Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for preventing and protecting a user from disease and virus transmission that might otherwise occur from contacting or touching potentially contaminated surfaces. A finger protector provides a barrier between a user's finger and a potentially contaminated surface when a user makes contact with or touches the surface. Indicia on the protector provide visual and/or physical indicators to enable a user to track the potentially contaminated and non-contaminated surfaces of the finger protector, before, during, and after use. This enables a user to safely grab the non-contaminated portion of the protector for removal from their finger after use, thereby further helping reduce the risk of contamination and potential disease and virus transmission. The disclosed methods and apparatus include for use, fabrication, packaging, and distribution of the protectors.

Abstract: A flexible thimble gripper is provided. The thimble gripper includes a flexible elastomeric strip terminating in an elastomeric dome at one end with an elastomeric thimble formed at the opposite end. The dome has a friction enhancing surface formed on an outer surface. The thimble has a rigid polymeric cap terminating in a region having a slip resistant surface. The cap is cutaway on a surface contiguous with the friction enhancing surface of the dome, with a friction enhancing surface formed on the adjacent region of the elastomeric band. The dome and the thimble mount upon a thumb and a finger of a user's hand. The thimble gripper is used to push a needle into material pressed by the slip resistant surface and to draw the needle from the material gripped between the friction enhancing surfaces of the dome and the elastomeric band.

Abstract: A finger insert for use with a nailfold imaging device includes a housing to receive the user's finger and an immersion substance (e.g., immersion oil), and a deformable pad that holds the user's finger in place during imaging, as well as prevent bubble formation in the substance. The housing includes a transparent wall to facilitate imaging of the finger. The transparent wall includes multiple angled portions that prevent or reduce contact between the nailfold and the wall, to ensure sufficient blood flow through the nailfold region for imaging.

Abstract: An eye drop applicator includes a main body with a lower portion and an upper portion having a cavity configured to retain a predetermined amount of medication. The lower portion may include an opening configured to snuggly receive a user's finger and/or a top of a medication bottle. The eye drop applicator may also include a removable cap configured to attach to the upper portion of the main body to cover the cavity.

Abstract: A fishing line knot tying device includes a housing having a hollow upper portion and a contiguous lower portion. The upper portion includes a peripheral upper edge and a V-shaped notch formed therein. The lower portion includes a lower edge and a slot formed therein, an alignment of a gap of the slot being offset from a center of the V-shaped notch of the upper portion, a longitudinal groove formed in an outer surface of the slot, and a flat thumb surface being formed in an outer surface of the lower portion from an end of the gap of the slot and extending to an outer surface of the upper surface.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument including an ultrasonically actuated blade or end effector having a treatment portion. The blade can define a central axis and at least one axis which is transverse to the central axis, wherein the transverse axis can lie within a plane which is perpendicular, or normal, to the longitudinal axis and can define a cross-section of the treatment portion. Such a cross-section can include a central portion and a step extending from the central portion, wherein the central portion can comprise a width, and wherein the step can comprise a cutting edge. In at least one embodiment, the cutting edge can be defined by first and second surfaces which define an angle therebetween. In various embodiments, the position of the cutting edge and/or the angle between the cutting edge surfaces can be selected in order to balance the blade with respect to the transverse axis.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing nuclear fuel elements comprising the steps of placing nuclear fuel balls in the container made from ultra-porous material, applying a CVI to the container and removing the container. The container for manufacturing fuel elements comprising balls, and is produced from at least one ultra-porous material, for example carbon foam.

Abstract: An absorbent protective finger cover to be worn by aestheticians to protect the surface of their skin while performing facial extractions. The finger cover includes an inner sheath of protective elastomer material and an outer sheath of absorbent material attached to the inner protective sheath. An additional tip piece of absorbent material is disposed at a finger tip portion of the finger cover between the protective sheath and absorbent sheath to provide additional absorbency for body fluids released during the facial extraction.

Abstract: An absorbent protective finger cover to be worn by aestheticians to protect the surface of their skin while performing facial extractions. The finger cover comprises an inner sheath of protective elastomer material and an outer layer of absorbent material attached to the inner protective sheath. An additional piece of absorbent material is disposed at a finger tip portion of the finger cover between the protective sheath and absorbent layer to provide additional absorbency for body fluids produced during the facial extraction.

