Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting to provide for movement of the tissue. Preferred embodiments can utilize tissue grasping elements to apply a wound closing force to the tissue.

Abstract: The invention teaches devices and methods for chemically tanning human skin.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed, comprising a substrate, having on its surface, on at least a part thereof, a hydrophilic surface layer providing low-friction surface character of the medical device when wetted by a wetting fluid. The substrate is made of a polymer blend comprising a polyolefin and a composition having molecules with active hydrogen(s), such as polyamide or polyurethane. The hydrophilic surface layer is preferably adhered to the substrate by a polyurea network, whereby said polyurea network forms a covalent bond to said active hydrogen(s) in the substrate. The new substrate material is environmentally acceptable and cost effective, has adequate mechanical and chemical properties and enables the hydrophilic coating to be adequately adhered.

Abstract: A respirator mask device includes a frame unit, a mask shell connected pivotally to the frame unit, a mask cushion secured to the mask shell, an adjusting unit operable for adjusting relative position between an upper end of the mask shell and the frame unit, two connecting pieces disposed respectively on left and right sides of a lower end of the frame unit and connected pivotally to the mask shell, two first engaging members disposed respectively on the left and right sides of the lower end of the extension frame, and a head strip unit. The head strap unit includes a strap body, and two second engaging members disposed on the strap body and connected respectively and removably to the first engaging members.

Abstract: An absorbent hygiene article that comprises a barrier component, which comprises a nonwoven barrier sheet, comprising at least a spunbond nonwoven web or layer with spunbond fibers and/or a meltblown nonwoven web or layer with meltblown fibers, either or both or all layers comprising fibers comprising thermoplastic polymers and an organic additive component.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a vacuum container configured to provide and substantially maintain a built-in vacuum pressure; a contact member configured to contact and substantially enclose a surface area; a vacuum device configured to couple the built-in vacuum pressure to the surface area thereby applying a suction force over the surface area; and a conduit coupled to the vacuum container; wherein the vacuum container is also configured to retain a substance collected from adjacent the surface area, wherein the conduit is configured to direct the substance to the vacuum container, and to maintain substantially the same level of vacuum pressure as the vacuum container, wherein the vacuum container comprises a collapsible container, and wherein the collapsible container comprises a spring member configured to maintain a tension in a wall of the vacuum container.

Abstract: Sensory inputs of a user can be received by a computing device. At least one of the sensory inputs can include a physiological input providing a physiological measurement from a body of the user. Each sensory input can be processed in a unique one of a set of standards-defined sensory channels, each corresponding to a specific emotion dimension. Processing the sensory inputs can transform the physiological measurement into an emotion dimension value. The emotion dimension values from each of the sensory channels can be aggregated to generate at least one emotion datum value, which is a standards-defined value for an emotional characteristic of the user. Historical data for a user can be optionally collected and used by a learning and calibration component to improve the accuracy of the generated emotion datum values for a specific individual. A programmatic action driven by the emotion datum value can be performed.

Abstract: A stretch laminate includes a first layer including a skinned or skinless elastomer film, the first layer having a surface, and a second layer including a nonwoven material, the second layer having a basis weight of less than about 25 gsm and a surface that is attached to the surface of the first layer. The elastomer film has a strength of an engineering tensile strength, at an engineering strain rate of about 600/s, of at least one of about greater than about 14 MPa for a plain specimen or about greater than about 7 MPa for a notched specimen. A method of making the stretch laminate and an absorbent article having at least one region defined by the stretch laminate are also provided.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene product including a tampon, an absorbent pad, and a string connecting the tampon to the absorbent pad is disclosed. The string can include at least one breakable section, or the string may releasably affixed to the absorbent pad. The tampon and/or the absorbent pad can be formed from cotton, rayon, or a cotton-rayon mixture. The feminine hygiene product can further include an applicator sized to accommodate the tampon and the absorbent pad, and to facilitate deployment of the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting to provide for movement of the tissue. Preferred embodiments can utilize tissue grasping elements to apply a wound closing force to the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a disposable absorbent article. The disposable absorbent article has a longitudinal centerline, a lateral centerline, an outer surface and an inner surface. The absorbent article is folded before use along the lateral direction. The disposable absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core disposed therebetween, and an elasticized outer leg cuff. The elasticized outer leg cuff is disposed adjacent to a longitudinal side edge of the absorbent article. The elasticized outer leg cuff has a base and a gasket cuff supported by the base at a joint of the base to the gasket cuff. The gasket cuff is provided with elasticity and has a top gasket cuff surface, an inner cuff extending laterally inwardly from the joint and an outer cuff extending laterally outwardly from the joint.

