Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for perforating a web of material intended to form an outer casing sheet of absorbent articles. As the web is advanced, the web is first provided with a large number of mutually separated cuts in the nip defined between raised plateaus on a matrix cylinder and circumferentially extending knife-edges of a cutting cylinder. The web is then deformed transversely to its plane at parts which border on each cut. The invention also relates to a perforated outer casing sheet which includes recesses in the form of mutually adjacent elongated channel-like grooves.

Abstract: A hollow decorative rock protects and provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance by covering utility implements or access covers. Hidden slots in the hollow rock provide for an air flow through the rock, when combined with the uneven bottom edge of the molded hollow rock.

Abstract: Absorber elements are described of at least one composite material having absorbent elements on a support, in which a plurality of elements of a superabsorbent foam are arranged on at least one support in a grid pattern at distances such that the elements in the swollen state touch at their peripheries.

Abstract: A card is provided for cleaning a document track of a document handling system, and methods for making and using the same. The card includes a planar body formed of a resilient material, such as a fibrous or polymeric material. The body includes a plurality of tabs, with each one of the tabs being pivotable relative to the body between an extended position and a collapsed position. In the extended position, the tab projects angularly from the body, while in the collapsed position, the tab is substantially co-planar with the body. The tabs are biased to the extended position, such as by creasing the material forming the body. The biased tabs extend across the document track, and sweep debris along the document track.

Abstract: An absorbent structure comprising freestanding osmotic absorbent sites disposed on or within a capillary substrate. The sites extend outwardly normal to the plane of the absorbent structure or fill apertures within the plane of the absorbent structure. Upon imbibing liquids, the sites of osmotic absorbent can expand without constraint from the substrate.

Abstract: An apertured, compression-resistant web is disclosed, the web comprising a first surface having a plurality of microapertures forming volcano-shaped surface aberrations, a second surface generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first surface. A plurality of fluid passageways extend between the first surface and the second surface to place the first surface and the second surface in fluid communication with one another. The web is formed of a multilayer polymeric film comprising at least one rigid layer and at least one substantially less rigid layer joined to the rigid layer. In a preferred embodiment, a rigid layer has an elastic modulus of at least 120 kpsi a substantially less rigid layer has an elastic modulus of not greater than 75 kpsi. The multilayer film is preferably formed by coextuding a rigid layer comprising a blend of polystyrene and polypropylene, and a substantially less rigid layer comprising a blend of LDPE and LLDPE.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine, method and product characterized by a connecting assembly that provides a mechanical interlock between overlapped portions of sheet-like stock material to prevent “unzippering” of a low density cushioning product produced by the cushioning conversion machine. The connecting assembly comprises a pair of rotatable stitching members, a first one having a plurality of radially outwardly extending projections, or teeth, around the circumference thereof, with the projections having at least two axially spaced apart segments defining a recess therebetween. The second stitching member includes at least one axial punch segment which includes a peripheral edge portion dimensioned to be received in the recess in the first stitching member during rotation of the stitching members.

Abstract: A space truss composite panel is excellent in structural mechanics and capable of being efficiently and economically produced. The space truss composite panel has a construction in which a sheet 1 provided with a series of slits 2 is formed into a space framework 3 through a press working. The space framework 3 is provided with a series of polygonal unit lattices in one of its opposite sides and a series of polygonal pyramids in the other of the opposite sides, wherein each of the polygonal unit lattices has an intersection of its adjacent sides 3a, 3a connected with a ridgeline portion 3b of each of the polygonal pyramids, and the space framework 3 has at least one of its opposite sides connected with a board-like member 4.

Abstract: A rectangular wiping sheet adapted to be attached to a plate-like head of a cleaner device used to clean a surface of house floor or the similar surfaces is provided adjacent a pair of sides thereof extending in parallel to each other with a plurality of slits extending through a thickness of the sheet, and each of these slits has a length of 5˜30 mm as measured in a direction along the parallel sides.