Abstract: A thimble device for protecting fingers and thumb from a needle during a sewing operation is provided. The thimble device comprises a top needle bearing surface having a dimple formed therein and two side surfaces with each side surface having an angled portion and a curved portion. The curved portions are sized and shaped for receiving a portion of the fingers when the thimble device is seated between the fingers. The thimble device further includes an angled front surface, an angled rear surface, and a curved bottom surface sized and shaped for receiving a portion of the thumb.

Abstract: A finger cover for providing additional friction when handing paper and protection a user's fingernail is provided. The finger cover includes an elongated tubular sleeve having open ends for receiving a user's finger, whereby the open ends accommodate users with long fingernails; and a gripping surface on an outer surface of the tubular sleeve for providing additional friction when handing paper. The invention also includes a fingernail protection portion held in place by the sleeve. The fingernail protection portion is substantially planar in shape and includes a horizontal slit located between its ends for insertion of a user's fingernail therethrough.

Abstract: A quilting accessory (10) includes a ring portion (12) that is adapted to be received around a human digit, and a cup portion (14) that is carried by ring portion (12) and is adapted to engage and manipulate a sewing needle (N). The cup portion (14) is preferably conically shaped and the ring portion (12) is preferably made of a flexible material and split to form an opening (22) so that the size of the ring portion (12) can be adjusted.

Abstract: A thimble extending up over the first knuckle position so as to assist the user in maintaining a substantially straight finger at the first knuckle position and having a needle contacting surface with one or more indents between the tip of the finger and a position adjacent or past the first knuckle position.

Abstract: A thimble extending up over the first knuckle position so as to assist the user in maintaining a substantially straight finger at the first knuckle position and having a needle contacting surface with one or more indents between the tip of the finger and a position adjacent or past the first knuckle position.

Abstract: The hand protection device protects the fingers of a hand used to hold a workpiece while a second hand operates a sharp instrument to cut or stab the workpiece. The device forms a shield composed of a thin sheet of material having a width adapted to extend across all four fingers of the hand, and a height adapted to extend for approximately the length of the distal two phalanges and a portion of the proximal phalange. The top portion of the shield is bent or curved to form a lip over the interphalangeal joint between the first (proximal) and second (middle) rows of phalanges. The bottom portion of the shield is bent or curved at about a 45° angle to protect the third (distal) row of phalanges. The device includes a hollow, substantially cylindrical holder for receiving the middle phalange of one finger.

Abstract: A finger protective device constructed from elastomeric materials. A working surface covers the fleshy portion of a finger and is of sufficient strength and hardness to avoid penetration by a needle, yet elastomeric to accommodate large variations in shape. The working surface may be interrupted by ribs or protrusions to prevent needle slippage. A compliant member surrounds the remainder of the finger and is softer in order to comply with the majority of finger shape variations. The thimble thus formed is designed to conform to the shape of a finger and remain adhered by frictional means to provide comfortable protection.

Abstract: A finger protective device constructed from elastomeric materials. A working surface covers the fleshy portion of a finger and is of sufficient strength and hardness to avoid penetration by a needle, yet elastomeric to accommodate large variations in shape. The working surface may be interrupted by ribs or protrusions to prevent needle slippage. A compliant member surrounds the remainder of the finger and is softer in order to comply with the majority of finger shape variations. The thimble thus formed is designed to conform to the shape of a finger and remain adhered by frictional means to provide comfortable protection.

Abstract: Single and two-sided hand and finger thimbles constructed to mount over the fingertips to provide non-slip gripping surfaces and improved protection at the fingertips and palm. Several thimbles include surfaces that contain impenetrable shields, elastomer pads or raised patterns of a coated elastomer. The coated thimbles facilitate paper separation, sorting, and counting. Plastic or metallic shields can fitted to shield and/or encase the fingertip. The shield can be exposed through an aperture and can include a pitted surface. Pull-tabs and elastic sizing members facilitate fitting the thimbles to the fingers. Alternative wrist supported, glove-like assemblies having one or more finger pieces fitted with shielding and gripping assemblies and padded palm regions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thumb shielding device for protecting a user's thumbs from nicks and cuts when the user is preparing foods with sharp kitchen utensils. The thumb shielding device includes a substantially cut-proof planar member. The planar member has a ridged central portion and a pair of malleable flaps. Each flap extends outward from an associated side of the central portion. The flaps are designed to bend around a thumb of a user thereby securing the planar member around the user's thumb. In addition, the thumb shielding device may comprise a generally cylindrical substantially cut-proof sheath that is designed to snugly cover a thumb of a user. The sheath has an open end, a closed end, and an interior. A lining is coupled to the interior of the sheath for facilitating engagement of the sheath to the thumb of the user.

