Abstract: A method and system for restricting access to a valve stem of a valve by employing a valve locking assembly is disclosed. The locking assembly comprises a first means for receiving a valve stem of a valve and an engaging member. The locking assembly additionally comprises a second means for receiving the valve stem of the valve and comprising a slide for engaging the engaging member of the first means, the slide having a first length along an outer periphery of the second means and a second length intersecting the first length such that the second length is shorter than the first length. The locking assembly additionally comprises a third means for releasably securing the second means in position about the valve stem of the valve, wherein the first means is capable of being positioned over the second and the third means about the valve stem.

Abstract: A bladder catheter for transurethral introduction into the urinary bladder by the urethrae, includes an elastic catheter shank with a fillable balloon element secured thereto and connected to a filling channel incorporated into the wall of the catheter shank. The balloon element and the catheter shank are made of polyurethane, a polyurethane-polyvinylchloride mixture or similar polyurethane-based material.

Abstract: Absorbent articles with carefully controlled stretch properties are disclosed. In particular, the articles exhibit stretch not only in the lateral direction but also in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the articles have a biaxial stretch ratio, which refers to a ratio of stretch along the hip circumference of the article to the amount of stretch in the longitudinal direction, that is from about 1.0 to about 2.5, and particularly from about 1.1 to about 1.5. Absorbent articles made in accordance with the present invention are capable of accommodating a relatively large size range of wearers. The articles also exhibit improved fit and prevent sagging or drooping of the crotch region, even after the crotch region has been wetted.

Abstract: A cleansing composition is disclosed that changes color during use. The cleansing composition contains a plurality of thermochromic dyes that cause a color change to occur at a threshold temperature and continue to cause a color change over a temperature range. The range of temperatures corresponds to approximately the amount of time sufficient to properly wash or scrub using the product.

Abstract: Temperature-sensitive films that undergo an irreversible change in appearance when the films are heated to a threshold temperature are provided. Also provided are methods for indicating that an object in thermal contact with a temperature-sensitive film has reached a threshold temperature.

Abstract: Labels are permanently attached to a substrate, e.g., a tissue cassette, by use of a staking device. The device comprises a staker assembly and a cassette fixture assembly. The cassette fixture assembly includes a slot and a clamping assembly for securing the cassette within the device. The staker assembly includes a set of probes that are heated and sequentially moved into a position to burn a hole in a label that is provisionally attached to the cassette, and then the substrate is melted and displaced through the hole to form a collar bond that permanently attaches the label to the cassette. The label remains attached to the cassette when exposed to harsh environmental conditions, e.g., high heat, high humidity, solvents, etc.

Abstract: A wiping product is disclosed containing an odor control agent. In one embodiment, the wipe may comprise a pre-moistened wipe containing a wiping solution. The wiping solution can contain the odor control agent. The odor control agent may comprise inorganic oxide particles, quinone compounds, or activated carbon particles. The odor control agent can be present in the wipe and can be configured to transfer to an opposing surface. In one embodiment, the pre-moistened wipe can be used during diaper changing to reduce malodors given off by the diaper after being discarded.

Abstract: A device including a base layer; a wipe layer attached to the base layer to define an interior space between the wipe and base layers; a plurality of blisters positioned within the interior space, each blister having a blister volume, wherein the sum of the blister volumes is a total blister volume; and an indication disposed on the wipe layer or the base layer corresponding to a single blister or a group of blisters indicating the ratio of the blister volume of that single blister or the sum of the blister volumes of that group of blisters to the total blister volume is disclosed.

Abstract: A warmer for scented oil is provided. The warmer includes a base, a cover removably positioned on the base, and a warming device. The cover has a substantially spherical shape with an opening at an upper apex and an open channel formed in the cover at the upper apex around an outer periphery of the opening. The open channel is configured to receive the scented oil. The warming device is in a heat conductive relationship with the cover so that scented oil in the open channel is warmed by the warming device. The warming device can be one or more of a lighting device with an incandescent light bulb, a resistance heater with or without a lighting device such as a light emitting diode, or a candle.

Abstract: In a feminine care absorbent article and method for donning the same, an absorbent structure is configured for disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal region. A shell supports the absorbent structure at the vaginal region and has an adhesive thereon for adhering the shell directly to the wearer. The article has a peripheral edge defined at least in part by the shell and the absorbent structure is attached to the shell. At least one removal tab is attached to at least one of the absorbent structure and the shell and extends outward beyond the peripheral edge of the article. The article may also have adhesive on its garment-facing surface for attaching the article to a wearer's undergarment for use in placing the article on the wearer.

