Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a first, liquid-permeable carrier layer and at least a second carrier layer. A carrier attaching mechanism secures together the carrier layers to provide substantially attached zones and a multiplicity of substantially unattached zones thereof. The substantially unattached zones provide a plurality of pocket regions, and high-absorbency material is located within the pocket regions to provide an absorbent laminate having a laminate length and a laminate width. A selected plurality of the pocket regions can, for example, be configured with an elongate shape having a major axis length and a relatively shorter minor axis width. The selected plurality of elongate pocket regions is included within a dispersed pocket array having a non-contiguous, labyrinth configuration of pockets.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as panty liners, thin full-sized sanitary napkins and the like having a garment facing side and a body facing side are provided which may be stored in a folded configuration prior to use. Means of attachment and means of release, most preferably silicone, are created on the garment facing side of the article. The patterns in which the attachment and release means are chosen such that when the article is folded, the adhesive means contact the release means, eliminating the need for release paper, but allowing the article to be unfolded and used. Other embodiments using barrier films affixed to the garment facing side of the article are also disclosed. Methods of making and packaging the articles disclosed are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sanitary napkin having an adhesive with perfume carrying release agents. Preferably the release agents are microcapsules that release perfume upon removal of a release liner from the adhesive, and/or during the user's wear of the sanitary napkin, and/or upon the removal of the sanitary napkin from the user's undergarment. The perfume releases are either as fragrance bursts, diffusion or both.

Abstract: A post-surgery orthopedic covering for a recess in endogenic bone tissue filled with an osteogenic material, such as hydroxyapatite granules, has a covering membrane with a stiffening layer which can be integrated with the covering membrane, or provided as a separate stiffening element.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin is disclosed having an absorbent core comprising a central core segment and two side core segments. The sanitary napkin also includes a lifting member for displacing the central core segment relative to the side core segments.

Abstract: Absorbent article such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and the like, that have a unique elastic waist feature that improves the dynamic fit of the elasticized waistband as well as the containment characteristics of the absorbent article. The elastic waist feature preferably comprises an interconnecting panel zone, a first flexural hinge zone joining the interconnecting panel zone with the containment assembly, an elasticized waistband, and a second flexural hinge zone joining the elasticized waistband with the interconnecting panel zone. The elasticized waistband comprises a shaping panel zone; a waistline panel zone; and a predisposed, resilient, waistband flexural hinge zone joining the shaping panel zone and the waistline panel zone.

Abstract: A method of determination of blood flow including projecting a beam (B) of laser generated light (L) to move (SM) over a surface (T) beneath which blood flow in a vessel or vascular bed is to be determined, collecting (RD)light returning scattered from the beam by the surface and by blood flowing beneath, measuring a spectrum of frequencies in said collected light, determining (DA),(F) from differences in said frequencies blood flow (VS) in a vessel or vascular bed beneath said surface. A reference for the detected frequencies is provided by light returned from the surface. A map of blood flow in a false-colour flow scale can be displayed(DU).

Abstract: A technique to preserve absorbent core integrity in a disposable article is described.Columns which protrude from the backing sheet of an absorbent disposable article or personal wear garment and which project into the fibrous mass of an absorbent core overlaid onto a liquid impervious backing sheet are disclosed. A top sheet which is pervious to liquids overlies the core of fibrous material encapsulating the absorbent core in cooperation with the backing sheet. The top sheet also may carry similar columns. These columns act to restrict the movement of the fibers in the absorbent core and, more particularly, to enhance and maintain the integrity of the absorbent core whenever wet and/or placed under stress. These columns serve to resist and to diminish any disintegration of the absorbent core.

Abstract: A bandage assembly for concealing a skin wound, blemish or other dermatologic condition comprising: a segment of adhesive tape that is sized and shaped to overlie the site of the wound, blemish or condition and which has a top surface and a periphery; and a layer of make-up that matches the color of the skin and covers the top surface and periphery of the tape and the area of skin immediately surrounding the segment and is smoothed or feathered at its edge to blend with the skin.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved multiple sliver absorbent product having a bottom sliver with low density edges. The low density edges engage a low density upper sliver and provide traction between the slivers which aids in stabilizing the product.

Abstract: A diaper having an inflatable component and a pump is disclosed. The pump has a pump chamber having an inlet port and an outlet port, and a resilient chamber wall. The resilient chamber wall is deformable to displace air from the pump chamber to the inflatable component. A check valve provides unidirectional flow from the pump to the inflatable component.

