Abstract: Embodiments of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such embodiments can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some embodiments can include a sheath with inner and outer layers, where a folded portion of the inner layer extends through a slit in the outer layer and a portion of the outer layer overlaps the folded portion of the inner layer. Some embodiments include an elastic outer cover positioned outside the outer layer. Embodiments of the present expandable sheath can avoid the need for multiple insertions for the dilation of the vessel, thus offering advantages over prior art introducer sheaths.

Abstract: A construction material that is a laminate including a nonwoven comprising a super absorbent material and a method of self-sealing liquid transport through the construction material in proximity to punctures in the laminate.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a wound dressing comprising a vertically lapped material. The disclosed technology further relates to methods and uses of the wound dressing.

Abstract: An absorbent article. The absorbent article includes a topsheet having a body contacting surface, a backsheet joined to said topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the absorbent core has an upper layer and a lower layer.

Abstract: Provided are a water-absorbing resin having more excellent balance of fluid retention capacity, liquid permeability, and low dustiness and a novel measurement method which enables evaluation of excellent physical properties of the water-absorbing resin. A method for measuring an absorption speed of a particulate water-absorbing agent is a method including the step of applying pressure to a portion of a bottom surface of a measurement container (51) by use of a flat plate (52) in a state in which part or whole of the particulate water-absorbing agent (56) is fixed on the bottom surface of the measurement container (51), the bottom surface being surrounded by a frame, introducing an aqueous solution through a liquid injection inlet (54) with which the flat plate (52) is equipped, and then measuring the amount of time elapsed until an end of absorption of the introduced aqueous solution by the particulate water-absorbing agent (56).

Abstract: A substantially planar absorbent core (28) extending in a transversal direction (x) and a longitudinal direction (y), and comprising a core wrap (16, 16?) enclosing an absorbent material (60) substantially free of cellulose fibers, the absorbent material forming a pattern of discrete absorbent material areas. The pattern comprises transversally-orientated areas (752) and longitudinally-orientated areas (754). The absorbent core may further comprise at least two longitudinally-orientated channel-forming areas (26).

Abstract: An objective is to provide an absorbent article that can prevent backflow and can reduce water retention in a front sheet as much as possible. In an incontinence pad 1 for use with a medium or larger volume that absorbs 20 cc or a larger volume of urine, a front sheet 3 is formed by coating a water repellent on a spunlace nonwoven fabric that is made of 100 wt. % of cotton fiber.

Abstract: A method for making nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven fabric can include three-dimensional features that define a microzone comprising a first region and a second region. The first and second regions can have a difference in values for an intensive property. The nonwoven further has a plurality of apertures, wherein at least a portion of the aperture abuts at least one of the first region and the second region of the microzone.

Abstract: A self-repairing and self-sealing waterproof membrane, for insulating built structures subjected to hydrostatic pressure, includes a first layer of hermetic polymeric material, which covers a second layer of water-expanding polymeric material, in which additives of polymeric and/or mineral origin are added, arranged in contact with the concrete surface of the structure. The second layer includes a plurality of sublayers which are contiguous and have different expanding actions and mechanical characteristics. The membrane has substantially the shape of a continuous flat sheet, which gives the membrane the appearance of a uniform film, having a thickness between 0.2 and 5.0 mm and being composed of one or more of the following polymers: TPE, TPO, TPU, EVA, EPDM, EPM, HDPE, MDPE, LDPE, PE, PVC and other elastomeric or polymeric polymers, containing optional additions of fillers and other ingredients to give the article the necessary requirements of workability, mechanical strength, and durability.

Abstract: An absorbent article capable of giving a sense of higher security to a user is provided. The absorbent article includes nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven fabric includes organic cotton fibers. The organic cotton fibers form a plurality of fiber lumps in the nonwoven fabric. The fiber lumps are configured to be visible from the outside. The light transmittance of the portion corresponding to the fiber lumps in the nonwoven fabric is lower than the light transmittance of a portion where the fiber lumps are not present in the nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: A three-layered wound dressing, including: a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer includes a blend of first hydrophilic fibers and first hydrophobic fibers, the second layer includes a blend of second hydrophilic fibers and second hydrophobic fibers, and the third layer includes hydrophobic fibers. The second layer is disposed between the first layer and the third layer. In use, the first layer contacts a wound.

