Abstract: In various aspects, the present disclosure pertains to thermoformed webs that comprise polymer films having one or more thermoformed cavities contained therein, the polymer films comprising a polymer blend of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET) and a copolyester that comprises (a) dicarboxylic acid residues (e.g., dicarboxylic acid residues that comprise terephthalic acid residues and, optionally, one or more additional dicarboxylic acid residues) and (b) diol residues (e.g., diol residues comprising ethylene glycol residues and, optionally, one or more additional diol monomer residues). Other aspects of the disclosure pertain to methods of forming such thermoformed webs, packaged products comprising such thermoformed webs, and methods of recycling such thermoformed webs.

Abstract: In various aspects, the present disclosure pertains to thermoformed webs that comprise polymer films having one or more thermoformed cavities contained therein, the polymer films comprising a polymer blend of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET) and a copolyester that comprises (a) dicarboxylic acid residues (e.g., dicarboxylic acid residues that comprise terephthalic acid residues and, optionally, one or more additional dicarboxylic acid residues) and (b) diol residues (e.g., diol residues comprising ethylene glycol residues and, optionally, one or more additional diol monomer residues). Other aspects of the disclosure pertain to methods of forming such thermoformed webs, packaged products comprising such thermoformed webs, and methods of recycling such thermoformed webs.

Abstract: In various aspects, the present disclosure pertains to thermoformed webs that comprise polymer films having one or more thermoformed cavities contained therein, the polymer films comprising a polymer blend of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET) and a copolyester that comprises (a) dicarboxylic acid residues (e.g., dicarboxylic acid residues that comprise terephthalic acid residues and, optionally, one or more additional dicarboxylic acid residues) and (b) diol residues (e.g., diol residues comprising ethylene glycol residues and, optionally, one or more additional diol monomer residues). Other aspects of the disclosure pertain to methods of forming such thermoformed webs, packaged products comprising such thermoformed webs, and methods of recycling such thermoformed webs.

Abstract: In various aspects, the present disclosure pertains to thermoformable, multi-layer polymer films comprising a core layer that is comprised of a blend of high density polyethylene and low density polyethylene and, at least one outermost layer that is comprised of a blend of a cyclic olefin copolymer, polyethylene, a functionalized polymer, a dispersing agent and a mineral filler. The present disclosure includes thermoformed webs made from such films, the webs having one or more thermoformed cavities contained therein. Other aspects of the disclosure pertain to methods of forming such thermoformed webs, packaged products comprising such thermoformed webs, and methods of recycling such thermoformed webs.

Abstract: In various aspects, the present disclosure pertains to thermoformed webs that comprise polymer films having one or more thermoformed cavities contained therein, the polymer films comprising a polymer blend of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET) and a copolyester that comprises (a) dicarboxylic acid residues (e.g., dicarboxylic acid residues that comprise terephthalic acid residues and, optionally, one or more additional dicarboxylic acid residues) and (b) diol residues (e.g., diol residues comprising ethylene glycol residues and, optionally, one or more additional diol monomer residues). Other aspects of the disclosure pertain to methods of forming such thermoformed webs, packaged products comprising such thermoformed webs, and methods of recycling such thermoformed webs.

Abstract: A computer system for managing toilet training of a person is provided. The computer system includes a memory device, a display device, and a processor in communication with the memory device and the display device. The processor is programmed to receive a first trigger event associated with a toilet training event. The processor is also programmed to display, on the display device, a first multi-media presentation based at least in part on said receipt of the first trigger event. The processor is further programmed to collect feedback data from a user. The processor is also programmed to store the feedback data in the memory device.

Abstract: A computer system for managing toilet training of a person is provided. The computer system includes a memory device, an input device, a display device, and a processor. The processor is programmed to provide a first set of enhanced functionality configured in an enabled status, wherein the first set of enhanced functionality includes an event timer associated with a toilet training event. The processor is also programmed to disable the first set of enhanced functionality. The processor is further programmed to receive activation data from a user using the input device. The processor is also programmed to reconfigure the first set of enhanced functionality to an enabled status based at least in part on the activation data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing the toilet training process of a child are provided. In one aspect, a computer system for managing toilet training a person is provided. The computer system includes a memory device, a display device, and a processor in communication with the memory device and the display device. The processor is programmed to provide a first set of functionality accessible using the display device. The processor is also programmed to provide a set of enhanced functionality configured in a disabled status. The processor is further programmed to utilize the first set of functionality to identify completion of a toilet training milestone, and reconfigure the second set of enhanced functionality to an enabled status based on identifying completion of the toilet training milestone.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing toilet training of a person are provided. In one aspect, a method for managing toilet training of a person is provided. The method includes packaging a toilet training product within a container. The method also includes enclosing a post-sale image within the container. The post-sale image is configured to enable a set of enhanced functionality within a user computing device. The set of enhanced functionality is configured to track and record toilet training milestones achieved by the person.

Abstract: A computer system for managing toilet training of a person is provided. The computer system includes a memory device, a display device, and a processor in communication with the memory device and the display device. The processor is programmed to receive a first trigger event associated with a toilet training event. The processor is also programmed to display, on the display device, a first multi-media presentation based at least in part on said receipt of the first trigger event. The processor is further programed to collect feedback data from a user. The processor is also programmed to store the feedback data in the memory device.

