Abstract: A wetness monitoring system is provided for an absorbent article, the wetness monitoring system including a signaling device including a counter to count the number of discrete insults, a timer to monitor the elapsed time that the article has been worn, and an alarm to indicate that the number of discrete insults has reached an insult limit or that the elapsed time has reached an elapsed time limit, whichever occurs first. The signaling device can be adapted to indicate one of first, second, and third conditions, the first condition being that the number of discrete insults has reached an insult limit, the second condition being that the elapsed time has reached an elapsed time limit, and the third condition being the first to occur of either of the first and second conditions, and wherein the condition to be indicated is selected by the wearer or by a caregiver.

Abstract: A surgical sponge comprises a plurality of radiopaque markers having a high radiographic density and a distinctive, visually recognizable shape. The markers have an x-ray density equivalent to at least about 0.1 g/cm2 of BaSO4. The markers produce an x-ray image with high contrast and a shape that is readily recognizable and differentiated from the images produced by other items and structures commonly seen in x-rays of post-operative patients. Owing to the distinctive, high contrast image produced by the markers, the sponge is reliably and unambiguously detected. This is so even in situations where the sponge is inadvertently left in the surgical wound. Discomfort, trauma, and possibly fatal consequences that might otherwise occur are virtually eliminated. The surgical procedure is carried out with decreased likelihood of a sponge being retained inadvertently.

Abstract: Electrical monitoring devices may include alarm devices that are designed to assist parents or attendants in identifying a wet diaper condition shortly after the diaper has been soiled. The devices may produce a visual, an audible, or an electronic signal. These electrical monitoring devices have been powered by batteries, specifically small coin cell batteries. The power that is supplied by batteries dissipates over time requiring that the batteries be periodically replaced.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a substantially oblong rectangular absorbent body A composed of a topsheet 2, a backsheet 3, and an absorbent core 4 between the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3. The absorbent article further has a pair of side sheets 5 as leak preventive side members on its skin facing side C of the absorbent body A. The leak preventive side members have a pattern P printed with ink in a configuration such that the printed ink is substantially kept away from contact with the skin of a wearer.

Abstract: Externally detectable electronic article surveillance markers are attached to surgical implements, such as sponges and surgical instruments, appointed for use in a surgical wound. The attachment mechanism facilitates detection by an external interrogating field before the wound has been closed and the patient has left the operating table. The markers are responsive to the imposition of an interrogating field produced by an electronic article surveillance system. Use of the attachment mechanism and markers assure that the surgical implements are reliably detected and removed before completion of the surgical procedure. This technique eliminates the not infrequent mishap in which an implement is undiscovered at the time of surgery and remains indefinitely within the surgical cavity, often entailing dire consequences to the patient.

Abstract: The Sponge Detection System invention consists of surgical sponges or devices with integrated metallic strips that can be easily detected by the invention s specially designed electromagnetic wand detection scanner. The surgical sponges will be used by hospitals in an effort to minimize the potential for sponges that are left behind during surgeries.

Abstract: A method for detecting and conveying an alarm signal, when an absorbent article is unfastened or, completely removed from the body of the wearer. The method is intended to be used in parallel with a method for detecting wetness in the absorbent article and further relates to an integrated detection-and-alarm method for detecting unfastening and/or wetness in an absorbent article. A system for detecting and conveying an alarm signal when an absorbent article is unfastened or removed from the body of the wearer and/or when the article is wet. The system includes (a) and absorbent article having at least one absorbent layer, the object to be displaced, such as a fastening system, one or more sensoring devices, one or more transmitting devices, and (b) a remote receiver. Furthermore, the system relates to the use of the system in the care of children and adults suffering from incontinence and/or psychological illnesses.

