Abstract: Garments that are an absorption pad holding system used during post tumescent liposuction drainage recovery. These garments with rows of inside pockets will secure retail maxi pads and/or medical pads in a, but not limited to, stretchable, breathable, leak proof and washable material. These user friendly garments after being filled with pads, can be easily wrapped around various parts of the body. The garment can be easily adjusted with the Velcro closure.

Abstract: A non-irritating multi-ply absorbent article made by treating an inner surface with one or more antimicrobial agents and treating the one or more outer surfaces with one or more siloxane compositions, and methods of making and using the same. The antimicrobial agent will remain confined to the inner portion of the absorbent article, thereby preventing irritation to the user, and the siloxane treated ply(s) will provide a pleasing, soothing, non-irritating tactile quality. In one embodiment, the siloxane composition comprises an amine-modified polysiloxane, in which case the product will also entrap any absorbed fluid, holding it in contact with the antimicrobial agent, and preventing it from wetting through the product and contacting the user.

Abstract: An inflatable nasal packing device, and method of use, for insertion in a patient's nasal cavity to control bleeding or epistaxis. The device includes a flexible insertion tube, a first inflatable bag attached to and surrounding an anterior section of the tube, and a second inflatable bag attached to and surrounding a posterior section of the tube. The tube has three lumens for providing separate fill passageways to the two bags to allow independent filling and pressurization and for providing an air passageway through the device even when the bags are inflated. Both bags have walls of non-elastic, flexible material with fixed surface areas defining interior volumes when inflated that are larger than the anterior nasal cavity and the posterior nasal cavity and nasopharynx.

Abstract: A new and improved sanitary device and method of using the device by a male wearer is disclosed. The sanitary device comprises a U-shaped pad having a rear and two side arms extending away in parallel from the rear zone. The two side arms define a penile/scrotum collar. When the rear zone is placed around the buttocks area of the male wearer the two side arms are graspable by the male wearer so that the penile/scrotum collar may be pulled underneath the penis and scrotum area of the male wearer. In this manner of wearing the sanitary device underneath the penis and scrotum, physical restraints on the penis and scrotum are minimized while simultaneously allowing fluids to be adsorbed by the U-shaped pad. The U-shape pad also having a top layer, a middle layer, and a bottom layer. The top layer comprising a liquid-pervious material intended to be facing away from the torso of the male wearer. The middle layer comprises a liquid adsorbent material.

Abstract: An absorbent composite sheet is thin and has a surface to be easily situated in dry condition. The absorbent composite sheet includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The first layer placed on the side of receiving a liquid is a non-woven fabric fabricated from thermoplastic synthetic resin fibers. The second layer stacked below the first layer is a non-woven fabric fabricated by entangling cellulose type fibers and thermoplastic synthetic resin fibers. The first layer and the second layer are joined by fuse bonding synthetic resin fibers of the first layer and synthetic resin fibers of the second layer. The liquid applied on a surface of the first layer is transferred to the second layer through gaps between synthetic resin fibers of the first layer.

Abstract: An absorbent structure is constructed of hydrophilic fibers and superabsorbent material and has a permeability as determined by an Absorbent Structure Permeability Test and a normalized retention capacity as determined by a Retention Capacity Test. The absorbent structure has an intake factor of at least about 3 wherein the intake factor is defined as the absorbent structure permeability divided by the normalized retention capacity. In another embodiment, the absorbent structure is constructed at least in part of a superabsorbent material and has an intake factor of at least about 3 and less than about 50.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions and methods of making high internal phase emulsion foam (HIPE) and inverse high internal phase emulsion foam (I-HIPE) using super critical fluids. Such foams may be used in a wide variety of articles such as absorbent articles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling article comprising a polymer absorbent enclosed within a bag delimited by a collapsible envelope having non-watertight walls, wherein said polymer absorbent is under the form of particles each of which comprises a core of less cross-linked polymer sequences more active in retaining absorbed water and a shell of more cross-linked polymer sequences apt to retard diffusion of water from a particle to another during desorption of absorbed water.

