Abstract: A device for use in securing a venting pin or infusion spike to a delivery container such as a vial or bottle particularly when instilling a medicinal fluid to a patient through an intravenous set, catheter or similar fluid delivery set.

Abstract: Novel facing materials and methods for their manufacture are provided by this invention. The facing material includes at least a fibrous top layer for engaging body fluid and a generally opaque middle layer. A portion of the facing material is disposed, preferably by piercing, through the generally opaque middle layer to establish a fluid path through the generally opaque middle layer. In the preferred embodiment, the facing material includes a bottom layer having a capillary structure for drawing the body fluid from the fibrous top layer. In this preferred embodiment, the fibrous top layer extends through the generally opaque middle layer to provide fluid communication between the fibrous top layer and the bottom layer. These composite structures provide a clean/dry facing material that has a comfort of a textile facing and the high opacity of apertured thermoplastic films.

Abstract: A medical monitor (1) comprises a recess (6) in its bottom side. A lateral wall (9) of this recess (6) is oriented in the same direction as the front panel (2) of medical monitor (1) and carries connectors or jacks. If the medical monitor is operated in a vertical position, its rear panel becomes its top panel. The rear panel does not comprise any connectors, and the connectors at lateral wall (9) as well as patient connectors (3a, 3b, 3c, 4) are oriented downwards. Therefore, the monitor is safe against sprayed or spilled fluids even if operated in vertical position.

Abstract: A surgical device constructed of a polyvinyl acetal sponge body constructed with an average pore diameter ranging from about 0.02 to about 1.2 mm and opposite sides laminated with a surface film layer of about 0.0015 inches thick. The laminate surface film layer is perforated with a plurality of holes allowing access to the body of the surgical device having a diameter ranging from about 0.1 to about 0.7 mm allowing absorbtion of fluid through the laminate layer into the sponge body of the device.

Abstract: A fluid collection apparatus for the controlled collection of body fluids comprising a collection vessel housed in a carrier, a vacuum pump mounted in the carrier, and means for powering pump for continuous operation mounted therein. The collection vessel includes a valved exit port, and inlet port connected to a body mounted fluid collection apparatus, a vacuum control means, liquid level control means an tilt sensing means all operatively connected. Also described are a vented drainage valve assembly, and sound and odor absorbing components.

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.

Abstract: A flexible, sterile container is provided for sterile storing and mixing of medicaments and liquids which includes a shell with at least one compartment. At least one sterile liquid-containing pouch is in one of the compartments, and a medicament is in the compartment with the pouch or is in a different compartment. The liquid and medicament are mixed together by squeezing the shell and pouch to rupture the pouch to release the liquid for mixing with the medicament just prior to dispensing the mixture.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin having an absorbent core with three longitudinally oriented trisections, a central trisection flanked by two outboard trisections. The absorbent core is formed of a single layer of tissue. The single layer of tissue is folded on itself to provide a two-ply thickness at each of the outboard trisections and a single thickness at the central trisection. The two plies of the outboard trisections are preferably adhered together. Absorbent gelling materials are disposed in each of the outboard trisections. The central trisection is substantially free of absorbent gelling materials. The sanitary napkin also preferably comprises a secondary topsheet intermediate the topsheet and the absorbent core. The secondary topsheet is also substantially free of absorbent gelling materials.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, adult incontinence device which has absorbent components comprised of blends of different types of fibers is provided. The absorbent components are arranged in structures that provide improved core integrity and liquid processing. The absorbent article preferably comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and an acquisition layer overlying the absorbent core. The absorbent core comprises a blend of cellulosic fibers, absorbent gelling material, and fibers such as crimped synthetic fibers that form liquid stable bonds with adjacent layers. The acquisition layer also comprises at least some fibers that form liquid stable bonds with adjacent layers. The fibers that form liquid stable bonds in the absorbent core and the acquisition layer are bonded to liquid stable components.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a sanitary napkin. The sanitary napkin includes a topsheet, a first backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the first backsheet. A second backsheet is joined to the first backsheet. The second backsheet includes a line of weakness defining a portion of the second backsheet to be separated from the remainder of the second backsheet. The second backsheet is secured to the first backsheet within the line of weakness along a plurality of bond sites. The bond sites form perforations in the first backsheet upon separation and removal of the second backsheet within the line of weakness.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sterile docking two or more plastic bag units 110. The invention generally includes a sterilizable pouch 102 manufactured from an essentially vapor transmission resistant material. Contained within the pouch 102 is at least one plastic bag unit 110 and a predetermined amount of sterile tubing 108 connected thereto. The pouch 102 includes an aperture 104 in one wall or at one seam through which a tube fitting 106 protrudes. The tube fitting 106 has an internal diameter sufficient to permit passage therethrough of the tubing 108 contained within the pouch 102 and connected to the bag unit 110 contained therein. The protruding tubing 108 then may be used for docking with other bag units 110.

