Abstract: Systems and methods for applying or dispensing surgical prep solution. The applicator system includes a spreader element and a container of surgical prep solution. The spreader element includes a body with an orifice covered by a pad. The orifice is in fluid communication with a passage through an elongated stem connected to the body. The container may be collapsible with only limited recovery. The spreader element may include a receptacle for receiving the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a release material formed by irradiating a release material precursor having a shear storage modulus of about 1×102 to about 3×106 Pa at 20° C. and a frequency of 1 Hz, wherein the release material has a contact angle of 15° or more, measured using a mixed solution of methanol and water (volume ratio: 90/10) having a wet tension of 25.4 mN/m. The release material of the present invention has improved anchoring to certain substrates, ensuring relatively low release strength from certain pressure-sensitive adhesives, particularly even after the exposure to a high temperature. Thus, the release materials are capable of allowing the pressure-sensitive adhesive to maintain stable residual adhesion strength.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward compositions that are chemically different after application to a substrate as compared to the composition prior to its application. A method of the invention comprises a method of transitioning a crosslinked polymer composition from a first chemical state to a second chemical state. Advantageously, compositions of the invention are relatively stable after transformation to their altered, or second, chemical state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable colloidal dispersions of sulfonated polyurethane ureas and self-supporting films formed from these dispersions. After formation of the sulfonated polyurethane urea, alcohols can be added to the aqueous dispersion to provide a water-alcohol system. The films of the present invention are minimally tacky and self-adhesive.

Abstract: Devices for the propagation or storage of microorganisms are described. Generally, the devices include first and second layers that are separable from each other. The first layer includes a gelling agent and microbial growth medium and the second layer comprising a galling agent. The devices further include an indicator and a corresponding inducer, each of which may be included in the first layer, second layer, or both.

Abstract: A dispenser in which a dry powder (one component of a two-part adhesive tissue sealant and/or adhesive) is stored in a container (e.g., a carpule) having a septum at one end, an open end opposite the septum, and a movable plug. The powder is retained at the septum end of the container by the movable plug, which is displaced and pushed back as the solvent used for reconstituting the powder is introduced (e.g., through the septum). The second part of the tissue sealant is contained within a second container, also with a movable plug. After the first part is reconstituted, a manifold is fitted which pierces both septums and allows the contents to be dispensed. A dual syringe body supports the containers, and has pistons that enter the open ends to advance the movable plugs. Other embodiments of tissue adhesive and/or sealant dispensers and kits as well as methods of preparing tissue sealants are also described.

Abstract: A device for culturing microorganisms and its use are described. The claimed device comprises a substrate having a top side, a pedestal mounted on the top side of the substrate and comprising a non-absorbent culture surface, a flexible cover sheet attached to the substrate and comprising a bottom surface, the cover sheet being configured to cover the culture surface, and a culture medium deposited on one or more surfaces selected from: the culture surface, and the cover sheet bottom surface. An aqueous sample is spread and contained by the claimed device without additional equipment or manipulation by the end user.

Abstract: A hydroalcoholic lotion is disclosed which comprises (a) a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 35:65 to 100:0, and (b) between at least 0.5% and 8% by weight thickener system comprised of at least one emulsifier present in at least 0.05% by weight wherein the composition in a polymer free state has a viscosity of at least 4,000 centipoise at 23 degrees C. and wherein the emulsifier is comprised of at least one hydrophobic group and at least one hydrophilic group. The hydroalcoholic composition is useful as a hand preparation such as a lotion or as a presurgical scrub replacement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a time-temperature integrating indicator having an amorphous material in operable contact with a porous matrix, wherein the amorphous material only migrates into the porous matrix at or above a predetermined temperature. Use of the invention simplifies monitoring of the cumulative temperature exposure of the product because no additional actuation step is required. The indicator is especially useful in monitoring the cumulative time-temperature exposure of a perishable product for a short period of time at an abusive temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition including a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 35:65 to 100:0, between at least 0.5% and 8.0% by weight thickener system comprised of at least two emulsifiers, each emulsifier present in at least 0.05% by weight wherein the composition free of auxiliary thickeners has a viscosity of at least 4,000 centipoise at 23° C. and wherein each emulsifier is comprised of at least one hydrophobic group and at least one hydrophilic group. The composition is useful as a presurgical scrub replacement, a lotion or other hand preparation.