Abstract: A process for providing feedforward control to control the feed rate of an elastic material. The process involves measuring the distance between registration marks on the elastic material prior to cut-off. These measurements are compared to a target cut length. The feed rate of a feed roll is adjusted, based on the target cut length and the distance between the registration marks, to maintain the cut length of the elastic material at the target cut length.

Abstract: A packaging unit for absorbent articles including a number of folded absorbent articles arranged with their folded edges placed head to tail in the packaging unit, the folded edges arranged at a first side of the packaging unit being situated at different distances from the first side, and the folded edges arranged at the opposite side of the packaging unit being situated at different distances from the opposite side.

Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including: a liquid-permeable top sheet; a back sheet; and an absorbent core sandwiched between the top sheet and back sheet. The back sheet is formed of a resin film containing an inorganic filler in a resin base material. The back sheet includes: a stretched moisture-permeable region; and a high optical transmittance region having a lower degree of orientation than that of the moisture-permeable region and/or left unstretched.

Abstract: A suspension system for the care and prevention of wounds on the body of a user includes an array of removable suspension devices forming a flexible sheet. Each suspension device is removably coupled to at least on other suspension device. The suspension devices are selectably removable from the array in order to define a space within the sheet which approximates the size of a target area on the body of the user. A disposable garment for the body of a user includes an absorbent portion and a wound are and prevention suspension portion. The absorbent portion has fluid pervious inner sheet, a fluid impervious outer sheet and at least one layer of absorbent material disposed between the inner and outer sheets. The wound are and prevention suspension portion is coupled to the absorbent portion.

Abstract: A disposable garment, subassemblies of the garment, and apparatus and methods for making the garment and subassemblies. The garment has elasticized leg and waist openings. The apparatus and methods of the invention facilitate assembling leg elastics and crotch elastics into the garment subassemblies, with the leg elastics extending across the width of the garment, and the crotch elastics extending along the length of the garment, while assembling a series of the garment subassemblies in a continuous web structure at a constant, or relatively constant, continuous and efficient speed. The leg elastics are installed across the crotch. The resulting garment is free from resilient tension across the crotch when the crotch portion is extended across the width of the garment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrophilic cotton product of 100% cotton fibers and including at least one first and one second outer layers. In the invention, the first layer is of fine fibers exhibiting a low micronaire value and constitutes a soft side and the second layer is of fibers exhibiting a higher micronaire value and constitutes a scraping surface. In particular, the product of the invention applies to cosmetics for makeup deposition on and/or removal from the skin.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving hemostasis in traumatized patients. The devices utilize fluid impermeable outer surfaces and distributed pressure to achieve tamponade and hemostasis, primarily by exertion of pressure. The devices are capable of serving as carriers for throabogenic or antipathogenic agents. Peripheral haemostatic packing devices include optional adhesive hemostatic barriers to cover the entire wound area over the hemostatic pack. The hemostatic packing devices may be placed and removed by open surgery or laparoscopic access without generating excessive re-bleeding, and may further comprise antimicrobial or thrombogenic regions.

Abstract: A method of forming a disposable, refastenable absorbent article is disclosed. The method includes directing a first material parallel to and spaced apart from a second material. A pair of lines of perforations is formed across the width of the first material. A pair of attachment members is then secured to the first material such that each bridges across one of the pair of lines of perforations. An absorbent assembly is secured across the first and second materials to form a subassembly. The subassembly is then folded and the first and second materials are bonded together by first and second seam lines. The first and second materials are then separated at locations outward from each of the first and second seam lines to form a disposable, refastenable absorbent article.

Abstract: A multi-microlayer thermoplastic film structure and methods of making the same. More specifically, this invention relates to a multi-microlayer film having a plurality of corrugated polymer layers and a plurality of thermoplastic elastomer layers. Filler materials and surfactants may be included in either the corrugated polymer layer or the thermoplastic elastomer layer. The multi-microlayer films may be formed in a co-extrusion process.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a pigmented cover; a pigmented apertured transfer layer; an absorbent core; and a pigmented backsheet that provides masking of synthetic menstrual fluid and discretion.

