The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 29, 2008
Filed:
Aug. 18, 2003
Ralph Anderson, Marietta, GA (US);
William A. Wengeler, Marinette, WI (US);
Tammy Thompson, Austin, TX (US);
Ralph Anderson, Marietta, GA (US);
William A. Wengeler, Marinette, WI (US);
Tammy Thompson, Austin, TX (US);
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc., Neenah, WI (US);
Abstract
Methods for recycling latex-containing broke are generally provided. Specifically, mechanical treatment may be employed to rework latex-containing broke for reuse in various products without the need for treatment with chemicals, such as hypochlorite, chlorine, or hypochlorous acid. As a result of mechanical treatment, fiber aggregates are formed that have a relatively small size. For instance, a large portion of the resulting fiber aggregates may be relatively free from the latex polymer. Specifically, the fiber aggregates can contain a 'core' of latex from which extend short fibers and/or fragments that are uncoated with the latex. The result is fiber aggregates that are uniquely 'partially coated' with a latex polymer. When recycled in paper products, these fiber aggregates may impart a variety of benefits, such as increased bulk retention and high water capacity without any loss in absorbency rate.