Abstract: Disclosed replacement heart valves can be designed to be delivered to a native valve site while crimped on a delivery catheter. The crimped profile of the replacement valve can be minimized by, for example, separating a frame or stent structure from a leaflet structure, along the axial direction. Disclosed replacement valves can be transitioned from a delivery configuration, in which the crimped profile can be minimized, to an operating configuration. The replacement valve can be fully assembled in both the delivery and operating configurations. In some embodiments, the leaflets can be positioned outside of the stent in the delivery configuration, and positioned inside of the stent lumen in the operating configuration. Disclosed replacement valves can include a flexible sleeve coupling the leaflets to the stent and facilitating the transition to the operating configuration. Methods of implanting said replacement valves are also disclosed.

Abstract: An introducer provides access to a surgical site in a patient. The introducer includes a proximal housing configured to be positioned outside the patient and a sheath extending from the proximal housing to a distal end of the introducer. One or more handles may be housed at least partially within the proximal housing and configured to translate axially in proximal and distal directions with respect to the proximal housing. A securing element may be slideably coupled to the sheath and may have a flange extending radially outwardly from the sheath. A radially expanding portion of the sheath may have a first edge, a second edge, and a middle section extending from the first edge to the second edge. The sheath portion may have a rolled configuration in which the middle section at least partially overlies the first edge, and the second edge at least partially overlies the middle section.

Abstract: A method of treating a mitral valve without open-heart surgery is disclosed. An expandable prosthesis comprises an anchoring portion and an occluding member coupled to the anchoring portion. The prosthesis is loaded into a distal end of a delivery catheter and advanced through a femoral vein and through a pre-made puncture in an atrial septum. The occluding member is then positioned in the mitral valve and the anchoring portion is positioned in the left atrium for maintaining the occluding member between the leaflets of the mitral valve. After deployment, the occluding member prevents blood from flowing from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole.

Abstract: A cardiac valve annulus may be constricted by using an apparatus to deliver a cord to the annulus, affixing the cord, and subsequently tightening that cord. In some embodiments, this apparatus includes an elongated core with a main channel, a set of first channels, and at least one second channel, all of which run through the core. The first channels accommodate pull wires for triggering the anchor launchers, and the second channels accommodate portions of the cord. Support arms extend distally beyond the core, and anchor launchers are mounted to each of these support arms. The support arms hold the distal ends of the anchor launchers at positions distributed about the annulus. The anchors are launched to affix the cord, and the cord is tightened in a subsequent procedure.

Abstract: An arthrodesis implant (1) for promoting the osseous fusion of a first bone (2) with a second bone (3), the implant (1) comprising a primary component (4) including a primary anchoring body (5) and a male connector (6), and a secondary component (7) including a secondary anchoring body (8) and a female connector (9), the female connector (9) comprising: a main body (10) which extends longitudinally between a rear end (11) linked to the secondary anchoring body (8) and an opposite front face (12), and which has a lateral wall (14) linking the rear end (11) to the front face (12), a housing (15) formed within the main body (10) and configured to receive the male connector (6) in order to link together the primary (4) and secondary (7) components, the female connector (9) further comprising an opening (18) which is formed in the main body (10), in communication with the housing (15), and which extends continuously on both the front face (12) and the lateral wall (14), and which is sized and configured to enable