Abstract: We have determined that strength characteristics of elastic strand improve when the strand is heated. Thus, the present invention is directed to improving strength characteristics of an elastic strand by heating the strand. The strand may be heated by thermal conduction and/or convection, by irradiative methods using, for example, infrared or microwave radiation, or some combination of these. If the elastic strand is made at a location different from the location where the strand is used as a raw material, the strand may be heated at either location, or both locations. Furthermore, the strand may be heated in-line, i.e. as part of the process that makes the strand or the process that uses the strand as a raw material, or off-line, i.e. in a step separate from either of the aforementioned processes. Finally, in addition to heat treating the strand, the strand's exposure to water or water vapor may be regulated to reduce or eliminate strength degradation.

Abstract: The invention relates to absorbent polymers based on optionally partially neutralised, monoethylenically unsaturated, acid group-carrying monomers. The surfaces of said polymers are re-cross-linked. The inventive polymers also have cyclodextrines and/or cyclodextrine derivatives which are covalently and/or ionically bonded and/or included therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite material including a substrate with a first and a second surface, a boundary layer which is comprised of one or more compositions, and a topical application. The boundary layer is applied on the first surface of the substrate, and the topical application is applied to a surface of the boundary layer opposite of the substrate. Transfer efficiency of the topical application is enhanced as the transfer forces necessary to separate the topical application from the boundary layer are lower than the transfer forces necessary to separate the substrate from the boundary layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for making fibrous web materials which may be used in or as absorbent core materials for absorbent products. The method involves providing loose fibers, entraining the fibers in a moving airstream, treating the fibers with an energy-activatable pre-polymer composition and subjecting the fibers to activation energy to initiate cross-linking of the composition. The fibers are collected on forming surface to form a fibrous web. The fibers may be treated with the composition while entrained in the moving air or after being collected on the forming surface, or in an alternate embodiment by treating with the composition a mat of fibers from which the loose fibers are provided. The fibrous web material may comprise cellulosic fibers such as pulp, and/or synthetic fibers such as staple fibers, and/or super absorbent materials.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymer materials are provided including absorbent polymers having a fast vortex time, desirably about 10 seconds or less, and a stiffness index of at least about 0.7, as determined by test procedures described herein. The absorbent polymers can be modified to obtain a faster vortex time by a method including providing an absorbent polymer having a first vortex time, absorbing water with the absorbent polymer, freeze-drying the swollen absorbent polymer to remove at least a portion of the absorbed water, and obtaining a modified absorbent polymer having a second vortex time. The ratio of the first vortex time to the second vortex time is at least about 5, and desirably the modified absorbent polymer has a stiffness index of at least about 0.7.

Abstract: The invention relates to absorbent polymers based on optionally partially neutralised, monoethylenically unsaturated, acid group-carrying monomers. The surfaces of said polymers are re-cross-linked. The inventive polymers also have cyclodextrines and/or cyclodextrine derivatives which are covalently and/or ionically bonded and/or included therein.

Abstract: A thermally stable microporous breathable film is provided comprising at least 35% filler, by weight of the filled-film, and a thermoplastic polymer blend of a first polyethylene polymer and a second polyethylene polymer. The first polyethylene polymer comprises 30%-70% by weight of the polymer blend and can have a density between about 0.86 g/cm3 and 0.89 g/cm3 and the second polyethylene polymer can have a density between about 0.90 g/cm3 and 0.92 g/cm3. The filled-film can be uniaxially or biaxially oriented to form a microporous film and/or film laminate having good body conformance and which retains a high WVTR at 37° C. and above.

Abstract: Sphagnum, sphagnum moss, and/or sphagnum peat is milled to create a multitude of sphagnum, sphagnum moss, and/or sphagnum peat particles substantially all of which have a size less than about 850 microns. Particles of milled sphagnum moss have been shown to retain excellent water and oil absorption capabilities until particle sizes become smaller than 180 microns.

