Means Broken, Cut, Pierced, Or Torn To Permit Flow Of Material Patents (Class 604/3)
  • Patent number: 6302865
    Abstract: A guidewire for use in combination with a balloon catheter having a guidewire lumen disposed distal of the balloon, wherein the guidewire defines a perfusion lumen extending from a point proximal of the balloon to a point distal of the balloon such that blood may perfuse across the balloon when inflated. The guidewire may be used in an intravascular balloon angioplasty system, an intravascular system for the administration of ionizing radiation utilizing a centering balloon catheter, or any other intravascular system utilizing a balloon catheter and a guidewire. The guidewire includes an elongate shaft wherein a distal a portion of the shaft defines the perfusion lumen. Alternatively, the perfusion lumen may be defined by a tubular member carried by the shaft. The tubular member may be fixed to the shaft or may be movable relative thereto. As a further alternative, the shaft may include an expandable portion which defines the perfusion lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Urick
  • Patent number: 6283933
    Abstract: A disposable applicator includes a generally tubular applicator body having a closed proximal end and an open distal end and a frangible vial inside. The proximal end is covered by a drying swab while the distal end is covered by an applicator swab that is in open communication with the interior of the applicator body. Within the applicator body is a frangible vial containing a biomedically useful liquid composition, such as an &agr;-cyanoacrylate adhesive, a medicament, or both. The applicator is useful for applying liquid compositions to target sites such as tissue, particularly sites of topical pathology, such as stomatitis lesions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Closure Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Keith R. D'Alessio, William M. Cotter
  • Patent number: 6235539
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a device that utilizes capillarity-mediated, chromatographic transport, for the qualitative or semi-quantitative analysis of selected analytes in liquid samples. The device utilizes an applicator/collection device for collecting and administering the sample to the flow path such that reagent(s) flow through the applicator/collection device, washing the sample into the reaction pathway. The device farther utilizes an air gap between the initial location of the reagent and the reaction pathway to funnel the reagent efficiently through the sample so as to collect all or substantially all of the sample and make it available for the reaction(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Carpenter
  • Patent number: 6129894
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Drager Sicherheitstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Rabenecker, Rainer Polzius, Gero Vornbaumen, Andreas Manns, Thomas Wuske
  • Patent number: 6066124
    Abstract: The method of applying screening or treatment fluid to tissue, and employing an elongated carrier, having a first end portion; a flexible outer container having a generally tubular second end portion and a frangible inner container protectively located within the outer container, there being screening or treatment fluid within the inner container, and a fluid applicator carried by the flexible outer container, to communicate with the interior of the outer container which includes a connector having a body defining oppositely projecting third and fourth end portions, and interfitting the third and fourth end portions with the first and second end portions, respectively, so that the elongated carrier is substantially rigidly joined to first end portion of the flexible outer container, exerting pressure on a pressure application region of the outer container spaced from the connector body, and sufficient to rupture the inner container, thereby releasing screening or treatment fluid into the interior of the outer
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: James C. Caillouette
  • Patent number: 6007264
    Abstract: A small sized shallow pouch like container (3) for a dispensible ingredient includes a pair of built-in outwardly pivotable flaps (5 & 7) positioned on opposite sides of the container's outlet end to form a package applicator (1). Squeezing the container's sides with the fingers expresses the stored ingredient through the outlet and onto the applicator flaps. Using the container portion as a finger grip, the flaps may be moved about the desired surface, spreading the dispensed ingredient. In some embodiments the outlet is opened by squeezing the container sides to break a closure seal (19). In others the outlet is unsealed by pulling the flaps apart (19'); by tearing (35) or is unblocked (57) by unfolding the flaps. In a preferred embodiment the container and applicator combination is formed by a pair of flexible foil sheets of substantially identical structure (21 & 23) that are superimposed over one another and partially connected together to define both the container and the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Felix Investments, LLC
    Inventor: Kurtis James Koptis
  • Patent number: 5989205
    Abstract: A solution applicator system comprising a retainer and a plurality of solution retaining containers removably coupled to the retainer. Each container has a removable end and a closed end and includes a receptacle, having an open end and a sealing structure sealing the open end, and an applicator member, having at least one end coupled to an absorbing material, both housed within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Inter-Med, LLC.
