Abstract: A bandage including a superabsorbent pad covered by a porous cover pad placed on a thin, flexible hydrocolloid adhesive layer leaving a portion of the adhesive layer around the pads as an adhesive border is disclosed. One side of the adhesive layer is laminated to a polymeric backing or non-woven fabric layer and a protective cover layer is applied over the pads and border portion. The protective cover layer may be silicone coated release paper and the bandage may be subjected to a vacuum thus forming the adhesive layer to the pads resulting in the border portion being substantially coplanar with the exposed surface of the cover pad overlaying the superabsorbent pad.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an instantaneous delivery film useful in the delivery of a therapeutic agent to a wound site is provided. The present delivery film comprises a therapeutic agent, e.g. an enzyme or medicament, incorporated into a delivery material which forms the film. The delivery material is capable of rapidly dissolving in aqueous and saline solutions and comprises a water soluble and nonaqueous-solvent soluble film-forming polymer in an amount of from about 20 to about 100 percent by weight of the delivery material, and a plasticizer in an amount of from about 0 and 80 percent by weight of the delivery material. The present system is useful, for example, as a dry enzymatic debridement film suitable for the treatment of mammalian burns and ulcers.

Abstract: A dressing having a skin or wound contacting surface is provided with an indicator means on the opposite surface. The indicator means is capable of sensing the condition of the skin or wound underlying the dressing and conveying the information to the health care professional eliminating the need to frequently change the dressing.

Abstract: Occlusive attaching means comprising a first relatively thick adhesive component to be secured to the skin around the stoma and a relatively thin flexible second adhesive component to be secured to the skin at a distance from the stoma. Both adhesive components include an occlusive adhesive layer formulated as a blend containing one or more water soluble or swellable hydrocolloids dispersed in polyisobutylene along with other optional ingredients. The attaching means can be utilized as part of a one or two-piece ostomy system.

Abstract: A dressing comprising a flexible backing member and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer. The adhesive layer comprises one or more polyisobutylenes, elastomers, and one or more moisture absorbing, moisture transmitting, water soluble and/or water swellable agents. A dispersion of the active ingredient in a medium compatible with the adhesive layer is laminated to the skin contacting surface.

Abstract: Processes for treating polymeric surfaces to produce smooth, durable, slippery coatings which are able to withstand the rigors of sterilization and, long term exposure to human blood and other bodily fluids without substantial loss of their slipperiness.

Abstract: This invention relates to a skeletal implant designed to provide a structure which bone can fill so as to biologically anchor the implant in position. A series of cutting edges are aligned on at least part of the surface and directed in a direction of relative movement between implant and bone. Bone removed by these edges is urged into a series of interconnecting spaces beneath the surface. Preferably a porous surface and the cutting edges are provided by perforated microcontoured sheet material. The three dimensional porosity formed by the perforations and contours results in bone debris impacted into the voids particularly at the time of implantation which will subsequently become integral with surrounding bone.

Abstract: The wire of an orthodontic appliance is attached at either end to a tooth by means of a lock secured to a band passed around the tooth and having a U-shaped recess into which a retaining spring is set so that when the latch holding the wire is inserted, the ends of the spring catch in notches on the latch thereby affording secure attachment and easy removal and replacement of the wire.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket containing a thin metallic coating on the bracket base; the coating being applied onto the bracket base by thermally spraying a molten metallic powder.

Abstract: A latch for securing the ends of a belt together so as to encircle an inflatable cuff of an artificial sphincter. The latch includes two rotatable components with cavities which receive the belt ends when the components are suitably rotated and capture the belt ends within the latch when the belt is in tension.

Abstract: A palladium alloy suitable for use with both high and low thermal expansion dental porcelains without causing discoloration of the porcelains. The alloy consists essentially of 70-90% palladium, 1-8% silver, 0-5% gold, 5-16% copper, 1-8% gallium, 0.01-0.8% silicon and 0.001-0.5% grain refiners.

Abstract: A microscope drape fabricated from a very thin, transparent heat-resistant plastic film which is adapted to completely house an operating microscope including its support arms, is provided with an improved means for securing the tubular ocular housing extension of the drape to the oculars of the microscope which consists of a thin malleable strip attached to the ocular housing which permits the ocular housing to be secured to the microscope by crimping and folding over the metal strip after positioning the ocular housing on an ocular of a microscope.

Abstract: A pad eliminatable by heat prior to casting has a patterned surface and a non-porous backing. The pad is sized and shaped into at least part of the appliance and the patterned surface is conformed to the desired bonding surface contour. The patterned surface yields irregularities in the cast bonding surface which increases bondability.