Abstract: An apparatus for drying a hard floor comprises a frame and first and second rollers mounted in the frame for rotation about substantially parallel axes. The first roller has a continuous roll of absorbent sheet material mounted thereon whose free end is attached to the second roller such that the sheet material may be drawn from the first roller to become wound on the second roller. A part of the sheet material at the periphery of each roll is exposed for contact with the floor.

Abstract: A device for delivering phototherapeutic light to the nipple and surrounding tissue of a breast. Many mastectomy procedures for patients with breast cancer require removal of the nipple. Thus, for the best aesthetic result, post-operative augmentation or reconstruction of the breast includes the implantation of an artificial nipple. The present device and method permits a more conservative mastectomy to be performed while reducing the risk of recurrence wherein cancerous and pre-cancerous tissue in the nipple and surrounding aureole tissue are treated by illuminating the tissue with phototherapeutic light. The tissue is first perfused with a photosensitizer which accumulates therewithin. An embodiment of the device, which includes a rigid or semi-rigid hemispherical shell for structural stability, is attached to the breast. The device includes a transparent flexible aperture which is designed to fit snugly against the outer surface of the nipple and surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A composition and method useful for treating commonly occurring inflammatory disease of the nose, ears and sinuses are described. Interleukin-1 (IL-1), a naturally occuring and generally non-toxic composition, is one of the key mediators of the biomolecular inflammatory reaction. IL-1 antagonists have been found in the human body. The IL-1 antagonists are thought to function as natural modulators of the inflammatory response. The present invention employs IL-1 receptor antagonist to block the runaway inflammatory cascade associated with inflammatory disease of the paranasal sinuses and middle ear. The composition and method prevents the long term complications of this disease and reduces the need for costly surgical intervention which is currently performed in more advanced cases.

Abstract: A broad class of photosensitive compounds having enhanced in vivo target tissue selectivity and versatility in photodynamic therapy. Many furocoumarin compounds, such as psoralens, exhibit cytostatic activity when photoactivated but exhibit little in vivo specificity for selectively accumulating in any particular target tissue such as atheromatous plaques. Reactive Oxygen Producing Photosensitizers ("ROPPs") are photoactivatable compounds having an affinity for hyperproliferating cells (such as atheromatous plaque cells), which when photoactivated, produce cytotoxic reaction products. The photoactivity of a ROPP, such as a porphyrin, may be reduced by metalating the porphyrin while the selective affinity of the metalized ROPP for hyperproliferating tissue remains substantially unchanged.

Abstract: An extruded "Y" or bifurcated tube having unitary construction and an extrusion apparatus therefor. The "Y" tube includes three separate tubes, each tube having a central lumen, and a transition portion integral with the tubes and providing physical connection and fluid communication between the individual lumens of the three separate tubes. The first of the three tubes has a first lumen and is first formed by extrusion through a convention extruding die. The extruder die then gradually bifurcates the first tube, providing a gradual transition between the first tube and the second and third tubes. The lumens in the second and third tubes thus formed remain in uninterrupted fluid communication with the lumen of the first tube. The bifurcation takes place with the first tube to form second and third tubes smoothly and over a transition distance which is easily controlled by the extruder die. The bifurcated second and third tubes are continuous with the first tube making the "Y" tube unitary.

Abstract: A device for establishing and maintaining an airway through the nasal passages. The device is a clip of unitary construction with a proximal "UU" shaped dilating portion adapted to be inserted within the nostrils; the "U's" being connected to one another medially by an elastically deformable extension portion, the extension portion being two straight parallel strips, one end of the strips being integral with the dilating portion and the opposing end of the strip integral with an arcuate septum attachment portion. The septum attachment portion spaces the distal ends of the strips of the extension portion so that the strips straddle and gently squeeze the nasal septum. The device provides maximum air flow through the nostrils. The device is attached to the nose by means of the distal elastically deformable septum attachment portion which is adapted to anatomically conform to and releasably engage the inferior margin of the nasal septum.

Abstract: A device for evaluating anorectal function. The device is a silicone gel-filled deformable artificial stool adapted for transanal insertion within the rectum and having an adjustable volume, and a shape consistency and size similar to a normal stool. The device has an elongate extensible silicone elastomer outer shell overlying and affixed to a coaxially mounted inflatable inner shell to create a sealed cylindrical space between the outer and inner shells. The elastic outer shell preferably incorporates a radiopaque material homogeneously dispersed within the silicon elastomer, alternatively, inner balloon affixed thereto. Radiopaque fluid is introduced into the cylindrical space to provide a means for radiographically observing the in situ deformation of the device when placed within the rectum of a subject. One end of a flexible fill tube projects within the volume enclosed and defined by the inflatable inner shell and is affixed thereto.

