Patents Examined by Robert A. H. Clarke
  • Patent number: 5601546
    Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided with a pair of elastic crotch zone cuffs extending in parallel to each other longitudinally across a front zone, a crotch zone and a rear zone, said cuffs each being bonded along a base thereof as well as at portion of longitudinally opposite end thereof and in proximity thereof base to a topsheet inside transversely opposite side edges of a liquid-absorbent core sandwiched between a topsheet and a backsheet so as to be collapsed inwardly of said diaper and have free side edges thereof folded outwardly onto non-folded portions of the cuffs which have already been collapsed, and longitudinally opposite ends of said free side edges being bonded to the cuffs or to the topsheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tanji, Makoto Suekane
  • Patent number: 5601545
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having improved containment at the waist portion thereof comprises an absorbent layer and a surge layer in liquid communication therewith, and a liquid impermeable baffle layer overlying portions of the absorbent layer and the surge layer. The front edge of the absorbent structure is spaced from the back edge of a waist elastic member by a selected separation distance, thereby enhancing the gasketing effect of the waist elastic member on the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Frank S. Glaug, Robert L. Popp, Richard H. Thiessen
  • Patent number: 5601544
    Abstract: A child's training pant includes a pant body having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings, and an elasticized shaped absorbent composite having elasticized absorbent side portions. Elasticized side flaps are formed from a liquid impermeable material situated between the absorbent composite and the pant body. A method is also provided for making a training pant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Frank S. Glaug, Richard H. Thiessen, Robert L. Popp, Shirlee A. Weber, Richard T. Wehrle
  • Patent number: 5599331
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma
    Inventors: George P. Hemstreet, Karl H. Bergey, Robert E. Hurst, Rebecca B. Bonner
  • Patent number: 5593440
    Abstract: A method for implanting cells is disclosed which employs a chamber having a wall forming porous boundary between the host and implanted cells. According to the method, a given number of cells (N) is placed within the porous boundary of a given area (A) such that the quantity A/N is less than about 200 .mu.m.sup.2 /cell. The porous boundary has a pore size, an ultimate strength, and a metabolic transit value that assures the survival of the cells during the critical ischemic period and afterward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Brauker, Ronald S. Hill, Laura A. Martinson, Daniel R. Boggs, Robert C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5593435
    Abstract: The distensible annuloplasy ring which may be enlarged, in situ, by application of dilatory pressure by way of a balloon or other dilating apparatus. The distensible annuloplasy ring of the invention is usable in pediatric patients whose growth, subsequent to surgical implantation of the ring, will necessitate subsequent enlargement of the ring to accommodate growth of the annulus. The invention includes a transluminal and/or transeptal method for post-implantation enlargement of the annuloplasty ring via catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandre C. Carpentier, Alain F. Carpentier
  • Patent number: 5591144
    Abstract: The invention provides a drainage bag (e.g. an ostomy bag or the like) for receiving bodily waste, the drainage bag comprising a water-impermeable outer bag; a water-impermeable inner bag enclosed therein; and an orifice to enable bodily waste to be received by the inner bag; the outer and inner bags being detachably secured together in the region of the orifice. The outer and inner bags are preferably detachably secured together by means of frangible or peelable connection or linkage therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Welland Medical Limited
    Inventors: Rory J. M. Smith, Gillian R. Little, Nicholas S. Shelley
  • Patent number: 5591232
    Abstract: A surgical method for rejuvenating or reshaping body members which utilizes bone grafting. The method includes the steps of injecting physiological serum at a designated site of a body member; photographing the body member; determining the amount of serum which is equivalent to a quantity of bone graft mixture required for surgery; injecting the mixture at the designated site; and compacting and shaping the bone graft mixture and body member, respectively, until the desired shape is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventors: Houching Rahimi, Hamid Vossoughi
  • Patent number: 5591154
    Abstract: This invention discloses that styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers containing 30 to 50% by weight styrene and additionally having been polymerized in such a manner as to obtain a vinyl content of greater than about 35% may be used in adhesives to achieve desirable low viscosity of 1000 to 3500 cps at 160.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Karen Dare, Martin Riswick, Gary F. Raykovitz, Charles W. Paul
  • Patent number: 5591155
    Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable training pant having an improved elasticized side panel which gives improved fit and comfort. The disposable diaper has an absorbent core chassis (30) and a pair of elasticized side panels (50) connected to the longitudinal sides of the chassis, where each side panel is formed of two elasticized laminate members (10), joined by a side seam along a non-elasticized outboard edge (52) of each member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Masaharu Nishikawa, Keith W. Rollag, David M. Sageser, Jiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 5584829
    Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and incontinence pads. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, that have longitudinal side edge components that naturally wrap the sides of a wearer's panties which provide an alternative to conventional side flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bruce W. Lavash, Thomas W. Osborn, III, Robb E. Olsen, Katherine L. Mayer, Letha M. Hines
  • Patent number: 5584885
