Kimberly-clark Worldwide, Inc.

Peter D Honer

Oliver P Renier

John Robert Oyler

James Alexander Winder

Pau-Lin Pawar

Mary Rece Holt

Frank F Kromenacker

Christopher Barham

Peter Shawn Lortscher

Thomas H Gilman

Jason C Cohen

Shawn Jeffrey Sullivan

Simon K Poruthoor

Frank Fritz Kromenaker

Robert Carter Pilecky

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.

Mannequin system

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.

Spindle system, apparatus, and methods for applying spindle apparatus

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.

Disposable absorbent article system employing sensor for detecting non-nutritive sucking events

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.

Method for simulating a dynamic force response and method of calibration

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.

Apparatus for simulating a dynamic force response

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. An electronically controlled system of monitoring product inventory, and/or ordering more product when inventory falls below a predetermined threshold amount is disclosed.

An apparatus is disclosed for measuring the crush recovery of an absorbent article. The apparatus includes a tester having first and second arms, at least one of which is movable. The apparatus also includes a first frame member attached at one end to the first arm of the tester. The first frame member has a shoulder with a first wand extending outwardly therefrom. The apparatus further includes a second frame member attached at one end to the second arm of the tester. The second frame member has a shoulder with a second wand extending outwardly therefrom. The first and second frame members are interleaved such that the first and second wands are spaced apart to enable an absorbent article to be positioned therebetween. Movement of the first frame member relative to the second frame member causes the absorbent article to be crushed in a sideways direction between the shoulders. As the relative movement of the frame members is reversed, the absorbent article is able to expand outward toward its original transverse dimension. The amount of sideways recovery is measured as the 'crush recovery' value.

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Neenah, WI, United States of America

Peter D Honer