,000 square foot ream and having low sidedness, said tissue exhibiting:a specific total tensile strength of between 40 and 75 grams per 3 inches per pound per 3000 square feet ream, a cross direction specific wet tensile strength of between 2.75 and 7.5 grams per 3 inches per pound per 3000 square feet ream, the ratio of MD tensile to CD tensile of between 1.25 and 2.75, a specific geometric mean tensile stiffness of between 0.5 and 1.2 grams per inch per percent strain per pound per 3000 square feet ream, a friction deviation of less than 0.225, and a sidedness parameter of less than 0.275.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Dwiggins, Ranga Ramesh, Frank D. Harper, Anthony O. Awofeso, T. Philips Oriaran, Galyn A. Schulz, Dinesh M. Bhat
  • Patent number: 6033523
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a soft thick single-ply tissue, such tissue product having a basis weight of at least about 15 lbs./3,000 square foot ream and having low sidedness, said tissue exhibiting a specific total tensile strength of between 40 and 75 grams per 3 inches per pound per 3000 square feet ream, a cross direction specific wet tensile strength of between 2.75 and 7.5 grams per 3 inches per pound per 3000 square feet ream, the ratio of MD tensile to CD tensile of between 1.00 and 2.75, a specific geometric mean tensile stiffness of between 0.5 and 1.2 grams per inch per percent strain per pound per 3000 square feet ream, a ratio of product cross direction stretch to base sheet cross direction stretch of at least about 1.4, a friction deviation of less than 0.225, and a sidedness parameter of less than 0.275.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Dwiggins, T. Philips Oriaran, Frank D. Harper, Galyn A. Schulz
  • Patent number: 6030690
    Abstract: A process for high pressure embossing a single ply of paper and the paper produced thereby. The embossing process requires two rolls, a pattern roll 30 and an anvil roll 32. The rolls are loaded together at a pressure of at least 1000 psi at the nip. A single ply of paper is embossed in the nip. The embossments of the paper do not extend outwardly beyond the thickness of the paper to have any out-of-plane deformation. The embossments are typically glassined. The resulting paper has an aesthetically pleasing appearance, without undue loss of tensile strength from the embossing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kevin Benson McNeil, Linda Rae Scherzinger, Thomas Anthony Hensler, Rebecca Ann Miller, Barbara Ann Ludwig
  • Patent number: 6024834
    Abstract: A process for fractionating cellulosic fibers that is effective to result in cellulosic fibers that exhibit desired properties such as fiber length and fiber coarseness values. The fractionating process is quite efficient and has been found to produce cellulosic fibers that are more homogeneous in their properties as compared to the starting mixture of cellulosic fibers. Also disclosed is a handsheet prepared from the fractionated cellulosic fibers for use in disposable absorbent products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James Ellis Horton, Jr., Kristin Ann Goerg-Wood, Jacek Dutkiewicz, Sheng-Hsin Hu
  • Patent number: 6017417
    Abstract: Throughdried tissue products such as facial tissue, bath tissue, and paper towels are made using a throughdrying fabric having from about 5 to about 300 machine direction impression knuckles per square inch (per 6.45 square centimeters) which are raised above the plane of the fabric. These impression knuckles create corresponding protrusions in the throughdried sheet which impart a significant amount of cross-machine direction stretch to the sheet. In addition, other properties such as bulk, absorbent capacity, absorbent rate and flexibility are also improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Arthur Wendt, Kai F. Chiu, Mark Alan Burazin, Theodore Edwin Farrington, Jr., David Alan Heaton
  • Patent number: 5989682
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to single ply scrim-like wiping products having great softness and strength. The wiping products are made from a paper web containing softwood fibers in combination with bicomponent fibers. Once formed, the paper web is treated on each side with a bonding agent in a preselected pattern. Both sides of the paper web are also creped. In order to create a wiping product with a scrim-like appearance, a reticular pattern is then embossed into the paper web. Specifically, the pattern is permanently imprinted into the product by compressing and fusing together the bicomponent fibers contained within the lines of the pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5989389
