Abstract: An improved adaptor and protector for same which is removably sealing an opening of the adaptor located at an end of a tubular member. The adaptor has a longitudinal passageway for receiving a cannula. An upper end of the adaptor has an interior diameter defining a first end of the passageway for receiving the cannula. A lower end of the adaptor has an interior diameter defining a second end of the passageway adapted for receiving an injection site wherein the diameter of the first end is larger than the diameter at the second end. A middle portion intermediate the first end and the second end has a tapering interior diameter for directing the cannula to the injection site and further having an exterior surface with gripping surfaces. The tapering interior diameter of the middle portion of the adaptor includes guiding members to direct the cannula or other injection devices. The adaptor may also be provided with a protector removably sealing an opening located at an end of the adaptor.

Abstract: Multilayered barrier structures comprising a gas barrier layer of a non-chlorine containing organic polymer which is substantially impermeable to oxygen gas and a moisture barrier layer of a mesophase propylene-based material are provided. These structures are environmentally compatible and radiation resistant, and exhibit one or more additional properties, including gas barrier properties, moisture barrier properties, toughness, heat sealability, softness, and quietness during wrinkling. Also provided are methods of preparing and using such multilayered barrier structures, and articles, such as films, pouches, and tubings, formed from these structures.

Abstract: An ostomy coupling including two annular coupling parts and a locking ring. Each coupling part is attached to one of an adhesive disc, or a collection receptacle or a closing plug. The first coupling part has a collar with a radially outwardly projecting annular edge. The edge forms a groove with an in the radial direction innermost groove section. An annular recess is positioned in the radial direction inner side of the collar. The second coupling part has an axially projecting part with an annular radially outwardly projecting beak capable of engaging the annular recess in the first coupling part. The locking ring has an annular protrusion that projects inwardly in the radial direction.

Abstract: A neural prosthetic device for a primary auditory cortex of a patient includes a speech processor for receiving and processing audio information and for outputting processed electrical signals and a support arranged in said primary auditory cortex having a plurality of electrical contacts. The support is arranged in the patient's primary auditory cortex and each of the plurality of electrical contacts independently outputs electrical discharges in accordance with the processed electrical signals. The plurality of electrical contacts are arranged to approximately tonotopically match the primary auditory cortex.

Abstract: Transfusion and perfusion device having two pressure bags communicating via a calibrated pressure-reducing valve, each pressure bag including an inflatable pressure balloon. Each balloon is held in an envelope and has the same shape as its envelope. An inflating device provides for the inflation of the pressure balloon, and a verticalization device ensures verticality of the drip. Both envelopes which hold the two balloons are flexible and are each provided with a sleeve intended to receive a flexible pouch of the perfusion product in such a way that the pressure balloon contained in its envelope may be inflated to a high pressure and therefore may act as a pressing balloon in order to provide the flow rate necessary for life support. The invention is applicable to the medical and veterinary fields.

Abstract: A method and device for sampling biological fluids during collection without opening the functionally closed collection system, thereby compromising the sterility of the collected fluid. A sample bag connected to a fluid line or collection reservoir is filled coincident with fluid collection, then hermetically sealed and physically separated from the collection system using a radio frequency tubing sealer. A vacuum tube collection device is attached to the sample bag to minimize exposure to the fluid during sample handling and processing.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance of one-piece or two-piece construction having an adhesive faceplate with a stoma-receiving opening for peristomal adhesive attachment of the appliance to a wearer. The faceplate includes a flexible patch which may be formed of non-woven material and is covered on one side with a first layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive material--particularly a skinfriendly, tacky, hydrocolloid-containing, moisture-absorbing skin barrier material--surrounding the stoma-receiving opening, and a second layer of a soft, easily-deformable, and extrudable fluid-resistant sealant material also surrounding that opening. Inward displacement of the sealant material following adhesive attachment of the faceplate to a patient results in the formation in situ of a fluid-resistant gasket that prevents stomal fluids from contacting the peristomal skin surfaces and the first layer of skinfriendly adhesive and possibly dissolving that layer and/or disrupting its attachment to the skin.

Abstract: A blood component collection system with optimization capabilities. In one embodiment, process parameters are derived from an input/configured predetermined blood component yield and which is based upon the maximization of at least one process parameter. Thereafter, the blood component collection procedure is performed with these derived process control parameters. In another embodiment, process parameters are derived from an input total procedure time from a maximized value for at least one of the other process control parameters so as to maximize blood component yield in this fixed time. Thereafter, the blood component collection procedure is performed with these derived parameters.

Abstract: A detachable suction reservoir provides suction to a drainage and autotransfusion system coupled with a closed wound drain to facilitate drainage of blood from the wound into a substantially rigid collection container. This blood is adapted to be transferred into a blood bag which in turn may be coupled with an administration set for reinfusion. While blood is reinfusing, blood collection into the container continues. Following autotransfusion, the suction reservoir can be converted to a suction device for blood collection directly from the closed wound drain.