Abstract: A surgical sponge with an integrated RFID transponder is disclosed. A laundry RFID transponder integrated between layers of the sponge provides means for surgical personnel to verify with a RFID reader that all such sponges have been removed from a patient's body prior to an incision being closed or from a body cavity without an incision. The RFID reader may also be used post closure to re-verify that no such sponges have been inadvertently closed within the patient. A system may include a storage means and associated display device to allow for easy and convenient verification that all sponges made available for a particular surgery have all been accounted for prior to the surgical incision being closed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A roller device has a handle with two arms extending from one end of a handgrip and a roller which is cylindrical having a surface composed of a spongy material, and two ends having an opening through the center of each end. The arms have ends which rotatably engage one opposing opening of the roller. The roller may have an inner part and an outer part with a spongy material on the surface of the outer part, or the entire outer part may be a spongy material. A method of using the roller device involves placing the roller on a leg above a top incision, rolling the device down the leg while applying moderate pressure, forcing fluids down and out a lower incision, wiping off the fluid, observing for additional fluid build up, and repeating the procedure until no further build up is observed.

Abstract: In a surgical procedure absorbent pads, such as sterile gauze lap pads and sponges are used to absorb blood and other fluids. It is vital that none of the pads be left in the patient after the operation. To account for each pad and be certain none are left in the patient, each pad is marked with unique human readable alphanumeric character, for example each pad in its face is printed with one number from the numbers 1,2,3 . . . 10 or more. Similarly a container has pockets, each pocket being sealed on its top and two sides and with its top open. The surface of each pocket is marked with a alphanumeric human readable character, matching the characters on the pads. During ,or after the operation, each used pad is placed in its matching pocket i.e. pad “6” is placed in pocket “6”. A visual inspection reveals if any used pad is not in its matching packet which may indicate the pad has been incorrectly retained within the patient's body.

Abstract: A surgical sponge identification system for a set of surgical sponges comprising each sponge in the set having an exterior surface, each sponge bearing on the exterior surface a unique indicium from a set of indicia uniquely identifying the set.

Abstract: A medical pill intended for human or animal consumption includes an RF ID tag in or on the pill. The tag will respond to a nearby reader, the tag itself being without a battery or other constant power supply, capturing power from the reader's transmitted signal and storing a portion of that power in a power supply. An antenna for the RF ID tag may be integral with the tag or it may be transferred to the pill using conductive materials in the pill's coating, filler or binding agents, embedded within the pill, or printed onto the pill. If separate from the tag the antenna is electromagnetically coupled to the tag which has a small onboard antenna. The RF ID tag of each pill has data that are transmitted when the tag is interrogated by a signal from a reader. Incorporation of an ingestable ID tag is possible because of the tag's very small size compatible with ingestion and because the tag can contain an antenna within the pill that allows the tag to be read at a substantial distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wetness monitoring system that includes a data collection device that sends wetness measurement data to a central computer that detects changes in wetness measurement data caused by the presence of urine or other dielectric fluids. The data collection device includes a semi-reusable sensor and reusable data collector that are worn on a garment of the person. The data collector includes an internal power source so that the person can live a normal ambulatory life. The data collector has an electrical circuit that uses the changing resistance characteristics in the sensor to gather wetness measurement data. The data collector periodically generates and transmits a signal containing the actual wetness measurement data. The signals are coded to identify the particular data collector or person sending the signal. The data collector is programmed to conserve power by sending signals less frequently during periods when the sensor is clearly dry.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing fluid distribution. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a fluid detection network is used to assess the fluid distribution of a fluid collection article having a plurality of tested regions. Each tested region of the fluid collection article is serviced by the fluid detection network. The fluid detection network is configured to indicate a fluid distribution of the fluid collection article. According to another aspect of the disclosure, a monitoring subsystem assesses a fluid distribution of a test area serviced by a fluid detection network, wherein the fluid detection network has a net characteristic indicative of the fluid distribution of the test area.

Abstract: A battery operated moisture indicator for selective attachment to an existing diaper worn by a baby, having an audible alarm and having a liquid crystal display bulb, for providing an audible alert and a visual alert, respectively, when the diaper has been wet by the baby. The circuit includes a mechanism for selectively activating the alarm and the liquid crystal display bulb when an aqueous electrolyte-containing solution has wetted the diaper. The moisture indicator is provided with a diaphanous sac having a clip for selectively attaching the moisture indicator to the external surface of the front of an existing diaper, thereby providing a moisture indicator that is comfortable for a baby to wear.