Abstract: This absorbent article has sufficient pliability even when an absorbent body is bonded to a transport material, a wrap material, etc., and is pleasant to wear. In this absorbent article (1), an absorbent body (4) includes at least a hydrophilic fiber-containing hydrophilic fiber layer (5) having multiple non-through slits (8), and in the surface opposite of the surface having the slits (8), the hydrophilic fiber layer (5) has multiple recesses (9) in positions corresponding to the multiple non-through slits (8) in the thickness direction of the absorbent article (1).

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to disposable diapers having absorbent cores comprising superabsorbent polymer particles which are immobilized by adhesive. The absorbent cores are attached to the backsheets of the disposable diapers in certain attachment zones to reduce see-through and the formation of tension lines on the backsheets.

Abstract: A pledget for a tampon having improved leakage prevention of bodily fluid after the tampon is inserted in the vagina. The pledget can have an absorbent structure having two layers. At least one of the layers of the absorbent structure can have one contact element at least partially separated from a second contact element.

Abstract: An absorbent structure with a sequence of two layers includes at least one liquid absorption layer, a subsequent liquid storage layer with super absorbent polymer particles and super absorbent polymer fibers, and a subsequent liquid distribution layer. The layers are connected and form a sheet structure. The liquid storage layer has its super absorbent polymer extending from the liquid storage layer into the liquid distribution layer in order to generate a return suction effect for the liquid that has passed through the liquid absorption layer and liquid storage layer into the liquid distribution layer.

Abstract: A pledget for a tampon having improved leakage prevention of bodily fluid after the tampon is inserted in the vagina. The pledget can have an absorbent structure having two layers. At least one of the layers of the absorbent structure can have one contact element at least partially separated from a second contact element. A method of manufacturing the tampon can include a step of incorporating a contact element into at least one of the two layers of the absorbent structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to disposable diapers having absorbent cores comprising superabsorbent polymer particles which are immobilized by adhesive. The absorbent cores are attached to the backsheets of the disposable diapers in certain attachment zones to reduce see-through and the formation of tension lines on the backsheets.

Abstract: A diaper has an outer sheet and a crotch member which includes a pair of skin-contactable sheets spaced from each other in a transverse direction. Inner side edges of the respective skin-contactable sheets cooperate with respective second ends of front and rear waist members to define an opening. A plurality of crotch elastic members is attached to the inner side edges. Under the effect of these crotch elastic members, a length dimension of the skin-contactable sheets is substantially reduced. The inner side edges of the skin-contactable sheets are spaced from the outer sheet in a thickness direction to form a space between the skin-contactable sheets and the outer sheet. A liquid-absorbent structure is provided in the space and includes a fold formed by folding the structure along a folding line. A top of the fold is bonded to the inner side edges of the respective skin-contactable sheets.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a compressed region formed by a compressing process in an absorption layer on a side facing to the backsheet; and a plurality of pressed grooves are formed by a pressing process in the absorption layer on a side facing to the topsheet, within a region opposed to the compressed region.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a planar pad manufactured from three layers, each layer made from materials of differing properties. A contact layer being safe for a neonatal infant's skin is the top layer. The middle layer is an absorption layer positioned immediately below the contact layer. The absorption layer is of a two-part construction having a first half and a corresponding second half which abuts the first half. The absorption layer is operable for dispersing and containing fluids within the pad. The bottom layer is a waterproof barrier layer which is posited directly below the absorbency layer, preferably constructed of flashspun high-density polyethylene, and is also a two part construction. An internal pull tab maintains the pad in a single assembly. Upon removing the pull tab, the pad assembly splits into two separate assembly halves.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene article such as pantiliner having a topsheet and a backsheet. The article further includes a printed pattern and an embossed pattern. The embossed pattern has at least one embossed decorative element and the printed pattern has a printed decorative element which is substantially similar to the embossed decorative element.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a pair of leg cuffs (32) with an raised section (34) and an absorbent core (28) comprising at least one channel (26, 26?) at least partially oriented in the longitudinal direction (80) of the article. The article has crotch width (Wd) before use as measured between the proximal edges of the leg cuffs at the level of the crotch point of from to 70 mm to 200 mm, and a Relative Crotch Width Reduction (RCWR) of at least 30 mm/kg.

