Abstract: A flexible drive cable assembly includes a flexible elongated outer sheath enclosing a flexible elongated inner drive shaft. The drive shaft is connected to a driving element, such as a motor at one end, and to a driven element, such as a transmission at the opposite end. The flexible outer sheath is connected to the housing of the driving element at one end, and to the housing of the driven element at the opposite end, such that the outer sheath is held stationary in the longitudinal direction with respect to the inner drive shaft and the two housings. The outer sheath is connected to the housing by an end fitting. The end fitting includes an elongated connector extending outwardly from the housing to an outer end. The connector has a longitudinally extending aperture for passage of a coupling end of the inner drive shaft for connection to the element disposed within the housing.

Abstract: Articulated transmission joint (10) of the slidable type comprising a transmission joint body (12) and a tripod element (14) having three radial arms (16) each of which arms is slidable between two planar surface portions (36) through the medium of two articulation elements (18) which are pivotally mounted on a spherical trunnion (21) of the tripod element (14), each articulation element (18) defining a planar surface (20) which is cooperative with one of the planar surface portions (36). The joint body (12) comprises three bearing ways each comprising two tracks (38) each of which tracks is constituted by a member defining a planar surface portion (36) and a convex cylindrical surface portion (40) which is cooperative with a complementary concave cylindrical bearing surface (42) formed in the joint body (12).

Abstract: A braided fiber reinforced composite shaft with yoke member of a universal joint (8) having a tubular portion (10) integrally connected with the yoke portion (12). The yoke portion (12) has a pair of opposed axially extending arms (20) which extend beyond the tubular portion (10). The yoke arms (20) contain diametrically opposed holes (22) centrally located and near the end of each arm (20). A portion of the braided fiber reinforcement extends continuously around the tubular portion (10), into the axially extending arms, around the respective holes (22) and back around the tubular portion (10).

Abstract: A rear derailleur for a bicycle comprises a hub axis, a mounting member, a bracket body supported by the mounting member to be pivotal about a first axis extending substantially parallel to the hub axis, and a support member disposed forwardly of the bracket member for supporting a chain guide wheel and a chain tension wheel to be pivotal about a second axis extending substantially parallel to the first axis. The derailleur further comprises a pair of pivot links interconnecting the bracket member and the support member and arranged substantially parallel to a first phantom line extending through the first axis and the second axis as seen in a direction along the hub axis, and first and second tension springs for biasing the bracket member to pivot relative to the bicycle frame and for biasing the chain guide wheel and the chain tension wheel to pivot relative to the support member, respectively, to thereby apply a tension to a chain.

Abstract: A piston engine or machine with a belt drive which is surrounded by a housing, with the housing substantially sealing off the belt drive from the environment and from the piston engine or machine, is provided. The housing may have Helmholtz resonators facing the belt drive.

Abstract: For damping undesirable whipping of a bicycle sprocket chain, especially of a mountain bike when it is being ridden rapidly downhill over rough terrain, and thereby preventing chain suck, a segment of the return run of the chain extending tangentially forwards from the pitch circle of the idler sprocket towards the pitch circle of the drive sprocket in use, is encased within a tube. The tube is mounted by a bracket to the axle of the idler sprocket, and is loose and slippery enough to permit desirable running of the drive chain, while restraining and preventing undesirable deviations, especially in a vertical plane (i.e., transversally or laterally of the running path of the drive chain). Conveniently, the tube may be a self-recoiling longitudinally split member for ease of installation on the chain, and its bracket can be springly clipped over the conventional mounting structure of the idler sprocket.

Abstract: An adjustment apparatus is disclosed which adjusts the resolution of a pulse encoder. The adjustment apparatus includes at least first and second pulley sets having different pulley ratios and having substantially equal belt perimeters. A pulley belt has a belt circumference substantially equal to the belt perimeters. The pulley belt is transferable from one pulley set to the other so as to adjust the resolution of the pulse encoder.

