Abstract: The present invention relates to mannequin systems that can be used for simulating motion for the performance testing of garments, including absorbent articles. The systems may include an assembled framework and a mannequin secured within the assembled framework. Motion of the mannequin is generated by an integrated system of pneumatic cylinders and a motor drive assembly. The mannequin may be made of a reinforced elastomeric composite material.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method collects data on rolled product usage at a dispensing location by monitoring the amount of product pulled or removed from a roll. A spindle assembly may be configured to support a product roll. The spindle assembly includes a rotating member disposed about a sensor. The sensor is capable of detecting one or more parameters of product usage from the roll. Furthermore, the sensor may be configured to measure at least the degree of movement of the rotating member during removal of product from the roll. A recording device also may be provided for receiving data from the sensor, the recording device being adapted for receiving and recording data. Data that may be generated, and may be recorded, includes roll product usage data. An electronically controlled system of monitoring product inventory, and/or ordering more product when inventory falls below a predetermined threshold amount is also included.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system, method, and device for detecting non-nutritive sucking events produced by an infant; patterns comprising such events (i.e., rhythmic sucking patterns, or RSPs); and relating said events and/or RSPs to performance of a disposable absorbent article worn by the infant. The frequency and/or amplitude and/or other characteristics of non-nutritive sucking changes in response to liquid insults introduced to a disposable absorbent article. Accordingly, changes to RSPs offer detectable and measurable indicia of an infant's perception of the performance of a disposable absorbent article. Furthermore, such information may be used to support and/or substantiate marketing communications to consumers, or to guide selection and/or management of research-and-development programs.

Abstract: A method of simulating a dynamic force event comprises rotating a cam about an axis according to a rotational speed profile and biasing a follower against a surface of the cam as the cam rotates so that the follower moves on the surface and imparts a braking force against the surface. The method further measures the braking force on the rotating cam with a measurement device operatively connected to the cam, the braking force varying according to the friction between the cam surface and follower moving against one another. In another aspect of the invention, a method of calibrating a testing machine measures a braking force resisting movement of a first body over time to produce a simulated dynamic force response of the first body and compares it with a standard dynamic force response to calibrate the testing machine.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method collects data on rolled product usage at a dispensing location by monitoring the amount of product pulled or removed from a roll. A spindle assembly may be configured to support a product roll. The spindle assembly includes a rotating member disposed about a sensor. The sensor is capable of detecting one or more parameters of product usage from the roll. Furthermore, the sensor may be configured to measure at least the degree of movement of the rotating member during removal of product from the roll. A recording device also may be provided for receiving data from the sensor, the recording device being adapted for receiving and recording data. Data that may be generated, and may be recorded, includes roll product usage data. An electronically controlled system of monitoring product inventory, and/or ordering more product when inventory falls below a predetermined threshold amount is also included.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a dynamic force response that simulates a dynamic force typically generated by an experimental event. A cam having a profile, such as a serrated profile, rotates about an axis according to a rotational speed profile. A braking device operatively connects to the cam, such as a follower biased against the cam, for generating a braking force resisting rotation of the cam. A measurement device measures the braking force on the cam to generate the dynamic force response.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method is shown for collecting data on rolled product usage at a dispensing location by monitoring the amount of product pulled or removed from a roll. In the invention, a spindle assembly may be configured to support a product roll. The spindle assembly includes a rotating member in operable connection to the spindle. A sensor is connected to the spindle assembly. The sensor is capable of detecting one or more parameters of product usage from the roll. Furthermore, the sensor may be configured to measure at least the degree of movement of the rotating member during removal of product from the roll. A recording device also may be provided for receiving data from the sensor, the recording device being adapted for receiving and recording data. Data that may be generated, and may be recorded, includes roll product usage data.

Abstract: A method of simulating a dynamic force event comprises rotating a cam about an axis according to a rotational speed profile and biasing a follower against a surface of the cam as the cam rotates so that the follower moves on the surface and imparts a braking force against the surface. The method further measures the braking force on the rotating cam with a measurement device operatively connected to the cam, the braking force varying according to the friction between the cam surface and follower moving against one another. In another aspect of the invention, a method of calibrating a testing machine measures a braking force resisting movement of a first body over time to produce a simulated dynamic force response of the first body and compares it with a standard dynamic force response to calibrate the testing machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a dynamic force response that simulates a dynamic force typically generated by an experimental event. A cam having a profile, such as a serrated profile, rotates about an axis according to a rotational speed profile. A braking device operatively connects to the cam, such as a follower biased against the cam, for generating a braking force resisting rotation of the cam. A measurement device measures the braking force on the cam to generate the dynamic force response.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method is shown for collecting data on rolled product usage at a dispensing location by monitoring the amount of product pulled or removed from a roll. In the invention, a spindle assembly may be configured to support a product roll. The spindle assembly includes a rotating member in operable connection to the spindle. A sensor is connected to the spindle assembly. The sensor is capable of detecting one or more parameters of product usage from the roll. Furthermore, the sensor may be configured to measure at least the degree of movement of the rotating member during removal of product from the roll. A recording device also may be provided for receiving data from the sensor, the recording device being adapted for receiving and recording data. Data that may be generated, and may be recorded, includes roll product usage data.