Abstract: A variable sized diaper, which is reusable, is disclosed. The diaper inlcudes an outer liquid impermeable panel having a generally hourglass configuration. The outer panel is sealedly connected about its perimeter to a corresponding inner panel having a substantially identical outer perimeter. The inner panel includes a fluid absorbent core, longitudinally positioned along the length of the diaper which is circumscribed by a plurality of side panels and waist panels which are constructed of liquid impermeable fabric. A conjunction of the inner panel and the outer panel defines a liquid permeable absorbent core which is substantially surrounded by a fluid impermeable hollow pocket or sack which extends about the entire circumference of the absorbent core. A "V"-shaped pile attachment strip is positioned on the frontmost regions of the diaper and is adapted to connect with a pair of hook fasteners one of which is positioned on each of the two wing-like portions of the rear portion of the diaper.

Abstract: A disposable diaper has tabs which are converted from a nonextensible to an extensible state by merely deploying the taps for diapering and without having to break a weakened joint to accomplish the conversion.

Abstract: The invention provides a tampon tube that is formed of a series of layers of paper, adhesive sealing means and superabsorbent material. The method of formation generally is to provide each of these materials in a sheet form and wind the tube convolutely with heat sealing during winding.

Abstract: A disposable diaper for application to an infant in contact with the infant's skin, comprises a liquid absorbent core; a thin, continuous, water soluble film carried by the liquid absorbent core on the side thereof to be applied in contact with the infant's skin; a layer of a medicated powder between the water-soluble film and the liquid absorbent core; a liquid-permeable film between the layer of medicated powder and the absorbent core; and a liquid-impermeable film on the opposite side of the liquid absorbent core.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable absorbent article such as an incontinent pad that is both comfortable and suitable for absorbing and containing large volumes of body liquids rapidly without leakage, especially a subsequent gush of liquid. Such an absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, a layered expandable absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, at least two resilient shaping members, an acquisition channel, a liquid acquisition zone and at least two liquid impervious shelves. The present invention also relates to an absorbent article provided with an expandable overwrap having an expansion means for allowing the overwrap to expand when the absorbent core swells when wetted.The overwrap of the absorbent article is provided with an expansion means for permitting the overwrap to expand as the absorbent core swells when it is wetted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable absorbent article such as an incontinent pad that is both comfortable and suitable for absorbing and containing large volumes of body liquids rapidly without leakage, especially a subsequent gush of liquid. Such an absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, a layered expandable absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, at least two resilient shaping members, an acquisition channel, a liquid acquisition zone and at least two liquid impervious shelves. The present invention also relates to an absorbent article provided with an expandable overwrap having an expansion means for allowing the overwrap to expand when the absorbent core swells when wetted. The liquid impervious shelves comprise a multiplicity of shelf layers formed from a portion of the backsheet being folded.

Abstract: A bandage for the continuous administration of nitroglycerin to the skin comprising a backing member defining one exterior surface, an internal backing layer with calibrations thereon for accurate measurement of the amount of nitroglycerin ointment to be deposited thereon, an adhesive layer surrounding the internal backing layer for attachment to the skin, and a releasable backing member applied to the adhesive layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable absorbent article such as an incontinent pad that is both comfortable and suitable for absorbing and containing large volumes of body liquids rapidly without leakage, especially a subsequent gush of liquid. Such an absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, a layered expandable absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, at least two resilient shaping members, an acquisition channel, a liquid acquisition zone and at least two liquid impervious shelves. The present invention also relates to an absorbent article provided with an expandable overwrap having an expansion means for allowing the overwrap to expand when the absorbent core swells when wetted. The resilient shaping members of the present invention provide an improved absorbent article design having raised side edges and an acquisition channel.

Abstract: A disposable diaper contains an absorbent layer in which an island of highly absorbent material is located where it is surrounded by an expanse of lesser absorbent material that extends throughout the remainder of the diaper. A liquid impermeable panel or coated region diverts urine from the lesser absorbent material to the island material.

Abstract: A composite skin barrier including a first adhesive component which fits around the stoma, a coupling element, and a second adhesive component which is flexible, light, and has a degree of porosity. The second adhesive component contacts the skin at a distance from the stoma.

Abstract: A dispensing system is disclosed comprising a wall surrounding a lumen. The lumen comprises (1) a thermo responsive composition comprising a beneficial agent, (2) means for occupying space in the lumen for pushing the thermo responsive composition from the dispensing system, and (3) means for enhancing the amount of the beneficial agent dispensed from the system positioned between the thermo responsive composition and the means for occupying space.

Abstract: An absorbent re-usable patient underpad is formed of five layers of fabric consisting from top to bottom of: an absorbent rayon-polyester blend, non-woven polyester; vinyl; and polyester, a synthetic taffeta. The third, fourth and fifth layers are bonded together as are, generally, the first and second layers.

Abstract: An osmotic dosage form is disclosed comprising a polymeric olefin, vinyl, condensation, addition or silicon film that surrounds a member selected from the group consisting of a buffer and osmogent which member is released by the film as a means for governing the solubility of a beneficial agent in the dosage form.

Abstract: Moisture vapor transmitting wound dressings are described which comprise (a) a conformable backing layer which has an adhesive on one of its surfaces and in which at least one of the backing layer and adhesive layer is continuous so as to provide a barrier both to bacteria and to liquid water when the dressing is in place on a wound and (b) a low wound adherency absorbent pad positioned on the adhesive side of the backing layer. The area of the pad is less than that of the backing layer so that an adhesive margin remains exposed on two, or preferably four, sides of the pad so that the backing layer may be adhered to the skin surrounding the wound area. The wound dressings have a moisture vapor transmission rate of from 500 to 2000 grams/square meter/24 hours at 37.5.degree. C. and 100% to 10% relative humidity difference. Materials for use in the dressings and processes for manufacture of the dressings are also described.

Abstract: A method of inducing analgesia or reducing pain is described. The method involves implanting in the central nervous system of a host susceptible to pain, living material capable of releasing effective amount of analgesic substance when interacted with a stimulus which induces said material to release analgesic amount of said substance. The procedure described herein reduces sensitivity to intractable pain.

Abstract: Moisture indicator strips of the capillary action type which provide a visual indication of wetness for diapers, hospital underpads, and the like, are located at a point removed from the actual point of wetness, such as at the edge of the diaper or surgical dressing. This invention further relates to a method for automatically and continuously incorporating a wetness indicator within the structure of the diaper or under pad during the manufacture thereof.

Abstract: A syringe injector to hold a syringe that comprises a barrel and a plunger. The plunger includes a piston received in the barrel. The injector comprises a support frame with a cradle to receive the syringe barrel at one end of the support frame. The plunger is held and there is a lever pivotally attached to the frame. A connecting rod extends from the lever to the holding means. In use, movement of the lever moves the plunger of the syringe and affords mechanical advantage to the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to the product and process for making an absorbent structure having a facing sheet and an absorbent batt in superposed relationship. The facing sheet is a nonwoven fabric. Some of the fibers of the batt extend into and are integral with the facing fabric. The extended fibers promote wicking of a liquid through the facing into the batt and stabilize the batt.

Abstract: A synthetic nonabsorbable surgical suture compound of segmented polyether--ester block copolymers is disclosed.