Abstract: A computer system for managing toilet training of a person is provided. The computer system includes a memory device, an input device, a display device, and a processor. The processor is programmed to provide a first set of enhanced functionality configured in an enabled status, wherein the first set of enhanced functionality includes an event timer associated with a toilet training event. The processor is also programmed to disable the first set of enhanced functionality. The processor is further programmed to receive activation data from a user using the input device. The processor is also programmed to reconfigure the first set of enhanced functionality to an enabled status based at least in part on the activation data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing the toilet training process of a child are provided. In one aspect, a computer system for managing toilet training a person is provided. The computer system includes a memory device, a display device, and a processor in communication with the memory device and the display device. The processor is programmed to provide a first set of functionality accessible using the display device. The processor is also programmed to provide a set of enhanced functionality configured in a disabled status. The processor is further programmed to utilize the first set of functionality to identify completion of a toilet training milestone, and reconfigure the second set of enhanced functionality to an enabled status based on identifying completion of the toilet training milestone.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing toilet training of a person are provided. In one aspect, a method for managing toilet training of a person is provided. The method includes packaging a toilet training product within a container. The method also includes enclosing a post-sale image within the container. The post-sale image is configured to enable a set of enhanced functionality within a user computing device. The set of enhanced functionality is configured to track and record toilet training milestones achieved by the person.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable is disclosed that buffers against loss, where the cable includes an outer jacket, and an optical fiber ribbon disposed within the outer jacket, wherein the ribbon includes more than one optical fiber, and at least two distinct matrix coatings disposed on the optical fibers, the coatings having distinct characteristics. Preferably, the inner coating is relatively soft, with a lower elastic modulus than the relatively stiff, hard outer coating. Also disclosed is a method of buffering loss in an optical fiber transmission, including providing an optical fiber ribbon, wherein the ribbon includes more than one optical fiber, and at least two distinct matrix coatings disposed on the optical fibers, the coatings having distinct characteristics; and transmitting in at least one of the C-band, L-band and U-band of wavelengths.

Abstract: A method and system of dynamically allocating products to retailers for sale to consumers. Product groups, account groups and allocation methods are defined by the sales administrator. The system summarizes analysis statistics, determines ad quantity, retrieves inventory data, calculates allocation and carry-over allocation. For a given interval throughout each day, the allocation system refreshes product availability measures and redistributes allocations based on product availability and allocation method. The sales administrator can make manual adjustments to system generated allocations. The sales administrator then loads the allocations into the order processing system.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable is disclosed that buffers against loss, where the cable includes an outer jacket, and an optical fiber ribbon disposed within the outer jacket, wherein the ribbon includes more than one optical fiber, and at least two distinct matrix coatings disposed on the optical fibers, the coatings having distinct characteristics. Preferably, the inner coating is relatively soft, with a lower elastic modulus than the relatively stiff, hard outer coating. Also disclosed is a method of buffering loss in an optical fiber transmission, including providing an optical fiber ribbon, wherein the ribbon includes more than one optical fiber, and at least two distinct matrix coatings disposed on the optical fibers, the coatings having distinct characteristics; and transmitting in at least one of the C-band, L-band and U-band of wavelengths.

Abstract: An assembly for curing a linear work product which is passed through a curing oven at high speed along a first path the assembly having a first path altering member, such as a sheave, re-directing the work product through the oven along at least a second path spaced from the first path. A plurality of such sheaves in a first embodiment redirect the work product through the entrance end of the oven for travel along a second path in the same direction as in the first path. In a second embodiment, the path altering members re-direct the work product into the exit end of the oven for travel in a second path in the opposite direction to the first path. Additional curing may be realized by passing the work product through the curing oven in the same or in opposite directions, as desired or as necessary.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning an optical fiber ribbon without splitting the ribbon. The apparatus comprises a first element that has a channel formed therein, which preferably has a width that is substantially equal to the width of an optical fiber ribbon. A ribbon is cleaned by disposing it in the channel and by pulling it through the channel while applying a force to the top surface of the ribbon. The force may be applied, for example, by a user who applies a cleaning cloth to the top surface of the ribbon as it is pulled through the channel. The contact between the channel, the cleaning device and the exterior surface of the ribbon effectuates removal of foreign material from the exterior surface of the ribbon. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a second element. The second element includes a bottom surface that is disposed over the channel when the first and second elements are placed in their operative positions.

Abstract: A buffer encasement has a longitudinally extending interior surface that extends around and defines a longitudinally extending passage containing a stack of optical fiber ribbons. The interior surface closely bounds the stack, and the buffer encasement is easily removable from the stack. The buffer encasement can be is easily removable from the stack because the buffer encasement is thin and is constructed of a material that is capable of being easily torn. The buffer encasement can be is easily removable from the stack because the buffer encasement defines a longitudinally extending weakened portion that is capable of being more easily torn than the remainder of the buffer encasement. The weakened portion is operative so that when the weakened portion is torn the buffer encasement defines longitudinally extending edges on the opposite sides of the tear. The edges can be separated from one another to define an opening therebetween through which the stack of optical fiber ribbons can be accessed.

Abstract: A buffer encasement has a longitudinally extending interior surface that extends around and defines a longitudinally extending passage containing a stack of optical fiber ribbons. The interior surface closely bounds the stack, and the buffer encasement is easily removable from the stack. The buffer encasement can be is easily removable from the stack because the buffer encasement is thin and is constructed of a material that is capable of being easily torn. The buffer encasement can be is easily removable from the stack because the buffer encasement defines a longitudinally extending weakened portion that is capable of being more easily torn than the remainder of the buffer encasement. The weakened portion is operative so that when the weakened portion is torn the buffer encasement defines longitudinally extending edges on the opposite sides of the tear. The edges can be separated from one another to define an opening therebetween through which the stack of optical fiber ribbons can be accessed.