Abstract: A method for delivering a bioactive agent to the cardiovascular system is described. The method delivers the agent at a high bioavailability and with little loss of agent to the natural defense mechanisms of the body. For instance, little or none of the bioactive agent will be sequestered in lymph tissue and prevented from circulation in the cardiovascular system. The method includes utilization of a transdermal delivery device including microneedles with structures fabricated on a surface of the microneedles to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes.

Abstract: A moist wipes dispenser has a top attached to a bottom along a hinge. The top is adapted to pivot about the hinge's axis of rotation. The top is adapted to assume a closed position and a dispensing position. In one embodiment, the top can assume a warning position adapted to warn a user that the top is not shut. The top is urged to the warning position if the top is angularly disposed in a red zone that extends between the closed position and the warning position. The warning position is angularly displaced from the closed position by at least five degrees. In another embodiment, the hinge includes a pin integrally molded with the top or bottom, and an open knuckle integrally molded with the other of the top and bottom. The hinge is adapted to urge the top into closed and dispensing positions in selected angular ranges.

Abstract: A method for delivering a bioactive agent to the cardiovascular system is described. The method delivers the agent at a high bioavailability and with little loss of agent to the natural defense mechanisms of the body. For instance, little or none of the bioactive agent will be sequestered in lymph tissue and prevented from circulation in the cardiovascular system. The method includes utilization of a transdermal delivery device including microneedles with structures fabricated on a surface of the microneedles to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes.

Abstract: A unitary absorbent core includes a nonwoven layer which has a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface. At least a portion of a first binding agent is impregnated into the garment-facing surface. A superabsorbent material is located on the impregnated surface, and a second binding agent is located on the superabsorbent material and can be superimposed onto the first binding agent. The unitary absorbent core can be utilized for absorbing viscous fluids.

Abstract: A melt-processed protein composition formed from a protein, plasticizer, and an electrophilic reagent is provided. The electrophilic reagent, for instance, may be selected to undergo a nucleophilic addition reaction with free sulfhydryl and/or thiyl radicals to help minimize the formation of disulfide crosslinking bonds that could otherwise lead to protein aggregation during melt processing. To enhance the degree to which the electrophilic reagent can limit crosslinking, a plasticizer is also employed that helps to mediate the adsorption of the electrophilic reagent into the internal structure of the protein, where it can be more stably retained. Furthermore, the temperature and shear rate employed during melt blending may also be selected to be relatively low to help limit polypeptide dissociation, thereby minimizing the impact of aggregation and embrittlement.

Abstract: A method of machine control can include providing at least a system master signal, selectively synchronizing at least sub-system master signal to the system master signal based on the value of the system master signal, and carrying out at least one operation based on the value of the other master signal. For example, a machine controller may provide a system virtual master signal and synchronize one or more module virtual master signals to the system virtual master based on the system virtual master count value. One or more components of the module may operate based on the count value of the module virtual master signal. The use of an asynchronous control method may advantageously increase the flexibility of the machine. Because the operation of the components of the machine may depend on respective virtual master signals, a machine using asynchronous control methods may advantageously continue operating one component or module in the event of a fault involving other components.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a three dimensional disposable panty, subassemblies of the panty, and an apparatus and methods for making the panty and subassemblies. The panty is designed to hold a primary absorbent sanitary pad. The panty may have elasticized leg and waist openings and be stretchable about the hip and stomach regions of a user. the panty provides backup protection to control egress of fluids that leak or seep around or through the primary sanitary pad. The panty includes a secondary absorbent positioned in the crotch area and extending into the body of the disposable panty, front and back, and preferably over the leg elastics to trap, inside the panty, leakage from the primary absorbent, and to prevent strike through onto e.g. outer clothing and bed linen.

Abstract: An improved elastomeric pump for an infusion assembly. The pump includes a generally cylindrical mandrel body with first end, an opposed second end, a length, an outer diameter corresponding to a first radius (Rmandrel), a central bore extending through the length, a first port extending from the outer diameter to the bore to provide a fluid passageway, a fill port and an exit port in fluid communication with the bore. The pump includes an inflatable elastomeric tube disposed concentrically about the mandrel, the tube being sealingly secured on the mandrel near the respective ends of the tube and having an original inner diameter that corresponds to a second radius (r) so that it approximately matches the outer diameter of the mandrel (Rmandrel), a length (L) less than the length of the mandrel, a wall thickness (t) such that: (0.4225×r)<t?(0.660×r).

Abstract: To better facilitate the application and removal of make-up on the skin, including on the face, and especially around the eyes, the present invention provides a wiping product having two or more lobes which substantially conform to both the user's finger and the area around the user's eyes. The wiping product is not secured to the user's finger or worn like a glove, but rather is simply supported by one or more fingers in use. In this manner, the wiping product is both simple to use and provides excellent application and removal of make-up in often hard to reach areas, such as the recesses of the eyes.

Abstract: Coextruded films provide cross directional zoned multiple components side-by-side to one another. Systems and methods relate to coextruding such films. During coextrusion, a first polymer conjoins with a second polymer while a temperature differential is maintained between the first and second polymers. This temperature differential is selected to reduce a difference between the viscosities of the first and second polymers making the viscosity of the first polymer close enough to the viscosity of the second polymer to avoid separation upon coextrusion. Further, the films may form a layer in subsequent lamination to other material layers.

