Abstract: A vehicle seat may include a seat back that has a back frame, a cushion pad attached to the back frame, and a massaging unit having a plurality of massaging elements. The cushion pad has a plurality of through bores that pass therethrough in the direction of thickness thereof. The massaging elements are constructed so as to be elastically deformed or compressed along moving axes and to be pneumatically expanded and contracted along the moving axes. The massaging elements are disposed in the through bores in a manner that the moving axes of the massaging elements extend along longitudinal axes of the through bores. The massaging elements have deformability or compressibility identical with or greater than the deformability or compressibility of the cushion pad when the massaging elements are not operated.

Abstract: A back brace includes a first brace member having a first connector, and a second brace member having a second connector and a coupler at two opposite sides thereof. The coupler is detachably connectable to the first connector. A first adjustment holder is affixed to one end of the first brace member and holds therein a first rod member. A second adjustment holder is affixed to one end of the second brace member and holds therein a second rod member. Two pull cords are inserted through the first adjustment holder and the second adjustment holder and run alternately back and forth over the first rod member and the second rod member to adjustably and abuttably hold the first and second brace members side by side. Two fastening members are fastened to distal ends of the pull cords and detachably connectable to the first and second connectors.

Abstract: A custom-made ankle/foot orthosis for the treatment of patients having plantar ulcers and foot deformities is disclosed, which comprises a rigid L-shaped support member and a rigid anterior support shell hingedly articulated to the L-shaped support member. The plantar portion of the L-shaped member further comprises at least one ulcer-protecting hollow spatially located for fitted placement in inferior adjacency to a user's plantar ulcer, thus allowing the user to transfer the user's weight away from the plantar ulcer and facilitating plantar ulcer treatment. The anterior support shell is designed for lateral hinged attachment to the L-shaped member to take advantage of medial tibial flare structure for enhancing the weight-bearing properties of the disclosed orthosis. Leg securement structure attaches the anterior support shell to the L-shaped member in fixed, weight-bearing relation about the proximal, anterior portion of the user's lower leg.

Abstract: An orthopedic device as in a dorsal splint for treating plantar fasciitis includes a substantially rigid splint member having an overmolded flexible edge and living hinges, or substantially rigid component pieces received in a flexible member, to provide improved and more comfortable fitting to a user and reduced storage requirements. The substantially rigid splint member is shaped and configured to the dorsal aspects of a user's lower leg, ankle, and foot. Straps are provided to maintain the dorsal splint in position.

Abstract: A surgical device for applying a bandage onto tissue is disclosed. The surgical device has an actuator and contains one or more releasable bandages and an adhesive. Actuation of the actuator releases the adhesive, saturates the bandage with the adhesive, and releases the bandage onto tissue. The actuator can be squeezed, moved linearly, or rotated to dispense the adhesive onto the bandage and release the saturated bandage. The adhesive can be stored in an ampoule, or a sealed chamber. Actuation of the surgical device breaks the ampoule and/or seal and releases the adhesive for use. In addition to the adhesive, additional fluids or additives can be mixed with the adhesive or stored in separate chambers of the ampoule or surgical device. These additives can include drugs, image enhancing agents, necrosing agents, sclerosing agents, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to support element (4) comprising a main body (6) having a front wall (25) and a peripheral wall (32) projecting away from the front wall. The front wall and the peripheral wall define a housing compartment (33) designed to receive a fluid distribution circuitry cooperating with a treatment unit for defining an integrated blood treatment module.

Abstract: A unique four function surgical instrument that performs aspiration, irrigation, dilation and cauterization with an innovative trigger mechanism. An embodiment is “gun-like” in configuration having a housing with a depending handle and a protruding trigger, a forward extending pair of forceps-like arms that terminate in dilation/cauterization tips and a common conduit between the forceps-like arms. The unique trigger mechanism utilizes a pinch valve concept where the trigger button has an elongated portion that has two slide surfaces with offset a recesses that act like tracks on which pinch sliders follow and the pinch sliders act like valve stems that squeeze close and allow to open silicone tubing. The end result, being a single poll, two stage actuator such that a half a pump of the trigger delivers irrigation or aspiration and a full pump delivers the other.