Abstract: A soundabsorbing element consisting of a sheet of material with holes arranged in it. The sheet of material is self-supporting, and the holes are formed of microslits (1) that are distributed spaced from each other in the width and length of the sheet. Each slit has an elongated shape narrower at the ends at least part of the sheet close to each slit partly has been partly pressed out of the plane of the sheet. The microslits have a maximum width of approximately 0.01 to 0.8 mm and a length of 3-20 mm, preferably 4-10 mm, and most preferably 5-6 mm.

Abstract: An optimized low profile swage mount or press-in fitted base plate for attachment of a suspension assembly to an actuator arm in a hard disk drive. The base plate has a base plate thickness, TBP, overall height, HH, hub inner diameter, DID, hub outer diameter, DOD, hub inner surface depth, HIS, hub radial width, WH, which is one half the hub outer diameter minus the hub inner diameter (DOD-DID)/2, and a counter bore depth Hcb.

Abstract: The wiping device of the present invention comprises a thermoplastic sheet coupled with an optional absorbent core and an optional liquid impervious backsheet. The thermoplastic sheet defines a plurality of cavities including outwardly extending capillaries. Contained within the absorbent core for release upon demand is one or more fluids which facilitate and enhance the cleaning provided by the wiping device. As the cavities of the thermoplastic sheet are contacted with and wiped across a surface to be cleansed, the cavities collect and remove undesired material such as dirt, feces or blood. The selective release of the one or more fluids onto the surface to be cleansed further facilitates the cleaning and/or provides fragrance and/or medicaments, or the like, to the surface to be cleansed.

Abstract: A cushioning product having plural layers of a sheet-like stock material folded upon themselves to form a pillow-like portion. The lateral edges of the outer layer of the stock material are overlapped and connected together to maintain the geometry of the pillow-like portion. The lateral edges of the outer layers are connected together (for example, they are mechanically interlocked) separate from the central portion of the outer layer. The overlapped edges of the outer layer may form a tab portion projecting from the pillow-like portion. Alternatively, the overlapped lateral edges of the outer layer may be generally coplanar with adjacent unoverlapped portions of the outer layer. Preferably, the stock material comprises layers of paper, more preferably biodegradable, recyclable and reusable paper, and even more preferably Kraft paper.

Abstract: An apertured web for a topsheet of disposable garments includes a plurality of flat portions extending in parallel one to another in one direction and a plurality of aperture rows defined between respective pairs of the adjacent flat portions. Each pair of the adjacent flat portions with the aperture row therebetween are interconnected by a plurality of bridge-like portions extending from these adjacent flat portions across the aperture defined by them. Each of the flat portions is partially deformed upward to a level above the upper surface of the flat portion along peripheral edges of the respective apertures so as to form a plurality of substantially saw-tooth-shaped rising portions which make the upper surface of the web relatively rough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bonded assembly characterized in that a board having a convexed portion on a jointing surface thereof and a board having, on a jointing surface thereof, a concaved portion or a through hole to be engaged with the convexed portion are jointed with adhesives. Also, the present invention relates to a bonded assembly characterized in that an adhesive is coated on the portion other than the convexed portion of the board so that the coating thickness is smaller than the height of the convexed portion, and then the board is jointed to another board having a concaved portion or a through hole, after making alignment of the boards. Further, the present invention relates to a rivet having means for fitting to and temporarily fixing to an inserting through hole, and a method of jointing boards which comprises a step for inserting, fitting and temporarily fixing the rivet having the means for temporarily fixing to the inserting through hole on the board.

Abstract: A motor vehicle dashboard including a body made of injection-molded plastic form, and at least one air duct integrally molded with the dashboard body. The air duct is produced by means of an at least partially absorbable removable insert, particularly an inflatable balloon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid-permeable casing sheet (1) for absorbent sanitary articles, such as sanitary napkins, incontinence guards and diapers. According to the invention, the casing sheet (1) includes a first layer (2) which is corrugated across at least a central part of its surface so as to provide a row of mutually parallel waves having wave crests (3) and wave troughs (4), wherein the wave crests form an article contact surface with the wearer's body when the article is in use. The casing sheet also includes rows of through-penetrating openings (6) which extend perpendicularly to the corrugations or waves and each of which opening passes through a wave crest (3).The invention also relates to a method for producing such a casing sheet.FIG. 1 for publication.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine, converting method and dunnage product characterized by a novel connecting assembly which provides a unique interlock between overlapped portions of sheet-like stock material forming a dunnage product to prevent "unzippering" of the product. The connecting assembly includes a pair of loosely meshed stitching wheels, a first one of the stitching wheels having a plurality of radial projections protruding from a radially outer circumferential surface thereof, and a second one of the stitching wheels including a plurality of recesses for receiving the radial projections in meshed relationship upon rotation of the stitching wheels.

