Abstract: A product includes front fastening members, which have first regions connected to them, and back fastening members, which have second regions connected to them, with the front or back fastening members being able to receive and co-operate with the other of the front or back fastening members, respectively, and a first fastening ability being exhibited between the front and back fastening members, and the front fastening members or the back fastening members have a first extent in the longitudinal direction of the product, and the other of the front fastening members or the back fastening members, respectively, have a second extent in the longitudinal direction of the product, and exhibiting an extent ratio there between, the first regions can receive and co-operate with the back fastening members, exhibiting a second fastening ability, and/or the second regions can receive and co-operate with the front fastening members, exhibiting a third fastening ability.

Abstract: A toddler's disposable or reusable garment (10) includes “brief looking” undergarments (12) with a releasable panel (18) that extends down from the back of the waistband (16), through the crotch, and upward for connection to the top front of the waist structure of the undergarment. An absorbent disposable liner/diaper (14) of hourglass configuration is placed in overlying relationship with respect to the releasable panel (18), and the upper end portion (36) of the releasable panel and is connected in underlying relationship with respect to the top front panel 28, allowing the parent to have expedient access to the absorbent disposable liner/diaper for the convenience of changing the liner/diaper without requiring the removal of the garment from about the waist of the toddler.

Abstract: A Foley catheter has redundant temperature sensors to enable use of the Foley catheter with a patient heating system, such as one relying on a vascular heat exchange catheter. The temperature sensors electronically couple with a control unit, which obtains a primary temperature reading from one of the temperature sensors and obtains a secondary temperature reading from the other temperature. The control unit compares the primary and secondary temperature reading to determine a sensor temperature difference. When the sensor temperature difference exceeds a predetermined value, then the control unit activates an alarm, shuts down the patient heating system, or both.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable top layer, a liquid-impermeable back layer, and a liquid-retentive absorbent member interposed between the top layer and the back layer. The absorbent member is arranged such that a pair of absorbent barrier cuffs having a prescribed width are formed at respective left and right opposing side portions of the top layer in the width-wise direction thereof, and liquid-shrinkable members, which can elastically shrink upon absorption of liquid, are disposed within the barrier cuffs and extend in the longitudinal direction of the barrier cuffs.

Abstract: A tampon having a relatively high density, compressed core (16) and a plurality of lower density longitudinal ribs (17) is disclosed. The longitudinal ribs (17) have a softer fiber structure and a coarser capillary structure and extend radially from the core (16). The longitudinal ribs (17) are separated one from another by outwardly open longitudinal grooves (18). A process for preparing the tampon and an apparatus useful in the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A combination undergarment and absorbent article is disclosed. The absorbent article includes an absorbent and a baffle. 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 edges, respectively. Each of the first and second appendages are aligned at an angle relative to the respective longitudinal side edge. Each angle is measured between an edge of the respective appendage closest to the first and the respective longitudinal side edge adjacent to the first end. Each appendage has sufficient length to be folded inward around the undergarment and overlap the other appendage. The absorbent article also includes attachment mechanisms for holding the absorbent article to the undergarment. The attachment mechanisms include a first attachment member positioned between the absorbent and the baffle and a second attachment member secured to one of the appendages.

Abstract: A stoma measuring device is provided comprising a valve housing containing a valve, a lumen with a port located near its distal end, with the lumen having its proximal end secured to the valve housing, and an inflatable component member, with this member located near the distal end of the lumen, the member having a first end secured to the lumen intermediary the port and the valve housing. The lumen is relatively flexible and may be fabricated with a radiopaque filler. The method for using the device of this invention permits the measuring of the depth of a stoma by inserting the distal end of a lumen through the opening in the stomach, the lumen having a port near the distal end, the lumen also secured to the first end of an inflatable component member, the port being intermediary the first end and the distal end, the lumen also having indicia thereon, inflating the member and ascertaining the relative distance between the first end in the stomach and the outer layer of skin through the use of the indicia.

Abstract: A diaphragm (40) for use in an exhalation valve (20) in a respirator. The diaphragm is tapered in thickness to provide substantially reduced vibration and noise. The diaphragm flexes and peels up from its valve seat (32) to provide the improved operation at low flow rates through the valve.

Abstract: An anaesthetic vaporizer of the by-pass type has a sump 7 with an outlet flow path comprising a first run 27 leading upwardly, a second run 30 leading downwardly and a third run 32 leading upwardly again. A duct 23 connects the lower end of the run 30 with the lower part of the sump and in normal operation is sealed by the sump liquid. However, if the vaporizer is displaced such that the liquid flows from the sump into runs 27 or 30 of the outlet flow path the liquid inevitably drains from the duct 23. A flow path for inflowing gas is thereby opened directly to the downstream end of the run 30, preventing the over-administration of vapor from the device and removing any danger of liquid anaesthetic being blown through the device from the runs 27 and 30.

Abstract: An ear plug is described, which includes a shell formed of closed cell foam material, with the shell surface having a multiplicity of small bumps that also form the walls of cells which lie at the surface of the shell, whereby to avoid wrinkling when the shell is squeezed into the ear canal. A stem of resilient material lies freely moveable in the shell, and is short so it extends substantially no further than the open end of the shell.

Abstract: An ankle protector is provided utilizing a planar slab of high density, flexible, soft foam material shaped to wrap around the rear of the ankle, and calf there being a heel cutaway for positioning purposes, and a pair of relatively thin, wide straps extending from the rear surface of the panel at one side, wrapping around the front of the ankle, and releasibly connecting to the rear surface of the panel at the other side, to securely position the pad behind the ankle.