Abstract: A motor driven door drive mechanism is provided having a belt transmission including a flat belt or a round belt which passes around two rotating guide wheels of which at least one is driven to take along the belt. The driven wheel is embodied by a gear and another gear is provided which loosely meshes with the drive gear, partly pressing the belt into the gaps between the teeth thereof. This arrangement offers a sound compromise between the amount of drive force that can be transmitted, and the manufacturing cost and results in low noise level in operation.

Abstract: An improved sprocket for engaging a roller chain has a plurality of teeth and bottom surfaces located between adjacent teeth. Each tooth has a trailing and a leading face, each of which includes a proximal surface adjoining the bottom surface of the sprocket, and a distal surface joining the proximal surface at a meshing point and extending outwardly therefrom. A chain roller is spaced from the proximal surfaces of opposed tooth faces and from the adjoining bottom surface when it is in engagement with the meshing points of these faces. The distal surface of the trailing face of each tooth is in the form of a circular arc centered on a point at which the center of an immediately preceding chain roller is located when in contact with the meshing point on the leading face of the same tooth and the opposing meshing point of the trailing face of the tooth immediately ahead of said same tooth.

Abstract: The invention, an improved radial ball, traction transmission capable of bearing component speeds in excess of 20,000 RPM, connecting the output shaft of a motor or power source to the output shaft of the transmission for the purpose of transferring input torque by RPM reduction or augmentation through the incorporation of a commercially manufactured, standard ball bearing assembly in two basic configurations where: The inner race is driven by the input power source and the output shaft is being driven by the movement of the rotating balls with the outer race secured in a fixed but adjustable position.

Abstract: A chain and sprocket system includes a plurality of chains and phased or offset sprockets. The transmission system includes a random or hybrid chain with the offset sprockets. The timing system can include single or dual overhead camshafts, with phasing of the crankshaft sprockets and camshaft sprockets. The initial contacts of each chain assembly with the sprockets are phased or offset with respect to one another.

Abstract: A shiftable planetary transmission having a housing, a non-rotatable or rotatable transmission component, a sun gear, a carrier and at least one planet gear mounted on the carrier. A rotatable ring gear is connected to the non-rotatable or rotatable transmission component. The ring gear has an annular surface facing the interior surface of the transmission component and a coupling arrangement is non-rotatably connected to the ring gear and a spring-loaded hydraulic activation mechanism is located within the ring gear to axially move the coupling arrangement.

Abstract: A final drive for a multi-speed power transmission has freewheeler timed up and down forward power shifts utilizing two planetary gear sets connected between the transmission and differential. For low ratio a smaller diameter sun gear of a first gear set is driven through a freewheeler with the associated ring gear held for reaction so that the pinion carrier assembly drives the differential at a low ratio. For high ratio, a larger diameter sun gear of a second gear set is directly driven while a high-reverse clutch holds the associated ring gear for reaction. The pinion carrier assembly common to both gear sets drives the differential at a higher speed ratio as the freewheeler overruns on torque reversal. The ring gear of the second gear set of one embodiment has a path to ground through an additional freewheeler for coast control. The outer race of the low-ratio freewheeler has external teeth to park-lock the associated sun gear through a grounded parking pawl.

Abstract: A driving hub (6) connected to a first shaft (3) rotatably carries primary planet wheels (10) meshing with first (11) and second (12) sun wheels in coaxial relation. The first sun wheel (11) is fastened to a helical crown gear (16) meshing with auxiliary planet wheels (18) rotatably linked to the second sun wheel (12). Eccentrically projecting from the auxiliary planet wheels are respective interconnecting elements (22) guided in a trochoidal rolling track (23) formed in a guide member (24) fastened to a second shaft (5). Each auxiliary planet wheel (18) is driven by a piston (28) engaged in a pressurization chamber (29) formed in the second sun wheel (12). A fluid supplying circuit (30-35) sends oil under pressure into the pressurization chambers (29) in order to transmit axial thrusts to the auxiliary planet wheels (18), which thrusts, by effect of the helical toothings, produce balanced forces interacting with a motive power so as to transmit motion from the first (3) to the second (5) shaft.

