Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, that have an elastic leg feature that provides dynamic fit around the leg of the wearer. Such absorbent articles comprise a liquid previous topsheet; a liquid impervious backsheet; an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and an elastic leg feature comprising an elasticized leg cuff and elasticized thigh panels. The elasticized leg cuff is positioned in at least the center leg zone of the elastic leg feature, and comprises one or more elastic members operatively associated in an elastically contractible condition so that the leg cuff is elastically contractible in generally the longitudinal direction. The elasticized thigh panels comprise a stretch laminate that is mechanically stretched so that the elasticized thigh panel is capable of expanding beyond the original planar state of the absorbent article in at least one direction at an angle from the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A bandage assembly for concealing a skin wound, blemish or other dermatologic condition comprising: a segment of adhesive tape that is sized and shaped to overlie the site of the wound, blemish or condition and which has a top surface and a periphery; and a layer of make-up that matches the color of the skin and covers the top surface and periphery of the tape and the area of skin immediately surrounding the segment and is smoothed or feathered at its edge to blend with the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the flat manufacture of three-dimensional articles, in particular absorbent disposable articles. According to the invention, a plurality of narrow, flexible absorbent bodies (1.sub.a -1.sub.

Abstract: A growth adjustable diaper for newborn babies is adjustable in length by use of a foldable absorbent panel at the front edge of the diaper and comprises an elastic member positioned between the foldable panel and a topsheet.

Abstract: An electrode tip assembly for a catheter is bendable under the control of the user. One portion of the assembly is more resistant to bending than the remaining portions. The variable stiffness directs and concentrates the applied bending forces in the particular region where maximum bending is desired.

Abstract: An infusion unit has a flexible container and an open-ended pipe having a first opening in communication with the container and a second opening axially opposite the first. The pipe has smaller and larger diameter portions with the smaller diameter portion located between the second opening and the larger diameter portion. An axially moveable plug is receivable within the smaller diameter portion to seal the second opening of the pipe. An axially moveable engaging member with an end for engaging the plug and a needle at the opposite end for piercing the stopper of a vial. The plug may be pushed by the engaging member from the smaller diameter section to the larger diameter section so as to permit flow through the pipe between the first and second openings to the vial and container.

Abstract: A tampon comprising a compressed pledget of absorbent material, shaped for insertion into a body cavity, and a withdrawal cord attached to the tampon to facilitate removal of the tampon from the body cavity. The pledget, prior to compression, is a filament tow of substantially hydrophilic filaments. The filaments have a substantially permanently crimped configuration, and are disposed in a randomly out-of-phase orientation with respect to each other so as to increase the pore volume ratio of the pledget, i.e., the fraction of pledget volume occupied by interfilament spaces or interstices between filaments. Preferably the pore volume ratio of the tampon is in the range of 60 to 95%, more preferably 70 to 90%, most preferably 80 to 85%.

Abstract: Here is disclosed air-permeable and liquid-impermeable backsheet for use in body fluid absorbent articles.Polyolefin plastic sheet containing inorganic filler particles is stretched and then thermo-embossed to obtain the backsheet 1. At least one surface of this backsheet 1 is composed of a rough surface zone 5 and a smooth surface zone 6 so that these two kinds of zones define together a desired surface pattern over the backsheet. The rough surface zone 5 has fine pores 7 for air-permeability and the smooth surface zone 6 facilitates an absorbent core of the body fluid absorbent article to be seen through this smooth surface zone 6.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in the sanitary removal from a patient's body and disposal of an indwelling tube wherein a sheet of flaccid material is brought to the exit site and formed into a pouch enclosing the exterior end of the tube. The pouch is gathered about the exterior end of the tube and the implanted end of the tube. A flap is placed over the exit site and the tube is pulled into the pouch as it is ungathered so as to prevent the unwanted broadcasting of potentially infectious body fluids which might otherwise contaminate the health care worker or other patients.

Abstract: A simple and versatile system for the safe transfer and collection of body fluids, such as blood, wherein an enlarged generally cup-shaped guide port receives therewithin the transfer needle which is recessed rearwardly from the open end of the guide port whereby the transfer needle assembly may be manipulated without likelihood of needlestick injury to the health care worker. Larger Guide ports have apertured caps to facilitate and guide a transfer receiver into contact with the needle as well as to isolate further the worker's hand from the contaminated needle. A plurality of sizes of guide ports are provided for varying fluid receivers, with all having common interlocking means for the transfer needle assembly.