Abstract: Unicondylar tibia implant devices having a bone-facing, distal side that can be detailed with cement fixation features and may include any of or a plurality of grooves, pegs, fins, rails, cavities, and/or coating whereby the geometry of the implant device improves implant-to-cement or cement-to-bone fixation characteristics exceeding that of a traditional flat surface. The implant device may also include a proximal side facing away from the bone-facing, distal side and having a geometry that provides either articulation with (cartilage and meniscal substituting) or receipt of a secondary device coupleable to the implant device on the distal side of the secondary device that features an away-from-bone facing articulating feature. Additionally, the geometry of the implant device in anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions, among other directions, provides a variety of improvements relative to currently available devices.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a shoulder prosthesis. The shoulder prosthesis includes a glenoid component, a humeral component, and an articulation component. The glenoid component includes a glenoid body having a proximal side and a distal side, the proximal side shaped to engage with a resected portion of a glenoid cavity. The humeral component includes a humeral body having a proximal side and a distal side, the distal side shaped to engage with a resected portion of a humerus. The articulation component is positionable between the distal side of the glenoid component and the proximal side of the humeral component, the articulation component configured to be maintained between the glenoid and humeral components, after implantation, by at least one of a deltoid muscle and a rotator cuff.

Abstract: A prosthesis for implantation in a de-nucleated intervertebral disc includes a fiber ring-like layer which encloses a polymeric layer to create an annular space. The annular space is inflatable with an in-situ curable liquid polymer and forms an interior cavity. The annular space may be expanded uniformly or differentially to be tailored to the needs of a particular vertebral segment and to achieve optimal disc space width and angle, thereby stabilizing the segment while preserving normal motion of the vertebral segment. The interior cavity provides a void that allows inward deformation of the implant during weight bearing activities and bending. The prosthesis can be elastically deformed through axial elongation to a reduced profile to load into a delivery cannula using pulling techniques.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

Abstract: The present invention provides artificial disc prostheses, methods and instrumentation for implantation and revision thereof. Each prosthesis may comprise superior and inferior end plates and a nucleus positioned between articular surfaces of the end plates. The end plates may have planar bone engagement surfaces with a plurality of self-cutting teeth. The articular surfaces of the end plates may be planar or include a flattened portion. The nucleus includes superior and inferior articular surfaces which may comprise flattened portions such that when the articular surfaces of the nucleus and the end plates are placed in cooperation in a preferred orientation, the flattened and/or planar portions are aligned. Each prosthesis may provide flexion/extension, anterior/posterior translation, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation degrees of freedom.

Abstract: Spacerless artificial disc replacements (ADR) are disclosed. One preferred embodiment includes two saddle-shaped components to facilitate more normal spinal flexion, extension, and lateral bending while limit axial rotation, thereby protecting the facet joints and the annulus fibrosus (AF). Either or both of the superior and inferior components are made of a hard material such as chrome cobalt, titanium, or a ceramic including alumina, zirconia, or calcium phosphate. The articulating surfaces of the ADR are also preferably highly polished to reduce friction between the components. Metals, alloys or other materials with shape-memory characteristics may also prove beneficial.

Abstract: A joint spacer for therapeutically maintains separation of bones of a joint. A frame defines a longitudinal axis extending between distal and proximal ends. A carriage is slideably retained within the frame and has at least one ramped surface and a threaded portion. An actuator screw is threadably engaged with the threaded portion, and bears against said frame to cause the carriage to slideably move within the frame when the actuator screw is rotated. A first endplate engages a bone of the joint, and has at least one ramped surface that is mateable with the ramped surface of the carriage.

Abstract: Improved bone plate systems are described herein. In some instances, a bone plate system can include a base plate, at least one retainer plate, and at least one spacer. The at least one retainer plate is configured to reside on the base plate in a free floating manner and can receive at least one fastener to secure the retainer plate to the at least one spacer, thereby providing a plate system that attaches to a spacer. In other instances, a bone plate system can include a base plate having one or more push plates that can engage at least one spacer.

Abstract: An intervertebral scaffolding system is provided having a central beam having a proximal portion having an end, a grafting portion having a top and a bottom, a distal portion having a end, a central beam axis, a graft distribution channel having an entry port at the end of the proximal portion, a top exit port at the top of the grafting portion, and a bottom exit port at the bottom of the grafting portion. These systems can also include a laterovertically-expanding frame operable for a reversible collapse from an expanded state into a collapsed state. The expanded state, for example, can be configured to have an open graft distribution window that at least substantially closes upon the reversible collapse.

