text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Jan 2, 2001
|Filing date
|Nov 12, 1996
|Priority date
|Nov 16, 1993
|Fee status
|Publication number
|Richard Daniel Pike, John Joseph Lassig, Peter Wyndham Shipp, Jr., Barbara Jean Williams
|Original Assignee
|Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (48), Non-Patent Citations (9), Referenced by (137), Classifications (23), Legal Events (5)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/153,466 entitled "NONWOVEN FILTER MEDIA" and filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Nov. 16, 1993 now abandoned. The entirety of this Application is hereby incorporated by reference.
This invention is related to filter media, particularly to media for filters made from nonwoven fiber webs.
Various particulate filtering media are available in the art, including media for air filters, water filters, hydraulic and oil filters, coolant filters, chemical filters and the like, and they are fabricated from diverse materials, such as glass fibers, asbestos fibers, synthetic polymer fibers, e.g, polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters and the like, and natural fibers, such as wood pulps and the like.
A filter medium not only has to provide a high filter efficiency, i.e., prevent fine particles from passing through, but also needs to provide a high throughput, i.e., maintain the pressure drop across the filter medium as low as possible over the useful life. In addition, the useful service life of a filter medium must not be too short as to require frequent cleaning or replacement. However, these performance requirements tend to be inversely correlated. For example, a high efficiency filter medium tends to create a high pressure drop, severely restricting its throughput capability and service life.
The use of nonwoven fiber webs or fabrics is known in the filtration art, and such nonwoven webs include meltblown fiber webs and spunbond fiber webs. Filter media fabricated from meltblown fiber webs tend to provide high filtration efficiency because of the fine fiber size and the conformability of meltblown fibers that causes the fibers to come together as a dense, fine-pored web. However, meltblown fiber webs do not provide sufficient physical properties, including tensile, tear and burst properties, and the service life of the filters made from the webs is not sufficiently long enough for certain applications. Compared with meltblown fiber webs, spunbond fiber webs contain coarse, highly continuous fibers or filaments having strong physical properties. Typically, spunbond fibers have a higher degree of molecular orientation than that of meltblown fibers, and it is believed that the stronger physical properties of spunbond fibers and webs made therefrom are attributable to the higher molecular orientation of spunbond fibers. However, spunbond fibers, unlike meltblown fibers, do not autogenously adhere to each other and the webs need to be bonded in a separate bonding process to impart physical coherency and integrity. Conventional bonding processes, such as calender bonding, which compact the webs as well as apply discrete bonded regions throughout the webs, reduce the effective filtration area and service life of the spunbond webs.
As is known in the filtration art, one of the major determinants for filtration efficiency is the ability of a filter medium to mechanically entrap contaminants while maintaining an operationally sufficient flow rate. The loft or thickness of a filter medium promotes the mechanical entrapment of contaminants within its intersticial spaces or pores without impeding the flow of filtrate. Such filtration process is known in the art as "depth filtration." Unlike depth filtration media, flat "surface filtration" media, such as membrane filter media and meltblown fiber filter media, must accumulate contaminants on their surfaces, quickly plugging up all the available channels or pores and building up a high pressure drop across the filter media. There have been many attempts to produce filter media that exhibit combined depth filtration and high efficiency properties. One of such attempts is providing filter media having a laminated structure of at least two nonwoven fiber webs having different porosities. The laminate filter medium has a porosity gradient across its depth, which improves the filter efficiency and prevents premature plugging failure by entrapping large particulates before they can reach the smaller pores.
It would be desirable to provide highly efficient filter media that have a long service life as well as strong physical properties. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide a highly adaptable and flexible filter media forming process which can produce media of varying pore sizes and pore densities and of optimized filtration performances for filtrates with different particulate size distributions and/or different flow properties.
There is provided in accordance with the present invention a lofty filter medium for filtering fluid-borne particles, which comprises a nonwoven fiber web of crimped fibers selected from the group consisting of spunbond fibers and staple fibers, wherein the filter medium has a density between about 0.005 g/cm3 and about 0.1 g/cm3. There is also provided a more particularly suitable lofty nonwoven filter medium for filtering fluid-borne particles, comprising a fiber web of crimped bicomponent spunbond fibers, wherein the medium has a density between about 0.005 g/cm3 and about 0.1 g/cm3 and the spunbond fibers have an average diameter of from about 10 μm to about 50 μm. Additionally, the present invention provides a process for producing a lofty spunbond fiber filter web comprising the steps of melt spinning spunbond fibers; drawing the fibers; crimping the fibers; depositing the drawn, crimped fibers onto a forming surface to form a web; and bonding the web, wherein the web has a density between about 0.005 g/cm3 and about 0.1 g/cm3.
The lofty filter medium, which provides extended service life and high filter efficiencies, is highly suitable for fluid-borne particle filtration applications, such as filtration media for transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids, swimming pool water, coolant oil or cutting fluid for metalworking, metal forming and metal rolling, air-borne particle filtration and the like.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a bicomponent spunbond web forming process which is used to produce a filter medium of the present invention.
FIGS. 2 and 3 are about 27 and 22 times enlarged photomicrographs, respectively, of two exemplary bicomponent spunbond filter media.
The present invention provides a high performance filter medium. The filter medium, which exhibits strong physical properties and provides extended service life, is a lofty nonwoven fiber web that is highly porous. The lofty filter medium has a density between about 0.005 g/cm3 and about 0.1 g/cm3, preferably between about 0.01 g/cm3 and about 0.09 g/cm3, and more preferably between about 0.02 g/cm3 and about 0.08 g/cm3. The basis weight of the filter medium ranges from about 0.25 to about 15 ounce per square yard (osy), preferably from about 0.4 to about 14 osy, and more preferably from about 0.5 to about 13 osy.
Fibers suitable for the present invention filter medium include crimped spunbond fibers and crimped staple fibers, and these fibers can be monocomponent fibers or multicomponent conjugate fibers. Suitable spunbond fibers and staple fibers for the present invention have an average diameter of about 10 μm to about 50 μm. Of these crimped fibers, particularly suitable fibers are multicomponent conjugate fibers that contain two or more component polymers, and more particularly suitable fibers are multicomponent conjugate fibers containing polymers of different melting points. Preferably, the melting point difference between the highest melting polymer and the lowest melting polymer of the conjugate fibers should be at least about 5� C., more preferably about 30� C., so that the lowest melting polymer can be melted without affecting the chemical and physical integrities of the highest melting polymer.
