Abstract: A disposable article, e.g a diaper, having a backing layer (5) formed of soluble material constructed so that when in contact with a relatively large volume of liquid, e.g. that produced by flushing a lavatory, the backing layer (5) dissolves and loses its integrity but when in contact with a relatively small volume of liquid, e.g. when handled with wet hands, dissolution is restricted so that the backing layer (5) maintains its integrity. The backing layer may have variable solubility across its thickness, e.g. one side of the backing layer may comprise a relatively soluble material (4), whereas the other side comprises a less soluble material (6). Alternatively, the backing layer may comprise a soluble membrane (5) having a discontinuous layer (14, 16) of relatively insoluble material applied to at least one surface thereof.

Abstract: A diaper containing a liquid pervious topsheet coated with a lotion composition is disclosed. The lotion composition reduces the adherence of BM to the skin of the wearer, thereby improving the ease of BM clean up. The lotion composition comprises a plastic or fluid emollient such as mineral oil or petrolatum, an immobilizing agent such as a fatty alcohol or paraffin wax to immobilize the emollient on the surface of the diaper topsheet, and optionally a hydrophilic surfactant to improve wettability of the coated topsheet. Because the emollient is substantially immobilized on the surface of the topsheet, less lotion is required to impart the desired therapeutic or protective lotion coating benefits.

Abstract: A diaper containing a liquid pervious topsheet coated with a lotion composition is disclosed. The lotion composition reduces the adherence of BM to the skin of the wearer, thereby improving the ease of BM clean up. The lotion composition comprises a plastic or fluid polysiloxane emollient such as phenyl-functional polymethylsiloxanes, an immobilizing agent such as a fatty alcohol or paraffin wax to immobilize the emollient on the surface of the diaper topsheet, and optionally a hydrophilic surfactant to improve wettability of the coated topsheet. Because the polysiloxane emollient is substantially immobilized on the surface of the topsheet, less lotion is required to impart the desired therapeutic or protective lotion coating benefits.

Abstract: A disposable article, such as a diaper, for absorbing and containing urine and other body exudates has an absorbent insert pad that may be flushed in a toilet. The article preferably includes a backing sheet and a bodyside liner that are substantially coterminous. In one embodiment of the invention, a secondary absorbent body, which is disposed between the backing sheet and the bodyside liner, has a pocket formed therein. The absorbent insert pad is positioned against the bodyside liner and located generally within the pocket. A cover is releasably attached to the bodyside liner to maintain the insert pad within the pocket.

Abstract: A diaper containing a liquid pervious topsheet coated with a lotion composition is disclosed. The lotion composition reduces the adherence of BM to the skin of the wearer, thereby improving the ease of BM clean up, and improves skin softness. The lotion composition comprises a solid polyol polyester and an emollient to improve the lubricity of the solid polyol polyester. The polyol polyester(s) and emollient remains at or near the skin surface, providing the desired BM cleaning or therapeutic benefits.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable absorbent article such as an incontinent pad that is both comfortable and suitable for absorbing and containing large volumes of bodily liquids without leakage. Such an absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core includes a material which expands when wetted. The backsheet includes at least one pleat which is tacked with a liquid soluble adhesive such that when the liquid soluble adhesive is wetted the adhesive dissolves allowing the pleat to expand as the absorbent core expands. The pleats may extend in any direction, but preferably extend either substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the article or substantially parallel to the transverse axis of the absorbent article.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses flushable compositions and flushable products, such as flushable personal hygiene articles, flushable medical, hospital and surgical supplies, and flushable household wipes and packaging material that have sufficient wet tensile strength for their intended use, particularly prolonged or extended use, in the presence of body waste fluids, but which disintegrate and disperse in the presence of ordinary tap water so as to be flushable in a conventional toilet and disposable in municipal or private sewage systems without obstructing or clogging the toilet or sewage system.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric having biodegradability which can be advantageously used as a biodegradable material for general disposable-type household supplies represented by such items as sanitary materials, wiping cloths, and packaging materials. The nonwoven fabric is formed of a fiber material made of poly-.epsilon.-caprolactone and/or poly-.beta.-propiolactone. The nonwoven fabric contains not less than 20% by weight of such a fiber material having a filament fineness of 0.8 to 6 denier. This provides sufficient tensile strength and soft hand which enable the nonwoven fabric to be advantageously used in practical applications. Where the nonwoven fabric is formed of a superfine fiber of the above noted type having a filament fineness of less than 0.8 denier, it has particularly remarkable soft hand.

