Abstract: An energy system for applying energy to a workpiece includes a first energy application device, mounted such that the first energy application device has a fixed position relative to the workpiece during energy application; a second energy application device, mounted such that the second energy application device has a moveable position relative to the workpiece to apply energy to the workpiece at a point moving progressively across the workpiece, wherein one of the first and second energy application devices is an anvil and the other of the first and second energy application devices is an ultrasonic bonder; and a controller for regulating the application of energy to the workpiece, wherein the controller is configured to adjust progressively across the workpiece one or more of bonder vibration amplitude versus position on the workpiece, bonder pressure versus position on the workpiece, and horn travel velocity versus position on the workpiece.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is presenting having multiple components and including an inspection region subject to inspection using infrared radiation, wherein the inspection region includes a junction of two components; and a printed graphic in the inspection region, wherein the ink used to print the graphic includes no carbon black colorant such that the printed graphic is substantially transparent to infrared radiation. In addition, a disposable absorbent article having multiple components includes a printed graphic in an inspection region subject to inspection using infrared radiation, the printed graphic including black ink having no carbon black colorant such that the printed graphic is substantially transparent to infrared radiation.

Abstract: A method that includes conveying a moving web for use as a body panel on a web stability control module is disclosed. A fastener assembly is supplied that may be used to attach and connect portions of the moving web. Prior to attaching the fastener assembly to the moving web, a detection system is utilized to determine if there is a product defect on the fastener assembly. If no product defect is detected, the moving web is cut at a cutting station to completely separate a leading portion of the moving web and a trailing portion of the moving web. Then, the fastener assembly is attached to the moving web at a fastener assembly attachment station such that the leading portion and trailing portion remains bridged together. If a product defect is detected, then the moving web is not cut, and the discrete disposable absorbent undergarment is discarded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a pre-fastened adjustable pant-like disposable absorbent undergarment including a front body panel having a line of weakness is disclosed. The method includes providing a moving web having a waist end and a leg-cut-out end. The moving web is weakened to form a line of weakness defining a leading portion of the moving web and a trailing portion of the moving web at the line of weakness. Desirably, the line of weakness includes a series of weakened areas having a combined length in a cross-machine direction at least 85% of a distance between the waist end and the leg cut-out end. The method further includes passing it through a fastener attachment station to bridge the leading portion and the trailing portion of the moving web together with a fastener assembly.

Abstract: Generally, a pre-fastened adjustable pant-like disposable absorbent undergarment including a fully severed front body panel and method of manufacturing is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a moving web for use as a body panel and first forming a first cut on the moving web at a first cutting station to define a leading portion of the moving web and a trailing portion of the moving web connected at the first cut. The moving web then passes through an attachment assembly station to bridge the connected leading portion and trailing portion together with a fastener assembly that extends over the first cut. Finally, the moving web is then passed through a second cutting station to provide a second cut through both the moving web and fastener assembly and intersecting with the first cut to completely separate the leading portion and trailing portion of the moving web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a pre-fastened adjustable pant-like disposable absorbent undergarment including a fully severed front body panel is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a moving web and first creating an altered area on the moving web at an altering station to define a leading portion of the moving web and a trailing portion of the moving web connected at the altered area. The moving web then passes through a fastener attachment station to bridge the connected leading portion and trailing portion together with a fastener assembly that extends over the altered area. Finally, the moving web is then passed through a web breaking station to completely separate the leading portion and trailing portion of the moving web at the altered area, such that the leading portion and trailing portion remained bridged together by the fastener assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a pre-fastened adjustable pant-like disposable absorbent undergarment including a fully or partially severed front body panel is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a moving web and passes through a fastener attachment station to define a leading portion of the moving web and a trailing portion of the moving web at a location under the fastener assembly. The moving web is then passed through a laser cutting station to cut to web, such that the leading portion and trailing portion remains bridged together by the fastener assembly without damaging the fastener assembly.

Abstract: A disposable garment having a fin seam, wherein the fin seam has a Height no greater than 6 millimeters and a Rigidity no greater than 0.6 gram-force/%-compression as measured by the Test Method. In particular embodiments, the garment is a pant-like garment having two outwardly extending side fin seams, each having a Height no greater than 6 millimeters and a Rigidity no greater than 0.6 gram-force/%-compression as measured by the Test Method.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is presenting having multiple components and including an inspection region subject to inspection using infrared radiation, wherein the inspection region includes a junction of two components; and a printed graphic in the inspection region, wherein the ink used to print the graphic includes no carbon black colorant such that the printed graphic is substantially transparent to infrared radiation. In addition, a disposable absorbent article having multiple components includes a printed graphic in an inspection region subject to inspection using infrared radiation, the printed graphic including black ink having no carbon black colorant such that the printed graphic is substantially transparent to infrared radiation.