Abstract: A web of tissue is formed in a twin wire former, followed by an air press for water removal in the pressing section, passing onto a Yankee dryer. A headbox injects stock between upper and lower dryer fabrics brought together on a breast roll. The fabrics move over vacuum boxes, and the web is heated with steam and passed between an upper pressure box and a lower vacuum box forming an air press which dewaters the web. A sheet transfer pickup vacuum box holds the sheet to the upper fabric as the lower fabric diverges from the upper fabric. A pressure roller transfers the web onto a Yankee dryer. The fabrics are cleaned on vertical runs before returning to the breast roll.

Abstract: An improved method for imprinting a paper web during a wet pressing event is disclosed which results in asymmetrical protrusions corresponding to the deflection conduits of a deflection member. In one embodiment, differential velocity transfer during a pressing event serves to improve the molding and imprinting of a web with a deflection member. Improved deflection members are also disclosed. Improved tissue webs produced are also disclosed having useful sets of physical and geometrical properties, such as a pattern densified network- and a repeating pattern of protrusions having asymmetrical structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a paper tissue, and in particular to facial tissue, and disposable handkerchiefs. Claimed and described is a paper tissue comprising at least two plies, characterized in that the paper tissue has a physiological surface smoothness parameter of less than 700 microns, preferably from 650 microns to 50 microns, more preferably from 650 microns to 300 microns and in combination has a caliper per ply of more than 0.09 mm, preferably from 0.09 mm to 0.5 mm, more preferably from 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm. In one preferred embodiment a three-ply tissue with embossed middle ply is provided. Further is a related process claimed and described.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of making a near-premium quality paper product having good strength and absorbency characteristics and a product made by that method. The invention is also a method for retaining a high ash content within a paper web formed by conventional wet pressing. The present invention is also a method for retaining a high percentage of softening agent within a paper web that includes such an agent. Further, the present invention is a soft absorbent paper product having a high void volume. Finally, the invention is also a method for producing a soft, absorbent, and near premium paper product having a high void volume using an undulatory crepe blade having a multiplicity of serrulations in its rake surface which presents differentiated creping angles and/or rake angles as to the paper being creped.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a press fabric having an anti-rewet scrim or “barrier” within the internal structure of a press fabric, and a method for making same. External materials are not necessary in creating the barrier. In other words, the existing material is modified to create a natural barrier to prevent water migration back to the press fabric surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for uniformly applying a foam to a wet tissue web is provided. Specifically, a foam is first formed from a liquid-based composition and a gas, such as air. Once formed, the foam is applied by a foam applicator to the wet tissue web. In one embodiment, for example, the foam applicator applies the foam with a flexible scraper contacting the wet tissue web during the application of the foam. When applied with the foam, the wet tissue web typically has a solids consistency less than about 95% by dry weight of the tissue web. In some embodiments, one or more vacuum slots may be utilized in conjunction with the foam applicator to facilitate uniform application of the foam to the wet tissue web.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for softening an absorbent tissue and tissue structures softened using the composition. The composition includes an effective amount of a softening active ingredient; a vehicle in which the softening active ingredient is dispersed; and an electrolyte dissolved in the vehicle. The electrolyte causes the viscosity of the composition to be less than the viscosity of a dispersion of the softening active ingredient in the vehicle alone. Preferably, the softening active ingredient is a quaternary ammonium compound with the formula: (R1)4−m—N+—[(CH2)n—Y—R3]mX− the vehicle is water, and the electrolyte is calcium chloride.

Abstract: An embossing and laminating device which includes a pair of embossing cylinders having tips arranged symmetrically on the two cylinders; a pair of pressure rollers, each of which works in conjunction with one of the embossing cylinders; a glue applicator associated with one of the two embossing cylinders; and a laminating roller positioned downstream of the nip between the embossing cylinders and working in conjunction with the embossing cylinder which is associated with the glue applicator. The embossing cylinder associated with the laminating roller has a diameter greater than that of the other embossing cylinder.

Abstract: A tissue product having improved hand feel and good wettability is produced by printing onto one or both sides of the tissue an aqueous emulsion containing a hydrophilically-modified amino-functional polydimethylsiloxane. The hydrophilically-modified amino-functional polydimethylsiloxane structure has one or more pendant groups containing ethylene oxide moieties.