Abstract: A liner system suitable for use in personal care absorbent products having a composite material including a substructure applied to a first layer. The first layer and the substructure define a plurality of voids for accommodating passage of fluids through the composite material. In one embodiment, high viscosity fluids including the particles contained therein pass through a plurality of apertures in the first layer. The voids defined by the first layer and the substructure entrap the particles to accommodate passage of fluids through the composite material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a porous film made of a resin composition containing (I) (i) a propylene-ethylene copolymer or (ii) a polypropylene-based resin mixture containing a propylene-ethylene copolymer, each having an ethylene content of 3.0 to 7.0 wt. % and an MFR measured at 230° C. of 2.0 to 4.0 g/10 min and (II) a ?-crystal nucleating agent; the film having a porosity of 20 to 80%, a Gurley air permeability of 5,000 sec/100 cc or lower as measured according to JIS P-8117, a water vapor permeability of 2,000 g/m2·24 h or higher as measured according to JIS Z-0208 and a water pressure resistance of 75 kPa or higher as measured according to JIS L-1092 using an aqueous surfactant solution; a process for producing the same; and an absorbent article employing the porous film as a backsheet.

Abstract: Ionic superabsorbent polymers having increased swelling capacity of salt-containing solutions are disclosed. The ionic superabsorbent polymers of the present invention contain an additive to increase the osmotic activity of the polymer in the presence of a salt-containing solution. The additive used in combination with the ionic superabsorbent polymer is capable of forming a zwitterion at a pH of from about 1 to about 9, has a dipole moment greater than that of water, and has a molecular weight less than about 10,000 grams/mole.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a body facing side which is positioned against the users body. The absorbent article is made of, at least, a backsheet, an absorbent core, and a composite topsheet. The backsheet is opposite the body facing side. The absorbent core is between the backsheet and the body facing side. The composite topsheet is between the absorbent core and the body facing side. The composite topsheet includes a resilient three dimensional apertured formed film, a nonwoven web small scale apertures, and large scale apertures. The formed film is between the absorbent core and the body facing side. The formed film has a male side and a female side opposite the male side, and small scale apertures with a mesh count. The nonwoven web of fibers is between the formed film and the body facing side of the absorbent article. The large scale apertures extend through the nonwoven web and the formed film. The large scale apertures have a mesh count which is less than the mesh count of the small scale apertures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to superabsorbent cellulose fiber including cellulose and at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer. The invention also relates to a method of producing the superabsorbent fiber, and absorbent articles including the superabsorbent fiber.

Abstract: There is provided a resilient, three dimensional material having fibrous texture and appearance and capable of fluid handling. It consists of a top surface and a bottom surface wherein fiber-like elements typically extend from one surface to the other forming flat to undulating surfaces characterized by a multiplicity of interconnected fluid passageways. Deformed, discontinuous film-like or encapsulated regions connect fiber-like elements and stabilize the material. The material of this invention is unique based on the three principle characteristics which are communicated in this application: 1) ff(?)<0.87, 2) SA/VV<186 cm2/cm3, and 3) caliper<0.150 inches. This material is useful for a number of purposes, such as for use as a liner for personal care products like diapers, absorbent underpants, swim wear, feminine hygiene products, adult incontinence products and the like.

Abstract: A method of modifying a two-dimensional, flat fiber morphology of a never-been-dried wood pulp into a three-dimensional twisted fiber morphology without the aid of a chemical cross-linker. The method includes the steps of treating a never-been-dried wood pulp fiber slurry with a drying aid and thermally drying the wood pulp fiber slurry. The method may alternatively, or additionally, include the steps of spray drying a wood pulp fiber slurry and/or a slurry of a hydrophilic material, and flash drying the spray dried wood pulp fiber slurry and/or slurry of hydrophilic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles, preferably disposable absorbent articles like sanitary napkins and pantiliners, which comprise a cationic polysaccharide, preferably chitosan material, and silica. Such disposable absorbent articles deliver improved odor control performance (synergistic odor reduction) and improved fluid handling properties/absorption performance. In one embodiment of the present invention, articles are provided which comprise crosslinked silica-cationic polysaccharides. These articles deliver not only improved odor control and fluid handling properties when in use but are able to maintain these properties even upon prolonged wearing time, typically upon ageing of the bodily fluid in the articles and/or upon subsequent fluid discharge in the articles.