Generally, staple fibers, including monocomponent and conjugate staple fibers, are carded using a conventional carding process, e.g., a woolen or cotton carding process, or air laid to form unbonded nonwoven fiber webs; and spunbond fibers are formed into unbonded spunbond fiber webs by directly depositing spun fibers onto a forming surface. The term spunbond fiber web refers to a nonwoven fiber web formed by extruding molten thermoplastic polymers as filaments or fibers from a plurality of relatively fine, usually circular, capillaries of a spinneret. The extruded filaments are then rapidly drawn by an eductive or other well-known drawing mechanism to impart molecular orientation and physical strength to the filaments, and deposited onto a forming surface in a highly random manner to form a nonwoven web having essentially a uniform density. In order to maintain the web uniformity and pore distribution, it is preferred that the staple fibers and spunbond fibers are crimped before they are formed into a web, although conjugate fibers can be crimped after the fibers are formed into a web. As is known in the art, monocomponent staple fibers and conjugate staple fibers can be mechanically crimped by passing fully formed fibers through, for example, a stuffer box or gear crimper, and conjugate staple fibers can be crimped by drawing or stretching fully formed fibers before the fibers are cut to staple lengths. Fibers may also be crimped during spinning. Crimps on monocomponent fibers and conjugate fibers, including spunbond and staple fibers, can be imparted through asymmetric cooling across the cross-section of the fibers, generating solidification gradients within the cross-section, which leads to the formation of crimps, particularly helical crimps. Crimps on conjugate fibers, including spunbond fibers and staple fibers, composed of two or more component polymers that have different crystallization and/or solidification properties can be crimped during the solidification stage of the fiber spinning process, during which the differences in the component polymers create crystallization and/or solidification gradients that cause crimps on the fibers. Further, the differences in crystallization and/or solidification properties, which make the component polymers of the formed fibers to have different heat shrinkages, can be utilized to impart or additionally impart crimps on the fully formed conjugate fibers. Upon exposure to an appropriate heat treatment, the component polymers, having different heat shrinkages, cause crimps on the fibers. Such activation of "latent crimp" can be directed after conjugate fibers are formed into a web, or, as will be discussed with regard to a particularly suitable embodiment of the present invention, on the fibers prior to the web formation. The activation of latent crimps on the fibers prior to the web formation is more desirable since this process produces more uniform and dimensionally stable webs.
The unbonded conjugate fiber webs, including conjugate staple fiber webs and conjugate spunbond webs, can be bonded using a conventional bonding process that does not significantly compact the webs. Such processes include through-air bonding, powder adhesive bonding, liquid adhesive bonding, ultrasonic bonding, needling and hydroentangling. These bonding processes are conventional and well known in the art. Among these bonding processes, through-air bonding processes are particularly suitable for the present invention since the bonding processes bond the conjugate fiber webs without applying any substantial compacting pressure and, thus, produce lofty, uncompacted filter media. Through-air bonding processes are further discussed below. Similarly, the nonwoven webs of monocomponent fibers, including staple fiber webs and spunbond fiber webs, can be bonded with the above-disclosed bonding processes other than through-air bonding processes. Through-air bonding processes are not particularly suitable for monocomponent fiber webs unless the processes are used in conjunction with powder adhesive bonding or fluid adhesive bonding processes since through-air bonding processes, which need to melt the web fibers to effect bonds, produce flattened webs having a non-uniform loft.
The particularly suitable filter medium of the present invention is through-air bonded nonwoven webs fabricated from crimped multicomponent conjugate fibers, and more particularly suitable conjugate fibers are spunbond conjugate fibers. For illustration purposes, the present invention hereinafter is directed to bicomponent spunbond conjugate fibers (hereinafter referred to as bicomponent fibers) and bicomponent fiber webs, and to a through-air bonding process although other spunbond or staple conjugate fibers of more than two polymers and other bonding processes can be utilized for the present invention, as discussed above.
In accordance with the present invention, the suitable bicomponent fibers have the low melting component polymer at least partially exposed to the surface along the entire length of the fibers. Suitable configurations for the bicomponent fibers include side-by-side configurations and sheath-core configurations, and suitable sheath-core configurations include eccentric sheath-core and concentric sheath-core configurations. Of these sheath-core configurations, eccentric sheath-core configurations are particularly useful since imparting crimps on eccentric sheath-core bicomponent fibers can be effected more easily. If a sheath-core configuration is employed, it is highly desired to have the low melting polymer form the sheath.
A wide variety of combinations of thermoplastic polymers known to form fibers and/or filaments can be employed to produce the conjugate fibers provided that the selected polymers have sufficiently different melting points and, preferably, different crystallization and/or solidification properties. The melting point differences between the selected polymers facilitate the through-air bonding process, and the differences in the crystallization and solidification properties promote fiber crimping, especially crimping through heat activation of latent crimps. Suitable polymers for the present invention include, but are not limited to, polyolefins, e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene and the like; polyamides, e.g., nylon 6, nylon 6/6, nylon 10, nylon 12 and the like; polyesters, e.g., polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate and the like; polycarbonate; polystyrene; thermoplastic elastomers; vinyl polymers; polyurethane; and blends and copolymers thereof. Particularly suitable polymers for the present invention are polyolefins, including polyethylene, e.g., linear low density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene and blends thereof; polypropylene; polybutylene; and copolymers as well as blends thereof. Additionally, the suitable fiber forming polymers may have thermoplastic elastomers blended therein. Of these suitable polymers, particularly suitable polymers for the high melting component include polypropylene and copolymers of polypropylene and ethylene, and particularly suitable polymers for the low melting component include polyethylenes, more particularly linear low density polyethylene and high density polyethylene. In addition, the low melting component may contain additives for enhancing the crimpability and/or lowering the bonding temperature of the fibers, and enhancing the abrasion resistance, strength and softness of the resulting webs. For example, the low melting polymer component may contain about 5 to about 20% by weight of a thermoplastic elastomer such as an ABA′ block copolymer of styrene, ethylene-butylene and styrene. Such copolymers are commercially available and some of which are identified in U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,220 to Wisneski et al. An example of highly suitable elastomeric block copolymers is KRATON G-2740. Another group of suitable additive polymers is ethylene alkyl acrylate copolymers, such as ethylene butyl acrylate, ethylene methyl acrylate and ethylene ethyl acrylate, and the suitable amount to produce the desired properties is from about 2 wt % to about 50 wt %, based on the total weight of the low melting polymer component. Yet other suitable additive polymers include polybutylene copolymers and ethylene-propylene copolymers.
The bicomponent fibers have from about 20% to about 80%, preferably from about 40% to about 60%, by weight of the low melting polymer and from about 80% to about 20%, preferably about 60% to about 40%, by weight of the high melting polymer.