Abstract: This invention provides a paper bulking promoter with which a highly bulky sheet can be obtained without impairing paper strength. Namely, this invention provides a process for producing a bulky paper, having the step of making paper from pulp in the presence of a bulking promoter having at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a cationic compound, an amine compound, an acid salt of an amine compound, an amphoteric compound, an amide compound, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an imidazoline derivative.

Abstract: The present invention may provide a towel desirably including first and second layers having cellulosic fibers and a repellant agent. The first and second layers may substantially sandwich a third layer having cellulosic fibers with higher absorbency than the first and second layers. All three layers may form a single ply.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a paper product which is very flexible, tough when wet, and has a high bulk. In particular, the paper towel has a dry, specific modulus less than 0.0040 kilograms, a bulk greater than 10 cubic centimeters per gram and a wet strength ratio greater than 0.40.

Abstract: A non-oil-based release aid used in a creping process for releasing a paper web from a Yankee dryer in the manufacture of a paper product having a formula for its block version as follows: R—(OC3H6)y(OC2H4)zOH; where R is a C8 to C20 alkyl or alkylaryl group, y plus z is greater than 20, and y is greater than z. The y moles of propylene oxide (OC3H6) and the z moles of ethylene oxide (OC2H4) may be added in random or block fashion. Examples of the chemical compound for the release aid are alkoxylated alkylphenols, alkoxylated fatty acids, and alkoxylated alcohols. A preferred chemical compound is an alkoxylated tall oil fatty acid. The release aid may optionally comprise from about 0% to about 20% by weight of an emulsifying surfactant. The release aid may comprise 70% to 100% by weight of the chemical compound, 0% to 20% by weight of emulsifying surfactants, and 0% to 10% by weight water.

Abstract: The present invention is an ultra soft, multi-ply tissue made from non-premium furnish using wet press technology.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for softening an absorbent tissue and tissue structures softened using the composition. The composition includes an effective amount of a softening active ingredient; a vehicle in which the softening active ingredient is dispersed; an electrolyte dissolved in the vehicle; a bilayer disrupter and a high polymer. The electrolyte and the bilayer disrupter cooperate to cause the viscosity of the composition to be less than the viscosity of a dispersion of the softening active ingredient in the vehicle alone. The high polymer adds “stringiness” to the composition opening the air pressure operating window for spray application of the softening composition.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to wiping products having great softness and strength. The wiping products are made from a web of material containing binder fibers alone or in combination with pulp fibers. Once the web is formed, the web is adhered to a creping surface and creped. According to the present invention, the web may be creped once or creped multiple times. Of particular advantage, the web can be adhered to a creping surface through the use of the binder fibers without the use of an adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sheet (1, 2) of absorbent paper, in particular made of cellulose cotton and of a specific surface weight between 10 and 40 g/m2, comprising a first embossed zone such as is provided by embossing between an undeforming cylinder (A12) fitted with protrusions and a cylinder fitted with a resilient cladding (C) in such manner that the sheet (1, 2) comprises on one side in particular frustoconical salients (120, 110) of which the tops are situated substantially in one plane. The salients (110, 120) corresponding to recesses on the opposite side, the sheet being characterized in that the first embossed zone (110) constitutes a background base pattern of which the number of salients of height H1 relative to the plane is greater than 30 per cm2, and in that it comprises at least a second pattern (G) constituted of salient-free zones of which the height H2 relative to the plane is greater than H1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soft, thick, single-ply, printed, absorbent paper product having a Yankee side and an air side wherein the absorbent paper is printed on before or after embossing on the Yankee side, air side, or both sides, said absorbent paper exhibiting a serpentine configuration. This inventions also relates to a process for the manufacture of such absorbent paper product having a basis weight of at least about 12.5 lbs. per 3000 square foot ream and having low sidedness, said tissue exhibiting: a specific total tensile strength of between 40 and 200 grams per 3 inches per pound per 3000 square foot ream, a cross direction specific wet tensile strength of between 2.75 and 20.0 grams per 3 inches per pound per 3000 square foot 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 3.2 grams per inch per percent strain per pound per 3000 square foot ream, a friction deviation of less than 0.

