Abstract: A composite stretch fabric is disclosed that is comprised of a laminate of three layers, the center layer being comprised of a web of a nonwoven polyurethane resin with a basis weight in the range of 50-250 g/m.sup.2 and an air permeability of at least 10 cc/sec/cm.sup.2 with stretchable fabric layers adhered to each side thereof, one of which can be a nylon pile and the other of which is a double knit fabric that can be of porous, hollow fiber for sweat absorption, the composite can also be embossed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article having multiple topsheets. The absorbent article includes a first, apertured, macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional, polymeric topsheet and a second, apertured, macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional polymeric topsheet underlying the first topsheet. The multiple topsheets provide improved masking of bodily fluids absorbed and retained by the absorbent core.

Abstract: A catamenial tampon is disclosed for absorbing menstrual fluid. The tampon includes a compressed pledget having a major and a minor radius of curvature. Zones of different density fibers are arranged adjacent to each radius of curvature and the zones can extend substantially the entire length of the pledget. The pledget is constructed of absorbent fibers which are enclosed by a cover. A withdrawal string is attached to the pledget and facilitates removal of the tampon from a woman's vagina. The absorbent is compressed into an elongated, generally cylindrically shaped pledget having a zone of high density fibers and a zone of low density fibers. After compression, the low density fibers will expand and form a curved tampon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high wicking liquid absorbent composite suitable for a wide number of uses including personal care products and the process for making the same. The composite is made from a relatively uniform mixture of from about 5 to about 20 percent fine wettable fiber, from about 3 to about 30 percent pulp fibers, from about 50 to about 90 percent superabsorbent and from 0 to about 10 percent binder, the percentages being on a dry weight basis. The mixture is compressed into a composite having a density of from about 0.1 to about 0.5 grams per cubic centimeter and a vertical wicking height of at least about 10 centimeters in one hour. The process involves forming a sheet comprising 50 to 90 percent fine wettable fiber and 10 to 50 percent pulp fiber on a dry weight basis. The sheet is then fiberized into a plurality of individual fibers within an air stream.

Abstract: An improved tampon applicator for insertion of a tampon into a body cavity is provided, including a paper tampon holder tube having an expulsion end dimensioned for insertion into the body cavity and including a plurality of contiguous segments separated by slits, and a plunger, telescopically and slidably mounted in the holder distal to the expulsion end and adapted to expel the tampon from the holder when pushed manually into the holder. As the tampon is expelled, the segments bend open at a hinge region. The segments of the improved applicator bend outwardly during expulsion with significantly reduced applied force, improving user comfort. In one aspect, the tampon holder includes a plurality of small cuts extending circumferentially from the slits through the paper in the vicinity of the hinge region. The cuts reduce the width of the petal segments, and thereby reduce the bending moment and rigidity at the hinge region.

Abstract: A disposable absorbing garment having a liquid impervious back sheet with waist regions and a crotch region therebetween. An elongate waistband extends along the waist region of the back sheet, an absorbent pad overlies the crotch region of the back sheet with end edges at the pad spaced inwardly from the waistband, and a liquid pervious liner sheet overlies the pad with its end margins wrapped around the ends of the pad. A hydrophobic extension sheet extends between the pad and waistband, with a first portion overlying the waistband and a second portion between the pad and back sheet.

Abstract: Apparatus for regulating pressure in and for controllably pressurizing infusion devices includes a flow-through pressure gauge for indicating and regulating the pressures within such infusion devices between minimum and maximum desirable pressures. Such apparatus includes a gauge, coupled between a fluid source and the bladder portion of the pressure infusion device. The gauge receives pressurized fluid from the fluid source, provides fluid to the bladder, indicates a range of fluid pressures in the bladder and maintains the pressure of fluid in the bladder between minimum and maximum pressures. The gauge includes a telescopingly coupled member to indicate a range of pressures in the bladder. A first valve permits the passage of fluid through the gauge and into the bladder when the fluid pressure exceeds a minimum pressure. A second valve prevents the passage of fluid through the gauge and into the bladder when the fluid pressure exceeds a maximum pressure.

