Abstract: Disposable articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and/or inserts, training pants, feminine hygiene garments, tampons, and the like, having a responsive system. The article includes a sensor that detects an input, an actuator that is adapted to perform a responsive function upon the input, and a feedback control loop in which the actuator is adapted to perform the responsive function upon the input in a discontinuous manner. The responsive system may include an open loop or a closed loop system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a tampon (3), which can be inserted into the vagina, or other cavity, and which contains a molding cord (1) the pulling of which causes the tampon to increase its diameter and fill the cavity's inside diameter tightly.

Abstract: A system for separating a fluid having heavier and lighter components. The system includes a rotor having a rigid mounting member and an elastic diaphragm attached to the mounting member, the diaphragm defining a chamber. The system also includes a chuck for holding the rigid mounting member of the rotor and for spinning the rotor around an axis. The pressure of a control fluid, preferably a control gas, disposed adjacent the rotor's diaphragm is varied in order to control the volume of the rotor. Pressurizing the control gas causes fluid to flow out of the rotor; applying a vacuum to the diaphragm draws fluid into the rotor.

Abstract: Disposable articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and/or inserts, training pants, feminine hygiene garments, tampons, and the like, having a responsive system. The article includes a sensor that detects an input, an actuator that is adapted to perform a responsive function upon the input, and a feedback control loop in which the actuator is adapted to perform the responsive function upon the input when the sensor detects the input.

Abstract: Multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles are disclosed. The multicomponent particles comprise at least one acidic water-absorbing resin and at least one basic water-absorbing resin. Each particle contains microdomains of the acidic resin and/or the basic resin homogeneously dispersed throughout the particle.

Abstract: An external male catheter has a drain tube connection end for connection to a drain tube or collection tube that leads to a collection bag. The drain tube connection end is connected to a larger tubular portion, the other end of which is connected to a reduced diameter central portion. The central portion is tubular as well and has its other end connected to a cuff portion of a diameter generally the same as that of the larger tubular portion. An embodiment without the cuff is provided, as is an embodiment with the cuff on a tubular sheath of generally constant diameter. An applicator for the external male urinary catheter includes a pivotally connected handle for parting a pair of roll engaging arcs which open the catheter for putting on the wearer.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, having a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, an absorbent core located between a portion of the topsheet and the backsheet, and a fiber optic strand having two ends. The first end of the fiber optic strand is disposed in the crotch region of the absorbent article, and the second end is disposed adjacent to the backsheet of the absorbent article.

Abstract: A rotor for collecting and centrifuging biological fluids in a range of volumes. The rotor includes an elastic impermeable diaphragm which defines at least a portion of a variable-volume processing chamber, where the fluid is centrifuged. The rotor includes a rigid mounting member, to which the diaphragm is mounted and which is held and spun by a chuck. Preferably, this rigid mounting member includes a boundary wall which together with the elastic diaphragm defines the chamber. The boundary wall may be a substantially imperforate circular wall which extends to the periphery of the processing chamber but defining one opening, preferably near the axis of rotation, permitting a conduit or conduits to pass therethrough so as to be in fluid communication with the processing chamber. The rotor may include a separate structure for controlling the flow of liquid out of the chamber into the conduit.

Abstract: A washable and re-usable patient underpad has top section of a porous terry or circular knit fabric with a polyester stabilizing yarn. The top section is serged, stitched, or bonded to a bottom section that includes a PVC vinyl water barrier bonded to a polyester knit cloth. The loops of the terry or circular knit fabric layer are preferably oriented toward the bottom section to enhance air circulation through the pad.

Abstract: A rotor for collecting and centrifuging biological fluids in a range of volumes. The rotor includes an elastic impermeable diaphragm which defines at least a portion of a variable-volume processing chamber, where the fluid is centrifuged. The rotor includes a rigid mounting member, to which the diaphragm is mounted and which is held and spun by a chuck. Preferably, this rigid mounting member includes a boundary wall which together with the elastic diaphragm defines the chamber. The boundary wall may be a substantially imperforate circular wall which extends to the periphery of the processing chamber but defining one opening, preferably near the axis of rotation, permitting a conduit or conduits to pass therethrough so as to be in fluid communication with the processing chamber. The rotor may include a separate structure for controlling the flow of liquid out of the chamber into the conduit.