Abstract: A disposable article, such as a diaper, for absorbing and containing urine and other body exudates has an absorbent insert pad that may be flushed in a toilet. The article preferably includes a backing sheet and a bodyside liner that are substantially coterminous. In one embodiment of the invention, a secondary absorbent body, which is disposed between the backing sheet and the bodyside liner, has a pocket formed therein. The absorbent insert pad is positioned against the bodyside liner and located generally within the pocket. A cover is releasably attached to the bodyside liner to maintain the insert pad within the pocket.

Abstract: Method of disposing aqueous-alkali disposable articles is disclosed. The articles are made from films or non-woven webs or composites of films and webs where the film or non-woven web comprises a hydrolytically degradable polymer and preferably also comprises a water soluble polymer. Multilayer microfibers of at least one layer of a hydrolytically degradable polymer and at least one layer of a water soluble polymer are particularly disclosed. The articles have water resistance during preparation, storage, and use with mammals but are dispersible when submersed in water at conditions of elevated temperature, elevated pH, and during a single commercial laundry cycle. The articles solve both the problem of solid waste disposal prevalent with single use garments and the problem of repeated cleansing and recycling of multiple use garments. Contamination associated with the articles of the invention after their use will be disinfected during the commercial laundry cycle that is utilized to disperse the article.

Abstract: The invention provides wound dressing and/or implant materials comprising a matrix structure of sponge, at least one substructure and at least one pharmacologically active agent, wherein both the matrix structure and the substructure are formed from bioabsorbable biopolymer materials. The substructure may, for example, comprise biopolymer films, flakes, fibres or microspheres embedded in the matrix structure of sponge. The pharmacologically active agent may comprise antiseptics, antibiotics, analgesics. One or more such active agents may be incorporated separately into the matrix and/or the substructure so as to achieve controlled or phasic release of the active agents into the wound.

Abstract: A disposable article, such as a diaper, for absorbing and containing urine and other body exudates has an absorbent insert pad that may be flushed in a toilet. The article preferably includes a backing sheet and a bodyside liner that are substantially coterminous. In one embodiment of the invention, a secondary absorbent body, which is disposed between the backing sheet and the bodyside liner, has a pocket formed therein. The absorbent insert pad is positioned against the bodyside liner and located generally within the pocket. A cover is releasably attached to the bodyside liner to maintain the insert pad within the pocket.

Abstract: A condom assembly adapted to be received by a passive sexual organ includes a condom and a biocompatible, water soluble, shape-retaining insertion element adapted to deliver the condom to a passive sexual organ, such as the vaginal cavity, prior to intercourse and without first affixing the condom to an erect penis. The assembly may include an applicator to further facilitate insertion of the insertion element housing a condom into the passive sexual organ.

Abstract: Compositions comprise carbon particles combined with white odor-controlling agents by means of binders. The preferred particle form of the compositions is substantially lighter in color than the original carbon, and the resulting particles are preferred for use in the manufacture of catamenials, diapers, bandages, and the like. Particles comprising carbon coated with zeolites are not only desirably lighter in color, but also control a broad spectrum of malodors associated with body fluids.

Abstract: A disposable article, such as a diaper, for absorbing and containing urine and other body exudates has an absorbent insert pad that may be flushed in a toilet. The article preferably includes a backing sheet and a bodyside liner that are substantially coterminous. In one embodiment of the invention, a secondary absorbent body, which is disposed between the backing sheet and the bodyside liner, has a pocket formed therein. The absorbent insert pad is positioned against the bodyside liner and located generally within the pocket. A cover is releasably attached to the bodyside liner to maintain the insert pad within the pocket.