Abstract: The apparatus and method is provided that employs a “radiopaque” object to count and account for surgical sponges in an operating room. A radiopaque object is embedded in surgical sponges so that a scanning device can detect and count a large number of the sponges within a container. The container is designed to minimize contact with the sponges by humans. In addition, a surgical team can insure that no surgical sponge is left in a patient without performing the messy and time-consuming job of individually counting sponges as they are entered and disposed of from the surgical site.

Abstract: A wearable article including a fever indicator disposed on at least a portion of the article for indicating the body temperature of a wearer. The fever indicator may be used in conjunction with a disposable absorbent article and provides a signal indicating qualitative or quantitative information about the body temperature of the wearer based on the temperature of the wearer's urine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pantyliner, in particular for pregnant women, with a liquid-impermeable lower layer and a liquid-permeable covering layer, where a test insert (3) provided with a test substance is arranged between the lower layer (1) and the covering layer (2).

Abstract: A urine detection system and method. According to one aspect of the invention, the method includes generating a magnetic field within an effective distance of a potentially wetted area, and conducting a plurality of measurements to construct a magnetic energy distribution function corresponding to the potentially wetted area. The method further includes comparing at least one parameter of the magnetic energy distribution function to a set of stored parameters corresponding to known wetness conditions to identify a wetness condition of the potentially wetted area.

Abstract: An absorbent article which includes a thermal cell actuator capable of adding or removing heat to or from at least a portion of the absorbent article to perform a useful function on the article. The thermal cell actuator may be activated by an action of the wearer or caregiver or by environmental conditions between the article and wearer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymers. The present invention is also directed to a method of making ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymers and their applicability as binder compositions. The present invention is further directed to fiber-containing fabrics and webs comprising ion-sensitive, water-dispersible binder compositions and their applicability in water-dispersible personal care products.

Abstract: A wearable article comprising a dehydration indicator adapted to measure a urine ionic strength correlated to a specific gravity of the wearer's urine and provide a visible signal when the urine ionic strength reaches a value corresponding to a predetermined threshold of the specific gravity. The wearable article may be a disposable absorbent article. The dehydration indicator may also be comprised in an insert for use with a wearable article. The dehydration indicator may provide qualitative or quantitative information about the ionic strength of the wearer's urine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a package containing absorbent articles having different colors. The package includes at least one first absorbent article packaged within the package and having a first color and at least one second absorbent article packaged within the package and having a second color, the second color being visually distinct from the first color. Preferably the package contains feminine protection absorbent articles, preferably pantiliners and/or sanitary napkins, being preferably either black, transparent, and/or white.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gauging the levels of pH in the interiors of articles such as diapers, incontinence garments, pads, catamenial products, bedding, and would dressings are disclosed. This method and apparatus include sensing devices and relay systems for displaying the pH on the outside of the articles that provide visual and/or audible warnings that toxic levels are approaching and that it is time to remove and replace the article.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin having a far-infrared functional component disposed between a lower bottom layer and a middle water-absorbent layer of the sanitary napkin is provided. The far-infrared functional component emits far-infrared rays that have direct far-infrared effects on a user's skin contacting with an upper surface layer of the sanitary napkin as well as on the user's lower belly close to the sanitary napkin. The sanitary napkin has therefore an additional value of being physiologically beneficial to users.

Abstract: A pant-like absorbent garment having an absorbent pad attached to a front region and a back region of an outer cover, wherein the absorbent pad is at least partially suspended therebetween to provide a close or customized fit for the wearer. The pant-like absorbent garment is suitable as a low capacity training pant for late stage toilet training.

Abstract: The absorbent article provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article that gives a perception of depth within the absorbent article. This creation of depth perception is accomplished by the use of at least two tones within a color and/or by the use of multiple tones and multiple colors operating together to create a perception of depth within the absorbent article.