Abstract: A catheter for delivering ultrasonic energy and therapeutic compounds to a treatment site within a patient's vasculature comprises a tubular body. The tubular body has a proximal region and a distal region opposite the proximal region. The catheter further comprises a plurality of fluid delivery lumens formed into the tubular body. The catheter further comprises an inner core configured for insertion into the tubular body. The inner core comprises an elongate electrical conductor having a plurality of flattened regions, each flattened region having a first flat side and a second flat side opposite the first flat side. The inner core further comprises a plurality of ultrasound radiating members mounted in pairs to the flattened regions of the elongate electrical conductor. A first ultrasound radiating member is mounted to the first flat side of the elongate electrical conductor, and a second ultrasound radiating member is mounted to the second flat side of the elongate electrical conductor.

Abstract: Aspiration tubing for use in a phacoemulsification system is provided having a modified lumen that enhances resistance of fluid flow through the lumen to reduce post-occlusion surge, the modification comprising recesses or protuberances formed in the interior surface of the lumen, a freely-moving object disposed in the flow path of the lumen, or one or more bends.

Abstract: Techniques for control of fluid delivery from a fluid reservoir by a medical infusion pump are described. Setting of at least one electronically-controllable pumping parameter is determined by the use of one or more mechanical keys. The mechanical key actuates one or more electronic switches of a mechanical key receptacle coupled to the medical infusion pump. The electronic switches are coupled to the medical infusion pump to control the at least one electronically-controllable pumping parameter. Keys can be differently configured to actuate different switches corresponding to particular settings and can include display indicia showing the particular parameter value set by the key.

Abstract: A micro fluid delivery device is particularly useful in medical applications. The device may be worn or carried by the user and may deliver drugs or other medicaments to the user or patient. The device has a control system that accepts input from the user and controls all aspects of operation of the device. The control system measures the output of the pump and adjusts the output of the pump to achieve the desired dosage rate and size. This eliminates differences from pump to pump that result from inevitable variations in the manufacturing of such small scale affordable devices.

Abstract: A manual breastpump has a pump mechanism for use in one mode of operation to produce an ejection (letdown) reflex in a nursing mother and in a separate mode of operation for the general expression of breastmilk. The breastpump further provides a pump mechanism having an expansible chamber device carried by the handle, which is operated by moving the handle relative to a handle mount. A double-pivot for the handle yields letdown mode as well as the general pumping mode.

Abstract: A syringe assembly consists of two basic types of assembly units: a dispensing unit, and a separate, independent plunger unit. The dispensing unit and the plunger unit are assembled together coaxially to form a two-unit syringe assembly for storage or prior to use. At least the dispensing unit is a container for a material to be dispensed and, by inserting one or more extension units between the dispensing unit and the plunger unit, additional compartments may be added. Each extension unit may contain a different component of a formulation in any predetermined quantity. The syringe assembly allows the user to store one or more components of a formulation in separate individual units that can be assembled easily into a single multi-compartment syringe assembly, which can store the multiple components separately until they are ready for use, at which time the components may be mixed to form the formulation.

Abstract: A catheter delivery system for delivering a treatment substance to an occlusion in a lumen of a tubular vessel includes a tubular catheter and a treatment substance. The tubular catheter includes a central lumen passing between a proximal end and a distal end adjacent to an inflatable balloon. The treatment substance is in a form that is configured to be deliverable through the central lumen of the catheter into the lumen of the tubular vessel and to solidify in the vessel.

Abstract: A robotic medical system comprises a user interface configured for receiving at least one command, a first drive mechanism configured for receiving the outer medical implement, a second drive mechanism configured for receiving the inner medical implement, a linear drive arrangement (e.g., one of a drive screw drive arrangement, a rack and pinion drive arrangement, and a belt/pulley drive arrangement) mechanically coupled to the first and second drive mechanisms, and a motor array. The robotic medical system further comprises an electric controller configured for directing the motor array to cause the first drive mechanism to axially rotate the outer medical implement, to cause the second drive mechanism to axially rotate the inner medical implement, and to cause the linear drive mechanism to linearly translate the first and second drive mechanisms relative to each other in response to the at least one command.

Abstract: Sinusitis, enlarged nasal turbinates, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, allergic conditions, facial fractures and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various diagnostic procedures and devices are used to perform imaging studies, mucus flow studies, air/gas flow studies, anatomic dimension studies, endoscopic studies and transillumination studies. Access and occluder devices may be used to establish fluid tight seals in the anterior or posterior nasal cavities/nasopharynx and to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g., scopes, guidewires, catheters, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for injecting diagnostic or therapeutic agents, devices for implanting devices such as stents, substance eluting devices, substance delivery implants, etc.

