Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system including at least one module, a operational unit mounted to said at least one module and a local controller operatively connected to the operational unit. The local controller is adapted to control the operational unit. The at least one module and the local controller together are capable of operating in a standalone operation or of integration into a flexible manufacturing system. The local controller is further adapted to receive a reference signal from the flexible manufacturing system and to synchronize the operational unit to the flexible manufacturing system when the at least one module is connected to the flexible manufacturing line.

Abstract: A method for attaching a barrier cuff to an absorbent article. The first step is to provide an absorbent article having a longitudinal centerline and a transverse centerline perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline. A barrier leg cuff having a first edge and a second edge is provided. At least one of the edges of the barrier cuff is maintained parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article. The barrier cuff is then bonded to the absorbent article along a juncture line that extends in a curved configuration with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article.