Abstract: A washable nappy (10) having a rear portion (11) which tapers towards a crotch portion (12) which then joins to a front portion (13). Fasteners are used to secure the rear portion (11) to the front portion (13) so that the nappy is retained in position. The nappy is of a laminated structure having an outer layer formed of plush cotton toweling and a co-terminus inner layer formed of brush cotton. An intermediate layer is formed of 100% bonded polyester which covers at least the crotch portion and aids in transporting moisture from the inner layer to the outer layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin or an incontinence guard intended to be worn in the crotch part of a pair of underpants (9), and comprising an elongated absorbent pad (3) which is enclosed in a casing (1, 2) and which has attached to both long side edges (6, 7) flexible flaps (4, 5) which are intended to be folded around the leg edges (10, 11) of the underpants (9) in use, so as to prevent soiling of the underpants. An inventive article is mainly characterized in that each flap (4, 5) has an edge part which coincides generally with a corresponding edge part on the article casing (1, 2), and in that the flaps (4, 5) and the casing (1, 2) are mutually joined within the mutually coincidental edge parts (12, 13), with the flaps (4, 5) extending inwardly over the absorbent pad (3).

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed for absorbing body fluids such as urine, menses, blood, excrement, etc. The absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable cover, a liquid-impermeable baffle and an absorbent positioned therebetween. The absorbent is constructed of first and second members each having a predetermined width, with the width of the first member being equal to or greater than the width of the second member. The second member is positioned below at least a portion of the first member. The second member has a greater wicking capability than said first member and this facilitates movement of body fluid in a horizontal plane throughout the second member. The body fluid present in the second member will then be transferred back into the first member over an area equal to the saturated area of the second member.

Abstract: A disposable diaper comprising front and rear bodies separately formed and welded together along only respective lower ends of a crotch zone, and a breathability of said front body being different from that of said rear body.

Abstract: A stretchable absorbent article, such as a diaper, a sanitary product or other absorbent member, comprises a liquid permeable layer, and a liquid impermeable elastic layer stretchably secured to the liquid permeable layer at discrete regions so as to form regions of nonsecurement between the discrete regions of securement. The liquid permeable layer forms corrugations at respective regions of nonsecurement for respectively defining channels between the liquid permeable layer and the liquid impermeable elastic layer. Absorbent material is disposed in selected ones of the channels.

Abstract: Apparatus and surgical procedures are provided for completely coagulating endometrial tissue of the uterus by means of heated liquid in the distended uterus under direct view of a thermally insulated hysteroscope or under indirect view fluoroscopically using a thermally insulated hysterographic cannula and a radiopaque heated liquid.

Abstract: A topsheet for use in body fluid absorptive articles is so improved that collapse and clogging of liquid passages therein may be reliably avoided. The topsheet includes an upper sheet, provided with skin-contacting areas and liquid passages, and a lower sheet provided with skin-non-contacting areas, areas welded to the liquid passages, and exposed areas. The exposed areas are welded to each of the liquid passages around lower openings thereof so as to protect the liquid passage against collapse and clogging. The exposed areas define a skin-contacting surface which rises up into each of the liquid passages without extending above the upper surface of the skin-contacting areas. The upper sheet cooperates with the lower sheet to define cavities extending in the direction of the topsheet thickness.

Abstract: A holder for a tampon having a withdrawing thread. The holder has a rigid, cylindrical sheath encasing the tampon. The sheath has a tampon expulsion opening, an expulsion end region, and another end region, respectively. The expulsion end region has a hole therethrough for accommodating and guiding the withdrawing thread. The hole is proximate to the expulsion opening. The another end region has more than one notch. The tampon is partially expulsed out of the sheath through the expulsion opening by pulling on the withdrawal thread.

Abstract: A two piece garment for collecting bodily discharges is disclosed. The garment has a belt and a disposable assembly which are detachable and reattachable. The belt is intended to be reused, while the disposable assembly is intended to be discarded when soiled. The two components are attached to one another by hook and loop type fastening material, providing for adjustment to fit a wide range of wearer sizes.