Abstract: An expandable implant (100, 150, 160, 200, 250, 300, 400) has a base (10) and a displaceable element (12) hingedly interconnected at one end. At the other end, the base and the displaceable element are formed with complementary jaws (24, 26) which provide continuous overlap of facing surfaces over a range of angular positions of the displaceable element relative to said base. In some cases, the first end portion (16) of the displaceable element (12) is formed with projecting teeth (28) forming a partial gear centered on an axis (18) of the hinged interconnection with the base (12) for engaging a worm gear. In certain embodiments, the base is formed with a socket (30) for removably receiving a worm gear tool (32) for engaging the teeth (28) and displacing said displaceable element. After expansion, the worm-gear tool (32) can be removed.

Abstract: Implants and instruments for providing an ideal trajectory for the insertion of instruments and screws during implantation of an interbody implant in a spinal surgery are disclosed.

Abstract: An insertion instrument for expandable spinal implants includes an elongate member, a shuttle, and a worm gear. The elongate member includes a handle portion of a proximal end and an end effector on a distal end, wherein the end effector is configured to be releasably engaged to an expandable spinal implant. The shuttle is slidably disposed within a cavity defined within the end effector and includes a wedged shaped distal end configured to engage an expandable spinal implant. The worm gear is rotatably disposed within the cavity defined in the end effector and is in mechanical communication with the shuttle, such that rotation of the worm gear effectuates movement of the shuttle. Distal movement of the shuttle effectuates articulation of an expandable spinal implant. A method of performing surgery is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cartilage repair implant, an auxiliary surgical tool kit and a cartilage repair system are provided. The cartilage repair implant includes a body and a plurality of pins. The body is a porous structure and is configured to carry cartilage repair material. The pins are fixed to the body for being inserted into a patient's bone. The auxiliary surgical tool kit includes a positioning sleeve and a click tool. The positioning sleeve has a through passage. A first alignment structure is disposed on the sidewall of the through passage. The click tool includes an outer tube and a push rod. A second alignment structure mutually aligned with the first alignment structure is disposed on the outer wall of the outer tube. The outer tube is configured to pass through the through passage. The push rod is slidably disposed in the outer tube. One end of the outer tube has a shaping blade for slicing a to-be-implanted region on an affected area of the patient.

Abstract: An aid device for the motor disabled, suitable for allowing walking of transfemoral amputees, having: a lower-limb prosthesis of an amputated limb; a lower-limb orthosis suitable to be worn at a sound contralateral lower-limb; an orthotic pelvis module connecting the prosthesis to the lower-limb orthosis; and a control unit for the operational coordination of movements of the prosthesis and the lower-limb orthosis.

Abstract: An implantable frame comprises a plurality of corner structures configured to decrease pressure to the vessel wall and define pulsatility enhancing windows of the implantable frame. The corner structures may comprise plurality of neighboring longitudinal struts that extend in a longitudinal direction of the blood vessel when placed to form the vessel wall to a substantially polygonal cross-section and distribute pressure loading of the corner structure among the plurality of neighboring longitudinal struts to improve biocompatibility. The corner structures also allow increased forming of the vessel wall and can provide stretching of the vessel wall to enhance pulsatility of the vessel wall.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method and technique for manufacturing a stent are disclosed. The stent is a non-metallic stent having a furled small-diameter state and an expanded large-diameter state where the stent, in the furled small-diameter state, includes a plurality of central lobes arranged at spaced-apart intervals and extending longitudinally defining a stent axis, the plurality of central lobes defining a cylindrical plane of the stent. The stent also includes at least one peripheral lobe formed on at least one of the plurality of central lobes, the peripheral lobe oriented along the cylindrical plane.