    Inventors: Gary J. Pond, Michael S. Butler
  • Patent number: 5957605
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a device and the method of making same, which device functions both as a containment system for a product having either liquid, semi-liquid, solid or semi-solid characteristics, and as an applicator that can be used to deliver and apply the product to a surface in a convenient, economical and simple manner. The device includes an applicator pad that has a front surface that comes in contact with the desired surface to thereby apply the product thereto. A product impermeable backing layer is bonded to a rear surface of the applicator pad and a packet can be placed in position to release the product into the applicator pad through an aperture formed in the backing layer. A multi-purpose label is used to seal the packet in place, protects the user's hands, provides printed information to the user, provides the user with a device gripping surface and can also function to seal and/or reseal the applicator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Gliders, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Blair Cohen, Thomas Wills
  • Patent number: 5947986
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Darrin R. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5927884
    Abstract: A perfume stick having a fragile core tube holding a liquid perfume and mounted in a flexible plastic outer tube, the flexible plastic outer tube having a bottom end covered with a cotton tip, the liquid perfume flowing out of the core tube to the cotton tip for application when the perfume stick is bent by hand to break the core tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Yu-Chien Kao
  • Patent number: 5895408
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Gaspar Pagan
  • Patent number: 5827307
    Abstract: A disposable hemostatic curette includes a handle, at least one scraping implement, and a crushable applicator. The handle has a first end, a second end, and a length. The cross section and length of the handle are sized to facilitate easy manipulation with a thumb and forefinger. The first end of the handle is tapered to a smaller diameter which is connected to a scraping implement. The scraping implement is preferably round in shape with a shallow bore. A scraping edge of the scraping implement is a sharp edge which is formed from the inner wall of the shallow bore and a tapering outer wall of the scraping implement. A deep bore is formed in the second end of the handle, and is sized to firmly receive the outside diameter of a crushable applicator. The crushable applicator includes a transparent flexible housing, an applicator swab, and a crushable ampule containing a hemostatic solution. At least one crush window is disposed at the second end of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Clyde C. Tipton
  • Patent number: 5791801
    Abstract: A liquid applicator of the type used to apply pre-operative liquid to the body prior to surgery. The liquid is contained in a sealed ampoule. The applicator has a hollow cylindrical handle with an internal configuration which firmly seats the ampoule within the handle. A neck section of the housing, generally seated with and extending from the handle has a thin-walled section positioned very close to the neck of an ampoule supported in the handle, so that manual depression of the thin-walled section allows the operator to sever the ampoule tip from the ampoule body, allowing one-handed release of fluid prior to application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Siebe North, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederic D. Miller
  • Patent number: 5782801
    Abstract: In the method of applying screening or treatment fluid to the cervix, vagina, or other genital tissues, the steps include providing an elongated assembly including an elongated carrier and a flexible outer container supported on the carrier; providing a fluid applicator at one end of the assembly to communicate with the interior of the outer container; providing a frangible inner container protectively located within the outer container, and providing screening or treatment fluid within the inner container, exerting pressure on the outer container sufficient to rupture the inner container, thereby releasing the screening or treatment fluid into the interior of the outer container, enabling fluid migration to the applicator, and manipulating said assembly to cause the applicator to apply screening or treatment fluid to the cervix, vagina, or other genital tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: James C. Caillouette
  • Patent number: 5775826
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser system is disclosed having a suitable spatial separation between a fluid-containing ampule contained therewithin and the user's fingers is provided by a plurality of members extending between the ampule and the user's fingers. The separation prevents shards of glass resulting from breakage of the ampule from cutting the user's fingers. Gripping portions of the dispenser may be profiled or roughened on the surface to provide greater gripping capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Siebe North, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederic Dickson Miller
  • Patent number: 5772346
    Abstract: A liquid applicator for applying a desired liquid to a surface includes a closed ampule formed of a fracturable material containing the desired liquid, a body having a pocket with an open side and a shape adapted to receive the ampule, and a porous element sealed to the body and closing off the open side of the pocket so that liquid flows through the element when the ampule is fractured. The body includes a pair of side walls that are spaced from one another in a first direction to define the pocket, and a pair of gripping members, are provided, which can be pivoted to fracture the ampule during use. The porous element is laminated with a material that does not stretch in the first direction, and the laminate material is secured between the side walls of the body to define a structural insert that prevents the side walls from pulling apart from one another when the gripping members are pivoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Medi-Flex Hospital Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5769552
