Abstract: The use of water-absorbing polymer particles for absorbing blood and/or menses, the water-absorbing polymer particles being obtainable by polymerizing a foamed monomer solution or suspension, drying the polymeric foam and grinding the dried foam.

Abstract: This invention relates to a feminine hygiene absorbent article comprising water-absorbing composites obtainable by foaming an aqueous mixture comprising at least one monoethylenically unsaturated monomer bearing acid groups, at least one crosslinker, at least one initiator and at least one surfactant, contacting the foam obtained with at least one web of synthetic fibers and polymerizing, to the composites themselves and to their use for absorbing aqueous fluids.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene absorbent article comprising water-absorbing polymeric foams obtainable by polymerization of a foamed aqueous monomer solution or suspension, comprising an ethylenically unsaturated monomer which bears acid groups and may be at least partly neutralized, a crosslinker, a photoinitiator and a surfactant.

Abstract: The use of water-absorbing polymer particles for dewatering feces, the water-absorbing polymer particles being obtainable by polymerizing a foamed monomer solution or suspension, drying the polymeric foam and grinding the dried foam.

Abstract: An aqueous solution of polyacrylic acid is placed in a mold, frozen, and freeze-dried to form a sponge-like polyacrylic acid structure. The sponge-like polyacrylic acid structure is compressed by the application of heat and pressure to reduce the thickness and increase the density of the sponge-like polyacrylic acid structure to form a densified polyacrylic acid structure. The densified polyacrylic acid structure is preconditioned by heating to form a wound dressing. The wound dressing can be applied to control severe, life-threatening bleeding from a wound at a wound site of a person.

Abstract: A vaginal insert formed from a composition that, prior to introduction to the vagina, has the physical properties of a liquid, semi-soft gel, paste, foam, or viscous material so that it can be effectively delivered to the vaginal canal. After introduction into the vagina, the composition will expand and/or solidify into a semi-solid or solid structure to substantially fill the entire “H” shaped space of the vagina and a portion of the rugal folds along the length of the vaginal canal. Upon solidifying, the composition defines an insert that, in one embodiment, is suitable for use as a tampon and, in another embodiment, is suitable for use as an incontinence device.

Abstract: A waistband structure for an absorbent article is disclosed. The waistband structure extending across at least one of the front and back waist regions and is composed of a filler material and a waistband material positioned over the filler material. The waistband structure may be bonded to at least one of the front and back waist regions via a bond pattern. The bond pattern may vary position in the longitudinal direction and have at least one peak and one valley across the respective waist region. Typically, a distance between the peak and the valley in the bond pattern is between 5 and 100 mm. The bond pattern results in a z-directional height of the waistband structure varying on the respective waist region.

Abstract: A catamenial device. The device comprises a topsheet having a body facing surface, a backsheet joined to said topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the absorbent core comprises three zones differing in stiffness, at least one of the zones comprising laterally-oriented portions where material from the core has been removed, the portions defining slots.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article may comprise a chassis and an ear. The chassis comprises a liquid permeable topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet. The ear comprises an elastomeric material and a first substrate joined to the elastomeric material. The ear has a first void region adjacent the proximal edge of the ear. The ear is joined to the chassis by at least one mechanical bond that engages the elastomeric material.

Abstract: One aspect is a liquid absorption including a foam frame defining a cavity region and having a perimeter defining an area in a transverse direction. An insert is substantially contained within the cavity region. The cavity region has a perimeter defining an area in the transverse direction, the cavity area being the majority of the foam frame area. The foam frame and insert are configured to absorb liquid into the insert when the foam frame is placed adjacent a liquid source.

Abstract: An automatically self-adjusting variable permeability providing (AVPP) layer is provided over and in operative interaction with a wound site containing a wound to the integumentary system of a living creature such as the skin of a human patient. The AVPP layer has the capability of automatically changing in respective fluid permeability characteristics provided by respective subregions of the AVPP layer where the changes are in reaction to extant or changed conditions in corresponding micro-zones of the wound site. The automatic self-adjusting behaviors of the respective subregions of the AVPP layer can include providing a faster rate of vapor removal for micro-zones of the wound site that are too wet and providing a slower rate of vapor removal or essentially no vapor removal for micro-zones of the wound site that are too dry.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide hemostatic compositions comprising a plurality of liquid-expandable articles arranged on a backing material. In general, embodiments include methods for treating hemorrhagic injuries. More specifically, there is provided a method to effect rapid hemostatic response and control hemorrhage by introducing a hemostatic composition into a bleeding wound cavity. An embodiment also provides a method of preparing or manufacturing such a hemostatic composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound care article having at least one flat layer that contains an absorbent material. Said article is characterised in that it is equipped with at least one other active element that gives the wound care article a convex or pyramidal shape (when viewed from the side).