Abstract: A portable iontophoresis apparatus for facilitating delivery of medication across the cutaneous membrane into adjacent underlying tissues and blood vessels. The apparatus employs a modular, detachable non-reusable medicament-containing applicator electrode which is adapted to attach to a base assembly. The apparatus is designed to be hand-held and includes a circumferential tactile electrode band on the base assembly which provides electrical connection between the skin of the user's hand and one pole of a bipolar power source housed within the base assembly. The opposing pole of the power source is connected to the applicator electrode. The user's body completes the electrical circuit between the applicator and tactile electrodes. A method for using the device for the treatment of Herpes simplex infection and related viral infections which produce similar cutaneous lesions is presented.

Abstract: A device for forming a leakproof closure on the terminus of a tubing having an elastic wall. The device consists of a plug insertion tool and a plug. The plug is a elongate member having a convex distal end and a proximal end. The plug insertion tool has a handle portion which is dimensioned to be grasped by a user for manipulation. The distal end of the insertion tool has a rod projecting axially therefrom which is adapted to releasably engage the proximal end of the plug. The plug is dimensioned to fit snugly within the elastically distended lumen of the tubing. In operation, the plug insertion tool is releasably attached to the proximal end of the plug by engagement means such as mating threads and the distal end of the plug inserted into the open end of the tubing and advanced by means of the insertion tool. The intralumenal portion of the plug forms a leakproof seal with the elastic wall of the tubing.

Abstract: A cryosurgery mask permits the continuous application of coolant during cryosurgery. Cryosurgery employs the application of a coolant, such as liquid nitrogen (LN), to a target tissue to effect the removal thereof. The target tissue normally includes diseased tissue, along with a safety margin of adjacent tissue. The cryosurgery mask includes a flexible sheet having a non-adhesive upper surface and a lower skin-facing surface of a silicone gel composition which remains adherent to skin at cryosurgery temperature. A release film is releasably affixed to the skin-facing surface to protect against contamination. In operation, a hole, dimensioned to encircle both the diseased tissue and a safety margin of adjacent normal tissue, is removed from the sheet. The release film is removed and the hole is positioned over the target tissue. The gel layer adjacent to and surrounding the hole is pressed against the skin. A constant spray of LN may then be applied to the target tissue to effect freezing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transilluminating a tubular tissue within the body. The apparatus comprises an elongate catheter having a fiber optic substantially coextensive with the length thereof which provides diffuse illumination laterally along at least a portion of the length of the catheter. The fiber optic terminus at the proximal end of the catheter is flared to form a light receiving aperture for collecting illuminating light. The flared proximal end of the optical fiber presents an effectively greater light input aperture and enables the fiber to conduct more light to the distal delivery end than would otherwise be possible with a fiber having a flat cut end and receiving light from a divergent light source. The distal end of the catheter is dimensioned to fit within a tubular tissue and be advanced therethrough.

Abstract: A fishhook is described which disintegrates upon standing for prolonged periods of time in an aqueous environment such as within biological tissue. In one embodiment, the fishhook comprises a biodegradable polymeric hook-shaped structure with at least one metal tip affixed thereto providing a sharp piercing element. Upon exposure to the chemical environment of the fish's tissue the polymer biodegrades. In another embodiment, a substantially insoluble or non-biodegradable body portion of the hook has a separable point and barb portion affixed to the insoluble portion by means of a biodegradable adhesive. When the fishhook penetrates the fish's tissue, the solvents and/or enzymes present in the tissue environment causes the adhesive to release the barb and/or the point of the fishhook and the fish may shed the disintegrated fragments. In yet another embodiment, the entire fishhook is fabricated from a biodegradable polymer such as polylactide or polyglycolide or a copolymer thereof.

Abstract: A portable iontophoresis apparatus for facilitating delivery of medication across the cutaneous membrane into adjacent underlying tissues and blood vessels. The apparatus employs a modular, detachable non-reusable medicament-containing applicator electrode which is adapted to attach to a base assembly. The apparatus is designed to be hand-held and includes a circumferential tactile electrode band on the base assembly which provides electrical connection between the skin of the user's hand and one pole of a bipolar power source housed within the base assembly. The opposing pole of the power source is connected to the applicator electrode. The user's body completes the electrical circuit between the applicator and tactile electrodes. A method for using the device for the treatment of Herpes simplex infection and related viral infections which produce similar cutaneous lesions is presented.