    Abstract: By employing two integrated components which cooperate to achieve a product dispensing trigger assembly, and mounting these two components to a container within which the desired product is retained and on which a desired seal is mounted, a unique fluid product holding and dispensing system is realized. In the present invention, the fluid product holding and dispensing system possesses two separate and distinct locked positions which assures that the system is retained in either locked position, until change is desired by the user. As a result, accidental or unwanted activation of the system is completely eliminated and users are assured that the product retained and sealed in the container remains sealed until use is desired and accidental opening or rupturing of the seal is completely eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Creative Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew F. Kelley, Wayne Young
  • Patent number: 5713843
    Abstract: An applicator for delivering liquids or gels to solid surfaces. It comprises a liquid or gel filled hollow flexible bulb having a top and bottom. There is an opening in the bottom of the bulb containing a rupturable seal. A spike is fitted within the hollow bulb. This spike is positioned vertically above the rupturable seal and is capable of rupturing the seal in response to the application of downward pressure on the top of the bulb.There is also present a sponge attachment plate having a top and a bottom which are connected by a channel. The top of the channel engages the opening in the bottom of the bulb. The bottom of the channel is in fluid communication with a sponge secured to the bottom of the sponge attachment plate. The applicator is particularly useful for delivering gelled antimicrobial products to localized areas of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventor: Todd S. Vangsness
  • Patent number: 5709866
    Abstract: A mouthcare kit comprising a pair of sealed bags formed as a unitary structure. The first bag contains a swab and a frangible first pouch carrying a liquid for impregnating an absorbent head of the swab while retained within the first bag. The second bag contains a second pouch with a moisturizing liquid which can be removed from the second bag so that the moisturizing liquid can be applied to the swab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Sage Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Booras, Charles E. Young
  • Patent number: 5538353
    Abstract: A liquid applicator for applying a desired liquid to a surface includes a closed vial formed of a fracturable material containing the desired liquid, a body having a pocket with an open side and a shape adapted to receive the vial, and a porous element sealed to the body and closing off the open side of the pocket so that liquid flows through the element when the vial is fractured. The body has a flange protruding from the pocket along the open side thereof and a wing-like gripping member projects from the flange. The gripping member is spaced from the pocket and supported for pivoting movement relative to the pocket by the flange. The body also has structure for fracturing the vial, the structure being interposed between the pocket and gripping member. Upon pivoting of the gripping member, the structure flexes the pocket inwardly to exert a fracturing force against the vial when the member is pivoted towards the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Medi-Flex Hospital Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Lesley M. DeHavilland
  • Patent number: 5514339
    Abstract: A test tube stopper (1) has the shape of a small bowl and is provided with a protruding upper circular collar (11). The stopper (1) slidably enters into and seals the neck of a test tube (3) until the collar (11) rests against the mouth of the test tube (3). A horizontal bottom wall (12) of the stopper (1) is comprised of two or more elastically yielding sectors (16) which can bend under the action of a device (43) being introduced into the test tube (3) through the bottom wall (12) for introducing or withdrawing liquid. The resilient sectors (16) return to their initial position as soon as the device (43) has been extracted from the test tube (3) through the bottom wall (12). In a preferred embodiment a stopper (2), preferably of the conventional type, sealingly closes a cavity (14) of the stopper (1) to ensure sealing a vacuum previously provided in the test tube (3). The stopper (2) may then be removed when it is necessary to withdraw blood from the test tube (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventors: Francesco Leopardi, Sergio Paoletti
  • Patent number: 5509744
    Abstract: An applicator for dispensing liquids which comprises, a thin walled elongated tube like plastic container which has an ampule therein which contains liquid to be dispensed. The container has an opening at one end with a sponge thereon, and a slide ring activator mounted to the tube, which is restrained from longitudinal movement by positioning bumps, which slide ring for applicator activation is rotated about the tube's axis to apply inwardly directed forces on both sides of the ampule to cause it to break, and liquid to flow to the opening, and thence to the sponge from which it is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas G. Frazier
  • Patent number: 5490736