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a wound pad, comprising a body of compressed thermoplastic or thermo-set open-celled foam is described, wherein the body has a pattern of ultrasonically made depressions in two opposite sides thereof, the depressions in the opposite sides being coaxial to each other and separated from each other by a common bottom portion which is compressed to a higher extent than the remaining parts of said body. A method for manufacturing such a body is also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide various properties of slow recovery polymers, films, and laminates that in combination with an hydrogenated block copolymer provide for (1) an order-disorder transition temperature of greater than about 135° C., (2) a hard phase glass transition temperature of greater than about 60° C., (3) a combination of one or more hard block associating ingredients that maintain or increase the glass transition temperature of at least one equivalent hard block polymer of the hydrogenated block copolymer, (4) a force retention factor of greater than about 2, (5) aromatic substitution of either or both the soft block and the hard block, (6) hard blocks with a solubility parameter of greater than about 9.1 (cal/cm3)1/2, and (7) compositions that remain extendable to at least 50% engineering strain after exposure to isopropyl palmitate for 30 hours at room temperature.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide various properties of slow recovery polymers, films, and laminates that in combination with an hydrogenated block copolymer provide for (1) an order-disorder transition temperature of greater than about 135° C., (2) a hard phase glass transition temperature of greater than about 60° C., (3) a combination of one or more hard block associating ingredients that maintain or increase the glass transition temperature of at least one equivalent hard block polymer of the hydrogenated block copolymer, (4) a force retention factor of greater than about 2, (5) aromatic substitution of either or both the soft block and the hard block, (6) hard blocks with a solubility parameter of greater than about 9.1 (cal/cm3)1/2, and (7) compositions that remain extendable to at least 50% engineering strain after exposure to isopropyl palmitate for 30 hours at room temperature.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide various properties of slow recovery polymers, films, and laminates that in combination with an hydrogenated block copolymer provide for (1) an order-disorder transition temperature of greater than about 135° C., (2) a hard phase glass transition temperature of greater than about 60° C., (3) a combination of one or more hard block associating ingredients that maintain or increase the glass transition temperature of at least one equivalent hard block polymer of the hydrogenated block copolymer, (4) a force retention factor of greater than about 2, (5) aromatic substitution of either or both the soft block and the hard block, (6) hard blocks with a solubility parameter of greater than about 9.1 (cal/cm3)1/2, and (7) compositions that remain extendable to at least 50% engineering strain after exposure to isopropyl palmitate for 30 hours at room temperature.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide various properties of slow recovery polymers, films, and laminates that in combination with an hydrogenated block copolymer provide for (1) an order-disorder transition temperature of greater than about 135° C., (2) a hard phase glass transition temperature of greater than about 60° C., (3) a combination of one or more hard block associating ingredients that maintain or increase the glass transition temperature of at least one equivalent hard block polymer of the hydrogenated block copolymer, (4) a force retention factor of greater than about 2, (5) aromatic substitution of either or both the soft block and the hard block, (6) hard blocks with a solubility parameter of greater than about 9.1 (cal/cm3)1/2, and (7) compositions that remain extendable to at least 50% engineering strain after exposure to isopropyl palmitate for 30 hours at room temperature.