Abstract: A catheter device including an elongate tubular shaft having a consistent material composition for a substantial proportion of its length. The device includes a proximal shaft portion having a first flexibility and a distal shaft portion having a second flexibility, wherein the second flexibility is greater than the first flexibility and wherein at least the distal shaft portion comprises at least one score in a surface thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a balloon catheter in which the balloon is mounted on the end of the catheter in a manner that creates a recess or pocket between the catheter wall and balloon wall. The recess or pocket opens toward the proximal end of the catheter. The rigid end of an introducer element or finger is received in the recess to attach it to the catheter. The distal end of the catheter, with the end of the introducer element in the recess, is inserted and positioned within the bowel by manipulating the introducer element or finger. After the catheter is properly positioned in the bowel, the introducer element or finger is withdrawn, detaching it from the catheter as the end of the introducer element slides out of the recess and then out of the bowel. The balloon is inflated prior to or after the withdrawal of the introducer element to anchor the end of the catheter in position within the bowel.

Abstract: Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure comprising a plurality of fingers which are radially outwardly expandable with respect to a longitudinal axis to permanently engage the interior wall of the left atrial appendage, wherein the filtering membrane is attached to the support structure extending across the ostium of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a needle stick protection device. The device includes a housing shaped and dimensioned for positioning about a syringe with an attached needle. The housing includes a first housing member telescopically coupled to a second housing member. A locking member is associated with a first slot of the first housing member for selectively engaging a first detent to control positioning of the second housing member relative to the first housing member. The locking member includes a first lateral retaining recess formed within the first slot for seating of the first detent when the second housing member is in its forward most position, the first lateral retaining recess being circumferentially located along a side of the first slot. The needle may be selectively covered and uncovered by selective alignment of the first detent with the slot in manner permitting controlled motion of the first housing member relative to the second housing member.

Abstract: A catheter includes a first expandable membrane having a first pressurization limit and a second expandable membrane, having a second pressurization limit, wherein the second pressurization limit is greater than the first pressurization limit, the first expandable membrane defines a cooling chamber, the second expandable membrane being disposed around the first expandable membrane to define an junction therebetween. The catheter includes a coolant injection lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fluid inlet port and the cooling chamber, and a primary coolant return lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fluid outlet port and the cooling chamber. The coolant injection tube, the cooling chamber, and the primary coolant return lumen define a first fluid pathway. The catheter further includes a secondary coolant return lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fluid outlet port and the junction. The junction and the secondary coolant return lumen define a second fluid pathway.

Abstract: An adapter for use in puncture (a puncture adapter) for performing puncture while an ultrasonic image is being observed. The puncture adapter is composed of a holder for holding a probe which transmits and receives an ultrasonic wave, and a base unit for movably supporting the holder. A guide mechanism provided in the base unit guides a puncture needle. Moving the probe held in the holder moves a beam scan plane, and the intersection between the beam scan plane and a puncture route can be moved along the puncture route. The base unit functions as a seat which is brought into contact with a surface of a living body. A plurality of projecting legs may be provided on the base unit. The plurality of projecting legs are provided along the periphery of the movement region in which the wave transmitting and receiving surface of the probe moves.

Abstract: A surgical system that is able to sense the onset of an occlusion or other surgical event as well as when an occlusion breaks. To help avoid overheating of the tip, the system of the present invention predicts the temperature of the eye using irrigation flow rate and reduces the power to the handpiece automatically if an overheating situation is predicted. Alternatively or in addition, the system of the present invention monitors the power drawn by the handpiece, which is indicative of the cutting load on the tip, and automatically adjusts the power or stroke of the tip to compensate for increased loads on the tip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drug-delivery cassette for use with a drug delivery device. The cassette includes a main board and a luer site base portion connected to the main board for positioning a luer on the main board. A drip chamber is included on the main board to collect any drug that exits the luer when the luer is attached to the luer site portion. A deflectable sensor beam is positioned to detect the presence or absence of a luer in the luer site base portion. The drug-delivery cassette further includes a drug vial spike attachable to and detachable from the cassette main board that is connected to the luer by way of a drug delivery tube.