Abstract: A hygiene product, such as a sanitary napkin, diaper, panty liner, tampon, incontinence guard, hygiene tissue and the like, includes a probiotic composition having a bacterial preparation of at least one lactic acid producing bacterial strain and a contact sorption drying carrier dispersed in a lipid phase. A method for producing a hygiene product with lactic acid producing bacteria, dried with the aid of contact sorption drying carriers, in a lipid phase is provided. The manufacturing process for the hygiene product has the advantages of economy, simplicity and bacterial survival during manufacturing and subsequent storage.

Abstract: An absorbent swimwear garment having an antimicrobial agent based on hydantoin chemistry for the purpose of eliminating or reducing the level of bacteria in swim water. During initial product use, the absorbent swimwear garment is able to contain urine and bowel movements, similar to ordinary diapers and training pants. When the swimwear garment is submersed in swim water, particularly chlorinated or brominated water, the antimicrobial agent is stabilized and is thereby able to eliminate E. coli and other fecal bacteria from the swim water.

Abstract: A food intake restriction apparatus and method includes and uses an operable restriction device implanted in a patient and engaging the stomach or esophagus to form an upper pouch and a restricted stoma opening in the stomach or esophagus. A source of energy external to the patient's body and a control device for releasing wireless energy from the source of energy from outside the patient's body are provided. The released wireless energy is used in connection with the operation of the restriction device, to enlarge it to allow food passage, or to contract it to substantially prevent food passage.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including: a liquid permeable surface layer; a backing sheet; and an absorbent layer interposed between the surface layer and the backing sheet. The surface layer includes: a porous film having a plurality of through holes; and a fibrous layer disposed on the liquid-receiving face of the porous film. The fibrous layer is of a plurality of strips extending in parallel and spaced apart from each other. Each strip of the fibrous layer is fixed to the porous film at spaced fixing portions, so that the porous film is exposed between adjacent strips of the fibrous layer.

Abstract: Hydrophilic open-celled resilient foams containing melamine-formaldehyde resins, characterized by a droplet absorption rate of less than 5 seconds and an EU standard EN ISO 14184-1 formaldehyde emission of less than 100 mg of formaldehyde/kg of foam, and obtainable by (a) heating an aqueous solution or dispersion each containing at least a melamine-formaldehyde precondensate, an emulsifier, a blowing agent and a curing agent to form a foam and crosslink the precondensate, (b) then conditioning the foam at from 120 to 300° C. for from 1 to 180 minutes to remove volatiles, and (c) treating the foam during the conditioning or thereafter with at least one hydrophilicizer and/or with ozone, a corona discharge or a plasma, are useful in hygiene articles to acquire, distribute and immobilize body fluids.

Abstract: Variable stretch composites having one or more first elastomeric members disposed on a first region of an extensible substrate, and one or more second elastomeric members disposed on a second region of the extensible substrate which different from the first elastomeric members to provide variable properties to said regions of the composite. The composite has been incrementally stretched to at least partially break up the structure of the substrate in order to reduce its resistance to stretch. The variable stretch composites are useful for disposable and durable articles, such as disposable absorbent articles including diapers, pull-on diapers, training pants, incontinence briefs, catamenial garments, baby bibs, and the like; and durable articles like garments including sportswear, outerwear and the like. The present invention also relates to methods of forming such variable stretch composites.

Abstract: An inexpensive and disposable, highly absorbent pad for placement on a floor surface, directly in front of a urinal, for absorbing fluid not deposited within the confines of the urinal which would otherwise drip on the floor. Fluid absorbed by the pad is prevented from reaching the underlying floor thereby eliminating the problems associated with fluids being deposited on the floor. The pad includes a normally concealed incorporates a normally concealed, flexible, thin plastic disposal container connected to a pad removal member. The disposal container is stored in a normally concealed location, preferably beneath the pad, and automatically deploys and envelops the pad when a force is exerted on the removal member during the pad removal process.

Abstract: An absorbent pad has a cavity formed by a first flexible sheet of a liquid impermeable material and a second flexible sheet of a liquid permeable material. An opening defined by at least one of the first sheet and second sheet. An interior sheet of a liquid absorbent material forms a gel upon contact with a liquid.