Abstract: Spirally wound paper products are disclosed having desirable roll bulk, firmness and softness properties. The rolled products can be made from single ply tissue webs formed according to various processes.

Abstract: An occult blood detection composition is used for various applications including that of predicting the start of menstruation. The composition may be applied to various devices to create a sensor, such devices include a feminine pad or shield, a badge, a swab or a wipe. The composition may be part of a kit wherein one component of the composition is applied to a device for the consumer. The remaining component of the composition, in liquid form, is applied to the device by the consumer prior to use.

Abstract: A web has a series of cut outs that define bridging portions therebetween. A method for folding the web includes providing the web to a first conveyor, folding the web about a folding wheel to define a folded edge that extends through the series of cut outs, transferring the web to a second conveyor having an included angle of 15 to 40 degrees in relation to the first conveyor, folding the web about a folding bar to maintain the folded edge, and spanning at least one cut out with the folding bar and contemporaneously contacting at least two bridge portions with the folding bar to maintain the folded edge of the web about the folding bar as the web passes the folding wheel edge.

Abstract: A combination assay device and method for simultaneously detecting the presence of hydrogen peroxide and D-lactic acid in vaginal fluid. The methods for detecting the hydrogen peroxide and the D-lactic acid are colorimetric-based. The device includes a pair of laminar flow substrates each having a solid-state compound for the detection of hydrogen peroxide and D-lactic acid disposed thereon. The solid-state format provides ease of use and storage.

Abstract: An article has a longitudinal length, an article width, and an article thickness. The article includes a fresh personal care product in a substantially unsoiled condition, and a pouch having a pouch volume which operatively encloses the fresh product. The pouch includes a front panel region, a back panel region which is operatively connected to the front panel region, and at least one expansion section which is operatively connected between the front panel region and the back panel region. The expansion section is operatively held in a substantially unexpanded, closed position when the fresh product is enclosed in the pouch. The expansion section is movable to an open position after a removal of the fresh product from the pouch. The open position of the expansion section is configured to provide an expanded disposal volume which can operatively contain a product when the product is in a used and soiled condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonwoven substrate comprising a fibrous web defining a surface; and a layer of a benefit agent wherein said benefit agent is selected from an additive composition, an enhancement component and combinations thereof; wherein said benefit agent is frothed and bonded to the fibrous web surface through a creping process and wherein said nonwoven substrate demonstrates improvements selected from enhanced tactile feel, enhanced printing, a decrease in hysteresis, an increase in bulk, an increase in elasticity/extensibility, an increase in retractability, a reduction in rugosities and combinations thereof when compared to an untreated substrate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims an absorbent article which utilizes an absorbent portion that includes superabsorbent yarn as part of the absorbent portion, such that liquid is wicked to the perimeter or select regions of the absorbent portion, or the perimeter of the absorbent article itself, taking full advantage of either the depth, width, length or combination of dimensions of the absorbent portion, or absorbent article. The superabsorbent yarn can be one or more of several types, including encapsulated yarn, multilayered encapsulated yarn, coated yarn and sliver-formed yarn as long as such yarn includes at least two components, those being a superabsorbent polymer and a second material which promotes distribution of liquid along the yarn length.

Abstract: A system for determining a conductance of an object includes a sensor configured to emit an electromagnetic field when an excitation signal is received, wherein the electromagnetic field interacts with the object when the object is positioned within the electromagnetic field. A signal processing circuit is coupled to the sensor and configured to provide an adjustable capacitance to the sensor to adjust a phase angle of a current flowing through the sensor, to generate a voltage measurement representative of a voltage across the sensor, and to generate a current measurement representative of the current flowing through the sensor. A controller is coupled to the signal processing circuit and configured to calculate an admittance of the sensor based on the voltage measurement and the current measurement, and to determine a conductance of the object based on the calculated admittance of the sensor.

Abstract: An absorbent article has an absorbent composite that includes a water-insoluble fibrous matrix, a superabsorbent polymer composition that has an initial absorbent capacity of at least about 5 grams of saline per gram of superabsorbent polymer composition; and a first triggering mechanism having a first release time of between about 5 and 60 minutes, and a second triggering mechanism. The superabsorbent polymer composition may have a second absorbent capacity that is at least about 25% greater than the first absorbent capacity as measured by the mCRC Test.

Abstract: A process for providing a package of prefastened articles includes manufacturing an article having a chassis with an absorbent assembly located between an outer cover and a body side liner. The chassis also includes a first waist region and a second waist region; a refastenable seam joining a first distal portion of the first waist region to a first distal portion of the second waist region; a first refastenable bond connecting the first distal portion of the first waist region and the first distal portion of the second waist region. The first distal portion of the first waist region is folded and bonded to itself with a releasable bond having a first releasable bond peel strength. The first refastenable bond peel strength is greater than the first releasable bond peel strength. The process also includes rupturing the releasable bond and packaging the article.