Abstract: An absorbent article is provided with inversely related basis weight and density gradients for absorbing and retaining body liquids. A central target area of the absorbent article has an average higher basis weight and a lower average density than end areas. Superabsorbent material is selectively disposed within the article.

Abstract: A suction catheter assembly has an aspirating catheter that is enclosed along its length within a protective sleeve. The catheter extends from a vacuum connecting member, which can be connected to a suction source, and a patient connecting member which has a coupling for connection to a tracheal tube and two side ports for connection to ventilation equipment. A one-way valve in the patient connecting member forms a sliding seal with the catheter and allows trapped gas in the sleeve to escape into the patient connecting member when the catheter is advanced.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, adult incontinence device which has absorbent components comprised of blends of different types of fibers is provided. The absorbent components are arranged in structures that provide improved core integrity and liquid processing. The absorbent article preferably comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and an acquisition layer overlying the absorbent core. The absorbent core comprises a blend of cellulosic fibers, absorbent gelling material, and fibers such as crimped synthetic fibers that form liquid stable bonds with adjacent layers. The acquisition layer also comprises at least some fibers that form liquid stable bonds with adjacent layers. The fibers that form liquid stable bonds in the absorbent core and the acquisition layer are bonded to liquid stable components.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin having an absorbent core with three longitudinally oriented trisections, a central trisection flanked by two outboard trisections. The absorbent core is formed of a single layer of tissue. The single layer of tissue is folded on itself to provide a two-ply thickness at each of the outboard trisections and a single thickness at the central trisection. The two plies of the outboard trisections are preferably adhered together. Absorbent gelling materials are disposed in each of the outboard trisections. The central trisection is substantially free of absorbent gelling materials. The sanitary napkin also preferably comprises a secondary topsheet intermediate the topsheet and the absorbent core. The secondary topsheet is also substantially free of absorbent gelling materials.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a sanitary napkin. The sanitary napkin includes a topsheet, a first backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the first backsheet. A second backsheet is joined to the first backsheet. The second backsheet includes a line of weakness defining a portion of the second backsheet to be separated from the remainder of the second backsheet. The second backsheet is secured to the first backsheet within the line of weakness along a plurality of bond sites. The bond sites form perforations in the first backsheet upon separation and removal of the second backsheet within the line of weakness.

Abstract: A volume sensor is described for automating an extracorporeal system used for the recovery and concentration of salvaged blood. The system includes a disposable plastic reservoir in which blood is collected from the surgical site and stored for processing. Volume is sensed in one embodiment by a strain gage device which is sensitive to vertical forces. In another embodiment volume is sensed by measuring the transit time of an ultrasonic pulse-echo signal generated by piezoelectric transducer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved tampon for preventing conduction of menstrual fluids from the vagina. The tampon comprises an absorbable pledget of the type well known in the art capable of absorbing menstrual discharge and a withdrawal string non-releasably attached to the pledget. The withdrawal string is a non-absorbing fiber that is non-wicking for aqueous liquids. The withdrawal string prevents the inadvertent wicking or conduction of exogenous fluids such as sea water into the vagina or of menstrual fluid from the vagina into absorbable undergarments.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting a trocar/cannula assembly through a wall of an anatomical cavity of a patient, the apparatus including a housing for holding a trocar/cannula assembly, a spine having a longitudinal axis, the spine having proximal and terminal ends, the housing coupled to the spine for movement along said axis, holding means on the housing for holding a trocar/cannula assembly, and drive means coupled to said housing and spine for driving said housing axially on said spine toward said terminal end thereby moving said housing from an initial position to a final position, whereby the trocar/cannula assembly carried by said housing is moved axially along said spine.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sterile docking two or more plastic bag units 110. The invention generally includes a sterilizable pouch 102 manufactured from an essentially vapor transmission resistant material. Contained within the pouch 102 is at least one plastic bag unit 110 and a predetermined amount of sterile tubing 108 connected thereto. The pouch 102 includes an aperture 104 in one wall or at one seam through which a tube fitting 106 protrudes. The tube fitting 106 has an internal diameter sufficient to permit passage therethrough of the tubing 108 contained within the pouch 102 and connected to the bag unit 110 contained therein. The protruding tubing 108 then may be used for docking with other bag units 110.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an absorbent article with a tissue-wrapped absorbent core wherein the tissue is made from a specifically designed thermoplastic fibrous nonwoven web which is particularly well-suited to trapping and retaining particulate material such as superabsorbent particles. The invention has particular application in conjunction with personal care products such as diapers, training pants, incontinence garments, sanitary napkins, bandages and the like.