Abstract: A nonabsorbent holding member adapted for use within an abdominal cavity of a patient defined by an anterior wall, a posterior wall and two lateral walls to keep the patient's bowels out of the operative field during open pelvic surgery. The holding member is a substantially U-shaped planar member having a peripheral edge formed of a resiliently deformable material sized to be received within the abdominal cavity. The resilient deformation of at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the holding member results in a residual reactive force against the abdominal cavity to assist in positioning the holding member in the abdominal cavity. The peripheral edge includes a continuous groove lying in the plane of the holding member which circumscribes the elastically deformable peripheral edge to facilitate secure positioning of the holding member within the abdominal cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for spectral detection of remote objects. The apparatus consists of an input optic which focuses the field of view onto an image receiving surface consisting of an addressable spatial mask. The mask sequentially projects portions of the scene onto a diffractive optical element which focuses onto a photodetector array. The first image receiving surface of mask is partitioned into independently addressable and controllable subsurfaces, or gates, adapted to receive an electronic control signal from a programmable control signal generator. Each gate in the receiving mask directs a portion of the image incident thereon to a diffractive lens in response to a control signal communicated thereto. This gated image is dispersed by the diffractive lens and focused upon the photosensitive surface of a photodetector array. The photodetector array is partitioned into pixels having a number in ratio to the gates in the addressable mask.

Abstract: A device configured to form a sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end and an elongate body portion having an axial lumen therebetween. The body portion is dimensioned to accommodate a length of hose within its axial lumen. The proximal end of the device has a wrench portion adapted to matingly engage at least a portion of the outer surface of a female threaded coupling fixture mounted on a terminal end of the hose. The distal end of the device may or may not be flared outwardly to prevent the hose from kinking when the female coupling fixture mounted on the hose is attached to a supply source such as a water tap. The body portion and distal end of the device is adapted to rotate freely about a length of hose housed therewithin. In one embodiment, the proximal end of the device has a stop operable for preventing the device from sliding away from the female coupling fixture mounted on the hose.

Abstract: An instructional tool kit which includes a case having a lower section and a lid which can be clasped shut or opened to a convenient angle to expose the inside contents to user viewing. The lower section of the case is compartmentalized for storing selected tools and supplies. The upper section or lid consists of a speaker, a keypad, a light an optional video screen and various electronics including at least one digital signal processing chip. The keypad has a plurality of tasks indicated thereon, each key representing a different task. Upon pressing a key, the internal electronics addresses and plays a selected set of instructions through the speaker or displays the instructions on a video screen, enabling the user to select and apply the correct tool(s) to complete the task. Appropriate pauses, stops, skips, resumptions and instructions are built into the system to be entered by separate keys.

Abstract: An ultrasonic avulsing liposuction handpiece including a handle portion and a cannula portion. In one embodiment, the cannula portion includes an auger rotatably mounted within an apertured outer tube. An independently controllable source of vibration housed within the handpiece causes the auger to vibrate at a desired frequency as the auger rotates. A portion of the rotary auger underlying an aperture in the wall of the outer tube includes a helical flange which has an elastically deformable outer tissue-contacting edge. When the outer tube is inserted within fatty tissue, the tissue-contacting edge avulses or tears apart fatty tissue protruding inwardly through the aperture in the outer tube when the auger is rotating. The mechanical vibration imparted to shaft of the rotating auger enhances the mechanical transport of avulsed tissue to a vacuum aspirator port within the handpiece for removal. The handpiece is relatively easy to use, rendering the procedure less tiring for the surgeon.

Abstract: A method for preparing functionalized derivatives of organic or inorganic compounds and tetrapyrrolic compounds in particular, all of which compounds have at least one sulfonic acid group, by first preparing a sulfonyl halide intermediate of the compound then reacting the intermediate with a second compound having a reactive hydroxyl or amine group to yield the desired sulfonylamide or sulfonic esters thereof. The method may be used to produce a variety of photosensitive compounds having different functionality. For example, sulfonamide or sulfonic ester reaction products of the tetrapyrrolic compounds or other photosensitive organic molecules may exhibit an enhanced ability to localize at a particular target site for phototherapy.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for the iontophoretic transdermal delivery of medication across the membrane formed by the body's skin is provided so the medication can be absorbed by the adjacent tissues and blood vessels. The improved apparatus is not reuseable and can be adapted for large dermal area application or for smaller sized area application, based on the specific electrode employed.