Abstract: There is disclosed a disposable diaper in which the waistband is closed by a mechanical fastener. A second fastener means is included and positioned on the article to enable rolling or folding the garment after use and thereby secure it in a neat bundle for disposal. In the disclosed embodiments, the mechanical fastener is comprised of hook tabs at the rear waistband which engage a patch of loop material adhesively bonded on the front waistband. The second fastener means of the disclosed embodiments utilizes the tabs which engage a compatible component on the garment placed in the same half portion with the tabs.

Abstract: An irrigation system for use in endoscopic procedures for maintaining and controlling flow of irrigation fluid to an internal body irrigation site. The system includes a tubing set comprising inflow and outflow lines and a cassette, and an fluid control module comprising a race and a pumping mechanism that squeezes the inflow line of the tubing set against the race to pump fluid to the irrigation site. The cassette includes a through opening exposing a portion of the inflow line to the race and pumping mechanism so that the cassette merely holds the inflow line in alignment with the pumping mechanism but is not required to resist the compressive force of the pumping mechanism. The cassette may include a second through opening exposing a portion of the outflow line to a valve mechanism to regulate pressure independently of the pump mechanism, and rib-or-groove alignment mechanism to align the inflow line with the pumping mechanism and the outflow line with the valve mechanism.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a fluid-impermeable backing layer having a pair of opposite enlarged ends and an intermediate narrowed portion integrally formed therebetween. An absorbent core has a size that is smaller than and in conformity with the size of the backing layer. The absorbent core is disposed at one side on an inner surface of the backing layer. An adhesive unit is disposed at an outer surface of the backing layer. A fluid-permeable facing layer is positioned on the other side of the absorbent core and encompasses the absorbent core. The facing layer is provided with a pair of longitudinal hollow members which extend along the length of the disposable diaper. The facing layer is attached at an edge other than the edge portion forming the hollow members to a corresponding edge of the backing layer. A plurality of elastic elements are received within and are secured to a middle portion of each of the hollow members.

Abstract: A surgical method for implanting cadaver collagen for the restoration of lesions caused by the loss of collagen. The skin is perforated and a pocket is created under the skin. Human cadaver collagen is then introduced into the pocket and the skin perforation is closed. Over the next several months, the cadaver collagen is replaced by endogenous collagen.

Abstract: A wetting indicator for a diaper including a seat having an inclined surface and a slot, a sensor provided with a head portion and a blade portion extending from said head portion, a positive contact member disposed within said blade portion and being in communication with the perforations of said blade portion, a negative contact member disposed with said blade portion and being in communication with the perforations of said blade portion, a battery disposed within said head portion and having a positive electrode and a negative electrode, the positive electrode being connected with said positive contact member, and a music IC disposed within said head portion and electrically connected with the positive electrode of said battery and said negative contact member.

Abstract: An absorbent article which comprises an absorbent element which at least partially comprises an absorbent sheet A prepared by applying a pressure-sensitive adhesive 3 having a suitable adhesive power to an absorbent material 1 having a suitable liquid-absorbent (or retentive) power in the form of dot, line or curve (spiral curve or the like) with the pressure-sensitive adhesive in a suitable density; spreading an absorbent polymer 2 thereon; putting another sheet of the absorbent material 1 thereon, and compressing the assemblage into a composite structure. In the course of the absorption of a liquid, the liquid is first stocked in the absorbent material having a high initial absorption velocity, and is gradually transferred to the absorbent polymer by capillary power as the driving force and absorbed therein, while the absorbent polymer is prevented from falling off from the absorbent material by the pressure-sensitive adhesive, whereby the properties of the absorbent polymer can be exhibited to the fullest.

Abstract: A conductive cannula assembly is disclosed to dissipate possible, accumulated electrical charges through body tissue. The cannula assembly includes cannula housing means and cannula means formed of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. The invention also includes cannula assembly accessories formed of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. The invention further provides a method for guiding endoscopic instruments into body tissue utilizing the cannula assembly and the cannula assembly accessories of the present invention.

Abstract: In a cerebrospinal fluid shunt including a flow control device forming a portion of a fluid conduit, a capacitive element is provided for reducing overdrainage of cerebrospinal fluid due to the pulsatile nature of cerebrospinal fluid flow. The capacitive element includes a reservoir having a base and a housing for the base which cooperatively define a fluid flow pathway through the reservoir. A pair of spaced, substantially parallel, flexible diaphragms form opposite sides of the housing such that each flexible diaphragm has an outer surface which forms an exterior surface of the reservoir, and an inner surface in contact with and subject to pressure variations of cerebrospinal fluid within the reservoir. A raised ring surrounds each diaphragm and forms a recess in which the respective diaphragm is positioned. The capacitive element accommodates the pulsatile nature of cerebrospinal fluid flow between a cerebrospinal fluid source and the flow control valve by varying the fluid capacity of the reservoir.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin is provided with flaps including wings formed on laterally opposite sides thereof. Top surfaces of the flaps are formed by liquid barrier sheets of which the inner areas form together with the topsheet pockets therebetween to receive menstrual fluid. The pockets are opened as the wings are folded onto the outer sides of a crotch zone of user's underpants to fix the napkin thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical adhesion prophylaxis for endoscopy, in which a double-walled sheet is rolled onto a sheet applicator and introduced into the body cavity. In the body cavity the double-walled sheet is inflated in the manner of an air cushion and consequently prevents postoperative adhesion of deperitonized areas. The air cushion-like adhesion prophylaxis can be fixed in the body cavity by fixing areas.