Abstract: A transluminal grafting system for grafting a prosthesis to the wall of a lumen includes a tubular graft provided with spring assemblies and anchoring barbs. The prothesis is mounted on an apertured tubular carrier and a central control means is inserted into the bore of the apertured carrier. Mooring loops are attached to the prothesis, pass through the apertures of the tubular carrier, and engage the central control means. An introducer sheath covers the system for smooth insertion into a lumen. When the graft has been positioned, the central control means maintains the axial position of the prosthesis. When the introducer sheath is pulled, the prostheis is exposed and the spring assemblies return to an expanded state and anchor the graft against the internal wall of the lumen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for easily and conveniently self-administering caffeine in combination with a breath freshener. Caffeine, which has important physiological effects as a central nervous system stimulant, is readily, conveniently and effectively administered to humans in a manner neither heretofore recognized nor disclosed, and which uniquely provides for very rapid onset of the stimulatory physiological effect to the user. The caffeine, with a carrier and in combination with a breath freshener, is dispensed as a liquid spray or stream directly onto a person's tongue, from which it is rapidly absorbed in the human system by swallowing and absorption from the intestinal tract or by absorption through the buccal membranes. The caffeine is administered on an as-needed basis in daily quantities of preferably up to 200 mg per four hour period, through one or preferably several metered dosages.

Abstract: A stem for a femoral hip-joint endoprosthesis comprises a shaft which is substantially rectangular in cross section, with a distal and a proximal end. The distal end tapers substantially conically and the proximal end (16) comprises an insertion means and an extraction means for the insertion and for the extraction of the stem into a marrow space of a femur. A cone is provided to receive a joint ball, the cone being connected to the proximal end of the shaft by way of a neck. The insertion means and the extraction means at the proximal end of the shaft are positioned substantially on the median long axis of the stem so that force transmission during insertion and extraction is coaxial.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed for absorbing body fluids such as urine, menses, blood, excrement, etc. The absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable cover, a liquid-impermeable baffle and an absorbent positioned therebetween. The absorbent is constructed of first and second members each having a predetermined width, with the width of the first member being equal to or greater than the width of the second member. The second member is positioned below at least a portion of the first member. The second member has a greater wicking capability than said first member and this facilitates movement of body fluid in a horizontal plane throughout the second member. The body fluid present in the second member will then be transferred back into the first member over an area equal to the saturated area of the second member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin or an incontinence guard intended to be worn in the crotch part of a pair of underpants (9), and comprising an elongated absorbent pad (3) which is enclosed in a casing (1, 2) and which has attached to both long side edges (6, 7) flexible flaps (4, 5) which are intended to be folded around the leg edges (10, 11) of the underpants (9) in use, so as to prevent soiling of the underpants. An inventive article is mainly characterized in that each flap (4, 5) has an edge part which coincides generally with a corresponding edge part on the article casing (1, 2), and in that the flaps (4, 5) and the casing (1, 2) are mutually joined within the mutually coincidental edge parts (12, 13), with the flaps (4, 5) extending inwardly over the absorbent pad (3).

Abstract: A disposable urine bag having sealed cavity members where one cavity stores an extendable catheter and also acts as a urine storage reservoir. A second sealed and peel-away cavity includes a catheter advancement mechanism which provides for lubricated catheter advancement without actual contact of the catheter by the human hand. An absorption member is provided to semi-solidify urine stored in the urine storage reservoir.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having side panels that provide inflected barrier cuffs which promotes better containment and fit. The absorbent articles comprise a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; a side panel extending laterally from each longitudinal edge of the absorbent article and having a proximal edge and a distal edge; spacing means for spacing the distal edge away from the liquid-receiving surface (topsheet) of the absorbent article; and a closing means for securing the distal edges inboard of the proximal edges in the front waist region. The distal edge of the side panel is secured inboard of the proximal edges in the front waist region and is disposed outboard of the proximal edge in the rear waist region when fitted to the wearer.

Abstract: A medical device molded from a highly safe resin composition prepared by blending a vinyl chloride-based resin, a dialkyl malate, and a stabilizer is provided. The resin composition of the invention has physical properties equivalent to conventional resin compositions having blended therein a phthalate as the plasticizing agent, but is safer and has a higher blood storability. The medical devide may most preferably be a blood bag system.

Abstract: A disposable diaper comprising front and rear bodies separately formed and welded together along only respective lower ends of a crotch zone, and a breathability of said front body being different from that of said rear body.

Abstract: A stretchable absorbent article, such as a diaper, a sanitary product or other absorbent member, comprises a liquid permeable layer, and a liquid impermeable elastic layer stretchably secured to the liquid permeable layer at discrete regions so as to form regions of nonsecurement between the discrete regions of securement. The liquid permeable layer forms corrugations at respective regions of nonsecurement for respectively defining channels between the liquid permeable layer and the liquid impermeable elastic layer. Absorbent material is disposed in selected ones of the channels.