Patents Examined by Larry I. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6852105
    Abstract: A device for the drainage of the bladder through the body's own urethra opening outside of the human body, comprising a tube-shaped body (10). The tube-shaped body is comprised: to assume a first contracted position and for taken up within the bladder as well as a to assume a second partially extended position. At least one thread (14) extends between the bladder and an opening of the urethra and is attached at a first end of the tube-shaped body so that the tube-shaped body can be extended from the first position to the second position during the application of a pulling force upon the thread. The tube-shaped body in the second partially extended position extends in such a manner so as to exceed the distance between the bladder and the point of the urethra's closing. The tube-shaped body is comprised in such a manner that it will return to the first position upon the release of the pulling force on the thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Prostalund Operations AB
    Inventors: Magnus Bolmsjö, Sonny Schelin
  • Patent number: 6852905
    Abstract: The Invention relates to absorbent articles, such as diapers, incontinence products, training pants, sanitary napkins, and the like, providing superior strikethrough and rewet characteristics, and methods of preparing the absorbent articles. The absorbent articles comprise at least a topsheet, backsheet, absorbent core, and fluid handling layer, and the article has a third insult Strikethrough of less than about 45 seconds, and a third insult Rewet of less than about 35 grams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Paragon Trade Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Baker
  • Patent number: 6852100
    Abstract: The present invention provides a carrier which comprises a malodour counteractant (MCA), for use in an ostomy or incontinence pouch, wherein said carrier is attached directly or indirectly to the wall of the pouch. The MCA may be in the form of a coating or a matrix on the carrier, or may be attached directly to the carrier by way of an adhesive. The invention also provides a method for use in the production of an ostomy or incontinence pouch comprising attaching directly or indirectly to plastics material forming, or for forming, a pouch wall, a carrier carrying an MCA. A preferred MCA is a hydrogen peroxide generator, for example, sodium perborate, which may be used in the above carrier, or in other delivery mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventors: John A. Gent, Graham E. Steer
  • Patent number: 6852904
    Abstract: An odor control system is formed by treating cellulose fibers with a partially neutralized carboxylic acid odor control agent. The odor control system absorbs odor and inhibits formation of various odor-producing bacteria. The odor control system is useful in the absorbent cores of a wide variety of personal care and medical absorbent garments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Tong Sun, Chien-Ping Hsu, Kelly M. Sedlachek
  • Patent number: 6852098
    Abstract: A catheter or similar device, particularly a female transient urinary catheter (1), comprises a rigid polypropylene tube having a saw tooth formation (4) providing a flexible region which separates a handle portion (2) from an insertion portion (3). In the insertion portion are formed apertures (6, 9) in the distal tip of the catheter and in the side of the catheter (1) towards the distal end. The tip aperture (6) has a rolled over edge (7) and the side apertures (9) are formed in recesses (8) in the external profile of the catheter. A scaling portion (10) comprises a sinusoidal undulation in the catheter wall which effects an improved seal between the catheter and the wall of the urethra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: BTG International Limited
    Inventor: Phillip Owen Byrne
  • Patent number: 6852097
    Abstract: A device and method to dissolve or eliminate blood clots from a patient relies upon a non-rapid moving mechanism to physically dissolve clots without damaging endothelium of the arteries and veins of a patient. In one embodiment, in addition to mechanical agitation of a clot, a thrombolytic agent is administered simultaneously with such agitation. Preferably, intermittent agitation is utilized over a prolonged period of time to effectuate clot removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Richard E. Fulton, III
  • Patent number: 6852099
    Abstract: A system and method for controllably applying the fluids to a body surface or cavity is disclosed. These fluids can include tissue adhesives, hemostats, sealants, anti-adhesives, or any other fluid capable of being applied to a body surface or cavity. In one embodiment, the system and method is used to apply components of a tissue adhesive with the aid of pressurized gas. This system comprises a tube having a proximal end and a distal end, at least one component lumen and a gas lumen which open at the distal end of the tube, a component source connected to the component lumen, a source of pressurized gas connected to the gas lumen, a sensor capable of delivering a sensor signal, a switch connected to the source of pressurized gas, and a control system programmed to switch off the pressurized gas supply when the sensor signal corresponds to a predetermined limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Heinz Redl, Zafar Khakpour
