Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to improved elastomeric articles and processes for making the elastomeric articles. In particular, the invention relates to the surface modification of elastomeric articles such as industrial, surgical, and examination gloves that provides for improved consistency with respect to surface tack on a single article, between different articles from a single production batch, and between articles from separate production batches. The surface modification treatment comprises application of an aqueous mixture of silicone emulsion and ammonium salts of alkyl phosphates to the surfaces of elastomeric articles.

Abstract: There is provided an improved sterilization wrap and a method for using the improved sterilization wrap to sterilize an article. The wrap is made of at least a first panel of sterilization material and includes an additional panel of material. The first panel is multi-layered and includes at least one pathogen filtration layer. The first panel is rectangular and has an outer periphery and a central portion. The outer periphery includes first, second, third and fourth edges. The additional panel of material is bonded to the first panel, approximately at a forty-five degree angle to the first panel, with a substantial portion of the additional panel being adjacent to the central portion of the first panel. The perimeter of the additional panel is smaller than the perimeter of the first panel. Portions of the additional panel are bonded to the first panel along the first, second, third and fourth edges of the first panel.

Abstract: A fenestrated extremity surgical drape has improved seal integrity to reduce the occurrence of pathogenic contamination at the surgical site via migration through the seal. The seal has a non-linear configuration to eliminate uneven stress concentrations commonly located at the corners of rectilinear seals. An elastomeric apertured panel can be disposed between a film panel and a fiber/film laminate panel. These layers can be joined by a heat sealing operation along two spaced apart concentric seal locations ringing the aperture and a fenestration in the laminate panel. The assembly can then be affixed by adhering the underside(s) of one or more panels to a base drape, which has an opening aligned with the aperture and fenestration. A method of forming a fenestrated extremity surgical drape is also disclosed.

Abstract: An aqueous elastomer dispersion includes a dispersed phase and an aqueous phase. The dispersed phase includes an elastomer including curable aliphatic conjugated-diene elastomers, such as polyisoprene, and a minor amount of at least one additive. The aqueous phase includes water and other optional components in either a soluble state or a dispersion state. The aqueous elastomer dispersion may be prepared by dissolving an elastomer, such as rubber, and additives in a solvent mixture and then converting the resulting solution into an aqueous emulsion. The aqueous emulsion is concentrated and the solvent is stripped from it to yield a dilute latex. The dilute latex that is obtained is concentrated again. Articles made from the aqueous elastomer dispersion include medical gloves, condoms, probe covers, dental dams, finger cots, catheters and the like.

Abstract: An nCPAP device including a generator body defining first and second fluid flow circuits each including a tube and first and second nozzles. The tube defines a passageway forming an axial centerline. The first and second nozzles are associated with the tube and each defines an inlet and an outlet. The inlets are open to a fluid supply, whereas the outlets are open to the passageway. Each nozzle is adapted to emit a fluid jetstream from the outlet along a flow direction axis. The nozzles are arranged such that the flow direction axes are non-parallel relative to each other and relative to the axial centerline. This configuration readily induces vortex shedding during an expiratory phase, thus facilitating jet fluid flow disruption and reducing a patient's work of breathing.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to improved elastomeric articles and processes for making the elastomeric articles. In particular, the invention relates to the surface modification of elastomeric articles such as industrial, surgical, and examination gloves that provides for improved consistency with respect to surface tack on a single article, between different articles from a single production batch, and between articles from separate production batches. The surface modification treatment comprises application of an aqueous mixture of silicone emulsion and ammonium salts of alkyl phosphates to the surfaces of elastomeric articles.

Abstract: A reconfigurable surgical apparatus that includes a surgical instrument assembly that is formed with a hollow manipulation shaft. A linearly or rotationally movable prime mover is received within the shaft and is activated by an actuator located at a proximal end. A coupler is formed about a distal end of the shaft to have a capture ledge that is configured to releasably engage an interchangeable surgical tool that is formed with an anchor adapted to releasably mate to the capture ledge. The coupler may optionally incorporate a frangible portion that severs a portion of the coupler when the interchangeable surgical tool is removed from the apparatus to ensure single use operation of the tool.

Abstract: There is provided an improved sterilization wrap and a method for using the improved sterilization wrap to sterilize an article. The wrap is made of at least a first panel of sterilization material and includes an additional panel of material. The first panel is multi-layered and includes at least one pathogen filtration layer. The first panel is rectangular and has an outer periphery and a central portion. The outer periphery includes first, second, third and fourth edges. The additional panel of material is bonded to the first panel, approximately at a forty-five degree angle to the first panel, with a substantial portion of the additional panel being adjacent to the central portion of the first panel. The perimeter of the additional panel is smaller than the perimeter of the first panel. Portions of the additional panel are bonded to the first panel along the first, second, third and fourth edges of the first panel.

