Abstract: The crosslinking agents and condensing agents that have been employed in biological adhesives and in treating medical devices such as cardiac valves are non-natural compounds synthesized artificially. Thus, they are not metabolized in vivo and exhibit toxicity to living bodies. These compounds are thus used only in a restricted amount and for limited purposes in the clinical sites. The present invention provides a biological low-molecular-weight derivative obtained by modifying carboxyl groups of a biological low-molecular-weight compound with N-hydroxysuccinimide, N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide, or a derivative thereof and a crosslinked high-molecular-weight product obtained by crosslinking various high-molecular-weight compounds with this derivative.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, a first major surface which forms a body-facing surface of the absorbent article, and a second major surface disposed distally from the first major surface which forms a garment-facing surface of the absorbent article. The article includes an absorbent core positioned between the first major surface and the second major surface. The article also includes at least one barrier structure having an inward-facing side and an outward-facing side, and at least one liquid shrinkable string. The at least one barrier structure is disposed on the first major surface, and the inward-facing side of the at least one barrier structure is attached to the absorbent article. In addition, a first portion of the at least one liquid shrinkable string is attached to the at least one barrier structure.

Abstract: A liquid-absorbent sheet containing: a liquid-absorbent surface material mainly containing a pulp; a liquid-absorbent nonwoven fabric; a liquid-absorbent rear material mainly containing a pulp; and a super absorbent polymer; wherein the super absorbent polymer is disposed at least between the liquid-absorbent surface material and the liquid-absorbent nonwoven fabric as an A layer and between the liquid-absorbent nonwoven fabric and the liquid-absorbent rear material as a B layer, the super absorbent polymer being contained in a total amount of 200 to 400 g/m2, which is allocated in the A layer at 30 to 50% by mass, the liquid-absorbent nonwoven fabric layer at 0 to 40% by mass, and the B layer at 30 to 70% by mass, and the content ratio of the super absorbent polymer in the A layer is less than or equal to the content ratio of the super absorbent polymer in the B layer.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprising an absorbent pad, an adhesive layer, and a backing layer is described, along with a dressing support layer configured to retain and deliver the wound dressing to a wound, the dressing support layer having a radial configuration that forms a plurality of alternating covered and uncovered portions of the backing layer along the perimeter of the wound dressing.

Abstract: An absorbent article that has a thin, conformable absorbent core where the core has at least two layers, both of which are substantially free of cellulosic fibers. The absorbent article has a Circular Bend Flexibility of less than about 15 N and an acquisition rate on the third gush of less than about 170 seconds and/or on the fourth gush of less than about 190 seconds.

Abstract: A personal care absorbent article such as a disposable diaper, sanitary pad or tampon, wound dressing or bandage which includes a nonwoven web material made from a plurality of polymeric fibers having at least one treatment chemistry suitable for modifying at least one characteristic of a high viscoelasticity fluid upon contact with the high viscoelasticity fluid. In accordance with one particularly preferred embodiment, the treatment chemistry is suitable for immobilizing the high viscoelasticity fluid within the nonwoven web material.

Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymeric particles comprises the steps of i) drying a hydrogel to produce a dried hydrogel, ii) separating incompletely dried polymeric particles from the dried hydrogel, and iii) drying the separated-off incompletely dried polymeric particles, wherein the separated incompletely dried polymeric particles are comminuted before said drying iii).

Abstract: The illustrative systems, methods, and dressings for applying reduced pressure to a tissue site are presented that involve quickly removing fluids from the tissue site to reduce or avoid maceration of the epidermis. One dressing includes a dressing material for transferring the reduced pressure to the tissue site and a drape covering at least a portion of the dressing material. The dressing material includes a hydrophobic tissue-interface layer adapted to contact the tissue site. The dressing material also includes a manifold adapted to distribute reduced pressure. The manifold may be a hydrophobic layer. The dressing material also includes one or more absorbent layers adapted to absorb liquid from the tissue site via the tissue-interface layer and the manifold. Other aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprising: a water-absorbent fabric comprising at least about 10 wt. % of hydrogel-forming absorbent fibers based on the dry weight of the fabric; and an adhesion-resistant, water-permeable wound contacting surface textile layer that is substantially continuously bonded to at least one surface of said fabric. The surface textile layer may be formed by surface treatment of the fabric, or by bonding a suitable textile web to the surface of the fabric.