Abstract: An outer cover for an absorbent article has an absorbent capacity in addition to the absorbency of an absorbent insert. The outer cover may have two or more layers, at least one of which has liquid absorption capacity. Another layer may be hydrophobic. The outer cover as a whole may be breathable and water-impermeable.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in part, to an absorbent article comprising a liquid management system (LMS) and an absorbent core disposed at least partially intermediate a topsheet and a backsheet. The LMS defines one or more channels therein. The one or more channels of the LMS may at least partially overlap or not overlap with channels defined in the absorbent core.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in part, to an absorbent article comprising a liquid management system (LMS) and an absorbent core disposed at least partially intermediate a topsheet and a backsheet. The LMS defines one or more channels therein. The one or more channels of the LMS may at least partially overlap or not overlap with channels defined in the absorbent core.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in part, to an absorbent article that comprises a liquid management system (LMS) and an absorbent core disposed at least partially intermediate a topsheet and a backsheet. The LMS defines one or more channels substantially free of superabsorbent polymers. The one or more channels of the LMS may at least partially overlap channels defined by the absorbent core. The absorbent article may comprises a liquid distribution system (LDS) that defines one or more channels.

Abstract: An absorbent core structure for disposable absorbent articles, having improved fluid handling properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bodily fluid-absorbent structure improved so as to facilitate bodily fluids to disperse in a thickness direction of the structure. Core material of a bodily fluid-absorbent structure is formed of an aggregation of fluff wood pulp fibers. The aggregation has a basis mass in a range of 150 to 500 g/m2 and a specific volume in a range of 3 to 20 cc/g. In the aggregation, a relationship between horizontal orientation index IH and specific volume VSP of fluff wood pulp fibers is represented by a formula as follows: IH is less than or equal to ?0.099VSP+2.4.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin is disclosed as a form of disposable absorbent article. It has an absorbent core and a hydrophobic topsheet that has an upper side that is to be worn against a user's body. The topsheet is selected from a group of nonwoven topsheets and apertured film topsheets. A trace amount of a fibrous superabsorbent material, in the range of 0.30 and 3.5 grams of superabsorbent material per square meter, is provided in a fibrous matrix in a secondary topsheet that is in intimate contact with the lower side of the topsheet. The fibrous matrix is made by airlaying the superabsorbent material with cellulose and bi-component fiber onto a non-woven carrier.

Abstract: Provided is nonwoven fabric for absorbents which has excellent diffusing properties. This nonwoven fabric is for absorbents that comprise cellulosic fibers, which are hydrophilic fibers, and is characterized by having an upper surface and a lower surface which is on the reverse side therefrom and by having, in the upper surface, ridges and grooves which extend in the lengthwise direction and are arranged alternately along the width direction.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hygiene product comprising at least one layer of a nonwoven wherein the nonwoven layer comprises man-made cellulosic fibers wherein the layer or the layers has or have a rewet value of equal to or less than 30% and a liquid strike through time of equal to or less than 6 seconds for the use in disposable hygiene products, such as diapers, feminine pads and incontinence products or in wet wipes like toilet wipes, facial wipes, cosmetic wipes, baby wipes and sanitary wipes for cleaning and disinfection.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a front end region, a rear end region, a central region disposed between the front and rear end regions, a fluids source area, and a transverse axis and a longitudinal axis. The absorbent article includes a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a reinforcing structure disposed within the central region. In one aspect of the invention, the reinforcing structure includes a pair of traverse reinforcing elements each of which is formed by two traverse channels. The two traverse channels may be disposed generally parallel to the transverse axis with a reinforcement distance such that the absorbent core has an average density of in the range of about 5% to about 500% higher at the traverse reinforcing element than the fluids source area.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin structure, particularly for a slight incontinence, said sanitary napkin structure comprising a first substantially permeable sheet, a second substantially impermeable sheet and an absorbing pad enclosed between said first and second sheets, characterized in that said absorbing pad comprises an absorbing pad layer including a flexible cotton fiber and a superabsorbing polymer matrix, wherein the cotton fibers in said matrix have a random orientation along three axes and do not have a preferential orientation in a X-Y plane.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to external urinary catheters for males. More specifically, the invention relates to an external urinary catheter that includes an absorbent material to absorb urinary discharge. The absorbent material can be located in either a distal end of a tubular sheath, or in a receptacle that attached to the distal end of the tubular sheath. The tubular sheath of the external urinary catheter can include a tubular sheath of silicone rubber, wherein the sheath has an inner surface and an outer surface, and a layer of adhesive material directly and non-releasably bonded to the inner surface.