Abstract: A cellular molded article (11) of a polypropylene resin having a skin (8) was produced by placing a skin material (8) on the interior surface of a die A (13), clamping the die A (13) with a die B (14) to form a mold (7), then charging the mold (7) with pre-expanded particles of a polyethylene resin, pre-heating the pre-expanded particles using steam supplied through the vapor holes (4) of the die B (14) at a temperature lower than the temperature at which the pre-expanded particles are melt bonded together, then holding to the pre-expanded particles in said steam, and next performing the main heating of the pre-expanded particles through the die B (14) at a temperature not less than the temperature at which the pre-expanded particles are melt bonded together. At the time of the main heating of the pre-expanded particles through the die B (14), the die A (13) may also be heated up as needed.

Abstract: A three layer, non-slip fabric has an upper fabric layer which is bonded through an intermediate flat plastic layer to a lower plastic layer having cup-shaped elements distributed therelong. Each cup has sidewalls and an outwardly concave end wall with one or two holes in the wall to allow the cups to deform.

Abstract: A protective assembly may be, for examples, a rectangular blanket or pad placed over or under an object to be insulated or a bag or pouch which receives an object. The protective assembly includes at least one and preferably two inner layers and a solid outer layer. The inner layer has a plurality of interconnected funnels. The funnels each have a small end and a large end. An opening is defined by each funnel in the inner layer adjacent the large end. The small end of the funnel extends toward the outer layer. The funnels space the layers apart. The funnels form a dead airspace while trapping condensate which may be harmful to the object being protected by preventing liquid from being forced upon the object. The protective assembly substantially eliminates the possibility that condensation will drop upon the object or be forced by pressure into contact with the object.

Abstract: A topsheet used in a disposable body fluids absorbent garment comprises a plurality of first ribs extending in parallel one to another in one direction and a plurality of second ribs extending in parallel one to another so as to intersect the first ribs. Each pair of adjacent first ribs intersect each pair of adjacent second ribs to define an air- and moisture-permeably opened region around which at least one of the respective pairs of adjacent first ribs and adjacent second ribs have their crests configured so that, between each pair of adjacent intersections of the first and second ribs each of the crests underlies an imaginary straight line connecting this pair of adjacent intersections.

Abstract: A system for holding a spiral coil binding assembly formed from a coiled filament and having a plurality of coils with a predetermined pitch. The system comprises a carrier sheet, a plurality of rows of cut-outs on the carrier sheet. The cut-outs in the carrier sheet, or at least some of them, are holding openings which will receive the filament of a spiral coil binding assembly in order to hold the spiral coil binding assembly in place on the carrier sheet. The system also includes mechanism for removing each of the spiral coil binding assemblies from the carrier sheet and directing them to a binding machine.

Abstract: An air permeable stretch film comprises first and second layers of polymeric film which includes linear low density polyethylene and is capable of stretching at least 150% beyond their original length, said first and second layers clingingly adhered to one another to form a laminate. Each layer of polymer film comprises three sub-layers which are co-extruded. The laminate defines a plurality of self-reinforcing perforations therethrough. The perforations are formed by applying a hot pin to the laminate whereby the polymeric film is melted. As the melt hardens, the perforations become defined by welds or reinforcements which add strength to the film. The resulting film is capable of stretching to approximately 120% beyond its original length. The breathable film is applied to packaging by using stretch wrap machinery.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a thermoplastic film having a first surface and a second surface. The second surface is spaced apart from the first surface. A plurality of perforations extend through the film from the first surface to the second surface. The perforations form capillaries that extend from the second surface. The capillaries are disposed at an angle from about 5.degree. to about 60.degree. with respect to a plane that is perpendicular to the first surface.

