Abstract: Systems and methods for processing signals from sensors associated with disposable products are provided. Signals indicative of disposable product consumption and an available quantity of disposable products can be processed. Data associated with the signals can be communicated to an assessment module. The data can include location information associated with the disposable product consumption and available quantity of disposable products. The assessment module can estimate disposable product usage for different locations based on the data. The assessment module can provide notifications of inventory status for the different locations based on the estimated disposable product usage.

Abstract: A system for removing and donning a disposable absorbent article by using a separate robotic device includes an absorbent assembly having an inner layer that partly defines a body-facing surface, an outer layer that defines a garment-facing surface, and an absorbent body disposed between the inner and outer layers. The absorbent assembly also includes a pair of ears extending transversely outward from the opposite sides of the absorbent assembly in the back waist region, each of the ears including a body-facing surface with a primary first fastening-component that is selectively engageable with a primary second fastening-component in the front waist region of the absorbent assembly in a wear configuration of the article, and a garment-facing surface opposite the body-facing surface. The absorbent article also includes a manipulation-enablement feature configured to assist the post-retail manipulation of the absorbent article by the robotic device.

Abstract: A signal device includes a signal composite made with a coextruded film having at least two layers, a polymer skin layer and a stimulation layer. The stimulation layer includes a cooling agent and a polymer binder. The stimulation layer may be about 50 to 98 percent by weight of the signal composite. The signal device may be used in an absorbent article to provide a cooling sensation after a body-fluid insult has taken place.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article. The signaling device can provide an audible and/or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article when it detects the presence of a substance. The absorbent article includes one or more identifiable characteristics the presence of which permits operation of the signaling device. In this manner, the present disclosure provides for product and signaling device matching for use.

Abstract: An extruded water-soluble article is made from homogeneous material that includes a water-soluble polymer having an extrusion temperature of 50 to 150° C. This relatively low extrusion temperature is compatible with actives that would otherwise be destroyed in a high temperature extrusion process. The article further includes between 0.1% to 50% by weight of an active agent.

Abstract: A system for removing and donning a disposable absorbent article by using a separate robotic device includes an absorbent assembly having an inner layer that partly defines a body-facing surface, an outer layer that defines a garment-facing surface, and an absorbent body disposed between the inner and outer layers. The absorbent assembly also includes a pair of ears extending transversely outward from the opposite sides of the absorbent assembly in the back waist region, each of the ears including a body-facing surface with a primary first fastening-component that is selectively engageable with a primary second fastening-component in the front waist region of the absorbent assembly in a wear configuration of the article, and a garment-facing surface opposite the body-facing surface. The absorbent article also includes a manipulation-enablement feature configured to assist the post-retail manipulation of the absorbent article by the robotic device.

Abstract: Pant-like absorbent articles having handles on side panels of the article for ease of removal and donning of the absorbent garment and a method for forming is disclosed herein. The article includes a front waist region, a back waist region, and a chassis extending longitudinally between and interconnecting the front and back waist regions attached by at least one side panel. Formed within the side panel is at least one handle. The handle includes a slit formed through the side panel, the slit extending in both the longitudinal and lateral direction to provide a flap material. The flap material is folded towards the waist edge of the side panel to provide an aperture in the side panel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing signals from sensors associated with disposable products are provided. Signals indicative of disposable product consumption and an available quantity of disposable products can be processed. Data associated with the signals can be communicated to an assessment module. The data can include location information associated with the disposable product consumption and available quantity of disposable products. The assessment module can estimate disposable product usage for different locations based on the data. The assessment module can provide notifications of inventory status for the different locations based on the estimated disposable product usage.

Abstract: A fluid-distributing structure includes a flexible body having a plurality of fluid reservoirs defined therein, and a plurality of directional fluid barriers. The fluid reservoirs are fluidly connected to one another by openings defined within the body. Each fluid barrier is associated with one of the openings defined in the body, and is configured to permit fluid flow through the opening in a downstream direction and inhibit fluid flow through the opening in an upstream direction.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article. The signaling device can provide an audible and/or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article when it detects the presence of a substance. The absorbent article includes one or more identifiable characteristics the presence of which permits operation of the signaling device. In this manner, the present disclosure provides for product and signaling device matching for use.