Abstract: A thermoplastic applicator is disclosed which exhibits accelerated breakup when immersed in water. The applicator includes a hollow, cylindrically shaped member which holds a pledget. This cylindrically shaped member is constructed of a water-soluble or water-dispersible material and has a wall with a thickness of less than about 0.05 inches (about 12.7 mm). A plurality of grooves are formed in the wail in a predetermined pattern to accelerate breakup of the applicator into small unrecognizable pieces, The grooves have a depth of between about 5 percent to 75 percent of the thickness of the wall. The deeper the grooves, the shorter the time period needed to breakup the applicator.

Abstract: A water-decomposable non-woven fabric comprises a water-dispersible fiber layer, each fiber of which is bound with one another using a water-soluble binder comprising an unsaturated carboxylic acid/unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer in which 1 to 60 mole % of the repeating units derived from the unsaturated carboxylic acid is in the form of a salt and which is soluble in tap water but is insoluble in an aqueous solution containing not less than 0.5% by weight of a neutral inorganic salt comprising a monovalent ion; the water-dispersible fiber layer being composed of a mixture of 40 to 90% by weight of fibers having a crimp number of 19/inch or less, 10 to 60% by weight of fibers having a crimp number of 20/inch to 25/inch, and not more than 10% by weight of fibers having a crimp number of 26/inch or more; and a content of the binder in the non-woven fabric being 1 to 30% by weight relative to the total weight of the non-woven fabric.

Abstract: A biodegradable disposable diaper comprising a combination of a liquid absorbing material, a liquid permeable surface material and an leakproof backing material, said liquid permeable material being formed of an aliphatic polyester resin obtained by reacting an aliphatic saturated polyester prepolymer having an end group which is materially a hydroxyl group with a coupling agent or formed of said aliphatic polyester resin and an aliphatic saturated polyester resin which has not been treated by said coupling agent. The disposable diaper has excellent mechanical strength, softness, feel of touch, productivity as well as biodegradability, air permeability and waterproofness.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having an inflatable component is disclosed. The inflatable component comprises an inflatable spacer, a gas evolving material, and a port for receiving an activating material. The port can comprise a gas impermeable, liquid permeable membrane, an adhesive closure, or a mechanical closure. The inflatable spacer maintains a fecal void space intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet of the diaper.

Abstract: Compostible and flushable absorbent structures for sanitary uses for the absorption of body fluids comprising an absorbent degradable fibrous core and a backsheet that is cold-water soluble but water impermeable.

Abstract: An improved infant and toddler diaper comprising a symmetrical anatomical pad designed to facilitate disposal by flushing and a reusable garment for use therewith, the pad having an absorbent dam and parallel longitudinal lines of perforation. The two fabric, anatomically shaped, and reusable garment having a waterproof dual strand elasticized fence of same shape around inside border for retaining all edges of pad, the waterproof fabric separates and extends at crotch and leg regions where the edges house multi and parallel strands of elastic thread.

Abstract: A biodegradable diaper. The diaper has an outer sheet of biodegradable material able to resist water absorption. An inner sheet of biodegradable material is able to allow the passage of water and is attached to the outer sheet by a biodegradable adhesive at the periphery to form an envelope. A super absorbent core is located within the envelope. There is a water resistant film of biodegradable material located within the core to assist in fluid distribution into the core.

Abstract: An environmentally sound absorbent insert for use with cloth diapers and the like. The insert comprises a sandwich of first and second webs constructed of non-toxic, biodegradable, pliable, liquid-absorbent material, such as tissue paper, with a layer of non-toxic, biodegradable, liquid-absorbent material sandwiched between them. The sandwich is bonded in an environmentally sound manner, such as by a mechanical bond (such as crimping) or by a non-toxic, biodegradable adhesive. The insert is used by placing it in the diaper so that the absorbent insert is sandwiched between layers of cloth. The cloth acts as a wick to draw fluids from the body of the wearer to the absorbent insert, to be retained until changing. One feature is a process for making the insert via a continuous feed process.