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing visible, preferably transparent or translucent, continuous streaks and/or delimited fields in paper in conjunction with forming a paper web in a paper machine. The method is characterized by essentially preventing dewatering of paper stock/paper fibres on one or more surfaces of a wire in the forming unit of a paper machine in conjunction with forming a paper web in the machine, and by applying a special stock that contains fibres which differ from the other fibre material deposited on the wire, optionally together with an arbitrary filler and/or binder. The invention also relates to a valuable document, such as a banknote, produced from the aforedescribed paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: AB Tumba Bruk
    Inventor: Tore Sundberg
  • Patent number: 5972166
    Abstract: The present invention is a non-woven fiber mat suitable for reinforcing resilient sheet floor coverings, such as vinyl floor coverings. The non-woven fiber mat is in the form of a sheet of reinforcement fibers which at least includes semi-coiled fibers and can also include coiled fiber, with one or more turns, and even some relatively straight or slightly curved fibers. It is desirable for most, if not all, of the reinforcement fibers to be made from glass. However, it may also be desirable for the reinforcement fibers to include glass fibers and synthetic fibers. It may even be possible for the reinforcement fibers to include only non-glass fibers. At least one polymeric binder is used for bonding together the reinforcement fibers so as to make the fiber mat a suitable substrate for reinforcing resilient sheet floor coverings, such as an interlayer for vinyl floor coverings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglass Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Helwig, W. Scott Miller, Kimberley A. Householder
  • Patent number: 5958187
    Abstract: A paper product and a method of making a paper product with a glabrous surface and adapted for use either dry or use in a manually pre-moistened condition. The paper product has temporary wet strength exhibiting an initial normalized CD wet tensile strength of at least about 25 g/1" strip, preferably 35 g/1" strip as measured by the Finch Cup Test 5 seconds after immersion and a subsequent CD wet tensile strength of less than about 2/3 the initial value as measured 30 minutes after immersion. A temporary wet strength agent comprising aldehydic units in the range of from about 2 pounds per ton to about 30 pounds per ton is added to the furnish. A cationic nitrogenous softener/debonder is preferably added to the furnish, in an amount of from about 1 pound per ton to about 6 pounds per ton. The CD dry tensile strength of the paper product is from at least about 133 g/1" up to about 267 g/1", and the tensile modulus is from about 10 to about 32 g/% strain while the GM MMD friction is from about 0.26 to about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Dinesh M. Bhat, Robert J. Marinack, Henry S. Ostrowski, Scott D. Moesch
  • Patent number: 5948507
    Abstract: Absorbent articles containing absorbent cores of fluff pulp frequently contain wrinkles in the absorbent core that run from side to side of the article, typically normal to the machine direction in the manufacturing process. Side-to-side wrinkles are deleterious in that they provide large flow channels for urine or other body fluids to escape to the edge of the article. Frequently, such wrinkles are present after manufacturing, before the article has been folded or worn. The cause of the wrinkles is believed to be due to natural instabilities during compression of the fluff pad shortly after it is formed. Means for reducing cross-directional wrinkles include the use of grooved, drilled, or patterned compression rolls to densify the fluff pulp while providing opportunities for reduced in-plane displacement during compression or, if in-plane displacement does occur, providing paths for cross-directional displacement as well as machine-direction displacement so that continuous CD wrinkles cannot form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Fung-jou Chen, Jeffrey Dean Lindsay
  • Patent number: 5938893
    Abstract: A differential micro-regions single lamina fibrous web comprises at least two pluralities of micro-regions disposed in a non-random and repeating pattern: a first plurality of micro-regions comprising fibers interconnected with a fiber-bonding substance, and a second plurality of micro-regions, preferably not interconnected with the fiber-binding substance. The fiber-binding substance is selected from the group consisting of hemicelluloses, lignin, polymeric extractives, and any combination thereof. The fibers of the first plurality of micro-regions are bonded together by a process of softening, flowing, and immobilization of the fiber-binding substance between the cellulosic fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Dennis Trokhan, Mark Ryan Richards, Michael Gomer Stelljes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5935381
