Abstract: A tracheostomy tube assembly comprises a tracheostomy tube (2), a fitting (4) to be mounted on the end of the tracheostomy tube (2), having a bore (6) in which teh end (8) of the tracheostomy tube (2) can be received, a sealing memeber (10) which can be located between the outer surface of the tracheostomy tube (2) adn the inner surface of the bore (6) in the fitting (4), and means (12) for urging the sealing member against the outer surface of teh tracheostomy tube to form a seal between the fitting (4) and the tracheostomy tube (2). The assembly allows a sealed connection to be made to the end of the tracheostomy tube (2), so that a filter (20, 32) or a valve (34) (for example to assist in speech) can be fitted over a tracheostoma.

Abstract: The invention provides a drainage bag (e.g. an ostomy bag or the like) for receiving bodily waste, the drainage bag comprising a water-impermeable outer bag; a water-impermeable inner bag enclosed therein; and an orifice to enable bodily waste to be received by the inner bag; the outer and inner bags being detachably secured together in the region of the orifice. The outer and inner bags are preferably detachably secured together by means of frangible or peelable connection or linkage therebetween.

Abstract: A lubricant gel formulation for surgical and external applications is described. The gel comprises an acrylic acid polymer, a hydroxy compound having at least two hydroxy groups and water. The gel composition exhibits exceptional viscosity stability through two cycles of gamma radiation sterilization. The gel formulation can be manufactured and packaged in sealed containers and radiation sterilized without significant decrease in rheological properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable protective cap, particularly a disposable nurse's cap. The cap is formed from a rectangular sheet of nonwoven fabric having a pair of opposed side edges and a pair of opposed end edges. The sheet is pleated along longitudinal fold-lines parallel to the opposed pair of side edges and the pair of opposed side edges are secured together. The pleats are secured together at one end of the pleated sheet and the other end of the pleated sheet is at least partly elasticated to provide an expandable and contractable opening for the head. The invention also provides an apparatus and method for producing the cap and in particular an apparatus and method for the continuous production of the cap.

Abstract: This invention relates to an item of disposable protective headwear, particularly surgical headwear. The headwear has a crown-piece formed from a rectangular sheet of nonwoven fabric, e.g . a viscose rayon nonwoven fabric, having a pair of opposed side edges and a pair of opposed end edges. The sheet is pleated along longitudinal foldlines parallel to the opposed pair of side edges, and at least some of the pleats are secured together at each end of the pleated sheet. The opposed side edges being secured to a head-band of nonwoven fabric provided with tie-strings. In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a surgeons cap and a in another a surgeons hood. The invention also provides a method and apparatus for producing disposable protective headwear and in particular a method and apparatus for continuous production of disposable protective headwear.

Abstract: A granular detergent composition, especially for laundry use, containing a specific mixture of anionic, alkoxylated nonionic and alkoxylated cationic surfactants. The compositions are particularly effective in removing greasy and oily soils from fabrics, and they have improved physical characteristics, especially odor characteristics, when prepared by spray drying.

Abstract: Liquid detergent compositions containing specific mixtures of selected anionic, nonionic and water-soluble cationic surfactants. The compositions are especially effective in removing greasy soil from fabrics.

Abstract: Built laundry detergent compositions containing specific mixtures of selected anionic, nonionic and water-soluble cationic surfactants. The compositions are especially effective in removing greasy soil from fabrics.