Abstract: A Doppler radar signal processing system and method and a Doppler radar employing the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) an input configured to receive at least one radar output signal representing a reflected Doppler radar signal, (2) signal processing circuitry coupled to the input and configured to produce an arc-length cardiopulmonary signal from the at least one radar output signal and employ a respiration fundamental frequency estimate to extract a heart rate signal from the arc-length cardiopulmonary signal and (3) an output coupled to the signal processing circuitry and configured to provide the heart rate signal.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system transmits a broad beam of ultrasound into tissues that are perfused with blood containing microbubbles. The ultrasound has an intensity that is sufficient to destroy the microbubbles in the tissues. A plurality of ultrasound imaging beams are then transmitted into the tissues over a sufficient period to allow the tissues to re-perfuse, and reflections from the transmitted imaging beams are processed to provide a perfusion image. The transmitted microbubble-destroying ultrasound may be in the form of a single beam or a plurality of beams that insonify a substantially larger area than the area insonified by the transmitted imaging beams. As a result, the microbubbles are all destroyed at substantially the same time, and the imaging ultrasound is transmitted only into regions of the tissues from which ultrasound reflections will be received.

Abstract: A robot for medical ultrasonic examination has an articulated robot arm with a plurality of arm units (14-16), mounted one on the other to be pivotable, and a computerized system for controlling the movements of the arm, the outermost arm unit being arranged to carry a probe. The outermost arm unit has a carrying member rotatable about a longitudinal axis (IV), and carries a probe holder pivotable about a transverse axis (V) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (IV). The probe holder has a housing rotatable about the transverse axis, and a holder sleeve rotatable about a longitudinal axis (VI). The three axes (IV, V, VI) intersect at a single point. The probe holder has an opening through which the probe can be inserted from the back and locked in position in the probe holder.

Abstract: Catheter device for performing atherectomy, comprising an atherectomy catheter, an OCT sensor, an IVUS sensor, position sensors and an image processing unit, which is embodied for creating combined 2D and/or 3D images based on the data of the sensors.

Abstract: Left atrial access apparatus and methods are described herein. Different parameters, such as oxygen saturation difference, between the left and right atrial chambers is utilized to guide a needle or catheter into a desired position within the heart. Various sensing elements can be utilized to detect the physiological parameter difference, such as oxygen levels, in the left atrium. The sensor can be carried by the needle, at its tip or along its body, and can measure the physiological parameter levels contained in the blood, fluid, or tissue.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for determining blood flow in a living body by changing the thermal energy level in the venous blood flow path and determining temperatures in both the venous and arterial blood flow paths. Blood flow is calculated as a function of the change in energy level and the temperature differences in the venous and arterial blood flow paths.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulation device determines sudden cardiac death susceptibility of a heart. The device comprises a first measuring circuit that measures intrinsic rest rate of the heart, a second measuring circuit that measures heart rate response of the heart and a third measuring circuit that measures heart rate recovery of the heart. The device further comprises a comparator that compares the measured intrinsic rest rate, the measured heart rate response, and the measured heart rate recovery to respective first, second, and third standards and a response circuit that provides a predetermined response when the comparisons of the measured intrinsic rest rate, the measured heart rate response, and the measured heart rate recovery to the respective standards indicate a susceptibility of sudden cardiac death.

Abstract: A method for cardio-acoustic signal analysis includes receiving a signal representative of heart sounds and displaying the signal in a time-perceptual frequency-perceptual loudness domain representation. The received signal is transformed to represent a time-perceptual frequency-amplitude domain. The method further includes applying a human auditory modeling algorithm to the time-perceptual frequency-amplitude domain representation to generate the time-perceptual frequency-perceptual loudness domain representation.

Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes a disposable probe assembly with an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that rotates and translates past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. The biopsy device also includes a reusable handpiece with an integral motor and power source to make a convenient, untethered control for use with ultrasonic imaging. The reusable handpiece incorporates a probe oscillation mode to assist when inserting the distal piercing tip into tissue. The motor also actuates an attached tape indexing mechanism in coordination with movement of the cutter tube to provide sequentially stored tissue samples in a replaceable serial stacking assembly.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods facilitate positioning of a cardiac valve annulus treatment device, thus enhancing treatment of the annulus. Methods generally involve advancing an anchor delivery device through vasculature of the patient to a location in the heart for treating the valve annulus, contacting the anchor delivery device with a length of the valve annulus, delivering a plurality of coupled anchors from the anchor delivery device to secure the anchors to the annulus, and drawing the anchors together to circumferentially tighten the valve annulus. Devices generally include an elongate catheter having at least one tensioning member and at least one tensioning actuator for deforming a distal portion of the catheter to help it conform to a valve annulus. The catheter device may be used to navigate a subannular space below a mitral valve to facilitate positioning of an anchor delivery device.

Abstract: A guide wire includes a wire body having a core wire and a resin coating layer covering an outer periphery of a distal section of the wire body, and an annular member provided on the proximal side of the resin coating layer. The outer diameter of the distal end of the annular member and the outer diameter of the proximal end of the resin coating layer are preferably equal, and a distal end face of the annular member is joined to a proximal end face of the resin coating layer.

Abstract: A uterine contraction sensor device for non-invasively monitoring uterine contractions passing through an abdomen includes a base including a top wall, a bottom wall and a perimeter wall extending between the top wall and the bottom wall to define an interior space. The base is positionable on an abdomen. A tube is positioned in the interior space of the base and is coupled to the bottom wall. The tube is filled with a low viscosity fluid. A first end of the tube is closed to inhibit the low viscosity fluid exiting the first end. A second end of the tube extends upwardly from the top wall to be engage by a fetal monitor. A diaphragm is coupled to the tube adjacent the second end of the tube and is engaged by the fetal monitor to transfer vibrations passing through the low viscosity fluid to the fetal monitor.

Abstract: A method for monitoring human activity using an inertial sensor includes monitoring accelerations from an inertial sensor disposed in a chest strap. The accelerations are processed to determine one or more acceleration statistics. The acceleration statistics are formatted to a generic format understandable by a plurality of devices. The formatted acceleration statistics are then transmitted.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to apparatuses and methods for evaluating the amount of “play” in a joint. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that quantifies the rotation of the tibia in response to a known torque. The apparatus is configured to minimize the influence of other joints on the rotation analysis. Other embodiments provide data related to movement of the tibia in other degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A limb stabilizing device includes a base, a first clamping member adjustably mounted to the base, and a second clamping member mounted in an opposed relationship with the first clamping member. The first clamping member includes a first adjustment mechanism that operates to allow the first clamping member to slide laterally along the base and to maintain the first and second clamping members in lateral alignment.

Abstract: A device for treatment of plantar fasciitis and/or Achilles tendonitis comprises (a) a calf strap removably engagable to the calf of a leg, (b) a foot assembly removably engagable to the foot of the leg such that when the device is worn the assembly can be positioned proximate to the ball of the foot intermediate to the midfoot and forefoot areas of the foot to secure it to the foot, and (c) a substantially inelastic tension member connectable between the calf strap and the foot assembly in a tensioned manner such that when the device is worn the plantarflexion of the ankle is limited such that the plantar surface of the foot is held in a neutral to slight dorsiflection.

Abstract: In ankle brace apparatus, the combination comprising a foot and ankle holder having a lower foot portion, and having an upper ankle portion with opposite first and second sides, said upper ankle portion including: a guide loop having opposite sections, a first orthopedic strap anchored to one section for passing about a user's ankle or lower leg, and then passage through the loop to extend in a first tightening direction, a second orthopedic strap anchored to another said section to extend in a second and opposite tightening direction, relative to said ankle or lower leg, whereby the two straps extending in said first and second directions can be manually pulled in said directions to tighten the first strap about said ankle or lower leg, and the two tensioned straps then connected by push together connection to tightened extents of the first strap to hold tension transmission via said loop sections and straps; and support strap structure operatively connected to said holder to extend under said foot portion a