  • Patent number: 6849061
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for evacuating material from a body cavity are disclosed. An elongated tubular member constructed and arranged to be inserted through an aperture in a patient's chest is provided. The tubular member is generally L-shaped and has a distal section and a proximal section. The distal section includes a plurality of openings for receiving air and liquids from within the patient's body. The proximal section receives and discharges air and liquids to a receiver. The proximal section includes an expandable cuff for positioning the tubular member in the patient's chest for preventing the plurality of openings from being obstructed in whole or in part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Robert B. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6849065
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid removal system for applications where there is a need for liquid removal including laboratories and workshops as well as medical applications and dental applications. The urine acquisition zone of the liquid removal system of the present invention has a skin hydration value of less than 200 milligrams and hence reduces phenomena related to liquid rewet from the liquid removal system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mattias Schmidt, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger
  • Patent number: 6849070
    Abstract: A catheter se comprising a catheter and a package for storing of the catheter before use and for collecting or discharging urine, wherein an elongated part of the package forms a tube and wherein the catheter has a proximal part to be inserted into the urethra, a distal part in the form of a tubular section having an inner diameter at least as large as the inner diameter of the part of the proximal part of the catheter and a sealing part separating the proximal part of the catheter and the tubular distal part. The inventive shape of the catheter combined with the shape of the package prevents a blocking of the free flow of urine from the urethra into the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Christian Hansen, Allan Tanghoej, Niels Horsboel
  • Patent number: 6849066
    Abstract: A collecting bag including a bag member formed by two film blanks with joined edges, and a discharge portion having a discharge opening that is closed by a closure device. The discharge portion has a discharge position, in which the bag is open, and a position of use, in which the bag is closed. At least one open receptacle formed in the bag member accommodates the discharge portion when it is in the position of use of the bag. The open receptacle formed in the bag member has a basis portion in which the film blanks are undetachably connected to each other, and may further include a retaining element in the form of a strip having at least one engagement section for releasable engagement with a corresponding section or corresponding sections on the bag member or on the opposite end of the said retaining element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventors: Danuta Ciok, Martin von Bulow
  • Patent number: 6846304
    Abstract: A urine collection device which includes a urine collection vessel and a handle which releasable grips a pouring edge of the urine collection vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Jamie Teasdale
  • Patent number: 6840923
    Abstract: A device for evacuating waste product through an orifice in a mammalian body, the device including a chamber having an irrigating means for introducing an irrigating fluid into the orifice and a suction means for removing the irrigating fluid waste products from the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Colocare Holdings PTY Limited
    Inventor: Milos Lapcevic
  • Patent number: 6840929
    Abstract: A disposable worn article N comprises an absorbent body M including a core C and a liquid impermeable backsheet B, and a cuff 10 including a contact portion 12 and a stand-up portion 11. In the vicinity of a central portion of the cuff 10, a free end 123 of the contact portion 12 and a connecting portion 13 between the contact portion 12 and the stand-up portion 11 are arranged in the order of the free end 123 and the connecting portion 13 in a direction that transverses a direction in which the cuff 10 extends and that extends from an inside to an outside of the absorbent body M. In the vicinity of an end portion of the cuff 10, the free end 123 and the connecting portion 13 are arranged in the order of the connecting portion 13 and the free end 123 in the direction that transverses the direction in which the cuff 10 extends and that extends from the inside to the outside of the absorbent body M.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Zuiko Corporation
    Inventor: Syuhei Kurata
  • Patent number: 6840927