Abstract: A flexible absorbent sheet material containing an acidic water-absorbing resin, a basic water-absorbing resin, and a plasticizer, and its method of manufacture, are disclosed. The sheets contain about 60% to 100% by weight of the acidic and basic water-absorbent resin and plasticizer. The absorbent sheets have unexpected flexibility and structural integrity, while exhibiting exceptional water absorption and retention properties.

Abstract: Absorbent products for feminine protection, for example sanitary pads, pantiliners or tampons, comprising a cationic modified guar gum. The guar gum is modified by a cationizing agent comprising an ammonium group, wherein the degree of substitution of the cationizing agent is from about 0.070 to less than 0.30. In one aspect of the invention, the cationic modified guar gum is substantially water soluble.

Abstract: Medical articles including an absorbent layer, a backing layer and an optional liquid permeable facing layer are disclosed. The construction of the medical article is such that volumetric expansion of the absorbent layer is allowed in directions parallel to the surface of the backing layer as the absorbent layer absorbs moisture. The medical article may include a debonding agent located between the absorbent layer and the backing layer. The absorbent layer is operably attached to the backing layer. When the absorbent layer absorbs moisture, e.g., wound exudate, at least a portion of the absorbent layer detaches from the backing layer such that the absorbent layer can expand and move relative to the backing. The debonding agent facilitates this change from attachment to detachment of the absorbent layer to the backing.

Abstract: A composite article comprises a fluid transport layer, a fluid retentive layer, and, optionally, a moisture vapor permeable film. The first surface of the fluid transport layer provides a fluid contacting surface. The fluid retentive layer is positioned so that the first surface layer of the fluid retentive layer is adjacent to the second surface of the fluid transport layer. The moisture vapor permeable film is positioned so that it is adjacent to the second surface of the fluid retentive layer. The composite article is suitable for use as a wound dressing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to superabsorbent polymer particles having functionalizers covalently bound to the surface of precursor superabsorbent polymer particles. The functionalizers of the present invention comprise a grafting unit with a radiation activatable group and a functional unit covalently bound to the grafting unit. The grafting unit is bound to an aliphatic C—H group comprised at the surface of the precursor superabsorbent polymer particle. The functional unit comprises chemical structures which are not present in the precursor superabsorbent polymer particle. These functional units add an additional function to the precursor suberabsorbent polymer particle or modifying an existing function of the precursor superabsorbent polymer particle. Moreover, the invention relates to a process for making these superabsorbent polymer particles.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymer particles having a transient hydrophobicity, excellent gel integrity, and free swell gel bed permeability are disclosed. A method of producing the superabsorbent polymer particles by applying a polyamine coating and a cosolvent to the particles also is disclosed.

Abstract: A dehydratable hygiene article contains a lower layer which is impermeable to aqueous liquids, an upper layer which is permeable to aqueous liquids, a core disposed between the lower and upper layer and absorbs aqueous liquids, and a trigger system containing a superabsorbent material which is capable of absorbing aqueous liquids with the formation of a hydrogel. After the trigger system has been activated, at least some of the aqueous liquid absorbed can be released from the superabsorbent material when it is present as a hydrogel. The hygiene article contains at most 50 wt. % of a further superabsorbent material. Based on the total weight of superabsorbent material and further superabsorbent material, which would be capable, after the trigger system has been activated, of at least partly absorbing, with the formation of hydrogel, the aqueous liquid which is at least partly released.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprising a hydrogel polymer in sheet form reinforced with a fabric comprising gel-forming fibres which fabric is capable of absorbing exudate to allow the wound to be viewed through the dressing.

