Abstract: A nail-cleaning tool has a rod, a removing end, a scraping end and a sheath. The scraping end is spatula-shaped. The sheath is an absorbent material mounted over the removing end. Therefore, users can use the removing end to absorb nail polish remover then clean a surface of the nail during removal and application. The users can further use the scraping end to scrap an edge of each nail adjacent to skin. Therefore, the nail can be cleaned thoroughly while minimizing waste and reducing direct skin contact with the nail polish remover.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene device to wipe seminal and other fluids from the vagina after sexual intercourse.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for stimulating and increasing the production of saliva during immunoassay tests for drugs or other analytes wherein a scent or odor capable of stimulating saliva production is incorporated into a device for obtaining an oral sample from a test subject. The scent or odor may be impregnated into the oral sample collection device or may be part of an attachment to such a device, and the scent or odor is disposed in such a manner so as to maximize the exposure of the scent to the test subject and thus stimulate the production of saliva. The method and device of the invention are advantageous because the increased production of saliva will facilitate the testing of an oral sample for drugs or other analytes and will increase the likelihood of obtaining a complete and accurate result.

Abstract: Disposable handheld devices for manually cleaning nostrils and/or other body orifices are disclosed herein. A device configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a shaft having a first end portion spaced apart from a second end portion to define a first exterior surface portion therebetween with at least one ridge portion extending outwardly therefrom. The device can further include a first tip portion positioned toward the first end portion of the shaft and a second tip portion positioned toward the second end portion of the shaft. The first tip portion can include a second ridge portion extending outwardly from a second exterior surface portion. The second tip portion can include a third ridge portion extending outwardly from a third exterior surface portion.

Abstract: A device for storage and transportation of forensic and/or biological material, comprising a sealable container and a material holder for holding the material, which holder can be placed in the container, wherein the container is provided with at least one ventilating hole and with sealing means that shut off the interior of the container from the environment.

Abstract: An improved swab device includes a handle member having a swab portion and a hinge. The hinge divides the handle member into a handle portion and a controllable portion. The device further includes a first stop member and a second stop member. The controllable portion may articulate from a rest position in a first direction until it is retained in a first retained position. The first stop member is configured to prohibit the swab portion from articulating any further in a first direction and also may be configured to maintain the swab portion in the first retained position. The swab portion may then be released from the first retained position and articulate in an opposite second direction until it is retained in a second position. The second stop member is configured to prohibit the swab from articulating any further in a second direction and also may be configured to maintain the swab portion in the second retained position.

Abstract: A method of removing cerumen includes providing an applicator swab comprising an applicator stick having a swab tip mounted on a first end of the applicator stick, the swab tip including a medical grade pressure sensitive adhesive absorbed onto a top surface of said swab tip in a surface area of at least 25 square millimeters, the adhesive having a tack force sufficient to attach to and dislodge a large piece of cerumen from a person's external ear canal and hold it for at least three seconds. An end of the applicator swab is inserted into the external ear canal so that the top layer of the applicator tip contacts the cerumen. The applicator swab is then removed with the attached cerumen and the process is repeated as necessary after wiping off the cerumen.

Abstract: Left-handed and right-handed twist tip cleaning devices for cleaning left and right ear canals of a user comprise a shaft having a soft twist tip head which is positioned over a hemisphere type end of the shaft which is supported by two angled inwardly legs. The soft twist tip head has six flutes encircling a bullet shaped body along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The flutes of the left-handed twist tip cleaning device differ from the right-handed twist tip cleaning device by angling the flutes to optimize cleaning of the ear canals when rotated by the user. A tickler extends from the top of the twist tip head to provide a safety warning when the tickler contacts an ear drum. A storage box comprises a plurality of left-handed twist tip cleaning devices in one-half of the box with one end removably hinged to an edge of the box. A second half of the storage box comprises a plurality of right-handed twist tip cleaning devices removably hinged to an edge of the box.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed which aid to minimize or prevent infection by cleansing an exterior and interior portion of a body part simultaneously. The devices are similar to swabs but allow multi-function cleansing and/or sterilization in one step.

Abstract: A wiper comprises a rod (20), a wiping body (30) provided at one end of the rod and an outer packing; the rod (20) is of elasticity, the outer packing is a tube-like container (10) having both ends closed permanently and an easy break-off mark (13) provided on the tube wall; the wiper is firm, airtight and capable of being opened easily, and can be used conveniently and rapidly; the rod and the tube-like container are made from thermoplastic materials by technologies such as extruding, injection-molding and the like, both ends of the tube-like container are closed through fusion, mechanical seal and other manners, and the wiper has a simple production technology and is suitable for mass production and wide application.