Abstract: A stent (scaffold) or other luminal prosthesis comprising circumferential structural elements which provides high strength after deployment and allows for scaffold to uncage, and/or allow for scaffold or luminal expansion thereafter. The circumferential scaffold may be formed from degradable material, or may be formed from non-degradable material and will be modified to expand and/or uncage after deployment.

Abstract: A stent including linear struts forming an outer periphery of a cylindrical shape in which a gap is formed, a link portion connecting the struts to each other in the gap, and a connection extension portion extending along a connection direction of the link portion. The link portion includes a first curved portion provided on one end in the connection direction, and curves to protrude inward in the radial direction, and a second curved portion provided on the other end of the connection direction, and curves to protrude inward in the radial direction. The connection extension portion includes a first gradually decreasing portion gradually decreasing from the first curved portion toward an edge on one end of the connection direction, and a second gradually decreasing portion gradually decreasing from the second curved portion toward an edge on the other end of the connection direction.

Abstract: Vascular stent, in particular made of an in vivo degradable plastic material, having individual ring segments (2), the webs (4) of which are of meandering configuration, and comprising connecting webs (3) arranged between adjacent ring segments (2), said webs converging in connection points (7) with the webs (4) of the ring segments (2), with recesses (9a, 9b) being arranged at angles of the connection points (7) that are compressed when the vascular stent (1) is expanded, said recesses being open towards the edge and extending through the ring segment webs (4) and connecting webs (3), with a view to reducing stresses arising during the expansion of the vascular stent (1).

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes a core member and a coupling assembly rotatably coupled to the core member distal segment. The coupling assembly includes first and second plates and first and second spacers. The first plate is rotatably coupled to the core member and includes an outer surface having three or more projections separated by recesses. The first spacer is coupled to the core member and disposed between the first plate and a proximal restraint. The second plate is rotatably coupled to the core member and includes an outer surface having three or more projections separated by recesses. The second spacer is coupled to the core member and disposed between the first plate and the second plate. A stent extends along the core member distal segment such that an inner surface of the stent is engaged by one or more projections of the first plate or the second plate.

Abstract: A capture tube mechanism for delivering and releasing a self-expanding stent includes a core wire on which a proximal portion of the stent is removably retained by a distal portion of a tubular capture sleeve. In one embodiment, one or more elongated members extending through corresponding apertures through the capture sleeve and out the distal end of the capture sleeve can be pulled to split the tubular capture sleeve to release the stent. In another embodiment, the capture sleeve can be pulled proximally over one or more stop members provided on the core wire to release the stent.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for delivering a device assembly into a gastric or other space within the body, allowing the device to expand to occupy volume within the gastric space and, after an effective period of time, delivering a substance or stimulus to begin breakdown of the expanded device so that it may release from the body.

Abstract: A bariatric device includes an esophageal member having an esophageal surface that is configured to generally conform to the shape and size of a portion of the esophagus and an anchoring technique anchoring the esophageal member to the portion of the esophagus. The bariatric device includes a cardiac member having a cardiac surface that is configured to generally conform to the shape and size of a portion of the cardiac portion of the stomach and a connector connected with the esophageal member and the cardiac member to cause strain to be applied by the cardiac member to the cardiac portion of the stomach. The strain applied by the cardiac member to the cardiac portion of the stomach causes satiety in the absence of food. The connector is adapted to pass through the gastroesophageal junction while leaving a continuous portion of the gastroesophageal junction substantially unrestrained.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the brace assembly utilize an elastic cross strap attached to mounting facilities about a joint to provide progressive resistance to the extension, flexion or other movement of body parts about the joint. In some embodiments for a knee joint, the brace assembly provides a progressive resisting force to resist hyperextension of the knee. Some embodiments of the assembly may be able to accommodate different joints, different size wearer's of the assembly and different tension settings such as for athletes during competition. Some embodiments of the brace assembly may be used bilaterally and can be made without metal bracing to comply with the requirements of some sports. Some embodiments of the mounting facilities may have through holes.