Abstract: An extruded water-soluble article made is from a homogeneous material that includes a water-soluble polymer having an extrusion temperature of 50 to 150° C. The article further includes between 0.1% to 50% by weight of an active agent. Potential active agents include, isothiazolone, alkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, a triazine, 2-thiocyanomethylthio benzothiazol, methylene bis thiocyanate, acrolein, dodecylguanidine hydrochloride, a chlorophenol, a quaternary ammonium salt, gluteraldehyde, a dithiocarbamate, 2-mercatobenzothiazole, para-chloro-meta-xylenol, silver based compounds, chlorohexidine, polyhexamthylene biguanide, a n-halamine, triclosan, a phospholipid, an alpha hydroxyl acid, 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide, 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol, farnesol, iodine, bromine, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide, ozone, a botanical oil, a botanical extract, benzalkonium chloride, chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An extruded water-soluble article includes a water-soluble polymer having an extrusion temperature of 90 to 150 C., a plasticizer, and one or more active agents in a total amount of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the article. Combining the active agent(s) with a plasticizer prior to melt-blending with the water-soluble polymer prevents phase separation of the active agent and the polymer. Articles include films, fibers, rods, bars and the like. Such articles may be placed in an absorbent article such as a bandage, a medical drape, a wipe, a sheet, a diaper, a pant, or a pad.

Abstract: Disclosed is an article for urine odor control. The article may be in the form of a film The article is a homogeneous material may include a water-soluble polymer having an extrusion temperature of 50 to 150 C, and between 0.1% to 50% by weight of an odor-control system. The odor control system may include one or more the following: an enzyme inhibitor, an odor absorber, a blocking agent or an antimicrobial agent. The article may be placed in an absorbent member, wherein the absorbent member is a bandage, a medical drape, a wipe, a towel, a sheet, a pad, a pant or a diaper.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article. The signaling device can provide an audible and/or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article when it detects the presence of a substance. The absorbent article includes one or more identifiable characteristics the presence of which permits operation of the signaling device. In this manner, the present disclosure provides for product and signaling device matching for use.

Abstract: A fluid-distributing structure includes a flexible body having a plurality of fluid reservoirs defined therein, and a plurality of directional fluid barriers. The fluid reservoirs are fluidly connected to one another by openings defined within the body. Each fluid barrier is associated with one of the openings defined in the body, and is configured to permit fluid flow through the opening in a downstream direction and inhibit fluid flow through the opening in an upstream direction.

Abstract: Absorbent articles are disclosed that convey information to a user. In particular, the absorbent articles include an active graphic that comprises a machine readable code. The active graphic, for instance, may comprise a disappearing graphic, an appearing graphic, and/or a color-change graphic. The change in appearance of the graphic may occur once contacted with a suitable activation agent, such as urine. The machine readable code contained in the active graphic, once scanned by a suitable reader device, may convey information to a user related to the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided for absorbing a liquid, the absorbent article including a chassis including a liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent structure positioned between the liner and the outer cover, the chassis including a front region and a back region, the front region and the back region defining a waist region therebetween. The absorbent article also includes a wetness indicator positioned adjacent the liner or the outer cover, the wetness indicator including a hydrophanous tissue layer having an absorbent-structure-facing side and being in liquid communication with the absorbent structure or the liner, and an indicator material disposed between the absorbent-facing side of the tissue layer and the absorbent structure. The absorbent article can also include a film layer disposed adjacent the tissue layer, and the indicator material can include an active constituent adapted to wick along the tissue layer when the absorbent article is insulted.

Abstract: Signaling systems are disclosed that indicate a change in an absorbent article, such as the presence of a body fluid. The various different signaling systems disclosed do not include any conductive elements contained on the interior of the article as were required in the past. Instead, the changes are monitored from the outer cover of the article. In one aspect, for instance, a signaling device is provided for sensing and indicating the presence of a body exudate in an absorbent article, the device including a housing and a capacitive sensor disposed within the housing, the capacitive sensor adapted to sense a change in capacitance due to an insult to the absorbent article. The signaling device can include an attachment mechanism for removably attaching the housing to the absorbent article.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article. The signaling device can provide an audible and/or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article when it detects the presence of a substance. The absorbent article includes one or more identifiable characteristics the presence of which permits operation of the signaling device. In this manner, the present disclosure provides for product and signaling device matching for use.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article. The signaling device can provide an audible and/or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article when it detects the presence of a substance. The absorbent article includes one or more identifiable characteristics the presence of which permits operation of the signaling device. In this manner, the present disclosure provides for product and signaling device matching for use.