Abstract: The present invention is found in two embodiments of readily resealed unit dose systems with brush applicators. In the first embodiment, the applicator threadingly engages an interior chamber of a unit dose vial until a sealing surface of the applicator interfaces with a ledge within the chamber. The ledge and surface may be of any angle in relation to the chamber and applicator, so long as they fit together to seal the vial. The second embodiment utilizes an elastomeric diaphragm with an orifice slightly smaller than the applicator handle to secure and seal the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an appliance adapted to transfer to, or associate with, the skin or tissue of a user, a composition, e.g., a moisturizing formulation. Because of possible interactions between the formulation and/or formulation ingredients and elastomeric polymers that may be employed to help give the appliance elastomeric qualities, the appliance comprises an elastic layer or member and a shielding layer or member, with the shielding member interposed between the composition/formulation and the elastic member. Typically the shielding member will be impermeable to the composition/formulation (e.g., by employing polymers, such as polypropylene comprising crystalline portions, such that the mass transport of the formulation through the shielding member is stopped or substantially impeded).

Abstract: An improved forensic specimen collector includes a collection matrix coated with a dissolvable coating composition. The coating composition covers the irregular surface of the matrix, filling in the holes and openings to prevent passage of collected material specimens into the interior of the matrix. This facilitates retention of the specimens on the outer surface of the matrix and release of all of the specimens for analysis. The specimens are separated from the surface of the collection matrix by contacting the matrix with a liquid solvent selected to dissolve the coating, thereby releasing the specimen into the solvent. The solvent is selected in accordance with its solubility characteristics to form either a suspension of the specimen in the solvent, or to dissolve the specimen into the solvent to form a solution.

Abstract: An anal swap having a shaft and a tapering head made of concentric layers of cellulose material.

Abstract: The ear cleaning device is a device for removing wax from an ear. The ear cleaning device includes a shaft having opposed first and second ends. First and second cleaning heads are respectively mounted to the first and second ends of the shaft. The first cleaning head is formed from an absorbent material. The second cleaning head is formed from a loop coated with the absorbent material. The loop may be used to abrade and engage the wax, secretions, bodily waste and debris within the ear, with the absorbent material aiding in adhering the waste to the device for removal thereof. The first cleaning head may further be used for subsequently gently cleaning the ear and for absorbing fluids that may be trapped therein.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering toxin and toxin fragments to a patient's nasal cavity provide for both release of the toxin and delivery of energy which selectively porates target cells to enhance uptake of the toxin. The use of energy-mediated delivery is particularly advantageous with light chain fragment toxins which lack cell binding capacity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay which can be used on nasal secretions. The assay is used to determine the cause of nasal secretions, for example whether the secretions are due to an allergic reaction or a non-allergic reaction.

Abstract: The vaginal cleansing swab is utilized by females for cleansing of the vaginal area. The swab consists of an angled applicator shaft with a moisture-absorbent end piece on one end comprised of a dome-shaped tip and three disc-like portions, having a convex cross-section and with the outer diameters of the disc-like portions increasing in size toward a dome-shaped tip. The design of the vaginal cleansing swab provides for easy insertion into and cleansing of the vaginal area.

Abstract: In a pretreatment instrument and a pretreatment method of saliva, used for identification and quantitation of Streptococcus mutans in saliva by the immunochromatographic method utilizing an antigen-antibody reaction, the instrument includes a swab and a mixing container for saliva and a treatment liquid, the swab having a stick and a soft synthetic resin-made sponge capable of absorbing a predetermined amount or more of saliva, and the mixing container being made of a transparent or translucent soft synthetic resin and comprising a bag-like portion formed integrally with and continuously to a constricted portion as the end of a tapering introduction portion having an opening thoroughly larger than the sponge, wherein the constricted portion and the bag-like portion have elasticity such that the sponge can be squashed by a finger pressure in a state that the sponge is inserted therein; the constricted portion has a width such that a pressure can be applied by fingers and has a shape such that when the sponge i

Abstract: Sample collection assemblies and methods that use a collection wand having a working end and an operating end, a collection tube having a barrel portion, an assay chamber, and a partition member, with the working end of the collection wand having a scoop configured for collecting a predetermined sample volume, and with the partition member having an orifice with a boundary complementary to a cross-section of the scoop, whereby an excess of sample material can be excluded from entering the assay chamber.