Turning to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a particularly suitable process 10 for producing a highly suitable spunbond fiber web for the present filter. The process line 10 includes a pair of extruders 12 a and 12 b for separately supplying extruded polymer components, a high melting polymer and a low melting polymer, to a bicomponent spinneret 18. Spinnerets for producing bicomponent fibers are well known in the art and thus are not described herein. In general, the spinneret 18 includes a housing containing a spin pack which includes a plurality of plates having a pattern of openings arranged to create flow paths for directing the high melting and low melting polymers to each fiber-forming opening in the spinneret. The spinneret 18 has openings arranged in one or more rows, and the openings form a downwardly extending curtain of fibers when the polymers are extruded through the spinneret.
The line 10 further includes a quenching gas outlet 20 adjacently positioned to the curtain of fibers 16 extending from the spinneret 18, and the gas from the outlet 20 at least partially quenches, i.e., the polymer forming the fibers is no longer able to freely flow, and develops a latent helical crimp in the extending fibers 18. As an example, an air stream of a temperature between about 45� F. and about 90� F. which is directed substantially perpendicular to the length of the fibers at a velocity from about 100 to about 400 feet minute can be effectively used as a quenching gas. Although the quenching process is illustrated with a one-outlet quenching system, more than one quenching gas outlets can be utilized.
A fiber draw unit or an aspirator 22 is positioned below the quenching gas outlet and receives the quenched fibers. Fiber draw units or aspirators for use in melt spinning polymers are well known in the art, and exemplary fiber draw units suitable for the present invention include a linear fiber aspirator of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,817 to Matsuki et al. and eductive guns of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,692,618 to Dorshner et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 3,423,266 to Davies et al.
The fiber draw unit 22, in general, has an elongated passage through which the fibers are drawn by aspirating gas. The aspirating gas may be any gas, such as air, that does not adversely interact with the polymer of the fibers. In accordance with the present invention, the aspirating gas is heated using, for example, a temperature adjustable heater 24. The heated aspirating gas draws the quenched fibers and heats the fibers to a temperature that is required to activate the latent crimps thereon. The temperature required to activate the latent crimp on the fibers ranges from about 110� F. to a maximum of less than the melting point of the low melting component polymer. Generally, a higher air temperature produces a higher number of crimps. One of the important advantages of the present fiber web forming process is that the crimp density, i.e., the number of crimps per unit length of a fiber, of the fibers and thus the density and pore size distribution of the resulting webs can be controlled by controlling the temperature of the aspirating gas, providing a convenient way to engineer nonwoven webs to accommodate different needs of different filter applications. Additionally, the crimp density can be controlled to some degree by regulating the amount of potential latent crimps that can be heat activated, and the amount of potential latent crimps can be controlled by varying the spinning conditions, such as melt temperature and aspirating gas velocity. For example, higher amounts of potential latent crimps can be imparted on polyethylene/polypropylene bicomponent fibers by supplying lower velocities of aspirating gas.
The drawn crimped fibers are then deposited onto a continuous forming surface 26 in a random manner. The fiber depositing process preferably is assisted by a vacuum device 30 placed underneath the forming surface. The vacuum force largely eliminates the undesirable scattering of the fibers and guides the fibers onto the forming surface to form a uniform unbonded web of continuous fibers. The resulting web can be lightly compressed by a compression roller 32, if a light compaction of the web is desired to provide enhanced integrity to the unbonded web before the web is subjected to a bonding process.
The unbonded web is then bonded in a bonder, such as a through-air bonder 36, to provide coherency and physical strength. The use of a through-air bonder is particularly useful for the present invention in that the bonder produces a highly bonded nonwoven web without applying significant compacting pressure. In the through-air bonder 36, a flow of heated air is applied through the web, e.g., from a hood 40 to a perforated roller 38, to heat the web to a temperature above the melting point of the low melting component polymer but below the melting point of the high melting component polymer. The bonding process may be assisted by a vacuum device that is placed underneath the perforated roller 38. Upon heating, the low melting polymer portions of the web fibers are melted and the melted portions of the fibers adhere to adjacent fibers at the cross-over points while the high melting polymer portions of the fibers tend to maintain the physical and dimensional integrity of the web. As such, the through-air bonding process turns the unbonded web into a cohesive nonwoven fiber web without significantly changing its originally engineered web dimensions, density, porosity and crimp density.
The bonding air temperature may vary widely to accommodate different melting points of different component polymers and to accommodate the temperature and speed limitations of different bonders. In addition, basis weight of the web must be considered in choosing the air temperature. It is to be noted that the duration of the bonding process should not be too long as to induce significant shrinkage of the web. As an example, when polypropylene and polyethylene are used as the component polymers for a conjugate-fiber web, the air flowing through the through-air bonder may have a temperature between about 230� F. and about 280� F. and a velocity from about 100 to about 500 feet per minute.
The filter medium produced in accordance with the present invention is a lofty, low density medium that can retain a large quantity of contaminants without impeding the filtrate flow or causing a high pressure drop across the filter medium. The highly porous, three-dimensional loft of the present filter medium promotes the mechanical entrapment of contaminants within its intersticial spaces, while providing alternate channels for the filtrate to flow through. In addition, the filter medium may contain a density gradient of fibers across its depth, adding to the advantages of the present filter medium. As stated above, a fiber density gradient in filter media improves the filter efficiency and service life.
The above-described through-air bonding process is the highly suitable bonding process that can be used not only to effect high strength interfiber bonds without significantly compacting the webs, but also to impart a density gradient across the depth of the webs. The density gradient imparted filter media that are produced with the through-air bonding process have the highest fiber density at the region where the fibers contacts the web supporting surface, e.g., the perforated roller 33. Although it is not wished to be bound by any theory, it is believed that during the through-air bonding process, the fibers across the depth of the web toward the web supporting surface are subjected to increasing compacting pressures of the web's own weight and of the flows of the assist vacuum and the bonding air, and, thus, the fiber density gradient is imparted in the resulting web when proper settings in the bonder are employed. Turning to FIGS. 2 and 3, the figures are scanning electron microphotographs of fiber gradient imparted bicomponent spunbond filter media produced and bonded in accordance with the above-described spunbond web-forming process and through-air bonding process. The filter media of FIGS. 2 and 3 and the processes used to produce the same are further described below in Examples 3 and 7, respectively. As can be seen from the figures, the filter media have increasing fiber gradient densities in the direction of the depth.
Alternatively, a filter medium containing a fiber density gradient can be produced by laminating two or more layers of filter media having different fiber densities. Such component filter media of different fiber densities can be prepared, for example, by imparting different levels of crimps on the fibers or utilizing fibers of different crimp levels and/or different sizes. More conveniently, if a spunbond process is used to produced the present filter medium, a fiber density gradient can be imparted by sequentially spinning fibers of different crimp levels and/or different fiber sizes and sequentially depositing the fibers onto a forming surface.