    Abstract: A differential density single lamina web of cellulosic fibers comprises at least two pluralities of micro-regions disposed in a non-random and repeating pattern: a first plurality of high density regions and a second plurality of low density regions. The high density regions comprise cellulosic fibers comprising fluid latent indigenous polymers (FLIP), such as hemicelluloses and lignin. The fibers of the high-density regions are FLIP-bonded, i.e., bonded together by a process of softening, flowing and immobilization of the FLIP between the cellulosic fibers of the high density regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Dennis Trokhan, Mark Ryan Richards, Michael Gomer Stelljes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5932068
    Abstract: Soft throughdried tissues, which are sufficiently soft to serve as premium bathroom tissues, can be made without the use of a Yankee dryer. The typical Yankee functions of building machine direction and cross-machine direction stretch are replaced by a wet end rush transfer and the throughdrying fabric design, respectively. It is particularly advantageous to form the tissue with chemimechanically treated fibers in at least one layer. The resulting tissues have high bulk (about 6 cubic centimeters per gram or greater) and low stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Edwin Farrington, Jr., Julia Smith Bahlman, Mark Alan Burazin, Fung-jou Chen, Kristin Ann Goerg, Michael Alan Hermans, Robert John Makolin, Michael John Rekoske
  • Patent number: 5925217
    Abstract: An improved absorbent consumer paper product such as toilet tissue involves drying fabric that forms an aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior pattern on the paper web before creping. The drying fabric is characterized by a plurality of shute threads extending substantially parallel to each other in a cross-direction of the drying fabric; and a plurality of warp threads extending substantially parallel to each other in a machine direction of the drying fabric. The shute and warp threads are woven together so as to define a number of relatively long warp knuckles at locations where one of said warp threads crosses over at least four of the shute threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Tissue Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Kaufman, Jeff Herman
  • Patent number: 5916416
    Abstract: A method for producing watermarks or patterns in paper and cardboard which can be performed during a process for manufacturing the paper or cardboard comprises the following steps: preparing a primary fibrous mix of cotton cellulose based on alpha-cellulose with the addition of sulfate cellulose; preparing a secondary fibrous mix which has substantially the same composition as the primary mix but to which an adapted dye and/or pigment has been added; spreading the resulting fluid mix on a moving formation board of a paper manufacturing plant, so as to obtain a layer of very moist cellulose pulp designed to be dehumidified and stabilized along a preset path on the formation table; applying a jet or jets of secondary fibrous mix to the relatively fluid layer of primary fibrous mix so as to produce a recess as a consequence of the lateral displacement, with respect to each jet, occurring in the layer of primary fibrous mix, the recess being filled with the secondary fibrous mix by the respective jet; and amalgam
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Cartiere Fedrigoni & C. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Fedrigoni, Alberto De Luca
  • Patent number: 5913765
    Abstract: An improved system for embossing a pattern on an absorbent consumer paper product such as a paper towel includes a first pair of embossing rollers that are patterned to impress a relatively fine preparatory base pattern onto the web, and a second pair of embossing rollers that are patterned to impress a final pattern onto the web. The final pattern is of a type that would cause bursting of the absorbent paper web if the absorbent paper web was passed through the second pair of embossing rollers without first being passed through the first set of embossing rollers. As a result, the formation of the preparatory base pattern by the first set of embossing rollers creates stretchability in the absorbent paper web that enables the final pattern to be impressed thereon by the second pair of embossing rollers without bursting the absorbent paper web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Burgess, John P. Thelman
