Abstract: A creping blade for creping a cellulosic web from a rotatable cylinder in a creping process includes first and second side faces. The first side face is at least substantially opposite to the second side file. The blade also includes an upper surface adjacent to the first and second side faces. A plurality of notches is provided along the upper surface. Each of the notches has a bottom portion and an open end defined by at least a portion of the upper surface. The notches are configured to increase the caliper of the cellulosic web when the creping blade crepes the cellulosic web from an outer surface of the rotatable cylinder. Creped paper and improved methods of manufacturing paper are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are adhesive formulations as creping process aids for producing an absorbent creped cellulosic sheet having a high level of surface-perceived softness that comprises continuously forming a web of cellulosic papermaking fibers, adhering said web to a thermal drying means by means of adhesive compositions comprising polymers having at least one primary or secondary amine group in the backbone such as chitosan, plolyvinylamine, polyvinyl alcohol-vinyl amine and polyaminoamide in combination with crosslinking agents such as zirconium compounds having a valence of plus four including ammonium zirconium carbonate, zirconium acetylacetonate, zirconium acetate, zirconium carbonate, zirconium sulfate, zirconium phosphate, potassium zirconium carbonate, zirconium sodium phosphate and sodium zirconium tartrate and creping said treated web from said thermal drying means.

Abstract: Disclosed are adhesive formulations as creping process aids for producing an absorbent creped cellulosic sheet having a high level of surface-perceived softness that comprises continuously forming a web of cellulosic papermaking fibers, adhering said web to a thermal drying means by means of adhesive compositions comprising polymers having at least one primary or secondary amine group in the backbone such as chitosan, plolyvinylamine, polyvinyl alcohol-vinyl amine and polyaminoamide in combination with crosslinking agents such as zirconium compounds having a valence of plus four including ammonium zirconium carbonate, zirconium acetylacetonate, zirconium acetate, zirconium carbonate, zirconium sulfate, zirconium phosphate, potassium zirconium carbonate, zirconium sodium phosphate and sodium zirconium tartrate and creping said treated web from said thermal drying means.

Abstract: A flexible structure comprises a plurality of starch filaments. The structure comprises at least a first region and a second region, each of the first and second regions having at least one common intensive property selected from the group consisting of density, basis weight, elevation, opacity, crepe frequency, and any combination thereof. The common intensive property of the first region differs in value from the common intensive property of the second region.

Abstract: A plastic net consisting of a pre-stretched plastic stretch film comprises pre-stretched bridges (7) and filaments (6), said filaments extending in a main direction (5) and being transversely folded in order to increase their tensile strength. The required reshaping of the original film material is performed by a pre-stretching device (9) with interacting rollers (10, 11) and a transverse folding device (20) with a reshaping area (23) in which the width of the filaments (6) is reduced.

Abstract: Method for the production of binder-bound mineral wool products, in which mineral fibers are deposited on a production surface (13) to form a mineral wool web (12) and are compacted, and their relative positions are reoriented by mechanical action, for which purpose the web is guided on its large faces and at the same time forces, in particular upsetting forces, are introduced into the web in parallel with the large faces, the forces being introduced in introduction regions which are located next to one another transversely to the running direction in zones and in each case at a distance from one another and one behind the other in the running direction in longitudinal zones, and the introduction regions of adjacent longitudinal zones being arranged so as to be offset relative to one another, after which the binder is cured.

Abstract: A stabilized creped nonwoven web and a method for producing the same, wherein a creped nonwoven web is thermally stabilized, for example by through-air-bonding or embossing, to produce the stabilized creped nonwoven web. The stabilized creped nonwoven web having increased tensile strength in the machine direction and an enhanced appearance. The stabilized creped nonwoven web of this invention id capable of withstanding a tensile force or load in a machine direction of at least about 2.0 lbs. at 20% strain and a tensile force or load in the machine direction of at least about 5.0 lbs. at 50% strain.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a helical ribbon, and method and apparatus for making same. The helical ribbon is formed from a resilient ribbon having first and second surfaces and a length substantially longer than its width. A plurality of spaced-apart crimps extending across the width of the ribbon are formed in the first surface of said ribbon whereby said plurality of crimps cause the ribbon to curl back onto itself. The resilient ribbon used to form the helical coil of the invention must be sufficiently rigid to take and hold a crimp rather than merely bending, yet be pliable enough that the process of forming the crimp does not cause the ribbon to break. The invention also includes decorative items made from one or more of such helical ribbon(s).

