Abstract: A therapeutic dispenser is provided that includes a housing and a carriage movably supported by the housing and including an engagement surface at a distal end thereof. A plunger is supported by the carriage and engageable with the housing to dispense a first therapeutic through the engagement surface. A second therapeutic is supported with the housing. The first therapeutic and the second therapeutic are individually dispensable from the housing. The housing may include a channel that guides movement of the carriage. The housing can include a handle and a cap. The cap is releasably engageable with the handle.

Abstract: This invention is directed to processes designed to recover water used in certain aspects of the processing of poultry, treat the recovered water to remove solids, fats, oils and greases, animal proteins and pathogenic organisms and to reuse the treated water for poultry processing operations. Although the reuse points will vary from plant to plant depending upon specific water consumption volumes, type of processing operations conducted by the facility and regulatory requirements and approvals, there are a number of reuse points which are preferred based upon treated water quality requirements, material balances relating to the capacity to recover process streams and the consumption volumes at the identified reuse points, and source waters that have been shown to have the least total contaminant loading.

Abstract: A retractable and extendable medical needle protective shield which provides opportunity for accessing and reaccessing a medical needle and associated sharpened needle tip and recovering the needle and tip for safety between accesses. The shield includes a needle guide which assures the needle tip is untouched by any part of the shield as the shield is displaced to cover and uncover the needle. A releasible latch is provided to guard against inadvertent removal of the protective shield between accesses. An unreleasible latch is also provided to secure the shield relative to the latch preparatory to final disposal.

Abstract: The oral cavity is a source of sensitive biomarkers that allow the development of novel tobacco filters to reverse and eliminate acute adverse effects of tobacco smoke. Useful biomarkers are ubiquitous functional leukocytes and associated essential biochemical mechanisms, including metabolic pathways and specific enzymes, such as myeloperoxidase contained in fluid-cell lavages obtained from the human mouth. These biomarkers derived from the human mouth and sputum from the human respiratory system can be used to evaluate long-term chronic effects of tobacco smoke. A tobacco filter comprising strongly basic anion exchange resins and strongly acidic cation exchange resins with or without activated carbon, is used to detect, reduce and eliminate toxic substances from tobacco smoke while retaining taste and aroma. The novel filter in conjunction with biomarkers allow the establishment of performance standards that permit the direct visualization and measurement of acute adverse reactions caused by tobacco smoke.

Abstract: The inventive coating may be employed to deliver a pharmaceutical agent to a selected body area that is involved within the insertion or application of a medical device. Such medical devices may include silicone based urinary catheters and other medical implants as well as other silicone based devices having deformable portions which could benefit from the release of a pharmaceutical agent from its surface. The coating allows the introduction of the pharmacological additive having a release rate that is within acceptable pharmacokinetic criteria. The release rate is adjusted by utilizing different salt forms of the additive and adjusting the concentration of urethane and RTV silicone. The coating incorporates additive compounds such as anti-microbial, anti-fungals and other organic compounds. Methods are also provided for the manufacture of the subject coating and for the application of the same to surfaces of medical devices.

Abstract: A lubricant coating vehicle for medical devices used to reduce the coefficient of friction of such devices upon exposure thereof to moisture. The lubricant coating vehicle allows the introduction of a pharmacological additive having a release rate that is within acceptable pharmacokinetic criteria. The release rate is adjusted by utilizing different salt forms of the additive and adjusting the concentration of a urethane pre-polymer.

Abstract: A fluid collection apparatus is provided that includes a housing and a slide that is moveably supported by the housing. The slide has a cannula tab adapted to support a double ended needle and a plurality of connected segments that are moveably extending therefrom. Proximal movement of the slide causes the plurality of segments to contract in a configuration forming a shield about a proximal end of the double ended needle. The housing may define a slot in an outer surface thereof that is configured to receive a portion of the slide for guiding movement. The cannula tab can include a boss disposed adjacent a distal portion of the slide having the double needle mounted thereto. The cannula tab may include a segment member having a button mounted thereto which is disposed within at least a portion of the slot and slideably engages the slot to facilitate movement of the slide. The plurality of segments can include an end portion extending from a proximal end thereof.

Abstract: Medical needle shield apparatus for covering a needle after use. The medical needle shield apparatus is for use with a needle having proximal and distal ends, wherein the shield is slidably movable along the needle from a proximal position where the distal end of the needle is exposed, to a distal position where the shield covers the distal end of the needle. The shield comprises one or more clips having two or more apertures through which the needle passes, wherein the apertures have surfaces. A clip positioning member, in communication with at least one of the clips, positions the aperture surfaces of at least one of the clips when a portion of the clip positioning member in contact with the needle is advanced past the distal end of the needle such that at least a portion of the aperture surfaces of the two or more apertures binds to the needle with opposing binding forces so as to secure the shield to the needle.

Abstract: An automated image recording and document generation system is disclosed that generates identity documents using image and text information that is input to the system using computer controlled video cameras. The image and text information is combined with other stored images, such as logos, signatures and seals, to produce official identity documents such as identity cards, drivers licenses and passports. Prior to use the system automatically enters a setup and calibration phase wherein a video camera images a backdrop having borders on the left and right vertical edges and the digitized video output is analyzed to adjust the camera zoom and to locate the center of the backdrop in front of which an individual will sit or stand to have their picture taken. The image of a person whose picture is taken is analyzed and is centered horizontally in a picture by adding or subtracting columns of background color to the left or right side of the picture as needed.