Even though the particularly suitable bonding processes for the present invention are through-air bonding processes, the unbonded web can be bonded, for example, with the use of adhesives, e.g., applying a powder adhesive or spraying a liquid adhesive, while preserving the lofty structure of the present nonwoven web. Optionally, when a filter application requires different properties, such as a high tear or burst strength, from the filter media, other bonding processes, including point-bonding, ultrasonic bonding and hydroentangling processes, may be employed in addition to a low-compacting bonding process, e.g., through-air bonding process, to impart added cohesion and strength to the nonwoven web.
In addition to the filter media formed from continuous multicomponent conjugate spunbond fibers, useful nonwoven filter media can also be formed from conjugate staple fibers, monocomponent staple fibers and monocomponent spunbond fibers, provided that they are crimped fibers.
The web forming processes using conjugate staple fibers, monocomponent staple fibers and monocomponent spunbond fibers are, however, somewhat disadvantageous in that these processes require additional manufacturing steps. For example, processes for forming conjugate staple fiber webs require additional steps such as staple fiber forming and fiber carding steps and may require separate crimping steps; processes for forming monocomponent staple fiber webs may require additional mechanical crimping steps and adhesive applying and curing steps; and processes for forming monocomponent spunbond fiber webs may require adhesive applying and curing steps. In addition, these web forming processes are not as flexible as the conjugate spunbond fiber web forming process of the present invention, which permits on-line adjustments of the fiber crimp level and on-line formation of the density gradient. Consequently, the spunbond conjugate fiber web forming process, which is a highly adjustable and flexible process, is the particularly advantageous process for economically producing the lofty filter media. Furthermore, the spunbond conjugate filter media produced from the process can be engineered to provide and to emphasize different filtration properties required for different applications. The lofty spunbond conjugate filter media exhibit a desired high physical strength, which is attributable to the spunbond fiber strength, as well as can be made to have different porosity and density levels to accommodate different filtration needs.
The present nonwoven filter media may contain other fibers, including natural fibers, e.g., cotton fibers and wood pulps, and staple or continuous synthetic fibers; and additives, including activated carbon, odor absorbents, surfactants, stabilizers and the like. Natural and staple fibers and particulate or fluid additives can be added to the nonwoven web by, for example, blowing the fibers or additives into the curtain of drawn fibers exiting the draw unit. Continuous synthetic fibers may be added to the filter web, for example, by simultaneously spinning different polymer melts through some of the spinholes of the bicomponent spinneret assembly, e.g., monocomponent fibers are co-spun with bicomponent fibers, or by co-drawing separately spun monocomponent and bicomponent fibers in one drawing unit.
The present filter media are suitable for fluid-borne particle filtration applications, such as filtration media for transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids, swimming pool water, coolant oil or cutting fluid for metalworking, metal forming and metal rolling, air-borne particle filtration and the like since the filter media provide high filtration efficiency, extended service life and excellent physical properties. The lofty filter media are highly suitable for liquid filtration applications. While the compacting pressure of liquid filtrate quickly accumulates contaminants and plugs up the available pores of conventional filter media fabricated from low loft media, such as uncrimped spunbond fiber or staple fiber media, the liquid compacting pressure does not as quickly affect the present lofty filter media, especially the media containing a fiber density gradient, since the lofty, gradient-imparted structure of the present filter media entraps a large amount of contaminants within the intersticial spaces without plugging up all of the intersticial flow paths. Examples of suitable liquid applications include filter media for cutting fluids and coolants of metal machining and rolling machines.
Additionally, the present lofty filter media can be used in conjunction with specialized filtration media, such as filter media that have an ultra-high filter efficiency but a limited service life, to take advantage of the beneficial properties of the two media, providing a combination filter assembly of high efficiency and long service life. Such combination filter media may be formed, for example, by laminating the present lofty filter medium with a micro filter medium, e.g., a membrane filter, meltblown fiber web filter or wet-laid fiber filter.
The following examples are provided to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto.
A linear low density polyethylene, Aspun 6811A, which is available from Dow Chemical, was blended with 2 wt % of a TiO2 concentrate containing 50 wt % of TiO2 and 50 wt % of a polypropylene, and the mixture was fed into a first single screw extruder. A polypropylene, PD3443, which is available from Exxon, was blended with 2 wt % of the above-described TiO2 concentrate, and the mixture was fed into a second single screw extruder. The extruded polymers were spun into round bicomponent fibers having a side-by-side configuration and a 1:1 weight ratio of the two polymers using a bicomponent spinning die, which had a 0.6 mm spinhole diameter and a 6:1 L/D ratio. The melt temperatures of the polymers fed into the spinning die were kept at 450� F., and the spinhole throughput rate was 0.5 gram/hole/minute. The bicomponent fibers exiting the spinning die was quenched by a flow of air having a flow rate of 45 SCFM/inch spinneret width and a temperature of 65� F. The quenching air was applied about 5 inches below the spinneret, and the quenched fibers were drawn in an aspirating unit which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,817 to Matsuki et al. The aspirator was equipped with a temperature controlled aspirating air source, and the feed air temperature was kept at about 350� F. The fibers for each test specimen entering the aspirator was drawn with the heated feed air at a flow rate as indicated in Table 1.
Air Flow Rate
Residence Time
(ft3/min/in withdth)
The-drawn fibers were deposited on a foraminous forming surface with the assist of a vacuum flow to form unbonded fiber webs. The unbonded fiber webs were bonded by passing the webs through a through-air bonder having an air temperature of 272� F. and a air velocity of 200 feet/min. The residence time for each web specimen in the bonder was as indicated in Table 1.
Comparative Examples 1-3 were Reemay™ filters, which are commercially available from Reemay, Inc., Old Hickory, Tenn., and Comparative Example 4 was Manniweb™ 5163, which is commercially available from Lydall Manning Inc., Troy, N.Y. Reemay filters are calender bonded polyethylene terephthalate spunbond fiber webs, and Maniweb 5136 is a wetlaid web of polyethylene terephthalate fibers. Comparative Example 5 was a point bonded polypropylene spunbond fiber web which is commercially available from Kimberly-Clark under the tradename Accord™.
