Abstract: Methods and apparatus for applying elastic material in a curvilinear pattern on a continuously moving substrate. The method moves a substrate along a substrate path, supplies the elastic material to an oscillation unit first roll mounted for pivoting and rolling engagement with a transfer roll, oscillates the oscillation unit in a path generally transverse to the substrate path, applies the elastic material from the first roll to the transfer roll in the desired curvilinear path configuration, then applies the elastic material from the transfer roll to the substrate and bonds the elastic material to the substrate. Optionally the first roll may apply the elastic material directly to the substrate.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a working implement, for use with an excavating type machine, which semi-automatically brings a pipe section to a specified grade, slope, and line for emplacement in a line of pipe sections to be laid on the specified grade slope and line. The implement is rigidly mounted to the excavation machine whereby the position of the implement can be maintained within narrow tolerances while the pipe section is linearly inserted into a previously laid pipe section, and can be retained at the specified grade, slope, and line while fill material is emplaced and consolidated about and under the pipe, with sufficient density that the pipe can be released without the pipe moving outside normal tolerances of the specified grade, slope and line.

Abstract: This invention pertains to assisting individuals in dealing with the death of another by providing a novel bier system designed to provide active and uplifting association with life. The bier system comprises a bier for receiving a representation of the deceased, and an aviary containing live birds, in associative proximity with the bier. The aviary is of sufficient size and openness of interior chamber therein to facilitate significant movement of the birds about at least one interior chamber of the aviary, and to facilitate persons approaching the bier to make an association of activity of the birds with proximity of the bier. The soothing sounds and sights of bird activity assist the bereaved and help them to remember, even as they grieve, that life in general continues.

Abstract: Controlling processes comprising detecting and measuring a parameter, for example presence and location of an element of a good, with at least two determinations as representations of the target parameter, transmitting signals to the computer, and processing the signals to compare the parameter to acceptable conditions. The detection can include three or more replications, optionally each for at least two parameters, optionally using at least two different methods to analyze the signals. The invention contemplates detecting and analyzing the target parameters using two or more analytical tools within the respective image to detect a given component of the product, namely two or more measurements of the parameter on a single visual image.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a three dimensional disposable garment, subassemblies of the garment, and apparatus and methods for making the garment and subassemblies. The garment is designed to hold a primary absorbent sanitary pad. The garment may have elasticized leg and waist openings and be stretchable about the hip and stomach regions of a user. The garment provides backup protection to control egress of fluids that leak or seep around or through the primary sanitary pad. The garment includes a secondary absorbent positioned in the crotch area and extending into the body of the disposable garment, front and back, and preferably over the leg elastics to trap, inside the garment, leakage from the primary absorbent, and to prevent strike through onto e.g. outer clothing and bed linen.

Abstract: This invention teaches an elongate air depolarized electrochemical cell. The cell has a cathode, including an air cathode assembly, and a separator disposed inwardly of the air cathode assembly. A bottom member defines a bottom of the cell. An anode cavity, defined inwardly of the separator and the bottom member, receives a mass of electroactive anode material. An elongate hollow tube anode current collector is in electroactive contact with the mass of electroactive anode material. The anode current collector preferably has an enlarged cross-section such that the average distance between the anode current collector and the separator is reduced, thereby to reduce the overall mass of electroactive anode material used in the cell.

Abstract: Methods of controlling processes having operating conditions, one or more inputs, and one or more outputs. The methods comprise defining acceptable steady state conditions, operating the process, and sampling output on the basis of a dual segment output population model, detecting destabilizing process events which result in output not representing acceptable output parameters, defining operating conditions according to which output is rejected, and defining output parameters according to which output is rejected. Upon detecting a destabilizing process event, the invention temporarily implements sampling assuming a second segment of the output population.

Abstract: Methods of controlling manufacturing processes manufacturing, for example, absorbent articles. A target parameter to be measured is established, as are acceptable conditions of the target parameter. The target parameter is detected with first and second replications of determinations of the condition of the goods using multiple independent determinors, for example multiple sensors, or multiple replications using a common determinator, for example software instructions for analyzing a full digital vision image. Multiple determinations are taken at sites which are selected for their prospects for indicating acceptable conditions of the parameter. The method includes developing a measurement strategy, programming a computer to use appropriate analysis tools to evaluate the determination signals, transmitting the signals to the computer, and processing the signals according to an appropriate method.