Abstract: A finger protector and grasping implement for fitting over a single finger during surgical procedures includes an elongated, curved, hollow body having a cylindrical wall, a closed end wall connected to the cylindrical wall and defining an open end in opposed relationship with the closed end wall. A plurality of projections of various lengths extend outwardly from the cylindrical wall and from the end wall, and the end wall defines a groove therein to act as a safety stop for preventing undesired slipping movement of a surgical needle during surgical procedures.

Abstract: A new sewing and quilting finger tip protective device comprises a thin metal or hard plastic disc formed into a portion of a spherical shell. A double-sided adhesive pad is removably adhered to the concave surface of the shell whereby upon application of the concave surface and pad to a finger tip, the hard shell protects against needle penetration of the skin. The shell is sized to effectively cover that portion of the finger tip most likely to be pricked by a needle when quilting. Because the shell's shape effectively conforms to the finger tip portion to be protected, the shell acts as a hard skin without substantially increasing the size of user's finger tip.

Abstract: A needlework thimble comprising a shell to receive and encircle the finger of the user. The shell includes a pocket for receiving a supply of beeswax which lightly coats the thread during the sewing process to strengthen the thread and stabilize it against tangling and knotting. An elastic band is attached at an open end of the shell to secure the shell to the user's finger.

Abstract: A device for use in the medical community to facilitate changing the height of adjustable medical devices such as, canes, crutches, walkers and the like, adapted to fit the finger for depressing a retractable spring loaded pin located within adjustable medical devices such as canes, crutches, walkers and the like, to change the height of such medical devices.

Abstract: A disposable ear cleaning device includes a thimble having a rigid extension protruding from a top portion thereof with a layer of cotton or other soft material wrapped around the protrusion.

Abstract: A stitch laying tool has a cylindrical thimble body having a center axis and a cylindrical side wall with opposite open ends to receive the tip of a stitcher's finger. An elongated stiff wire is secured to the side wall and extends substantially parallel to the center axis and has an outer end extending beyond one end of the cylindrical side wall. The outer end of the stiff wire has a short straight wire segment which forms an angle with respect to the stiff wire.

Abstract: A thimble for use in quilting, sewing or the like to manipulate a needle includes a flexible member and a shield member. The flexible member has four notches in spaced apart relation forming four tab portions positioned therebetween. The notches enable the tab portions to be bent about a finger of a person for conforming and fitting the thimble to the finger. One of the tab portions may be elongated to provide an elongated flap for fitting the thimble on a finger with a long fingernail. The flexible member is attached to or integrally formed with an adhesive material for securing the thimble to the finger of a person to prevent slippage of the thimble. The thimble further includes a shield member attached to the adhesive material of the flexible member for protecting the finger from contact with the needle. The shield member includes a dimple for seating the needle during use of the thimble and a curved surface for conforming to the finger of a person.

Abstract: A finger guard which is made of impervious hardened plastic. It is open at the proximal end and tapered to closure adjacent the distal end. A compressible-extensible slot extends in axial alignment of the guard from the proximal end thereof to a position which is short of the absolute distal end. The guard slot, while closed during nonuse, is expandable into variant expandable widening positions, which positions are determined by the size of the carpenter's index finger. There are two factors which secure the splinter guard to the index finger. The first is by a resistance compression of the guard upon the finger, causing a friction fit. Secondly, as the asymmetric interior configuration of the guard conforms to the distal joint and fingernail extension of the finger, this causes a clamping effect and friction fit as the finger is forced into protected position. The guard is adaptable to either the left or right hand index finger without modification. Its utility extends to power sawing and board measurement.

