Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles and composites that provide improved protection and comfort by use of a vapor permeable, liquid barrier layer and an exudates thickener. In particular, the barrier layer results from deposition of barrier coating on one or more regions of the barrier layer such that select regions of the overall article exhibit a barrier to liquid while the article in general is still deemed breathable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles and composites that provide improved protection and comfort by use of a vapor permeable, liquid barrier layer. In particular, this layer results from deposition of barrier coating on one or more regions of the barrier layer such that select regions of the overall article exhibit a barrier to liquid while the article in general is still deemed breathable.

Abstract: Variable stretch composites having one or more first elastomeric members disposed on a first region of an extensible substrate, and one or more second elastomeric members disposed on a second region of the extensible substrate which different from the first elastomeric members to provide variable properties to said regions of the composite. The composite has been incrementally stretched to at least partially break up the structure of the substrate in order to reduce its resistance to stretch. The variable stretch composites are useful for disposable and durable articles, such as disposable absorbent articles including diapers, pull-on diapers, training pants, incontinence briefs, catamenial garments, baby bibs, and the like, and durable articles like garments including sportswear, outerwear and the like. The present invention also relates to methods of forming such variable stretch composites.

Abstract: A stretch laminate includes a first layer including an elastomer film, the first layer having a surface, and a second layer including a nonwoven material, the second layer having a surface that is attached to the surface of the first layer. The tensile behavior in the transverse direction of the stretch laminate is within about 2.5 N/cm of the tensile behavior in the transverse direction of the film at an engineering strain of about 1.5, and exists independent of mechanical activation. A method of making the stretch laminate and an absorbent article having at least one region defined by the stretch laminate are also provided.

Abstract: Colored razor blades are provided. Methods for manufacturing such blades are also provided, including methods involving depositing an oxide coating prior to heat treatment of the blade material and heat treating under conditions selected to enhance the color of the coating.

Abstract: An RFID performance monitoring system may include systems, methods, or computer program products for collecting information related to the performance of an RFID system. One source of performance-related information can be the RFID readers, both during an active (reading) period and an inactive (listening) period. In various embodiments described herein, a performance monitoring system may collect performance-related information from RFID readers during both during their active and inactive periods.

Abstract: A breathable composite sheet material, a method for making such a sheet material, and an absorbent article utilizing the sheet material are provided. The composite sheet material is comprised of a thermoplastic film adhered directly to a fibrous substrate. The thermoplastic film comprises at least 50% by weight of a polymer material from the group of block copolyether esters, block copolyether amides and polyurethanes. The substrate comprises a fibrous web of at least 50% by weight of polyolefin polymer synthetic fibers. The composite sheet exhibits a peel strength of at least 0.1 N/cm, a dynamic fluid transmission of less than about 0.75 g/m2 when subjected to an impact energy of about 2400 joules/m2, and a moisture vapor transmission rate, according to the desiccant method, of at least 1500 g/m2/24 hr.