Abstract: A disposable kit for achieving and maintaining clean and healthy tissue in body piercing sites on the human body including the eyebrow, chin, nose, mouth, tongue, navel, nipples, and private parts, by cleaning, sterilizing and applying an antiseptic and antibacterial solution. Prevents body piercing complications most often related to the absence of a suitable sterile environment, e.g., using piercing tools or instruments that are not sterile, or the insertion of non-sterile or contaminated appliances, rings, hooks, or whatever device or product is inserted into the pierced cavity. Designed to prevent problems such as irritation, soreness, and closure of the desired pierced opening, which results from contamination, and the absence of a proper sterile and aseptic cleaning kit.

Abstract: A topical anesthetic solution includes a tetracaine base dissolved in a solvent, such as isopropyl alcohol. A method for anesthetizing the ear canal and tympanic membrane using the anesthetic solution includes providing a dry, expandable applicator which expands as it absorbs a fluid and inserting the applicator, dry or partially wetted, into the ear canal and advancing the applicator into the ear canal to the vicinity of the tympanic membrane. The applicator is then fully wetted with the anesthetic solution, causing the applicator to fully expand within the ear canal, and is left in the ear canal for a period sufficient to effect anesthesia of the ear canal and tympanic membrane. An apparatus for applying a topical anesthetic to the ear canal and tympanic membrane includes an expandable, absorbent applicator that expands when soaked with a liquid, an applicator withdrawal tether attached to the applicator, and an applicator inserting and soaking device.

Abstract: A cervical cell collection device can easily and comfortably be used by a woman in the privacy and comfort of her own home. Once the woman obtains the cervical cell sample, she can be forward it to a physician's office or other lab location for analysis. The collection device includes an outer guide assembly and an inner sampling assembly bearing a collector.

Abstract: A cutting device is described having a base with an opening with cutting edges, and a flap articulated with respect to the base, the flap having a shape corresponding to the opening and cutting edges corresponding to the cutting edges of the opening. The cutting device is preferably provided as part of a kit for preparing and delivering hemostatic material to a patient.

Abstract: Immunoassay tests or agglutination tests run on samples of bodily fluid to detect the presence of particular compounds such as drugs in the body may be screened in the screening device. A test membrane is inserted into the screening device and illuminated. The reflected image is detected and the digitized data processed. For immunoassay tests, the digitized data is segmented and data for the test region is compared to that from the control region and the background regions to determine whether the test data exhibits any significant results. For agglutination tests, the digitized data is processed to determine the number and size of the areas of coagulation to determine whether the test data exhibits any significant results.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic coupling device includes a housing arrangement and a turbine wheel rotatably arranged in the housing arrangement for rotation about an axis of rotation. The turbine wheel has a turbine wheel shell carries a plurality of turbine wheel blades in its radially outer region and is connected to a turbine wheel hub in its radially inner region. The tubine wheel shell has a connecting portion connecting the radially outer region to the radially inner region. The turbine wheel shell further includes a reinforcing arrangement in its connecting portion.

Abstract: A multifunctional device for use in an endoscopically performed operative procedure of the type where a narrow portal is established through the skin to provide access to an operative site and the multifunctional device is introduced to the operative site through the narrow portal. The multifunctional device is formed of an absorbent material, preferably expandable, having a substantially rigid dry state prior to introduction to the operative site and a soft, flexible wet state after absorbing fluids. The absorbent material can be formed witha spine therein of either a continuous or a discontinuous, segmented construction, and the spine can be branched and tubular or solid.

Abstract: An apparatus for the reusable interim storage of partially consumed medicated oral dosage forms and methods for employing such an apparatus in order to use medicated oral dosage forms in the safest possible manner. The apparatus of the present invention in its broadest terms comprises (1) a container sized to hold a medicated oral dosage form, (2) means for allowing a medicated oral dosage form easy access into the container but substantially preventing the medicated oral dosage form from passing out of the container, and (3) a child resistant means for allowing an adult to remove a medicated oral dosage form from within the container despite the one-way access means. The preferred embodiment comprises an opaque container having one opening, a child resistant closure with an aperture there through that extends over said opening, and a plastic slitted membrane covering said aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel polymers derivatized with at least one -SNO group per 1200 atomic mass unit of the polymer. In one embodiment, the S-nitrosylated polymer has stabilized —S—nitrosyl groups.

