Abstract: Ceramic aggregate particles comprising a plurality of solid particulates bonded together by ceramic binding material and methods of providing a plurality of such particles having substantially uniform cross-sectional shape are provided. The ceramic aggregate particles may incorporate a high percentage of solid particulates. The ceramic binding material may closely conform to the outermost surfaces of the solid particulates contained within the ceramic aggregate particle. When abrasive particulates are employed as the solid particulates, abrasive articles can be made which provide consistent high cut rates and consistent surface finish over relatively long periods of time.

Abstract: A rapid method of determining the efficacy of a sterilization cycle, and an indicator adapted to perform such method, comprising subjecting to the sterilization cycle a source of active enzyme having activity which correlates with the viability of a microorganism commonly used to monitor sterilization, and incubating the enzyme source, following the completion of the sterilization cycle, with an effective amount of a substrate system capable of reacting with any residual active enzyme to produce a detectable enzyme-modified product.

Abstract: Methods for making ceramic aggregate particles comprising forming a plurality of ceramic aggregate precursor particles from a composition by forcing the composition through at least one orifice in a substrate, at least partially curing the ceramic aggregate precursor particles, and heating the ceramic aggregate precursor particles to provide ceramic aggregate particles wherein solid particulates are bonded together by ceramic binder.

Abstract: This invention provides thermosetting adhesives which have properties advantageous for bonding electronic parts that are capable of being cured using a low dose of radiation such as electron beam. The thermosetting adhesive of the invention comprises (a) ethylene-glycidyl (meth)acrylate copolymer; (b) rosin having a carboxyl group; and (c) (meth)acrylate having a carboxyl group.

Abstract: A tape for use in closing a container having opposing ends includes a base layer and a tearable tape strip. The base layer includes a tear resistant backing having a first side and a second side, and an adhesive coated on at least part of the first side of the backing. The tearable tape strip is located on the first side of the backing and has a first side and a second side. The tearable tape strip permits tearing of itself and the tear resistant backing with a given force notwithstanding that the tear resistant backing is otherwise not cleanly tearable. The tearable tape strip tears through the base layer when the tape is removed from the container. The tape can include a tab at one of the ends of the tape. The tab is formed by nicks extending from at least one of the ends of the tape and is located at least partially through the tearable tape strip which facilitate beginning tears.

Abstract: Skin treatments which do not interfere with the ability of pressure-sensitive adhesives to adhere to skin are disclosed. The treatment compositions include an acrylate polymer dissolved in an emollient oil. Use of the treatment provides a method of protecting mammalian skin without interfering with the application of medical adhesive dressings.

Abstract: A surgical drape and a method of simultaneously forming a drape blank a surgical drape in a single operation having both a screen portion and a fitted portion. A first continuous web forming a body portion of a surgical drape is advanced along a first longitudinal axis to a cutting and bonding location. A second web having first and second long edges generally parallel to a second longitudinal axis is located so that the first long edge of the second web is adjacent to the cutting and bonding location. A curvilinear seam is formed between the first and second webs along a path extending into the second web. The path generally originates and terminates at the intersection of the first long side of the second web and the first and second long edges of the first continuous web, respectively. The seam is cut generally along the path so that a first portion of the second web forms a fitted portion with the body portion of a first surgical drape in the series of surgical drapes.

Abstract: A coating composition which imparts anti-reflective and anti-fog properties to substrates coated therewith. The coating composition utilizes an inorganic metal oxide in combination with silane or a siloxane oligomer. The coating compositions are particularly useful in the manufacture of disposable surgical masks and face shields.

Abstract: Sterilization indicator tapes utilizing moisture-resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesives are provided. The indicator tapes comprise a non-water-dispersible backing having a sterilization indicator thereon, which is coated on at least one side with the moisture-resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesive. The indicator tapes are useful to maintain a sterilization wrapper containing articles to be sterilized in a closed position during sterilization, and normal pre- and post-sterilization handling, while also providing a means to indicate if the wrapped articles have passed through a sterilization cycle. After use, the adhesives coating the indicator tapes disperse in aqueous alkali solutions, such as are found in commercial laundries, while the backing remains intact. Methods of making and using the indicator tapes are also provided.