Abstract: A vaginal cleaning device includes an elongated applicator including an axial support post having a front end and a rear end, a head connected to the front end, a circular disk with a plurality of apertures disposed at the rear end; and a flexible absorbent material disposed around the axial support post between the head and the circular disk. The device has an elongated handle connected to the elongated applicator, a hollow outer tube with a front portion disposed around the elongated applicator and a rear portion disposed telescopically outside a hollow inner tube. The hollow inner tube has the front open end disposed against the rear side of the circular disk of the elongated applicator and a rear portion disposed around the elongated handle. Also disclosed is a method of using the vaginal cleaning device.

Abstract: A diagnostic test unit is provided. The test unit comprises a stem having a first end and a second end, the stem defining at least one flow channel extending between the first end and the second end. A swab is disposed at the first end of the stem, the swab being configured to collect a test sample derived from a biological source that is suspected of containing an analyte. The test unit also comprises a fluid chamber configured to contain a fluid, wherein the fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the swab via the flow channel. The test unit also comprises a rupturable seal that inhibits leakage of the fluid from the fluid chamber prior to use, and an assay for detecting the presence or absence of the analyte. The assay is in fluid communication with the swab, the flow channel, and the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A cleaning swab is for wet or dry use. The swab includes an elongated handle defining a longitudinal axis. The handle has a cleaning head end and a grasping end. The swab includes a multi layer cleaning head having a core, a mid-layer and an outer layer. The core and the mid-layer are absorbent. The outer layer is formed from a cleaning textile. The outer layer is sealed to itself and to the handle to isolate the core and mid-layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a wound dressing comprising a body and a polymeric film adhered to at least a portion of the body. The body comprises a flexible, porous polyurethane-based foam and a liquid absorbing component. The invention further provides a wound dressing comprising a first body, a second body, and at least one polymeric film disposed between the first and second bodies. The invention additionally provides methods for treating an injury to a patient's nasal passages utilizing a wound dressing according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swab for treating wounds. The swab comprises a stick to one end of which is attached a wound treating element. The wound treating element has a wound cleansing element and a hemostat-containing element. A reservoir is provided for retaining a cleansing or other solution in fluid communication with the wound cleaning element.

Abstract: An applicator having an applicator end portion and a material end portion. The material end portion forms a container holding a material to be applied with the applicator end portion. Upon separating the material end portion from the handle portion of the applicator, a container is formed which is used to dip the applicator end portion of the applicator into. The present invention is particularly applicable to the dispensing of medicaments, and in particular, dental materials. A single dose of material is integrally formed within the applicator and sealed until ready for use.

Abstract: An intra-vaginal self-administered cell collecting device and method includes inserting a tampon-like telescoping tube intra-vaginally. The tube includes an expandable preformed absorbent member having a textured cover. The absorbent member also includes a retrieval member extending therefrom. The tube is manipulated to expel the absorbent member intra-vaginally. The tube is removed and the absorbent member is retained intra-vaginally for a period of time. The absorbent member is retained from expanding from its preform when exposed to vaginal fluids by means of a cover on the absorbent material. The cover also captures soughed-off cells in the vaginal fluids. The absorbent material is retrieved manually by the retrieval member.

Abstract: An endoscopic cleaning device capable of properly removing wet cerumen from an auditory canal while the interior of an auditory canal is illuminated. The device allows an image of the interior of the auditory canal to be acquired while the auditory canal is being cleaned. The device has an ear picking main body that also serves as a light guide to provide the illumination. The ear picking main body rotates about a light guide containing the micro lens used to acquire the image, so that the image remains stable. The ear picking main body is inserted through a removable, elastically deformable tubular ear picking part having a through hole and an outer layer made of fibrous material. In this way light can be delivered to the end of the ear picking main body, and the fibrous material of the ear picking part can be used to remove wet cerumen.

Abstract: A swab assembly is provided which includes a swab fitted with an absorbent material at one end of a stick, and a holder for releasably capturing the swab. The holder includes a connecting bridge area with a central groove traversing along a length direction thereof flanked by first and second gripping wings, the wings being sufficiently flexible to bend between a relatively non-stressed and a stressed position allowing the stick, respectively to be engaged and to be released from the groove.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel polymers derivatized with at least one —NOx group per 1200 atomic mass unit of the polymer. X is one or two. In one embodiment, the polymer is an S-nitrosylated polymer and is prepared by reacting a polythiolated polymer with a nitrosylating agent under conditions suitable for nitrosylating free thiol groups. The polymers of the present invention can be used to coat medical devices to deliver nitric oxide in vivo to treatment sites.