Abstract: A house wrap film product includes a laminated poly film with a first poly film ply and a second poly film ply and micropuncture formed in the laminated poly film to allow vapor transmission from a first side of the laminated poly film to a second side of the laminated poly film. Each of the poly plies is formed of a spiral cut film having a first ply with a first orientation and a second ply having a second orientation, the first orientation being at an angle with respect to an edge of said film and said second orientation being at an angle with respect to an edge of said film, said first ply and said second ply being laminated together cross oriented such that said first orientation extends in a different direction from said second orientation. The micropuncture provides a deformed region of said film, surrounding said hole. A method is provided for forming the house wrap product.

Abstract: A composite shelf in a shelf frame supports a plurality of disk drives and attenuates vibrations in the shelf. In the composite shelf, there is a double wall having an outer wall and an inner wall for supporting the disk drives mounted on the shelf. A stiffener between the inner wall and outer wall strengthens the composite shelf to reduce flexure in the composite shelf when the shelf is loaded by disk drives mounted on the shelf. A damping layer is placed between the stiffener and one of the inner wall or outer wall. This damping layer attenuates vibrations in the composite shelf so as to reduce vibrations transmitted from the composite shelf to the disk drives supported by the composite shelf. A second damping layer is placed between the stiffener and the other wall. Both damping layers attenuate vibrations in the composite shelf so as to reduce vibrations transmitted from the composite shelf to the disk drives supported by the composite shelf. A third damping layer may be placed within the stiffener.

Abstract: A system for holding a spiral coil binding assembly formed from a coiled filament and having a plurality of coils with a predetermined pitch. The system comprises a carrier sheet, a plurality of rows of cut-outs on the carrier sheet. The cut-outs in the carrier sheet, or at least some of them, are holding openings which will receive the filament of a spiral coil binding assembly in order to hold the spiral coil binding assembly in place on the carrier sheet. The system also includes mechanism for removing each of the spiral coil binding assemblies from the carrier sheet and directing them to a binding machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for forming a single-layer, durably wettable polymeric web having a plurality of apertures. This process comprises melting a mixture of at least one thermoplastic polymer and at least one migratable surfict and extruding the mixture to form a single-layer, substantially continuous polymeric film. The film is then apertured using high pressure fluid flows. Aperture formation is conducted when the single layer polymeric film has a contact angle of at least about 30.degree., to minimize wash-off of the surfactant impregnated in the polymer web. The invention also relates to durably-wettable apertured webs.

Abstract: A bilayer laminated medical dressing having a thermally expandable passage is provided. The medical dressing achieves gas permeability as a function of temperature by cutting a star-shaped hole through the dressing when the dressing is flat and relaxed. On warming, the leaves between the radial cuts of the star-shaped hole curl and increase the hole size. Such a material is useful as a medical dressing.

Abstract: There is described a three-dimensional membrane generally of a thin plastic film which has apertures therein created by simultaneously perforating the film and pushing the material from the holes to one side of the apertures and piling it up to create an overall membrane thickness which is at least 10 times the original thickness of the film. It has particular application as a topsheet for sanitary napkins and the like.

Abstract: A method for molding a plastic part comprises preforming a film laminate and insert molding a plastic substrate against the film laminate. According to one embodiment, the film laminate is preformed with re-entrant edge portions. The insert molding step involves positioning the film laminate in a mold cavity, closing the mold and injecting molten resin into the mold cavity against the film laminate. The force of the closing of the mold and the injection of the resin causes the re-entrant edge portions to curl up under the solidifying resin to ensure complete coverage of the longitudinal edges of the plastic substrate by the film laminate. According to another embodiment, a stencil of an image is made in the film laminate prior to the insert molding. The resin injected into the mold flows into the stencil so that the image is visible against the surrounding surface of the film laminate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bonded assembly characterized in that a board having a convexed portion on a jointing surface thereof and a board having, on a jointing surface thereof, a concaved portion or a through hole to be engaged with the convexed portion are jointed with adhesives. Also, the present invention relates to a bonded assembly characterized in that an adhesive is coated on the portion other than the convexed portion of the board so that the coating thickness is smaller than the height of the convexed portion, and then the board is jointed to another board having a concaved portion or a through hole, after making alignment of the boards. Further, the present invention relates to a rivet having means for fitting to and temporarily fixing to an inserting through hole, and a method of jointing boards which comprises a step for inserting, fitting and temporarily fixing the rivet having the means for temporarily fixing to the inserting through hole on the board.