Abstract: A multifunctional vest for posture correcting, pain relieving and workout boosting comprises a vest-like garment wearing by an individual on the torso, the garment having shoulder and waist bands that join the anterior portion with posterior portion for securing and adjusting the fit of the garment to the wearer. The upper anterior section is made of elastic materials that allow for both female and male individuals to wear. The multifunctional vest also comprises removable parts that can be used for multiple purposes. Support stays and scapular straps are provided in the posterior portion for improving body posture. A therapeutic magnet belt that can be attached to both anterior and posterior portion is provided for purpose of relieving pain. For boosting workout purpose, a workout boosting sheet is provided in attaching to necessary place while doing exercise or daily activities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for correcting nasal valve collapse comprising a device configured for suspending a nasal valve, the device comprising a body portion comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of barbs, wherein the body portion is configured to be inserted through or underneath the upper lateral cartilage of a patient and wherein the plurality of barbs are configured to engage a soft tissue overlying a bony tissue proximal to the upper lateral cartilage, and a head portion coupled to the proximal end of the body portion wherein the head portion is configured to engage the upper lateral cartilage of the patient when the plurality of barbs are engaged with the soft tissue overlying the bony tissue proximal to the upper lateral cartilage.

Abstract: A shoulder brace can be fitted to a patient having an externally injured shoulder in the initial stage of treatment and which enables the patient to make motions in directions suitable for early rehabilitation exercises for the injured shoulder. The shoulder brace is fitted to the patient having the externally injured shoulder in a physiological reference position where the elbow joint of the patient is flexed by an angle of 90° in the frontward direction and the shoulder is internally rotated by an angle of 30°.

Abstract: An assembly of a carrier for supporting a patient, an immobilization mask and connection means for connecting the carrier with the immobilization mask, wherein the connection assembly contains a profile that is provided on a first side to be connected to the immobilization mask and on a second side contains a first connector for connecting the immobilization mask to the carrier, the connection assembly including a carrier connector disposed on the carrier, the first connector being provided to engage the corresponding carrier connector, wherein a swivel and a swivel anchor point are provided to cooperate such that when swivelling the swivel arm around the swivel anchor point towards the carrier, the first connector is guided to a connected state.

Abstract: A medical body position retaining belt securing device is disclosed. The medical body position retaining belt securing device for securing and releasing a medical body position retaining belt to and from an operating table side guide rail, comprising an upper clamping piece, a lower clamping piece and an elastic piece, the upper clamping piece or the lower clamping piece being coupled to the medical body position retaining belt, each of the upper clamping piece and the lower clamping piece including a clamping portion for clamping the operating table side guide rail, and two ends of the elastic piece respectively abutting against or being secured to the upper clamping piece and the lower clamping piece.

Abstract: A urination device includes a receptacle having a cuboid shape. The receptacle further includes a top, a bottom, a front, a back, a first side, and a second side. A top opening is defined by an inner edge at the top of the receptacle. A front opening is defined by a front edge at the front of the receptacle. An elongated v-shaped channel is defined along the bottom from the front to the back. At least a portion of the elongated v-shaped channel is disposed below the top opening.

Abstract: An ophthalmological device for treating eye tissue with laser pulses comprises a projection optical unit for focused projection of the laser pulses, a scanner system for dynamically deflecting the laser pulses and a zoom system, which is arranged between the projection optical unit and the scanner system and which is configured to adjust the focused projection of the laser pulses in the projection direction in different zoom settings. The ophthalmological device moreover comprises a displacement device, which is configured to displace the scanner system depending on the zoom setting of the zoom system. What the displacement of the scanner system coupled to the zoom setting of the zoom system renders possible is the adaptation of the position of the scanner system in a dynamic and synchronized fashion to the setting of the zoom system and hence to the current position of the virtual entry pupil of the zoom system.