Abstract: A multifunctional device for use in an endoscopically performed operative procedure of the type where a narrow portal is established through the skin to provide access to an operative site and the multifunctional device is introduced to the operative site through the narrow portal. The multifunctional device is formed of an absorbent material, preferably expandable, having a substantially rigid dry state prior to introduction to the operative site and a soft, flexible wet state after absorbing fluids. The absorbent material can be formed with a spine therein of either a continuous or a discontinuous, segmented construction, and the spine can be branched and tubular or solid.

Abstract: A nose cleaning system is provided including a handle and a nose tip including an ellipsoid mounted with respect to an end of the handle. The nose tip has a foam outer layer defining an outer surface with a hemispherical inboard extent and a tapering outboard extent which terminates in an arcuate apex.

Abstract: A fixation device for fixating a catheter relative to a skin surface part of a person which catheter defines an outer diameter and is introduced into the interior of the person through the skin surface part substantially perpendicularly relative thereto through a perforation site. The fixation device comprises a pad element to be arranged adjacent to the perforation site and defining a convex marginal surface having a radius of curvature of at least one order of magnitude larger than the outer diameter of the catheter. The marginal surface provides a support surface in relation to the catheter positioned in facial contact therewith for arranging the catheter in a loop and turning the catheter from an orientation substantially perpendicularly relative to the skin surface part to an orientation substantially parallelly with the skin surface part and for preventing the catheter from sliding along the marginal surface.

Abstract: A waste remover of human waste is disclosed. The waste remover comprises a remover member and a moveable member. The moveable member is located in a tube. The tube is also coupled to a head. A remover member extends from the head.

Abstract: A rolling swab applicator is disclosed which includes an elongated handle that can be grasped by a user. A rotatable applicator head is mounted to the handle member for rotation relative thereto. The applicator head includes a layer of absorbent material that may be pre-saturated with a disinfectant or irrigant to be applied to a wound or incision. Alternatively, a dry absorbent swab can be used for debris pickup and drying of a wound or application of ointments.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel polymers derivatized with at least one —SNO group per 1200 atomic mass unit of the polymer. In one embodiment, the S-nitrosylated polymer has stabilized —S-nitrosyl groups. In another embodiment the S-nitrosylated polymer prepared by polymerizing a compound represented by the following structural formula: R is an organic radical. Each X′ is an independently chosen aliphatic group or substituted aliphatic group. Preferably, each X′ is the same and is a C2-C6 alkylene group, more preferably —CH2—, —CH2CH2—, —CH2CH2CH2— or —CH2CH2CH2CH2—. p and m are independently a positive integer such that p+m is greater than two. The polymers of the present invention can be used to coat medical devices to deliver nitric oxide in vivo to treatment sites.

Abstract: This invention relates to an intraluminal stent having a lumen-wall contacting surface and a lumen-exposed surface wherein the stent comprises a first polymer composition comprising fibrin and wherein the stent is suitable to deliver virus to the wall of a lumen of the body. The invention also relates to methods for making the stent and to methods for delivering nucleic acid to cells accessible from a wall of a body lumen.

Abstract: An apparatus for the reusable interim storage of partially consumed medicated oral dosage forms and methods for employing such an apparatus in order to use medicated oral dosage forms in the safest possible manner. The apparatus of the present invention in its broadest terms comprises (1) a container sized to hold a medicated oral dosage form, (2) means for allowing a medicated oral dosage form easy access into the container but substantially preventing the medicated oral dosage form from passing out of the container, and (3) a child resistant means for allowing an adult to remove a medicated oral dosage form from within the container despite the one-way access means. The preferred embodiment comprises an opaque container having one opening, a child resistant closure with an aperture there through that extends over said opening, and a plastic slitted membrane covering said aperture.

Abstract: A “pick-and-place” apparatus has a first pivoted lever driven in alternating directions of pivoting, the drive shaft of which is mounted centrally between a first location and a second location. In the end positions, which delimit the pivoting range, the pivoted lever always faces towards one location or the other location. A second pivoted lever is mounted at the end of the first lever and driven in the opposite direction thereto and with a predetermined gear ratio thereto, for example, resulting from a fixed toothed wheel by means of a toothed belt and a further toothed wheel. The chip gripper is connected to the end of the second lever. The gear ratio and the lengths of the two levers are matched to each other such that in both end positions, the two levers are in an extended position with respect to one another and the chip gripper is over the one location or the other location.