Abstract: A method of killing microorganisms which form a biofilm on surfaces, including the surfaces of medical articles or on tissue or implant surfaces in a living subject. Killing of biofilm microorganisms is accomplished by applying an electric field to an electrically conductive medium in which the biofilm is contained. The electrically conductive medium either includes a biocide or is capable of generating a biocide in situ upon application of an electric field. A means of utilizing the method in vivo and a sterilizer are disclosed.

Abstract: Sterilization indicator tapes utilizing moisture-resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesives are provided. The indicator tapes comprise a non-water-dispersible backing having a sterilization indicator thereon, which is coated on at least one side with the moisture-resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesive. The indicator tapes are useful to maintain a sterilization wrapper containing articles to be sterilized in a closed position during sterilization, and normal pre- and post-sterilization handling, while also providing a means to indicate if the wrapped articles have passed through a sterilization cycle. After use, the adhesives coating the indicator tapes disperse in aqueous alkali solutions, such as are found in commercial laundries, while the backing remains intact. Methods of making and using the indicator tapes are also provided.

Abstract: An adjustable face shield for protecting the face of the wearer, having a mask adapted to cover the nose and mouth of the wearer and a flexible eye shield having a transparent upper portion adapted to fit over the eyes of the wearer. The eye shield has a base portion fixedly attached to the mask so that the upper portion of the eye shield can pivot towards or away from the wearer's face. Adjustable attachment means mounted on the eye shield fits around the head of the wearer to position the eye shield over the eyes and is adapted to adjust the angular position of the upper portion of the eye shield relative to the face of the wearer as the adjustable means is moved up or down on the back of the head of the wearer.

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.

Abstract: Packaging, particularly for medical supplies and devices, is made from spunbonded olefin sheet material. At least a portion of the olefin sheet material is deformed to increase its surface area by between 4 and 60 percent, so as to create a pocket of a dimension sufficient to envelope the medical supply or device. After the medical supply is placed within the pocket, it is covered and sealed by another sheet having microbial barrier characteristics. Even though deformed, the spunbonded olefin packaging possesses the ability to allow quick passage of sterilizing gas, yet is resistant to penetration by contaminating microorganisms.

Abstract: A rapid method of determining the efficacy of a sterilization cycle, and an indicator adapted to perform such method, comprising subjecting to the sterilization cycle a source of active enzyme having activity which correlates with the viability of a microorganism commonly used to monitor sterilization, and incubating the enzyme source, following the completion of the sterilization cycle, with an effective amount of a substrate system capable of reacting with any residual active enzyme to produce a detectable enzyme-modified product.

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.

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.

Abstract: A rapid method of determining the efficacy of a sterilization cycle, and an indicator adapted to perform such method, comprising subjecting to the sterilization cycle a source of active enzyme having activity which correlates with the viability of a microorganism commonly used to monitor sterilization, and incubating the enzyme source, following the completion of the sterilization cycle, with an effective amount of a substrate system capable of reacting with any residual active enzyme to produce a detectable enzyme-modified product.

Abstract: A unitary sterility indicator and a method for its use, the indicator comprising an outer container having liquid impermeable and gas non-absorptive walls, and having a gas-transmissive, bacteria impermeable opening therein; contained within the outer container, a detectable amount of a source of active enzyme and/or another microorganism commonly used to monitor sterilization; a sealed, openable gas and liquid impermeable inner container containing an aqueous medium and/or a nutrient growth medium, disposed in the outer container; an enzyme substrate system capable of reacting with active enzyme to produce a detectable enzyme-modified product and/or a detector material sensitive to microorganism growth, contained in one of the containers; and means contained within the outer container for restricting the area in which enzyme-modified product and/or growing microorganisms are contained, after the inner container is opened, to an area which is less than the volume of aqueous solution contained in the inner con