  • Patent number: 5906710
    Abstract: A papermaking belt and paper made thereon. The papermaking belt may be a through air drying belt having a plurality of deflection conduits therethrough. The deflection conduits are divided into subconduits by peninsular segments. Likewise, the paper made on the belt has an essentially continuous network and a plurality of domes. Each dome is divided into a plurality of subdomes by peninsular segments in the paper. The papermaking belt may, alternatively, be a forming wire. If so, the forming wire may have a plurality of discrete protuberances extending outwardly from the plane of the forming wire. Each protuberance has at least one slot therein. The slots extend into the discrete protuberance. Likewise, the paper made on this forming wire has a high basis weight essentially continuous network and discrete low basis weight regions corresponding to the discrete protuberances. Each low basis weight region has at least one high basis weight peninsular segment corresponding to the slot in the protuberance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Paul Dennis Trokhan
  • Patent number: 5904812
    Abstract: High bulk tissue webs are processed sequentially through separate calendering and embossing units to optimize the balance between sheet caliper for winding tension and embossing element height for pattern definition, resulting in embossed, high-bulk tissue products with improved embossing pattern clarity. The multiple step converting process enables the use of male embossing elements having a height of about 0.04 inch or greater. The tissue webs have a Residual Waviness value of 12 micrometers or greater, which is attributable to average surface waviness values for the spot embossments being about 30 micrometers or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Zeinab Salman, Richard Douglas Jennings
  • Patent number: 5897745
    Abstract: The present invention provides method for making a wet pressed paper web. An embryonic web of papermaking fibers is formed on a foraminous forming member, and transferred to an imprinting member to deflect a portion of the papermaking fibers in the embryonic web into deflection conduits in the imprinting member. The web, the imprinting member, and two felt layers, are then pressed in a compression nip with a foraminous backing member to mold and dewater the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robert Stanley Ampulski, Ward William Ostendorf, Paul Dennis Trokhan
  • Patent number: 5888345
    Abstract: Granular absorbent products with low amounts of paper fiber are described. The absorbent products are made from recycled paper and include less than about 10% of paper fibers having a length sufficient to be retained on a 100 mesh screen. A process for making such granular absorbent products is also provided. The granular absorbents are highly absorbent for water and oil even though they include only low amounts of paper fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Marcal Paper Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward G. Knapick, Brent Willemsen, Ernest P. Wolfer
  • Patent number: 5858021
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for treating cellulosic fibers using an alkali metal hydroxide. The process first prepares the cellulosic fibers as a high consistency mixture with water and then adds an alkali metal hydroxide. The high consistency process is quite efficient and has been found to produce cellulosic fibers that are essentially uniformly treated. Also disclosed is a handsheet prepared from the treated cellulosic fibers for use is disposable absorbent products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Tong Sun, Yong De Yao, Sheng-Hsin Hu
  • Patent number: 5855739
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wet pressed paper web. The web has a first relatively high density region having a first thickness K, a second relatively low density region having a second thickness P, which is a local maxima, and a third region extending intermediate the first and second regions. The third region includes a transition region having a third thickness T, which is a local minima. The present invention also provides a method of making a wet pressed web. An embryonic web of papermaking fibers is formed on a foraminous forming member, and transferred to an imprinting member to deflect a portion of the papermaking fibers in the embryonic web into deflection conduits in the imprinting member. The web and the imprinting member are then pressed between first and second dewatering felts in a compression nip to further deflect the papermaking fibers into the deflection conduits in the imprinting member and to remove water from both sides of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Co.
