Patents Examined by A. Zuttarelli
  • Patent number: 5868724
    Abstract: A non-continuous absorbent core having a plurality of interconnected strands separated by voids. The strands comprises a porous absorbent macrostructure. The porous macrostructure has interconnected absorbent gelling particles that are surface crosslinked with cationic, preferably polymeric, amino-epichlorohydrin adducts. Upon contacting liquids such as water or body exudates (e.g., urine), the absorbent core can absorb the liquids without undesirable planer expansion. The core is useful in absorbent articles such as diapers, adult incontinence pads, and sanitary napkins are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Albert C. Dierckes, Jr., Kyoko Naga, Ebrahim Rezai, Yung-Wei Tai, Michael S. Kolodesh, Nancy A. Haynes
  • Patent number: 5863289
    Abstract: An improved device and process of assuring separation of an anticoagulant type fluid from a saline type fluid each of which is utilized in the process and operation of a plasma-pheresis apparatus or the process of collecting donor blood, is disclosed. The improvement includes a cross-spike prevention receptacle which is dimensioned, and installed positionally in reference to a plasmapheresis or blood donor apparatus, to receive an anticoagulant fluid container to which a proper respective supply communication line will connect, and to exclude and not receive a saline fluid container or container holding a similar type of fluid, whose fluid line will not reach and connect to the installed cross-spike prevention receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Bryan Jay Hoover
  • Patent number: 5743895
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved disposable diaper and method therefor. The disposable diaper achieves significant fluid absorbency through a wadding batt layer consisting solely of a combination of wood pulp and cotton pulp, rather than through a wadding batt layer comprising wood pulp and a superabsorbent polymer. In this fashion, the disposable diaper minimizes skin irritation that may be caused during rewetting when body waste fluids contacting the superabsorbent polymers carry a portion thereof back out through the diapers into contact with the skins of babies or children using the diapers. The disposable diaper also minimizes skin irritation caused when both the exterior portion of a diaper contacts a child's skin or the skin of a person touching the diaper, by the use of an outer and inner surface layer of a soft, cloth-like, non-woven bond material such as polyester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: RMED International, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Reiss, Brenda J. Schenk
  • Patent number: 5733274
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, is disclosed that has components which may separate in the Z-direction with relation to other components of the article when the absorbent article is worn. The sanitary napkin of the present invention comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a relatively shift liquid pervious spacing structure for moving the topsheet away from the core. The spacing structure is generally positioned between the topsheet and the core. The spacing structure has a longitudinal centerline, and opposed lateral sides which may move inwardly toward the longitudinal centerline when the spacing is compressed from the sides. This results in at least a portion of the spacing structure moving the topsheet apart from the absorbent core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Thomas Ward Osborn, III
  • Patent number: 5728084
    Abstract: A disposable sanitary towel (1) comprising a liquid-permeable upper layer (5), an impermeable lower layer (7) and an absorbent element (6), is provided with an intermediate layer (10) disposed between the upper layer (5) and the absorbent element (6) and extending around the side edges (8) of the absorbent element (6) such that it can distribute the liquid received and prevent losses of liquid from the side edges of the absorbent element (6). The towel (1) is further provided with an absorbent element (6) comprising an improved layer structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: The Proctor & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gianfranco Palumbo, Giovanni Carlucci, Luigi Marinelli, Remo Di Girolamo, Michael Divo
  • Patent number: 5720737
    Abstract: The absorbent sheet according to the present invention is characterized in that:the absorbent sheet contains bulky cellulose fibers and hydrophilic fine fibers or hydrophilic fine particles; the proportion of the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine particles is higher in one side of the absorbent sheet than in the other side; the bulky cellulose fibers have an average fiber length of 1 to 20 mm and a degree of fiber roughness of 0.3 mg/m or more; the hydrophilic fine fibers have an average fiber length of 0.02 to 0.5 mm; and the hydrophilic fine particles have an average particle diameter of 0.02 to 0.5 mm. The absorbent sheet is useful as, in particular, an absorbent member of absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins or disposable articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsugu Hamajima, Hironori Kawasaki, Yasuhiro Yamamoto, Minoru Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 5718698
