Abstract: An occluding collector is a housing with two tubular members adapted to be inserted into a duct carrying a biological fluid. A biological fluid passageway is provided within the housing between the two tubular members. A flexible member is operable to selectively close or open the biological fluid passageway in response to a fluid operating pressure in a catheter. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible member is a diaphragm which is movable to a convex condition for closing the biological fluid passageway and retaining the closed condition in the absence of sustained operating fluid pressure. The diaphragm may be moved to a concave condition for opening the biological fluid passageway in response to suction or partial vacuum created by retraction of some operating fluid. The diaphragm also retains its concave or open condition until again acted upon by the operating fluid. When the biological passageway is closed, the biological fluid may be drained or collected through a second catheter.

Abstract: A urine collection and drainage device comprising a chamber that contains a baffle. The device minimizes noises generated from sloshing urine in the chamber. Furthermore, when secured in a horizontal orientation relative to an individual's leg, the device is completely concealed from view by others while worn under shorts, short skirts or swimming trunks. Thus, the device collects urine such that it baffles any sloshing noises that emanate from the chamber and is completely concealed from view when worn under summer or sport apparel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suppository applicator for use in the application of a suppository. A suppository applicator consists of a cylinder formed with a longitudinal bore, a plunger slidingly disposed in the longitudinal bore such that the relative axial movement of the plunger in the bore causes a suppository to exit the bore. A first flange is disposed on the cylinder for providing a grip for assisting in the handling of the applicator. A second flange is disposed on the cylinder for limiting the depth of insertion of the applicator cylinder into a body cavity. A second flange is slidingly disposed on the cylinder in one embodiment. A second flange optionally consists of a first end tappered inward toward a second end. Optionally, rotation of said second flange causes translational movement of the flange along the cylinder. A means for releasably locking the second flange is provided.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an absorbent article. The absorbent article includes a topsheet, a backsheet joined to the topsheet and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. A coversheet is joined to the topsheet. The coversheet includes a line of weakness defining a flap to be at least partially separated from the remainder of the coversheet.

Abstract: A disposable diaper (10) is disclosed in which the elastic (24) which provides elasticized leg cuffs extends along substantially the entire length of each of the longitudinal edge portions (25) of the diaper between fastening means (30,32) on front and rear waist portions (20, 22 resp.) for fastening the diaper around a wearer.

Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for efficient flow of liquid into and/or out of a vial, such as a vial containing a lyophilized drug. The connector assembly includes a spike and a stopper sleeve, both slidably mounted in the open top of the vial. The connector assembly includes a stopper affixed to the stopper sleeve and sealingly engaged in the open top of the vial. The stopper is slidably moveable in response to axial movement of the stopper sleeve. Movement of the stopper sleeve relative to the vial will move the stopper into or out of sealing engagement with the vial. The connector assembly further includes a spring for generating a small amount of axial movement of the spike, stopper sleeve and stopper after the stopper has been moved into the opened position in the vial. Movement of the spike, stopper sleeve and stopper generated by the spring will cause a sufficient change in pressure to overcome surface tension and initiate an efficient flow of fluid into or out of the vial.

Abstract: A body wastes receiving appliance constructed in such a manner that the portion which receives body wastes can be easily removed from the appliance and thrown away into a flush toilet or the like, the body wastes receiving appliance including an adhesive plate which has an opening corresponding to a body wastes discharge hole formed in the surface of a human body, a first flange which is fixed the adhesive plate adjacent the non-adhesive side and has an opening corresponding to the opening of the adhesive plate, a second flange which is detachably fitted to the opposite side, with reference to the adhesive plate, of the first flange and has an opening corresponding to the opening of the first flange, an outer pouch which is fixed to the opposite side, with reference to the adhesive plate, of the second flange and has an opening corresponding to the respective openings of the adhesive plate and the first and second flanges, and an inner pouch which is housed inside the outer pouch so as to be separable from th

Abstract: In a disposable diaper having a liquid-absorbent core which comprises, in turn, fluff pulp of less than 70% by weight and superabsorbent polymer particles of 30% or higher by weight, an isolating fibrous layer is placed on an upper surface of the liquid holding layer, then these liquid holding layer and isolating fibrous layer are integrally covered with a liquid-permeable covering layer such as a tissue paper, and these layers are intermittently bonded one to another over the entire extents of the respective laminating surfaces.

Abstract: A bone plug is provided for insertion into the medullary canal of a patient bone during orthopedic surgery, wherein the bone plug restricts or prevents passage of bone cement introduced under pressure into the medullary canal. The bone plug comprises a generally cylindrical member formed from a biocompatible material such as polyethylene and having sets of distal and proximal fins. The distal fins are defined by a spiral thread set at an angle to extend distally, to bend to accommodate the shape of the medullary canal and thereby anchor the bone plug by biting into patient bone, whereas the proximal fins flex during plug insertion to extend proximally and thereby seal against bypass flow of bone cement past the bone plug. An insertion tool is also disclosed, for use in placing the bone plug during a surgical procedure, such as hip arthroplasty.

