Abstract: The invention herein provides an integrated drape for use in surgical procedures involving anatomical extremities and having a unitary assembled structure, said drape comprising: a flexible panel sheet portion having first and second opposing sides and having a fenestration located therethrough; and a flexible elongate sleeve portion having an open proximal end; wherein the open proximal end of said sleeve is integrally attached to the panel sheet and circumscribes the fenestration. The drape readily accommodates various anatomical extremities, permits the creation of a surgical access site at any location for a given extremity, and is presented to the user as a single, one-piece construction reducing or eliminating the need for obtaining and setting up supplemental drapes for a procedure.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a sampling cannula for use in bone marrow biopsy procedures having structural features which facilitate sample retention within the device. In particular, the sampling cannula comprises an open trough-like portion, wherein the trough-like portion comprises at least one wall opening located proximal to the distal end in combination with an interior surface comprising a friction-enhancing surface texture adapted to facilitate sample retention.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides a card holder device that can be attached to another object and hold a card therein in a fixed position relative to the object in a readily viewable position during the handling and/or processing of the object to which it is attached. The attachable card holder device comprises a generally planar face portion structured to receive and secure a card therein, the planar face portion having a first attachment leg extending from a first end of said face portion and a second attachment leg extending from a second end of said face portion, wherein the wherein said planar face portion, first and second attachment legs collectively form an overall bracket configuration. The planar face portion comprises a card receiving structure that can comprise a multi-sided frame surrounding an open central area, and a flexible back plate integrally hinged at one end, wherein the back plate is biased outward.

Abstract: The invention herein provides for an oral pharmaceutical composition adapted for use in capsular dosage forms comprising acetaminophen and a lactate salt alone or in combination with an acetate salt. Compositions of the invention exhibit improved solubility characteristics of the active ingredient per given fill volume, thereby permitting the use of smaller capsule sizes to deliver a given effective dose of the active ingredient. Compositions of the invention also exhibit improved clarity per concentration of active ingredient. The invention also provides for a capsular dosage form containing the composition.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to an improved biopsy needle which enhances the accuracy of the sampling procedure and minimizes the trauma caused by the procedure. The biopsy needle comprises a tip that reduces or minimizes undesirable bias of the needle during sampling penetration of the tissue, the tip comprising a plurality of facets arranged and oriented in a manner which improves the interaction between the needle and tissue during its advancement and penetration therein thereby improving the performance of the biopsy needle. The invention also includes a biopsy device comprising the biopsy needle of the invention.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a filter system for sterilization containers which secures a gas permeable filter onto a vented portion of the container. The filter system of the invention includes a locking mechanism that is comfortable and easy to use, and that requires a simple sliding movement of the users hand to lock and unlock the filter system components in place. The invention further includes a filter system structured such that the openings of the filter system plates permit transport of air across the filter while at the same time the openings are arranged to reduce or prevent undesirable physical perforation of the filter. By virtue of its structure, the need for particular rotational positioning of filter components in relation to one another is significantly reduced. The filter system of the invention also reduces or eliminates the need for perimeter gaskets.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a multipositional ratchet device for use in conjunction with a surgical retractor assembly. The ratchet device of the invention permits both independent and simultaneous adjustment of the longitudinal axial positioning of a retractor blade stem relative to the device as well as the vertical tilt position of the retractor blade. Furthermore, the device is structured with the adjustment tabs positioned to permit the aforementioned adjustments using continuously maintained finger contact on the tabs using a single hand. The device affords the user improved ergonomics and accuracy of use by virtue of its structural and functional features.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing vinorelbine as an active ingredient which is suitable for encapsulation in soft capsules. The liquid oral pharmaceutical composition suitable for a liquid fill composition for a soft capsule dosage form comprises: vinorelbine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; ethanol; water; glycerol; and polyethylene glycol. In a preferred embodiment, the tartrate salt form of vinorelbine is used in the composition. The invention also provides for a method of treating cancer comprising orally administering, to a patient in need of treatment thereof, a soft capsule comprising the pharmaceutical composition of the invention.

Abstract: The invention herein relates to a method and apparatus for forming (or cold-forming) an embossed blister from a laminated film wherein an indicia is formed on the base of the blister. In particular, the invention involves a single pass process of combining the formation of a blister and the formation of an indicia (embossing) on the blister, wherein the blister-forming pin contains a face with an indicia and is adapted to controllably stretch the laminated film during blister formation to minimize stretching of the film at the base of the blister. The invention is particularly useful in manufacturing processes which involve the formation of blisters having laminated films which contain a metal foil and polymer layer, wherein improved control in the stretching of the laminate during blister formation is desirable.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is an improved semi-rigid flexible retainer clip which is adapted for securing components, such as posts, within a sterilization container. The sterilizable, flexible retainer clip comprises a generally “U” shaped planar body having a first planar portion, second planar portion, and an integral hinge portion. Each of the planar portions have two lateral edges and a front end located opposite the hinge portion. The first planar portion and the second planar portion are biased apart from one another. The clip comprises a pair of centrally located apertures, including a first aperture on the first planar portion and a second aperture on the second planar portion. A pair of elongated narrow ridges is located on the surface of the first planar portion, each ridge being adjacent to the first aperture. The first aperture comprises a widened region and narrow region (e.g., keyhole shape). The invention also includes an instrument sterilization system including the clip.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an improved process for making elastomeric polyisoprene articles. In particular, the process of the invention is a system which produces synthetic polyisoprene articles exhibiting tensile strength properties similar to that of solvent-based processes using natural rubber latex. The process comprises an accelerator composition at the pre-cure stage comprising a dithiocarbamate, a thiazole and a guanidine compound. In a preferred embodiment, the accelerator composition comprises zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDEC), zinc 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (ZMBT) and diphenyl guanidine (DPG), in conjunction with a stabilizer, such as sodium caseinate. The invention also includes an elastomeric polyisoprene product made by the process, such as a surgeon's glove.