Testing Procedure
The efficiency and service life of the filter samples were tested as follows. The filter testing apparatus had a 90 mm diameter filter holder assembly, which has an inlet and an outlet and directs the influent fluid entering from the inlet to pass through the sample filter medium, a gear pump, which supplies the influent fluid to the filter holder assembly and is capable of maintaining two gallons per minute per square inch flow rate, and a pressure gauge, which is placed on the inlet side of the filter holder assembly. Samples of filter media were prepared by cutting filter webs to fit a 90 mm diameter filter holder. Each filter medium was weighed and fitted in the filter holder assembly. A test fluid, which contains 3 vol % of QP 24 soap/oil emulsion and 93 vol % water, was placed in a beaker and then 800 mg of an AC fine test particles was added to the test fluid. The test particles had the following particle size distributions:
Size (less than)
Volume %
5.5 μm
11 μm
22 μm
44 μm
176 μm
The test fluid was continuously stirred with a magnetic stirrer. The inlet of the pump was placed in the beaker, and the testing fluid was pumped through the sample filter and then returned to the beaker, forming a continuous loop. The initial pressure and time were noted. 800 mg of the test particles was added to the beaker at an interval of 5 minutes until the inlet pressure reached 30 psi, at which time the filter medium was considered plugged.
The plugged time was noted and the filter medium was removed. The removed filter medium was weighed to determine the amount of the test particles captured after completely drying it in an oven set at 180� F. The efficiency of the filter medium was determined by dividing the weight of the captured test particles by the weight of the total test particles added to the beaker.
The Frazier porosity was determined utilizing a Frazier Air Permeability tester available from the Frazier Precision Instrument Company and measured in accordance with Federal Test Method 5450, Standard No. 191A, and the density was calculated from the caliper of each test specimen, which was measured at 0.5 psi with a Starret-type bulk tester. The mean flow pores size (MFP), which is a measure of average pore diameter as determined by a liquid displacement techniques utilizing a Coulter Porometer and Coulter Profil™ test liquid available from Coulter Electronics Ltd., Luton, England, was determined by wetting the test sample with a liquid having a very low surface tension (i.e., Coulter Profil™). Air pressure was applied to one side of the sample, and as the air pressure is increased, the capillary attraction of the fluid in the largest pores is overcome, forcing the liquid out and allowing air to pass through the sample. With further increases in the air pressure, progressively smaller and smaller holes will clear. A flow versus pressure relationship for the wet sample was established and compared to the results of the dry sample. The MFP was measured at the point where the curve representing 50% of the dry sample flow versus pressure intersects the curve representing wet sample flow versus pressure. The diameter of the pore which opens at that particular pressure (i.e., the MFP) was determined from the following expression: Pore Diameter (μm)=(40τ)/pressure, wherein τ=surface tension of the fluid expressed in units of mN/M; the pressure is the applied pressure expressed in milibars; and the very low surface tension of the liquid used to wet the sample allows one to assume that the contact angle of the liquid on the sample is about zero.
The test results are shown in Table 2.
(Frazier, CFM)
TIME (Min)
Ex. 1
Ex. 3
Ex. 4
Ex. 5
Ex. 6
Ex. 7
As can be seen from the results, the bicomponent fiber filter media of the present invention have significantly lower densities than the commercially available filter media, such as conventional spunbond fiber filter media, and provide significantly improved service life performances as well as high filter efficiencies.
The present lofty filter media, which provide extended service lives and high filter efficiencies, are highly suitable for fluid-borne particle filtration applications, such as filtration media for transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids, swimming pool water, coolant oil or cutting fluid for metalworking, metal forming and metal rolling, air-borne particle filtration and the like.
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|Nifco Inc.
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|Nov 25, 2015
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|Method for producing a multi-layer nonwoven web having enhanced mechanical properties
|U.S. Classification
|442/352, 442/353, 442/361, 442/364
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Apr 21, 1997
Owner name: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC., WISCONSIN
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:008519/0919
Effective date: 19961130
|Jun 9, 2004
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4
|Jul 2, 2008
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 8
|Jul 2, 2012
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 12
|Feb 3, 2015
Owner name: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC., WISCONSIN
Free format text: NAME CHANGE;ASSIGNOR:KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.;REEL/FRAME:034880/0674
Effective date: 20150101


text:
Twins give Royals first loss of season
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kansas City became the last team in the majors to lose this season, as Kyle Gibson pitched into the seventh inning and Oswaldo Arcia hit a two-run homer for the Minnesota Twins …16 Apr 15
Local News, Multimedia, Sports - The Local Connection
Wheeler Dealer
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kansas City became the last team in the majors to lose this season, as Kyle Gibson pitched into the seventh inning and Oswaldo Arcia hit a two-run homer for the Minnesota Twins …16 Apr 15
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Russell Westbrook scored 37 points in Oklahoma City's 138-113 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night that was rendered moot by New Orleans' playoff-clinching win over San Antonio. The Thunder needed …16 Apr 15
ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Blues are going with the hot hand in goal to start the playoffs, choosing rookie Jake Allen over veteran Brian Elliott. The 24-year-old Allen was 5-1-1 with 1.32 …16 Apr 15
Duke guard and Apple Valley native Tyus Jones is following fellow freshman teammates Jahlil Okafor (jah-LIHL' OH'-kah-fohr) and Justise Winslow to the pros. Jones was the most outstanding player at the Final Four after averaging …16 Apr 15
Schedule for Thursday, April 16 B Golf-Annandale, Hutchinson, Waconia, WM at Becker B Golf-WCC West at GSL B Golf-Central MN Conf at Kimball G Golf-Waconia at Osseo Track-Annandale Invite Track-Waconia at Fairbault Track-WM, LP/HT at …16 Apr 15
Results from Wednesday, April 15- Golf- Boys @ Prior Lake-1. Eagan 4. Waconia College Softball- MN Morris 11 Crown College 6 — MN Morris 6 Crown College 116 Apr 15
The Dassel Cokato Chargers picked up their first win of the year getting a 10-0 decision over rival Litchfield. DC took control of the game in the 2nd inning, scoring 6 runs in the rally. …15 Apr 15
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Cooke has an injury that has clouded his availability for Game 1 of the first-round playoff series against the St. Louis Blues. Cooke did not …15 Apr 15
Check out our Sports Broadcast Schedule! From the Twins, Wild, and Vikings to your local High Schools or Amateur Baseball teams, we've got you covered right here!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
3D Serpentine from Zaxwerks (an Adobe After Effects plugin)
3D Serpentine brings big-time 3D effects to Motion Graphics and Video artists. Creating 3D noodles, also called path extrusions, is no longer difficult nor time consuming. Now you can do them live, right inside of Adobe After Effect. If you know how to make a 3D path in After Effects you can create fanciful 3D…
Read more
Thorsten Meyer Thursday, 6 August 2009 0


text:
GraphicRiver Opened Bank Storage 1760803
Stock Vector \ Conceptual \ Business \ Concepts
Vector \ Illustration \ Include \ Version \ Colors \ Blends \ Gradient \ Available
Stock Vector - Opened Bank Storage 1760803 by PILart @ GraphicRiver
Stock Vector \ Conceptual \ Business \ Concepts
Opened Vault Door with a Full of Money Storage.