Abstract: An easy open end for food and beverage cans having reduced aluminum content is provided in an end having a metal polymer metal laminate construction. An opening panel as defined in the end body by a pair of first and second spaced apart score lines disposed in the first and second major surfaces, respectively. Each of the first and second score lines define an area of reduced thickness for both the metal layer and the adjacent polymer layer. The opening panel can be displaced from the remainder of the end body to provide an easy opening can by perforating the end body at a point along the first and second score lines.

Abstract: A composite material comprised of a support (1) and a heat foamable material (8), with the heat foamable material (8) being contained into a room (7) defined by the support (1) so that when heat is applied, form expands out of the room (7). Additionally provided is an expanded seal (9) obtained by using a composite material as defined here before and to a process for the manufacture of such composite material. Other applications of the composite material such as structure reinforcement and vibration dampening, are further discussed.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable composite material comprising a three-dimensional apertured substrate having a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable coating material thereon, the substantially liquid impervious composite material, and an apparatus for making the composite material are disclosed. Successive portions of a continuous sheet of an apertured substrate are passed into contact with a continuous moving perforated member. The coating material is supplied onto the substrate. The coated substrate is subjected to a vacuum which causes the coating material to flow onto the substrate material and in certain embodiments, at least partially into the apertures in the substrate. The vacuum is maintained for a period of time sufficient for the coating material to adhere to the substrate. The coated portions of the substrate are continuously removed from the moving member.

Abstract: A wire drawing die comprises first and second polycrystalline diamond layers made of gaseous phase synthesized diamond. The finest diamond particles of the diamond layers are made into the wire contact portion of the die.

Abstract: The perforated sheet, in particular for sanitary articles, and made of a substance that is impervious to liquid, includes a multiplicity of craters each having a base in the plane of the outside face, an apex, and a sidewall that slopes between the base and the apex. The peripheral shape of the base includes at least one zone of discontinuity such that on going round the periphery of each crater, its sidewall presents non-uniform inclination with angles of inclination relative to the perpendicular to the plane of the outside face of the sheet that vary between positive values and negative values, said angle being negative at least in the zone of discontinuity. The peripheral shape of the base is preferably the result of partially overlapping a plurality of curved geometrical shapes, in particular circles and ellipses, and the zone of discontinuity corresponds to the junction between superposed shapes.

Abstract: A supply feedstock intended for use in a workpiece finishing machine wherein individual workpieces are successively separated and presented in a predetermined fashion to an automated loading means. The feedstock includes a plurality of individual workpieces arranged in side-by-side order in the form of a continuous belt, or bandolier, of workpieces, each of the workpieces being interconnected at head and tail portions of the workpieces by integral webs, successive workpieces being trimmed from the bandolier and presented to a loading means, while the separated webs are discharged to waste.

Abstract: A method of making a bird repellant structure includes the steps of punching into a continuous base strip a plurality of diagonal slots, cutting into the continuous base strip at least one finger extending from each of the diagonal slots such that a leading end of each finger is formed by a portion of the diagonal edge of each respective slot, and thereafter, punching a plurality of repellant arms into the continuous base strip. The repellant arms extend longitudinally from each diagonal slot such that a leading end of each repellant arm is formed by the diagonal edge of each diagonal slot and includes the fingers cut therein.

Abstract: A bilayer laminated material has a gas permeability increasing greatly with temperature, achieved by cutting a star-shaped hole in it when it is relaxed and flat. On warming, the leaves between the radial cuts curl and disproportionately increase the hole size. Such a material, if flat at 5.degree. C. and wide open at 20.degree. C., is useful for packaging vegetable produce.