Abstract: A joint hinge and a leg brace having the joint hinge that includes a spring loaded spherical joint for coupling a proximal portion and a distal portion of the joint hinge. The spherical joint includes a dome on one portion coupled to a mating cup on the other portion. A wide-headed pin, typically a shoulder screw, captivates the cup against the sphere. A spring washer may be included to provide a preloading force to mate the cup to the dome. The spherical portion may be pressed or stamped into one portion of the hinge or fabricated separately and attached. In one embodiment, the dome is fabricated of sintered bearing material and may be impregnated with lubricant. The spherical joint functions in conjunction with an adjustable flexion range limiting system that include rods that are threaded and easy to screw in and out as the patient's range of motion changes.

Abstract: A flexible foot relief pad that is wrapped about and secured to the individual's foot in order to relieve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome, restless arms, and foot and leg cramps includes a pliable cloth wrap having a foot engaging portion joined to a securing portion by a fold, with the foot engaging portion enclosing a cavity for holding therein a layered raised pressure application pad that applies pressure to select areas of the inner side and sole of the foot with the layered pad configured so that a portion of the pad extends transverse to the sole of the foot and a raised portion extends along the inner side of the foot for applying pressure to the specific muscle groups involved in restless leg syndrome.

Abstract: A catheter for use in extracorporeal treatment of a bodily fluid includes an elongated tubular member having a pair of lumens extending therein, and a septum separating the lumens. A first lumen comprises a withdrawal lumen, and a second lumen comprises an infusion lumen. A withdrawal port disposed along a length of the tubular member communicates with the withdrawal lumen for receiving fluid from a body vessel for transport to a treatment unit, such as a dialyzer. An infusion port disposed along a length of the tubular member communicates with the infusion lumen for returning treated fluid to the vessel. A passageway is formed in an outer wall of the tubular member adjacent the infusion lumen and extends through the septum. A generally tubular conduit extends through the passageway such that the withdrawal lumen communicates with an environment exterior of the tubular member outer wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing and treating septicemia in patient blood is provided. The extracorporeal system includes an antimicrobial device to inactivate at least 99% of bloodborne microorganisms, a hemoconcentrator/filtration unit to remove approximately 50-75% of target molecules from the patient blood and a filter unit to remove target molecules from patient blood from the sieved plasma filtrate. Target molecules are produced by microorganisms, as well as by the patient's cells. These molecules include endotoxins from Gram negative bacteria, exotoxins from Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, as well as RAP protein mediator from Staphylococcus aureus, and cell mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin 1-beta, interleukin 6, complement proteins C3a and C5a, and bradykinin.

Abstract: Methods and devices for simulating a gastric bypass and reducing the volume of the stomach involve placing a tubular liner along the lesser curve of the stomach cavity. Also, methods and devices for slowing gastric emptying involve placing valves within the stomach cavity near the gastro-intestinal junction and/or the pylorus. These methods and devices may prevent a patient from drinking and eating large volumes at one time and from eating slowly all day.

Abstract: Apparatus intended for the injection of pulsed steam into a human or animal vessel comprising an injection unit sending pulses of cold water into a handpiece, a handpiece temporarily attached to an injection unit within which there is a metal tube, of external diameter between 200 ?m and 1,000 ?m and internal diameter between 100 ?m and 500 ?m, the metal tube having its distal end coiled to form a spiral, the tube being sheathed with a material of resistivity such that only the spiral heats to a temperature transforming water from the liquid phase into the vapor phase, a means of distributing the steam into the vessel intended to be connected in a reversible manner to the distal end of the handpiece.

Abstract: A device, system and method for improving delivery of hemostatic material, in which the device includes a vent cap body capable of removably engaging a cannula. The vent cap has a passage extending through the vent cap body from the cannula to an exterior of the vent cap body where a restricter for restricting the flow of fluid from the cannula to the exterior. In one embodiment, the vent cap has a valve which has an opened and closed position. In the closed position, the valve is designed to provide a back pressure or resistance. When a certain force is applied against the valve, the valve moves from the closed position to the opened position, where a gas or fluid may pass through the vent cap. The vent cap is designed to help maintain the continuity of the hemostatic material during delivery of the material from the adaptor to the trial staging chamber.