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent articles having breathable side panels. The disposable absorbent article preferably comprises a containment assembly including a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core has a pair of opposing longitudinal edges, an inner surface and an outer surface. The backsheet has a garment-facing surface, a body-facing surface, a central region and an outer region. The backsheet preferably further includes at least three distinct zones, a pair of apertured zones comprising apertures and a non-apertured zone. The apertured zones preferably include at least a portion of the outer region of the backsheet and extend laterally outwardly form each of the longitudinal edges. The non-apertured zone preferably comprises the central region and is juxtaposed the outer surface of the absorbent core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: George Christopher Dobrin, Karen Marie Davis
  • Patent number: 5718697
    Abstract: A liquid-absorbent article having a high absorption capacity and a short fluid penetration time. The liquid-absorbent article comprises sphagnum moss material containing an effective amount of cross-linked cellulosic fibers. The liquid-absorbent article is well-suited for use as an absorbent component of a disposable absorbent product, such as a sanitary napkin, a diaper, an incontinence pad, an adult brief, a wound dressing, a nursing pad, a tampon pledger, or as desiccant for packaging materials to keep goods dry during shipping or storage. The invention also extends to a novel method for manufacturing the liquid-absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaetan Chauvette, Martin Roy
  • Patent number: 5713881
    Abstract: A non-continuous absorbent composite having a plurality of interconnected strands separated by voids. The strands comprises a porous, absorbent macrostructure and a substrate. The porous macrostructure has interconnected absorbent gelling particles that are surface crosslinked with cationic, preferably polymeric, amino-epichlorohydrin adducts. Upon contacting liquids such as water or body exudates (e.g., urine), the absorbent composite can absorb the liquids without undesirable planer expansion, The composite is useful in absorbent articles such as diapers, adult incontinence pads, and sanitary napkins are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventors: Ebrahim Rezai, Michael S. Kolodesh, Yung-Wei Tai, Kesyin Hsueh, Albert C. Dierckes, Jr., Kyoko Naga
  • Patent number: 5702466
    Abstract: A joint prosthesis having a femoral element, a tibial element and a bearing for articulation therebetween is disclosed to further include an intermediate element. The intermediate element permits rotation of the bearing with respect to the tibial element and longitudinal translation of the bearing with respect to the intermediate element. Transverse translation of the bearing with respect to the intermediate element is precluded. In an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal translation may be limited either in the anterior or posterior direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Biomedical Engineering Trust I
    Inventors: Michael J. Pappas, Frederick F. Buechel
  • Patent number: 5697975
    Abstract: A neural prosthetic device for reducing or eliminating the effects of tinnitus is inserted into a tinnitus patient's primary auditory cortex (or thalamus). The prosthetic device includes a stimulation device for outputting processed electrical signals and an electrode arranged in the primary auditory cortex having a plurality of electrical contacts. Each of the plurality of electrical contacts independently outputs electrical discharges in accordance with the electrical signals. In another embodiment, a catheter is inserted into the tinnitus patient's primary auditory cortex or thalamus. The catheter microinfuses drugs which suppress or eliminate abnormal neural activity into disperse geometric locations in the cortex or thalamus, thereby reducing or eliminating the effects of the patient's tinnitus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: The University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Howard, III, Timothy M. McCulloch, Carol A. Bauer
  • Patent number: 5695486
    Abstract: A light weight, low density absorbent structure suitable for use in disposable absorbent products which is formed from a fibrous web of cellulose and cellulose acetate fibers. The fibrous web is treated with a triacetin solvent and heat cured to bond the fibers. The absorbent structure has excellent structural integrity and an absorbent capacity and strength which is equal to or exceeds that of absorbent structures having twice the basis weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Buckeye Cellulose Corporation
    Inventors: Denise H. Broughton, Charles E. Bost, Howard L. Schoggen
  • Patent number: 5690624
    Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided with an indicator adapted to be revealed as it is wetted with discharged urine and to tell a mother her baby's urination. The indicator comprises a hydrophilic base sheet, a first coating layer formed on one side of the base sheet so as to develop its proper color as the indicator is wetted with urine, and a second coating layer formed on the other side of the base sheet or upper surface of the first coating layer and intermittently bonded to the inner surface of the backsheet so that the second coating layer covers up the first coating layer. The second coating layer becomes transparent as the indicator is wetted with urine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Sasaki, Makoto Suekane, Kenichi Hisada