Abstract: Conductive nonwoven webs are disclosed. The nonwoven webs contain pulp fibers combined with conductive fibers. In one embodiment, the webs are made in a wetlaid tissue making process.

Abstract: An ultrasonic treatment system having a treatment chamber for treating a formulation to increase the shelf life thereof. In one embodiment, the shelf life is produced by degassing the formulation using the treatment chamber. Specifically, the treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which a formulation flows longitudinally from an inlet port to a first outlet port and a second outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize the formulation within the housing. An elongate ultrasonic horn of the waveguide assembly is disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet and outlet ports, and has a plurality of discrete agitating members in contact with and extending transversely outward from the horn intermediate the inlet and outlet ports in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other.

Abstract: An indicator is disclosed that detects the presence of a chemical residue. The indicator includes a substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface and a first portion and a second portion joined at a fold line. The first portion is smaller in area than the second portion. An adhesive coats the upper surface of at least the second portion of the substrate. A first reactant is adhered to the upper surface of the first portion of the substrate. When the second portion is contacted with a surface containing the chemical residue, the residue adheres to the adhesive and when the first portion is subsequently folded along the fold line so that the upper surfaces of the substrate contact each other, a portion of the adhesive on the second portion remains exposed and the first reactant and chemical residue react to provide the color indicia indicating the presence of the chemical residue.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for determining hydration of an article and/or a person. The physical and/or electrical properties of a device in the absorbent article may be altered by hydration received in the absorbent article. The alteration of the physical or electrical properties may indicate the amount of hydration in the absorbent article. Furthermore, a time period for receiving the hydration in the absorbent article may also be determined. The hydration of the person may be determined based on a fluid output rate from the person computed using the amount of hydration output from the person and the time period for receiving the hydration.

Abstract: A patch is presented for use in conjunction with a surface, the patch including a backsheet having an adherent surface, wherein the backsheet is translucent; an outermost surface opposite the adherent surface; an adhesive applied to the adherent surface; a peel layer removably attached to the adhesive; and a malodor-reducing agent. A method for manufacturing a patch is presented, the method including producing a backsheet from a water-dispersible polymer; applying a malodor-reducing agent to the polymer; adding an adhesive to the backsheet; and adhering a peel strip to the adhesive.

Abstract: A method of making a mechanical fastening system for an article includes forming an oriented nonwoven loop material from a nonwoven web of substantially continuous fibers by drawing the nonwoven web using an applied force to align constituent fibers of the nonwoven web without substantial necking or gathering of the nonwoven web in a direction perpendicular to the applied force. The drawn nonwoven web is disposed on a disposable absorbent article.

Abstract: Foamable compositions are disclosed. The compositions contain one or more active ingredients combined with a foaming agent and optionally one or more surface tension adjusting agents. The foaming agent may comprise, for instance, a derivatized dimethicone. The surface tension adjusting agent, on the other hand, comprises a chemical species that either increases or decreases the surface tension of the composition within a desired range so that the composition is readily foamable. In this manner, active ingredients can be incorporated into the compositions that are typically hard to foam. Such ingredients include cleaning solvents and various skin care agents. Of particular advantage, foamable compositions can be formulated in accordance with the present disclosure that contain relatively small amounts of water such as less than about 20 percent by weight, such as less than about 10 percent by weight. In other embodiments, the composition can be completely anhydrous.

Abstract: Wetness indicators may include alarm devices that are designed to assist parents or attendants in identifying a wet diaper condition early on. These devices produce either a visual or an audible signal. Many of these devices rely on electronics, which may increase the expense of the absorbent article. Further, electronic devices rely on electrical sources and may be prone to failure if not utilized for an extended period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a catheter within a target area of the anatomy are disclosed. The catheter includes a passage or opening through which a suture filament may be routed. The suture filament can be secured relative to anatomical tissue to retain the catheter within a desired region. After the catheter has been used to complete the desired medical procedure, the suture filament may be released, permitting the catheter to be easily withdrawn from the anatomy. The catheter may include a biodegradable tip, which when absorbed by the body would enable the catheter to be removed. Biodegradable suture filaments and other components may also be used to facilitate the release of the catheter from the anatomy.

Abstract: An improved mechanical fastening system that includes a male component and a female component is disclosed. The female component is adapted for releasable engagement with the male component, and the female component comprises a fibrous web, wherein the fibrous web comprises a layer of elastomeric fibers. A disposable absorbent article employing the improved mechanical fastening system is also disclosed.