    Abstract: A compact, single-use stylus applicator is disclosed having a dry medication (e.g. a dehydrated topical astringent disinfectant that is adapted to treat acne and has been reduced to crystalline form by lyophilization) stored in a first chamber. A liquid diluent is stored in a second chamber. Fluid communication between the first and second chambers is blocked by a barrier. By compressing the second chamber, a corresponding hydraulic pressure is generated in the diluent which defeats the fluid blocking integrity of the barrier. Accordingly, the diluent in the second chamber is introduced under pressure to the dry medication in the first chamber to rehydrate and activate the acne medication. The reconstituted multi-constituent liquid medication is absorbed by a stylus-shaped swab so as to be applied directly to a tissue area as a topical treatment for acne or other skin disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Habley Medical Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Terry M. Haber, William H. Smedley, Clark B. Foster
  • Patent number: 5490837
    Abstract: An intravascular balloon catheter including a proximal tubular member, preferably a proximal hypotube. The distal end of the proximal hypotube is connected to a transition tube which extends distally. The transition tube has a side port at a point intermediate to which the proximal end of a distal catheter shaft section is connected. The distal catheter shaft section extends distally through an inflatable balloon and forms a lumen extending from the port on the transition tube to the distal end of the catheter for slidably receiving a guide wire therein. The transition tube has a distal end which terminates proximally of the proximal end of the balloon. To provide for fluid communication between the transition tube and the interior of the balloon, inflation holes are provided in the distal catheter shaft section proximal to the distal end of the transition tube and within the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Blaeser, Jon P. St. Germain
  • Patent number: 5445462
    Abstract: A liquid applicator includes an elongated hollow body having opposed first and second open ends in fluid communication with one another, and a tip attached to the first open end and including a porous material. A closed, frangible ampul is supported within the second open end of the body and contains a liquid to be dispensed. A cap is provided at the second open end of the body, and which is movable axially relative to the body between a storage position and a use position in order to fracture the ampul. However, the cap is retained on the body and locked against movement from either of the storage or use positions toward the second open end of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Medi-Flex Hospital Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas P. Johnson, A. Joseph Brandmeyer
  • Patent number: 5435660
    Abstract: A liquid applicator is provided which is particularly useful in applying preoperative surgical scrubs or paints to skin. The liquid is contained in a frangible ampoule inside the body of the applicator. This ampoule is supported and protected by a deformable element that prevents unintentional breakage of the ampoule from impacts during storage and handling before use. The applicator is actuated by pushing at least a portion of the frangible ampoule through an aperture in the deformable element and into contact with a means for breaking the ampoule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: David F. Wirt
  • Patent number: 5425915
    Abstract: The present invention includes a sleeve for use with a device for collecting and transporting biological specimens. The sleeve comprises a tubular member for containing the bottom portion of the collection device and a lever so as to exert pressure to the collection device so as to break the ampoule, The sleeve provides an environment to maintain the substantial viability of a specimen during transport in a collection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Robert E. Phillips, David M. Mathis, Ray Edwards, Jr., Albert Lopez
  • Patent number: 5377874
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser is provided for dispensing fluid condiment materials, such as ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise as well as other liquids such as medicated salves, lotions and ointments. The dispenser includes a tubular body with a spherical plunger element connected to a spreader paddle member disposed within a tubular body. Upon external manipulation of the tubular body, the spherical plunger and spreader paddle arrangement is urged toward a dispenser nozzle for release of condiment filling contained therein. The sanitary spreader paddle simultaneously protrudes from within the tubular body as condiment filling is being evacuated. As a result, the user may evacuate the entire volume of condiment filling within the dispenser as well as spread the deposited condiment filling on a food article to be eaten. In a medical application of the invention, the dispenser includes an integral applicator swab which is connected to the spreader paddle and resides within the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: John G. Brown
    Inventor: Donald W. Brown
  • Patent number: 5378226
    Abstract: A system for impregnating and dispensing a swab. An outer bag is provided having at least one swab and a burst pouch located therein. The burst pouch is opened within the bag while the bag is sealed, impregnating the swab before its removal. The bag is then opened, and the impregnated swab is removed through an access opening in the bag. The access opening is located so that the bag may be lain horizontally without liquid in the bag spilling from the bag. The pouch is oriented in the bag to be in proximity to the absorbent head of the swab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Sage Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul H. Hanifl, Lawrence G. Ponsi, John Posey
  • Patent number: 5330899