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: In the manufacture of a hardcover book, a laminated sheet is fed to the inner book spine with a wide roll machine, and the sheet consists of a paper-laminated gauze. The laminate is subsequently treated and has a flat fine creping with a lengthwise elasticity of 5-15%. The end of the laminate sheet is fed to the inner book (12) perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the inner book spine and pressed onto the glued inner book spine followed by the 10 mm overlaps to either side. The joint material (36) that is applied is elastic perpendicular to the inner book spine. The inner book can then be trimmed and rounded, and the joint (36) stretches without losing stability or tearing.

Abstract: An adhesive for applying to a creping surface in the process of dry creping tissue paper is disclosed. The adhesive comprises a water-soluble, thermosetting, polyamide-epihalohydrin resin complexed with a metal ion. The adhesive provides controllable adhesion, rewetability, fugitive wet strength and doctorability for dry creping.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing and crimping a plurality of sheet material web layers, including a first, second and third roll. The first roll including at least one element extending radially therefrom. The second roll has a resilient surface that engages the element to form a first nip therebetween. The third roll has a non-resilient surface that engages the element to form a second nip therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the first roll includes at least a first and second element extending radially therefrom, with the first element having a greater radial height than the second element, which avoids contact with the third roll. The layers of sheet material web are embossed by the first and second elements as they are passed through the first nip, and are crimped together by the first element as they are passed through the second nip. In a preferred embodiment, the first roll includes a plurality of first and second elements arranged in a pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing and crimping a plurality of sheet material web layers, including a first, second and third roll. The first roll including at least one element extending radially therefrom. The second roll has a resilient surface that engages the element to form a first nip therebetween. The third roll has a non-resilient surface that engages the element to form a second nip therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the first roll includes at least a first and second element extending radially therefrom, with the first element having a greater radial height than the second element, which avoids contact with the third roll. The layers of sheet material web are embossed by the first and second elements as they are passed through the first nip, and are crimped together by the first element as they Are passed through the second nip. In a preferred embodiment, the first roll includes a plurality of first and second elements arranged in a pattern.

Abstract: An adhesive for applying to a creping surface in the process for dry creping tissue paper is disclosed. The adhesive comprises cationic starch and optionally a polyvinyl alcohol and a water-soluble, thermosetting, cationic polyamide-epihalohydrin resin. The adhesive provides high adhesion and doctorability for dry creping.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for manufacturing sheets having a starch-bound matrix reinforced with fibers and optionally including an inorganic mineral filler. Suitable mixtures for forming the sheets are prepared by mixing together water, unmodified and ungelatinized starch granules, an auxiliary water-dispersible organic polymer, fibers, and optionally an inorganic mineral filler in the correct proportions to form a sheet having desired properties. The mixtures are formed into sheets by passing them between one or more sets of heated rollers to form green sheets. The heated rollers cause the auxiliary polymer to form a skin on the outer surfaces of the sheet that prevents the starch granules from causing the sheet to adhere to the rollers upon gelation of the starch. The green sheets are passed between heated rollers to gelatinize the starch granules, and then to dry the sheet by removing a substantial portion of the water by evaporation.

