A method for inspecting absorbent articles is provided. The inspection is performed using an inspection algorithm generated with a convolutional neural network having convolutional neural network parameters. The convolutional neural network parameters are generated by a training algorithm. Based on the inspection, characteristics of the absorbent articles, such as defects, can be identified. Absorbent articles having identified characteristics can be rejected, or other actions can be taken.

A sheet conveying device includes: a holding mechanism configured to hold suction members; and a driving device including a rotary shaft which is rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis and a connecting mechanism configured to connect the rotary shaft and suction members to each other; and a support mechanism configured to support the holding mechanism and the drive device. The connecting mechanism is connected to the suction members in a state where the suction members are movable in a radial direction of the circle about the first axis. The support mechanism supports the holding mechanism and the drive device such that the holding mechanism and the drive device are relatively movable from each other in a direction orthogonal to the first axis.

A method for inspecting absorbent articles is provided. The inspection is performed using an inspection algorithm generated with a convolutional neural network having convolutional neural network parameters. The convolutional neural network parameters are generated by a training algorithm. Based on the inspection, characteristics of the absorbent articles, such as defects, can be identified. Absorbent articles having identified characteristics can be rejected, or other actions can be taken.

A method for inspecting absorbent articles is provided. The inspection is performed using an inspection algorithm generated with a convolutional neural network having convolutional neural network parameters. The convolutional neural network parameters are generated by a training algorithm. Based on the inspection, characteristics of the absorbent articles, such as defects, can be identified. Absorbent articles having identified characteristics can be rejected, or other actions can be taken.

A method is presented of forming protrusions in a portion of a substrate. The method may include providing a first device comprising an outer surface; providing a second device including a source of vibration energy; forming a nip between the source of vibration energy and the outer surface; conveying the substrate through the nip; forming the protrusions in the portion of the substrate in the nip using the source of vibration energy; and inspecting one or more characteristics of the substrate using a vision system.

The present disclosure relates to systems and processes for controlling the relative positions or phasing of advancing substrates and/or components in absorbent article converting lines. The systems and methods may utilize feedback from technologies, such as vision systems, sensors, remote input and output stations, and controllers with synchronized embedded clocks to accurately correlate component placement detections and placement control on an absorbent article converting process. The systems and methods may accurately apply the use of precision clock synchronization for both instrumentation and control system devices on a non-deterministic communications network. In turn, the clock synchronized control and instrumentation network may be used to control the substrate position. As such, the controller may be programmed to the relative positions of substrates and components along the converting line without having to account for undeterminable delays.

The present disclosure relates to systems and processes for controlling the relative positions or phasing of advancing substrates and/or components in absorbent article converting lines. The systems and methods may utilize feedback from technologies, such as vision systems, sensors, remote input and output stations, and controllers with synchronized embedded clocks to accurately correlate component placement detections and placement control on an absorbent article converting process. The systems and methods may accurately apply the use of precision clock synchronization for both instrumentation and control system devices on a non-deterministic communications network. In turn, the clock synchronized control and instrumentation network may be used to control the substrate position. As such, the controller may be programmed to the relative positions of substrates and components along the converting line without having to account for undeterminable delays.

A method for manufacturing a sheet-like member, associated with an absorbent article, using a continuous sheet. The method includes a supplying step, a processing step, and a detecting step. In the supplying step, the continuous sheet is supplied by transferring the continuous sheet to a processing section by transporting the continuous sheet in a direction of transport. The processing step is performed at a predetermined position in the direction of transport, and a portion of the continuous sheet which is to be the absorbent article is processed by the processing section at an interval in the direction of transport. In the detecting step, a trace of the processing left on the continuous sheet is detected. In the supplying step, a direction-of-transport tension value of the continuous sheet at a time of transferring the continuous sheet to the processing section is adjusted based on the detection result.

A disposable absorbent article is presenting having multiple components and including an inspection region subject to inspection using infrared radiation, wherein the inspection region includes a junction of two components; and a printed graphic in the inspection region, wherein the ink used to print the graphic includes no carbon black colorant such that the printed graphic is substantially transparent to infrared radiation. In addition, a disposable absorbent article having multiple components includes a printed graphic in an inspection region subject to inspection using infrared radiation, the printed graphic including black ink having no carbon black colorant such that the printed graphic is substantially transparent to infrared radiation.

A method for inspecting absorbent articles is provided. The inspection is performed using an inspection algorithm generated with a convolutional neural network having convolutional neural network parameters. The convolutional neural network parameters are generated by a training algorithm. Based on the inspection, characteristics of the absorbent articles, such as defects, can be identified. Absorbent articles having identified characteristics can be rejected, or other actions can be taken.