Abstract: An automobile automatic transmission shift control system, for causing a specific gear shift by unlocking a first frictional element with a simultaneously with locking a second frictional element, discharges locking pressure from the first frictional element in such a way that the locking pressure is throttled after it has dropped below a specified level of pressure.

Abstract: A centrifugal resistance device for stationary exercise apparatus that is operatively associated with a rotatable shaft; the centrifugal resistance device comprises a slotted ring, braking material and a fixed cover; the slots of the slotted ring house friction material that is free to move radially and act frictionally against the fixed cover positioned about the slotted ring, the fixed cover is fashioned by those skilled in the art as to act also as a heat dissipating device; tension is varied by increasing or decreasing the RPMs of the rotatable axle.

Abstract: The transmission system of an exercise bicycle includes a first drive shaft mounted rotatably on the rear end portion of a frame and provided with foot pedal cranks on two ends thereof, second and third drive shafts mounted rotatably on the frame, a one-way clutch secured on the second drive shaft, a first sprocket mounted securely on the first drive shaft, second and third sprockets mounted securely on the second drive shaft, a fourth sprocket mounted securely on the third drive shaft, a fifth sprocket mounted securely on an axle of a resistance wheel that is mounted rotatably on a front end portion of the frame, a first drive chain trained between the first sprocket and the one-way clutch, a second drive chain trained between the second and fifth sprockets, and a third drive chain trained between the third and fourth sprockets.

Abstract: Exercising device comprising a moving unit (1-6'), a motion-transferring mechanism (7, 10-11') connected to the moving unit, and a hydraulic system (8-9, 12-17) connected to said motion transferring mechanism for controlling the motions of the moving unit. The invention is characterized in that the moving unit comprises a substantially vertically movable, tubular rod (1) with an integrated mounting (2, 2') at each end, and two separate, flexible and elongate elements (4, 4'). Each element is fixedly attached to a stationary fastening means (5, 5', 6, 6') above and, respectively, below the rod (1). Moreover, each element is arranged to extend through the tubular rod between the associated upper and, respectively, lower fastening means. The motion-transferring mechanism comprises at least one flexible, elongate member (7, 7') which is fixedly attached to one mounting (2) of the movable rod and to the through piston rod (8) of a piston cylinder (9) included in the hydraulic system.

Abstract: A lightweight, compact, portable exercise device which is self contained and capable of a multitude of exercises. The device comprising a resistance band assembly, existing of a resistance band, a hard rubber spine, and an outer jacket. Attached to one end of the resistance band assembly is a resistance adjust handle, comprising a molded grip shell, a one-step resistance adjust knob and twin integrated foldable handgrips. Attached to the opposing end of the resistance band assembly is the resistance meter assembly, comprised of a molded grip shell, a resistance meter assembly, and twin footrests. The integration of the molded grip shells, hand grips, and foot rests make the unit capable of a large range of exercises, while the one-step resistance adjust knob and resistance meter assembly make resistance adjustments simple and precise.

Abstract: A gimballed roller automatically positions itself with regards to a moving web of material to minimize misalignment forces on the web material and additionally incorporates a feature of being quickly adjusted by an operator to accommodate different widths of web material.

Abstract: A heated calender roll at a predetermined operating temperature has a roll body having a cylindrical outer surface centered on an axis and formed radially inward from the surface with at least one axially extending passage, a pair of hub elements axially flanking and joined to the roll body, and at least one electrical heating element in the passage. A mass of heat-conducting metal in the passage has an outer surface bonded to but distinct from the roll body and an inner surface bonded to but distinct from the heating element. The metal has a melting point in excess of the operating temperature of the roll. The calender roll can be formed with a plurality of such passages each receiving a respective such electrical heating element and a respective mass of the heat-conducting metal. Alternately it can be formed with a single such passage receiving a plurality of such electrical heating elements and the mass of the heat-conducting metal.