Abstract: Adhesive composite dressings with simple and inexpensive delivery systems and methods of manufacturing the dressings are disclosed. The dressings include liners having a release surface and a retention surface. The bond strength between the liner and the pressure sensitive adhesive in the area of the retention surface is greater than the bond strength between the liner and the pressure sensitive adhesive in release surface. The increased bond strength in the area of the retention surface allows the backing to be held taut during delivery to assist in smooth aseptic delivery of the dressing. The retention surfaces can be provided by abrasion, embossing, perforating the liner, or combinations thereof. In addition, the methods of manufacturing the dressings can be practiced in-line with other converting operations using standard release liners.

Abstract: A polyurethane dispersion and method of making are provided. The dispersion is stable in an alcohol-water mixture. The dispersion is a reaction product of: (i) at least one oligomeric polyactive hydrogen compound, wherein said compound is an alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl structure optionally substituted in and/or on the chain by N, O, S and combinations thereof, and wherein the compound is insoluble in 50:50 weight percent of said alcohol-water mixture; (ii) at least one polyisocyanate, and (iii) at least one polyactive hydrogen compound soluble in the alcohol-water mixture selected from the group consisting of a compound containing an ionic group, a compound containing a moiety capable of forming an ionic group, a compound containing a polyester, polyether, or polycarbonate group having a ratio of 5 or less carbon atoms for each oxygen atom, and mixtures thereof; and (b) at least one polyfunctional chain extender.

Abstract: An antimicrobial hydroalcoholic composition comprising hydroalcoholic solvent system comprising a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of at least about 50:50; a thickener system comprising at least one cationic or nonionic polymeric thickener that is solid at ambient temperature; and a secondary antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: An alkali dispersible article comprises a sheath-core microfiber. The sheath layer comprises a hydrolytically degradable polymer, and the core layer comprises another polymer that is different than the sheath polymer. The core polymer may be a hydrolytically degradable polymer or more preferably a water soluble polymer.

Abstract: A dispenser in which a dry powder (one component of a two-part adhesive tissue sealant and/or adhesive) is stored in a container (e.g., a carpule) having a septum at one end, an open end opposite the septum, and a movable plug. The powder is retained at the septum end of the container by the movable plug, which is displaced and pushed back as the solvent used for reconstituting the powder is introduced (e.g., through the septum). The second part of the tissue sealant is contained within a second container, also with a movable plug. After the first part is reconstituted, a manifold is fitted which pierces both septums and allows the contents to be dispensed. A dual syringe body supports the containers, and has pistons that enter the open ends to advance the movable plugs. Other embodiments of tissue adhesive and/or sealant dispensers and kits as well as methods of preparing tissue sealants are also described.

Abstract: A face mask is disclosed that includes a mask portion, a resilient member (e.g., a pillowed web), and, optionally, an adhesive portion. The resilient member and the adhesive portion are alternately positionable between the mask portion and the wearer to inhibit the passage of vapor between the mask and the wearer, which prevents fogging of the wearer's eyewear. A method for using the face mask is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wet-stick pressure-sensitive adhesive is provided wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive comprises: at least one copolymerized monoethylenically unsaturated (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer, wherein the (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer, when homopolymerized, has a Tg of less than about 10° C.; at least one copolymerized hydrophilic acidic comonomer; and at least one nonreactive copolymer comprising at least two copolymerized alkylene oxides, at least one of which is hydrophobic and at least one of which is hydrophilic.