Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable absorbent article including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core having a pair of opposed longitudinal edges. The absorbent article includes a leg cuff extending at least laterally outwardly from each opposed longitudinal edge. Each leg cuff has a proximal edge, a distal edge and an elasticized region disposed between the proximal edge and the distal edge. The elasticized region has an inner edge, an outer edge and a width. The proximal edge of each leg cuff extends generally longitudinally along and adjacent to at least a portion of one of the opposed longitudinal edges and the distal edge of each of said leg cuffs is disposed laterally outwardly from the proximal edge. Each leg cuff includes an inner bond disposed adjacent at least a portion of the proximal edge of each leg cuff. An outer bond is spaced laterally outwardly from the inner bond, the spacing between the inner bond and said outer bond defining a leg cuff base width.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, has an absorbent and a substantially non-absorbent resilient layer adjacent to the absorbent. The absorbent is sufficiently stiff to resist twisting of the absorbent article during use. The resilient layer is sufficiently resilient to resist bunching during use. As a result, the absorbent article resists both twisting and bunching. The absorbent article has zones which vary in caliper, stiffness and absorbency. A central absorbent zone is thickest in caliper, more absorbent than the other zones and is stiffer than the other zones. An adjacent zone is less thick in caliper, less absorbent and less stiff. A peripheral zone, located near the outer side edges, is least thick in caliper, least absorbent and least stiff.

Abstract: A vision directed eye wash system includes an eye support for positioning an eye member to be flushed. A reservoir contains a supply of fluid. A tube is coupled at one end to the reservoir and the other end thereof is positioned adjacent the eye support for dispensing fluid from the reservoir into the eye. A mirror is positioned adjacent the reservoir for enabling the user to view the eye member between flushes. The tube may be positioned in a trough interconnecting the reservoir and eye support. The trough is generally of U-shaped cross-sectional configuration and the axis of the trough and the axis of the reservoir are generally perpendicular to each other when the eye member is viewed in the mirror and parallel to each other when the system is closed for storage.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a substantial volume capacity and retainable shape is disclosed which includes a cover sheet, an absorbent core, and a multi-layered moisture barrier laminate including a polymeric foam layer and at least one thermally bonded layer. Also, elastic members are attached to longitudinal sides of the article to form a cup-shaped article which has a cupping strength of about 30 grams to about 90 grams.

Abstract: An absorbent article embodied as a disposable diaper construction has been particularly configured for improved fit and comfort by providing an absorbent structure attached in a substantially free-floating suspended manner within the diaper. In the illustrated embodiments, the diaper includes an outer cover or back sheet and an absorbent structure or core which is supported within the outer cover by a supporting member which extends along a side of the absorbent structure and includes opposite ends which are secured to the outer cover. The supporting member suspends and supports the absorbent structure for substantially independent movement with respect to the outer cover so that the absorbent structure can conform to the wearer during use thus improving the fit and comfort to the wearer as well as inhibiting leakage from the diaper.

Abstract: A disposable diaper structure that maintains the disposable diaper characteristics, but that is further adapted to include in its structure, detachable diaper change accessories. The diaper structure is provided with a compartment structure for storing a disposable pad for laying a child on during a diaper change and avoid exposing the child to an unsanitary surface during a change of diapers, and also provided with a plurality of other detachable accessories. The other accessories, may include washing towels, and toiletries, such as baby powders, lotions, and a sealable trash bag for disposal of all soiled and used items and their packaging material. The disposable convenience associated with the modern diaper is maintained, but further avoids a form of pollution of the environment in that dirty, soiled diapers can be sanitarily disposed of in public trash containers.

Abstract: An individually packaged sanitary napkin having a cleansing wipe packaged therewith. The individually packaged sanitary napkin includes a wrapper that covers the sanitary napkin's adhesive fastener prior to use. The sanitary napkin wrapper can be provided with a flap or pouch for securing the used sanitary napkin for disposal. A number of alternative arrangements are disclosed for packaging the cleansing wipe with the wrapped sanitary napkin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sanitary napkin and releasable wrapper package. The releasable wrapper is folded about the longitudinal side margins of the sanitary napkin in a C-fold so that both faces of the sanitary napkin are protected and a relatively smaller package is produced than if the releasable wrapper extends laterally beyond the longitudinal side margins of the sanitary napkin. The releasable wrapper and sanitary napkin may be trifolded about spaced-apart, laterally oriented fold lines to produce a discrete single use package. Several variations, including flapped and asymmetric embodiments, are illustrated.

Abstract: An absorbent article having an attachment mechanism is disclosed along with a method of attaching the absorbent article to an undergarment. The absorbent article includes an absorbent and a baffle secured to the absorbent. The baffle has first and second longitudinal side edges, a first end, and first and second appendages extending laterally outward from the first and second longitudinal side edges, respectively. Each of the first and second appendages are positioned adjacent to the first end and aligned at an angle relative to the longitudinal side edges. Each appendage has a sufficient length to be folded inward and overlap the other appendage. The absorbent article further includes a first magnet positioned on or secured to the baffle and a second magnet secured to one of the appendages. The method includes positioning the absorbent article on an undergarment with the baffle contacting an interior surface of the undergarment.

Abstract: An insert intended to be worn by a male incontinent and which, in use, is worn around the wearer's genitals, within an absorbent article, such as a diaper or an incontinence guard. The insert has a basin-like configuration and includes at least one opening (12) which enables liquid to flow through the insert, and elastic devices (4, 5) are disposed in the edge parts (6, 7) of the insert, such that, in use, the insert will retain its basin-like configuration and be held securely around the wearer's genitals.