Abstract: An apparatus for the reusable interim storage of partially consumed medicated oral dosage forms and methods for employing such an apparatus in order to use medicated oral dosage forms in the safest possible manner. The apparatus of the present invention in its broadest terms comprises (1) a container sized to hold a medicated oral dosage form, (2) means for allowing a medicated oral dosage form easy access into the container but substantially preventing the medicated oral dosage form from passing out of the container, and (3) a child resistant means for allowing an adult to remove a medicated oral dosage form from within the container despite the one-way access means. The preferred embodiment comprises an opaque container having one opening, a child resistant closure with an aperture there through that extends over said opening, and a plastic slitted membrane covering said aperture.

Abstract: A human female cervical specimen gathering device is disclosed which can be self administered by women. The device consists of a cardboard tube that houses a retractable sponge, The handle is adapted to allow it to serve as a screw-cap lid, once the device is inserted into a conical tube containing fixative or preservative. After transport to the lab the tube call easily be agitated to liberate cells, centrifuged, and prepared as a thin smear for cytology or DNA probes.

Abstract: A personal hygiene device for holding tissue or cloth for wiping and washing parts of the body that may be hard or impossible to reach due to a physical disabiliity. The personal hygiene device includes a first tube, a second tube telescopically extending from the first tube, and a clamping portion coupled to a free end of the second tube. The clamping portion is adapted for holding a tissue or cloth for wiping a body part.

Abstract: A device is provided for taking swab samples and sample dilution. The device has a plug made of a porous, absorbent material, which projects from a sleeve and is used to take a swab sample. The plug is located in one end of the sleeve. A piston, which can be moved in the sleeve by means of a piston rod, is located in the other end of the sleeve. A closure, which can be opened by means of pressure, is located between the piston and the plug, so that a liquid arranged between the piston and the plug moves through the closure to the plug and wets same on actuation of the piston rod.

Abstract: A swab is described formed of a paper stick having opposite ends of less paper density than the rest of the stick. An absorbent covering such as cotton is placed around the ends. The stick is obtained by rolling a paper having left and right edges harmonically cut with at least two amplitude maxima and at least one amplitude minima. Softer stick ends are achieved through this structural arrangement. A cut paper used for forming the swab stick and a manufacturing process are also described.

Abstract: A clean wipe device for cleaning an optical surface, like the cover glass on a charge coupled device (CCD) imager surface, and the method to make the same, comprises an elongated support, an absorbent swab attached to an end of the elongated support, and a cleaning element. The cleaning element is secured to the end of the support so as to cover the swab and to present an elongated side as a broad cleaning surface. In addition, the elongated side extends between two acute angle end sections of the cleaning element, thus presenting two corner cleaning surfaces to the optical surface.

Abstract: A needle cover assembly is provided that incorporates a drug applicator therein. The needle cover assembly includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is formed from a hard material and acts as a needle shield. The inner sleeve also includes an absorbent material thereon that can absorb a drug such as an antimicrobial agent. This allows the absorbent material to be swabbed on the patient's skin prior to puncturing with a needle. The outer sleeve covers the absorbent material and prevents evaporation of the drug from the absorbent material.

Abstract: An apparatus to expedite washing, drying and treatment of the skin between toes, having two resilient flexible arms attached to a handle, with sleeves of appropriate materials that can be easily secured on said apparatus.

Abstract: A therapeutic applicator comprises a porous media, a string attached to the porous media, and a hollow tube, having a first end and a second end. The string passes through the hollow tube and exits the hollow tube at the first end when the porous media is positioned in proximity of the second end. A therapeutic agent is impregnated in the porous media.

Abstract: A hygienic applicator having a combination of moist and/or dry swab end sections made of absorbent material. The moist end section is pre-moistened with baby oil, cleaning solution, medicant, or any desired liquid. The dry end section can also be moistened with a preferred liquid and then dried, leaving this section impregnated with a desired residue. The end sections can be encapsulated with an easily removable wrap to prevent contamination. The wrap can be moisture-impermeable to retain the moisture of the wetted end sections. Wraps are incorporated for quickly unravelling the end sections just prior to use.

Abstract: A dental applicator of the present invention is provided for applying a dental compound to a tooth surface. The applicator includes an applicator body having a handle and a neck extending forwardly from the handle. The neck has a forwardly facing socket or socket is formed at the end of the neck to receive an absorbent sponge. The sponge is slidingly received in the socket so that its position in the socket can be selectively changed. The sponge, when prepared for insertion into the socket, has an overall cross-sectional dimension greater than the diameter of the socket. The sponge thus has to be compressed when it is inserted in the socket. Thus, when the sponge is inserted in the socket, the sponge forms an enlarged, ball-shaped or bulbous tip. By selectively altering the amount the sponge extends from the end of the neck, the enlarged sponge tip can be made larger or smaller, to hold larger or smaller amounts of liquid.

