Abstract: A method of welding plate joints during construction or repair of a structure. The method includes the steps of: (a) positioning a series of plates forming a structure component next to one another to form a series of joints for welding; (b) positioning a welding system on or adjacent to the series of plates, the welding system including a platform with an articulating welding arm positioned thereon, wherein the articulating arm comprises a welding head and a joint sensor; (c) directing the articulating arm with a controller to detect a first joint with the joint sensor; (d) beginning to weld the first joint; (e) adjusting the position of the welding head to track the weld joint based on data from the joint sensor; and (f) repositioning the articulating arm and positioning the welding head adjacent a second weld joint to begin welding the second joint.

Abstract: A tool for operatively coupling a drive mechanism to a driven component is provided. The drive mechanism includes a drive shaft. The tool includes at least two members. Each member includes an inner surface forming an inner lip extending along a first axial edge of each member. The inner lip is positioned within a groove defined within the drive shaft. Each member also includes an outer surface and a channel defined within the outer surface. The outer surface is tapered between the channel and the first axial edge. The tool further includes at least one seal removably coupled to the at least two members. The at least one seal is configured to retain the at least two members about the drive shaft.

Abstract: There is provided an absorbent system for personal care products which may be transversely divided into about an equally sized center zone, two intermediate zones and two end zones where the ratio of the amount of liquid stored in the center zone to the amount of liquid stored in at least one of the end zones 30 minutes each of three insults of 80 ml according to a MIST Evaluation Test after less than 5:1. Such an absorbent system may be used in personal care products like diapers, training pants, feminine hygiene products, absorbent underpants, adult incontinence products, and the like.

Abstract: There is provided an absorbent system for personal care products which may be transversely divided into about an equally sized center zone, two intermediate zones and two end zones where the ratio of the amount of liquid stored in the center zone to the amount of liquid stored in at least one of the end zones 30 minutes after each of three insults of 80 ml according to a MIST Evaluation Test is less than 5:1. Such an absorbent system may be used in personal care products like diapers, training pants, feminine hygiene products, absorbent underpants, adult incontinence products, and the like.

Abstract: A multifunctional material is provided for use in personal care products. The multifunctional material has a permeability between 100 and 10000 Darcys and a capillary tension between about 2 and 15 cm. Structures containing this multifunctional material can have a runoff rate of less than 25 ml per 100 ml insult, over its life. The multifunctional material should have between about 30 and 75 weight percent of a slow rate superabsorbent, between 25 and 70 weight percent of pulp and from a positive amount up to about 10 percent of a binder component. The material preferably has a density between about 0.05 and 0.5 g/cc. The material has a liquid pass through function which desorbs a surge material across time frames consistent with user conditions and releases the liquid for distribution to remote storage locations. The material, when combined with the intake and distribution materials, defines a composite structure for use in personal care products.