Abstract: A flexible stretcher having skid plate webbing connected to a surface of the stretcher. The stretcher includes a flexible body with a first surface and a second surface. Skid plate webbing connects to the second surface. In another embodiment, the stretcher has a flexible body with a rectangular shape extending lengthwise in a longitudinal direction. The flexible body has a first surface and a second surface. Structural webbing and skid plate webbing connect to the second surface. The skid plate webbing at least partially overlaps the structural webbing, and where the overlapping occurs, contact points are formed. In another embodiment, a flexible stretcher having a body with a rectangular shape extending lengthwise in a longitudinal direction, a first surface, and a second surface, may be manufactured by attaching structural webbing to the body and attaching skid plate webbing to the second surface of the body.

Abstract: A nail coating removal wrap and retainer for securing a solvent pad to a digit of a user of a durable nail coating so that a solvent held by the pad is retained in contact with the nail coating to be removed. The nail coating removal wrap and retainer includes a wrap strip to which the solvent pad is bonded in a method impervious to the solvent held by the solvent pad. The wrap strip is selected or treated so that the wrap coheres to itself when wrapped around the digit of the user to releasably secure the wrap to the digit of the user while the solvent works to loosen the nail coating.

Abstract: A nail coating removal wrap and retainer for securing a solvent pad to the digit of a user of a durable nail coating so that a solvent held by the pad is retained in contact with the nail coating to be removed. The nail coating removal wrap and retainer includes a wrap strip to which the solvent pad is bonded in a method impervious to the solvent held by the solvent pad. The wrap strip is selected or treated so that the wrap coheres to itself when wrapped around a digit of the user to releasably secure the wrap to the digit of the user while the solvent works to loosen the nail coating.

Abstract: A disposable or limited use sleeping bag kit including a sleeping bag made of a multi-layered material, an inflatable pillow and storage pouch from which air may be evacuated. The layered material of the sleeping bag may be made of an inner layer for contacting a user, an outer layer providing water and abrasion resistance, and a middle insulating layer between the inner and outer layers.

Abstract: A disposable or limited use sleeping bag kit including a sleeping bag made of a multi-layered material, an inflatable pillow and storage pouch from which air may be evacuated. The layered material of the sleeping bag may be made of an inner layer for contacting a user, an outer layer providing water and abrasion resistance, and a middle insulating layer between the inner and outer layers.

Abstract: A disposable sheet has a draw sheet or chux attached thereto. Preferably, the chux is constructed from three layers, a bottom, middle and top layer. The top layer is moisture permeable and the middle layer is absorbent. The top layer of the chux and the sheet itself may be integrally connected. Fluids flow through the chux top layer to the middle layer. The chux bottom layer may be waterproof to prevent fluids from leaving the middle layer. A quilted pattern may be applied to the chux to for aesthetic reasons or to direct fluid flow.

Abstract: An inflatable, disposable pillow which can be conveniently carried and stowed by users in a deflated state, and used as a comfortable, clean pillow in an inflated state. The inflatable pillow includes a single folded sheet or two sheets sealed together to form side walls. A flat self-sealing valve comprising two sheets of flexible material is placed between the sidewalls. The sheet or sheets may be comprised of multiple plies, with an outermost ply being an absorbent material. Alternatively, an absorbent cover may be attached to the outermost surface of at least one side of the pillow.

Abstract: A method for providing a paraffin treatment to a patient, including the steps of: (a) melting a paraffin composition to a melted, flowable state; (b) immersing at least a portion of an absorptive strip into the melted paraffin composition so that the strip absorbs some of the melted paraffin composition; (c) applying the strip containing the melted paraffin composition to a portion of skin on the patient; (d) allowing the strip containing the melted paraffin composition to remain in contact with the portion of skin whereby the melted paraffin transfers heat to the patient's skin; and (e) removing the strip from the portion of the patient's skin wherein the paraffin composition is contained by the strip making removal of strip and paraffin composition substantially simultaneous. The present invention is also directed to a therapeutic strip, containing melted paraffin, to be applied to a portion of a patient's skin to provide a therapeutic treatment of heat to the patient.