Abstract: A tissue product having improved hand feel and good wettability is produced by printing onto one or both sides of the tissue an aqueous emulsion containing a derivitized amino-functional polysiloxane. The derivitized amino-functional polysiloxane structure has one or more pendant groups containing an amine derivative.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a creped fiber web is provided and includes providing a rotating cylindrical dryer surface, applying an ionene adhesive to the rotating cylindrical dryer surface to form an adhesive dryer surface, conveying a fiber web to the adhesive dryer surface, drying the fiber web on the adhesive dryer surface to form a dried fiber web, and creping the dried fiber web from the adhesive dryer surface. The ionene polymer can be a crosslinked polymer of an alkylamine, a haloepoxyalkane, and an amine that differs from the alkylamine, such as a terpolymer of dimethylamine, epichlorohydrin, and ethylenediamine. The ionene adhesive may further include monoammonium phosphate. The ionene polymer may be water-soluble and cationic.

Abstract: A tissue product having improved hand feel and good wettability is produced by printing onto one or both sides of the tissue an aqueous emulsion containing a derivitized amino-functional polysiloxane. The derivitized amino-functional polysiloxane structure has one or more pendant groups containing an amine derivative.

Abstract: Synthetic polymers having moieties capable of covalent or hydrogen bonding to cellulose and one or more amphiphilic moieties are disclosed. These polymers are capable of providing two distinct properties to paper products, such as tissues, which properties heretofore have been imparted through the use of at least two different molecules. The backbone of these synthetic polymers is based on modified vinyl polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamides and polyacrylic acids.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of applying a chemical treating agent to a cellulose web. The invention is further a means of increasing the bulk, absorbency and pattern definition in an embossed cellulose web without losing softness in the web. Finally, the invention includes products produced by the foregoing processes.

Abstract: Condensation polymers, such as polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE) resins, can be combined with polysiloxanes in a single molecule to provide several potential benefits, depending upon the specific combination employed, including: (a) wet strength resins that soften; (b) softeners that do not reduce dry or wet tensile strength; (c) wet strength with improved wet/dry tensile ratio; (d) softeners/debonders with reduced linting and sloughing; (e) wet strength aids with controlled absorbency rate; and (f) Yankee dryer additives that provide surface protection and adhesion with controlled release properties.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a paper product which is very flexible, tough when wet, and has a high bulk. In particular, the paper towel has a dry, specific modulus less than 0.0040 kilograms, a bulk greater than 10 cubic centimeters per gram and a wet strength ratio greater than 0.40.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to improve the adhesiveness of the paper body to the surface of a cylindrical Yankee dryer in the manufacturing process of crepe paper products in order to make a high-grade crepe form. This is a manufacturing process of high-grade crepe paper products by attaching a paper body (P) to the surface of a rotating Yankee dryer (Y) and separating said paper body P through a doctor blade (D), wherein a crepe assistant (C) including 0.1 &mgr;g˜10 &mgr;g/m2 of molybdenum disulfide is continuously fed directly onto the surface of the cylindrical Yankee dryer (Y) while the paper body P is continuously fed to the cylindrical Yankee dryer. An improvement in the adhesiveness of the paper body brought about a lower crepe ratio and enabled to manufacture high-grade crepe paper products provided with uniformly fine and delicate crepe “microholds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biaxially undulatory single-ply and multi-ply tissues, single-ply and multi-ply towels, single-ply and multi-ply napkins and other personal care and cleaning products as well as novel creping blades and novel processes for the manufacture of such paper products. The present invention is directed to tissue and towel product having highly desirable bulk, appearance and softness characteristics produced by utilizing a novel undulatory creping blade having a multiplicity of serrulations formed in its rake surface which presents differentiated creping angles and/or rake angles to the web as it is being creped. The invention is also directed to a novel blade having an undulatory rake surface having trough-shaped serrulations in the rake surface of the blade. The undulatory creping blade has a multiplicity of alternating serrulated sections of either uniform depth or a multiplicity of arrays of serrulations having non-uniform depth.

Abstract: Soft tissues, such as facial tissues, having improved softness can be produced by incorporating two different softening compounds into the tissue, namely an imidazolinium quaternary compound and a cationic amidoamine compound.

Abstract: A tissue product applied with a softening treatment is provided. The softening treatment contains a softening compound, such as a amino-functional polysiloxane, and a polymerization inhibitor. The polymerization inhibitor inhibits cross-linking of the softening compound when subjected to non-ideal conditions, e.g., stored for 8 weeks at 100° F. and 80% relative humidity. In some embodiments, for example, the polymerization inhibitor can be an alkyl siloxane, such as hexamethyl disiloxane.

