Abstract: A process for making prefastened and refastenable garments includes providing a plurality of discrete articles with mating fastening components disposed in the waist regions. First fastening components are separated from one another by an initial transverse distance. The waist region containing the first fastening components is modified to transversely displace these fastening components to a post displacement distance that is not equal to the initial distance. The process allows for convenient alignment of the fastening components to form refastenable seams.

Abstract: A method of tucking a pair of side panels into a body portion of a pant-like garment in which the tucking distance can be controlled. The garment is positioned between a pair of consecutive stacker finger units. Vacuum applied through fingers on the stacker finger units holds the garment in place. A distance between the pair of stacker finger units is increased to open the garment. While the garment is in an open position, either a mechanical device or fluid streams can be used to tuck the side panels into the body portion of the garment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for effecting ultrasonic bonds in sequentially advancing workpiece segments, in a nip defined by a rotary ultrasonic horn and rotary anvil roll. The ultrasonic bonding apparatus comprises support structure comprising anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus. A closed loop control apparatus is connected to one or both of the anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus. The closed loop control apparatus comprises a programmable logic controller, a load cell, and an adjustor. Information output from the load cell triggers the closed loop control apparatus through the programmable logic computer and the adjustor to move one or both of the anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus toward or away from the other in dynamic response to the information output from the load cell, thereby regulating pressure in the nip with ongoing real-time adjustments to distance between the anvil support apparatus and the horn support apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for unwinding a web material that defines a plurality of integral lanes with separators disposed between the lanes. At least one lane of the web material can be torn along a separator without using a cutting or slitting device while maintaining one or more other lanes on the roll.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for effecting ultrasonic bonds in sequentially advancing workpiece segments, in a nip defined by a rotary ultrasonic horn and rotary anvil roll. The ultrasonic bonding apparatus comprises support structure comprising anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus. A closed loop control apparatus is connected to one or both of the anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus. The closed loop control apparatus comprises a programmable logic controller, a load cell, and an adjustor. Information output from the load cell triggers the closed loop control apparatus through the programmable logic computer and the adjustor to move one or both of the anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus toward or away from the other in dynamic response to the information output from the load cell, thereby regulating pressure in the nip with ongoing real-time adjustments to distance between the anvil support apparatus and the horn support apparatus.

Abstract: A process for making prefastened and refastenable garments includes providing a plurality of discrete articles with mating fastening components disposed in the waist regions. First fastening components are separated from one another by an initial transverse distance. The waist region containing the first fastening components is modified to transversely displace these fastening components to a post displacement distance that is not equal to the initial distance. The process allows for convenient alignment of the fastening components to form refastenable seams.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for unwinding a web material that defines a plurality of integral lanes with separators disposed between the lanes. At least one lane of the web material can be torn along a separator without using a cutting or slitting device while maintaining one or more other lanes on the roll.