Abstract: Systems and methods for guiding one or more web components in connection with a web converting manufacturing process such as that used for manufacturing disposable absorbent garments. Some of the disclosed embodiments include relating inspection data, such as product (or process) attribute data, to data from other manufacturing-related systems. Also disclosed are systems and methods for linking product (or process) attribute data obtained during the manufacturing process with one or more data sources including raw material data, process setting data, product quality data, and/or productivity data. Also disclosed are systems and methods for identifying manufacturing set point changes and automatically implementing such changes and automated web steering changes based on data from one or more inspection systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing alarming indications and troubleshooting indications and actions in connection with a web converting manufacturing process such as that used for manufacturing disposable absorbent garments. Some of the disclosed embodiments include relating inspection data, such as product (or process) attribute data, to data from other manufacturing-related systems. Also disclosed are systems and methods for linking product (or process) attribute data obtained during the manufacturing process with one or more data sources including raw material data, process setting data, product quality data, and/or productivity data. Also disclosed are systems and methods for identifying manufacturing set point changes and automatically implementing such changes and automated web steering changes based on data from one or more inspection systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying, tracking and exploiting quality information in connection with a web converting manufacturing process such as that used for manufacturing disposable absorbent garments. Some of the disclosed embodiments include relating inspection data, such as product (or process) attribute data, to data from other manufacturing-related systems. Also disclosed are systems and methods for linking product (or process) attribute data obtained during the manufacturing process with one or more data sources including raw material data, process setting data, product quality data, and/or productivity data. Also disclosed are systems and methods for identifying manufacturing set point changes and automatically implementing such changes and automated web steering changes based on data from one or more inspection systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing alarming indications and troubleshooting indications and actions in connection with a web converting manufacturing process such as that used for manufacturing disposable absorbent garments. Some of the disclosed embodiments include relating inspection data, such as product (or process) attribute data, to data from other manufacturing-related systems. Also disclosed are systems and methods for linking product (or process) attribute data obtained during the manufacturing process with one or more data sources including raw material data, process setting data, product quality data, and/or productivity data. Also disclosed are systems and methods for identifying manufacturing set point changes and automatically implementing such changes and automated web steering changes based on data from one or more inspection systems.

Abstract: A mechanical fastening system for products, for example, an absorbent article such as infant training pants, in which the mechanical fastening system is a hook-and-loop type fastening system on the garment in which the loop material is a nonwoven material laminate which has been post bonded after the laminate has been constructed.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and placing limp pieces of material is particular constructed for positioning the relative placement of two cut pieces. The apparatus employs a slip cut configuration and has an anvil roll with a circumferential groove receiving and guiding a uncut end segment of a web of material to be cut. The groove tapers off to a surface substantially flush with the wheel surface. When the web is cut, the cut piece lies on the flush surface, facilitating transfer of the cut piece to the other cut piece.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and placing limp pieces of material is particular constructed for positioning the relative placement of two cut pieces. The apparatus includes a vacuum conveyor which holds an article component in a regular and secure position prior to and during placement of a cut piece onto the component. A cut piece is formed and transferred to a conveyor on a single, constant speed anvil roll without the need for intervening rolls.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for securing engagement between fastening components of a pre-fastened garment upon initial assembly thereof, the fastening components are arranged by the apparatus in at least partially opposed relationship with each other and then engaged with each other to define an engagement seam. The garment is then mechanically handled by the apparatus to subject the engagement seam to a shear stress to promote increased engagement between the fastening components during initial assembly of the garment.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for making and inspecting pre-fastened articles, such as disposable training pants, having at least two generally flexible elements capable of connection with each other during initial assembly of the article, the elements are arranged in overlapping relationship with each other and connected together to define an engagement seam of the article. The article is arranged to define an interior space thereof whereby the interior space is bounded in part by the engagement seam. The elements are irradiated at the engagement seam by a radiation source within the interior space of the article and an image of the irradiated engagement seam is captured by an image capturing device. In one embodiment, the image capturing device is positioned within the interior space of the article and the radiation source is either within the interior space or exterior of the article.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as infant diapers is provided with a mechanical hook-and-loop type fastening system in which the loop material comprises an oriented nonwoven material.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as infant training pants is provided with a mechanical hook-and-loop type fastening system utilizing multi-directional stretchable nonwoven materials that function well with low shear strength.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as infant training pants is provided with a mechanical hook-and-loop type fastening system in which at least the loop material is made of a laminate with a facing having a bond density of greater than 225 points per square inch.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as infant training pants is provided with a mechanical hook-and-loop type fastening system on the garment in which the loop material is a multi-directional stretchable nonwoven material.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the invention provide a robot network that can optimally reconfigure the control logic on-board each robot of the network on a real-time basis. Each robot of the network performs an assigned task according to a control logic. While performing the assigned task, each robot transmits performance data defining a fitness level of the robot for achieving the assigned task. A set of the plurality of robots is then selected based on the performance data transmitted by each robot, and the control logic of the selected set of robots is then sent to the other robots in the network. The robots that receive the control logic then optimize their control logic by producing a new control logic based on the received control logic.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having improved containment at the waist portion thereof comprises an absorbent layer and a surge layer in liquid communication therewith, and a liquid impermeable baffle layer overlying portions of the absorbent layer and the surge layer. The front edge of the absorbent structure is spaced from the back edge of a waist elastic member by a selected separation distance, thereby enhancing the gasketing effect of the waist elastic member on the article.

Abstract: A child's training pant includes a pant body having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings, and an elasticized shaped absorbent composite having elasticized absorbent side portions. Elasticized side flaps are formed from a liquid impermeable material situated between the absorbent composite and the pant body. A method is also provided for making a training pant.

Abstract: An absorbent garment method of manufacture includes supplying a three-dimensional pant body defining a waist opening, two leg openings, and a crotch region. A containment trough formed of liquid impermeable material has a base portion bonded to the crotch region and integral retaining walls positioned transversely outward from the base portion. The retaining walls are freestanding from the pant body and include elastic members so as to define freestanding, elasticized flaps. An absorbent structure and liner are disposed between the elasticized flaps. To retard liquid movement away from the absorbent structure, the liner is wrapped around the side edges and partly beneath the absorbent structure. Further, an inwardly-directed face of each flap has a first Wicking Value while the liner has a second Wicking Value that is at least 2 times greater than the first Wicking Value on a gram per gram basis.

Abstract: An absorbent garment includes a three-dimensional pant body defining a waist opening, two leg openings, and a crotch region. A containment trough formed of liquid,impermeable material has a base portion bonded to the crotch region and integral retaining walls positioned transversely outward from the base portion. The retaining walls are freestanding from the pant body and include elastic members so as to define freestanding, elasticized flaps. An absorbent structure and liner are disposed between the elasticized flaps. To retard liquid movement away from the absorbent structure, the liner is wrapped around the side edges and partly beneath the absorbent structure. Further, an inwardly-directed face of each flap has a first Wicking Value while the liner has a second Wicking Value that is at least 2 times greater than the first Wicking Value on a gram per gram basis.

Abstract: There is disclosed a disposable diaper in which the waistband is closed by a mechanical fastener. A second fastener means is included and positioned on the article to enable rolling or folding the garment after use and thereby secure it in a neat bundle for disposal. In the disclosed embodiments, the mechanical fastener is comprised of hook tabs at the rear waistband which engage a patch of loop material adhesively bonded on the front waistband. The second fastener means of the disclosed embodiments utilizes the tabs which engage a compatible component on the garment placed in the same half portion with the tabs.