Abstract: An innovative method and apparatus for disposing of waste fluids, especially human body fluids such as are generated during surgery, into a hospital's sanitary sewer system is provided. A conduit system is adapted to transport waste fluid from a receptacle to a sanitary sewer using an eductor having a venturi device. The conduit system includes first and second conduits. First and second connectors are used to easily connect the first conduit to the second conduit. The second connector includes a flap that acts as a check valve.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to an improved device for paracentesis procedures, such as thoracentesis. The device comprises a cannula assembly, a reinsertible valve assembly, and catheter assembly, wherein the cannula assembly is removably attached to the valve assembly, and the valve assembly is removably attached to the catheter assembly. The device may include an externally viewable indicator revealing the relative positions of the cannula assembly components. The device can further comprise a locking mechanism which controls the movement between cannula assembly components and is activated and deactivated by the coupling of the cannula assembly to the valve assembly. The device improves the precision and safety of its handling, and offers the practitioner several aspiration alternatives while maintaining separation of the internal and external patient environments.

Abstract: A respiratory therapy system includes a driver unit and a patient interface device. The driver unit is adapted to deliver pressurized gas flow from a source to the patient interface device. At least one electronic valve can be used to deliver a desired flow to the patient interface device.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly includes a housing that defines an inlet port and an outlet port. A jet pump receives pressurized gas flow from the inlet port and delivers the gas flow to the outlet port. A nebulizer is fluidly coupled to the outlet port and positioned to introduce medication into the gas flow and deliver medicated gas flow to a patient.

Abstract: A double cylinder system is disclosed, comprising at least one controller being adapted to transmit hydraulic control signals; at least one slave being in fluid communication with the controller and being configured to respond to the hydraulic control signals transmitted by the controller; and at least one control line providing hydraulic communication between the controller and the slave. Also disclosed is a surgical device, comprising at least one controller located at a proximal end of the device, the controller being adapted to transmit hydraulic control signals; at least one manipulator, the manipulator being configured to be controlled by a human hand and to actuate the controller; at least one slave located at a distal end of the device, the slave being in fluid communication with the controller and being configured to respond to the hydraulic control signals transmitted by the controller; and at least one control line providing hydraulic communication between the controller and the slave.

Abstract: An innovative method and apparatus for disposing of waste fluids, especially human body fluids such as are generated during surgery, into a hospital's sanitary sewer system is provided. A conduit system is adapted to transport waste fluid from a receptacle to a sanitary sewer using an eductor having a venturi device. The conduit system includes first and second conduits. First and second connectors are used to easily connect the first conduit to the second conduit. The second connector includes a flap that acts as a check valve.

Abstract: A double cylinder system is disclosed, comprising at least one controller being adapted to transmit hydraulic control signals; at least one slave being in fluid communication with the controller and being configured to respond to the hydraulic control signals transmitted by the controller; and at least one control line providing hydraulic communication between the controller and the slave. Also disclosed is a surgical device, comprising at least one controller located at a proximal end of the device, the controller being adapted to transmit hydraulic control signals; at least one manipulator, the manipulator being configured to be controlled by a human hand and to actuate the controller; at least one slave located at a distal end of the device, the slave being in fluid communication with the controller and being configured to respond to the hydraulic control signals transmitted by the controller; and at least one control line providing hydraulic communication between the controller and the slave.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to applicators and a method of coloring antiseptics. More specifically, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to an applicator having a flexible hollow body containing antiseptic to be applied. The applicator also has a porous element containing colorant positioned such that the antiseptic flows through the porous element containing colorant. Colorant is transferred to the antiseptic as it flows through the porous element. The resulting colored solution may be applied to the desired surface.

Abstract: Applicators and a method of coloring antiseptics are provided. More specifically, in one embodiment, an applicator having a flexible hollow body containing antiseptic to be applied is provided. The applicator also has a porous element containing colorant positioned such that the antiseptic flows through the porous element containing colorant. Colorant is transferred to the antiseptic as it flows through the porous element. The resulting colored solution may be applied to the desired surface.

Abstract: A method of making a fluid impervious seam in a multilaminate fluid impervious medical fabric is disclosed. The multilaminate fluid impervious medical fabric includes at least two layers having different melting points, at least one of the layers is comprised of a fluid impervious material. The method includes overlapping two portions of the multilaminate fluid impervious medical fabric to form an overlapped region wherein the two layers having the innermost position in apposition to one another have a lower melting point relative to the melting point of the fluid impervious material layer. The two portions of multilaminate fluid impervious medical fabric are heat sealed together at the overlap at a temperature which is equal to or greater than the melting point of the innermost identical layers and which temperature is less than the melting point of the fluid impervious material layer.

Abstract: The invention herein provides an integrated drape for use in surgical procedures involving anatomical extremities and having a unitary assembled structure, said drape comprising: a flexible panel sheet portion having first and second opposing sides and having a fenestration located therethrough; and a flexible elongate sleeve portion having an open proximal end; wherein the open proximal end of said sleeve is integrally attached to the panel sheet and circumscribes the fenestration. The drape readily accommodates various anatomical extremities, permits the creation of a surgical access site at any location for a given extremity, and is presented to the user as a single, one-piece construction reducing or eliminating the need for obtaining and setting up supplemental drapes for a procedure.