    Inventors: Robert Stanley Ampulski, Albert Heskel Sawdai, Paul Dennis Trokhan
  • Patent number: 5851353
    Abstract: A method for can drying wet webs for tissue products to preserve web bulk includes, in one embodiment, restraining a partially dewatered wet web between a pair of sheet molding fabrics. The restrained wet web is processed over a plurality of can dryers to dry the wet web, for example from a consistency of at least about 40 percent to a consistency of at least about 70 percent. The sheet molding fabrics in this embodiment protect the wet web from direct contact with the can dryers and impart an impression in the web. A can drying assembly and tissue machine for accomplishing the method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Wilson Fiscus, Thomas Garrett Neal, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5846379
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wet pressed paper web. The web has a first relatively high density region having a first thickness K, a second relatively low density region having a second thickness P, which is a local maxima, and a third region extending intermediate the first and second regions. The third region includes a transition region having a third thickness T, which is a local minima. The present invention also provides a method of making a wet pressed web. An embryonic web of papermaking fibers is formed on a foraminous forming member, and transferred to an imprinting member to deflect a portion of the papermaking fibers in the embryonic web into deflection conduits in the imprinting member. The web and the imprinting member are then pressed between first and second dewatering felts in a compression nip to further deflect the papermaking fibers into the deflection conduits in the imprinting member and to remove water from both sides of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robert Stanley Ampulski, Albert Heskel Sawdai, Paul Dennis Trokhan
  • Patent number: 5843279
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cellulosic fibrous structure, such as paper. The fibrous structure has at least three intensively distinct regions. The regions are distinguished from one another by intensive properties such as basis weight, density and projected average pore size, or thickness. In one embodiment, the fibrous structure has regions of two basis weights, a high basis weight region and a low basis weight region. The high basis weight region is further subdivided into low and high density regions so that a fibrous structure having three regions is produced. A second embodiment is a four region fibrous structure. Two of the regions have generally equivalent relatively high basis weights and two of the regions having generally equivalent relatively low basis weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dean Van Phan, Paul Dennis Trokhan
  • Patent number: 5840404
    Abstract: The invention concerns an absorbing multi-layer web (10) of at least two layers (12, 14) each including at least one embossed ply (16, 18, 20) made of a creped absorbent paper, having an outer side forming the outer side of the multi-layer web and an inner side, the inner side of the first layer (12) including first and second protrusions (22) and (24) respectively, and the inner side of the second layer (14) including third protrusions (26) nesting between the protrusions (22, 24) of the first layer, the two layers (12, 14) being bonded to each other, characterized in that the first layer (12) is a double ply including of an inner ply (16) of which the inner side includes first and second protrusions (22A) and (24A) respectively, and an outer ply (18) of which the inner side includes first protrusions (22B) and second protrusion (24B). The tops of the protrusions (22A) and (22B) are bonded to each other but not the tops of the protrusions (24A) and (24B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Fort James France
    Inventor: Pierre Graff
  • Patent number: 5833805
    Abstract: A unique method of producing a reinforced moulded sheet having one continuously planar face and having a plurality of ribs or thickened areas which provide a corresponding plurality of prominences directed outwardly of the other face, said prominences having predetermined shapes, locations and dimensions to serve as reinforced areas for said sheet. And a series of new or improved composite hollow moulded panels, each comprised of at least two co-extensive elements, each of said panels being reinforced and improved by the provision of at least one of said reinforced moulded sheets as an external element of said at least two co-extensive elements, the ribs or thickened areas of said reinforced sheet being glued internally of said hollow panel to the adjacent co-extensive element thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Roy William Emery
  • Patent number: 5830317
    Abstract: Soft, strong, and low dusting tissue paper webs useful in the manufacture of soft, absorbent sanitary products such as bath tissue, facial tissue, and absorbent towels are disclosed. The tissue papers comprise fibers such as wood pulp and a non-cellulosic, water insoluble particulate filler such as kaolin clay and possess biased surface properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Douglas Vinson, Jonathan Andrew Ficke, Bart Steven Hersko
  • Patent number: 5820730
    Abstract: A paper web is disclosed. The paper web includes at least three regions disposed in a nonrandom, repeating pattern. The three regions are distinguishable from each other by at least one property selected from the group consisting of basis weight, density, and fiber composition. The paper web has a relatively high basis weight background portion and decorative indicia. The decorative indicia comprise one or more relatively low basis weight regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dean Van Phan, Paul Dennis Trokhan, Jane Ann Hooper