Abstract: A metal-reinforced, molded-plastic composite structure having an end use such as an automobile bumper, the reinforcement being constituted by a sheet of ductile metal having an array of holes punched therein, each bordered by a metal projection. In forming the composite structure, the metal sheet is supported within the cavity of a mold whose shape is appropriate to the end use. Molten plastic injected into the mold is caused to flow through the holes and to envelop the projections therefrom whereby when the plastic solidifies, the metal sheet is then fully integrated with the resultant plastic body and serves to enhance the resistance of the body to impact and other forces which in the absence of the reinforcing sheet would fracture the body.

Abstract: A polymeric film for use in absorbent structures comprises a planar surface having a frontside, a backside and a plurality of apertures. Walls extend from the perimeter of the apertures and outwardly from the backside. The walls and the backside form a capillary system on the backside. The walls form channels which connect the frontside of the film to the capillary system on the backside. The walls have at least one cut out portion extending the length of the walls. A fluid contacting the frontside of the film will spontaneously invert to the capillary system on the backside of the film through the cut out portions of the walls.

Abstract: Patterned spunlaced fabrics formed of synthetic fibers and woodpulp and/or woodpulp-like fibers are disclosed having very low wet and dry particle counts and good absorbency. The patterned spunlaced fabrics according to the invention are particularly useful as cleanroom wipers, robotic covers, food service wipes, and as coverstock for sanitary napkins, diapers, surgical body part bags, and the like. The invention also comprises a process of making the patterned spunlaced fabrics.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for laminating a first three-dimensional apertured or non-apertured film material to a second flat or three-dimensional apertured or non-apertured film material utilizing the heat generated by the extrusion of the first and/or second materials and the films produced thereby.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for laminating a first three-dimensional apertured or non-apertured film material to a second flat or three-dimensional apertured or non-apertured film material utilizing the heat generated by the extrusion of the first and/or second materials and the films produced thereby.

Abstract: An empty medicinal and food capsule includes a cap member containing a cap circumferential slot disposed on the upper portion and at least one raised member disposed on the inner surface thereof, the cap circumferential slot having a triangular slot formed on the outer surface thereof, and a body member containing a body circumferential slot disposed on the upper portion thereof whereby the cap member and the body member can be slidably locked with each other by slidably locking the cap circumferential slot with the body circumferential slot, at the time, the triangular slot prevents from semi-locking or final locking in a prelocking state, and prevents from separating the cap member form the body member in a final locking state, and the capsule is not deformed.

Abstract: Sterilization indicators utilizing moisture-resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesives are provided. The sterilization indicators comprise at least one backing strip, preferably water-dispersible, which is coated on at least one side with the moisture-resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesive. A sterilization indicator strip is affixed to the backing strip and is easily removable from the sterilization indicator. The indicator tapes are useful to maintain a sterilization wrapper containing articles to be sterilized in a closed position during sterilization, and normal pre- and post-sterilization handling, while also providing a means to indicate if the wrapped articles have passed through a sterilization cycle. After use, the sterilization indicator strip is easily removed, and the adhesives coating the sterilization indicators, and preferably also the backing strips, disperse an aqueous alkali solution, such as are found in commercial laundries.

Abstract: An automotive interior component such as an automotive door trim comprising a main body integrally combining a resin core member and a surface skin member by a mold press forming process and an attachment member attached to a part of the main body, in which the attachment member is attached to the main body by way of connecting parts of the resin core member during the process of mold press forming. The connecting part may consist of an extension of the resin core member which is pushed out of openings provided in the surface skin member and adhered to the attachment member. Alternatively, the connecting part may consist of parts of the resin core member into which engagement pawls provided in the attachment member, in particular, an attachment core member thereof are penetrated through the surface skin member. In either case, solidification of the connecting parts completes the attachment of the automotive door trim.

Abstract: A panel which comprises a substrate of transparent or translucent material having applied to one or both sides a design superimposed on, or forming part of, an opaque pattern so that the design on one side of the panel cannot be seen from the other side. This is a Reissue of a Patent which was the subject of a Reexamination Certificate No. B1 4,673,609, dated Jul. 25, 1995, Request No. 90/003,201, Sep. 21, 1993.