Abstract: An absorbent garment includes a body panel having a terminal waist edge, at least first and second layers terminating at the terminal waist edge and at least one elastic element disposed between the first and second layers. The body panel has at least first and second adhesive regions. The first adhesive region is defined by the at least one elastic element, which is strand coated with a first adhesive. The second region is defined by a control coating of a second adhesive applied between the first and second layers. In one embodiment, the first region has a greater sensory softness than the second region. In one embodiment, the body panel, in an unstretched condition, has a surface softness with a can deviation of coefficient of friction less than about 0.020 in the first adhesive region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable absorbent article improved so that a desired flexibility can be assured and the thickness dimension of the article can be locally reduced without decreasing the absorbent capacity of the article. In the article according to the present invention, at least one of a first end region and a second end region, a plurality of first depressed spots concaved from an upper surface side toward a rear surface side to an absorbent layer and a plurality of second depressed spots concaved from the rear surface side toward the upper surface side are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction as well as in a transverse direction wherein a part of the first depressed spots and a part of the second depressed spots overlap each other in a thickness direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breast wrap for absorbing fluid secreted from a wearer's breasts. In one embodiment the breast wrap comprises a panel of material, means for fastening the panel in a continuous band, one or more absorbent regions on a first side of the panel, and first and second adjustment means independently operable to adjust the tightness of the band along first and second adjustment regions proximate the top and bottom of the band respectively. In use, the wrap is configured to wrap around a wearer's chest and substantially cover the wearer's breasts with the one or more absorbent regions covering the wearer's nipples and the first and second adjustment regions positioned above and below the wearer's breasts respectively. In another embodiment, the breast wrap comprises one or more absorbent panels removably attached to a first side of the first panel and, in use, the one or more absorbent panels cover the wearer's nipples.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides articles having an absorbent core. The absorbent core has a plurality of segmented volumes possessing an absorbent material therein. Suitable articles which may be formed with this absorbent core include, for example, diapers such as infant diapers, juvenile diapers and training pants, feminine hygiene products such as menstrual pads, adult incontinence products such as adult briefs, protective underwear, pads and bladder control pads, pet training pads, and other disposable products utilized to absorb fluids.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides reusable diaper liner devices, systems, and methods. In various embodiments, a reusable diaper liner can include an absorption layer that includes a first surface and a second surface, opposite the first surface. The reusable diaper liner also can include a waterproof layer that has a first surface and a second surface, opposite the first surface. The second surface of the absorption layer and the first surface of the waterproof layer can be positioned adjacent to each other and the reusable diaper liner can be configured to fit inside a diaper body.

Abstract: An absorptive breast bandage adapted to conform to the contours of a human breast. In one embodiment, the absorptive breast bandage comprises a half-moon shaped planar absorbent body configured for absorbing secreted bodily fluids from a post-surgical patient's surgical incision on the human breast. The half-moon shaped absorbent body includes a first surface and a second surface and it is configured to draw the secreted bodily fluids from the post-surgical patient's surgical incision and store the secreted bodily fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, baby diapers, adult incontinence articles and sweat pads. According to the present invention the absorbent article in the region designated for liquid deposition on its wearer facing surface has a single layer topsheet onto which liquid to be absorbed is provided during use of the article. The absorbent article includes a backsheet forming the liquid barrier surface and a unitary absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet. Importantly the unitary core provides improved liquid handling to the absorbent article and increases the masking, i.e. ability to hide stains due to absorbed liquid, of the article. This is particularly beneficial in the context of articles for absorption of liquids with high color intensity, such as menstrual liquid or urine of older adults.