Abstract: There is provided a biodegradable filter tow or filter material from renewable raw materials for the use as a tobacco smoke filter element of cigarettes, cigars or pipes as well as a method for preparing it, wherein fibers, films or foams prepared in an extrusion method from biopolymers based on thermoplastic starch or its polymer compositions are processed to the filter tow or filter material according to the present invention.The advantages of this invention reside in the use of mainly renewable raw materials, a fast and complete biodegradability of the natural biopolymer filter material, a pollutant-reducing flavor-increasing filtering effect and an economically favorable preparation method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of producing a multiple compartment corrugated hose with at least one inner corrugated partition. The corrugation of the inner partition is achieved by maintaining a predetermined ratio between the peripheral wall and the inner partition wall. The hose is produced using either a continuous blow molding with internal pressure and/or vacuum assist process where the inner partition is allowed to shrink and relax into a corrugated pattern. Such an hose is flexible in all directions and available for many applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are adhesive formulations as creping process aids for producing an absorbent creped cellulosic sheet having a high level of surface-perceived softness that comprises continuously forming a web of cellulosic papermaking fibers, adhering said web to a thermal drying means by means of adhesive compositions comprising polymers having at least one primary or secondary amine group in the backbone such as chitosan, polyvinylamine, polyvinyl alcohol-vinyl amine and polyaminoamide in combination with crosslinking agents such as dialdehydes or zirconium compounds having a valence of plus four including ammonium zirconium carbonate, zirconium acetylacetonate, zirconium acetate, zirconium carbonate, zirconium sulfate, zirconium phosphate, potassium zirconium carbonate, zirconium sodium phosphate and sodium zirconium tartrate and creping said treated web from said thermal drying means.

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.

Abstract: Creases are formed in a cellulosic fiber textile by treating the fiber textile with liquid ammonia, creasing the fiber textile, and treating the fiber textile with hot water or alkaline solution substantially simultaneous with or subsequent to the creasing step. Fully durable creases are formed in the cellulosic fiber textile without detracting from strength.

Abstract: An elastic laminated sheet of an incrementally stretched nonwoven fibrous web and elastomeric film and method of making are disclosed. The elastic laminates are especially useful in diapers, surgical gowns, sheets, dressings, hygienic products and the like.

Abstract: A method for creping fibrous webs comprises: (1) applying to a drying surface for the fibrous web a polyamine/epihalohydrin resin creping adhesive; (2) applying a creping release agent that is a plasticizer for the polyamine/epihalohydrin resin and has a swelling ratio of at least 0.10 and a solubility parameter of greater than 20 MPa.sup.1/2 ; (3) pressing the fibrous web against the drying surface to adhere the web to the drying surface, and (4) dislodging the web from the drying surface with a creping device to crepe the fibrous web.

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.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for manufacturing sheets having a starch-bound matrix reinforced with fibers and optionally including an inorganic mineral filler. Suitable mixtures for forming the sheets are prepared by mixing together water, unmodified and ungelatinized starch granules, a cellulosic ether, fibers, and optionally an inorganic mineral filler in the correct proportions to form a sheet having desired properties. The mixtures are formed into sheets by passing them between one or more sets of heated rollers to form green sheets. The heated rollers cause the cellulosic ether to form a skin on the outer surfaces of the sheet that prevents the starch granules from causing the sheet to adhere to the rollers upon gelation of the starch. The green sheets are passed between heated rollers to gelatinize the starch granules, and then to dry the sheet by removing a substantial portion of the water by evaporation.

Abstract: A material transfer arrangement having a pair of generally cylindrical adjacent rolls which are counter-rotatable about their respective cylindrical axes and which define therebetween a nip between which material passes is disclosed. There is a corresponding pair of spaced apart doctor blades, each in close proximity to a corresponding one of the rolls so that material may be conveyed between the roll nip and the space between the doctor blades. In one form, the nip passes material to the space between the doctor blades and that space has a downstream restriction which causes the material to compress in an accordion-like way forming a corrugated material web. In another form, the doctor blades function to deliver thermoplastic extrudate to the nip between the rolls to form elongated sheets or webs of plastic material of improved uniformity.

Abstract: The crispness or clarity of embossed tissue is improved by embossing the tissue twice in two successive embossing nips formed between a rigid engraved embossing roll and a resilient backing roll. The hardness of the resilient backing roll in the first embossing nip is less than the hardness of the resilient backing roll in the second embossing nip. This form of double nip embossing is particularly effective for embossing tissue webs having high bulk and resiliency, such as soft uncreped throughdried tissues, which cannot be satisfactorily embossed by conventional methods.