Abstract: A device for fixing a material used for balancing of a roll in which a support and fixing construction for a fluidized balancing material is placed into the roll interior in contact with an inner face of the roll. The fluidized balancing material is then placed inside the roll at the location required by the balancing, where it is fixed and hardens. The support and fixing construction includes openings, which permit the balancing material to be placed at both sides of the support and fixing construction before it hardens and is fixed at the location required by the balancing.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding and depositing drawings having legends, the apparatus having two folding stations for folding drawings in two directions perpendicular to one another, and a collecting station for collecting the folded drawings with their legend on the same edge. The folding stations fold drawings of a first group, formats (A1 and A2) fed in the transverse direction, first lengthwise and then transversely, and fold drawings of a second group, formats (A0 and A3) fed in the longitudinal direction, first transversely and then lengthwise. Depending upon the group to which they belong, drawings to be folded are folded differently in the two folding stations, namely placing the folding stations selectively in operating states in which the folding stations apply each of the folds to be formed consecutively in directions which are the inverse of one another.

Abstract: An ultrasonic angioplasty device for use in removing unwanted material from the vascular system of a patient comprises a wire having a proximal end, a sheath or catheter surrounding the wire, and a wave generator operatively connected to the wire at the proximal end for generating an ultrasonic waveform and transmitting the waveform axially along the wire. The ultrasonic device further comprises one or more projections extending radially inwardly from the sheath or catheter towards the wire at a plurality of predetermined axial motion nodes along the wire for minimizing transverse motion of the wire while permitting axial motion of the wire during transmission of the waveform along the wire.

Abstract: A health aid device structure which is used to place around the male penis during sexual intercourse, a high frequency vibration is generated which applies to the female private part such that her excitement period is shortened. The health aid device can also be used as a massaging device for other parts of the human body. The device has an external case, a bottom cover and a side cover, forming a box in which an eccentric cam motor and a battery pack are enclosed. Each of the two side surfaces of the external case is provided with a slot, into which the side cover is inserted and positioned in place. The side cover and the bottom cover are provided with an appropriate recessed arcuate surface, in addition, the side cover is provided with an adjustable strap and the two edges of the external case are provided with a strap having fastening members.

Abstract: A chair provided with at least one leg supporting the chair on the ground, with a back supported by the leg(s) and with a seat supported by the leg(s), whereby the seat is pivotable with respect to the back about an at least substantially vertical axis, wherein by means of a driving member the said seat is pivotable to the left and to the right through maximally 10.degree. from a central position.

Abstract: A wrist support (10) includes a base member (11) of a flexible material adapted to be formed into a tubular sleeve. A stay (30) is formed from a resilient material and includes a support member having first and second sides, a top and bottom and a plurality of slits wherein the support member provides support and the slits allow for additional flexibility. Further provided is a means for operatively connecting a stay proximate the base member. A loop member 17 is operatively connected to the base member 11 and mating member 13 is also operatively connected to the base member 11 at an end opposite the loop member. The mating member has a connecting element 13a operatively connected to a tab element 13b. The tab element 13b is wider than the length of the loop member 17 and has to be deformed to pass through the slot to the opening 17a and the loop member 17.

Abstract: An adhesive bandage having essentially flat, planar structural components and including a system to facilitate simplified application of the bandage over a wound on the human skin by providing pairs of release strips folded back across themselves to furnish end members sealed within respective ends of a package so that when the package is opened a release strip is simultaneously pulled away from an adhesive coating of a bandage film thereby further allowing its application with only one hand when necessary.

Abstract: A breathable, comfortable, elastic pressure sensitive, permanent tacky, adhesive bandaging material is disclosed. The material includes a fabric formed of stretch and non-stretch filling and warp yarns which are coated with a release agent, a stiffening agent, and an adhesive material. Both the agents and adhesive material are applied to the backside of the fabric, with a small amount of the release agent being absorbed through the fabric to the face surface thereof. The adhesive material may include a solvent which tends to plasticize the stiffening agent to a small degree when applied thereto. The resulting bandaging material exhibits characteristics of good tearability along with a relatively soft face surface and an improved hand. The material is manufactured by applying the agents and adhesive to the fabric when the fabric is in a relaxed state. When subsequently stretched, the adhesive is pulled into a random, nonuniform and discontinuous layer.