Abstract: A retention device, particularly useful for drainage tubes and the like, having a pad for adhesive attachment to a patient's skin at the exit/entry site for a post-surgical drainage tube. The device includes a retainer body secured to the pad and provided with a strap to be looped and tightened about the drainage tube for immobilizing that tube. A passage in the body receives the free end of the strap and a latching mechanism prevents retraction of the strap unless the sides of the body are squeezed towards each other to alter the configuration of the body's side and top walls and cause lateral disengagement of a restraining pawl from the ratchet teeth of the strap.

Abstract: A polymeric composition specifically adapted to absorb blood and other proteinaceous fluids and having repeating units, said polymeric composition comprising pendant neutralized carboxyl groups (salts) and pendant carboxyl groups. The polymeric composition is characterized in that the ratio of pendant neutralized carboxyl groups to pendant carboxyl groups is within the range of from about 1:9 to about 9:11, at least about 20 mole percent of the repeating units comprise a pendant neutralized carboxyl group or a pendant carboxyl group, and at least about 50 percent of the pendant neutralized carboxyl groups have been neutralized with a potassium or lithium base.

Abstract: A new and improved external male catheter includes a waistband and a sheath support member attached to the waistband. A sheath member is attached to the sheath support member. The sheath support member includes a first aperture through which a penis is inserted into the sheath member. The sheath support member also includes a first attachment assembly positioned circumferentially around the aperture. A removable and replaceable sheath assembly includes a second attachment assembly which is complementary to the first attachment assembly and is attachable thereto. The sheath member includes a extension portion, located at one end of the sheath member. The extension portion includes a second aperture for draining urine from the sheath assembly. Straps, connected between the waistband and the sheath support member, stabilize the sheath support member with respect to the waistband. The waistband, the sheath support member, and the straps are sewn together to form a unified structure.

Abstract: In abdominal operations, particularly gyneacological abdominal operations, gauze-like material is often used in practice to hold organs such as intestines away from the operative area. This gauze-like material must in many cases be replaced during an operation and also lacks the desired stiffness to hold the intestines in particular in place in all cases.The present invention provides a cushion-like member for inserting into a relatively large body cavity, as formed during abdominal/pelvis surgery, and for restraining one or more body organs (for instance the intestines) and/or for absorbing blood and/or wound fluid, wherein the cushion-like member consists substantially of synthetic, absorbent material and has a outer contour of such shape that it is layable along and or beyond an edge of said body cavity.

Abstract: A reusable leakproof diaper which is as convenient in use as a disposable diaper and includes a one-or-more layered absorbent rectangular liner attached by strips of liquid impervious material to a liquid impervious outer shell. A closure system, such as snap fasteners, single looped closures, buttons, or hooks is mounted on the outer shell. The sides of the outer shell include elastic strips along the portion of the shell that forms a leg opening when the diaper is in use. The unique design for attaching the inner absorbent liner to the liquid impervious outer shell provides the diaper with improved resistance to leakage.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper. The disposable absorbent article has a first topsheet with apertures large enough for low-viscosity fecal material to pass through to a secondary topsheet. The secondary topsheet immobilizes the fecal material in position for dewatering, so that the liquid components of the fecal material are absorbed by the core and the solid components of the fecal material are separated from the liquid components. This arrangement provides for easier cleaning of the wearer when the soiled disposable absorbent article is removed.

Abstract: A nonwoven web of poly(vinyl alcohol) fibers which is prepared by a method comprising the steps of (1) preparing an aqueous polymer solution of a defined poly(vinyl alcohol); (2) extruding the resulting polymer solution under defined conditions through a die having a plurality of orifices to form a plurality of threadlines; (3) attenuating the resulting threadlines with a defined primary gaseous source to form fibers under conditions of controlled macro scale turbulence and under conditions sufficient to permit the viscosity of each threadline, as it leaves a die orifice and for a distance of no more than about 8 cm, to incrementally increase with increasing distance from the die, while substantially maintaining uniformity of viscosity in the radial direction, at a rate which is sufficient to provide fibers having the desired attenuation and mean fiber diameter without significant fiber breakage; (4) drying the attenuated threadlines with a defined secondary gaseous source; and (5) depositing the resulting fi

