Abstract: An improved surgical device having unique aspiration and instrument control is disclosed. The device is adapted for one-handed simultaneous or alternate dissection and aspiration through a novel combination of control elements. The device is particularly well-suited for neurosurgery and microsurgery.

Abstract: A process for the detection of antibodies in a test sample is described. This process involves:(a) preparing an essentially isotonic and low ionic strength suspension comprising said sample and erythrocytes in net negatively-charged form;(b) maintaining said suspension for at least 30 seconds;(c) combining said suspension with an amount of a solution of polymer effective for agglutination of said erythrocytes;(d) separating the resultant agglutinates of polymer and erythrocytes from supernatant of said suspension;(e) dispersing said agglutinates in a hypertonic salt solution having an essentially neutral pH; and(f) monitoring the dispersed agglutinates for dissociation of erythrocytes.This process permits rapid detection of antibodies with great ease. Their presence is indicated by persistence of the agglutinates in the dispersion. The antigen which reacts with antibody may be native to the erythrocytes, or may be unrelated to erythrocytes but artificially coupled to those cells.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the presence of an enzyme in a biological fluid, which includes the steps of contacting the fluid with a synthetic chromogenic substrate, which is an amino acid derivative of 7-amino-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin; incubating the substrate-containing fluid to effect enzymatic hydrolysis; and fluorometrically determining the presence of the free 7-amino-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin chromophore in the hydrolyzate.

Abstract: A system for applying relatively large adhesive backed bandages to a patient for a wound dressing, burn dressing, surgical incise drape, etc. The system includes an applicator handle that is substantially less flexible than the bandage, which is joinable to the bandage during application, but which is removed from the bandage so as not to interfere with the flexible functioning of such bandage on a patient's anatomy.

Abstract: A frame for spreading relatively large adhesive backed bandages into a generally flat configuration for applying to a patient. Such bandages might be for a wound dressing, burn dressing, surgical incise drape, etc. The frame is attached to the bandage when the bandage is being stuck to the patient, but the frame is removed so as not to interfere with subsequent movement of the patient's anatomy.

Abstract: A stretcher for patient support which has a roll of disposable sheeting beneath an end portion of the stretcher. Individual sheets are manually separated from the roll at transverse weakened sections in the sheeting material that are longitudinally separated by a distance greater than the length of a mattress pad plus twice its thickness. In one embodiment, a roll of disposable sheeting is encased within a housing that has a pivotally mounted openable section.

Abstract: A disposable or resuable "crawl resistant" flexible mattress formed of panels sealed together to define alternately inflatable passages between the panels for sequentially altering supporting structure for a long term bed patient to reduce decubitus ulcers, bed sores, etc. The mattress has vent holes in its top for ventilating the patient with inflation gas and a crawl resistant layer bonded to a bottom of the mattress to prevent the mattress from "crawling" relative to the bed and patient during use. In one form of the mattress, crawling is reduced by a separation between the inflation passages so individual sections of the mattress can more readily conform to a patient's body contour.

Abstract: An improved system for actuating wheel engaging ring brakes for a hospital stretcher, bed, or the like. The brake includes an elongated rotational member extending longitudinally along the stretcher to actuate pivot arms adjacent one front wheel and one rear wheel to prevent the wheels from rolling. A separate elongated rotational member extends the length of the stretcher and actuates a bullet pin latch to lock a nonbraked wheel against swivel action. Thus, a single nurse can easily push and manipulate the stretcher about a hospital even when loaded with a patient.

Abstract: A powder free surgeon's glove of a material such as latex rubber, which has covalently bonded to its outer surface a halogen resistant layer, such as silicone. The inner surface of the glove has been halogen treated for smooth nontacky donning characteristics.

Abstract: An infant bathing bassinet with a wheeled tub support and a wheeled supply cabinet that nests with this tub support from a frontal direction. A coupler temporarily joins the tub support and supply cabinet so they can be wheeled about as a unit. The supply cabinet has a pair of openable front doors which can widely swing open through an angle of approximately 270.degree. without interferring with the tub support structure.

Abstract: A hypoallergenic surgeon's glove with an allergenic elastomeric support glove, such as natural latex, has secured to its inner surface by covalent chemical bonds a barrier glove of a nonallergenic elastomer, such as silicone. Sharp angular flexing in the knuckle area, as well as stretching and snapping during donning, does not crack the barrier glove nor delaminate it from the support glove. This hypoallergenic glove requires only about 1/3 the amount of lubricating donning powder in a natural latex glove. In another example, a slip resistant glove, such as silicone, is secured by covalent chemical bonds to an external surface of the support glove.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the presence of an enzyme in a biological fluid, which includes the steps of contacting the fluid with a synthetic chromogenic substrate, which is an amino acid derivative of 7-amino-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin; incubating the substrate-containing fluid to effect enzymatic hydrolysis; and fluorometrically determining the presence of the free 7-amino-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin chromophore in the hydrolyzate.