Abstract: Absorbent products and components for use in absorbent products are disclosed. These absorbent products comprise pressure-sensitive adhesive microfibers and thermoplastic polymer microfibers, that when incorporated into absorbent products provide good liquid transport properties, resiliency, and attachment systems; and further mask odors associated with bodily fluids.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprises an absorbent panel and a backing web secured to the panel. A preferred form of the web comprises an apertured film. The web may also include other components on the apertured film, including adhesive. The apertured film is preferably produced from a solid precursor film. The precursor film comprises a copolymer of ethylene and a comonomer polymerized using a single-site metallocene-type polymerization catalyst. The apertured film is formed from the precursor film so that the apertured film has localized deformations and apertures therein. The apertured film exhibits breathability, strength, and flexibility with an elasticity accommodating stretch or elongation and at least partial recovery.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, adult incontinent device which have absorbent cores comprised of blends of different types of fibers are provided. The absorbent articles preferably comprise a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, a blended absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and an acquisition layer. The absorbent core comprises a homogeneous blend of fibers comprising a first group of short, low denier, hydrophilic fibers and a second group of longer, higher denier, moisture insensitive synthetic fibers. The first group of fibers is selected from a group comprising natural fibers, synthetic fibers or cross-linked cellulose fibers. The second group of fibers comprises between about 5 and 90% of said absorbent core, by weight. The absorbent core is compressed to a density of at least about 0.09 g/cm.sup.3 (1.5 g/in..sup.2).

Abstract: A stent for placement in a body tube includes a flexible support structure composed of an elastomer which is hard in a temperature range lower than 25.degree. C. and soft in a temperature range greater 35.degree. C. The flexible support structure may be embedded in a hollow cylindrical casing of an elastic synthetic material which has a limited elasticity at least at body temperature, wherein the casing is composed of an elastomer which is hard in a temperature range lower than 25.degree. C. and soft in a temperature range greater than 35.degree. C. The casing in which the flexible support structure is embedded may also be of a memory elastomer, particularly on the basis of polyurethane.

Abstract: Absorbent article such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and the like, that have a unique elastic waist feature that improves the dynamic fit of the elasticized waistband as well as the containment characteristics of the absorbent article. The elastic waist feature preferably comprises an interconnecting panel zone, a first flexural hinge zone joining the interconnecting panel zone with the containment assembly, an elasticized waistband, and a second flexural hinge zone joining the elasticized waistband with the interconnecting panel zone. The elasticized waistband comprises a shaping panel zone; a waistline panel zone; and a predisposed, resilient, waistband flexural hinge zone joining the shaping panel zone and the waistline panel zone.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, is disclosed that has components which may separate in the Z-direction with relation to other components of the article when the absorbent article is worn. The sanitary napkin of the present invention comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a liquid pervious spacing structure for moving the topsheet away from the core. The spacing structure is generally positioned between the topsheet and the core. The spacing structure has a longitudinal centerline, and opposed lateral sides which may move inwardly toward the longitudinal centerline when the spacing is compressed from the sides. This results in at least a portion of the spacing structure moving the topsheet apart from the absorbent core. In an alternative embodiment, the sanitary napkin of the present invention also has an absorbent core which separates from the backsheet of the sanitary napkin.

Abstract: Absorbent members useful in the containment of body fluids such as urine, that have at least one region containing hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer in a concentration of from about 60 to 100% by weight and providing a gel-continuous fluid transportation zone when in a swollen state. This hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer has: (a) a Saline Flow Conductivity (SFC) value of at least about 30.times.10.sup.-7 cm.sup.3 sec/g; (b) a Performance under Pressure (PUP) capacity value of at least about 23 g/g under a confining pressure of 0.7 psi (5 kPa); and (c) a basis weight of at least about 10 gsm. In addition, the region where this hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer is present has, even when subjected to normal use conditions, sufficient wet integrity such that the gel-continuous zone substantially maintains its ability to acquire and transport body fluids through the gel-continuous zone.

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 such as panty liners, thin full-sized sanitary napkins and the like having a garment facing side and a body facing side are provided which may be stored in a folded configuration prior to use. Means of attachment and means of release, most preferably silicone, are created on the garment facing side of the article. The patterns in which the attachment and release means are chosen such that when the article is folded, the adhesive means contact the release means, eliminating the need for release paper, but allowing the article to be unfolded and used. Other embodiments using barrier films affixed to the garment facing side of the article are also disclosed. Methods of making and packaging the articles disclosed are also provided.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprises a chemically modified polymer which has a free radical activity in the DPPH Test in the range 15-80 percent. It may comprise a chemically modified polymer which carries at least one chemical group which is a persistent free radical or a precursor therefor. It may comprise a chemically modified polymer which carries at least one chemical group capable of reacting with molecular oxygen in a wound environment to form hydrogen peroxide. It may comprise a chemically modified polymer capable of stimulating the activity of macrophages or the proliferation of fibroblasts or both in a wound environment.

