Nextec Applications, Inc.

J Michael Caldwell

Peter Ellman

The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the placement of a curable, shear-thinnable polymer composition into a porous web. The apparatus comprises means for applying tension, means for applying the polymer composition to one surface of the tensioned web, and means for shear thinning the composition and placing it into the web to encapsulate at least some of the structural elements of the web, leaving most of the interstitial spaces open. A preferred apparatus includes one or more process heads that has mounted thereto a rigid knife blade for engagement with the web. The knife blade is movable vertically and rotationally. The process head is also movable horizontally along the path of the web. The invention also relates to an apparatus for selectively placing the polymer composition in a substantially continuous region extending through the web so that the polymer composition fills the interstitial spaces and adheres adjacent structural elements of the web in the region. In the areas of the web above and below the filled region, at least some of the structural elements are encapsulated and most of the interstitial spaces are open.

Method and apparatus for controlled placement of a polymer composition into a web

The present invention relates to a porous web comprising a plurality of structural elements with interstitial spaces therebetween, wherein at least some of the structural elements of the top and bottom surfaces of the web are encapsulated by a cured, shear thinned polymer composition and most of the interstitial spaces are open. The invention also relates to a porous web having a substantially continuous region of a cured, shear thinned polymer composition extending through the web so that the polymer composition fills the interstitial spaces and adheres adjacent structural elements of the web in the region. In the areas of the web above and below the filled region, at least some of the structural elements are encapsulated and most of the interstitial spaces are open.

Porous webs having a polymer composition controllably placed therein

The present invention includes novel barrier webs that have certain desirable physical qualities such as water resistance, increased durability, improved barrier qualities and the like. The present invention further comprises a barrier web comprising a web that has been treated with a curable shear thinned thixotropic polymer composition, the fabric being adapted to be substantially impermeable to liquids, permeable to gases and impermeable to microorganisms. The barrier webs of the present invention are either impermeable to all microorganisms or are impermeable to microorganisms of certain sizes. The present invention also includes fabrics that are capable of either selective binding certain microorganisms, particles or molecules depending upon what binding partners are incorporated into the polymer before application to the fabric.

Incontinent garments

Garments of barrier webs

Methods of measuring analytes with barrier webs

The present invention relates to methods for the controlled placement of a curable, shear thinnable polymer composition into a porous web. The controlled placement is performed by applying tension to the porous web. The polymer composition is applied onto a surface of the web. The composition is shear thinned sufficiently to reduce its viscosity and selectively place it into the tensioned web to encapsulate at least some of the structural elements of the web, leaving most of the interstitial spaces of the porous web open. The invention also relates to methods for selectively placing the polymer composition in a substantially continuous region extending through the web so that the polymer composition fills the interstitial spaces and adheres adjacent structural elements in the region. In the areas in the web above and below the filled region, at least some of the structural elements are encapsulated and most of the interstitial spaces are open. The invention also relates to methods for the controlled placement of a polymer composition into a tensioned porous substrate having a matrix of open cells by applying a localized shear force to selectively distribute a curable, shear thinnable polymer composition within the substrate, at least partially individually lining the cell walls of at least some of the cells, and leaving most of the cells open.

Methods and apparatus for controlled placement of a polymer composition

Barrier webs having bioactive surfaces

Improved processes are provided for treating a porous substrate (especially a fabric) to produce novel internally coated porous materials. During treatment, a curable thixotropic material and one or modifying materials are applied to the porous substrate as an impregnant. The treatment imparts specific properties to the end product material. Selection of the modifier material is based on the particular end use application. Sufficient energy is directed to the impregnant and porous substrate to cause the impregnant to flow into the porous substrate and force the modifier to specific positions within the substrate.

Internally-coated porous webs with controlled positioning of modifiers

A barrier web comprising a fabric that has been treated with a curable shear thinned thixotropic polymer composition, the fabric being adapted to be substantially impermeable to liquids, permeable to gases and impermeable to microorganisms. The barrier webs of the present invention are either impermeable to all microorganisms or are impermeable to microorganisms of certain sizes. The present invention also includes fabrics that are capable of either selectively binding certain microorganisms, particles or molecules depending upon what binding partners are incorporated into the polymer before application to the fabric.

Growing community of inventors

Cardiff, CA, United States of America

J Michael Caldwell