Abstract: A two-piece disposable diapering system is disclosed which has a re-usable, washable diaper shell and a replaceable absorbent insert having an absorbent pad narrower than the space between the opposed leg cuffs of the shell whereby when fitted to the wearer the central channel region of the diaper is significantly deeper than the height of the opposed leg cuffs.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide various properties of slow recovery polymers, films, and laminates that in combination with an hydrogenated block copolymer provide for (1) an order-disorder transition temperature of greater than about 135° C., (2) a hard phase glass transition temperature of greater than about 60° C., (3) a combination of one or more hard block associating ingredients that maintain or increase the glass transition temperature of at least one equivalent hard block polymer of the hydrogenated block copolymer, (4) a force retention factor of greater than about 2, (5) aromatic substitution of either or both the soft block and the hard block, (6) hard blocks with a solubility parameter of greater than about 9.1 (cal/cm3)1/2, and (7) compositions that remain extendable to at least 50% engineering strain after exposure to isopropyl palmitate for 30 hours at room temperature.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide various properties of slow recovery polymers, films, and laminates that in combination with an hydrogenated block copolymer provide for (1) an order-disorder transition temperature of greater than about 135° C., (2) a hard phase glass transition temperature of greater than about 60° C., (3) a combination of one or more hard block associating ingredients that maintain or increase the glass transition temperature of at least one equivalent hard block polymer of the hydrogenated block copolymer, (4) a force retention factor of greater than about 2, (5) aromatic substitution of either or both the soft block and the hard block, (6) hard blocks with a solubility parameter of greater than about 9.1 (cal/cm3)1/2, and (7) compositions that remain extendable to at least 50% engineering strain after exposure to isopropyl palmitate for 30 hours at room temperature.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide various properties of slow recovery polymers, films, and laminates that in combination with an hydrogenated block copolymer provide for (1) an order-disorder transition temperature of greater than about 135° C., (2) a hard phase glass transition temperature of greater than about 60° C., (3) a combination of one or more hard block associating ingredients that maintain or increase the glass transition temperature of at least one equivalent hard block polymer of the hydrogenated block copolymer, (4) a force retention factor of greater than about 2, (5) aromatic substitution of either or both the soft block and the hard block, (6) hard blocks with a solubility parameter of greater than about 9.1 (cal/cm3)1/2, and (7) compositions that remain extendable to at least 50% engineering strain after exposure to isopropyl palmitate for 30 hours at room temperature.

Abstract: A tampon that has a body including a first end, a second end, a center portion, a longitudinal axis and a radial axis. The body includes a plurality of cords or strips joined at the first end, the second end, the center portion or both the first and second ends. The plurality of strips and cords being selected from the group being selected from the group consisting of, films, woven materials, absorbent foams, superabsorbent polymers, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound care article (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) comprising at least one body (1; 11; 21) absorbing the liquid wound exudates, and at least one shell (2; 12; 22) at least partially encompassing the body (1; 11; 21). The shell (2; 12; 22) itself is designed to absorb fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a body adhering absorbent article which is capable of absorbing bodily fluids. In this particular embodiment of the present invention, provided is an absorbent article which is specifically designed for attachment to a wearer's skin in the vulva region of the wearer's torso.

Abstract: A garment containing a scrotal catch, wherein the scrotal catch is attached to at least a portion of the garment, and wherein the scrotal catch is configured to separate the interior surface of the garment into an anterior compartment which supports, protects, and/or covers at least a portion of a male's scrotum, and a posterior compartment, wherein the scrotal catch reduces and/or prevents fecal matter from entering the anterior compartment is provided.

Abstract: Absorbent structure in an absorbent article such as a diaper, pant diaper, incontinence guard, sanitary napkin, wound dressing, bed protection etc. and comprising a compressed foam material (1) which expands upon wetting, at which the foam material (1) comprises at least two integrated layers (2,3,4) having different mean pore sizes.

Abstract: A dressing and method for cleaning a laparoscopic camera lens during surgical procedures when placed around prior art or grasped by prior art and then introduced into the abdominal cavity of a patient and then manipulated against a laparoscopic camera lens cleaning and defogging the lens providing an improved field of site. Further, a dressing and method for protecting and cleaning stomas, appendages, and the insertion sites of tubes and catheters in patients. An annular shaped medical grade polyurethane hydrophilic or similar foam like dressing is placed around a stoma, or at the insertion site of a catheter or tube creating a protective seal inhibiting bacterium from entering the body, further providing cushioning and absorption of human fluid that can cause skin breakdown and infection, increasing the life of stoma appliances, tubes and catheters, providing patients additional comfort, and when placed around an appendage provides effective wound healing.