Abstract: The invention concerns a measuring device for determining the secretion of the sebum from the skin using a microporous, water-repellent, sebum-absorbing opaque foil (4) which, on contact with the skin, can absorb sebum secreted by the surface of the skin, the transparency of the foil (4) being a measure of the absorbed sebum. In the edge region the sebum-absorbing foil (4) is attached to a carrier (2) which is provided with a window or is transparent in the area of the foil (4) to be brought into contact with the surface of the skin.

Abstract: A motorized pierced body part cleaning device includes a substantially hollow, elongated tubular handle component having an open end and a plurality of cleaning stem gripping members at a distal end. The cleaning stem gripping members are selectively rotated using an electric motor disposed within the tubular handle. Integral with the tubular handle adjacent its open end is a storage reservoir for storing a plurality of cleaning stems in a cleaning or disinfecting solution. The open end may be selectively enclosed using a cap means.

Abstract: There is provided a medical swab comprising a thin stick comprising a drawn plastic stick and a sphere-like fiber lump formed on at least one end of the stick; the fiber lump has a fiber winding portion which is formed by winding a part of the fibers around the stick and then is fixed to the stick either by using an adhesive, or by tightening the fiber lump containing a fibrillating cellulose without using an adhesive.

Abstract: A swab is provided which includes an elongate stem and an absorbent covering such as cotton surrounding opposite tips of the stem. An antimicrobial agent is dispersed within the absorbent covering. A process is also provided for manufacturing the swabs. The process includes the steps of preparing a liquid medium containing the antimicrobial agent, contacting the absorbent covering with the liquid medium and then drying the absorbent covering.

Abstract: To provide an autoclavable swab, a fibrous applicator pad is formed with a narrow slit and a handle with a plurality of barb means extending away from its longitudinal axis and from a first end toward a second end. The opening is sufficient in size to receive the first end of the handle and the adjacent portion through at least 25 percent of the applicator pad, whereby the barbs, once inserted, engage the applicator pad material within the opening to resist removal of the handle.

Abstract: Stick with cotton buds for hygienic use, which are disintegrable in water and rapidly biodegradable, manufactured from a thermoplastic material obtained from natural polymeric substances which are biodegradable and water soluble when in their thermoplastic state or from biodegradable, water soluble synthetic polymers.

Abstract: A device to be used for daily cleaning a user's internal walls of his or her nasal cavities. The device is elongated with two ends and an increasing diameter away from the ends. The device is made out of a soft material that conforms to the space defined by the internal wall of a user's nasal cavities. An inner elongated and longitudinally extending core made out of a firmer material is used to enhance the overall resiliency of the device. A plurality of soft filaments extend from the outer surface of the elongated body that with the longitudinally disposed grooves trap the secretions and facilitate their removal. Inserting the device causes it to exert an outwardly radial pressure to aid in the impregnated on the device to provide a user with relief and/or therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to an easy-to-use device for the safe and secure transport of samples and specimens from the field to the laboratory. The invention is particularly suited for use with forensic samples, as it facilitates the drying of the sample, while protecting the sample from the environment and protecting the environment from contamination with the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sampling kit for obtaining, in a rapid and gentle manner, a defined volume of lacrimal fluid for the purpose of reproducibly determining components of the lacrimal fluid.

Abstract: A personal sanitary device is provided to assist individuals in personal hygiene, and specifically to provide a device for overweight or otherwise activity-limited individuals to wipe and to cleanse their excretory orifices, and surrounding areas. The device includes laterally extending handle sections for grasping and manipulation by a user. The handle is attached to one end of a rod. The other end of the rod is connected to a finger member which may be fitted with a disposable cover when used. The device is formed in sections that may be separated for storage.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator using a thermoplastic attachment and method of manufacture is provided. The cosmetic applicator comprises an elongate wand having a first end, the wand comprising a polymeric material, a tip having an interior cavity with an open-end mouth, the first end of the wand positioned in the interior cavity of the tip, the tip comprising resilient polymeric foam having a plurality of cells and sized to substantially cover the end of the wand, and a thermoplastic material adhered to the first end of the wand and melted into the cells of the foam in the interior cavity of the tip for securing the tip to the first end of the wand.

Abstract: An essentially homogeneous, water-resistant, water-absorbent rod, containing a cohesive spiral winding of water-resistant, water-absorbent sheet material, in which the rod can absorb at least 50% by weight of water when placed in water at 23.degree. C. for one minute. Methods for fabricating and using this rod are also described.