Abstract: A disposable article having a sensor that predicts an impending event such as an elimination of bodily waste. The article may also include an actuator that performs a responsive function when the sensor predicts the impending event.

Abstract: A urine detection system and method. According to one aspect of the invention, the method includes generating a magnetic field within an effective distance of a potentially wetted area, and conducting a plurality of measurements to construct a magnetic energy distribution function corresponding to the potentially wetted area. The method further includes comparing at least one parameter of the magnetic energy distribution function to a set of stored parameters corresponding to known wetness conditions to identify a wetness condition of the potentially wetted area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable surface wipe having a sensor which detects bodily waste contamination on a surface and which provides a signal indicating the presence of such contamination, desirably by detecting a component of the waste normally present in waste excreted by healthy individuals and not a component infrequently present in the waste due to special circumstances related to the health or other transient condition of the excreter. The signal provided by the sensor can be visible to a user of the article, and the article can include a substrate which incorporates the sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the article is a cleaning article which can efficaciously clean bodily waste contamination from a surface.

Abstract: A disposable article is provided that comprises a sensor adapted to detect one or more specific health and/or nutrition markers in the wearer's feces. The article may also signal the caretaker, the wearer, or an actuator of the occurrence.

Abstract: A diaper having indicators incorporated therein for pH, nitrates, bilirubin, ketones, proteins, blood, and urobilinogen. The diaper allows a simple visual examination to obtain information related to the status of the urine emitted by the user, enabling rapid and continuous monitoring of urine status. As a result, appropriate treatment may be directed in a simple, reliable manner.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a support member comprising a top sheet, a backsheet, or an absorbent core, and a translational operative member for enhancing the capacity for containing bodily waste. The translational operative member is capable of being moved from one region of the article to another or within a region via a translating device. The translating device comprises a moisture sensitive element capable of expanding or contracting when wetted.

Abstract: A disposable article to be fitted to a wearer having an external anal sphincter muscle, the external anal sphincter muscle having a basal electrical activity. The disposable article preferably comprises a sensor or sensor system operatively connected to the article wherein the sensor is adapted to detect changes in the electrical activity of the wearer's external anal sphincter muscle that correlates to an impending elimination of bodily waste and to provide a signal to the wearer, a caregiver or an element of the article notifying the wearer, caregiver or element of the article of the impending event.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a disposable article that comprises a sensor adapted to detect one or more specific health and/or nutrition markers in the wearer's feces. The article may also signal the caretaker, the wearer, or an actuator of the occurrence.

Abstract: An article to be fitted to a wearer including an agent which is available in an effective concentration to physically or chemically modify some or all of the fecal material or other bodily exudates deposited in the article. The modification of the feces may improve acceptance and/or retention of the exudates within the article to reduce the spreading of fecal material within the diaper and/or to reduce the tendency of the fecal material to adhere to the wearer's skin.

Abstract: Disposable articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and/or inserts, training pants, feminine hygiene garments, tampons and the like having a responsive system including an electrical actuator. The responsive system may respond continuously or discontinuously. A continuous responsive system of the present invention further includes a feedback control loop. A discontinuous responsive system of the present invention may include either a feedback control loop or an open loop.

Abstract: A disposable article to be fitted to a wearer. The disposable article preferably comprises a sensor operatively connected to the article. The sensor is adapted to detect electrical activity in the wearer's smooth colonic muscles, abdominal muscles or the muscles surrounding the bladder or rectum which correlates to an impending elimination of bodily waste and to provide a signal to the wearer, a caregiver or an element of the article of the impending event.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching one or more transponders to medical and non-medical products to tag respective ones of the products with identifying data contained in a memory of the transponders. The one or more transponders each include a memory containing the corresponding identifying data which is emitted by the respective transponder in response to an electromagnetic signal emitted externally of the transponder. The identifying data corresponds to at least one of the respective one or more transponders and a respective product for tagging. The one or more transponders are attached to respective ones of the products to tag the products with the corresponding identifying data.

