Abstract: A method for sterilizing the human female by tubal ligation comprising the use of a ring applicator device having forceps means slidably mounted inside a cylindrical tube for grasping the Fallopian tube and pulling it within the device and means for pushing or otherwise displacing an elastic or stretchable ring over the portion of the tube held within the device, thereby effecting a ligature thereof. The procedure is preferably used in conjunction with a viewing device such as a laparoscope or a culdoscope. The placement of the elastic ring on the tubes eliminates the need for time-consuming procedures which are discomforting to the patient and the use of bulky and expensive equipment. Moreover, depending upon the size and elastic power of the rings, the sterilization can be made permanently or reversibly, as desired. The device and method are also applicable to the sterilization of the human male by the ligature of the vas.

Abstract: A synthetic physiological mucus having particular usefulness as a vaginal and surgical lubricant, based upon a pituitous aqueous solution of a high molecular weight polyacrylamide.

Abstract: A disposable multi-layer diaper of high absorptive capacity is provided which comprises as a first layer, a porous facing web to be brought into contact with an infant's skin. A second layer, in juxtaposition to the facing layer, is a highly porous, loosely compacted cellulosic batt having greater wettability than that of the facing web. The batt is slightly narrower than the facing layer to provide exposed side portions of the facing layer outwardly of the side edges of the batt. A third layer integral with the second is a continuous, paper-like, densified highly compacted layer of the same cellulosic material as the second layer but of substantially smaller average pore size. The densified layer is bounded by transverse linear areas near the ends of the batt in which areas the densified layer is thickened. The final layer is an impervious backing sheet that is substantially coextensive with the facing layer and which is adhered to the densified layer.

Abstract: A surgical sponge comprising, an absorbent fabric, and an X-ray detectable element integrally bonded to fibers in the fabric. The element has a distinctive configuration to provide a recognizable pattern on an X-ray photograph.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising an absorbent pad having a front surface, and sheet means, including a film of thermoplastic material, covering at least a portion of the front surface of the pad. A pattern is fused into the film to define a discontinuous front surface of the article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved intravaginal catamenial tampon which is comprised of a plurality of individual small absorbent masses attached at intervals along a string.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for percutaneously administering a drug comprising a plurality of projections, a drug reservoir containing a drug, and where the projections extend from the reservoir and are adapted for penetrating the stratum corneum for percutaneously administering a drug from the reservoir to produce a local or systemic physiological or pharmacological effect.

Abstract: An inhalation device having an elongate housing having one or more passageways for the passage of air therethrough. The passageway, of relatively small diameter, opens into an emptying chamber, of relatively greater diameter, adjacent that end of the housing which is adapted for insertion into the mouth or nose of a user. Adjacent that end of the emptying chamber closest to the passageway(s), the housing has means to hold a medicament-holding container so it is tilted toward the passageway (i.e., away from the output end of the housing). During inhalation, the powdered medicament in the container is entrained in the air stream being inhaled and is carried into the nose, throat, or lungs of the user where beneficial or therapeutic action of the medicament occurs.

Abstract: Ocular drug delivery device comprising a bioerodible body of polymeric material sized and shaped for insertion in either conjunctival cul-de-sac that have improved retention in the eye. The devices have a stiffness and resistivity to bending manifested by a centroidal unsupported bending angle of less than 40.degree., preferably less than 20.degree., during the drug dispensing lifetime of the device.

Abstract: An ocular drug dispensin device for administering a drug at a controlled and continuous dosage unit rate to the eye to produce a local or systemic physiological or pharmacological effect is comprised of a shaped body insoluble in tear fluid and comprised of a first wall, a third wall distant from the first wall, a second wall interposed between the first and third wall and extending around their peripheries for sealingly engaging the first and third wall, a reservoir defined by the inner surfaces of the walls and containing the drug or a mixture of the drug in a carrier and wherein at least one of the first and third walls is formed of an imperforate drug release rate controlling material permeable to the passage of drug or a microporous material containing in the micropores a drug release rate controlling medium permeable to the passage of drug for administering a therapeutically effective amount of drug over a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: An ocular insert for the continuous controlled administration of a predetermined therapeutically effective dosage of drug to the eye over a prolonged period of time. The device meters the flow of drug by means of a drug release rate controlling material. The insert bioerodes in the environment of the eye concurrently with the dispensing or at a point in time after the dispensing of the therapeutically desired amount of drug.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method of delivering medications at a controlled rate to a selected area of the body, such as to the eye, by the use of a reversible bond between the medication and a receptor for the medication.

