Abstract: The present invention is a stopper and shield closure assembly 16 millimeter (mm) fluid collection tube whereby the 16 millimeter tube is compatible with conventional needle holders.

Abstract: The present invention is a collection container assembly comprising a container with a false bottom having a rounded open end and wherein the external dimensions of the container are substantially the same as a standard-sized blood collection tube but with a reduced internal volume.

Abstract: A device and method for separating heavier and lighter phases of a fluid sample is described. The fluid separation device includes an elongate collection tube accommodating the fluids, and a deformable separator including a deformable bladder having a flowable substance contained therein. The deformable bladder is reconfigurable upon centrifugation to a toroidal shape allowing fluid flow therethrough. The bladder is movable along the tube during centrifugation to a position between the separated blood phase.

Abstract: A method of forming an improved finger grip at the gripper end of a paperboard tampon tube is disclosed. This gripper end has an outwardly rolled edge produced by applying moisture to the gripper end of the paperboard tube having a diameter of less than about 25 mm, heating a forming tool to about 100.degree. F. to about 350.degree. F., rotating the paperboard tube with respect to the forming tool at a rate of about 50 to 1000 rpm, and contacting the gripper end of the paperboard tube with the forming tool for about 0.2 to about 5 seconds. In this manner, the forming tool rolls the gripper end of the paperboard tube outwardly to form a radiused surface at the outside of the gripper end of the paperboard applicator tube. The resulting tampon applicator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A unitary absorbent structure is provided with an absorbent pad that includes at least an absorbing layer of absorbent material for absorbing and holding body fluids. A facing layer of body fluid-pervious material is placed the adjacent the absorbing pad. The facing layer and absorbing layer are positioned in face-to-face contact with the contacting faces bonded together over substantially the entire contact area. A fluid-distributing layer may be adhered to one surface of the absorbing layer. A backing sheet may be disposed adjacent the absorbent pad, and edge portions of the backing sheet may be wrapped around the edges of the structure and heat sealed to the facing layer.

Abstract: An absorbent panel structure, for use in a disposable diaper or the like, comprising at least about 400 percent by weight of superabsorbent material and at least one wicking layer of hydrophilic fiber particles. The absorbent panel has an average Taber stiffness value in the machine direction of less than about 7 and an absorptive capacity of at least about 300 ml.

Abstract: A softened, absorbent, composite structure is provided which structure is comprised of a fibrous web containing at least about 200 percent by weight of superabsorbent and containing a wicking layer subjected to microcorrugating in at least one direction and perf-embossing to yield an absorbent composite structure having a Taber stiffness value less than about 25, preferably less than about 10.

Abstract: A soft, perf-embossed, absorbent composite structure is provided which comprises an absorbing layer of a fibrous web containing at least about 200 percent by weight of superabsorbent and a wicking layer. The composite structure has a Taber stiffness value less than about 30.

Abstract: A superthin absorbent disposable product is provided having an absorbing layer containing superabsorbent and a wicking layer. The product is suitable for use in disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinent pads, wipes and the like.

Abstract: An absorbent structure is provided, which is comprised of a fibrous web, having an initial dry bulk of at least about 20 cc/gm., a dry bulk recovery of at least about 30 percent, and a wet bulk of at least about 30 cc/gm., and a basis weight less than about 4 oz/sq. yd. containing at least about 200 percent by weight superabsorbent. The structure is microcorrugated to provide a softness having a Taber stiffness value less than about 50.

Abstract: A superthin absorbent disposable product is provided having an absorbing layer containing superabsorbent and a wicking layer. The product is suitable for use in disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinent pads, wipes and the like.

Abstract: A superthin absorbent disposable product is provided having an absorbing layer containing superabsorbent and a wicking layer. The product is suitable for use in disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinent pads, wipes and the like.

Abstract: A superthin absorbent disposable product is provided having an absorbing layer containing superabsorbent and a wicking layer. The product is suitable for use in disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinent pads, wipes and the like.