Abstract: The invention includes a finger protector comprising a tube-like portion with a closed end, the wall of the tube being formed of at least one elongate strip of a material which strongly resists penetration by a needle and which is in helical configuration. The strip is of such cross section that adjacent edges of adjacent turns of the helix or helices interlock to prevent the turns separating axially but allowing a limited amount of axial movement such that, when worn on a finger, the finger may be bent to a limited extent without adjacent turns separating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for handling a needle to reduce the likelihood of accidental pricking. The apparatus includes cylindrical sleeve for receiving a phalanx of a finger or thumb. The apparatus also includes a pair of planar magnetic surfaces supported on the cylindrical sleeve for removably holding a needle thereon. The surfaces are spaced from and flush with each other. The spacing between the planar surfaces allows the needle to be easily placed on or removed from the surfaces with the aid of a needle grasping tool. The device further includes a shield located to one side of the spaced planar magnetic surfaces to protect the wearer from accidental pricking when the needle is being placed onto, removed from, or held by the magnetic planar surfaces.

Abstract: A finger protector for protecting the fingers of health care workers from inadvertent needle stabs during arterial blood gas sampling and intravenous and intra-arterial catheter insertion includes a housing to be received on the fingers. The housing is fabricated from a puncture resistant, and preferably rigid and transparent material, and includes apertures on a lower Surface for permitting tactile contact of the finger tip(s) with the skin surface for facilitating palpation of the body surface.

Abstract: The means for putting on therapeutic elastic stockings consists of a sock of smooth material to cover the foot, the sock being provided with a lining of smooth and supple material. The lining has been partly attached to the sock, partly set free from it, the free part at the end being closed and having such a length that it can be taken out as far as outside the sock and can be turned in up to the toe of the sock, a situation that takes place when the sock is positioned round the foot of the user. Besides the lining is characterized by the fact that it is attached to the sock where the foot steps in and that the length of the free part of the lining is substantially equal to the length of the sock.

Abstract: A finger socket structure is arranged to afford protection to an individual's finger during various procedures. The invention includes a resilient socket structure having an entrance opening directed into a polymeric foam-lined cavity, wherein a nose portion of the socket includes a slot for receiving and positioning a knife blade therethrough. Side wall protective plates of a greater hardness than the socket shell is provided to afford lateral protection to the finger, with a groove directed through a bottom wall of the finger adjacent the entrance opening to secure a nail and the like for positioning the nail during a hammering procedure.

Abstract: A needle pushing head is made integral with a ring for wearing on a finger. The head has at least one needle receiving indentation so that the needle can be placed therein and forced by the finger through cloth or other material.

Abstract: A magnetic thimble includes an outer body and a magnetic liner that covers essentially the entire area of the outer body. One embodiment of the thimble also includes an extender so that the thimble can be used in areas and locations that the user's finger cannot reach.

Abstract: A two-sided thimble including an elastic fitting member and a hand pull flap. A first envelope surface permits fine needle work and a second surface including a contained rigid protective member facilitates heavy duty needle work. In an alternative construction, each surface may accommodate either heavy or fine needlework.

Abstract: A needle pushing head is made integral with a ring for wearing on a finger. The head has at least one needle receiving indentation so that the needle can be placed therein and forced by the finger through cloth or other material.

Abstract: A sewing assembly including a needle, a loop secured to the trailing end of the needle, and a driver member in the form of a thimble adapted to fit on and over the finger of the user and including a hook portion extending upwardly from the main body portion of the thimble and adapted to be inserted into the seat defined by the crotch defined at the juncture of the forward end of the loop with the trailing end of the needle. The loop thus coacts with the needle to facilitate ready threading of the sewing assembly, to define a seat for receipt of the hook portion of the driving member, and to provide cam surfaces to guide the hook portion into firm seating engagement with the seat at the trailing end of the needle. In an alternate form, the driver member is in the form of a finger ring and the hook portion extends upwardly from the main body of the ring.

Abstract: A flexible tubular finger-end sheath has a cavity comprised of an open-end finger-gripping portion and a closed-end protector portion separated by a finger-stopping barrier. The walls of the protector portion converge and terminate in a truncated pressing face at the closed end. Additional stiffening may be provided to the protector-portion by a longitudinal rib thereon.