Abstract: An inflatable, disposable pillow which can be conveniently carried and stowed by users in a deflated state, and used as a comfortable, clean pillow in an inflated state. The inflatable pillow includes a single folded sheet or two sheets sealed together to form side walls. A flat self-sealing valve comprising two sheets of flexible material is placed between the sidewalls. The sheet or sheets may be comprised of multiple plies, with an outermost ply being an absorbent material. Alternatively, an absorbent cover may be attached to the outermost surface of at least one side of the pillow.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device and method for making a roll of tissue using opposingly located adhesive applicators that apply adhesive to opposingly located anilox rolls. Adhesive is transferred from the anilox rolls to opposingly located print rolls. The print rolls apply a void-free layer of adhesive to opposing sides of a central ply which passes between the print rolls. As the central ply passes between opposingly located nip rolls, at least one additional ply is laminated to one side of the central ply and at least one other ply is laminated to the opposing side of the central ply.

Abstract: A beauty coil that is in the form of a rod which is comprised of a mass of continuous fibers which run the length of the rod. The fibers are held in a compressed state by an outer sheathing, which when removed, allows the fiber mass to expand or blossom prior to use.

Abstract: Disposable paper filters suitable for removal of contaminants from fluids such as water or air are disclosed. Specific embodiments include single-ply and multi-ply filters in which metal removal additives and/or halogen and organic contaminant removal additives have been distributed during the manufacturing process. Special manufacturing methods for producing such composite filters are also described.

Abstract: Disposable paper filters suitable for removal of contaminants from fluids such as water or air are disclosed. Specific embodiments include single-ply and multi-ply filters in which metal removal additives and/or halogen and organic contaminant removal additives have been distributed during the manufacturing process. Special manufacturing methods for producing such composite filters are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to fitment systems designed to connect filters, collection pouches and drains to surgical drapes used in high-fluid procedures. The preferred embodiment provides a ring-and-groove fluid-tight seal and a large fitment bore that can accommodate passage of kidney stones, bone and tissue fragments and the like along with blood, urine or irrigation fluid. Sealing is accomplished by the interaction of a slightly oversize ring with a slightly undersize groove around the bore of the fitment.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a trocar inserted through the skin of a patient during a medical procedure that provides the operating personnel with the ability to adjust the angle of orientation of the inserted trocar with respect to the patient and rotate the trocar as desired after insertion into the patient. The apparatus is attached to the skin of the patient and the trocar movement is facilitated by a trocar receivable rotatable spheroid frictionally retained in a stabilizing member. The apparatus provides for a secure, yet, adjustable surgical aid.

Abstract: A cystoscopy splash shield for use during surgery in which a large volume of human liquid is involved. The splash shield includes a rectangular shaped transparent plastic sheet with a strip of adhesive along its short edge and a hole present in the approximate middle of the sheet. The short edge of the plastic sheet is affixed to the torso of the patient by the adhesive strip. The remaining portion of the shield is draped over the groin area of the patient with overlap over and between the patient's legs. The shield is positioned so its hole is over the groin area to undergo surgery. A medical optical instrument may be inserted into the hole which is sealed around its circumference. As a result, a physician conducting surgery in the groin area is protected from any splashing fluids from the patient.

Abstract: A surgical isolation apparatus suitable for use in a variety of surgical procedures completely isolates operating personnel from the patent's blood, body fluids and contaminated irrigation fluids, while providing manual access to the operating area and permitting use of optical instruments such as endoscopes. The preferred embodiment of the invention is especially designed for transurethral prostatectomies, and can be fabricated simply and inexpensively from two sheets of transparent plastic.

Abstract: A disposable podiatry boot especially useful for protecting casts or dressings from moisture comprises a sock-shaped member of thin water-impervious material. The sock-shaped member is provided with traction means and an integral fastening means for securing it in place on the leg of the user and providing a watertight seal.