Abstract: A method of producing a porous, liquid absorbent, open-cell polymeric foam material having properties which makes it suitable for use as an absorbent structure in absorbent articles such as diapers, pant diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence guards, wound dressings, bed protections etc, comprising dissolving a polymer in a solvent, adding a surfactant and causing foaming, after which the polymer is crosslinked in the foamed mixture by means of a crosslinking agent. The temperature of the foam thus formed is lowered to a temperature below the freezing point of the solvent and the crosslinking reaction is continued during the freezing step, and after the main part of the solvent is removed from the formed foam material.

Abstract: The invention provides protective garments that comprise a liquid impermeable garment body having an inner surface with first and second portions, an absorptive device associated with the first portion of the garment body, and fibers affixed to at least a part of the inner surface of the second portion of the garment body. The protective garment may further comprise a connector, and tubing. The tubing can be used for absorbing or draining fluids away from a person's body, or for transmitting fluids to a person's body.

Abstract: The invention relates to the medicine and can be used for the prophylaxis and diagnostics of a number of disorders in human organism and also for the revealing of some states accompanied by the changes in the content of diagnostically important metabolites in biological liquids. The object of the invention is to make a basically new sanitary means providing an additional function—testing for the purpose of an organism state analysis—along with his designated purpose and intended for daily use for the patients. The widely used sanitary hygienic article such as pampers or feminine hygienic napkin is provided with the special functional diagnostic means. The functional diagnostic means according to the invention comprises at least one chemical reagent disposed so that it can react with biological liquids secreted by an organism with the following comparison of the change in the content of reference (diagnostically significant) metabolites in liquid biological samples.

Abstract: An absorbing article has a hydrophobic, liquid impermeable back side layer and a liquid permeable top layer together with an interposed hydrophilic core layer. The article is made so that at least the back side layer comprises hydrophobic vegetable fibers, preferably kapok fibers, and that the top lay can comprise wool fibers. Such an article is advantageous since it may be used for keeping the user warm in situations where there is need for liquid absorption without the risk of unintended temperature elevation known from plastic products.

Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes a liquid-pervious topsheet, a liquid-impervious backsheet, a liquid-absorbent core interposed between the top- and backsheets, a pair of liquid-impervious leak-barrier sheets and a pair of elastically stretchable sheets. Each portion of the aforesaid sheets placed one upon another are joined together by means of adhesives and the core is joined to inner surfaces of the top- and backsheets by means of adhesives. Adhesives are defined by a plurality of adhesive lines continuously extending in a given direction and each of the adhesive lines comprises first and second zones arranged alternately in the given direction along the adhesive line. A quantity of adhesives in the first zone is much more than a quantity of adhesives in the second zone.

Abstract: A disposable pant includes a garment shell including a stretchable material. In one embodiment, the pant includes a front panel, a back panel and two leg panels. In another embodiment, the pant includes a middle panel and two leg panels. In another embodiment, the panel includes a single panel. The panel can include an absorbent structure either attached to, or integral with, the garment shell.

Abstract: A catamenial device for blood leakage prevention composed of an inflatable-expandable member and an absorbent intravaginal member such as a tampon. The inflatable-expandable member houses a resiliently expandable inflation member generally made of open cell foam. Prior insertion into a vaginal canal, the inflation member is in a contracted state. Upon placement to proper vaginal location, the inflation member expands by resiliency drawing air from a space inside the balloon or a reservoir of the balloon where the air has been displaced and housed when the air has been squeezed out from the open cell foam when the inflation member has been compressed prior to insertion. Inflation-expansion of the inflatable member can be activated manually by the user or via an intravaginal applicator which has the dual function of inserting and delivering the device into the vagina and that of actuating the inflation-expansion of the inflatable member.

Abstract: A method of making a pant having a front-to-back crotch seam includes providing a flat web. The flat web can be cut into separate pieces or cut to provide interconnected pieces and the center portion of each separate piece is removed. Slits are cut in each separate piece or each interconnected piece and the remaining attached segments are drawn away from each other in opposite directions to bring first and second seam edges together for the purpose of forming a garment shell with a crotch seam. The method may be applied to a single piece of material representing a single garment or to an interconnected web of garments. After forming the crotch seam, the garment shell can be folded and side seams formed. The pant may include an absorbent structure.