Abstract: A coupling device for a urinal including a urine collection bag and a flexible tube connected to a user's catheter. A quick release coupling readily connects and disconnects the flexible tube to the urine collection bag to provide a fluid passageway upon connection. The coupling closes both the tube opening and the bag opening upon disconnection to prevent fluid from spilling out and to avoid contaminants from entering the flexible tube.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fibrous nonwoven web which is particularly well-suited for use as a surge layer in personal care absorbent articles including, but not limited to, diapers, training pants, incontinence garments, sanitary napkins, bandages and the like. The fibrous nonwoven web is made from a plurality of fibers heat bonded to one another to form a nonwoven web having a basis weight of at least 20 grams per square meter, a void volume of between about 40 and about 60 centimeters per gram of web while under a pressure of 689 dynes per square centimeter, a permeability of about 5,000 to about 8,000 darcy, a porosity of about 97.2 percent to about 98.8 percent and a surface area per void of about 24 to about 49 square centimeters per cubic centimeter. The fibrous nonwoven web will have a saturation capacity of between about 30 and about 50 grams of 0.9 percent saline solution per gram of web and a compression resilience in both the wet and dry state of at least about 60 percent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable intimate feminine absorbent with lateral regions or cuffs for containing liquids, which tend to assume a vertical position when the absorbent assumes, in use, an anatomical arched configuration.

Abstract: A fluid applicator 10 used to prepare a surgical site on a patient's skin is disclosed, which irrigates a surgical site and simultaneously collects excess irrigation fluids from the surgical site and returns the collected fluids to a fluid reservoir. Applicator 10 includes a disposable fluid reservoir 10 and a reusable motor assembly 50. Fluid reservoir 20 includes a sponge 48. Motor assembly 50 includes a motor 70 and a reciprocating diaphragm 80. Motor assembly 50 is connected to the open end of fluid reservoir 20 to enclose and seal a quantity of prep solution inside the fluid reservoir. Motor 70 reciprocates diaphragm 80 back and forth within fluid reservoir 20. The forward stroke of diaphragm 80 causes a positive pressure inside fluid reservoir 20, which displaces the irrigation fluid through a one way valve 30 and a spray nozzle 34 onto the surgical site. Excess irrigation fluid is absorbed by sponge 48 as applicator 10 is moved over the surgical site.

Abstract: A shaped sanitary napkin. The sanitary napkin of this invention has an absorbent means, such as an absorbent core, and two flaps extending outwardly from the absorbent means. Each flap is associated with the absorbent means along a nonlinear line of juncture and each has two axes of flexibility. In use, the absorbent means is secured in the crotch of a panty and the flaps are secured about the elastic edges of the panty so that, when the panty is worn, the absorbent means is held adjacent the body while the flaps form a wall at each side of the absorbent means and seals against the body. Both the walls and the seals serve to prevent soiling of the body and clothing by menstrual fluid.

Abstract: A growth adjustable diaper for newborn babies is adjustable in length by use of a foldable absorbent panel at the front edge of the diaper and is adjustable about the waist of the baby by means of ear members that can overlap and attach to each other or not overlap and attach to the front section of the diaper. Cushion barriers are provided at the crotch section and back waist edge to protect the newborn's sensitive, tender skin.

Abstract: A process for delivering a biocide to a container comprising admitting a biocide delivery device through an exit port of a urine container where the device is sized for passage through the exit port is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of skin regeneration of a wound or burn in an animal or human. This method comprises the steps of initially covering the wound with a collagen glycosaminoglycan matrix, allowing infiltration of the grafted GC matrix by mesenchymal cells and blood vessels from healthy underlying tissue and applying a cultured epithelial autograft sheet grown from epidermal cells taken from the animal or human at a wound free site on the animal's or human's body surface. The resulting graft has excellent take rates and has the appearance, growth, maturation and differentiation of normal skin.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis containing electronic circuitry for monitoring valve performance provides information to an implanted transceiver arranged to transmit digital or analog data transcutaneously to an external transceiver. The implanted electronics may be integrally contained within the heart valve prosthesis, or alternatively, may be separately housed in a moisture-proof container within the patient's body but external to the heart. By coupling the implanted transceiver to a pulse generator and electrode combination, electrical stimulating pulses can be applied to the heart upon command from an externally located monitor/transceiver combination.

Abstract: An absorbent structure having both osmotic and capillary absorbing capabilities. The substrate has a topography comprising two different elevations. The osmotic absorbent structure may include superabsorbents and is preferentially applied to the high elevation regions of the substrate. This arrangement provides for better acquisition of liquids without gel blocking. The absorbent structure is suitable for use in the cores of disposable absorbent articles.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, adult incontinence device which has absorbent components comprised of blends of different types of fibers is provided. The absorbent components are arranged in structures that provide improved core integrity and liquid processing. The absorbent article preferably comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and an acquisition layer overlying the absorbent core. The absorbent core comprises a blend of cellulosic fibers, absorbent gelling material, and fibers such as crimped synthetic fibers that form liquid stable bonds with adjacent layers. The acquisition layer also comprises at least some fibers that form liquid stable bonds with adjacent layers. The fibers that form liquid stable bonds in the absorbent core and the acquisition layer are bonded to liquid stable components.