Abstract: A stretch-activated elastic composite includes a non-woven fabric having a potential elongatability of higher than 100% in a predetermined direction, and an elastically recoverable, elastic sheet. The elastic sheet in its unstretched state is partially bonded to the non-woven fabric in its unelongated state. The elastic composite exhibits, per unit width of 5 cm, (1) a stress of lower than 1000 g at 30% stretch, (2) a stress of higher than 400 g at 100% stretch, (3) a breaking point of higher than 400 g and (4) an elastic limit of higher than 200%. The elastic composite after being stretched at a rate of lower than 200% exhibits, per unit width of 5 cm, (1) a stress of lower than 500 g at 30% stretch and (2) a stress of higher than 100 g at 100% stretch. The elastic composite after three repeated cycles of 150% stretching and relaxing exhibits an elastic recovery rate of higher than 60%.

Abstract: A disposable panty shield comprising a thin, highly absorbent pad having a body-contacting surface, an absorbent layer, a liquid barrier, an adhesive layer, and a release layer to protect a positioning adhesive prior to use wherein the panty shield has been densified by fusing all pad layers together in a manner such that the interstitial space between the individual fibers in the densified areas is not sufficient to readily allow fluid to flow through, and the liquid barrier has a contoured surface. The adhesive layer is attached to the liquid barrier such that the adhesive follows the contour of the liquid barrier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for noninvasively diagnosing limb compartment syndrome by measuring a quantitative modulus of hardness. In the preferred embodiment, a low friction piston probe mounted within a platform is applied against a limb compartment. Pressure within the piston probe is increased while measuring the displacement of the piston plunger for each pressure applied. The relationship of incremental pressures in the piston to the displacements of the piston plunger are plotted and a linear regression analysis is performed whose slope forms a quantitative modulus of hardness. In an alternate, completely automated, continuous embodiment, a circumferential cuff secures the piston probe mounted within the a platform against the limb compartment, while the quantitative hardness modulus is formulated.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin is disclosed. The sanitary napkin has a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet. The sanitary napkin has a first Z-direction caliper at a Z-direction compressive load of 2 grams and a second Z-direction caliper at Z-direction compressive load of less than 100 grams, wherein the second Z-direction caliper is at least 15 millimeters less than the first Z-direction caliper.

Abstract: A device (1) for collecting uncontrollably released urine including an introducing tube (2) passing a transparent collecting device. The invention proposes checking the collected urine as to impending and existing germinal infections by providing indicators (10) that are applied to a urine-exposed side of a control card (9, 9', 9'', 9''') attached inside the collecting device (3), and covering the control card (9 to 9''') on its urine-exposed side with a membrane (17) that slows down the reception of urine, on the one hand, and works against the indicators being washed out, on the other hand. The indicators (10) of the control card (9, 9', 9'', 9''') are protected from indication errors due to the slow passage of urine through the membrane (17).

Abstract: A closed ventilation and suction catheter system for aspirating or suctioning the bronchial tree or trachea of a patient including a dual lumen catheter, the proximal end of the catheter is connected to a dual valve assembly which is connected to separate irrigation fluid and suction pressure sources and the distal end of the catheter is adapted to be slidably positioned in communication with the bronchial tree of a patient. A transparent and flexible envelope surrounds the catheter to protect the catheter from direct exposure to the atmosphere. The catheter is slidable from the inside of the envelope through an adaptor and a tracheal tube to communicate with the bronchial tree or trachea of the patient. A ventilator is connected to the adaptor near the distal end of the catheter to provide for the artificial ventilation of the patient.

Abstract: Shielded winged needled medical devices which minimize accidental needlesticks of the skin by an exposed contaminated needle are provided. The medical devices include a hollow inner tube body having a pair of circumferential grooves on the outside thereof, and a slightly larger hollow outer winged shield which is slidable relative to the inner tube. The inner tube has a shoulder of relatively large diameter forwardly adjacent the front groove, and a ramp of diameter smaller than the shoulder rearwardly adjacent the front groove. The outer shield has an inner surface with first and second ramps and a protrusion which terminates the second ramp. The protrusion is arranged such that it sits in the rear groove of the inner tube while the winged needle device is being used.

Abstract: A protective suit has a supply of breathing air and includes a multiplicity of hollow chambers covering the body of the wearer which can be filled with breathing gas. The interiors of these chambers communicate with one another. The protective suit also includes hollow bodies which rest against the head, neck and upper torso region of a protective helmet portion. The interiors of these bodies communicate with those of the hollow chambers and with the interior of the protective helmet portion. The protective suit is configured for use for divers such that it is suitable not only for providing a sufficient volume for the supply of breathing gas and for thermal insulation but also, when it is filled, of first quickly pushing the diver up to the surface of the water and of providing a safe position of repose of the diver after ascent in which he can breathe freely, once he has reached the surface of the water.

Abstract: A device associated with a gas mask suitable for introducing liquid substances to the user of the mask. The liquid substances are contained in a container provided with a penetrating or syringe-shaped nozzle. The device comprises a tubular conduit inside the mask having at least one elbow portion elastically deformable from a first idle position to a second position at or adjacent the user's mouth and vice versa, respectively, when the penetrating nozzle is introduced inside the conduit through the entire elbow portion and withdrawn from the same elbow portion.

Abstract: Methods for improving speech and other functions of a tracheostomized patient are disclosed, together with an apparatus for carrying out the methods. The methods involve providing the patient with a tracheostomy valve that prevents airflow at all times except when the patient inhales. A way for doing so by positively biasing a flexible diaphragm against a valve seat is disclosed, together with a rivet structure for effecting such bias.