Abstract: A device for holding an endotracheal tube at a corner of a human patient's mouth to allow the mouth to remain free of obstruction in event aspiration of stomach contents occurs. The device includes a relatively stiff clamp holder pad. The clamp holder pad has a clamp holder mounted at one end thereof. A clamp for holding an endotracheal tube at one side of a person's mouth to leave a central area of a person's mouth between its corners free of obstructions to enable regurgitated foods and fluids to flow more freely from a person's mouth is provided. The clamp holder having a releasable fastener securing the clamp to the clamp holder. Straps are attached to the relatively stiff clamp holder pad and are positioned topside thereof on opposite sides of the clamp.

Abstract: The combination of a absorbent article such as an incontinence protector, a diaper or the like, and a waist belt for supporting the absorbent article. The waist belt and absorbent article have coacting hook members and apertures thereon by which the diaper and the waist belt are releasably secured to each other.

Abstract: A panty shield is disclosed having a magnet attachment mechanism. The panty shield includes a baffle having a body-facing surface and first and second longitudinal side edges. First and second appendages extend laterally outward from the first and second longitudinal side edges, respectively. Each of the first and second appendages has a sufficient length to be folded inward and overlap one another. The panty shield further includes a first magnet secured to the baffle and a second magnet secured to one of the appendages. The appendages are folded around the crotch portion of an undergarment such that the appendages overlap one another. In this position, the first and second magnets are superimposed and can hold the panty shield secure to the undergarment. An absorbent article can be releaseably attached to the panty shield.

Abstract: An encapsulated catamenial tampon is disclosed which can easily and comfortably be inserted into a woman's vagina. The tampon includes an absorbent having a withdrawal string attached thereto. The absorbent is retained in a dissolvable capsule having a cylindrically-shaped base member and a semi-spherically shaped cap member. The base member houses at least a portion of the absorbent and contains a first end and a second end. The first end is completely open while the second end has an opening formed there in through which the withdrawal string passes. The cap member slightly overlaps the first end of the base member to enclose the absorbent. Both the base and cap members have a plurality of openings formed therethrough which decrease the surface area of the capsule to allow the capsule to dissolve quickly.

Abstract: A conformable absorbent article has a topsheet that is designed to substantially fully contact the body of the wearer to provide improved performance in managing and containing body wastes. Management and containment of body wastes are improved by several structural elements that can be utilized individually or collectively. Some of these elements are a waste-containment pocket formed between the topsheet and backsheet, an opening in the topsheet for receiving body wastes therethrough, a pair of containment flaps and a pair of side flaps, and an expandable backsheet to retain body wastes therein.

Abstract: An absorbent pad effectively adapted for use as an adult diaper or, in a slightly different version, to be worn as an absorbent disposable pad within reusable panties. The product includes a liquid impervious backing sheet, a liquid permeable upper facing sheet adhered to the backing sheet about the edges thereof and an intermediate absorbent pad combination comprising upper and lower tissue layers and a paper fluff filler mat sandwiched together with a pair of spatially separated barrier strips that are positioned parallel to each other along the sides of the article between the two tissue layers. The plies of the tissue layers are formed with a crepe-like irregular surface oriented to develop a wicking action directed along the layers in a transverse direction, toward the absorbent barrier strips.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of urinary incontinence comprising the application of a compressive force to the tissue surrounding the urethra from below the urethra upwards towards the pubic bone. The apparatus comprises an inflatable, urethra-compressing balloon having a tissue-engaging surface positioned between layers of tissue adjacent the urethra on a side of the urethra opposite the pubic bone. The balloon flow communicates with a fluid reservoir secured to the frontal portion of the pubic bone. A patient having the apparatus surgically-implanted therein may selectively advance hydraulic fluid between the reservoir and the balloon so as to inflate or deflate the balloon and prevent or allow bladder emptying respectively.

Abstract: An embryo collection dish has a cylindrical sidewall with an inlet tube which communicates with an animal uterus from which the embryos are flushed. A lid is engaged with the dish and clamps a sheet of filter material therebetween. In use the filter is disposed vertically and the embryo cattier fluid is discharged from the device through an outlet tube which extends from the lid. The vertical distance between the inlet and outlet tubes is adjustable to control the volume of liquid retained in the dish along with the embryos. The dish together with its contents may be placed directly under a microscope for selection and extraction of the collected embryos. The device is sufficiently compact and fluid tight that it may be placed within a users clothing during collection to keep the embryos warm. Alternatively, an intermediate ring may be provided which joins a reusable lid to a disposable dish.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for introducing molecules such as genes and pharmacological compounds into living blood cells of a patient for therapeutic purposes. A device is implanted into the body of the patient for generating an electric field at a preselected location within a selected blood vessel. Preselected molecules are infused into the selected blood vessel. Simultaneously an electric signal is applied to the implanted device to repeatedly subject a quantity of blood flowing within the selected blood vessel past the preselected location to electric fields of a predetermined amplitude and duration. The parameters of the electric fields are precisely controlled in order to make the walls of preselected cells in the blood transiently permeable to permit the molecules to enter said preselected cells without killing said cells. The device can include either a pair of electrodes implanted in the blood vessel, or alternatively, an induction coil that surrounds the blood vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sanitary napkin having a transversely segmented absorbent core. The core is divided into a plurality of independent segments, each able to move in the Z-direction without constraints from such movement imposed by adjacent segments. Each segment may be disconnected from the adjacent segment, or connected to the adjacent segment by an isthmic connection registered with the longitudinal centerline of the sanitary napkin or by two isthmic connections, one registered with each longitudinal side edge of the core.