Abstract: Hydrophilic compositions are described, which are prepared from a first oligomer containing pendent polymerizable groups and pendent hydrophilic groups, crosslinked with a co-reactive second component oligomer possessing photoinitiator groups. The compositions may be used as in preparation of hydrophilic gel coatings or layers for medical devices.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymer particles with improved surface cross-linking and their use in absorbent articles. The superabsorbent polymer particles comprise polymer chain segments, wherein at least a part of the polymer chain segments are covalently cross-linked to each other and wherein at least a part of the cross-links include the reaction product of cross-linking molecules having at least two C?C double bonds and further include the reaction product of radical former molecules. These cross-links are present at surfaces of the superabsorbent polymer particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a translucent absorbent composite having a substrate with a light transmittance of at least about 60% and a flexible superabsorbent binder polymer composition applied to the substrate. The polymer composition may be prepared from the reaction product of a monomer solution including at least 15% by mass monoethylenically unsaturated monomer selected from carboxylic acid, carboxylic acid salts, sulphonic acid, sulphonic acid salts, phosphoric acid, or phosphoric acid salts; an acrylate or methacrylate ester that contains an alkoxysilane functionality; a copolymerizable hydrophilic glycol containing an ester monomer; an initiator system; and a neutralizing agent. The unsaturated monomer is neutralized to at least 25 mol % and the flexible superabsorbent binder polymer composition has a residual monoethylenically unsaturated monomer content of less than about 1000 ppm. The absorbent composite has a light transmittance of at least 45%.

Abstract: A multilayer film includes a plastic layer and an elastomeric layer. The plastic layer can contain a co-polyester of terepthalic acid, adipic acid and butanediol, and the elastomeric layer can contain a polyurethane elastomer. The plastic layer and/or the elastomeric layer can contain filler particles, and may be present as a bilayer laminate. The plastic layer and a filled elastomeric layer can also be combined with an unfilled elastomeric layer to form a tri-layer laminate. The multilayer films can provide breathable films with improved degradability, stretchability and recoverability, and tactile feel.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a thin, flexible absorbent pad that can accommodate one or two insults with a low probability of leakage. The absorbent article can be less than about 5 millimeters thick, with the absorbent pad being less than about 3 millimeters thick. The absorbent article has a low absorbent capacity of, for example, less than three times an anticipated single insult volume, or less than twice an anticipated single insult volume. The absorbent article is particularly suitable for use as a toilet training aid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent article, such as a sanitary towel, a panty liner, a tampon, a diaper or an incontinence pad, which article is intended to be positioned in the crotch area of a wearer and has a surface intended during use to be in contact with skin and/or mucous membranes. The article comprises at least one absorbent body (205) and a carrier (102) containing at least one additive intended to be released from the carrier (102). The carrier (102) comprises a polysiloxane gel.

Abstract: A method for drying a material such as a polymer hydrogel which passes through a cohesive phase as it dries is disclosed. The method comprises agitating a composition while removing liquid until the solids content of the composition reaches a level at which the composition enters a cohesive phase, halting agitation, removing liquid from the composition in the absence of agitation, and resuming agitation. Practice of the present invention can eliminate the problems associated with adhesion of a material to itself and to process equipment during the cohesive phase.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymer particles having superior gel integrity, absorption capacity, and permeability are disclosed. A method of producing the superabsorbent polymer particles by applying a polyamine coating to the particles also is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying an atomized liquid solution upon a person, comprising a spray enclosure booth; an exhaust vent located below an anticipated user's facial area zone, the exhaust vent disposed within the bottom tray or a lower area of at least one wall or a lower area of a door and configured for exhausting ambient atomized liquid solution from the spray enclosure booth; a rigid conduit support defining a central air flow conduit connected to a bottom tray and pneumatically connected to an exhaust vent and providing structural integrity to the enclosure booth; an atomizing spray head assembly movably connected to the rigid conduit support and physically supported by the rigid conduit support; and an exhaust system configured to exhaust ambient atomized liquid solution from the spray enclosure booth by drawing atomized solution into the exhaust vent then through and out of the rigid conduit.

Abstract: A water absorbing agent includes water absorbent resin particles which are obtained by polymerizing a water-soluble ethylenic unsaturated monomer and which internally include a cross-linked structure, wherein a pressurized void average radius index is 140 or more. As a result, it is possible to provide a water absorbing agent which essentially includes water absorbent resin particles and is suitable for use in a sanitary material. Specifically, it is possible to improve not only a performance for absorbing and retaining aqueous liquid without pressure or under pressure but also (i) a performance for quickly absorbing aqueous liquid with a great help of a performance of a fibrous material, (ii) a performance for dispersing the aqueous liquid after absorbing the aqueous liquid, and (iii) a performance for retaining the aqueous liquid after absorbing the aqueous liquid.