Abstract: A tissue product having improved hand feel and good wettability is produced by printing onto one or both sides of the tissue an aqueous emusilion containing a hydrophilically-modified amino-functional polydimethylsiloxane. The hydrophilically-modified amino-functional polydimethylsiloxane structure has one or more pendant groups containing a terminal amine functionality and at least one pendant group containing an ethylene oxide moiety.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a paper product which is very flexible, tough when wet, and has a high bulk. In particular, the paper towel has a dry, specific modulus less than 0.0040 kilograms, a bulk greater than 10 cubic centimeters per gram and a wet strength ratio greater than 0.40.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of making an ultra soft, multi-ply tissue using wet press technology and the product produced thereby.

Abstract: New and improved methods and products are disclosed relating to increasing the softness of paper sheets, without effecting their wetability. Increased softness, without loss of wetability is obtained by adding deactivated ketene dimer sizing agents to the sheet.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process for making paper. The process may include the steps of providing pulp fibers in a chest and adding an enzymatic material to the pulp fibers at a storing stage for decreasing cellulose crystals. Furthermore, the process may include adding a strength agent to the pulp fibers at the storing stage.

Abstract: A method of making fiber bundles and fibrous structures. The efficacy of a fiber bundle in handling complex fluids may be improved by subjecting an aqueous suspension of fibers at high consistency to elevated energy input with sufficient working of the fibers. The fibrous structures prepared according to the methods herein include at least one fiber bundle and at least one debonding agent. The fiber bundle includes at least one particulate material consisting essentially of entangled fibers.

Abstract: A relatively soft, strong, opaque paper product and a process for making the same are provided. In particular, a tissue, or other paper product, is formed by incorporating into the product an alkylamide or alkylimide softening agent along with particulate fillers during a non-compressive tissue-formation process.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for making a high quality paper product at improved process efficiency through the use of high steam levels in the Yankee dryer. The product according to the present invention is creped from the Yankee dryer while it is still wet and is then drying is completed using conventional methods. Products made according to the present invention exhibit improved absorbency, softness and bulk.

Abstract: A method of producing a non-woven fabric having a high recovery after elongation and a substantially uniform surface including the steps of microcrepeing the fabric between about 20% and 35%, and heat setting the fabric to a temperature between its glass transition temperature and its melting temperature. A non-woven fabric having a recovery of at least 40% after five cycles of 35% elongation is made from a microcreped fabric of basis weight from 1-3.5 osy. The non-woven fabric has a uniform surface that is substantially free of bunching, gathering, and that is otherwise substantially flat to the eye and touch.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring a nonwoven web in a wet papermaking process to a fabric is disclosed. The system includes a vacuum shoe that operates in conjunction with a transfer shoe. The vacuum shoe is contacted against a carrier fabric which is designed to receive the nonwoven web. The transfer shoe, on the other hand, is configured to contact a transfer fabric from which the web is transferred. The transfer shoe includes an air nozzle which contacts the nonwoven web with a pressurized gas as the web is drawn towards the vacuum shoe. The system of the present invention is particularly well suited to processing lower basis weight webs and can be used in rush transfer processes.

Abstract: Cellulosic webs, such as tissue webs, can be dewatered to consistencies of about 70 percent or greater in a high intensity extended nip press while retaining a substantial amount of bulk. While webs intended for use as tissues containing conventional furnishes become overly densified when passed through a high intensity extended nip press, furnishes containing certain types of fibers, such as chemically cross-linked or heat-treated fibers, resist compression and allow the compressed web to retain a high level of bulk after a high degree of dewatering.

Abstract: The invention relates to embossing multi-ply paper products, for example, paper towels, tissue and napkins, in which an improved embossing arrangement is used which is particularly suitable for paper products which have been processed so as to impart undulations whose axes extend in a principal undulatory direction, typically in the machine direction. The absorbent sheet typically further includes undulations which extend in the cross (transverse direction) of the web such that the absorbent sheet has a biaxially undulatory structure. The undulations may be formed by the use of an undulatory creping blade. Defined parameters accommodate: the distance at which the undulations are spaced, the total surface area of the design (embossing) elements, the width and length of the embossing elements and the aspect ratio of the elements, as well as the angular orientation of the embossing elements with respect to the undulations.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a paper bulking promoter with which a highly bulky sheet can be obtained without impairing paper strength. Namely, this invention provides a process for producing a bulky paper, comprising the step of making paper from pulp in the presence of a bulking promoter comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a cationic compound, an amine compound, an acid salt of an amine compound, an amphoteric compound, an amide compound, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an imidazoline derivative.

