Abstract: Device for use by males with incontinence problems, has an elastomeric urine collecting compartment sized to hold a quantity of urine which can be emptied when desired by removing a screw-off cap or pull-out plug at a men's urinal. Collecting compartment (23) is isolated from the penis by a skin shield (25) which incorporates a non-return valve (50) which allows urine to pass unrestricted into the collecting compartment, but prevents voided urine returning back to the penis inside the skin shield. An elastomeric tubular portion (37) is sized to fit snugly onto the penis shaft to prevent leakage and to retain its position in place on the penis. If necessary, the pressure of the tubular portion against the penis shaft can be increased by using an additional elastic `hook and loop` VELCRO.sup.TM band (69).

Abstract: A tampon for hygienic use which comprises an absorbent core of general cylindrical shape having a liquid pervious cover layer is disclosed. The cover layer is a plastics material which comprises parallel ribs in one direction interconnected by a plurality of fibrillated strands in the transverse direction. The ribs of the cover layer lie in a direction which is in a direction parallel to the main axis of the tampon.

Abstract: The ostomy pouch is formed of a flexible plastic material with a waste inlet opening and a gas outlet opening proximate the waste inlet opening. The gas outlet opening is of a configuration and size that resists entry of outside water into the pouch through the gas outlet opening. A filter aligned with the gas outlet opening is bonded at a peripheral zone surrounding the gas outlet opening, leaving an unbonded area that communicates with the gas outlet opening. A free face of the filter is gas impermeable. Gases within the pouch pass through an exposed, gas permeable peripheral edge of the filter toward the center and exit into the unbonded section for evacuation through the gas outlet opening.

Abstract: A blood pumping system and method in which a selective backflow warning is generated in response to the detection of a backflow condition only in the absence of electrical interference that could cause the generation of a false backflow warning. Detection of a backflow condition is performed by activating the transmitter and receiver of a flow detector to determine the direction of blood flow and detection of the electrical interference is performed by activating the receiver of the flow detector while the transmitter is not activated. If electrical interference that could cause the generation of a false backflow warning exceeds a threshold, the system does not generate a backflow warning.

Abstract: An IV infusion method and apparatus includes a plurality of fluid pumps mounted within a portable support housing and coupled to an IV tube. Each separate fluid pump is adapted to deliver fluid at a substantially constant delivery pressure predetermined by the characteristics of the pump. Each fluid pump includes an elastomeric membrane stretched into its region of nonlinear elasticity over a contour surface. Check valves located between the pumps and the IV tube control sequential dispensing of fluids from the pumps. The method and apparatus are especially adapted to a SASH process.

Abstract: A diaper set consisting of a gas permeable, water impervious outer cover and a water absorbent reusable pad. The pad and cover have mating hook and loop fasteners to secure the pad to the cover. The cover has fastening means for connecting the cover around the waist of the wearer.

Abstract: An apparatus for making abdominal exercises such as sit-ups and the like easier to perform by enabling a person to use the upper body and arms in varying amounts to assist the abdominal muscles in completing the exercise motions, the apparatus comprising a substantially planar base member on which a person may be positioned and at least one and preferably a plurality of pairs of opposing handgrips attached to opposite sides of the base member and extending upwardly therefrom at an angular relation thereto, the person being able to select the handgrips which are most comfortable and enable use of the upper body and arms to a desired extent to assist the abdominal muscles in raising and lowering the upper body portion or legs, the base member being positionable on any relatively flat surface and being adapted so as to not rock, pivot or otherwise move thereon during use and the pairs of handgrips being progressively farther apart toward one end of the base member so as to not interfere with access to the other

Abstract: A composite absorbent structure capable of extremely short fluid penetration time, well-suited for use as an absorbent core in disposable absorbent products such as adult disposable briefs, diapers, incontinence pads, sanitary napkins, wound dressings and bandages. The composite absorbent structure comprises a highly absorbent fluid transfer sheet having a low fluid retentiveness, and a laminated, wicking reservoir with a high fluid retentiveness in intimate fluid communication with the fluid transfer sheet to draw fluid therefrom under the effect of capillary action. The laminated reservoir includes superposed layers, the layer closest to the fluid transfer sheet being provided with a fluid distribution well. A highly porous and hydrophilic spacer element is inserted between the reservoir layers establishing a high void volume area which forms an extension of the fluid absorptive well between the reservoir layers.