Abstract: This invention is a catamenial pad or a tampon or a diaper which contains carboxymethylalginate (CMA) and alginic acid salt. The pad or diaper can be made from fibers composed of CMA alone or a mixture of CMA and alginic acid salt. CMA may be prepared by reacting chloroacetic acid, NaOH, and an alginic acid salt dispersed in a liquid aliphatic alcohol. More in detail, CMA can be prepared by a reaction in which sodium alginate is dispersed into ethanol, reacted with NaOH and chloroacetic acid at 40.degree.-50.degree.C. with agitation. The CMA can be spun into fibers and then it can be prepared into non-woven fabric. The fabric pad or diaper can be made into various designs. The fabric or the fiber has high absorbency, water-retentivity, stability, and coagulating ability against blood.

Abstract: A hydrogel sheet for use as a wound dressing with capillaries permitting wound exudate to pass through the sheet while not permitting bacteria to infect the wound is disclosed. The total cross-sectional area of the capillaries represents 0.5 to 3.0 percent of the area of the sheet. The sheets do not stick to the wound surface and allow large quantities of wound exudate to be removed from the wound.

Abstract: A tampon applicator which is biodegradable and water-dispersible is provided. The applicator is formed by injection molding a modified poly(vinyl alcohol) which is self-plasticizing. In certain preferred embodiments, the modified poly(vinyl alcohol has the following structure: ##STR1## in which R is hydrogen or methyl, n is a number from 1-1,000, x is 50-99.9 mole percent, y is 0-50 mole percent, and z is 0.001-50 mole percent. Tampon applicators made from this material have been found to be rapidly dispersible in water, to support heavy fungal growth, and to have a commercially acceptable outer surface, i.e., a surface which is not sticky, slippery, or slimy prior to contact of the applicator with water.

Abstract: A method for preventing adhesion utilizes a viscoelastic gel formed from xanthan gum. The gel is more viscous than blood and is soluble in aqueous solutions. The gel is placed between the tissues by a syringe. The method includes mixing the xanthan gum with either a saline solution or Tyrode's solution to form the gel.

Abstract: Provided is a wound dressing able to absorb significant quantities of wound exudate emitted from an open wound. In one construction, it has the capability of allowing moisture contained in the exudate to be transpired out of the dressing, thereby lengthening the useful life of the dressing and minimizing macerations.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a biodegradable incontinence device such as a diaper. The incontinence device has biodegradability enhancer granules containing an enzyme such as cellulase or hemicellulase embedded therein. The outer layers of the device are preferably made of a biodegradable material such as treated paper or rayon.

Abstract: Method for the preparation of an absorbent composition intended particularly to the absorption of physiological liquids such as urine, secretions from wounds, blood, etc. The method comprises the preparation of a concentrated solution of mono- and/or disaccharide in water, particularly saccharose. To said solution there is admixed a predetermined amount of superabsorbent up to obtaining a homogenous paste which is dried to an extent such that the water content is brought down to a value comprised between 2 and 15%. It is possible to introduce with the superabsorbent a portion of the oligosaccharide in the form of powder. The resultant mixture comprises less than 50% of superabsorbent and preferably between 1 and 30% in the case of a dressing.

Abstract: An absorbent material derived from a vegetable material containing pectin.

Abstract: A process of making a liquid absorbing laminated structure comprising long lengths of absorptive tissues and an intermediate layer of absorptive particles is performed while the tissues are traveling in the direction of their lengths. A film of moistening liquid is transferred to a surface of a first tissue which is then supported in substantially horizontal position and showered with dry absorbent particles, which are rendered adhesive by absorption of the moistening liquid. A second tissue is superposed and the assembly is bonded together by passing it through the nip between a heated roller having a surface temperature of at least 110.degree. C. and a pressure roller. These rollers are pressed together at the nip by a pressure of at least 350 pounds per square inch and each has a surface hardness in excess of 90 Shore A Durometer.

Abstract: An improved adhesion-preventative barrier fabric comprising an oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) fabric (or matrix having equivalent properties) which is drapable, conformable, adherent to body organs. and substantially absorbable within thirty (30) days in the body, which fabric has heparin absorbed thereon, said heparin being present in a non-toxic, adhesion-preventative, effective amount and potency; and, the process of using said improved barrier fabric or matrix to administer heparin to prevent surgical adhesions.