Abstract: A method is described for the production of a multiple width fiber strip consisting of crimped interlaced filaments and having several zones extending in longitudinal direction of the fiber strip as well as at least one predetermined tear line (4) extending in longitudinal direction of the fiber strip, wherein the tear strength (daN) of the fiber strip, referred to the total denier (dtex) is at least about 1.7.times.10.sup.-4 daN/dtex. The method produces one or several such fiber strips, with several separate bands (1, 2) being formed of substantially parallelly extending filaments and the formed bands being crimped jointly to produce one or several crimped fiber strips. The method makes possible the production of a multiple width fiber strip with the predetermined tear line referred to, processing on a double skein filter rod machine with a single (individual) treatment section.

Abstract: Creping doctor blades useful for making soft tissues are substantially improved by ion nitriding the surface(s) of the doctor blade to produce a hardened surface while retaining the resilient interior of the non-treated blade. The resulting blades have approximately a three-fold increase in blade life.

Abstract: A web material which exhibits an elastic-like behavior along at least one axis when subjected to an applied and subsequently released elongation. The web material includes a strainable network having at least two visually distinct regions of the same material composition. The first region undergoes a molecular-level deformation and the second region initially undergoes a substantially geometric deformation when the web material is subjected to an applied elongation in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of elongation.

Abstract: A method of forming a polymer-reinforced paper which includes preparing an aqueous suspension of fibers, at least about 50 percent, by dry weight, of which are cellulosic fibers; distributing the suspension on a forming wire; removing water from the distributed suspension to form a paper; and treating the paper thus formed with a polymer-reinforcing medium which contains a bulking agent to give the polymer-reinforced paper. The treatment of the paper is adapted to provide in the polymer-reinforced paper from about 15 to about 70 percent, by weight, of bulking agent, based on the dry weight of the cellulosic fibers in the paper. Alternatively, the bulking agent can be added to a polymer-reinforced paper after it has been formed. In certain embodiments, the bulking agent is a polyhydric alcohol. In other embodiments, the bulking agent is a polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight in the range of from about 100 to about 1,500.

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: Apparatus for longitudinal compressive treatment of a continuous web of material. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical drive roll for advancing the web, a smooth-surfaced primary member to press the web against the drive roll, and a generally-stationary retarder downstream of the primary member to engage and retard the web before the web has left the drive roll. The retarder surface has a large multiplicity of parallel ridges and grooves set on a diagonal, and effective to cause longitudinal compression of the web and to cause the web to flow at an angle to the original direction of drive. The retarder surface also has a reorienting retarding surface, effective after the web advances incrementally at the angle, to effect further compression and to reorient the travel of the web to be generally parallel to the original direction of drive.

Abstract: A mechanically compacted composite article comprising a PTFE fibril matrix that entraps particles retains more of its longitudinal dimension, when subjected to mechanical and/or thermal stress, than a similar but non-mechanically compacted article. A method of making a particulate loaded PTFE fibril web is disclosed, the method including biaxial calendaring to form a sheet or sheet laminate, and machanically compacting the sheet or sheet laminate.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for manufacturing containers from sheets having a hydraulically settable matrix. Suitable compositions are prepared by mixing together a hydraulic binder, water, and appropriate additives (such as aggregates, fibers, and rheology-modifying agents) which impart predetermined properties so that a sheet formed therefrom has the desired performance criteria. Hydraulically settable sheets are formed from the mixture by extrusion, then calendering the sheets using a set of rollers and then drying the sheets in an accelerated manner to substantially harden the sheets. The resulting hydraulically settable sheets may have properties substantially similar to sheets made from presently used materials like paper, cardboard, polystyrene, or plastic. The sheets can be laminated, corrugated, coated, printed on, scored, perforated, cut, folded, rolled, spiral wound, molded, assembled and seamed to mass produce articles of manufacture from the sheets such as food and beverage containers.