Abstract: A syringe device includes a syringe tube having a distal end with a passageway in fluid communication with a cavity thereof. A plunger rod slidingly and sealingly engages within the cavity of the syringe tube. The plunger rod includes at least one aperture in fluid communication with a hollow interior of the plunger rod. A plunger tip is engaged with a distal end of the plunger rod and interacts with an inner surface of the side wall of the syringe tube to separate the cavity into first and second areas. The at least one aperture fluidly connects the hollow interior of the plunger rod and the first area of the syringe tube cavity, such that the generally hollow plunger rod interior allows air to move between an outside of the syringe device and the first area of the cavity during sliding movement of the plunger rod within the syringe tube.

Abstract: A contrast media injection system detects the absolute position of the syringe ram using a non-contact sensor. A series of magnets and Hall-Effect sensors may be used or an opto-reflective system. Illuminated knobs that are connected to the drive mechanism for the syringe ram rotate with the drive and provide visual feedback on operation through the illumination. Analog Hall-Effect sensors are used to determine the presence or absence of magnets that identify the type of faceplate being used. The faceplates include control electronics, connected to the powerhead through connectors, which may be interchangeably used by the two faceplates. The faceplate electronics include detectors for automatically detecting the capacity of pre-filled syringes.

Abstract: A surgical device for injecting a chemical agent within a subject for use in endoscopic injection therapies is disclosed. The device includes a support body, a motion transmitting unit, an agent delivery system and a guide housing. The motion transmitting unit is movable relative to the support body. The agent delivery system includes a needle for extending into a subject and structure defining a conduit between the support body and the needle. The guide housing has a flexible elongated body, an internal elongated passage and friction reducing material lining the passage. At least a portion of the motion transmitting unit adjacent the needle is slideably housed within the guide housing. The device offers a surgeon improved ease of needle extension and retraction when the distal end of the endoscope is bent at acute angles.

Abstract: An indwelling needle assembly for introducing a catheter into a vascular system is disclosed. The indwelling needle assembly is provided with: a needle capable of being slidably fitted in the catheter and insertable into the vascular system; a base body fixed to a proximal end of the needle; a first sleeve slidably fitted around the base body, which is movable between a first position to expose a distal end of the needle and a second position to conceal the distal end of the needle; an elastic body intervening between the base body and the first sleeve so as to urge the first sleeve toward the second position; a second sleeve telescopically fitted to the first sleeve, which includes a latching device configured to hold the first sleeve at the second position; a cover fixed to the base body, which is so dimensioned as to house the first sleeve and the second sleeve when the first sleeve is at the first position; and a lock configured to releasably hold the first sleeve at the first position.

Abstract: Method and devices to administer a bioactive material within a vessel while maintaining nearly-constant pressure within the vessel are disclosed. In one embodiment the methods and devices include a multi-lumen catheter to administer bioactive materials and simultaneously drain or evacuate excess fluid or bio-inactive materials at an aneurysm site within a vessel.

Abstract: A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy catheter kit includes a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy catheter, a sheath entirely enclosing the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy catheter, a fixing device integrally provided to an end of the sheath, an end of the catheter being arranged at the fixing device, and a breaking thread for breaking a portion of the fixing device and a portion of the sheath.

Abstract: A device for the dosed administration of an injectable product, including a housing with a receptacle for the product and a drive mechanism movable via a dosing element supported displaceably in the housing, wherein the drive mechanism includes engagement elements situated together in groups, the distance between the groups corresponding to a dosing amount of the injectable product and the distance between the engagement elements corresponding to a priming amount of the injectable product, and wherein the dosing element is coupled to the drive mechanism so that the dosing element at one time interacts with a group of engagement elements to administer the dosing amount and at another time interacts with an engagement element to release the priming amount.

Abstract: A piston stopper for a medicine injector, wherein the stopper has a stopper body with a mesh section and at least one sealing element positioned at least partly around the circumference of the stopper body, wherein at least one of the sealing element and mesh section is connected to the stopper body in a material bond. A method for manufacturing such a piston stopper is encompassed.

Abstract: This combined container-syringe comprising a glass cylinder which can be pre-filled with a drug, an cylindrical tip provided at an exterior portion of an anterior end of the syringe, and a finger grip provided at an exterior portion of an posterior end of the syringe, and a drug is pre-filled therein and sealed by a stopper. Furthermore, an impact absorption part is provided around the exterior portion of the cylindrical tip and a diameter of the impact absorption part is greater than an outer diameter of a fitting part to the cylinder of the cylindrical tip.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for metering products intended to be applied to the skin, in particular pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions. The invention relates more particularly to a device taking the form of an applicator stick, the graduations of which allow users to determine precisely the quantity of medication to be applied to the skin as a function of the surface area to be treated.