Abstract: A toilet tissue product may include a first cellulosic ply and a second cellulosic ply. Desirably, the first cellulosic ply further includes a single layer and the second cellulosic ply further includes a single layer. At least one ply may have a region that prevents fluid from striking through the tissue product.

Abstract: Single-ply absorbent tissue paper wherein of the fibers incorporated in the web: (a) at least 20% by weight have a coarseness exceeding 23 mg/100 m; (b) at least about 20% by weight have a coarseness of less than about 12 mg/100 m; and (c) the weight average fiber coarseness to length ratio is less than about 8.5 mg/100 m/mm. The single-ply tissue having: a serpentine configuration; low sidedness; a basis weight of at least about 12.5 lbs. per 3000 square foot ream; specific total tensile strength between 40 and 200 g/3 inches/lb per 3000 square foot ream; a cross direction specific wet tensile strength between 2.75 and 20.0 g/3 inches/lb per 3000 square foot ream; an MD tensile to CD tensile ratio between 1.25 and 2.75; a specific geometric mean tensile stiffness between 0.5 and 3.2 g/inch/% strain per pound per 3000 square foot ream; a friction deviation less than 0.250; and a sidedness parameter less than 0.30.

Abstract: An improved cloth-like base web is disclosed. In particular, the base web of the present invention has a cloth-like look and feel and has improved absorbency. The base web is made by first hydroneedling a web containing pulp and/or staple fibers. A bonding material is then applied to at least one side of the web and the web is creped on at least one side. By combining a hydroneedling operation with a creping operation, a base web is produced that is strong, stretchable, very soft and absorbent.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions, paper, thermoplastic sheets, and medical paper containing cellulose ester, alkylpolyglycoside (APG) or a mixture of APG and polyether glycol, and, optionally, cellulose. The process of incorporating APG or a mixture of APG and polyether glycol in paper composed of cellulose ester fibers and cellulose fibers and to calendaring of such paper is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making sanitary paper products from recycled newspapers. The method includes the steps of: (a) pulping newspapers in water with agitation to produce a pulp slurry, the pulp from the newspapers having an average fines content of greater than about 40% and a Canadian Standard Freeness of less than about 250; (b) washing the pulp, whereby the fines content is reduced to less than about 35% and the Canadian Standard Freeness is increased to more than about 300; (c) introducing the treated pulp at a papermaking consistency into the headbox of a paper making machine; (d) adding from about 0.01% to about 1.5% of a surfactant system to the treated pulp; and (e) utilizing the treated pulp in a paper making process to produce sanitary paper products.

Abstract: A method of adding materials to a web is disclosed. The method includes mixing a material into an air supply for an air knife, directing the air knife onto a surface of at least one of a pair of embossing rolls, and passing a paper web between the pair of embossing rolls. The embossing rolls coat at least one surface of the paper web with the material on the surface of the at least one embossing roll.

Abstract: Synthetic polymers having moieties capable of covalent or hydrogen bonding to cellulose and one or more amphiphilic moieties are disclosed. These polymers are capable of providing two distinct properties to paper products, such as tissues, which properties heretofore have been imparted through the use of at least two different molecules. The backbone of these synthetic polymers is based on modified vinyl polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamides and polyacrylic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of making a soft, thick, single-ply, absorbent paper in the form of a bathroom tissue, facial tissue, or napkin wherein the cellulosic fibers incorporated in the furnish comprise: (a) at least 20 percent by weight of the fibers in the web have a coarseness exceeding 23 mg/100 m; (b) at least about 20 percent by weight of the fibers in the web have a coarseness of less than about 1.2 mg/100 m; and (c) the weight average coarseness to length ratio of the fibers in the web is less than about 8.5 mg/100 m/mm having a serpentine configuration and to a process for the manufacture of such absorbent paper having a basis weight of about 15 lbs. per 3000 square foot ream and having low sidedness, said tissue exhibiting: a specific total tensile strength of between 40 and 200 grams per 3 inches per pound per 3000 square foot ream, a cross direction specific wet tensile strength of between 2.75 and 20.