Abstract: An improved optical probe for the invasive measurement of blood parameters is disclosed that minimizes reading inaccuracy due to mechanical stresses. An optical probe for the invasive measurement of blood parameters is typically made up of various sensors that end in a sheath. Each sensor is connected to a monitor via an optical fiber. The optical fibers are surrounded by a tube. In the region where the sheath adjoins the tube, the sheath is deformed by crimping such that a better mechanical contact (form-locking) between the sheath, the sensors, and the tube can be obtained, in order to avoid systemic errors caused by displacement of the optical fibers inside the sheath.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a sanitary napkin having a body surface and a garment surface and being comprised of an absorbent means underlayed by a liquid barrier means, wherein the sanitary napkin is relatively highly flexible and has a capacity great enough to handle medium to high menstrual flows, is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the sanitary napkin comprises, from the body surface down, an apertured formed film topsheet, an apertured nonwoven wipe acquisition sheet, a wet-laid tissue, a superabsorbent core, and a barrier sheet. Preferably, the central width of the absorbents is at least about 6.5 centimeters and the caliper of the napkin as a whole is less than about 2.6 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the napkin has laterally extending flaps which drape over the edges of the wearer's panties in the crotch and are attachable to the garment side of the wearer's panties.

Abstract: An article, such as a disposable diaper, which includes a refastenable mechanical fastener system for closing and opening the waistband. The fastener comprises a hook and loop system, such as a Velcro.RTM. fastener system, developed for superior performance in fastening the waistband. The hook material of the fastener is molded of a copolymer of polypropylene which has flexural modulus of 70,00-120,00 psi; shore hardness D-40 to D-80 and the hooks are tapered base to tip, alternating hook design, of 0.04-0.05 inch caliper. The hook density in the material is about 740 hooks per inch on 40 rows to the inch on base film of 0.008-0.010 inch thickness. The loop material is a raised loop fabric of polyester fiber, two bar warp knit construction, with napped surface. The fabric is polyethylene terephthalate of basis weight in the range 1.0-3.0 ounce per square yard. The hook material is preferably mounted on the ears of the garment at the rear waistband which attaches to loop material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for setting the level of a liquid in a chamber of an extracorporeal blood circuit. The chamber contains liquid in its lower portion and air in its upper portion. It is connected to a pump for causing the quantity of air to vary in the chamber. According to the invention, the chamber is provided with a level detector that transmits data to a control unit. The control unit actuates an air pump to vary the amount of air in the chamber and thereby ensures that the liquid level in the chamber is equal to a desired level.

Abstract: A device for providing access to a living body. The device, in one embodiment, includes a slotted needle dimensioned and configured to receive, in fluid tight engagement, a catheter or a guidewire introduced into the needle through the slot. The device, in another embodiment, includes a sharpened, slotted first tube, a second tube piercable by the first tube for receipt therein of at least a potion of both the first tube and the slot, and an elongated element passing into the second tube, through the slot and into the first tube. The device might further include a third tube slidably positioned around the second tube.

Abstract: A male urinary collection catheter kit which includes a catheter which has a flexible sheath which is placed in a leaktight manner onto a penis and which is rolled up prior to being placed on the penis, a tubular-shaped part which receives the glans of the penis and which is connected to the sheath and a tube in which urine is removed and which is connected to the sheath. There is also an applicator which has a ring, the diameter of which may be varied so that it can be slipped over the tubular-shaped part, then the diameter can be reduced until the ring is caught behind the glans, then the diameter can be maintained while the virga of the penis is pulled upon to cause it to extend so that the flexible sheath can be unrolled over the penis and then the diameter can be spontaneously increased so that the applicator can be removed from the catheter.

Abstract: A device for administering a liquid into the body of a person through a natural orifice, e.g., the anus or vagina, while the person is seated on a toilet. The device comprises a base unit, an extendable tube having a distal end, and a vessel containing the liquid for introduction into person. The base unit comprises a saddle arranged for disposition under the toilet seat and configured to be disposed between the buttocks of the person when he/she is seated the seat. A positionable guide tube extends through a portion of the saddle from an entrance point adjacent the front of the toilet to an opening located at a position adjacent the natural orifice, e.g., anus or vagina, when the person is seated. The extendable tube has a distal end portion arranged to be inserted by the person into the guide tube and through the opening, and the guide tube is arranged to be slid with respect to the saddle, so that the distal end portion of the extendable tube is directed upward and enters the natural orifice.

Abstract: A fluid collection device having a primary container and a secondary container and a two stage fixation system for facilitating and controlling the fixation of cells in a sample of a biological fluid such as urine. The primary container generally comprises a plastic cup having a filtering apparatus disposed within it for filtering cells from the fluid. The primary container may contain a first stage fixative. The device further comprises a cover comprising a pressurizing chamber for forcing fluid through the filter and fixative delivery chamber for dispensing a fixative into the primary container. The filtered fluid may be reserved within a secondary container attached to the primary container. The filter having the cells retained on its surface is removable from the primary container for the purpose of laboratory analyses of the cells.

Abstract: A heat using therapeutic device includes an applicator provided with an insertion section, a balloon enclosing a high frequency warming electrode attached to the insertion section of the applicator; medicine ejecting holes arranged on the balloon; and a medicine passage for connecting the medicine ejecting holes to a medicine mouth piece attached to a rear end of the applicator.

Abstract: The ostomy pouch has a coupling member that can be removed from the pouch envelope to permit flush disposal of the envelope without the coupling member. Flushability of the pouch is further enhanced by forming the pouch with converging side walls. Thus when the pouch is deposited in a toilet bottom end first in a carrier sleeve, the pouch can flow in streamlined fashion through the passages of a toilet and any sewer pipe or septic line connected to the toilet. Depending upon the flush capacity of the toilet and the flow rate of water through the toilet and sewer line, the ostomy pouch can be deposited in the toilet without a carrier sleeve.