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: A method of draping a surgical patient in which a bottom drape is first attached to a patient, and then a top drape having an opening smaller than the bottom drape is secured by an adhesive to the top surface of the bottom drape to expose a portion of the bottom drape through the top drape's opening. The bottom drape can have the desired shape and size of fenestration, a high degree of liquid repellency, germicidal treatment, etc., while the top drape can be less liquid repellent, giving it a more drapeable, cloth-like characteristic.

Abstract: A surgical drape system that includes a small bottom drape with a fenestration and adhesive means to secure the bottom drape to a patient. The system also includes a top drape with an opening that is substantially larger than the bottom drape's fenestration, but which is smaller than the bottom drape itself. The bottom drape, which is immediate the surgical wound, is of a more liquid repellent material, while the top drape is of a softer, more drapeable material.

Abstract: A thermoplastic bottle for sterile medical liquids with a dispensing outlet closed off by an inner closure. An outer closure in the form of a thermoplastic cap overlies the inner closure. During steam sterilization at 240.degree. to 260.degree. F (116.degree. to 127.degree. C) the outer cap deflects inwardly against the inner cap to force the inner cap into a tighter seal against the bottle. This outer cap includes external left-handed threads and has a lateral frangible brim fused to the thermoplastic bottle. A threaded jacking ring is screwed onto the outer cap and with a counterclockwise motion acts to (1) fracture the cap's external brim and (2) separate the outer cap from the sealed inner cap.

Abstract: A medical liquid bottle having a threaded neck of one thermoplastic material is blow-molded at pressures of 50 to 150 psi (3.52 to 10.1 kg/cm.sup.2) so there is a low amount of internal stress in the neck. A cap of a different thermoplastic material is injection molded at pressures of 5,000 to 20,000 psi (352 to 1,410 kg/cm.sup.2) producing a very high internal stress in this cap. After liquid has been placed in the bottle and the cap assembled to the neck, the bottle with the combined cap and neck are stress relieved by subjecting to steam sterilization at 240.degree. F. to 260.degree. F. (116.degree. C. to 127.degree. C.). This causes the cap to shrink more than the neck and to form a bacteria-tight thermoplastic-to-thermoplastic hermetic seal. Despite this very tight hermetic seal the closure is openable with an unexpectedly low unscrewing torque of 10 to 30 inch-pounds (11.5 to 34.5 centimeter-kilograms) manually applied by a nurse or physician.