Abstract: A medical device for draining a fluid from the body of a patient includes a tubular member having an open distal end that resides interiorly of the body of a patient and a proximal end that extends exteriorly of the body of the patient. The tubular member has an inner surface extending between the distal end and the proximal end, wherein the inner surface defines a lumen. An interior member is disposed in the lumen and extends along a length of the inner surface. The interior member is engaged with the inner surface such that a chamber is defined therebetween. A conduit is engaged with the tubular member for transmission of an inflation fluid to selectively vary a dimension of the chamber for freeing clogged debris in the lumen.

Abstract: A wound closure system and method having a porous pad for providing a reduced pressure to a tissue site is disclosed. The porous pad comprises a porous material formed by spraying a chemical substance that cures to form the porous material which has a body and an outer surface. Both the body and the outer surface have pores wherein the average size of the pores in the outer surface is smaller than the average size of the pores in the body. The porous pad further comprises a pathway formed within the porous material that is adapted to fluidly communicate with a source of reduced pressure.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a bodyside liner, an outer cover, an absorbent body located between the bodyside liner and the outer cover, and an enclosure. The enclosure comprises a cover and backing joined together to form a pocket with an object disposed therein. The enclosure is joined with the absorbent article and is adapted to transition from a closed condition to an open condition such that the object disposed within the enclosure may be accessed.

Abstract: A method and a device for recognition of paravasal bleeding upon a supplying of blood to a vascular access via a line and/or upon the removal of blood from a vascular access via a line is provided. A device for extracorporeal blood treatment comprising a device for recognition of paravasal bleeding is also provided. The method and the device are based on the change of arterial pressure in the arterial branch or the venous pressure in the venous branch of the extra-corporeal circuit being registered during the extracorporeal blood treatment. One aspect of the method and the device is that pressure changes that come from a pressure level exhibiting a large difference from a reference value are more strongly considered than those that come from a pressure level that exhibits only a minor difference from the reference value.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure, linear-wound closing bolster has a pivotable frame that moves from an extended position to a compressed position under the influence of reduced pressure. The closing bolster may have a first closing member, a second closing member, and an interior space. A manifold member is disposed within the interior space and may be coupled to the pivotable frame. When a reduced pressure is applied, the pivotable frame is urged from the extended position to the compressed position. A first gripping member for transmitting a closing force from the first closing member to a first edge of a linear wound may be attached. Likewise, a second gripping member for transmitting a closing force from the second closing member to a second edge of the linear wound may be attached. Systems and methods are also presented.

Abstract: Wound dressings and wound inserts comprising a porous film layer and at least a channel, wound inserts of forming wound inserts comprising a porous film layer and at least a channel, and wound-treatment wound inserts.

Abstract: A sanitary article (1) such as a sanitary napkin, a panty liner, an incontinence protector, a diaper, an incontinence pad, a feminine insert, a tampon, or the like includes a top sheet (2) and a microbe-inhibiting composition (8). The microbe-inhibiting composition (8) includes at least one extracellular product of at least one probiotic bacterium and/or at least one probiotic bacterium and at least one additive in the form of an organic acid, with at least one of its pKa value not exceeding 5.5, and/or a salt thereof.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treatment of damaged tissue are disclosed, including treatment of wounds by employing non-electrically powered, reduced pressure therapy devices. Maintenance and control of the sub atmospheric pressure exerted may be provided by such devices while minimizing discomfort to the user. The devices may be configured to be worn inconspicuously underneath clothing.

Abstract: To offload forces from a tissue site being treated with reduced pressure, an offloading pressure component may be used as part of a reduced-pressure treatment system. A reduced-pressure source of the reduced-pressure treatment system vents positive pressure exhaust into the offloading pressure component to inflate the offloading pressure component. The offloading pressure component disperses forces away from the tissue site. Other devices, methods, and systems are presented.