- vector illustration, only simply linear and radial gradients used
- no blends, gradient mesh used
- vector available CMYK colors and ready for print
- pack include version AI, CDR, EPS, JPG
Keywords: vectors, money, idea, market, crisis, door, 3d, concept, dial, fortune, full, illustration, inside, prize, rich, savings, shining, valuable, vault, win
Layered: No; Graphics Files Included: JPG Image, Vector EPS, AI Illustrator; Minimum Adobe CS Version: CS.
Christmas Background with Gift Box; Firework City At Night; Military Icons Set; Industrial Landscape; Chemical Factory on Green Meadow; Military Planes and Warships; Strategy Game Assets.
Keywords: ajar, bank, banker, budget, business, cash, coin, coins, depository, dollar, finance, financial, funds, gold, golden, metal, open, pile, repository, round, safe, security, steel, strength, strong, strongbox, success, treasure, vaulted, wealth.


text:
Millennium Quilters of Harrison County 2012 Quilt Show will be held July 27 and 28 at the Bridgeport Conference Center.
The show will be from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Admission is $5. A raffle, silent auction and more will also be featured at the show.
For more information, visit www.millenniumquilters.net or call 304-842-4586.
Pat Gray, of Millennium Quilters, sat down with Don Graye to talk more about the show.


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I always remind my students to be clear in their intentions, and even more so in Nosara. I have seen it time and time again here: intentions, desires and future hopes spoken at the sunset gatherings, over the beachside fires, or after Yoga class at the juice bar are first actions in setting the wheels of manifestation into motion.
It happened to me. It wasn't my plan to actually move to Costa Rica. I returned to Nosara in 2009, like I had so many times before, for a couple of weeks of decompression. I was preparing to close my Yoga studio in North Carolina and needed a moment to pause and renew my energy.
At the end of my personal retreat time, I accumulated a nice tan, new adventures to hidden beaches, renewed energy, and a job offer from a new retreat center seeking someone who did exactly what I did. I expressed my intentions of teaching Yoga Teacher Trainings and retreats, and the next doors opened.
I returned to NC, and within the following 3 months, I handed the Yoga studio keys back to the landlord, sold my house, and returned again to Nosara to lead my first Yoga teacher training immersion.
In 2010, Costa Rica became my home and in the six years since, Nosara became my teacher. It took some time to unwind my old ways of operating and adopt a new relationship to a different, more sustainable way of living. Through the journey of it all, I feel much younger, wiser, healthier and grateful.
These are just a few threads of the lessons I have learned while living in Nosara:
1) Slow down. Slow way down. When we drop our pace, we drop into the earth element a little deeper. It is slower in vibration, and brings our awareness to the aspects of life that are at our foundation: support, resources, trust, safety and security.
2) Enjoy. Around here, the phrase, "Pura Vida" is a constant reminder to enjoy life in its essence. It's not just about enjoying the good life, but rather, all of the threads of our experiences are meant to be honored.
3) Honor the elements. Here, so close to the equator and far from concrete and too many approaching headlights, we can sensitize our awareness to feel the effects of the elements. The ocean's capacity to purify coupled with the sun's ability to recharge and renew our energy can do wonders for resetting the system and discharging stagnancy.
4) Don't take anything too seriously. In Costa Rica, importance of family and quality time far outweigh the need to get ahead on the corporate ladder. And, I don't think it is a coincidence that Nicoya, CR is one of the 5 Blue Zones of the world, where inhabitants live the longest, with a lower percentage of chronic disease and higher level of happiness.
5) If it can't get done today, there is always mañana. I have learned to be patient. I can't easily jump in a car and head to the corner megastore to easily obtain the items that make life easier. I have learned to need less and simplify more. I have felt the difference in my body and nervous system as a result of this patience, simplicity and acceptance.
6) Love what you do and never work a day in your life. Pura vida…
And, here I am, 6 years later, still learning from the land, elements and culture of Costa Rica. I am ready to share more of the life lessons of my practices of Yoga, breathwork, meditation and sustainability and longevity principles in our upcoming Yoga Immersion. This never feels like work, because it is what I love doing!
Ashley Ludman will facilitate The Harmony Healing Centre's inaugural Yoga Teacher Training, May 12-June 4, 2016. For more information, visit www.ashleyludman.com.


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DAMN DIRTY GODS 2: "Settle Down. Let it Happen..."