    Abstract: A sterile inoculation assembly includes an inoculation device (20), a storage container (84) and a handling tool (60). The inoculation device (20) includes an elongated body (22) having an inoculation end (26) and an opposed gripping end (24). The container (84) is formed with at least one cavity (86) with an opening (88) thereto. The cavity (86) is dimensioned to receive the inoculation device (20) in an orientation which permits the gripping end (24) to be grasped through the opening (88). A sheet-like cover (98) is positioned across the opening (88) to seal it and to retain the inoculation device (20) in the cavity (86). The cover (98) is capable of being punctured for grasping of the gripping end (24) and removal of the inoculation device (20) by a handling tool (60). This handling tool (60) telescopically engages the gripping end (24) for releasible securement thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Bio-Plas, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald H. DeVaughn
  • Patent number: 5308180
    Abstract: A liquid applicator is provided which is particularly useful in applying preoperative surgical scrubs or paints to skin. The article is provided with an inner layer of flexible porous material and an outer layer of open cell foam sponge material. The flexible, porous layer regulates the flow of liquid therethrough to provide acceptable wetting of the foam sponge while preventing dripping therefrom. The applicator includes a means of maintaining atmospheric pressure within the applicator while the liquid is being dispersed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kaveh Pournoor, John D. Dell
  • Patent number: 5288159
    Abstract: A liquid applicator is provided which is particularly useful in applying preoperative surgical scrubs or paints to skin. The liquid is contained in a frangible ampoule inside the body of the applicator. This ampoule is supported and protected by a deformable element that prevents unintentional breakage of the ampoule from impacts during storage and handling before use. The applicator is actuated by pushing at least a portion of the frangible ampoule through an aperture in the deformable element and into contact with a means for breaking the ampoule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: David F. Wirt
  • Patent number: 5265620
    Abstract: Disclosed is a combination thermometer and fecal specimen sampling device which permits the concurrent sampling of a fecal specimen and measuring of body temperature from a single penetration of the rectum. The sheath comprises an elongated, rigid, cylindrical sheath with a partially cutaway distal end to form a scoop. The thermometer is inserted into an annular bore in the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: David W. Fisher
  • Patent number: 5266266
    Abstract: An improved specimen test unit is provided for use in the collection and analysis of a biological specimen or the like. The test unit includes a swab member having a hollow shaft closed at a rear end by a break-off nib, and a swab tip at a front end for collecting a selected specimen. The swab shaft rear end is carried by a housing base, with the break-off nib extending into a reagent chamber having a selected reagent therein. The housing base is sufficiently deformable to break the nib and thereby permit reagent delivery through the swab shaft to contact a collected specimen on the swab tip. In a preferred form, a housing cap removably interfits with the housing base to define a specimen chamber with the swab tip enclosed therein, with the housing base and/or cap being conveniently formed from blow molded plastic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: Frederic L. Nason
  • Patent number: 5205816
    Abstract: A laparoscopic medical instrument for performing blunt dissection, as well as irrigation and aspiration of the operative field. The instrument comprises an elongated suction tube having proximal and distal ends, with the proximal end connected to a source of irrigation fluid and to vacuum suction equipment. A cannulated mandrel is partly inserted into the distal end leaving a portion of the mandrel extending outwardly from the elongated tube. A strip of cloth having a textured surface is wound around the outwardly extending portion of the mandrel for performing blunt dissection. An inner tube extends within the mandrel such that the bore of the inner tube is in registry with the bore of the elongated tube to provide a continuous internal bore extending through the entire instrument for supplying irrigation fluid and for removing the fluid and debris during aspiration. An X-ray opaque strip is wound within the cloth strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: O. R. Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Dodson, Rand J. Podell, James B. Elder, Joseph A. Staley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5193928
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for applying a fluid medium onto the surface of an article. It comprises a tightly sealed, preferably metallic storage container and a fluid application assembly including a sleeve member and an application member which latter is laterally covered by the sleeve member when the device is in its inoperative position. Upon executing a relative movement between sleeve member and storage container, a locking member is destroyed, a seal of the container is broken and the application member is exposed such that the device is ready to use. It is particularly suitable for storing and applying small amounts of moisture-sensitive liquids, e.g. primers for adhesive joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Essex Specialty Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dieter Balzer, Fabian Gysin, Robert Schoenholzer
  • Patent number: 5152742
    Abstract: Swab apparatus for use in topical application of treatment materials comprise a swab, a flexible-walled container having an interior in which a quantity of treatment material is situated, and a coupling tube having a forward end portion to which the swab is connected and a rearward end portion coupled to the container, for placing the swab and the treatment material within the container into fluid communication with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Euroceltique, S.A.