Abstract: A device useful for collection of sperm from human males, preferably in a discreet, camouflaged manner. The device includes an outer shell having a generally tubular inside chamber and an exterior with the appearance of an ordinary device found in a public environment such as a flashlight. The shell provides access to the chamber via at least one removable cap. The chamber is filled by an insert formed from an elastomeric gel having the general tactile feel of human flesh. One end of the insert has an opening simulating a body orifice. The insert includes a central passage sized to accommodate a human male sex organ in said opening while providing at least a cushioning amount of the elastomeric gel. A preferred insert includes radially extending high points for engagement with the chamber and radially extending low points for expansion of the central passage during use.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluid filter comprising: (a) providing a cone having a tip end and an open end and made of a filter material; (b) providing a support element having a plurality of concentric annular members mounted on a base and having outermost and innermost concentric annular members; (c) aligning the central axes of the cone and the support element with the tip end of the cone closest to the support element; and (d) inserting a portion of the cone into a circular area between two concentric annular members by placing a forming sleeve inside the cone and inserting the forming sleeve between the two concentric annular members, the concentric annular members being generally cylindrical and having an interior and an exterior.

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.

Abstract: A urine-output measuring apparatus has a catheter adapted to be inserted in a patient and having an outer end, a stationarily mounted flow device having an input connected to the outer end of the catheter and an output, a highly flexible tube having an input end connected to the output of the flow device and an output end, and an elongated urine-collection bag connected to the output end of the flexible tube. A relatively incompressible but flexible and elongated element of noncircular section is loosely received in the tube and extends generally a full length of the tube between its ends.

Abstract: The invention provides a drainage bag, such as an ostomy bag or like drainage bag, for receiving bodily waste, the drainage bag having a wall portion (1) formed of a water-softenable or hot-water-soluble first film material, the wall portion (1) having an opening (4) therein for receiving the bodily waste or bodily fluid; a water-impermeable, water-insoluble polymeric film material (7) being adhered to the outer surface of the said wall portion (1) so as to surround said opening, the water-impermeable, water-insoluble layer (7) being adhered to the said wall portion by means of a cyanoacrylate layer (6) interposed therebetween; and the outer surface of the water-impermeable, water-insoluble layer (7) having secured thereto an adhesive flange (5) for securing the drainage bag to the body wall of a patient.

Abstract: An intravaginal resiliently expandable member substantially impermeable to fluids combined with a generally cylindrical blood-absorbing member such as a tampon in such a manner to provide an intravaginal catamenial device with substantially preserved blood-absorption capability with respect to the catamenial devices currently in use while offering, at the same time, the advantage of reliably preventing leakage of menstrual blood from the vaginal orifice. The expandable member which is generally doughtnut-shaped with a central opening and engages the blood absorbing member within its central opening, is positioned, with respect to the generally cylindrical blood-absorbing member or tampon, around a rear or caudal segment of the blood absorbing member or tampon so as to leave a substantial portion of said blood-absorbing member exposed for blood absorption.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent structure comprising a microbial polysaccharide having improved porosity and a process of making the same. The absorbent structure may be adapted for use in an absorbent product such as a diaper or incontinence product. The process involves the supercritical drying of a microbial polysaccharide to remove at least a portion of the aqueous medium in which the microbial polysaccharide is produced without unacceptably reducing the porosity of the microbial polysaccharide.

Abstract: A packaging ready for the use for the oral administration of air-free diagnostic contrast solutions or suspensions comprising an air-tight collapsible container, equipped with a distributing beak with a sealing detachable cap, containing a diagnostic degassed aqueous composition.

Abstract: An absorbent article useful for absorbing bodily fluids discharged by the wearer of the article is provided. The absorbent article comprises a fluid pervious topsheet, a fluid impervious backsheet affixed to the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a resilient tubular member disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet for transporting the fluids to a predetermined region of the core. The tubular member has a plurality of fluid inlets and a plurality of fluid outlets, the inlets and outlets providing fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the tubular member. Discharged fluids may be transported from regions adjacent the inlets into the interior of the tubular member, and thereafter through the outlets to the predetermined regions of the core adjacent the outlets, thereby rapidly transporting the fluids to the predetermined region of the core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article and preferably a diaper or incontinent device having perfume-filled release agents, preferably being perfume-filled microcapsules, disposed on the diaper fastening system. The encapsulated agents and/or odor masking agents are released subsequent to the removal of the article from about the wearer, i.e., as the fastening system is disconnected, the microcapsules burst, thereby releasing the agents to the air containing the malodor constituents.

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. The barrier films are used in place of an outer wrapper member to protect the body-facing side of the napkins from being soiled prior to use.