After the first blow against Asgard, the Siee launched full force. As the battle between H.A.M.M.E.R. and Uru-Hammer rages on, we've got recaps of all your tie-ins (including one we through in for emphasis of a returning character), and more than a couple of total "Holy @*#&" moments. SPOILERS ARE ON and it's time to check in on those Damn Dirty Gods!Dark Wolverine #82: This SIEGE tie-in is more of a SIEGE prep tie-in at first, but that works fine here. We watch Daken prepping for war while reading his thoughts, and he preps for war as most people would. Starting with beating the hell out of an ally in a pile of their own vomit, he then makes observations about gods and religion while licking blood off his claw. He also pointedly says, *FORESHADOWING ALERT* "Are you Ready to Die for him, Ares?" After seeing Norman's rallying speech through Daken's eyes, we see him flirt with and almost kiss Hawk(bulls)eye. Daken's then seen in the battle of Asgard, slaughtering a few warriors, then trying to cut a deal with one before Norman decapitates the godling. After a short conversation, Dark Wolverine stabs Norman clean through the back. Wait, what? Yeah, that DID happen! It didn't look like Norman had holes in his armor in SIEGE 1 or 2, so this must happen after. Meanwhile some pointy-toothed sisters looking to bring about Ragnarok…again…observe Daken with hungry eyes, and the scene fades to their crystal ball as Eric Carmen is now in your head. Dark Avengers #13: Remember back in Bendis's "Fortune and Glory" where he talks about inviting friends over for Passover Seder as a gag since they didn't know that they'd have to sit so long for dinner? It kind of seems like the story of the Sentry is a comics version of that. We even get a little of "The Ten Commandments" thrown in at the top of this issue to support the theory. There are quite a few things either confirmed or explained in this issue: a) The Sentry is crazy, b) his wife is terrified of him, c) don't piss her off, and d) Norman's crazy, too. Apparently, Sentry's power (or the Void's power) may or may not be related to the power of the plagues of Egypt. Nevertheless, Bob's a junkie mess that lied about his origins to seem more heroic. When his wife tries to kill him, he lives through it, but needs to get to the sun. Apparently The Void returning, and all can think is that if the Sentry is Norman's secret weapon, I'll be disappointed. Why? Because he's been Norman's OVERT weapon for over a year. New Avengers #61: This one's another pre-SIEGE issue. The Hood has Norn Stones, and is powering his motley crew (call him Dr. Feelgood, he'll make you feel alright) to go after the secret Avengers. The Captains America are watching a H.A.M.M.E.R. crew sift through their skivvies at the old Brooklyn hideout when they're attacked by some of Hood's crew. The Corruptor wins "most likely to have a Dr. Light-esque character turn" when he touches Bucky's face and whispers "Settle down. Let it Happen…" followed shortly by "Kiss the Gun, Captain. KISS IT." (ACTUAL QUOTES). Meanwhile, the Spiders Man and Woman have a recon date, wherein they talk about Osborn's heavy dose of crazy and recap all of Secret Invasion in a single paragraph of dialogue. The Caps start to fight between each other, with Bucky under Corruptor's thrall, and Steve using his old energy-shield. The Spiders start to fight a living Griffin and a Flying Baboon. The Baboon (yes, I know, he's Mandrill) also has mind-control powers, and pits the Spiders against each other. PARALLEL STORYTELLING! After Woman blasts Man off the roof, Mandrill tells Spider-Woman to point the way to the Avengers. Avengers: The Initiative #32: Y'know, I think Taskmaster is actually kind of insecure. Actually, he does get over it as the invasion of Asgard begins. To quote George Carlin, "I kinda like a guy that doesn't know what he's doin' and won't admit it." On the other hand, Justice has the bright idea of using baseball strategy ("hit 'em where they ain't") by attacking Camp H.A.M.M.O.N.D. in the Initiative's absence. By issue's end, Taskmaster and his cronies stand over a beaten Thor, ready for . . . INCOMING! (Oh wait, that's later.) Captain America: Reborn #6: Hey, Cap's reborn, everybody! (ahem, ignore the New Avengers recap above, and the SIEGE #1 recap from the first edition, and pretend this is news, okay?) Though Cap's return was long ago a foregone conclusion, he comes back ready to kick all kinds of ass. Red Skull, Crossbones (heh, Skull and Crossbones; Nazi pirates!), Sin and Zola are all on the receiving end of the big red boot. Not a lot to break down and crack wise about, as it's pretty much a big-budget action movie in a few short pages. Red Skull takes a powder, Sin may be in for a name change, and Cap gets a little time with Sharon. As you've seen by the end of Siege #1, quiet time doesn't last long. SIEGE Embedded #2: The roadtrip with Phil, Will, and Volstagg continues, as the gods of Asgard are used as a very heavy allegory for Islamic extremist terrorists, and the idea that you can be Asgardian and not be a threat to humanity, even if there are threats to humanity that are Asgardian. It's squares and rectangles, folks. At any rate, their joy ride gets stopped on the way to Broxton, OK by Osborn's goons. Volstagg slaughters a few, and steals a goblin glider (man those things are TOUGH!), leaving Phil and Will to get arrested by H.A.M.M.E.R. They manage to escape on their own, and everyone's fates are up in the air. SIEGE #2: The issue starts in media swordfight as Ares and Balder throw down. The God of War is full of righteous anger until Balder and Heimdall manage to talk him down. It only takes a clear-thinking Ares a moment to realize that he's been punked by Norman.
On the ground, Norman's "Incoming!" sensor gets its first workout of the day. If you recall, Norman, Fake Ms. Marvel and the U-Foes (among others) are standing over a badly beaten Thor. Faster than you can say, well, "Incoming!", Thor's human buddies make their move with support from rocketry and an old pick-up truck. Maria Hill's gunfire buys Thor a moment, long enough to stand up and smack Ms. Moonstone with the business end of Mjolnir. Unfortunately, the God of Thunder (Thor, not Gene Simmons) is far from well; Hill and truck-drivin' Jason get Thor out of Dodge.
In Brooklyn, Cap rallies the New Avengers, the Young Avengers, and the Secret Warriors to make a counterstrike. Back in Asgard ("Incoming" #2), Ares gets the drop on Norman and Ms. Moonstone (who must have a bitch of a headache). The advantage doesn't last long for Ares, as Norman's Not-Very-Secret-Weapon The Sentry intervenes. Ares gets in a good stomach shot with his axe, releasing Void Tentacles from Bob's side. The Sentry settles it, though, by RIPPING ARES THE F@#% IN HALF. Yeah, we know that's the Vision finally went in Disassembled. It's dramatic symmetry. Go with it.
Back in Brooklyn, Bucky gives Cap the shield so he can pack really big heat. Daisy mocks her own team. And Phobos is really unhappy that he's being benched. Wanna bet he's even less happy later? The team saddles up, Spider-Man makes a joke from 14 years ago, and the combined team wormholes to Oklahoma.
On the ground, Dark Wolverine is sniffing around (literally) for Thor. He makes a move, but gets totally barbecued by the Thunder God. That's right; Thor is back in Dodge, and mad as Nifelheim. This is in time for the last page. Taskmaster, faster than the "Incoming" alarm (#3!) calls to Norman. Norman looks up in time for what's sure to be a red, white and blue KLANNGG! at the beginning of #3.


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Spitzer: Federal Reserve is 'a Ponzi scheme, an inside job'
The Federal Reserve — the quasi-autonomous body that controls the US's money supply — is a "Ponzi scheme" that created "bubble after bubble" in the US economy and needs to be held accountable for its actions, says Eliot Spitzer, the former governor and attorney-general of New York.
Advocating in favor of a House bill to audit the Federal Reserve, Spitzer said: "The Federal Reserve has benefited for decades from the notion that it is quasi-autonomous, it's supposed to be independent. Let me tell you a dirty secret: The Fed has done an absolutely disastrous job since [former Fed Chairman] Paul Volcker left.
The man is entirely right on this.
And We the Taxpayers get all of the financial burden with these bailouts, and none of the benefit.


text: If switching from synth to full 'soft' poly, how much (if any) tension reduction is advised? I'm specifically curious about the following two: - synth to cyberflash - synth to cyberblue What got me wondering is that I started playing cyberflash 17 with a relatively small reduction in tension from what I liked with synth (58 lbs vs 62 on a 107 sq in frame) -- it feels great, gives me no arm problems at all, and feels like I could comfortably go tighter. I want to try cyberblue 17 too, and that's even 'softer'. Any input you guys could provide would be appreciated -- I don't string my own rackets, so experimenting can get expensive... Thanks.


