Abstract:
A method of drying a paper web is provided. The method utilizes a dryer, such as a through-dryer, having a first dryer section and a second dryer section. Within the first dryer section, a relatively wet paper web is dried at an elevated temperature, such as between about 400° F. to about 500° F. After being dried by the first dryer section, the web is relatively dry and is further dried by the second dryer section at a reduced temperature, such as between about 300° F. to about 400° F. A variety of control techniques can also be utilized to control the temperature of each dryer section.
Abstract:
A method for softening a paper-based product, such as facial tissues, bath tissues, paper towels, etc., is provided. In particular, the method of the present invention includes exposing a cellulosic fibrous material to ionizing radiation (e.g., electron beam radiation). It is believed that the ionizing radiation induces vibrational forces throughout the cellulosic fibrous structure, thereby disrupting hydrogen bonds between adjacent fibers and opening the crystalline structure of the material to result in a softer product.
Abstract:
A die head assembly for meltblowing thermoplastic material comprising a first chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid, a second chamber for receiving a pressurized molten thermoplastic material, the second chamber defining an outlet through which the molten thermoplastic material exits the die head, and a fluid tube removably securable to the first chamber and defining a passageway having an inlet in communication with the first chamber and an outlet extending at least into the outlet of the second chamber. The die head assembly of claim 1, wherein the outlet of the second chamber defines a longitudinal axis, and the outlet of the second chamber and the outlet of the fluid tube define at least one elongated opening therebetween elongated in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the molten thermoplastic material passing through the elongated opening as it exits the die head.
Abstract:
An oral cleaning device that can fit onto a human finger is provided. The oral cleaning device, or dental wipe, is at least partially made from an elastomeric material, such as an elastomeric nonwoven, so that the wipe can more aptly fit onto a finger. Furthermore, the wipe, in some instances, can possess a barrier that is liquid-impervious, but vapor-permeable so that the finger of a user is more comfortable during cleaning. Various additives can be applied to the wipe to aid in the cleaning process.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an apparatus, including a die, for forming meltblown material. The die may further include a die tip and a heating element positioned proximate to the die tip to maintain the polymer material extruded from the die tip in a molten state.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for increasing the heating efficiency of a nonwoven web using heated air are provided. A flow modifier including a turbulence inducing bar arrangement is positioned between the heated air supply and the nonwoven web. The flow modifier increases the turbulence of the heated air before it contacts the nonwoven web, resulting in more thorough penetration of the web by the air, and better convective heat transfer between the heated air and the nonwoven web.
Abstract:
An apparatus for stabilizing a low-strength sheet having a width and a top surface and moving in a first direction at a rate sufficient to entrain air. The apparatus includes an airfoil adapted to extend along the top surface of the sheet. The airfoil, in turn, includes: a bottom surface adapted to extend along a portion of the top surface of the sheet; a first surface extending a first distance from the bottom surface at a first juncture; a second surface extending a second distance from the bottom surface at a second juncture; and a top surface extending from the first surface at a third juncture to the second surface at a fourth juncture. The first distance in general is less than the second distance. In addition, the apparatus is oriented in a manner such that the portion of the apparatus which first encounters the entrained air is the first surface of the airfoil, and the first and bottom surfaces of the airfoil form an acute angle such that the first surface directs a substantial portion of the entrained air away from the sheet. The apparatus may include a forebody, a passageway, and/or a deflector.
Abstract:
A method of forming substantially continuous filaments which involves the steps of (1) extending a molten thermoplastic polymer through a die having a plurality of orifices to give a plurality of substantially continuous filaments; (2) quenching the filaments by contacting them with a quenching fluid having a temperature less than that of the filaments and a zero to high imposed velocity which, if other than zero, has a component which is in a direction other than parallel with the movement of filaments; (3) entraining and drawing the filaments in a nozzle with an attenuating liquid having a linear speed of at least about 400 feet/minute; and (4) collecting the drawn filaments. The filaments have an average diameter in the range of from about 5 to about 75 micrometers and a high variability of filament diameter from filament to filament and along the length of any given filament. In addition, at least some of such filaments are present as filament bundles. Such filaments can be collected as tow or can form the basis of a nonwoven web which is characterized by minimal filament-to-filament fusion bonding. The preferred thermoplastic polymers are polyolefins, with the most preferred polyolefin being polypropylene.
Abstract:
There is disclosed a melt-blowing die head having a die tip which, instead of a number of individual orifices, has a single continuous slot opening running its length. In addition the die tip is reinforced by means of aerodynamically shaped bosses in the fluid delivery channels which bear between the air plate and the exterior surface of the die tip. The die tip may also have reservoirs at either end in which debris may be collected when the slot is cleaned while the die head is in place on a melt-blowing machine.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for increasing the heating efficiency of a nonwoven web using heated air are provided. A flow modifier including a turbulence inducing bar arrangement is positioned between the heated air supply and the nonwoven web. The flow modifier increases the turbulence of the heated air before it contacts the nonwoven web, resulting in more thorough penetration of the web by the air, and better convective heat transfer between the heated air and the nonwoven web.