Abstract: A male external catheter assembly for transporting and containing urine includes a condom having a discharge end and having a discharge port at the discharge end, a discharge tube having a tube first end and a tube second end, the tube first end being sealingly secured to the condom discharge end, a urine receiving vessel at the tube second end, a garment having a condom passing opening, a condom masking sleeve having a sleeve first end and a sleeve second end, the sleeve first end being positioned adjacent to the condom passing opening and substantially surrounding the condom discharge end for concealing the condom. The condom masking sleeve preferably includes a condom inspection slit and the condom preferably has an off-center discharge port at its tip.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed for absorbing and retaining human exudate. The article includes an absorbent having a first surface facing the body of a user and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to the first surface. A liquid-impermeable baffle is positioned adjacent to at least the second surface of the absorbent while a fluid-permeable cover is positioned adjacent to at least the first surface of the absorbent. A deodorizing mixture is positioned within the article and is positioned to remain dry for a substantial period of time. The mixture is an anhydrous, non-buffer blend of at least basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles.

Abstract: A unique colostomy or ileostomy bag includes an anti-back flow member provided by a thin plastic tube. The structure of the thin plastic tube reduces any likelihood of waste contacting a patient's skin. The thin plastic tube has a relatively large opening compared to a seal positioned adjacent the patient. Thus, any waste passing through the seal tends not to contact the thin plastic member adjacent an entrance to the thin plastic member. Rather, the waste contacts the thin plastic member at a downstream position. At the downstream position, any waste on the thin plastic member would not be adjacent to patient, and would tend to not contact the patient. The thin plastic member has relatively little rigidity such that it presents little resistant to flow of the waste material between the sides of the thin plastic member. In this way, the waste moves easily between the sides of the thin plastic member and into a bag for storage.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a retention portion for storing absorbed liquids, and a distinctive surge management portion. The surge management portion, which has a selected basis weight, is constructed to rapidly uptake and temporarily hold at least three (3) successive surges of liquid directed into the target zone of the article and then release each of the surges to the retention portion. The retention portion desorbs each input of liquid from the surge management portion and stores the liquid. Particular functional and structural parameters can further characterize the surge management portion of the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent structure comprising a fibrous web of cellulosic material, a first complex forming material present within said web and a second complex forming material present within said web. When wetted, the first and second complex forming materials form a complex thereby providing the fibrous web of cellulosic material with improved integrity.

Abstract: Absorbent structures having a fluid acquisition/distribution layer with an average dry density of less than about 0.30 g/cc, an average density upon wetting with 1.0% NaCl aqueous solution of less than about 0.20 g/cc, and an average dry basis weight from about 0.001 to about 0.10 g/cm.sup.2 ; and a fluid storage layer positioned beneath the acquisition/distribution layer comprising at least about 15% superabsorbent material. The fluid acquisition/distribution layer comprises from about 50% to 100% chemically stiffened cellulosic fibers and from 0% to about 50% binding means.

Abstract: To provide an autoclavable swab, a fibrous applicator pad is formed with a narrow slit and a handle with a plurality of barb means extending away from its longitudinal axis and from a first end toward a second end. The opening is sufficient in size to receive the first end of the handle and the adjacent portion through at least 25 percent of the applicator pad, whereby the barbs, once inserted, engage the applicator pad material within the opening to resist removal of the handle.

Abstract: An apparatus for draining a biological substance from a collection bag attached to a patient. The apparatus includes a large bore, thin walled drainage tube which expands to have a substantially circular cross-sectional configuration when a biological substance such as fecal material passes therethrough, and collapses into a substantially flat cross-sectional configuration when the tube is empty. A connector in the form of two adhesively coated, resilient, fluid impervious pieces of sheet material is used to connect the large bore drainage tube to the collection bag.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable bag for the collection of body fluids with an improved sealing structure. The disposable bag comprises a flexible collection bag having a pair of seal strips adjacent its open end. A resiliently flexible funnel is sealing attached within the open end of the bag in a position to not interfere with the seal strips and a flexible non-return valve is sealed to the bottom of the funnel. A gauge indicating the volume of fluid collected and a label portion for identification are provided on a side of the bag.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing the base of the nipple valves in a continent ileal reservoir with inlet and outlet nipple valves, includes a substantially annular member made of a biocompatible material, the annular member being pre-formed and permanently shaped to substantially define a ring. The ring has a radial slot formed therein to allow insertion of the annular ring member over the base of a respective nipple valve, with the annular ring member having an inner radius adapted to fit around said base. The annular ring member has first and second surfaces, with one of the surfaces facing the ileal reservoir outer wall, and through holes extending through said first and second surfaces for promoting a good adherence of the device to the surrounding soft tissue.

Abstract: A collection, storage and disposal system for human wastes. An externally positionable patient interface directs wastes through a conduit to a storage container. Accumulated wastes are sealed within the storage container to prevent cross-contamination. The patient interface is extendable through an aperture formed within a seat portion of a support structure which can be converted between bed and chair configurations. A mattress has a foam insert which may be selectively inflated to maintain desired supporting pressure for the patient and to provide a resilient support surface should deflation of the mattress occur.

Abstract: This invention provides biodegradable tampon applicators adapted for disposal in water-base toilet systems. This invention also provides plasticized starch compositions for use in fabrication of tampon applicators and methods for fabrication thereof.