Abstract: An individually wrapped absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin which is simple, compact, sanitary, and easy to unwrap for use and to dispose of after use. The absorbent article avoids the need for a separate peel strip and pouch because it is provided with a wrapper that can be folded into a pouch. Substantially the entire backsheet of the absorbent article directly faces the wrapper and is secured to it to form an assembly. In the case of a winged or tabbed type absorbent article, this configuration obviates the need for a separate peel strip to cover the garment adhesive located on the wings or tabs. The assembly is wrapped by folding the lateral flaps thereof longitudinally over one another to enclose the article to prevent the garment adhesive from becoming contaminated. The package is then tri-folded laterally to form an e-shaped pouch. Wrapping and folding are performed by an in-line process that uses simple equipment and that does not require reversal in the direction of article conveyance.

Abstract: A body fluids absorbent article has a liquid-permeable topsheet formed by a nonwoven fabric of thermoplastic synthetic fibers. The topsheet is formed with a plurality of openings each having a diameter of 0.5.about.3 mm. These openings queue up so as to form plural columns of openings extending in parallel one to another. One half or more of a total number of the openings are reinforced by strands of thermoplastic synthetic resin each having a diameter of 0.1.about.0.5 mm and extending circumferentially of the respective openings.

Abstract: An improved incontinence fluid collection and disposal system consisting of a flexible fluid reservoir assembly mounted in an opening in a reusable brief is presented. The brief is either adjustable or one piece but in either case holds the fluid reservoir assembly snugly against the body to restrict fluid leakage. An adhesive layer, normally in the form of a gasket and affixed to a flange on an inlet end of the fluid reservoir assembly, can be used to hold the fluid reservoir in position against a layer in the brief. Additional gasket layer(s) in the form of other materials can also be utilized. The fluid reservoir assembly is, in its preferred embodiment, supplied with a gelatin agent to gelatinize the urine to make for easy removal and disposal. A bactericidal agent is supplied as part of the fluid reservoir assembly to prevent infections. An optional feature is a valve in the fluid reservoir assembly to which a collection tube can be attached for long term drainage.

Abstract: An intergrally wrapped sanitary protection absorbent article and method of wrapping are disclosed providing an absorbent configured to fit the pudendal region of a woman, and folded and enclosed in a liquid-impermeable baffle. In one aspect, the liquid-impermeable baffle has a first side on one side of the baffle width and a second side on the other side of the baffle width, opposite the first side, wherein the first side and the second side are sealed along their length to form side seals, such that the sides and the seals form the integrally wrapped sanitary protection absorbent article enclosure of the present invention. In one aspect, a first perforation strip on the first side seal and a second perforation strip on the second side seal make it convenient for opening the individually wrapped absorbent article package of the present invention.

Abstract: An urinary incontinence device for use by a male includes an undergarment worn closely to the body and including an opening or hole through which the penis passes and is kept upright and close to the body by a flap across the opener in the undergarment. The flap may include an occlusion device integrally incorporated therein and aligned with the opening to be positioned between the base of the shaft of the penis and the scrotum to occlude the urethral passage of the penis. The occlusion device is designed to apply sufficient pressure to occlude the urethral passage without cutting off circulation of blood within the penis through the dorsal vein. The flap design maintains and retains an optimum position of the penis and occlusion of the urethral passage to prevent urine discharge in a form fitting undergarment that allows significant freedom of movement by the wearer.

Abstract: A fecal collector which comprises an elongated, flaccid pouch having an entrance end; an anchor attached to the pouch entrance end to anchor the entrance end in the lower bowel, and; a positioner attached to the pouch in spaced relation to the anchor O-ring, to remain outside the lower bowel and adjacent the body, for blocking tilting of the anchor in the bowel.