  • Patent number: 5817400
    Abstract: Absorbent articles containing absorbent cores of fluff pulp frequently contain wrinkles in the absorbent core that run from side to side of the article, typically normal to the machine direction in the manufacturing process. Side-to-side wrinkles are deleterious in that they provide large flow channels for urine or other body fluids to escape to the edge of the article. Frequently, such wrinkles are present after manufacturing, before the article has been folded or worn. The cause of the wrinkles is believed to be due to natural instabilities during compression of the fluff pad shortly after it is formed. Means for reducing cross-directional wrinkles include the use of grooved, drilled, or patterned compression rolls to densify the fluff pulp while providing opportunities for reduced in-plane displacement during compression or, if in-plane displacement does occur, providing paths for cross-directional displacement as well as machine-direction displacement so that continuous CD wrinkles cannot form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Fung-jou Chen, Jeffrey Dean Lindsay
  • Patent number: 5817213
    Abstract: A wet-laid paper having an outer surface configured to be pleasing to the eye and further having improved bulk, softness, and width wise stretch ratio without loss of tensile strength. The paper is characterized spaced diagonally arranged continuous zones or rows of compressed fibers extending across the width of the paper. These compressed zones or rows are separated with diagonally arranged arrays of uncompressed pillow like zones of uncompressed fibers which are at least partially encircled with picket like lineaments of compressed fibers. The invention includes the process of making the paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Wangner Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Volker Ostermayer, Scott Quigley
  • Patent number: 5814188
    Abstract: Strong, soft, and low dusting tissue paper webs useful in the manufacture of soft, absorbent sanitary products such as bath tissue, facial tissue, and absorbent towels are disclosed. At least one surface of the tissue papers has uniform discrete surface deposits of a substantively affixed chemical softening agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Douglas Vinson, Paul Thomas Weisman, Jonathan Andrew Ficke, Thomas James Klofta
  • Patent number: 5814190
    Abstract: A paper web and method of making the paper web are disclosed. In one embodiment the paper web includes a continuation relatively thinner region and a plurality of discrete relatively thicker regions. The relatively thicker regions are disposed in the plane of the relatively thinner region. The paper web can have a relatively patterned face and a relatively smooth face. The paper structures can be dried relatively quickly and efficiently, and can provide enchanced absorbency and bulk density while having a relatively smooth face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Dean Van Phan
  • Patent number: 5804036
    Abstract: A method of making the paper web is disclosed. The paper web includes at least three regions disposed in a nonrandom, repeating pattern. The three regions are distinguishable from each other by at least one property selected from the group consisting of basis weight, density, and fiber composition. The paper web has a relatively high basis weight background portion and decorative indicia. The decorative indicia comprise one or more relatively low basis weight regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dean Van Phan, Paul Dennis Trokhan
  • Patent number: 5783275
    Abstract: An antifalsification paper is described having an embedded safeguarding thread which is embedded in the paper so as to be freely accessible in some areas. The safeguarding thread has a width greater than 2 mm. The antifalsification paper comprises at least two paper layers produced on separate paper machines. The safeguarding thread is embedded in the first paper layer which has openings or recesses in its surface through which the thread is partly accessible on both sides. This first paper layer is covered with at least one second paper layer and firmly connected therewith, the second paper layer having a thickness of 10 to 50%, preferably 20%, of the total thickness of the antifalsification paper. The use of particularly wide safeguarding threads and the resulting possibility of equipping the threads with certain optical effects can improve the resistance to forgery of the antifalsification paper provided therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Hajo Muck, Siegfried Harms
  • Patent number: 5772845
    Abstract: Soft throughdried tissues, which are sufficiently soft to serve as premium bathroom tissues, can be made without the use of a Yankee dryer. The typical Yankee functions of building machine direction and cross-machine direction stretch are replaced by a wet end rush transfer and the throughdrying fabric design, respectively. It is particularly advantageous to form the tissue with chemimechanically treated fibers in at least one layer. The resulting tissues have high bulk (about 6 cubic centimeters per gram or greater) and low stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Edwin Farrington, Jr., Julia Smith Bahlman, Mark Alan Burazin, Fung-jou Chen, Kristin Ann Goerg, Michael Alan Hermans, Robert John Makolin, Michael John Rekoske