    Abstract: An improved absorbent catamenial tampon having increased leakage protection and ability to readily absorb fluid while not aggressively adhering to tissue. This is accomplished with a tampon comprising a compressed absorbent member comprising an absorbent material. The compressed absorbent member of the tampon has an inner region and an exterior surface. The fluid wicking overwrap substantially covers the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member, substantially permeates the inner region of the compressed absorbent member and extends beyond the withdrawal end to form a skirt portion. A method of making a tampon of the present invention is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: The Proctor & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Margaret Henderson Hasse, Steven Ray Gilbert, Eric Patton Weinberger, Sharon Darlene Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 6840924
    Abstract: An ostomy body fitment for attaching an ostomy pouch to a person's body comprises a shapeable adhesive pad, and a shape defining member. In a first annular fixed shape zone, the shapeable pad is supported and shaped by the shape defining member. In a second central reshapeable zone, a portion of the adhesive pad is unsupported by the shape defining member, and can be molded to fit an individual's stoma. A flexible flange for removable adhesive attachment to an ostomy pouch has an attachment zone outside the periphery of the shape defining member, to reduce direct application of external forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventors: Donald Edward Buglino, James Donald Jones
  • Patent number: 6837882
    Abstract: A tampon showing improved leakage protection through improved expansion characteristics is disclosed. The tampons disclosed demonstrate these improved expansion characteristics particularly in the width dimension without introducing new drawbacks. Preferred tampons are described which are compressed to an initial size comparable to current tampons, but which expand to a width exceeding that achieved by current tampons. Such increased expansion is preferably accomplished without an increase in the total absorbency of the tampon. Tampons of various absorbencies are disclosed having increased total expansion in the width direction compared to current tampons. Additionally, tampons of various absorbencies which expand to a greater degree in the width direction under pressure are also disclosed. Tampons of various absorbencies which expand at a rate exceeding that achieved previously are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Raymond Kusi Agyapong, Roberto Hollander, David Joseph Caracci, Susan Rachelle Hill, Bruce Leslie Hayes, Fiona Marie Taylor, James Arthur Keighley, Kevin Charles Strong
  • Patent number: 6838591
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, e.g., a diaper, having a top sheet, a back sheet, a core and a fluid acquisition system. The fluid acquisition system is formed by wrapping a layer of a non-woven material about the core, so that the marginal edge portions of the layer overlap each other over the upper surface of the core. The overlapping marginal edge portions are hydrophillic to form a dual layer fluid acquisition system. The remainder of the layer of non-woven material is hydrophobic. An additional layer can be located adjacent the overlapping portions to form a three layer acquisition system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Retail Services, AG
    Inventors: Andrew Waksmundzki, Kim Babusik, Joan Rodgers
  • Patent number: 6085420
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a slider of a linear guide device for guiding a movable body such as a work table or an industrial robot of a machine tool under load which moves along a track rail arranged at a fixed portion such as a bed, a column or the like, the method is comprising a first step of forming a block main body made of a metal which becomes a core part of the slider in a predetermined shape and forming load rolling faces of balls on the block main body by machine, and a second step of inserting the block main body formed in the first step into a mold and executing an injection molding of a synthetic resin by which ball retaining portions are built on both sides of the load rolling faces of block main body, and according to the first step pairs of smooth faces for shielding the molten synthetic resin are formed along the both edges in the longitudinal direction of the load rolling faces formed on block main body whereas according to the second step the block main body is fix
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: THK Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Konomoto
  • Patent number: 5943773
    Abstract: A branch pipe is formed on a metal tube using a forming tool including a milling part and a burring part adjacent the milling part. The milling part has a first diameter and is provided with a prescribed cutting edge on its outer peripheral surface. The burring part has a sloping surface with a maximum second diameter larger than the first diameter, and has a slope diameter that gradually diminishes in a direction away from the milling part. The branch pipe forming tool can be used for forming a branch pipe on a metal tube regardless of the shape of the metal tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Enami Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiaki Enami