Abstract: A collection vessel for drainage of body fluids includes a molded body with internal dividers constituting ports, baffles and subchambers, and a face plate that closes the body to form a suction-regulated multi-chamber vessel. The vessel has overpressure and underpressure protection, and resists tipping. The molded body includes a wall structure that enhances its utility for blood collection, monitoring, and reinfusion, and incorporates novel valves, ports, handle and stand.

Abstract: An implant for use in the treatment of glaucoma is disclosed wherein the implant comprises an elastomeric plate having a non-valved elastomeric drainage tube attached thereto. The plate is elliptical in shape and curved so as to conform to the curvature of the eye. At least one hole is made in the plate to facilitate the formation of a tethered scar tissue bubble, referred to a bleb, to form around the carrier plate. The scar tissue will grow through the hole or holes and pull the perimeter of the bubble towards the carrier plate at the hole locations to tether the formation of the bleb to the carrier plate and finally to the sclera tissue. The plate is inserted into the eye in an incision made in the Tenon's capsule and sutured to the sclera. The drainage tube is tunnelled through the Tenon's capsule and cornea and inserted into the anterior chamber, thus providing patent fluid communication between the anterior chamber and the elastomeric plate.

Abstract: An ultrasonic angioplasty device comprising an elongate ultrasound transmission member having a proximal end attachable to an ultrasound generating device and a bulbous distal head or probe formed on the distal end thereof for effecting ablative treatment of an occluding lesion. The ultrasound transmission member may be formed of one or more superelastic metal alloys such as NiTi (50 at. % Ni). A guidewire lumen may be formed in the distal head or probe to permit passage of a guidewire therethrough. Portions of the ultrasound transmission member may be curved or bent. Portions of the ultrasound transmission member may be tapered or narrowed. One or more surface disruptions may be formed on the distal head or probe to improve treatment efficacy. An increased hardness coating or outer skin may be formed on the ultrasound transmission member. The device of the present invention may be incorporated into an angioscopic device.

Abstract: A improved biliary catheter is disclosed. The catheter comprises a tube constructed from a polyurethane or nylon having a durometer of about 60D and coated with a hydrophilic coating to provide lubricity, kink resistance and suppleness. The tube has substantially cylindrical sidewalls and a proximal end for connection to a source of contrast medium and a distal end for entry into the common biliary duct of a patient. The tube contains a first crescent-shaped lumen channel extending between the proximal and the distal end, the first lumen channel transporting the contrast medium from the source of contrast medium to the biliary duct; and a second circular lumen channel extending between the proximal end and said distal end for facilitating the insertion and threading of a spring wire guide into the dual-lumen biliary catheter.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which provides direct and effective incorporation of material (such as medicine) from a separate container into the contents of a liquid dispensing device. The device has a hollow sleeve extending outwardly, an openable closure, a securing member which engages a mating member on the container, and a conduit (such as a needle) to provide fluid communication between the device and the container, with the fluid communication occurring upon attachment of the container to the device. The device can also provide for attaching the separate container to the dispensing device but without initially establishing liquid communication between the two.

Abstract: A steerable catheter suitable for radiofrequency ablation of cardiac tissue comprises a catheter shaft with a deflectable tip at the distal end of the shaft. The tip is deflected by means of a shapable handle coupled to pull wires fastened to the distal end of the deflectable tip. A core wire extends from the handle to the distal tip, providing fine positioning of the deflectable tip by applying torque through the core wire to the tip. A spring tube is further provided in the deflectable tip for improved torque transmission and kink-resistance. The catheter has an electrode at the distal end of the deflectable tip for positioning at a target site and applying RF power to accomplish ablation.