Abstract: A degradable hemostatic sponge that can be self-degraded and absorbed by a human body has poly lactic acid as its main material and mixed with a moisture-absorbent material, such as collagen, chitosan, starch and the like, at a specific ratio. Given grinding, mixing and melting steps, the materials using a supercritical fluid as a foaming agent can be used to manufacture the degradable hemostatic sponge having an open-cell microcellular form by a continuous extrusion foaming process. In addition, the present invention also includes a system and a method for manufacturing the degradable hemostatic sponge.

Abstract: An absorbent composite disposed in an absorbent article between a topsheet and a backsheet is presented, the absorbent composite including a first intake layer disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a retention layer disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein one of the first intake layer and the retention layer includes a resilient coform material. When the first intake layer includes a resilient coform material, the retention layer includes one of a high-density, hydrogen-bonded, fluff/superabsorbent polymer material, a spunlace material, a superabsorbent polymer/adhesive composite material, and a foam material. The absorbent composite can further include a distribution layer disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the distribution layer including one of a meltblown microfiber material, a spunlace material, and a foam material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a wound covering having a first strip-like element forming a first periphery and a second strip-like element that faces away from the first periphery, runs approximately parallel thereto, forming a second periphery, and is joined to the first strip-like element, there being formed between the first inner periphery of the strip-like element, facing away from the first periphery, and a second inner periphery of the second strip-like element, facing away from the second periphery, a drainage chamber, the depth of which in a depth direction extending at right angles to the periphery ensures a capillary action on bodily fluids received in the drainage chamber, in particular exudates.

Abstract: An absorbent structure comprising a silicone foam having pore walls and a plurality of hydrophilic particles anchored to the pore walls of the foam. Some of the hydrophilic particles have an anchored portion firmly anchored to the pore walls and an exposed portion extending outwardly away from the pore walls upon which the anchored portion is secured.

Abstract: Anti-microbial wound dressings, methods of making anti-microbial wound dressings and methods of treating wounds with an anti-microbial wound dressing are provided. The anti-microbial wound dressings can include a water-soluble film-forming polymeric carrier material and a water-soluble glass-encapsulated anti-microbial agent, which is embedded within the carrier and/or coated on a surface thereof. Additional active agents useful in wound care can also be embedded in and/or coated on a surface of the carrier and/or water-soluble glass.

Abstract: A hydrogel having a floatability where from 40% to 90% of a solution and/or suspension to be thickened are thickened starting from the surface of the liquid and the rest of the solution and/or suspension to be thickened is thickened starting from the bottom of the container, a process for preparing the hydrogel and also its use for absorbing blood and/or body fluids, especially in hygiene articles, or for thickening aqueous solutions and/or suspensions, especially for thickening medical wastes.

Abstract: An absorbent medical body for removing wound fluids from human and/or animal body cavities includes a material which holds the absorbent body together in a compressed form and can be removed upon contact with a biocompatible liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wound dressing comprising a hydrophilic foam layer; a hydrocolloid layer wherein said hydrocolloid layer is contoured with one or more pockets; and a film backing layer. Said pockets increase the absorptive capacity of the said dressing.

Abstract: A collection insert for use in a diaper for the testing of the urine of a baby is generally disclosed. The collection insert is configured to collect and temporarily retain the urine, allowing the urine to be later tested for the presence of absence of an analyte. The collection insert is fluidly isolated from the absorbent core of the diaper, and can be positioned between the bodyside liner and the outer cover or located in a pocket defined by the bodyside liner. The collection insert can include an insert cover and a collection core, such as a sponge, cellulosic material, polymeric nonwoven material, and the like. Additionally, the collection insert can be substantially free of superabsorbent material.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes at least one liquid-permeable layer material (105) and an absorbent structure (106), the absorbent structure (106) having the ability to expand on wetting, which entails that the absorbent structure (106) displays a first volume in dry condition and a second volume in completely expanded wet condition, the second volume being greater than the first volume. The liquid-permeable layer material (105) encloses the absorbent structure (106) so that the absorbent structure (106) is prevented from reaching complete expansion during wetting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hemostatic porous composite sponge comprising i) a matrix of a biomaterial and ii) one hydrophilic polymeric component comprising reactive groups wherein i) and ii) are associated with each other so that the reactivity of the polymeric component is retained, wherein associated means that said polymeric component is coated onto a surface of said matrix of a biomaterial, or said matrix is impregnated with said polymeric material, or both.