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 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: The present invention provides a balloon having a non-uniform thickness that is adapted to facilitate folding of the balloon. The balloon comprises at least one relatively thin section formed between inner and outer surfaces of the balloon, and at least one relatively thick section formed between the inner and outer surfaces. The balloon may be formed from a balloon preform that similarly comprises at least one relatively thin section and at least one relatively thick section. The shape of the balloon preform may be formed, for example, by extrusion. The balloon preform may be placed in a balloon mold having a substantially cylindrical interior surface, and blow-molded to form the finished balloon configuration. The balloon comprises a non-uniform thickness, while comprising a substantially cylindrical outer diameter both after removal from the balloon mold and in an inflated state.

Abstract: A system for treating a vascular condition includes a catheter having a drug delivery lumen and an expandable jaw device at the distal end of the catheter. The jaw device includes drug delivery ports in communication with the lumen, so that a therapeutic agent can be delivered to a treatment site. Another embodiment provides a method for expanding a jaw device at a treatment site and delivering a therapeutic agent. Another embodiment includes a catheter having an expandable member with hollow needles disposed on the outer surface of the expandable member. Yet another embodiment provides a method for expanding the expandable member at a treatment site and delivering a therapeutic agent into the tissue.

Abstract: A needle guard includes a clip with a canting wall to grip the needle shaft and a distal wall to block the tip thereof, wherein the canting and distal walls may be interconnected by an angled strut, a spring member, such as a leaf spring, may have a portion extending past an edge of the strut to bias the clip to grip the needle shaft, and the distal wall may be or include a stylus and have an L-shape to define a lip to help block the needle tip. The clip may have a depending heel to help pivot the clip about a ledge to grip the needle shaft. A needle support may be provided to limit flexure of the needle which might otherwise allow the needle to come loose from the clip. Arrangements for limiting rotation of the needle hub and needle guard housing are provided, as is a protective shroud to reduce the risk of inadvertent activation of the needle guard. Further, the needle guard may be used with a catheter assembly. Also provided is an improved duckbill release mechanism.

Abstract: A safety needle is provided which includes blocking structure to maintain a sharp tip of a needle safely within a housing and prevent re-advancement of a needle from a safety needle housing. The safety needle includes flexible blocking members positioned on an inner needle assembly which are configured to engage an outer housing after the needle assembly has been fully retracted within the outer housing.

Abstract: A combination of a disposable, wearable, self-contained medicine dispensing device, a cylindrical medicine container 52 incorporating a piston and having an open distal end and a proximal end closed by a closure body 54 made of a material, preferably silicone, that can be perforated by a needle, and a catheter device 16 having adhesive means 26 for attaching the catheter device to the skin of a user of the combination, the dispensing device comprising a housing 34, 36 having a compartment for receiving the container and further a not shown piston rod for displacing the piston towards the closed proximal end and actuating means for displacing the piston rod, the catheter device comprising a sealing ring 56?for receiving the closure body, and the dispensing device and the catheter device comprising co-operating attachment means for attaching the dispensing device to the catheter device with the container received in the compartment with the piston rod abutting the piston and the closure body received in the sea

Abstract: A tool system for operating an irrigation pump. The pump includes a fixed pump head driven by a pump motor and a removable tube set. A readable memory such as a RFID is integral with the tube set. The tube set memory contains data describing the physical characteristics of the tube set. A control console reads the data in the tube set memory. Based on these data, the control console then regulates the operation of the pump motor so that fluid, when required, is delivered at those flow rates. These data are also used by the control console to regulate priming of the pump so that when the system is initially set up a head of irrigation fluid can be pumped close to the end of the handpiece from which the fluid is to be discharged.