Abstract: Tissue sheets, such as are useful for facial or bath tissue, can be embossed with a fine scale embossing pattern to increase bulk with a minimal loss in strength. The fine scale embossing pattern contains at least about 15 discrete intermeshing embossing elements per square centimeter (100 per square inch) and can enable the tissue manufacturer to produce premium quality tissues having adequate softness, bulk and strength from conventional tissue basesheets without layering or throughdrying equipment. Depending on the starting basesheet material, tissues having a unique balance of properties can be produced, especially for conventional wet-pressed basesheets.

Abstract: Process and product for manufacturing continuous fiber reinforced sheets and shapes. A pressurized extrusion process consisting of a paired and edge enclosing doctor blades that remove feed material from a pair of pinch rolls and contain such in an optimally heated environment and which provides suitable hot dies and enables extrusion of continuous reinforcements, cores or threads to be contained in the extrudite. Hopper feedable plastic pellets containing reinforcing fibers which are longer than the largest pellet dimension are disclosed. The fibers in an elongated web of fiber reinforced plastic are caused to be wrinkled or folded prior to cutting the web into pellets. One form of apparatus includes a set of conveyor rollers for moving the web, with later rollers moving more slowly that the input rollers, in conjunction with a crowding doctor blade which forces the web with a creping action from the input rollers.

Abstract: Apparatus for longitudinal compressive treatment of a continuous web of material. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical drive roll for advancing the web, a smooth-surfaced primary member to press the web against the drive roll, and a generally-stationary retarder downstream of the primary member to engage and retard the web before the web has left the drive roll. The retarder surface has a large multiplicity of parallel ridges and grooves set on a diagonal, and effective to cause longitudinal compression of the web and to cause the web to flow at an angle to the original direction of drive. The retarder surface also has a reorienting retarding surface, effective after the web advances incrementally at the angle, to effect further compression and to reorient the travel of the web to be generally parallel to the original direction of drive.

Abstract: A manually operable device that is used to cut a synthetic material and also singe the end of this newly cut material to prevent it from unravelling. This tool incorporates a separate crimping assembly, cutting assembly, and burning assembly for each of these steps. The crimping assembly holds the material in place during the cutting and burning stages and also aids in fusing the melted ends of the material into a uniform mass. The cutting assembly cuts the material where desired, trims any stray fibers from the cut and/or fused end, and also removes any excess burn from this fused end. The burning assembly, connected to a reservoir, burns a flammable fluid so as to burn or singe the material placed thereover.

Abstract: A laminate of creped tissue paper, which is wet-strength-treated and which has the required qualities for tablecloths, such as drape, heaviness, softness and tensile strength. The laminate is formed by applying an adhesive to a first tissue paper in patterns to form a first web. The first web is then laminated to another tissue paper web by means of a water-based adhesive compound containing a dispersion of the adhesive mixed with a large amount of filler. The filler makes the adhesive only penetrate to a limited depth into the respective surface layers of the webs that are directed towards each other.

Abstract: A method for producing a decorative panel wall paper and the like out of a flat piece of creaseable material wherein the piece is first creased along a multitude of crease lines to form a relatively flat production blank configured with a topography having peak portions and valley portions formed by regions of the piece between various ones of the crease lines, comprising the step of either spraying a sprayable pigment onto at least one side of the piece in an oblique direction so that the sprayable pigment impinges and is retained on windward sides of the peak portions with valley portions and leeward sides of the peak portions being shielded from the sprayable pigment, or immersing the piece into a fluid dip to coat the surface portions with a film operative to alter the appearance thereof and thereafter forming a relatively flat production blank.

Abstract: Glyoxylated vinyl amide polymers in combination with polyols provide improved adhesive coating agents for Yankee Dryers.

Abstract: Improved creping compositions comprising glyoxylated vinylamide polymers in combination with polyvinyl alcohol are disclosed.

Abstract: A rolled paper embossing dispenser in which the paper is embossed and from which the paper is simultaneously dispensed. The dispenser includes a nip formed by a first embossing roll and a second embossing roll, both rotatably mounted within a cabinet. The first embossing roll has a plurality of spaced-apart annular bands with each annular band including discrete, spaced-apart knuckle projections extending radially from the roll. The second embossing roll includes annular slots and annular extensions arranged in alternating relationship with each annular slot having sufficient width to receive the knuckle projections without contacting any portion thereof as paper is fed through the nip and embossed. A lever or crank is provided for a user to rotationally drive one of the embossing rolls, the other embossing roll rotating only in response to the paper being drawn through the nip such that rotational slippage of one roll with respect to the other will not result in breaking or tearing the web.