Abstract: A cranial electrotherapy stimulation ("CES") device which generates periodic electrical signals is connected between the forehead and wrist area of a human being in order to affect electrical activity in the brain and thereby decrease the individual's craving for controlled substances such as alcohol and drugs and reduce anxiety, insomnia and depression. A portable, cranial electrical stimulator is preferably mounted adjacent the arm area or worn about the waist of a patient. A first electrode is attached to the forehead of the patient, preferably above the bridge of the nose between the eyes, and a second electrode is attached to the wrist area of one am, preferably at the radial artery. Periodic electrical pulses having a waveform with a current amplitude in the range of 0.1 to 60 mA, a voltage of approximately 40-60 volts, a frequency of approximately 0.1 to 400 Hz, and a pulse width approximately 0.

Abstract: A fluid container comprises a drug container, a deformable solvent container, a double-pointed hollow needle having a sharp piercing edge at each end and being arranged between the drug container and the solvent container, a guide capsule with a cap rotatably mounted thereon, and a means for converting rotary motion of the cap to a linear motion of the drug container to push the drug container toward the solvent container in cooperation with the cap and the guide capsule so that a fluid communication is made between two containers through the needle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article including a fluid pervious topsheet, a fluid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an intermediate layer positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet comprises: a resilient, three-dimensional, macroscopically expanded, fluid pervious web including a first polymeric material which exhibits a first melting point temperature and a second polymeric material bonded to the first polymeric material to form a laminate. The second polymeric material exhibits a second melting point temperature which is less than the first melting point temperature. The web has first and second surfaces spaced apart by a distance greater than the thickness of the laminate. The web includes a plurality of capillaries extending from the first surface to the second surface.

Abstract: A deflation control system for the pressurized cuff of an automatic blood pressure gauge uses a pressure sensor to control solenoid valves. The solenoid valves are responsive to respective pulse signals having variable duty cycles to change their time-apertures and, thus, their flow rates. The duty cycles of the pulse signals are controlled to maintain a desired constant rate of pressure reduction in the cuff. A microprocessor generates a control value which determines the duty cycles of the pulse signals. This value is proportional to the initial volume of fluid in the cuff and to a predictive term which is provided from a table that is indexed by cuff pressure. This value is then augmented by a feedback term, generated by a feedback control loop to ensure an accurate deflation rate. The gain of the feedback loop is selected so that the feedback correction signals do not interfere with pulse signals modulating the pressure signal. The feedback term is normalized by the initial volume measurement.

Abstract: A valve for fluids employs two telescoping parts which cooperate with one another to block fluid flow when pulled partially apart and open a flow path therethrough when pushed together. A plunger component, having a central bore, a closed off end and perforated walls, is slidingly and sealingly received within the collar of the hollow valve body. When the plunger's closed end is pushed far enough into the valve body so as to expose the apertures, fluid is free to flow from within the valve body into the plunger component. When pulled apart so as to cause the perforations to be positioned within the confines of the collar, flow is blocked. An actuation mechanism integrated into a housing serves to automatically pull the valve's components apart to stop flow when its cover is swung open and conversely causes the two components to be pushed together to open flow when the cover is closed.

Abstract: A self-sealing valve device for an angiographic catheter includes a housing having a first end adapted to form a luer lock connection with the proximal end of the angiographic catheter. A central bore extends between the first end of the housing and an opposing second end, and a deformable elastomeric slit seal is supported across the central bore to selectively seal the proximal end of the catheter. The slit seal is adapted to permit a guidewire to be passed therethrough and advanced into the catheter while sealingly engaging the walls of the guidewire to prevent blood loss through the catheter. The second end of the housing is provided with a female luer lock connection fitting for receiving the conical tip of a syringe, stopcock, or the like, and forming a pressure-tight connection therebetween.