Abstract: In a laser delivery system for an ophthalmic laser surgery system, a laser beam scanner employs a single or two MEMS micromirror arrays. Each micromirror in the array is capable of being independently actuated to rotate to desired angles. In one embodiment, one or two micromirror arrays are controlled to scan a laser beam in two directions. In another embodiment, a micromirror array is controlled to both correct optical aberrations in the laser beam and scan the laser beam in two directions. In yet another embodiment, a micromirror array is controlled to cause the laser beam to be focused to multiple focal spots simultaneously and to scan the multiple focal spot simultaneously. The ophthalmic laser surgery system also includes an ultrashort pulse laser, a laser energy control module, focusing optics and other optics, and a controller for controlling the laser beam scanner and other components of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for laser eye surgery comprises a laser module, which is equipped to emit pulsed, focused laser radiation of a variable pulse repetition rate, and a processor-based control unit, which is equipped to receive at least one user input pertaining to a selection of one of several predefined pulse repetition rates over a user input and to control the laser module in accordance with the selected pulse repetition rate. In certain specific embodiments, the user interface enables input of two user entries, each of which relates to a selection of one of several predefined pulse repetition rates. The control unit controls the laser module for a first phase of a laser treatment in accordance with one input, and for a second phase of the laser treatment, it controls the laser module in accordance with the other input.

Abstract: A microsurgical device and methods of its use can be used for treatment of various conditions including eye diseases, such as glaucoma, using minimally invasive surgical techniques. A dual-blade device can be used for cutting the trabecular meshwork (“TM”) in the eye. The device tip provides entry into the Schlemm's canal via its size (i.e., for example, 0.2-0.3 mm width) and configuration where a ramp elevates the TM away from the outer wall of the Schlemm's canal and guides the TM to first and second lateral elements for creating first and second incisions through the TM. The dimensions and configuration of the blade is such that an entire strip of TM is removed without leaving TM leaflets behind and without causing collateral damage to adjacent tissues.

Abstract: The present invention provides an eye marker tip that includes a base, one or more marking wings, and a marking element attached to a marking wing and configured to deliver ink (or another indicator) to a surface of an eye. Embodiments may include a hollow or translucent post and light channel, or a base having a fixation button, to form a central light shape visible to a patient. Embodiments may include either or both of a magnifying lens and a parabolic light deflector, to form circles of light that may be used in connection with a central light shape to properly align the eye marker tip with a patient's eye.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for bodily sensation of bone vibration. The apparatus includes: an electric signal generator configured to generate an electric signal; an amplifier configured to amplify the electric signal from the electric signal generator; a vibrator configured to transduce the amplified electric signal transmitted from the amplifier into a mechanical vibration; a metal vibration member directly coupled to a vibration generator of the vibrator, the vibration member having a seat portion configured to contact with a human body and a side surface portion continuing with the seat portion; and a seat support member provided on a back surface of the seat portion, covering the vibrator, and configured to be placed on a placement plane and to support the seat portion above and apart from the placement plane so as to keep vibrational energy from being conducted to the placement plane.

Abstract: An earmuffs system for noise reduction including an external microphone used in combination with active noise cancellation technology for the reduction of wind or other noises typically experienced while riding a vehicle such as a motorcycle, snow machine or ATV, the earmuffs system including a first earmuff including a first speaker and a first microphone therein; a second earmuff electrically coupled to the first ear muff, the second ear muff including a second speaker and a second microphone therein; noise cancellation circuitry for receiving first sounds from the first microphone and the second microphone and processing the first sounds by in part canceling the first sounds to form a first sound output that is provided from the first speaker and the second speaker; a third microphone placed external to the first earmuff, the third microphone supplying second sounds for the first speaker to output as a second sound output without the second sounds undergoing noise cancellation processing; and a fourth micr

Abstract: A smart bandage that serves as a functional bandage includes electronic components that allow the bandage to store large amounts of data. The components can include a processor, battery, data storage media, NFC components, Bluetooth components, and Wi-Fi components. The bandage can remain powered down until receiving an NFC signal, which then causes the bandage to power up its components and communicate using other wireless communications means. Healthcare data compression methods may be used to improve the information storage capabilities of the smart bandage.