Abstract: The operating speed of a microcreping process and the crossdeckle product uniformity can be significantly improved by tempering the primary blade at temperatures of about 850.degree. F. or greater.

Abstract: The polyolefin spunbonded nonwoven fabric is defined as (A) being formed of continuous polyolefin fibers having a fineness of 0.5 to 3 denier, (B) having basic weight between 30 g/m.sup.2 and 15 g/m.sup.2, and (C) having .sqroot.S.sub.MD .times.S.sub.TD of 2.5 g or below, wherein S.sub.MD and S.sub.TD are respectively the softnesses in the machine and transverse directions as measured by a handle-O-meter. The method of producing a strip of very soft polyolefin nonwoven fabric by directing polyolefin continuous fibers in a fixed direction, comprises the steps of: orienting the axes of the continuous fibers in the direction in which the continuous fibers are fed so as to form a web having a warp orientation factor (the maximum tensile strength in the direction in which the continuous fibers are fed, i.e., in a machine direction/the maximum tensile strength in a transverse direction) of 3.0 or above; and then applying wave-like crepes propagated in the machine direction to the web by creping the web.

Abstract: A web treating machine and method employing a web-gripping drive surface, a primary member that presses the web against the drive surface, and a stationary retarding surface, supported by a sheet form member, that retards the web before it leaves the drive surface, has the following of features. The sheet form support member is elastically deflectable. A tip deflector applies deflecting pressure on the downstream end of the support member to deflect the support member toward the drive member. A cavity stabilizer, in the form of a second sheet form member, extends in face-to-face reinforcing relationship over the initial portion of the support member in the region immediately downstream of the primary member, the portion of the support member extending between the cavity stabilizer and the tip deflector being relatively unreinforced. The cavity stabilization and tip deflection is obtained by deflection of various spring members, in one instance an advantageous gull-wing form being achieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for the production of a multi-ply sheet product in which separate non-woven fibrous webs are combined into a multi-ply sheet before embossment, embossed as a multi-ply sheet, the embossed webs separated from one another and longitudinally displaced relative to one another, and then recombined into an embossed multi-ply sheet with the embossments out of register with one another. The resulting product exhibits enhanced softness and absorbence as compared with similar products comprising simultaneously embossed multi-ply webs.

Abstract: A machine and process for a web of material employing two side-by-side sets of spaced apart driven disks adapted to rotate respectively in opposite directions about two spaced apart parallel axes, the axes being sufficiently close that peripheral margins of the disks of one set run between the peripheral margins of the disks of the other set in a mated relationship, the sets of disks mutually defining a series of web driving regions spaced apart in a direction parallel with the axes, with successive web driving regions, offset from one another, open channels between said disks providing, with the driving regions, a width-wise continuous, non-linear cross-section corridor through which the web passes, the driving regions adapted to impart to a web led lengthwise into the corridor, crosswise tension in the web, pulling the web about the edges of the disks, the tension enabling the disks to apply forward driving force to the web and retarding means closely disposed to the driving regions located to apply retardi

Abstract: A microcreping process is improved by using a razor sharp retarder blade positioned such that its razor edge is overlapped by either the primary blade or a back-up blade, whichever extends the furthest downstream. Preferably, pressure is applied to the primary blade through one or more back-up blades arranged in a stepwise configuration.

Abstract: A machine and method for treating a web by longitudinal compressive action, by pressing a web against a driven roll to drive it into a treatment cavity bounded by the roll and an overlying surface, followed by application of retarding forces by extrusion in which the extrusion orifice is arranged with its axis substantially parallel to the roll at the web-drive point, and in which resilient self-adjustment of the extrusion orifice is achieved by employing a plate-form member parallel to the web which is resiliently urged toward the drive nip in the direction of extent of the plate-form member.