Abstract: A fixed-wire dilatation catheter for angioplasty procedures which has an inflated balloon on the distal end with little or no tendency to wrap on itself when the catheter is advanced through a patient's vascular system. The catheter comprises an elongated torquable shaft which is longitudinally relatively flexible but diametrically relatively rigid, a guide extension secured to the distal end of the elongated torquable shaft, and a balloon assembly which is mounted about the distal section of the torquable shaft and the guide member so that the balloon assembly is free to rotate about the torquable shaft and guide member and thereby avoid balloon wrapping. An elongated flexible member such as a helical coil is secured to the portion of the guide member which extends distally of the balloon.

Abstract: The catheter of the present invention comprises a body portion, a distal portion and an internal lumen and at least the above body portion includes a super-elastic metallic tube. This catheter has a high efficiency of transmitting the pushing force given at its proximal end (pushability) and a high torque transmission efficiency. Furthermore, since the body portion of the catheter includes a super-elastic metallic tube, the wall thickness of the body portion can be made sufficiently thin and a catheter with a smaller diameter can be formed.

Abstract: An intravascular material delivery dilation catheter having a pair of longitudinally spaced inflatable balloons with a drug delivery region defined therebetween. The catheter is ideally suited for use after a PTCA procedure, wherein the proximate balloon seals the blood vessel while the distal balloon is uniquely contoured when inflated to define fluid communication paths therepast and proximate a blood vessel to be treated. The distal balloon, when inflated, has four lobes but could also be textured. Each lobe is separated from the next by a groove, which groove in combination with the blood vessel inner wall forms a fluid communication path therebetween. Upon inflation of both balloons in a blood vessel, a medicament such as heparin can be injected, via the drug delivery region between the inflated balloons, wherein the medicament flows past the distal balloon at a selected rate.

Abstract: An improved balloon catheter for angioplasty and the like for measuring the inflation of a balloon after insertion into the body. A pair of electrodes are mounted in spaced relation within the balloon interior wall such that as the internal area within the balloon is varied by inflation of the balloon with an electrically conductive fluid, the electrodes monitor the changing electrical resistance between the electrodes. The electrodes are connected through the catheter to an external electrical measurement circuit for measuring the change in resistance and thus determining the amount of balloon inflation.

Abstract: A catheter introducer sheath assembly, for introduction into a body passage of a catheter containing a filter comprises a flexible introducer sheath joined to the distal end of a closure device forming a through-passage with a diameter sufficient to pass the catheter therethrough. The closure device has a resilient member in the through-passage and two rotatable body portions, one stationary with respect to the resilient member, and the other rotatable about the axis of the resilient member with an internal cam circumferentially spaced around the axis. A compression member positioned radially in an extending aperture makes contact with both the resilient member and the cam surface to vary the through-passage allowing the operator to manually control the passage of the device. The sheath assembly receives a cathetory guidewire that slides through and extends beyond the closure device and the sheath.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for facilitating substantially bloodless insertion into and withdrawal from a patient's body of a longitudinal member having a proximal end portion and having a distal end portion which is adapted to extend into the patient's body. The apparatus comprises a longitudinally extending sleeve having proximal and distal end portions and defining a lumen extending there along. The longitudinal member is positioned along the lumen. The sleeve has a line extending longitudinally along it which is either split or splittable so that the sleeve can be separated along the line for removal from about the longitudinal member while the distal end portion of the longitudinal member remains extended into the patient. A valve structure serves for preventing blood flow through the lumen. An access is present for allowing substantially bloodless insertion and withdrawal of the longitudinal member through the lumen.

Abstract: An applicator for introducing a cream-type substance into a woman's vagina is provided with an elongated holder having at its front end a space for accommodating the substance and a passage opening. A rod-shaped piston shuts off the space at the side facing away from the passage opening and can be operated for pressing the substance through the passage opening out of the space. The holder is transparent and is externally slightly curved in order to facilitate its use. The holder is provided on the outside with a projecting stop plate which limits the part of the holder to be inserted into the vagina. At the side of the stop plate facing away from the passage opening the holder is further provided with a handle which is long enough to be gripped with the whole hand. The holder is also provided on the outside, viewed relative to the radius of curvature, with supporting means for supporting the applicator with the passage opening facing upwards.