Abstract: A medicinal germfree dry smearing piece attached on a shell containing germfree medicinal solutions includes a smearing piece and a shell for containing germfree medicinal solutions. The smearing piece is attached on an intermediate portion of the shell where an easily bent neck is formed. In using, the shell is bent into two halves and folded on each other to make the neck crack open to let the solutions in the shell to flow out and at once absorbed by the smearing piece to be used for swabbing on a wound or the like. Thus the smearing piece with the shell not yet used can be carried out conveniently in a hygienic condition and with safety in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swab for treating wounds. The swab comprises a stick to one end of which is attached a wound treating element. The wound treating element has a wound cleansing element and a hemostat-containing element. A reservoir is provided for retaining a cleansing or other solution in fluid communication with the wound cleaning element.

Abstract: A swab collection and recovery device comprising: an elongate tube having at least one side wall, an open top, and a closed bottom; a cap for closing the top of the tube; and a swab having a handle wherein one end of the swab comprises an absorbent material and the other end of the swab is attached to the inside of the cap, wherein the cap and the swab can be removed from the tube as a single unit; wherein the elongate tube further comprises a compressible indentation along the side wall, and the absorbent end of the swab can be squeezed at the position of the compressible indentation to express absorbed liquids into the bottom of the tube. A method of taking a culture sample comprising using the swab collection and recovery device.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin adapted to be worn in a thong undergarment. The sanitary napkin includes a central absorbent pad having a liquid pervious cover layer, a liquid impervious barrier layer and an absorbent core between the cover layer and barrier layer. The sanitary napkin has a first distal end region, an opposite second distal end region and a central region intermediate the first distal end region and the second distal end region and a flap extending laterally outward from each longitudinal side edge of the sanitary napkin in the central region. The absorbent core has a maximum width in the first distal end region that does not exceed 40 mm and a ratio of a length of the first distal end region to the maximum width of the absorbent core in the first distal end region is less than 2.

Abstract: A Designer Terri Stix is a new and improved way of cleaning. The function of this product is to sanitize the ear canal more safely preventing the terry cloth fabric from unraveling and becoming caught inside the auditory canal. This also can be utilized for tedious areas as well. A Designer Terri Stix is described whose stick is an elongate stem either of plastic, wood, or paper materials. The terry cloth fabric is key to the uniqueness of this product.

Abstract: A cleaning swab is for wet or dry use. The swab includes an elongated handle defining a longitudinal axis. The handle has a cleaning head end and a grasping end. The swab includes a multi layer cleaning head having a core, a mid-layer and an outer layer. The core and the mid-layer are absorbent. The outer layer is formed from a cleaning textile. The outer layer is sealed to itself and to the handle to isolate the core and mid-layer.

Abstract: A system, device and method for repairing mitral valve regurgitation is provided. A device is placed external to the mitral valve in the atrioventricular sulcus or groove of the heart and is cinched in to reduce the mitral valve annulus or the radius of curvature of the heart around the atrioventricular groove thus reducing the circumference of the mitral annulus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter (100), comprisig a catheter stem (104) and a radially expandable structure (102), said expandable structure being configured to adopt in an expanded state a funnel like shape at a first proximal part that is attached to an end of said catheter stem (104) and an elongate substantially tubular shape at a second distal part. A selected portion of the expandable structure is coated with an unpermeable material to realise an occluding seal. The invention also relates to a catheter set, a perfusion system and a device for controlling the flow path in the inferior Venn cava.

Abstract: A fluid applicator has a fluid-containing cask within which is a displaceable piston operable in response to operation of a piston controller to dispense fluid through a dispensing valve from the cask to an applicator. A handle is removably coupled to the cask to facilitate the application of fluid to a selected site. The handle may be separated from the cask without impairing the ability of the piston to displace fluid from the cask. The valve is manually adjustable to enable a selected quantity of fluid to be dispensed cask.

Abstract: A communication device (CD) exchanges messages with an implantable infusion pump via telemetry such that commands are supplied thereto and operational information is obtained therefrom. The CD is controlled, at least in part, by a processor IC according to a software program operating therein and provides feedback to a user via a visual display, an audio alarm, and a vibrational alarm, and allows input from the user via a touch sensitive keypad. Certain input functions are restricted by password. The visual display includes an icon and fixed element display region and a bitmap display region. The fixed element display region includes time and date displays, battery and drug level displays that decrement, and a moving delivery state display. Various screens allow operational or log information to be displayed and/or user entry of commands. Program features when disabled are removed from a series of screen options that can be scrolled through.

