Abstract: A medical treatment device includes a first medical treatment implement such as a hollow needle, and a second medical treatment implement such as a bag. A first tubular member, such as a needle hub, is connected to the first implement. A second tubular member, such as a flexible tube, having first and second end portions is connected to the second implement at the second end portion. The first end portion of the second tubular member is joined and blocked with one end portion of the first tubular member in a superposed and liquid-tight state.

Abstract: A vaginal spermicide distributing membrane comprises a relatively thin flexible membrane having a plurality of integral rings of thicker dimension on one or both sides thereof. Each ring can have a depression along its surface that functions as a receptacle for spermicide. The rings provide sufficient resistance to deformation so that when the membrane is flexed for insertion in the vagina, it will tend to assume a planar shape and be held in contact with the vaginal mucosa. The rings keep the device properly positioned and function as successive barriers to sperm migration. Loops provided along the periphery of the membrane assist in its insertion and removal.

Abstract: An absorbent facing is disclosed which has significant one-way valve characteristics for aqueous fluids. The facing is produced by a process which comprises the steps of: (a) superimposing a thin polymer film and a first web comprising absorbent fibers, to form a second web; (b) heating the second web to a temperature such that the polymer film is in a formable state; (c) while the said second web is so heated, simultaneously applying shearing and compressive forces to the second web to form said polymer film into a coating on said first web, the coating comprising a fine pattern of continuous areas which lie between and interconnect discontinuous areas, wherein the polymer in the continuous areas comprises a continuous or substantially continuous coating on the surface of said first web, and wherein most of the polymer in the discontinuous areas is coated on individual fibers; and (d) cooling the coated web thus formed to cool the polymer below its forming temperature.

Abstract: The exterior of a compressed tampon, e.g. for absorbing menstrual discharge, is formed from a bat of substantially aligned absorbent fibers that have been preshortened in a microundulated state as a result of longitudinal compressive pretreatment. The preshortening, generally more than 20% of original length of the fibers, is selected to permit substantial recovery of original dimension, there being at least 10 of the microundulations per inch prior to incorporation in the tampon. The microundulations are shape-retentive (in the dry state) and reside with the sides of adjacent microundulations close together. Because of the pretreated state, the absorbent fibers have stored mechanical energy in a predetermined selected direction within the final tampon. They are highly moisture sensitive, responsive to small amounts of liquid to cause release of the mechanical energy and expansion in the given direction to cause rapid expansion of the exterior of the tampon.

Abstract: There are shown two configurations of a disposable pad particularly for panty hose. Each pad is secured by a self-stick adhesive (three strips shown) to the inner surface of the crotch of the panty hose. This pad is made with an impervious backing sheet to which a pair of fill members is secured as by localized areas of heat-welding, laser-welding and the like. Preferably, these fill members are treated to provide indicators and are abutted at the longitudinal midpoint of the pads. A release sheet is furnished to protect the self-stick adhesive until time of use. The release sheet, the backing sheet and fill members are die-cut and provide exterior edges whereat the fill portions are exposed to provide a soft surface to the user. Four notches are formed in the edge portions of the pad to assist in placement and attachment of the pad to the undergarment. These notches assist in bending the pad and also provide straddling of seams produced in the sewing of the panty hose as a complete garment.

Abstract: An interlabial pad as provided having a cylindrodially-shaped central portion and oppositely disposed flaps. The method for forming the interlabial pad involves folding a pad blank along the central longitudinal axis and gathering and attaching the blank at spaced-apart portions below the fold line to form a cylindrodially shaped central member with flaps depending radially therefrom.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a disposable therapy diaper which incorporates non-woven, hypo-allergenic materials including an absorbent layer and incorporates shaping, reservoir and attachment means, to serve as a device for containment of incontinent body wastes during phototherapy, such as hyperbilirubenemia phototherapy of premature infants, so that a desirably large percentage of the phototherapy recipient's skin surface is exposed to the therapeutic photoradiation, while the excess body wastes produced during such phototherapy are contained with minimal skin irritation to the phototherapy recipient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for contraception wherein an applicator houses a fluid-expansible, hydrophilic, tampon material in its unactivated, compressed state separate from a reservoir of spermicide or medicament. The applicator preferably includes a manually frangible portion of the spermicide reservoir or a fluid communication passage to bring the spermicide into contact with the fluid-expansible tampon material upon command prior to use. After activating by moistening, the spermicide-impregnated, expanded tampon can be readily inserted into a vagina by use of the applicator. Preferably, the tampon is made from a body of purposefully-compressed, memory-retentive, hydrophilic material having a resilience and a high coefficient of expansion when moistened to act as a barrier to the os uteri, to fill the vaginal fornices and absorb ejaculate. Various shapes of the tampon are disclosed, as are methods of making and using the invention.