Abstract: A releasable medical drape, and systems and methods having the same, includes at least a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and a soft-gel layer having a plurality of apertures. The soft-gel layer is configured to be disposed adjacent to a tissue site. A portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer extends through the plurality of apertures in the soft-gel layer to contact the tissue site. The soft-gel layer forms a good seal with the tissue site and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer extending through the plurality of apertures forms a firm—but releasable—coupling with the tissue site.

Abstract: A compression device can treat edema with a plurality of shell structures, each having an inside pad. A ligature network is routed across the shell structures. A plurality of tensioners mounted on at least some of the plurality of shells can separately adjust tension in different portions of the ligature network to affect the balance of compression forces at spaced positions along the plurality of padded shells. At least some of the shell structures have an underpass sized to accommodate passage of a portion of the ligature network. The underpass is integral with a corresponding one of the plurality of shell structures. In one case the shells include an interconnected plurality of volar shells placed on one side of a body part and a dorsal shell on the opposite side.

Abstract: Using a conveyance roller having an outer peripheral surface which is capable of conveying two sheets with an elastic element sandwiched therebetween, in a longitudinal direction of the sheets, and formed with a convex section; and a clamping and pressing device, the sheets with the elastic element sandwiched therebetween are ultrasonic-welded together under pressing. The convex section is formed in a shape extending along a line intersecting a conveyance direction of the conveyance roller, and the convex section is provided with a plurality of grooves at positions spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction thereof, wherein each of the grooves extends in the conveyance direction of the conveyance roller to allow a portion of the sheets on which the elastic element is disposed, to be inserted therein.

Abstract: A disposable pant-type absorbent article adapted for a male user. The disposable pant-type absorbent article includes a chassis having a front section and a back section, an absorbent core, a front region configured for receiving the genitals of a male user, in which the front section at least partly is made of an elastic material comprising at least one elastic element. The absorbent core within a front region, under the influence of side elastic elements and elastic web material is adapted to bulge outwardly during use of the article to form a bowl shaped portion for receiving the genitals of a male user.

Abstract: An absorbent article for minimizing detachment between a top sheet and absorbent body, for stably maintaining an absorption performance, while maintaining a satisfactory feel on a skin of the top sheet. The top sheet has a plurality of raised sections extended in a lengthwise direction at predetermined intervals in a widthwise direction, and a plurality of furrow sections extended in the lengthwise direction between the raised sections. The furrow section has a first recess section including a first bottom section, and a plurality of second recess sections inside the first recess section. The second recess section includes a second bottom section having a highest fiber density of the top sheet. A portion at a second surface of a top section of the raised section is not joined to an absorbent body. The second bottom section of the second recess section of the furrow section is joined to the absorbent body.

Abstract: A diaper includes a liquid permeable topsheet including a patterned apertured nonwoven material. The patterned apertured nonwoven material includes a plurality of land areas in the patterned apertured nonwoven material and a plurality of apertures defined in the patterned apertured nonwoven material. At least some land areas of the plurality of land areas surround at least some apertures of the plurality of apertures. The plurality of apertures are non-homogeneous in a repeat unit such that at least two apertures of the plurality of apertures have a different size or a different shape.

Abstract: An absorbent article (20) having an absorbent core comprising at least about 80% of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) by weight of its absorbent material. An acquisition-distribution system (ADS) (50) is at least partially disposed between the absorbent core and the topsheet. The ADS extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article at least from a point A1 disposed at a distance D from the front edge to a point A2 disposed at a distance D from the back edge of the article, D being equal to 32% of the length L of the article. The ADS has a basis weight which may be at least 20% lower at the point A2 than at the point A1.