Abstract: A safety shield for a medical needle device which is affixed to the medical needle device to thereby selectively provide protection for an associated medical needle with a sharpened distal tip. The safety shield may be so affixed with little or no changes in design to the medical needle device, and, importantly, after assembly of the device. The safety shield is foldable, comprising two hinged, elongated segments which are foldably compacted to provide ready access to the medical needle in a medical procedure, and unfoldable to provide a safety sheath for the needle. A free distal end of the safety shield permits the safety shield to be affixed to the medical needle device at the completion of device assembly, substantially independent of needle cover design and configuration.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the treatment of septage, particularly grease trap waste, is disclosed. The inventive process will convert the septage into Biosolids (sludge) and water dischargeable to the environment. The treated septage achieves pathogen reduction, and reduced vector attraction. Treatment of septage by pasteurization causes the destruction of harmful pathogens. Pasteurization of septage having high water content provides for even temperature elevation and distribution of heat within the thermal mass of the septage allowing for consistent pathogen destruction. An alkaline compound is utilized to form a filter cake from the solids fraction of the pasteurized septage preventing vector attraction, while producing a beneficial bio-solid. The liquid fraction of the septage is treated by biological process allowing for its discharge into the environment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hub mounted shock absorber suitable for use in the wheels of in-line skates or other small wheel transportation devices such as scooters, street skis, etc. and to in-line skates utilizing wheels with such hub mounted shock absorbers. The hub mounted shock absorbers include an outer tube with an elastomer, preferably a low durometer elastomer between the outer tube and the axle of the wheel. The elastomer is prefereably sandwiched between the inner and outer tube with the axle passing through the inner tube. Openings may be selectively provided in the outer tube to further reduce the stiffness of the elastomer and flexure or other appropriate mechanism may be included which result in minimum stiffness for the shock absorber in the vertical direction only.

Abstract: A closure adapted for use with a product dispensing container is provided. The closure includes a closing lid moveable between a first position and a second position relative to the product dispensing container. The closing lid has projections engageable with the product dispensing container to substantially fix the closing lid in the second position via continuous engagement therebetween. The closure may include a tamper indicating portion that includes a removable tearband. The closure can have a retention collar for securing the closure to the product dispensing container. A hinge may connect the retention collar with the closing lid. The hinge can elastically connect the retention collar to the closing lid such that the hinge resiliently biases the closing lid towards the first position. The projections may flexibly extend from the closing lid and are deflectable upon engagement with the product dispensing container.

Abstract: A container is provided which includes a top portion having an opening and a side wall extending from the top portion to an end portion of the side wall. A bottom portion is connected with the end portion of the side wall such that the top portion, the side wall and the bottom portion define an interior space of the container. At least one groove is formed in the side wall. The at least one groove includes a central arc portion and end arc portions. The central arc portion is substantially concave relative to a longitudinal axis of the container. The end arc portions are substantially convex relative to the longitudinal axis of the container. The end arc portions are formed adjacent ends of the central arc portion and communicate with an outer surface of the side wall. Desirably, the at least one groove includes a plurality of grooves.

Abstract: A needle cannula apparatus is provided which includes a needle hub that is mountable to an instrument and has a cantilevered portion extending therefrom. The cantilevered portion has a button member and a hub stop disposed at a distal end thereof. The needle hub defines at least one tab slot having a tab slot end. A shield is movably disposed about the needle hub and defines a shield slot configured for relative slidable movement of the button member therein. The shield slot includes a proximal enlarged slot section configured to engage the hub stop such that proximal movement of the shield is prevented. The shield further includes at least one tab stop that is configured for movement within the at least one tab slot of the needle hub and engagement with the tab slot end such that distal movement of the shield is prevented. The needle cannula hub may include at least one hub slot and the shield includes at least one shield rail.

Abstract: A product dispensing system is provided which includes a container having an open end including a neck portion. The neck portion defines an opening. A fitment is configured for mounting with the opening of the neck portion and forming a substantial seal therewith. The fitment defines an orifice. A closure is integrally connected to the fitment and mounted to the open end of the container. The closure includes a closing lid that is flexibly attached thereto. The closing lid includes an orifice plug configured to engage the orifice of the fitment and form a substantial seal therewith. The closure may engage a cavity of the fitment for integral connection therewith. The product dispensing system may include a tamper evident portion.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of an anticoagulant composition which allows for the accurate analysis of blood electrolyte concentrations. Also disclosed is the anticoagulant composition produced in accordance with the disclosed method and an apparatus containing said composition useful in the selection and sampling of blood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sputum trap for an aspiration and respiratory support system which includes a manifold attachable to a specimen collection vial that is interposed between, and attached to, a suction control device and suction catheter device. The sputum trap allows for the collection of sputum directly from a patient through a suction catheter without causing a loss of Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) in the respiratory support system. The manifold includes a manifold body that has a first connector and a second connector for attachment to the suction control device and suction catheter, respectively, and an open port for secure attachment to the specimen collection vial. The manifold body further includes tethered first and second caps adapted for sealing the first and second connectors respectively from fluid flow communication once sufficient sputum has been collected in the specimen collection vial.