Abstract: This invention pertains to metal-air electrochemical cells wherein one or more air entry ports is located in the bottom of the cathode can, to provide for entry of oxygen-rich air into the cathode can, where the oxygen partcicpates in the chemical reaction whereby the cell produces electrical energy. In this invention, multiple small air entry ports are provided. Generally, the use of multiple ports distributed over the bottom of the cathode can, opposite the reaction surface of the cathode assembly, while not increasing the overall open area of the ports, results in an increase in the ratio of the cell limiting current to the rate at which moisture is lost from the cell. Accordingly, moisture loss as a function of electrical energy produced, is less.

Abstract: This invention pertains to electrochemical cells, typically to air depolarized cells of the button-type. Non-reactive elements of cells of the invention are thinner than corresponding non-reactive elements of prior art cells. Such elements can be made thinner because of improved structures of such elements. The anode can is made from a metal strip structure having a higher steel content. The cathode can preferably has improved stiffness and rigidity while retaining sufficient ductility to tolerate forming the cathode can. By so reducing the thicknesses of non-reactive elements of the cell, and thus the volume occupied by such non-reactive elements, the fraction of the cell devoted to holding electrochemically reactive anode material therein is increased, with corresponding increase in the milliampere hour capacity of the cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper, incontinent pad, sanitary napkin and the like that has as a component of the absorbent core a fluff cellulosic material. The absorbent core is especially effective and efficient for absorbing body fluids contacting the surface of the absorbent article. The absorbent core comprises a first absorbent layer having a fluff cellulosic material and a second absorbent layer of a resilient cellulosic material. The first absorbent layer can have an acquisition orifice so the second absorbent layer can quickly acquire any discharged body fluids. The absorbent article exhibits excellent wet crush recovery substantially without the use of polymeric or polyolefinic materials in either of the absorbent layers. The absorbent core when laterally crushed to approximately 40% of its initial dimension will recover to at least about 70% of its initial, precrushed dimension.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the directed drainage of fluids emerging in a localized manner and further an absorbent article (10) which comprises: a front region (12); a rear region (14); a center part (16) disposed between the front and rear regions; an upper, fluid-permeable layer (18) which faces the body when the absorbent article (10) is in use; a lower layer (20) which is impervious to fluid and is remote from the body when the absorbent article (10) is in use: a fluid-distribution layer (22) which is disposed between the fluid-permeable layer (18) and the layer (20) which is impervious to fluid, the fluid-distribution layer (22) extending from the front region (12) to the rear region (14) of the absorbent article (10); and a fluid-storage layer (24) disposed between the layer (20) which is impervious to fluid and the fluid-distribution layer (22).

Abstract: This invention pertains to fabricating composite personal care article products on a fabrication line, and sensing assembly quality characteristics of such personal care article products so fabricated, using infrared image sensing apparatus, and signal processing apparatus for processing the infrared energy so sensed, to fabricate visual displays of the composite images sensed by the infrared sensing apparatus. By using infrared imagery, and sensing the various temperatures of elements being placed and worked on the fabrication line, elements of the personal care articles which are hidden from visual observation can be sensed by sensing the infrared radiation emitted from such articles. Elements which are available for visual observation can likewise be sensed where temperature of such elements is suitable for detection, by infrared-sensitive receptors.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a three dimensional disposable garment, subassemblies of the garment, and apparatus and methods for making the garment and subassemblies. The garment is designed to hold a primary absorbent sanitary pad. The garment may have elasticized leg and waist openings and be stretchable about the hip and stomach regions of a user. The garment provides backup protection to control egress of fluids that leak or seep around or through the primary sanitary pad. The garment includes a secondary absorbent positioned in the crotch area and extending into the body of the disposable garment, front and back, and preferably over the leg elastics to trap, inside the garment, leakage from the primary absorbent, and to prevent strike through onto e.g. outer clothing and bed linen.

Abstract: An elongate air depolarized electrochemical cell (10). A grommet (18) closes the top of the cell (10). A seal (36) can extend upwardly into a slot (174) between the grommet (18) and a top closure member (177) such as at the top of a cathode can (28), or a separate top closure member (200). Cathode assembly (26) and separator (16) can extend into the slot (174). The seal is between the grommet (18) and cathode assembly (26), or between grommet (18) and separator (16). or both. The seal can extend upwardly into the slot (174) from an outer surface of the cathode assembly (26), can extend about respective upper edges of the cathode current collector (57), catalyst, and separator (16), and downwardly toward, preferably against or along the inner surface of, the separator (16).