Abstract: The invention features a low friction syringe which includes a plastic barrel having a circumferential inner surface defining a chamber, a plastic plunger having a distal end received in the barrel chamber, and an elastomeric gasket positioned at the distal end of the plunger and received in the barrel chamber. The gasket comprises a body with forward and rearward ends and first and second annular flanges positioned circumferentially at the forward and rearward ends of the body. The forward flange permits injection to occur. The rearward flange permits aspiration to occur. The flanges are separated by an annular space intermediate the body portion and the barrel inner surface. The gasket also includes an annular projection extending from each flange.

Abstract: This invention relates to a surgical cannula that has a simple ball valve assembly comprising a ball, rotatably mounted on an axle extending between opposing legs of a pivotable yoke, which engages a seat to seal the instrument inlet to the cannula passageway when a trocar instrument is removed and moves out of the path of the instrument during insertion thus avoiding wear and strain on the valve and the instrumentation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for discharging urine from a urine collection bag using an electrically operated valve means connected to the drain tube of the urine collection bag and the electrically operated valve means mounted on a support means, such as a wheelchair, in a manner to be separated from the user's skin and clothing. The electrically operated valve means is controlled by actuating at least two electrical switching means. Upon actuation of the electrical switching means, the electrically operated valve means operates and the urine discharges from the urine collection bag through the drain tube.

Abstract: This application relates to the use of slitted regions in absorbent members formed of absorbent materials that remain relatively thin until wetted with such fluids. Suitable materials include presently preferred varieties of polymeric foam materials. Single and multi-layered absorbent members incorporating slitted regions are disclosed, as well as the use of pre-formed cup-shaped slits for enhanced initial fluid acquisition. Such slitted regions in combination with planar expansion properties enable the absorbent members to respond dynamically to various fluid loading conditions to create useful structural features. The slitted regions, in combination with absorbent materials having expansion potential in at least one direction within the plane of the absorbent member, cause the slitted regions to buckle and/or deform out of the plane of the absorbent member, thereby causing the slit surfaces to displace angularly and/or translationally with respect to one another.

Abstract: A technique to preserve absorbent core integrity in a disposable article is described.Columns which protrude from the backing sheet of an absorbent disposable article or personal wear garment and which project into the fibrous mass of an absorbent core overlaid onto a liquid impervious backing sheet are disclosed. A top sheet which is pervious to liquids overlies the core of fibrous material encapsulating the absorbent core in cooperation with the backing sheet. The top sheet also may carry similar columns. These columns act to restrict the movement of the fibers in the absorbent core and, more particularly, to enhance and maintain the integrity of the absorbent core whenever wet and/or placed under stress. These columns serve to resist and to diminish any disintegration of the absorbent core.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having a waist pocket cuff is disclosed. The pocket cuff has an open edge having an apex and extending between ends joined to the distal edges of inflected barrier cuffs. The distal edges of the barrier cuffs extend longitudinally rearward and laterally outward from the pocket cuff open edge ends. The distal edges of the barrier cuffs can be operatively associated with tape tab fasteners to transmit tape tab loads to the pocket cuff open edge.

Abstract: An absorbent structure in accordance with the present invention comprises a flexible shaped member having a raised peripheral rim to form a containment space for receiving body exudates. The shaped member comprises a first portion, and a second portion extending rearwardly from a rear end of the first portion. The first portion has along its side edges symmetrical indentations so that the first portion has a plan configuration including a generally rectangular front segment, and inwardly contoured side edges respectively extending rearwardly from the front segment in a diverging manner into the second portion. The second portion has a generally rectangular plan configuration wider than the first portion, so that the shaped member has a generally anvil-shaped, overall plan configuration. The absorbent structure further comprises absorbent material disposed in the first portion. The absorbent material is absent in the second portion to leave a void space therein for receiving fecal material.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical device comprises an elongate shaft having a plurality of electrically conductive flexible ribs connected to the distal end of the shaft and to one another to form a cage or basket. Upon placement of an organic body in the cage, the ribs are electrically energized. The organic body is pressed against the ribs to dissect the ribs in a single cauterization operation.