Abstract: An absorbent member comprises an absorbent core, a liquid permeable covering sheet and a reticulated sheet interposed between the absorbent core and the covering sheet 11, wherein the reticulated sheet has a relatively higher open ratio over at least an inwardly facing surface of the absorbent core than over any of oppsite side regions and opposite end regions thereof.

Abstract: A transfer layer of cellulosic air-laid material characterized by a non-uniform binder distribution profile that allows a faster liquid acquisition. In a specific example, the transfer layer has a higher concentration of binder on its liquid-acquisition surface than on the liquid-release surface. Typically, the liquid-release surface of the transfer layer forms part of the interface transfer layer/absorbent core in the structure for absorbing body exudate.

Abstract: An implantable article having on at least a portion of its exterior surface an integral, as-cast macrotextured surface having pores with undercut edge profiles is provided. The integral, as-cast macrotextured surface is able to be formed on the implantable articles by a modified casting process. As part of a casting process, positive models of the articles to be cast, or parts thereof, are formed by stereolithographic techniques. Cavities or molds, representing negative images of the articles to be cast, are then formed by encasing one or more models in a refractory material. The positive models are then extracted by heating and thus melting the material from which they are made. Thereafter, molten casting material can be poured into the resulting mold to obtain the implantable articles.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin is provided. The sanitary napkin of the present invention has at least one component facing the body surface of the sanitary napkin having a window cut out therein. The sanitary napkin is provided with an acquisition/distribution component such as a tow of resilient fibers having intra-fiber capillary channels. The tow of resilient fibers is positioned so that it at least partially lies in the space defined by the window. The acquisition/distribution component has a compressed configuration and an uncompressed configuration. In its uncompressed configuration, the acquisition/distribution component lies relatively flat behind the window. In its compressed configuration, the acquisition/distribution component forms a hump on the body surface that protrudes from the window.

Abstract: A flangeless seam especially useful in disposable articles, such as training pants, incontinence articles and the like. The flangeless seam preferably comprises a first member and a second member; at least a portion of the second member overlaps at least a portion of the first member. The flangeless seam preferably further comprises a barrier member disposed between at least a portion of the overlapping portions of the first member and the second member forming a laminate having a seam area. A joining means is preferably disposed in at least a portion of the seam area joining at least a portion of the first member to at least a portion of the second member, the barrier member preventing at least a portion of the first member from becoming joined with at least a portion of the second member.

Abstract: An implantable article having on at least a portion of its exterior surface an integral, as-cast macrotextured surface with macropores having undercut edge profiles. A complex macrotextured surface is provided by forming a casting mold so that the mold has complementary macrotextured surface features formed by three-dimensional printing techniques, and casting a molten metal within or in contact with the casting mold to form the implantable article. In a hybrid process, one or more printed surface mold plates are attached by hand, or in a wax molding process, to a simpler wax preform, and an investment is made in which the plates are incorporated into the investment mold. A casting is then made, with each preform yielding one cast article, and the incorporated plate forming the desired surface macrotexture on a region of the cast article.

Abstract: Provided are absorbent sanitary protection products for direct attachment to the skin and hair of a user. The products comprise an absorbent core, a barrier layer coupled to one side of the core and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer on the side of the core that faces the body of a user. The pressure sensitive adhesive has sufficient adhesive strength to enable the product to adhere securely to the skin and hair of the user and yet to be removed without pain or trauma. Products described include those that are restricted to covering and adhering to the perineal area as well as those having ancillary structures to attach to body structures beyond the perineal area. Additionally disclosed is a packaged arrangement of the products of the invention for which little or no release paper is required.

Abstract: Disclosed herein a personal care absorbent article which when first insulted, has a high initial surface moisture value which is maintained for several minutes but then, after a short period of time, drops to a lower value. As a result, the product has an initial "wet" feel but quickly changes to a "drier" feel so as to provide more comfort long term to the wearer.

Abstract: A modular prosthesis allows two portions to be secured together with a selectable discrete relative angular orientation. A spline secured to one portion has projections which engage grooves in a cavity of the other portion to prevent angular motion between the portions. The spline and the cavity may be tapered to allow a pressure fit. Teeth secured to each portion may be used instead of a spline to secure the two portions in a selected discrete angular orientation. Alternatively, a pin may secure the portions together to prevent their relative angular movement. An additional securing means may also be used in combination with each of the above embodiments to further secure the two portions together.

Abstract: A method and transfer device for transferring fluids between closed vials. The transfer device includes a cylinder having a pair of opposing open tubes or tubular portions into which a pair of vials can be inserted to transfer fluid therebetween. The tubes are separated by a wall through which extends a fluid transfer needle and a vent needle which first is inserted into a first vial to vent the first vial into a vent chamber or reservoir formed in the transfer device before the transfer needle is inserted into the first vial. The first vial, stopper first, is inserted into first tube until seated onto an exposed end of the transfer needle. A second vial, stopper first, then is inserted into the second tube until seated onto the opposite exposed end of the transfer needle. A pressure differential between the closed vials preferably can be utilized to transfer a desired fluid portion between the vials.