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Blade Runner is a 1982 American neo-noir dystopian science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, and Edward James Olmos. The screenplay, written by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples, is a modified film adaptation of the 1968 novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick.
The film depicts Los Angeles in November 2019, in which genetically engineered replicants, which are visually indistinguishable from adult humans, are manufactured by the powerful Tyrell Corporation as well as by other "mega-corporations" around the world. The use of replicants on Earth is banned and they are exclusively utilized for dangerous or menial work on off-world colonies. Replicants who defy the ban and return to Earth are hunted down and killed ("retired") by special police operatives known as "Blade Runners". The plot focuses on a group of recently escaped replicants hiding in Los Angeles and the burnt-out expert Blade Runner, Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), who reluctantly agrees to take on one more assignment to hunt them down.
Blade Runner initially polarized critics: some were displeased with the pacing, while others enjoyed its thematic complexity. The film performed poorly in North American theaters but has since become a cult film.[3] It has been hailed for its production design, depicting a "retrofitted" future,[4] and remains a leading example of the neo-noir genre.[5] It brought the work of Philip K. Dick to the attention of Hollywood and several later films were based on his work.[6] Ridley Scott regards Blade Runner as "probably" his most complete and personal film.[7][8] In 1993, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". Blade Runner is now regarded by many critics as one of the best science fiction films ever made.
Seven versions of the film have been shown for various markets as a result of controversial changes made by film executives. A rushed Director's Cut was released in 1992 after a strong response to workprint screenings. This, in conjunction with its popularity as a video rental, made it one of the first films released on DVD, resulting in a basic disc with mediocre video and audio quality.[9] In 2007, Warner Bros. released The Final Cut, a 25th anniversary digitally remastered version which is the only one on which Scott had complete artistic freedom[10] and was shown in select theaters and subsequently released on DVD, HD DVD, and Blu-ray.[11]


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Interesting article in today's New York Times http://nyti.ms/x77odY of the way Republicans and Democrats completely reversed their positions on the individual mandate since the concept was formulated by conservative economists in the early 1990s. Republicans in Congress, including Newt Gingrich, supported the idea and the Democrats were opposed. Subsequently, there's been a 180 degree change in the parties' positions. This is emblematic of Washington's culture- if one party favors an idea, the other one will reject it. Doesn't this behavior meet Einstein's definition of insanity- doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result, or that just the perception of the vast majority of Americans
How the Parties Switched Stances on the Indvidual Mandate
Back in the 1990's Newt Gingrich and Bob Dole supported an individual mandate as a way of saying, "If you want health insurance, we have a plan. Go buy it." They did NOT support the idea of taxpayer subsidized insurance (at least they didn't advertise it that way).
Now the Republican plan for health insurance is, "If you can't afford health insurance, don't get sick."
RL, excellent, too many people in their partisan zeal forget that both parties flip flop and change basic principals from time to time. Dems used to be the more war like party, now the reps are.
Nixon proposed a health care plan and the Dems led by Teddy K., scotched it (he also killed Carter's attempt at HCR).
The mandate, which I favor, is a good example of party silliness.
No they haven't…
Let me explain the process to you…
A) Dems id a problem, let's say pollution, and offer a solution: let's tax pollution.
B) Repugs scream bloody murder, but the public doesn't buy it, so they come up with their solution: cap and trade.
C) Dems scream bloody murder, but after a few years come to the conclusion that if the problem is to be solved they will have to do it the Repugs way, and come up with a workable cap and trade system.
D) The Repugs realize that their supporters are going to have to pay for the pollution that they emit, so they now reject Cap and Trade and accuse the Dems of being commies.
E) The dems are now in a position in which they have to defend what was originally a repug policy, and the repugs do what they do best: stall and hope that the dems get their asses handed to them at the next election.
No doubt about it, many examples of democrat fail exist, whether from ineptness, hypocrisy, neglect, or spine deficit. And all wannabe tail wagging dog equivalence mythology aside, we still end up with a govt too divided to accomplish anything. Now, that division and immoblization has been characterized by some as "compromise" and portrayed as a good thing, but I think most of us know better than to buy into such nonsense. Strip the wheat from the chaff; on average we have two parties – one of which seems to be at least bumbling along and trying to find solutions, and another party which spends it's time and energy exacerbating problems and advocating for additional fail. Voters need to be asking themselves what the real motives are here and what is at stake. The issues are obvious enough, why can't intelligent people honesty cooperate toward finding solutions?
Z, I think it may the fluoride in the water, or perhaps the extra carbon monoxide in the air.
Either way, there is discord in the sand box.
Dd, it's more like a litterbox than a sandbox no?
No, my cat is very nice…………
Speak Your Mind
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text: Graciella pays homage to the unparalleled beauty and sophistication of Grace Kelly. This beautifully lush and floral scent is as unforgettable as its muse. Floral and fruity without being overbearingly sweet, Graciella is a light dash of fragrance that works beautifully in between seasons as well being crisp enough for the warmer months. Blended with notes of bitter orange, Asian pear, watery apricot, Casablanca lily, ylang-ylang, karma fleur, rose de mai, creamy iris, cashmere musk and benzoin from Laos.


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LONDON, July 7 (IFR) - Deutsche Bank has hired Chris Harding as a director in its capital market financing & solutions group, covering European insurance companies, according to market sources.
Harding joins the German bank this month from HSBC, where he worked since 2012, according to his LinkedIn profile. He will report to Jonathan Gold, co-head of FIG origination for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
He previously worked in insurance solutions at Nomura.
His appointment was confirmed by a Deutsche Bank spokesperson. (Reporting by Alice Gledhill, Editing by Helene Durand, Julian Baker)


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Sweet Summertime
What's everyone's summer plans ?! Any vacations?
No big vacations for us. We have talked about taking weekend trips to Six Flags and a few waterparks, but we don't have time for anything big. Most of our summer will be consumed by out processing and selling our home.
Re: Sweet Summertime
Start of the summer is Johnny at AT. July is the only month I have off. I plan on painting the kitchen and throughout the rest of the summer I'm hoping that we can have some camping trips.
Re: Sweet Summertime
We are taking our honeymoon at the beginning of August, we are planning on making a few day trips possibly to a place like Six Flags or the Zoo at some point this summer too. Other than that we have a good bit of cookouts this summer with friends and I am just working on losing some extra weight and getting in better shape until TTC is a success for us! We had the army ball last weekend which was a blast, it was my first one!
Re: Sweet Summertime
We aren't going anywhere but we are having our baby boy in August! :)
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