Abstract: A swab is provided which includes an elongate stem and an absorbent covering such as cotton surrounding opposite tips of the stem. An antimicrobial agent is dispersed within the absorbent covering. A process is also provided for manufacturing the swabs. The process includes the steps of preparing a liquid medium containing the antimicrobial agent, contacting the absorbent covering with the liquid medium and then drying the absorbent covering.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for the treatment of the symptoms of obstructive prostatism. The apparatus comprises an expandable dilation catheter and preferably an axially elongate sheath, adapted for transurethral insertion via the external opening of the urethra. The sheath is ellipsoid in cross-section, and provides an initial path through which the catheter and a standard cystoscope lens is guided. The dilation catheter or the sheath are provided with a non-radiological locating means for positioning the dilation portion of the catheter with respect to an anatomical landmark. Once the catheter has been properly positioned with respect to both the bladder neck and the sphincter, the dilation balloon may be inflated to force open the affected prostatic urethra and eliminate the obstruction.

Abstract: A method of concealing tattoos on a person's body includes the steps of adding various coloring pigments to a tattooing ink until a color which matches the person's skin color is achieved. The colored tattoo ink is brushed over the existing tattoo to effect a concealing of the tattoo without the necessity of laser surgery or other radical skin damaging activities. The tattoo ink may also be injected into the tattoo to provide a more permanent concealment. A kit for performing the method of concealment includes a skin color chart for assisting in color selection, and containers having supplies of tattooing ink and coloring pigments. Various swabs, brushes and disposable syringes are also included in the kit.

Abstract: A multiple-use blood-blotting device includes a sheet of base stock which has a plurality of fingertip-sized recesses formed therein. A corresponding plurality of absorbent swabs are received in the recesses. The swabs may be releasably attached to the recesses so that soiled swabs may be removed. Lines of perforations may be formed in the sheet of base stock, allowing the sheet of base stock to be divisible into sections, with each section including at least one recess and swab. A protective sheet may be attached to the sheet of base stock to cover and protect the swabs. The protective sheet may have perforations which corresponding to perforations in the sheet of base stock, so that each of the swabs remains sterile and hygienic even if device is divided into smaller sections.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for administering local anesthetics and therapeutic medications during endoscopic surgery. The method of administering the medication includes inserting an endoscope having a hollow channel through a nasal cavity of a patient, inserting a syringe through the hollow channel and into a selected anatomical site, and inserting medicine into the selected anatomical site through the syringe. The apparatus used for administering the medication includes a tip portion, an outer flexible tube and a flexible member disposed at least in part within the flexible tube. The flexible member has a distal end and is connected to the tip portion at the distal end thereof. The flexible member may also be movable in an axial direction relative to the outer flexible tube such that in a first position the tip portion is disposed within the outer flexible tube and in a second position the tip portion is extended out of the outer flexible tube.

Abstract: The Christoudias endodissector is an instrument for dissecting, wiping, sponging or cleaning tissues during endoscopic surgery. The instrument includes a mesh gauze body at one end which is held securely and housed in a recess on the head portion of the instrument by teeth on a fixed and a pivotal jaw. The lower part of the head portion is mounted within a resiliently backed cylindrical locking sheath. The lower head portion becomes an elongated main stem which is mounted within a handle sheath at the other end of the instrument. A locking pin on the stem engages a groove on the locking sheath to maintain the jaws in position. Alternate embodiments involve a mushroom dissector and a cocoon dissector named after the configuration of the gauze body which is securely affixed on a complimentary shaft. An alternate embodiment involves a tubular instrument onto which a tubular endodissector tip is attached thus forming a working port through which additional instruments can be inserted.

Abstract: A shaft (1) having a fiber swab (5) on one end, a metric scale (2) on the shaft starting at the swab end, and preferably a flat portion (7) of the shaft for orienting the scale by touch, without visual inspection. A second scale (3) is preferably provided, starting at the opposite end from the first scale, and on the opposite side of the shaft. The shaft optionally includes a bulb (6) on one or both ends. An arrangement of tactile indicators (7 and 8) allows a practitioner to orient the probe for used of the desired end and its associated scale by touch alone, allowing visual concentration on the patient.

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 device is designed for easy application of an antiseptic, such as peroxide, to an injured area. The device includes a housing having a central cavity in which an absorbent pad, such as a sponge, is permanently affixed. An antiseptic, e.g. peroxide, is also disposed within the cavity and absorbed by the pad. A flexible cover is sealed to the housing to close the cavity and contain the absorbent pad and the antiseptic. The cover is designed for easy removal to expose the pad and its absorbed antiseptic.