Abstract: An ostomy device including a collecting bag and a base plate with an adhesive plate for being fastened on the user, the base plate having a stomal opening and a first flange for repeated and removable adhesive connection to a coupling element on the collecting bag which has a second flange. The adhesive connection is provided by at least one layer of an adhesive. Furthermore, the device includes a further flexible layer placed between the adhesive layer and the one of the first and second flanges having the lower tensile strength, the flexible layer having a yield strength exceeding the adhesive strength of the adhesive layer.

Abstract: The invention provides for a urinary monitoring device to monitor for the presence or absence of markers indicative of a urinary tract infection (UTI). The invention also provides for methods of using such a device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent garment subassembly for attaching to an absorbent garment, the absorbent garment having a front portion, a back portion and two side portions. The subassembly has a first carrier layer and an elastic member operatively associated with the first carrier layer. The elastic member has a center portion and two end portions. The center portion has a greater area than either of the end portions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ergonomically improved tampon applicator having a plunger and a barrel. The barrel has four distinct sections, namely a finger grip section, a reverse taper section, a main body section, and an insertion tip section. The reverse taper section is tapered towards the fingergrip section and the main body section is tapered in an opposite direction towards the insertion tip section. A maximum diameter is formed where the reverse taper section and main body section meet on the barrel. The maximum diameter provides a sensory means to the user to alert the user when the applicator has been inserted at the proper depth in the vagina.

Abstract: An interlabial pad, which can be discarded by flushing down a toilet and yet with which neither the functions and comfort during use of the interlabial nor the functions of a septic tank are damaged, is provided. The interlabial pad comprises: an absorbent body absorbing liquids; and a cover body covering the absorbent body in an enclosing manner and comprising a liquid permeable surface side sheet and a liquid impermeable back face side sheet. The cover body is arranged from a plurality of small sheet pieces and the small sheet pieces that are adjacent each other are mutually overlapped and form seam parts. The seam parts are set so as to become weakened in physicochemical strength upon permeation of water and separate into the plurality of small sheet pieces when the interlabial pad is discarded by being flushed down a toilet.

Abstract: A method of making a tampon applicator having four separable components includes forming a barrel having a forward end and a rearward end opposite the forward end, forming a fingergrip having a barrel end and a plunger end, where the fingergrip has an axially extending channel between the barrel end and the plunger end and the plunger end has a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of the barrel end, forming an insertion tip having a first end and a second end, forming a plunger having a forward end, connecting the barrel end of the fingergrip with the rearward end of the barrel, where the barrel end of the fingergrip and the rearward end of the barrel create a continuous surface flush with the barrel when connected, connecting the second end of the insertion tip to the forward end of the barrel, and inserting the forward end of the plunger into the channel of the fingergrip.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, training pants, diaper holders and liners, and the like, designed to provide improved fit and comfort for the wearer while adequately containing body exudates. The absorbent article includes an absorbent core designed so as to retain low levels of fluid in the crotch region, relative to the other core regions, even when the core absorbs significant amounts of fluid during use. To achieve this, the absorbent core is designed such that fluid is moved substantially from the crotch region to the front and/or rear ends of the article. The absorbent core has a non-removable absorbent core component in the crotch region and removable absorbent core components in the front or rear regions of the article.

Abstract: An absorbent article worn in the groin area, in which, when a compressive force is received from a lateral direction, a main absorbent region can oppose an excretion area of a wearer's body without twists or wrinkles occurring, and when the compressive force is relaxed, the article easily recovers to its original shape. An absorbent body provided in the absorbent article has a main absorbent region, reinforcing regions, and buffer regions. The bending stiffness of the reinforcing regions and the main absorbent region is larger than that of the buffer regions. When compressive force is received from a wearer's thigh areas in the lateral direction, the reinforcing regions that are positioned to the left and right deform in a curved shape, and the buffer regions that are to the left and right are compressed. The main absorbent region does not easily deform, and maintains a tight fit.