Abstract: A device is provided for self-sampling a body cavity, in particular the cervix, and a method is provided to use the device to obtain samples from the cervix for testing for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA. The device includes elongated flexible bristles attached to a handle to form a mop-like sampling member. The sampling member is rotated to mop the cervix and obtain a sample of cervical cells on the elongated bristles. The sampling device is then withdrawn from the vaginal cavity and the sample is sent for analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for collecting samples of fluids, in particular of body fluids such as saliva, said device comprising an absorbent pad and two housing parts which are connected to the latter in a movable manner and can enclose the absorbent pad. The device permits easy and safe handling when taking a sample and when transferring the sample for testing for an analyte in the sample. The device can also be handled hygienically and safely by persons not trained in taking samples.

Abstract: An analyte-taking device includes a tube provided at one end with an analyte-taking element; a plug inside the tube; and at least one liquid contained in an inside space of the tube separated from the analyte-taking element by the plug. The plug can be arranged, in use, to be expelled together with the liquid when the liquid leaves the inside space of the tube. The liquid can be an analyte-taking liquid suitable for facilitating the taking of at least one analyte by the analyte-taking element. The liquid can also be a reagent suitable for producing an observable reaction in the presence of an analyte picked up by the analyte-taking element.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a housing with a passage through which a catheter is inserted. A valve body is mounted in the passage, and, as the catheter penetrates through the valve body, the valve body conforms to the outer wall of the catheter to maintain a fluid tight seal between the valve body and the catheter. When the valve body is unstressed before being mounted in the passage, the valve body has a first planar dimension and a second planar dimension that is less than the first planar dimension.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bipolar clamp (10) comprising two scissor members (12, 14), which are joined together mechanically by means of an insulating screw or similar pivot joint (16) about which they can rotate with respect to one another, but are electrically insulated from one another,

Abstract: An intra-vaginal self-administered cell collecting device and method includes inserting a tampon-like telescoping tube intra-vaginally. The tube includes an expandable preformed absorbent member having a textured cover. The absorbent member also includes a retrieval member extending therefrom. The tube is manipulated to expel the absorbent member intra-vaginally. The tube is removed and the absorbent member is retained intra-vaginally for a period of time. The absorbent member is retained from expanding from its preform when exposed to vaginal fluids by means of a cover on the absorbent material. The cover also captures soughed-off cells in the vaginal fluids. The absorbent material is retrieved manually by the retrieval member.

Abstract: The one time use disposable styptic product is an elongated stem-like applicator with an effective amount of styptic product adhered to one or both ends. The length can vary based on the needs of the user. The one time use disposable styptic product remedies several problems never before addressed by manufacturers of the commonly known “Styptic Pencil” or the several powders and gels associated with styptic. Prior styptic applications do not address blood-borne disease control. An one time use, disposable styptic applicator would allow styptic to thrive in industries such as nail salons, barber shops, tattoo and/or piercing parlors and many other similar industries. The product is safely used and disposed of promptly after each use. This is cost effective and a possible solution to the threat of blood-borne diseases in these or similar markets. Styptic is not currently available in a disposable one time use dosage or packaging.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring individuals using voice print matching to match monitored speech with stored voice prints is disclosed. Voice prints of individuals are obtained and stored in a central repository for use by authorized agencies or other entity that monitor voice communications. The digitized voice prints may be used to identify the speakers being monitored. If the conversation being monitored causes the monitor, based on their predetermined alert criteria, to suspect the speakers of illegal activity, such as, for example, terrorism, or otherwise cause the monitor to seek additional information about the speakers, the monitor may access information associated with the voice print and retrieve the information associated with those individuals so that this information may be passed along to the appropriate agency or organization for further action.

Abstract: A substance applying apparatus is provided for applying a substance to an application location. An application element having a wetting body is partially received in an inner tube and the inner tube is received in an outer tube. A fluid connection between the inner space of the inner tube and the inner space of the outer tube is produced by the application of pressure on the substance applying apparatus. The inner tube is comprised of a softer material than the outer tube and at least the bottom of the inner tube is cut upon the application of pressure on the substance applying apparatus.

Abstract: A device is provided for self-sampling a body cavity, in particular the cervix, and a method is provided to use the device to obtain samples from the cervix for testing for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA. The device includes elongated flexible bristles attached to a handle to form a mop-like sampling member. The sampling member is rotated to mop the cervix and obtain a sample of cervical cells on the elongated bristles. The sampling device is then withdrawn from the vaginal cavity and the sample is sent for analysis.