    Inventor: Ian Simpson
  • Patent number: 5120301
    Abstract: A self-contained swab includes a hollow stick, one or both ends of which is formed with a fluid storing chamber separated from the stick by a transverse wall and the fluids stored within sealed by a thin membrane. The stick is further formed with two annular rings in the vicinity of the fluid storing chamber. A socket means includes a clamping end by means of which the socket means is couplable with the stick and slidable between the two annular rings. The other end of the socket means, on which a nonwoven cottom mass is carried, is formed with an inwardly projecting prong. The prong impales the thin membrane releasing the fluid when the socket means is slid back along the stick from the second to the first annular ring. The fluid absorbed by the cotton mass can then be appropriately applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Inventor: Shuenn R. Wu
  • Patent number: 5098297
    Abstract: A composition for the rapid desensitization of dentin and a system for its application, comprising a subsaturated aqueous solution of monopotassium monohydrogen oxalate and a disposable single-use applicator/dispenser apparatus. The apparatus includes a crushable ampule containing the desensitizing solution housed in a flexible body, with a filter which retains ample fragments but allow the solution to flow to and saturate an applicator tip or swab. The applicator may be used to treat the teeth directly, or the swab may be removed from the applicator after saturation and placed on hard-to-reach dentinal surfaces. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a dispensing package containing a plurality of the single-use applicators and provided with a magnetic means affixed thereto for securing the package to convenient metallic surfaces. Another embodiment includes a blister dispensing package comprising a plurality of detachable sheets which stores the applictors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: John O. Butler Company
    Inventors: Srinivas Chari, Dennis Groat
  • Patent number: 4957385
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ampule solution dispenser applicator. It includes a container base, a plunger, an absorbent applicator and a cover. The container base has a collar or neck adapted to receive an ampule of a solution to be dispensed and the container is adapted to hold at least half of the ampule firmly. It also has an open area which would remain open surrounding an ampule upon insertion of an ampule into the container base and it has means for removably attaching a cover thereto. The plunger is adapted to be fitted over the collar of the base and adapted to have a first position resting on the collar and adapted to be forcibly permanently attached to the collar at a second position. The plunger includes means for holding an absorbent applicator such that a portion of the applicator is extending beyond the plunger and a portion of the applicator extends below the plunger into the container base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: Primary Delivery Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Weinstein
  • Patent number: 4927283
    Abstract: An applicator device for the application of a liquid or pasty material includes a handle and an applicator detachably mounted on the handle, the applicator having a sealed chamber containing the liquid or pasty material. A manually operated release on the handle is operable to break the seal of the sealed chamber and to provide for release and application of such material from the applicator onto a desired site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Georg Karl geka-brush GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Fitjer
  • Patent number: 4925327
    Abstract: A liquid applicator as provided which is particularly useful in applying pre-operative surgical scrubs or paints to skin. The article is provided with an inner layer of porous metering material and an outer layer of open-cell foam sponge material which regulate the flow of liquid therethrough to provide acceptable wetting of the foam sponge while preventing dripping therefrom. The applicator includes an air vent spaced from the applicator head to allow air to flow into the applicator while liquid is being dispensed.This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 904,788, filed Sept. 4, 1986, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 798,989, filed 11/18/85, now abandoned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: David F. Wirt
  • Patent number: 4887994
    Abstract: An applicator and/or scrub saturated with a desired fluid is packaged in a sealed, liquid-impervious pouch. The liquid-carrying applicator or scrub is made from open-cell, polyurethane foam. A cylinder of the foam is mounted on a stick. The tip end of the foam applicator is fastened to the tip of the stick in a manner that creates a rounded smooth tip. The tip end of the foam applicator may be formed into a smaller brush-like shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Inventor: Peter H. Bedford