    Abstract: A regeneration chamber for promoting and controlling the growth of biological nerves, including a chamber enclosing and defining a volume in which biological nerves are to be grown, an input port for injecting agents for promoting and controlling the growth of the biological nerves into the chamber, and an output port for receiving agents and biological nerve growth byproducts from the chamber. The input port and chamber have at least one input passage therebetween for the flow of agents from the input port into the chamber and the output port and chamber have at least one output passage therebetween for the flow of agents and biological growth byproducts from the chamber into the output port. The input and output passages are proportioned to reduce increases and decreases in pressure in the chamber and a chamber may have a plurality of input ports and output ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Brooke R. Seckel
  • Patent number: 5584887
    Abstract: A method for percutaneous fixation of a pair of vertebrae of a patient, which comprises posterolaterally entering the back of a patient percutaneously with a plurality of pedicle screws, screwing each pedicle screw into the medullary canal of the pedicles of adjacent thoracic and/or lumbar vertebrae or the pedicles of the L5 and S1 vertebrae, to a position where the proximal end thereof lies adjacent the fascia of the patient; inserting pedicle screw linkages under the skin of the back of the patient and detachably securing the linkage means to the proximal ends of the screws on the same side of the spinous processes of the vertebrae to restrict relative movement between the vertebrae. A kit is provided for percutaneous fixation of vertebrae of a patient, comprising a plurality of pedicle screws of different sizes, yet of a size to enable the distal end of each screw to be screwed into the medullary canal of a pedicle of a vertebra with the proximal end thereof lying adjacent the fascia of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew Richards, Inc.
    Inventor: Parvis Kambin
  • Patent number: 5582606
    Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article, including a pair of containment flaps, which containment flaps are particularly well suited for use on an absorbent article having a relatively narrow crotch. Specifically, the containment flaps include a proximal edge and a distal edge. The proximal edge is adhered to a bodyside liner of the absorbent product with the distal edge being adhered to the bodyside liner at a point outboard of the proximal edge. Alternatively, the proximal edge and distal edge are adhered to the bodyside liner in a manner to form a C-fold in the containment flap. The C-fold may be inboard or outboard facing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clarke Corporation
    Inventors: Mary A. Bruemmer, Paul J. Serbiak, Daniel R. Schlinz
  • Patent number: 5575786
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas W. Osborn, III
  • Patent number: 5575784
    Abstract: A disposable garment having an improved disposal means so as to provide convenient disposal of the disposable garment. The disposable garment includes a chassis having a front portion, a rear portion, and a crotch portion positioned between the front portion and the rear portion. Seams join the front and rear portions together to form two leg openings and a waist opening. The improved disposal means is preferably joined to the outer layer of the disposable garment and includes a frangible section to provide for separation of the disposal means into independent portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kathleen Q. Ames-Ooten, Donald C. Roe
  • Patent number: 5571169
    Abstract: Methods of artificially lining a vessel, especially an artery, of a medical patient to address the existence of a flow-inhibiting atheroma and to significantly alleviate the probability of restenosis, and the resulting products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: EndoVascular Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Plaia, Vincent A. Reger, Gregory N. Nordgren
  • Patent number: 5571183
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reconstructive prosthesis, for instance a breast prosthesis, comprising a container of a flexible, non-absorbable material, containing a filler material, wherein the filler material is an aqueous solution of a non-retrograding cross-linked starch or starch derivative. Preferably, the starch and/or starch derivative is cross-linked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Cooperatieve Verkoop - En Productievereniging Van Aardappelmeel en Derivaten Avebe B.A.
    Inventors: Farid Kazem, Ido P. Bleeker, Henk J. Meijer
  • Patent number: 5571176
    Abstract: An autogenous heart having a physiology similar to a native heart is formed from two muscle segments which are wrapped about a mold and divided to form four chambers. To form this heart, two segments of muscle are formed to surround a silastic balloon reinforced mold which permits gross formation of the heart. The silastic balloon is then deflated and withdrawn. The interior of the heart is subdivided; the four chambers are formed; and valves are emplaced in much the manner as in the native heart. A cardiac assist device formed from a single chamber is made in much the same manner. The cardiac assist device has a single exit vessel which is bifurcated so as to allow blood flow into the chamber as the muscle is relaxed and blood flow out of the chamber as the muscle is contracted. A further improvement over current cardiac assist devices is the use of a compression ring to occlude blood flow within the native vessel when the muscle is contracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: Syde A. Taheri
  • Patent number: 5569194
    Abstract: The invention relates to a structure for bringing about a permanent connection between the abdominal wall and the abdominal cavity of humans and animals. The structure is intended for the supply of medicines to the abdominal cavity in a predetermined and controlled way and it includes an anchoring plate (8) intended to be anchored in the abdominal cavity wall, and it carries a hollow projecting conduit stud (5) which is intended to open out into the abdominal cavity (2) and which has a smooth anti adhesive surface of polished or anodically oxidized titanium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventors: Lars Ericson, Peter Thomsen