Abstract: A negative pressure (i.e., vacuum or suction) wound healing device and system incorporating the device. The device of the present disclosure is smaller, lighter, portable, and overall more manageable by both the user and the medical personnel than the conventional systems. The device could be readily worn by the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound treatment item having a proportion of modified natural fibers or synthetic fibers with a high dehydrating capacity.

Abstract: A fluid management cover system of launderable and durable character including at least one fluid transport layer with at least one absorptive reservoir layer disposed in underlying relation to the fluid transport layer. The upper surface of the absorptive reservoir layer is characterized by a greater capillarity than the adjacent surface of the fluid transport layer such that fluid is drawn away from the fluid transport layer and is held within the absorptive reservoir layer. At least one pressure distribution layer incorporating material that at least partially recovers following compression is disposed at a position below the absorptive reservoir layer. An optional skin contacting layer may be disposed above the fluid transport layer and an optional backing layer may be disposed in underlying relation to other layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hemostatic composite sponge comprising a porous matrix of a biomaterial and a material enhancing the adherence of said sponge to the applied tissue stably associated with at least one surface of said sponge, a method of producing these sponges and their use in hemostasis.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to polymer foams are generally described. Some embodiments relate to compositions and methods for the preparation of polymer foams, and methods for using the polymer foams. The polymer foams can be applied to a body cavity and placed in contact with, for example, tissue, injured tissue, internal organs, etc. In some embodiments, the polymer foams can be formed within a body cavity (i.e., in situ foam formation). In addition, the foamed polymers may be capable of exerting a pressure on an internal surface of a body cavity and preventing or limiting movement of a bodily fluid (e.g., blood, etc.).

Abstract: Polyurethane gel foams are proposed as is their use in modern wound treatment. In particular, wound dressings comprise polyurethane gel foams for treating moderately to severely exuding wounds. The polyurethane gel foams are thereby produced from an isocyanate component A having a functionality f of fB?3, a polymeric polyol component B having a functionality f of fB?6, and a polysaccharide C, comprising at least one uronic acid or a salt thereof, wherein the ratio of the number of isocyanates groups of the isocyananate component A to the total number of hydroxyl groups, carboxy groups and carboxylate groups in the polymeric polyol component B and the polysaccharide C corresponds to the ratio 1:2 to 1:30.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid pervious backsheet joined to at least a portion of the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed between at least a portion of the topsheet and the backsheet, and a waste management element disposed in at least a portion of the crotch region. The waste management element preferably includes an acceptance element having an effective open area of at least about 30 percent and a storage element having a compressive resistance of at least about 70 percent.

Abstract: An absorbent article for feminine hygiene comprising a layered structure is provided. The article exhibits flexibility combined with shaped stability when it is worn by the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to absorbent structures for use in absorbent articles. The structures include a first region for distribution of fluid and a second region for storage of fluid. The first region contains materials, with a relatively high capillary desorption pressure, while the second region contains materials exhibiting a sufficiently high capillary absorption pressure efficiently drain the first region. Exemplary materials have a CSDH 50 of more than 40 cm, and a second region containing a material which satisfies at least one of following requirements: (a) an absorption capacity of at least 15 g/g at 35 cm (b) an absorption capacity of at least 15 g/g at 0 cm and an absorption efficiency of at least 55% at 40 cm; and (c) a Capillary Sorption Absorption height at 50% of its capacity at 0 cm absorption height (CSAH 50) of at least 35 cm.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper, panty diaper, panty liner, a sanitary napkin, an incontinence protection or the like, having in this order a liquid-permeable coversheet, optionally at least one further layer of a web or foam material, optionally an absorbent layer, and a liquid-impermeable coversheet, characterized in that at least one part of this absorbent article has a polymer that is hydrophilic when dry, but shows a reduced hydrophilicity upon wetting; and to the corresponding liquid-permeable or -impermeable coversheet and web or foam material.

Abstract: A superabsorbent foam which comprises at least 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the dry foam, of inorganic pulverulent solid and bears graphics on at least one of its surfaces is obtainable by a process in which a foamed monomer mixture which comprises an appropriate amount of inorganic solid is polymerized in a mold which bears graphics on at least one inner surface.