Abstract: Potty training liners are a comfortable, child sized, absorbent liner, with a concave center and an expandable, flexible bottom to allow rapid flowing urine collection and retention. The Liner has unique absorbent collapsible side walls with an unobstructed center containing superabsorbent for quick pooling of urine. The liner is adhered to the inside of the child's underwear with a thick adhesive strip on the bottom outer portion of the liner. The Liner is soft and flexible, and does not have the feel of a diaper. It is a unique stop-gap solution for children progressing from pull-on diapers to unprotected underwear. The purpose of the liner is for training, and short term emergency “accident” protection, as opposed to long term wearable protection.

Abstract: An absorbent core for use in a disposable wearing article for absorbing of liquid body exudates in humans and preventing leakage from the article is provided. The absorption of the liquid body exudates is facilitated by use of two different super absorbent polymers having different absorption under load and capable of forming a gel on contact with liquid.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin including a body-facing cover layer and an absorbent system adjacent the cover layer for receiving liquid therefrom, the napkin having a masking value of less than about 115,000, an average fluid penetration time of less than about 45 seconds and an average rewet of less than about 0.05 grams according to the test procedure described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent cores for absorbent articles, which are intended to receive and retain bodily discharges such as urine. Such articles are disposable hygiene articles like baby diapers, training pants, adult incontinence articles, feminine care articles and the like. The improvement essentially is based on the recognition that replacing most or all of the cushioning fibrous absorbent material in an absorbent core by a liquid storage material capable of retaining liquid while maintaining or improving acquisition behavior is desirable as the reduction in cushioning is more than compensated by the gain in comfort. The comfort however can only be achieved if the more fundamental requirements of a diaper in respect to liquid handling are satisfied or improved.

Abstract: A method for acquiring a gel-forming polymer and an absorbent article containing the gel-forming polymer. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a Hagfish, stimulating the Hagfish to excrete a gel-forming polymer, and drying the gel-forming polymer. In another embodiment, the method for acquiring a gel-forming polymer includes the steps of providing a Hagfish, placing the Hagfish in a container of water, stimulating the Hagfish to excrete a gel-forming polymer into the water, and drying the gel-forming polymer.

Abstract: An absorbent core comprising fluff pulp fiber treated with polysiloxane, wherein the absorbent core has a density of about 0.15 g/cm3 or greater and a Young's modulus of about 75 psi or less. The polysiloxane may comprise an amino-functional moiety, The absorbent core may comprise superabsorbent, and may be employed in a disposable absorbent product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles, typically for feminine protection, comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent element positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and at least a fluid acquisition/distribution layer. The absorbent article also comprises edge barrier elements for intercepting fluids. The edge barrier elements comprise a liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition comprising a polymeric base material having particles of water-insoluble water-swellable absorbent material dispersed therein, and are comprised between the absorbent core and the at least one fluid acquisition/distribution layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a superabsorbent powder consisting of polymer particles which have a core swelling in the presence of water and a superficially postcured shell, in which the powder is a screening fraction of such polymer particles which have not been crushed after the superficial postcure of their shell. This superabsorbent powder is especially suitable for the finishing of textile webs made of super-fine fibers or filaments with a diameter of less than 10 ?m, in particular for the finishing of sanitary products.

Abstract: A pseudo-plastic or thixotropic carrier having anti-malodorous components dissolved or suspended therein is sprayed on the internal surfaces of an ostomy bag or pouch. The viscoelastic properties of the carrier allow the composition to be conveniently dispensed from a spray bottle into the ostomy bag and retained on the inner walls thereof without being displaced therefrom by incoming waste during use of the ostomy bag. This allows the composition to continue to deodorize the ostomy bag headspace even after waste material begins to fill the bag.

Abstract: An absorbent article can have a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. In some aspects, at least one of the topsheet, backsheet, and absorbent core is stretchable. In other aspects, the absorbent core can comprise layers, at least one of which includes substantially the superabsorbent material only and at least one of which includes substantially fluff only. In some aspects, the article includes superabsorbent material having a surface additive that includes a surface crosslinking agent, a water-insoluble inorganic metal compound and a polymeric coating.