  • Patent number: 4863422
    Abstract: A double ended compressible tubular swab applicator comprising a length of tubular material containing a charge of a treating liquid in an innermost lumen and a heat generating material having microencapsulated water spheres embedded in an outermost lumen, for delivery of heated treating liquid upon compression of the microcapsules and rupturing of sealing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Inventor: Sharon Stanley
  • Patent number: 4854760
    Abstract: A disposable container for application of paints, medicaments and coatings having a compressible hollow body with a closed end and a membrane sealed open end, and a stationary applicator housing fitted on the membrane sealed open end so that when the hollow body containing liquid is compressed, the membrane is punctured or fractured and the liquid is supplied to the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Unidec
    Inventors: Brian R. Pike, Patrick J. Furlong, John W. Moers
  • Patent number: 4828542
    Abstract: A new composite material of an open foam substrate and bonded micropackaged active ingredient particles is generated by foam polymerization of a prepolymer phase and an aqueous phase. The foam substrate is an open cell foam for dispensing active ingredient liquids or solids released from the particles. The particles of micropackaged active ingredient liquids or solids are formed with frangible containment walls for breaking and releasing the active ingredient in response to defined stress. The micropackaged active ingredient particles are approximately 400 to 5,000 microns in diameter. The aqueous phase is a pourable and flowable slurry mixture of an aqueous liquid carrier such as water, micropackaged active ingredient particles in the range of 1%-60% by weight of the aqueous phase, and surfactant wetting agent for adjusting the surface tension of the aqueous phase to produce an open cell foam upon polymerization with the prepolymer phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Twin Rivers Engineering
    Inventor: Paul F. Hermann
  • Patent number: 4812067
    Abstract: An applicator package for the application of flowable materials to surfaces, comprising: an applicator pad; a backing member, one surface of which is in adhesive contact with the pad, comprising a first, flexible sheet; a second member, in contact with the other surface of the backing member, comprising a formed semi-rigid sheet having at least one recess adjacent the pad; at least one cavity, or reservoir for flowable materials distally spaced from the recess; a peripheral groove in fluid connection with the recess and spaced from the distal and side edges of the member; co-planar separations, between the cavity and the groove and recess, in contact with the backing member the backing member being sealed to the second member at the periphery thereof and at the separations between the cavity, groove and recess; and an opening adjacent to and between the pad and the recess to permit the flow of the flowable materials therethrough into the pad and therethrough to the desired surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Inventors: James B. Brown, Jack W. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 4799815
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing swab applicator for dispensing a liquid contained within the applicator onto a surface, the applicator being hermetically sealed and provided with an external jig for opening the sealed applicator and permitting the contents of the applicator to be discharged and supplied to an absorbent material attached to the end of the applicator, the absorbent material serving to apply the contents to the surface to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: Triad Direct Incorporated
    Inventors: William A. Barabino, Raymond S. Dean
  • Patent number: 4788985
    Abstract: A simple, inexpensive and accurate device of collecting human cells from a body cavity for cytodiagnosis comprising an absorbent carrier which contains an internal, rupturable fluid sac, a means for rupturing the fluid sac and an absorbent outer covering for collection of the cell sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Assignee: Medtest Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick R. Manning, Donald W. West
  • Patent number: H1909
    Abstract: Absorbent composites containing particles of absorbent gelling material and chemically stiffened, cellulosic fibers, the fibers being wrapped around and adhered to the particles, which are in individual form. The chemically stiffened, cellulosic fibers are preferably cellulosic fibers in substantially individual form having a crosslinking agent reacted with the fibers in intrafiber crosslink bond form. The absorbent composites are particularly suitable for use in the absorbent core of disposable absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins and diapers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Ahr