Abstract: An administration feeding set for use with a flow control apparatus to deliver fluid from at least one fluid source to a patient. The set includes tubing for flow of fluid along a fluid pathway and a mounting member on the tubing adapted to engage the flow control apparatus. The mounting member has at least two receiving portions co-axial with the fluid pathway. The set also includes one or more identification members selectively positioned on one or more of the at least two receiving portions of the mounting member to permit identification of the administration feeding set as having a particular functional configuration different from another functional configuration.

Abstract: Liquid infusion apparatus includes non-magnetic materials in a pumping structure and drive motor therefor, and in a controller that supplies drive signals to the motor to facilitate convenient operation in intense magnet fields without distorting the magnetic fields and without radiating objectionable radio-frequency interference.

Abstract: An administration feeding set for use with a flow control apparatus to deliver fluid from at least one fluid source to a patient. The set comprises tubing for flow of fluid along a fluid pathway, and a mounting member on the tubing for engaging the flow control apparatus. The fluid pathway extends linearly through the mounting member. The mounting member has at least two receiving portions, each adapted to receive an identification member. One or more identification members are selectively positioned on one or more of the receiving portions of the mounting member to permit identification of the administration set as having a particular functional configuration different from another functional configuration. Other embodiments, including a method of identifying an administration feeding set, are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is proposed for the dosed dispensing of a fluid, especially an infusion fluid, comprising a housing (1) with a fluid chamber and a pressure medium chamber (3) by which a flexible wall (4) of the fluid chamber can be pressurized from the outside with a pressure medium. In order to provide a re-useable infusion pump with especially simple means it is proposed that the housing (1) consists of two mutually detachably joined housing parts (6, 7), of which the one comprises the pressure medium chamber (3) and the other receives in an exchangeable manner the fluid chamber configured as a leak-proof infusion bag (2), and that the housing part (6) with the pressure medium chamber (3) is sealed by a membrane (5) against the housing part (7) receiving the infusion bag (2) and is connected to a gas pressure source (11).

Abstract: An angiographic injector system includes a manifold and valve which selectively connects either a syringe pump or a low pressure system to a catheter which is inserted into a patient. The valve is normally biased to a state which connects the low pressure system to the catheter for pressure monitoring, saline flushing, or aspirating functions. When an injection is to be made, the valve automatically switches so that the low pressure system is disconnected and not exposed to high pressure, while the syringe pump is connected through the manifold to the catheter.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing pacifier has a centered nipple upon a guard and a reservoir communicating through the guard to the nipple. The reservoir, opposite the guard, has a cap, and upon removing it, a caregiver places medicine into the reservoir. Then the caregiver returns the cap to seal the reservoir. The infant then suckles the nipple, ingesting the medicine drawn from the reservoir. Alternately, the pacifier includes an air permeable membrane, a flexible cap, for dispensing medicine under pressure through a nipple into an infant that has difficulty taking medicine. The infant then suckles upon the nipple and the caregiver presses upon the cap raising the flow of medicine through the nipple into the mouth of the infant. The cap augments the natural suckling of the infant with pressure and without spilling medicine.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device is provided that includes an insertion needle that is retractable into the device after use to prevent exposure to the contaminated needle. The needle retainer releasably retains the needle in an extended position against the bias of the biasing element. When the catheter is removed from the insertion device, the needle retainer automatically releases the needle, which is propelled rearwardly into the device. A device for inserting a guide wire into a patient is also provided. The device includes an insertion needle that is retractable into the housing of the device after use. A needle retainer releasably retains the needle in an extended position against the bias of the biasing element. After the guide wire is inserted into the patient, the needle retainer allows the needle to be released, so that the needle is retracted into the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for puncturing a surface for extraction, in situ monitoring, and/or substance delivery uses microneedles with improved properties. Applications include easy to handle glucose monitoring using a group of hollow out-of-plane silicon microneedles to sample substances in interstitial fluid from the epidermal skin layer.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system includes an anchor sleeve and a catheter (or other medical instrument) to advance though a working channel of the anchor sleeve. The anchor sleeve may have a subcutaneous cuff device arranged along an outer surface. In such circumstances, the embedded cuff device can inhibit the migration of infection from outside the skin and into the blood stream.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing device, particularly suited to medicine but also having many other applications. The device selectively dispenses any of one or more fluids contained within the device. Adapters on the dispensing end of the unit permit the device to be effectively used for intra-venous, intra-dermal or intramuscular injections, gasses, colloids, gels, liquids or other fluids. Adapters on the head of the unit permit the device to be used with or without electrical power and to varying degrees of automatic control for timing, sequence, volume of fluid dispensed and other features. A preferred embodiment utilizes a pre-formatted, disposable or re-useable cartridge of several drugs suited for a particular medical purpose.