Abstract: A mesh or fabric, having zero to variable stretch, is made from absorbable or partially absorbable fibers. The mesh or fabric can be either knitted or woven. The fabric is useful in surgical repair.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydroexpansible composite material, the method of preparing same and a composition for implementing this method, as well as to the uses thereof. The composite material includes a solid flat support having, on at least one of its faces, a coating with a high proportion of a hydroexpansible polymer powder fixed to the support by means of a hydrosoluble binder, the coating being essentially formed of:95 to 55% by weight of hydroexpansible polymer powder;5 to 23% by weight of hydrosoluble binder; and0 to 22% by weight of surfactant.This hydroexpansible material may advantageously be used in medicine, surgery agriculture and especially as sealing agent in cables, particularly electric cables.FIG. 2 shows how, in a cable, this material (11, 13) forms a sealing ring (13) about the point of infiltration of the water, thus preventing its longitudinal propagation.

Abstract: A disposable diaper for application to an infant in contact with the infant's skin, comprises a liquid absorbent core; a thin, continuous, water soluble film carried by the liquid absorbent core on the side thereof to be applied in contact with the infant's skin; a layer of a medicated powder between the water-soluble film and the liquid absorbent core; a liquid-permeable film between the layer of medicated powder and the absorbent core; and a liquid-impermeable film on the opposite side of the liquid absorbent core.

Abstract: Highly absorbent, pectin-containing materials from vegetable origin are disclosed. A process for preparing such materials from pectin-containing agricultural by-products is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides novel, highly absorbent pectin-containing vegetable materials, and a process for making these materials by incorporating into pectin-containing vegetable materials substituents which contain cation exchange groups. The present invention further provides absorbent structures containing these materials, as well as disposable absorbent procuts containing the materials or absorbent structures of the present invention.

Abstract: An adhesion preventive for preventing adhesion between vital tissues is provided. The present adhesion preventive is a molded material consisting essentially of a biodegradable and absorbable polymer. It has an advantage of requiring no reoperation for its removal since it would be degraded and absorbed after completing its function in vivo.

Abstract: A machine and method for making base assemblies for medicine dispensing compresses, includes using a web of substantially imperforate material, and a web of backing material having a base layer with an adhesive on one side to attach the compress to the skin of the user. A plurality of individual foil lids or dam patches are cut from the web of imperforate material, and applied to the adhesive side of the base layer. A release or cover layer is applied to the adhesive side of the base layer to sandwich the dam patches between the base layer and the cover layer. Individual base units are cut into the base layer, with one of the dam patches positioned within each of the base units. Apertures are cut in the areas of the cover layer overlying the dam patches to access a portion of the foil surface of each of the dam patches.

Abstract: The invention comprises of an anionic polyelectrolyte hydrogel reversibly cross-linked with a polyvalent metal cation having a valence of at least two. This hydrogel may be combined with a removal agent for imparting delayed swelling characteristics when contacted with a water-containing fluid. The delayed swelling allows the water-containing fluid to penetrate or permeate the system before swelling is initiated, thereby providing enhanced wetting prior to the onset of swelling and alleviating gel blockage.

Abstract: Water absorbent compositions exhibiting increased gel strengths comprise a water-swellable hydrophilic polymer and an inorganic powder and are prepared by physically blending the polymer and powder. The compositions can be incorporated into film laminates and can be employed in preparing improved disposable diapers.

Abstract: Absorbent retentive pulp, produced by mechanically treating a dispersion of cellulose fiber to the disintegrated and outer secondary walls to microfibrillar form. The beaten dispersion is then freeze dried.

Abstract: Premoistened wipers are provided with wet strength through the use of colloidal sulfate esters of cellulose having a high degree of sulfate substitution, equal to or greater than 2.5. When such wipers are immersed in water, they become easily dispersible and hence flushable.

Abstract: Disposable sanitary garments comprise topsheet and/or backsheet materials prepared from polymers based on glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mixtures thereof. Disposable sanitary articles having absorbent cores comprising oxidized cellulose are also provided. Diapers, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and the like, prepared from the foregoing materials are disclosed.