Abstract: A disposable diaper combining improved softness and sufficient strength to resist in use tearing and shredding in a single structure, thereby producing better compliance and fit when the structure is applied to the wearer, and hence improved comfort as well as better containment of waste fluids deposited thereon. In a preferred embodiment, a disposable diaper of the present invention employs an air laid absorbent cellulosic core reinforced by the application of a hydrophobic resin at relatively low levels of solids addition to one side thereof with subsequent drying, curing and calendering to the desired overall density. With sufficient strength built into the resin treated surface of the absorbent core structure, the unreinforced surface of the absorbent core can be adhered directly to a soft, waterproof backsheet, thereby producing a unique softness, texture and hand.

Abstract: A tape fastener system for disposable diapers in which the tape is disposed on the liner, or front cover, of the diaper, and is of a unitary composite construction such that an integral surface portion of the tape acts as a releasable protective means for a pressure sensitive surface area of the composite tape. The fastener system comprises a composite tape formed from two connected strips of pressure sensitive sheet material longitudinally aligned and joined to each other at a narrow zone of overlap. The strips are overlapped with their adhesive surfaces in contact so that one end portion of the composite tape adjacent the overlap zone has its adhesive surface disposed on the face of the tape opposite from face of the tape on which the adhesive surface of the other end portion is disposed.

Abstract: An absorbent article for the perineum comprising, an elongated absorbent pad assembly having a front surface for facing the perineum, a back surface, and separable side portions adjacent the front surface of the pad assembly. The side portions define a longitudinally extending channel adjacent the lateral mid-point of the pad assembly, such that the side portions separate during use to expose an increased area of the pad assembly.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having a moisture-impermeable backing sheet and an absorbent pad superposed on the backing sheet is provided with adhesive tap-type fasteners which do not require a separate release sheet for protecting the adhesive surfaces thereof. Each fastener is secured to the backing sheet and comprises a fixed end attached to the outer surface of the backing sheet and a free working end removably attached to an outwardly-facing release region provided on the backing sheet.

Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided with an absorbent pad comprised of airfelt or a similar low-strength absorbent material enclosed by an envelope of wet strength tissue. The absorbent pad is preferably enclosed between a liquid-retaining backsheet and a liquid-pervious topsheet secured in superposed relation to the liquid-retaining backsheet. Because the wet strength tissue envelope surrounding the absorbent core material tends to cling to the wetted pad after removal of the liquid-retaining backsheet, it tends to prevent hydraulic erosion of the absorbent media and therefore interferes with pad flushability. If a non-wet strength tissue is utilized on one or both sides of the absorbent media it will readily dissociate upon immersion in water and thereby promote pad flushability. However, such an absorbent pad lacks integrity in use due to the low strength of the absorbent media employed.

Abstract: A humidity indicator for a diaper including a moisture impervious outer sheet and a moisture absorbent inner sheet. A transparent opening is formed in the outer sheet either for viewing a moisture indicator strip behind the outer sheet or for exposing the moisture indicator strip on the outside of the outer sheet to communication with the moisture in the absorbent inner sheet.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive tape attachment system for disposable diapers in which the strippable protective release sheet for the pressure sensitive tape has one end permanently secured to the outer or non-body contacting surface of the diaper. The protective sheet remains attached to the outer surface of the diaper when the latter is worn.

Abstract: A lightweight floor construction for an animal enclosure defined by a plurality of channel members arranged in parallel spaced relation and fastened together by associated connector clips which engage the channel members solely at their lower ends. The channel members are then supported on an associated supporting structure.