Abstract: A washable and reusable absorbent garment designed to be fitted about the waist and legs and covering the groin and anal areas of a wearer. The garment includes a number of superimposed layers of textile material sewn together along their edges. Elastic material may be sewn in the material around the leg openings and waist to improve the fit. A liner material covers the inner surface of the garment. The liner layer of the garment or that portion which is next to the wearer's skin is a knitted bicomponent textile comprised of a brushed polyester outer layer which is interknitted with a nylon block co-polymer inner layer. The materials function to transfer moisture in both vapor and liquid form from the polyester side to the nylon side where it is dispersed and made available to the garment's second or absorbent layer. The two specific materials in the liner adjacent the wearer's skin and absorbent material work together to maintain a high degree of comfort for the wearer even after it has been wetted.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, training pants, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments, and the like, designed to provide sustained dynamic fit about the wearer during use as well as to improve the containment of body exudates and wearer comfort/mobility. Such an absorbent article has an absorbent core preferably designed to fit within the low motion zone of the wearer so that dynamic forces imparted by movements of the wearer on the absorbent core are minimized. The absorbent article is also provided with a closure system for anchoring the absorbent article on the wearer to sustain the dynamic fit of the absorbent article throughout wearing. The closure system is designed so that a primary line of tension, fitting at an angle to the body, is formed to secure the absorbent article on a wearer.

Abstract: Absorbent articles, especially sanitary napkins, contain fibers with intra-fiber capillary channels. In-use, the capillary channel fibers direct menses to a storage layer, thereby minimizing product failure and staining of undergarments. The capillary channel fibers can protrude into, or through, a topsheet to provide very aggressive transport of vaginal discharges.

Abstract: An undergarment is arranged to have a continuous body panel to include a front panel and rear panel, with an elastomeric band at an upper end of the body panel, and a crotch web connecting lowermost ends of the body panel, and more specifically the front and rear panels together, with right and left leg openings directed through the body panel between the front and rear panels. A pocket member accessed through a flap is provided, with the pocket member flap selectively securable to the lowermost portion of the front panel to receive a flexible fibrous insert web having a fluid fragrance saturated therewithin.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent structure containing a fibrous matrix having a dual Z-directional gradient wherein the concentration of high-absorbency material decreases from a first planar surface of the fibrous matrix to the opposed second planar surface, while the density of the fibrous matrix increases from said first major planar surface to the second planar surface. Also disclosed is an absorbent article containing such an absorbent structure.

Abstract: An occlusive, pressure-reducing wound dressing with a multi-layer laminate construction providing one easy-to-apply dressing. The occlusive pressure-reducing dressing includes an occlusive, wound-contacting layer made of a biologically compatible polymer. A pressure-reducing layer is joined at a bottom surface to the occlusive layer. The pressure-reducing layer is comprised of a soft, air-containing material such as a foam or an air-entrapping film which has a top surface shaped to provide a progressive rate of resistance to compressive force applied to the pressure-reducing layer and which allows the pressure-reducing layer to conform to curved body surfaces. The occlusive portion of the dressing therefore provides a moist environment and a barrier against infection while the pressure-reducing portion or component minimizes interaction between the wound and any supporing surface in contact therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator for dispensing dentifrice for example, the mitt being formed from a folded and heat sealed strip packaged in a protective heat sealed pouch.

Abstract: A capacity monitor for diapers and the like, including super absorbent material disposed in or adjacent to an absorbent core is disclosed. The monitor comprises an indicator and a baffle to prevent direct contact between the absorbent core and the indicator. The indicator is preferably a ribbon of hot melt adhesive with a wetness indicator which changes color when exposed to liquid. The baffle is a substantially water impervious sheet positioned between the absorbent core and the indicator so as to prevent direct contact between them. The diaper and the monitor are constructed so that there is a threshold level of liquid which, when deposited in the diaper, will effect a color change in the indicator. A quantity of liquid which is below the threshold will not effect a color change in the indicator and a quantity of liquid which is above the threshold will effect a color change in the indicator.

Abstract: A minimally invasive intravascular medical device for providing a radiation treatment in a body passageway such as a coronary vessel of the vascular system. The device includes a flexible elongated member having distal and proximal portions. The distal portion is percutaneously insertable into a vessel and includes a distal end that is directable through the vessel to the treatment site. A radiation source is attached about the distal portion for delivering a radiation treatment to the walls a vessel having a stent positioned thereagainst. The distal portion of the elongated member includes a wire coil positioned about the tapered distal end of a mandril wire. The combination of the wire coil and the tapered distal end of the mandril wire provides variable flexibility to the distal portion of the device. The distal portion also has a predetermined curvature for directing the distal end of the device through the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for treating blood, by having the blood enter a container, in which essentially insoluble fats (or lipids) are discriminately withdrawn out of the blood as the blood flows through or rises in the container, preferably by means of a wick that is in the container, as the level of blood in the container rises around the wick, such that essentially insoluble lipids on the upper surface of the rising blood are removed from the blood, leaving behind essentially aqueous components of the blood. Clots, bone chips and the like are also removed from the blood by means of a filter.