Abstract: A capacity monitor for diapers and the like, including super absorbent material disposed in or adjacent to an absorbent core is disclosed. The monitor comprises an indicator and a baffle to prevent direct contact between the absorbent core and the indicator. The indicator is preferably a ribbon of hot melt adhesive with a wetness indicator which changes color when exposed to liquid. The baffle is a substantially water impervious sheet positioned between the absorbent core and the indicator so as to prevent direct contact between them. The diaper and the monitor are constructed so that there is a threshold level of liquid which, when deposited in the diaper, will effect a color change in the indicator. A quantity of liquid which is below the threshold will not effect a color change in the indicator and a quantity of liquid which is above the threshold will effect a color change in the indicator.

Abstract: Several embodiments of apparatus for producing disposable absorbent personal articles are disclosed. According to one embodiment, apparatus is disclosed for depositing superabsorbent polymer powder on a portion of a fluff mat in a given concentration greater than zero and a second, different concentration of superabsorbent polymer powder on another portion of a fluff layer, so that there is a heavier concentration of super absorbent polymer in a target area than in areas adjacent the target area. Such apparatus has a dosing cylinder with a discontinuous outer cylindrical surface which has a pattern of first dosing depressions adjacent to a pattern of second dosing depressions. The dosing cylinder is rotated through a polymer powder hopper and powder received in the first and second depressions is sequentially discharged from the hopper and deposited on a fluff substrate in alternating areas of high powder concentration and low powder concentration.