Abstract: A one-piece hygiene article is disclosed for use by a male to absorb moisture in the crotch region, wherein the hygiene article includes an absorbent material. The hygiene article further includes a first absorbing portion, having a V-shape for receiving the genitals of the male. The legs of the V-shape of the first absorbing portion are arranged for being provided along the groin and on either side of the genitals of the male. A second absorbing portion extends from the base of the V-shape of the first absorbing portion and has an elongated shape, wherein the second absorbing portion is arranged for being provided between the buttocks of the male. The hygiene article further includes at least one weakening line for a length adjustment of the hygiene article, and an adhesive material for adhering the hygiene article to the crotch of the male.

Abstract: In order to provide an absorbent, which contains no wood pulp and wood pulp and has improved liquid absorbability and improved liquid retention ability, and an absorptive article provided with the absorbent, no wood pulp having a settling time in water of 2-5 sec is used in an absorbent that contains no wood pulp and wood pulp.

Abstract: A male incontinence guard includes a liquid permeable topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent body between the topsheet and the backsheet. The guard has a transverse direction and a longitudinal direction and is divided by a transverse dividing line into a front region with a front transverse edge and a rear region with a rear transverse edge. The front region has a greater maximum extension in the transverse direction than the maximum extension of the rear region in the transverse direction, and the longitudinal extension of the rear region is 10-60% of the longitudinal extension of the guard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, baby diapers, adult incontinence articles and sweat pads. According to the present invention the absorbent article in the region designated for liquid deposition on its wearer facing surface has a single layer topsheet onto which liquid to be absorbed is provided during use of the article. The absorbent article includes a backsheet forming the liquid barrier surface and a unitary absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet. Importantly the unitary core provides improved liquid handling to the absorbent article and increases the masking, i.e. ability to hide stains due to absorbed liquid, of the article. This is particularly beneficial in the context of articles for absorption of liquids with high color intensity, such as menstrual liquid or urine of older adults.

Abstract: A thin absorbent composite is provided wherein a nonwoven support sheet is hydro-entangled with a carded fiber web to provide a nonwoven substrate. The nonwoven substrate is coated with an absorbent layer comprising microfibrillated cellulose-coated superabsorbent polymer particles. A cover layer is placed above the absorbent layer to provide the absorbent composite. A process for manufacturing the absorbent composite and an absorbent article containing the absorbent composite are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to absorbent articles and in particular to an absorbent article including a liquid permeable cover layer, a liquid impermeable barrier layer, an absorbent core arranged adjacent to the cover layer, a transfer layer arranged between the core and the barrier layer, the absorbent core including an upper surface and a lower surface and a material-free zone extending from the upper surface to the lower surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to absorbent cores having high amounts of superabsorbent polymer material which are immobilized by adhesive. The absorbent cores have reduced peak force when subjected to the Laminate Compression Extension Test Method and also exhibit reduced delamination upon swelling of the superabsorbent polymer material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent pad comprising multiple layers. In particular, the absorbent pad of the present invention maintains skin dryness by absorbing moisture while preventing leakage to the skin or the bed linens, allowing air circulation at the surface of the patient's skin to prevent heat buildup, and is strong enough to allow the patient to be repositioned, even when the pad is wet. In a particular embodiment the first layer is comprised of a fluid-permeable, porous material, the second layer is disposed under the first layer and is comprised of at least one super absorbent material, and a base layer disposed under the second layer.

Abstract: A bodily fluid absorbent matrix adapted to restrict a wet feeling against the wearer's skin after the absorbent matrix in a bodily fluid absorbent wearing article having absorbed bodily fluids and a method for manufacturing the absorbent matrix. A bodily fluid absorbent wearing article has an absorbent matrix formed of aggregate of bodily fluid absorbent material between a liquid-permeable first sheet and a liquid-impermeable second sheet. The member includes hydrophilic fibers as the bodily fluid absorbent material. Density of the absorbent matrix changes so as to increase from the first sheet toward the second sheet in thickness direction of the absorbent matrix. A planar orientation index of the hydrophilic fibers also changes so as to increase in the thickness direction of the absorbent matrix.