Abstract: A system for performing surgery on a patient's eye includes a handpiece constructed for insertion into the eye, a control module, and a foot pedal module. The control module includes at least one control arranged for setting at least one parameter of operation of the handpiece (e.g., aspiration rate, intensity of phaco-power, etc.). The foot pedal module includes a foot pedal with which operation of the handpiece is controllable in accordance with the parameter set by the control in the control module. For example, the foot pedal may be used to vary the aspiration rate or the intensity of phaco-power up to the maximum set by a control on the control module. The foot pedal module includes circuitry for controlling operation of the handpiece in response to depression of the foot pedal and in accordance with the parameter set by the control in the control module.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent structure comprising a microbial polysaccharide having improved porosity and a process of making the same. The absorbent structure may be adapted for use in an absorbent product such as a diaper or incontinence product. The process involves the supercritical drying of a microbial polysaccharide to remove at least a portion of the aqueous medium in which the microbial polysaccharide is produced without unacceptably reducing the porosity of the microbial polysaccharide.

Abstract: An improved blood reservoir formed by opposed, flexible sheets has a screen sandwiched between the sheets defining an input chamber, an output chamber, and vent chamber. A vent is in fluid communication with the vent chamber. An outlet is in fluid communication with the output chamber. One or more inlets direct blood into the input chamber through apertures that direct blood upward and along the screen, allowing gas bubbles entrained in the blood to escape through the vent. Support springs around the inlets allow them to be flexed without kinking. The reservoir can be coupled to an improved mounting board for use.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for collecting, processing, and storing blood components, such as plasma. The method involves collecting the blood component in a flexible storage bag manufactured from ethylene vinyl acetate EVA, having a composition of between about 9% and about 18% vinyl acetate by weight of total EVA co-polymer. The EVA bag is sealed, and the sample is frozen in the bag at a temperature of at least as low as -30.degree. C. to form a substantially solid pellet contained in the storage bag. The bag then is fractured and the pellet is removed in its intact, frozen form. The co-polymer bag may have an inner surface with an etched or embossed pattern of sufficient dimensions to permit removal of the plasma in a frozen state from the storage bag.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a main body portion, a pair of flaps joined to the main body portion, and a unitary release material joined to a portion of each of the flaps such that the unitary release material superposes the flap adhesive when the flap is folded along a fold line.

Abstract: The present invention describes a new pump which can be used as a mechanical heart, as a body fluid, as a drug infusion pump, and in similar or related applications for the circulation of body fluids including but not limited to blood and oxygenated air. The pump includes a scroll type pump that has been modified for medical applications. The pump includes two scroll involute spiral elements that are maintained at an angular and radial offset so that both spiral elements interfit to make a plurality of line contacts between their spiral curved surfaces to thereby seal off and define at least one pair of fluid pockets. The relative orbital motion of the two spiral elements shifts the line contact along the spiral curved surfaces thus causing the fluid pockets to change in volume. Since the volume of the fluid pockets increases or decreases, depending on the direction of the orbital motion, the scroll type pump is capable of either compressing, expanding or pumping the body fluids.

Abstract: A disposable body fluids absorbent padding at least comprising a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet and a liquid-absorbent core disposed between these two sheets, wherein said topsheet is made of a nonwoven fabric comprising high density zones and low density zones, and said high density zones have strips of liquid-impermeable thermoplastic film bonded to the upper surfaces of said high density zones.

Abstract: A prosthesis is provided to replace an excised lung, comprising a hollow balloon-like structure formed generally in the shape of the lung, a filling tube, and a filling port. This prosthesis occupies the chest cavity left vacant after pneumonectomy to inhibit mediastinal shifting and overdistension and displacement of the remaining lung and other organs. This prosthesis also compliantly supports the heart and prevents the heart from contacting and adhering to other structures in the chest cavity. The volume of the prosthesis can be adjusted subsequent to implantation without subsequent surgery through a subcutaneous septal port. A combination of gases is selected to fill the prosthesis to minimize the volume change due to transfer of gas across the balloon membrane. Also provided are a method for preventing mediastinal shift and overdistension and displacement of organs following pneumonectomy using the prosthesis of this invention, and a method of making the prosthesis.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for collecting, processing, and storing blood components, such as plasma. The method involves collecting the blood component in a flexible storage bag manufactured from ethylene vinyl acetate EVA, having a composition of between about 9% and about 18% vinyl acetate by weight of total EVA co-polymer. The EVA bag is sealed, and the sample is frozen in the bag at a temperature of at least as low as -30.degree. C. to form a substantially solid pellet contained in the storage bag. The bag then is fractured and the pellet is removed in its intact, frozen form. The co-polymer bag may have an inner surface with an etched or embossed pattern of sufficient dimensions to permit removal of the plasma in a frozen state from the storage bag.