Abstract: The invention includes a device having a chamber within a syringe. A fluid passageway extends through a syringe piston. A valve is associated with the passageway controlling fluid passage through the piston. The invention includes a piercing structure having a head segment and a body portion, with a channel through the body portion and through at least one surface of the head without passing through the tip. In another aspect the invention encompasses a method of preparing an agent for administration to an individual. A first component is provided within a syringe and a second component is provided within a vial. A closed valve is associated with a fluid passageway between the vial and the syringe barrel through a piston. Valve repositioning allows fluid passage and sliding of the piston joins the first and second components. Repeated sliding of the piston mixes the components to produce the medication agent.

Abstract: A medical valve has an interior flow path having a volume that is substantially the same when in either the closed mode (when the valve is closed) or the open mode (when the valve is open). To those ends, the medical valve has a housing forming an interior, and a valve mechanism (within the interior) having a substantially rigid translating member with a bore. The interior of the housing has a flow path that includes at least a portion of the bore of the translating member. As noted above, the open mode volume is substantially equal to the closed mode volume.

Abstract: A drug solution injector for determining an accurate injection volume of a drug solution by weighing the drug solution reservoir with a weighing scale. A drug solution injector is provided with a weighing scale that is compact, does not disturb handling and enables an accurate determination of the injection volume of the drug solution. A drug solution injector includes a drug solution reservoir composed of a chamber for reserving a drug solution therein and pressurization mechanism for pushing out of the reserved drug solution. An injection line is connected to the reservoir to inject the drug solution to the body. The drug solution reservoir is fixedly provided with a weighing scale for measuring a weight of the drug solution stored in the drug solution reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds with means for stressing the wound bed and optionally tissue surrounding the wound, in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. micro-filtration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The means for stressing the wound bed and optionally tissue surrounding the wound promotes wound healing. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: A sperm collecting apparatus is provided and includes a container having a non-cylindrical container main unit whose one end face in a longitudinal direction is open and a cap that is attachable the container main unit. A core member made from a gel-like material, which is located in the container main unit and has an insertion room extending to an inner portion of the core member from an insertion port at one end face in the core member. A sponge layer which is interposed between the core member and an inner wall of the container main unit, the container main unit is a non-cylindrical member whose intermediate portion in a longitudinal direction thereof has an outer diameter smaller than those in both end portions.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a silhouette including a first end, a second end, wherein the second end being in opposite relation to the first end, and a first longitudinally extending edge opposed to a second longitudinally extending edge, the first and second longitudinally extending edges connecting the first end and the second end; and a layered portion having a body-facing layer and a garment-facing layer, wherein the absorbent article is drapeable.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layer and an absorbent system arranged between the cover layer and the barrier layer, the absorbent article being drapeable and possessing the absorbency attributes required of a sanitary napkin.

Abstract: An array of disposable absorbent articles. The array has a first absorbent article and a second absorbent article. The first absorbent article is enclosed in a first tampon applicator having i.) an outer surface wherein the outer surface has an outer surface area and ii.) a first identifier having a first surface area. The first identifier is disposed on the first absorbent article and corresponds to a first absorbency. The first identifier is disposed on the first absorbent article. A second absorbent article is enclosed in a second tampon applicator having i.) an outer surface wherein the outer surface has an outer surface area and ii.) a second identifier having a second surface area. The second identifier is disposed on the second absorbent article and corresponds to a second absorbency. The first surface area is different than the second surface area.