Abstract: A method of hydrating a sponge material for delivery to a body. The method includes the steps of placing a dry piece of sponge in a container at a first pressure. A hydrating fluid is then introduced into the container to hydrate the sponge. The pressure within the container is changed between the first pressure and a second pressure. At least a portion of the hydrating fluid is removed from the sponge, and the sponge is delivered to a bodily site.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable diaper that has one or more chemical reagents provided in the absorbent region of the diaper, which comes into contact with urine when a patient wearing the diaper urinates. These chemical reagents change color when they contact urine containing abnormal levels of substances, such as leukocytes, blood, glucose, nitrites, protein, ketones, bilirubin, or urobilinogen; which substances may indicate the presence of a medical abnormality. Such a color change provides a visible indication of an abnormality in the urine and thus a possible incipient medical condition, such as a urinary tract infection, diabetes mellitus, hematuria, or the like. Such a color change is easily assessed by personnel having limited medical training, allowing such personnel to screen patients for these medical conditions and refer them to the appropriate medical personnel.

Abstract: Disposable articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and/or inserts, training pants, feminine hygiene garments, tampons and the like having a responsive system. The article includes a sensor that detects an input and a mechanical actuator that is adapted to perform a responsive function upon bodily waste, a wearer, the article or a component or components thereof.

Abstract: Disposable articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and/or inserts, training pants, feminine hygiene garments, tampons, and the like, having a responsive system. The article includes a sensor that detects an input, an actuator that is adapted to perform a responsive function upon the input, and a feedback control loop in which the actuator is adapted to perform the responsive function upon the input in a discontinuous manner. The responsive system may include an open loop or a closed loop system.

Abstract: A disposable article having a sensor that predicts an impending event such as an elimination of bodily waste. The article may also include an actuator that performs a responsive function when the sensor predicts the impending event.

Abstract: Disposable articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and/or inserts, training pants, feminine hygiene garments, tampons, and the like, having a responsive system. The article includes a sensor that detects an input, an actuator that is adapted to perform a responsive function upon the input, and a feedback control loop in which the actuator is adapted to perform the responsive function upon the input when the sensor detects the input.

Abstract: An automatic identification system for accounting for and identifying a plurality of surgical sponges used during a surgical procedure. Machine-readable information is located on a plurality of surgical sponges. Each sponge of the plurality of surgical sponges has unique machine-readable information located thereon. The unique machine-readable information is unique for at least one surgical procedure.

Abstract: A method and device for distinguishing between yeast infection and other secretion-causing conditions makes use of the observation that secretions caused by yeast infection generally have a pH of less than about 4.5, whereas most other conditions cause less acid secretions. The device is for use by the woman having the secretions and does not involve introducing anything into the body nor does it require special skills or training. A material that indicates pH by a color change is mounted on a catamenial pad, pantyliner or the like worn on the body so as to be wetted by the secretions draining from the vagina. Observation of the color of the wetted material enables the user, by simple comparison to a color chart, to determine whether she has a yeast infection that is treatable by medicine available without medical prescription or whether she should instead see a physician because yeast treatment would be ineffectual and would delay proper treatment.

Abstract: An absorbent article in the form of a closely-woven single-layered fabric sheet which has incorporated therein an elongated radiopaque thread embedded in multiple folds along at least one edge of the sheet. The radiopaque element preferably is unattached to the fabric, but rather is mechanically captured within a first fold that is further folded inwardly of and onto the top surface of the fabric sheet. The fabric sheet is woven of absorbent yarns and in a weave pattern which produces a tight weave such that the article is suitable for use as a drape in a surgical procedure, or in the nature of a laparotomy sponge. A method for the manufacture of the absorbent article is disclosed.

Abstract: A woven absorbent article, useful in medical application, including at least one yarn-like radiopaque element extending along the length dimension and fully from one end to the opposite end of the absorbent article and having its opposite ends anchored to the absorbent article by means of multiple folds at each of the ends of the absorbent article. Preferably, the radiopaque element is incorporated into the woven article in the form of a warp yarn of the weave thereof. A method for the manufacture of the article is disclosed.