Abstract: An absorbent article that prevents a discharged matter from leaking out, and also prevents a wearer's sensation of wearing a sanitary napkin from worsening is provided. The absorbent article of the present invention includes a liquid-permeable surface sheet, a liquid-permeable back sheet, an absorbent body disposed between the surface sheet and the back sheet, and an intermediate portion disposed between the surface sheet and the absorbent body. The absorbent part 4 includes an absorbent body center portion and an absorbent body posterior portion continuously formed on a posterior side in the longitudinal direction D of the absorbent body center portion. The intermediate portion includes a first intermediate sheet disposed between the surface sheet and the absorbent body center portion and a second intermediate sheet disposed between the surface sheet and at least the absorbent body posterior portion.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having a neat appearance. The diaper 101 includes: a liquid-permeable top sheet 111 which covers a use surface side; a leakage preventing sheet 112 which covers a non-use surface side; an absorbent body 113 interposed between the top sheet and the leakage preventing sheet; and an external sheet 120 disposed on an outer surface side of the leakage preventing sheet, wherein three-dimensional gathers BS are formed along leg surrounding portions, and leg cut-out portions of the external sheet which form leg openings are located in a portion of the minimum width of a crotch portion, at a position nearer to a central side than places outward by 5 mm from rising start points of the three-dimensional gathers BS.

Abstract: A wearing article includes a chassis and a fastening system. The chassis includes front and rear waist regions each having a waist hole defining edge and a waist hole elastic zone. The fastening system includes a first fastening component attached along side edge portions of one of the front and rear waist regions and having first and second ends in a longitudinal direction and a second fastening component attached along side edge portions of the other of the front and rear waist regions and detachably engageable with the first fastening component and first and second ends in the longitudinal direction. The first end of said second fastening component is beyond the first end of the first fastening component and an edge of the second waist hole elastic zone to a side of the second waist hole defining edge, with the first and second fastening components normally engaged with each other.

Abstract: A diaper for adults includes a front waist region, a rear waist region and a crotch region extending therebetween, wherein side edge portions of the front and rear waist regions are detachably connected to each other so as to form a waist hole and a pair of leg holes, the side edge portions have a dimension of at least 150 mm as measured in a longitudinal direction, and a position correcting system to correct relative position of first and second fastening components when the first and second waist regions are connected to each other comprises at least one spacing zone defined between setting zones for tow or more fastening components into which the first fastening component is divided in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper, includes a chassis having a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region extending between the front and back waist regions. An outer cover member and a bodyside liner extend longitudinally between the front and back waist regions. An absorbent body structure is sandwiched between the outer cover member and the bodyside liner. A unitary elastomeric structure is attached to at least one of the front and back waist regions, the elastomeric structure extending completely across the respective waist region and extending beyond lateral sides of the chassis so as to form elastomeric attachment tabs. The elastomeric structure having a predetermined first modulus of elasticity such that when attached to said waist region, a resulting elastomeric waistband portion is defined having an overall second modulus of elasticity that is less than the first modulus of elasticity of the attachment tabs.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and a replaceable absorbent core component disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a backsheet, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the backsheet and a topsheet may be separated. Additional replaceable absorbent core components may also be incorporated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for expanding a pre-assembled closed, sterile container system used for the collection, transportation, storage and cryopreservation of biological fluids, such as, blood, bone marrow or umbilical cord blood. The closed sterile bag system comprises a plurality of parts including inlet and or outlet elements and regions for mixing and storing body fluids and cryopreservation liquids, wherein connecting lines provide sterile connection of each component, and wherein the parts are hermetically sealable and separable to maintain sterility system. The methods herein further provide a means for introducing fluids into and/or extracting fluids from a pre-assembled, closed, sterile container system, while maintaining a closed, sterile system without the need to operate under ultra-clean room conditions.

Abstract: The invention refers to a medical system comprising a first subsystem with a first connection portion (7), and a second subsystem with a second connection portion (12). The invention also refers to a device and a method for connecting the subsystems to each other. One of the subsystems contains a fluid. The connecting device is adapted to connect the subsystems to each other to permit transport of the fluid from one of the subsystems to the other subsystem. The device comprises a container (21) enclosing an inner space. A substantially sterile atmosphere is provided in the inner space. The container receives the first connection portion and the second connection portion in the inner space. A mechanism is provided for connecting, from outside the container, the first connection portion and the second connection portion to each other in the inner space.