Abstract: A sewing thimble having an inner barrel, a blade segment and an outer shell. The molded inner shell is semi-rigid and has a projecting lug for positioning the cutting edge of the blade segment. The outer shell is resilient or slightly deformable and is molded around and encases the inner barrel. The outer shell has a laterally projecting and thickened bulb area which covers the inner barrel lug beneath the cutting edge of the blade segment. A flap cut is formed in the bulb area to provide a means so that a user may grip and pull a needle and thread by thumb pressure applied against the bulb area.

Abstract: A tool for facilitating the hand sewing of a plurality of cloth laminations, such as the hand sewing of a quilt, comprises a handle portion conveniently held by the fingers of the hand of the user and having an integral tool portion shaped in the general outline of a spoon. The concave surface of the spoon shaped portion is engagable by the thumb or index finger of the user. The tip end of the spoon shaped portion is provided with a substantially flat or horizontal top surface which, when pressed upwardly against the cloth laminations to be sewn, effects a small ridge in such laminations, permitting the convenient insertion of the needle through the ridge and facilitating the production of a substantially uniform width of the successive stitches.

Abstract: A hand-held thimble includes an elongate handle for being grasped by the palm and fingers of a sewer. A head extends outwardly from the handle and includes a face adapted to engage a sewing needle. The thimble is primarily useful in quilting and provides increased control over the needle.

Abstract: A finger protector for hand needlework is comprised of a thin flat metal sheet folded onto itself. The two flat folded sections of the sheet can be bent about a transverse fold line to allow access between facing surfaces by the user's fingers. The sheet is thus held while the smooth curve at the fold or one of the outwardly facing surfaces is positioned against the material workpiece. A needle forced through the material may strike the exposed protector surface and be deflected away from the finger below. The needle can be guided over the smooth curved surface and redirected back through the fabric.

Abstract: A new and improved thimble for sewing, particularly a thimble of flexible material; which allows the thimble to conform to the finger for fit and comfort; provides a supple surface to allow the user to actually feel the needle; and provides a protective means located near the closed end of the thimble for covering part of the normal fingertip and fingerprint area, to protect the finger from the penetration of sharp objects.

Abstract: A thimble having a small magnetic recess formed in the tip thereof for receiving a pin or other insertable member. The small recess may be round, square, rectangular or any other shape and may be of various outside dimensions and depth. This small recess is magnetized so that the head of a pin can be easily picked up and the pin inserted into some material. Further, the open end of the thimble can receive removable inserts for changing the size of the opening for different thumb sizes. Still another embodiment discloses the use of a thimble constructed as above but in two pieces with a spring disposed between the two sections. Finally, the entire head of the thimble may be magnetized.

Abstract: An improved sewing thimble having an elongated, tubular body consisting of a pliable material, such as rubber, wherein a plurality of vent holes are disposed about the annular body portion, the inner bore thereof being designed to conform to the average finger, including those having extended fingernails. The forward head portion of the thimble is enlarged with a thickened area of a hard rubber or plastic to allow for forceful engagement with a needle to be threaded. Alternative arrangements include a protective shield embedded within the head portion and a threading-and-cutting device mounted to the thimble at the tip of the enlarged head thereof.

Abstract: A thimble that is characterized by having a resilient frusto-conical shaped resilient liner secured to the interior surface thereof, which liner cooperates with a concentrically disposed resilient pad supported by a pedestal from the end piece of the thimble to define a circumferentially extending space. The thimble is particularly adapted for use by a person having long fingernails. When such a person inserts the fingernail into the thimble, the end portion of the fingernail enters the circumferentially extending space, with the liner resiliently gripping both the fingernail and the exterior portion of the finger adjacent thereto. The end of the finger is in abutting contact with the resilient pad. The liner is formed from a soft coarse resilient material that permits air to the enclosed finger portion and also maintains enclosed finger portion cool and dry.

Abstract: A finger guard formed with a ring-like portion capable of gripping the finger on which the guard is to be placed adjacent the end of the finger and an elongated protective portion joined to the gripping portion along an arcuate section of the latter of substantially less than 90.degree.. The protective portion extends from the gripping portion in a spiral toward the end of the finger.