Abstract: An absorbent article that can be a sanitary napkin. The absorbent article comprises a topsheet joined to a backsheet and has an absorbent core material disposed therebetween, the absorbent core material being a fibrous absorbent material exhibiting on one side thereof discrete raised portions. The raised portions define a continuous network of channels, the channels defining a void region adjacent the topsheet of the sanitary napkin.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a catamenial device, comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, the topsheet having an inner surface oriented toward the interior of the absorbent article and an outer surface oriented toward the skin of the wearer when the absorbent article is being worn. The absorbent article includes a backsheet joined to the topsheet, the backsheet having an inner surface oriented toward the interior of the absorbent article and an outer surface oriented toward the garment of the wearer when the absorbent article is being worn. The absorbent article includes an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent core having an inner surface oriented toward the skin of the wearer when the absorbent article is being worn and an outer surface oriented toward the garment of the wearer when the absorbent article is being worn.

Abstract: A thin, flexible, high capacity absorbent pad and a method of making such absorbent pads. The absorbent pad contains high levels of superabsorbent material homogeneously mixed with cellulose pulp fluff. The absorbent pad is subjected to high density compaction to achieve the thinness and high absorbent capacity of the invention. The absorbent pad can be used in absorbent articles, such as diapers, training pants, feminine hygiene products, incontinence products, and swim wear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles, typically for feminine protection, comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent element positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article also comprises edge barrier elements for intercepting fluids. The edge barrier elements comprise a liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition comprising a polymeric base material having particles of water-insoluble water-swellable absorbent material dispersed therein, and are provided with a basis weight gradient along their respective width or length in the liquid absorbing thermoplastic composition and/or in the particles of water-insoluble water-swellable absorbent material dispersed therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles comprising superabsorbent polymer particles. The superabsorbent polymer particles are coated with cationic polymers having 1 to 25 mol/kg, referring to the total weight of the cationic polymers, of cationic groups, which can be protonated. The cationic polymers are not substantially covalently bound to the superabsorbent polymer particles. Furthermore, the superabsorbent polymer particles are not substantially covalently surface cross-linked.

Abstract: An improved neurosurgical sponge contains less than 0.45 EU/cm3 of bacterial endotoxins. A neurosurgical kit includes a plurality of sponges in a container, wherein the plurality of sponges contains less than 2.15 EU. Methods of producing the surgical sponge and using the surgical sponge in a surgical method are described. Rayon containing less than 0.45 EU of bacterial endotoxins per cm3 of rayon is also described.

Abstract: Absorbent core for disposable absorbent articles, particularly for the absorption of menses or blood.

Abstract: Absorbent articles for the absorption of proteinaceous or serous body fluids, particularly menses. The absorbent article has a better handling towards such fluids, both in terms of retention capacity and absorption rate, by comprising a selected polyacrylate based material.

Abstract: Absorbent, elastomeric materials and methods of making absorbent, elastomeric materials. The absorbent, elastomeric materials include an elastomeric substrate and a superabsorbent polymer non-adhesively attached to the substrate. The elastomeric substrate includes at least one nonwoven, and may include, for example, elastic strands, elastic film, and/or elastic foam between layers of nonwoven. The superabsorbent polymer includes particles that either encase fibers of the nonwoven or bond themselves to fibers of the nonwoven.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. At least one component of the article, such as the absorbent core, includes a superabsorbent fiber. In one aspect, the article includes substantially water-insoluble, water-swellable, non-regenerated, carboxyalkyl cellulose fibers, where the fibers have a surface having the appearance of the surface of a cellulose fiber, and where the fibers comprise a plurality of non permanent intra-fiber metal crosslinks and a plurality of temporary intra-fiber crosslinks.

Abstract: Cellulose fibers having superabsorbent particles adhered thereto.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. At least one component of the article, such as the absorbent core, includes a superabsorbent fiber. In one aspect, the article includes substantially water-insoluble, water-swellable, non-regenerated, carboxyalkyl cellulose fibers, where the fibers have a surface having the appearance of the surface of a cellulose fiber, and where the fibers comprise a plurality of non-permanent intra-fiber metal crosslinks and a plurality of permanent intra-fiber crosslinks.

Abstract: An absorbent article can have a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. In some aspects, at least one of the topsheet, backsheet, and absorbent core is stretchable. In other aspects, the absorbent core can comprise layers, at least one of which includes substantially the superabsorbent material and at least one of which includes substantially fluff. In some aspects, the article includes superabsorbent material which has a centrifuge retention capacity of at least about 25 g/g, a free swell gel bed permeability of at least 200 Darcies, and a gel integrity of at least 2. In some aspects, the superabsorbent material is coated with a polyvinylamine.