  • Patent number: 5688258
    Abstract: A disposable cover which, when used with an absorbent material, such as a pad of woven cloth, provides an absorbent article, such as a catamenial pad is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the disposable cover comprises a liquid pervious rewet barrier and an anti-stain barrier joined thereto. Preferably, the rewet barrier comprises a material having capillaries which allow bodily liquids to rapidly penetrate therethrough and the anti-stain barrier is provided in two portions, one of which is joined to each longitudinal edge of the fewer barrier. The disposable cover can also be provided with absorbent attachment means for securing the cover to the absorbent material and with garment attachment means for securing the assembly of the disposable cover and the absorbent material to a user's undergarment. Alternative embodiments of the invention can assume a pouch configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Digvijay Rawat, Carlos Jose Barroso, Letha Margie Hines, Peter Morris, Robb Eric Olsen, J. Alvaro Restrepo, Nona Jane Redwine, Mark Donovan Seymour, Hiroaki Shikata
  • Patent number: 5688259
    Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin is provided. The sanitary napkin of the present invention has a body-conforming configuration that is provided at least in part by a longitudinally-oriented resilient hump-forming element. The hump-forming element is positioned to form a hump along the longitudinal centerline on the body surface of the sanitary napkin. The sanitary napkin may also be provided with bending axes. The sanitary napkin may also be provided in a curved configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Thomas W. Osborn, III, Theresa L. Johnson, Letha M. Hines, Robb E. Olsen
  • Patent number: 5685873
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment for use as a baby diaper and the like includes a pair of differentially stretchable ear members wherein each differentially stretchable ear member comprises a stretchable inner ear portion and a stretchable outer ear portion. A first fastening mechanism on each ear is releasably fastenable to the front of the article, and second fastenable members on the outermost portions of each stretchable ear are fastenable together at the front of the diaper when worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Mary A. Bruemmer
  • Patent number: 5685875
    Abstract: A method and device for sampling biological fluids during collection without opening the functionally closed collection system, thereby compromising the sterility of the collected fluid. A sample bag connected to a fluid line or collection reservoir is filled coincident with fluid collection, then hermetically sealed and physically separated from the collection system using a radio frequency tubing sealer. A vacuum tube collection device is attached to the sample bag to minimize exposure to the fluid during sample handling and processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Cobe Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Hlavinka, Robert Lee White, Todd Curtis Green
  • Patent number: 5685872
    Abstract: Absorbent articles, such as catamenial tampons, for absorbing body fluids are disclosed which include an effective amount of a nitrogen containing compound to substantially inhibit the production of exotoxins by Gram positive bacteria. The compound is one or more nitrogen containing compounds having the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, inclusive of the carbonyl carbon, is an alkyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 can be the same or different. Moieties R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 can be selected from hydrogen and an alkyl group having 1 to about 12 carbon atoms which may contain one or more substituent groups selected from ester, ether, amine, hydroxyl, carboxyl, carboxyl salts, sulfonate, sulfonate salts and mixtures thereof. The compound is effective in substantially inhibiting the production of TSST-1 and Enterotoxin-B from S. aureus bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Rae Ellen Syverson
  • Patent number: 5681305
    Abstract: Absorbent products and components for use in absorbent products are disclosed. These absorbent products comprise pressure-sensitive adhesive microfibers and thermoplastic polymer microfibers, that when incorporated into absorbent products provide good liquid transport properties, resiliency, and attachment systems; and further mask odors associated with bodily fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralf Korpman
  • Patent number: 5681301
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprises an absorbent panel and a backing web secured to the panel. A preferred form of the web comprises an apertured film. The web may also include other components on the apertured film, including adhesive. The apertured film is preferably produced from a solid precursor film. The precursor film comprises a copolymer of ethylene and a comonomer polymerized using a single-site metallocene-type polymerization catalyst. The apertured film is formed from the precursor film so that the apertured film has localized deformations and apertures therein. The apertured film exhibits breathability, strength, and flexibility with an elasticity accommodating stretch or elongation and at least partial recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Worldwide Absorbent Products
    Inventors: Ching-Yun Morris Yang, Mordechai Turi, William Chien-Chung Hsu