Abstract: Condoms are disclosed of the type comprising a main sheath portion closed at a distal end and open at a proximal end thereof, which are amenable to construction from thermoplastic elastomeric materials. In one preferred aspect, such condoms comprise an annular-shaped sealing element, formed of an elastic material, circumscribing an interior opening of smaller size than the proximal end opening of the condom, and joined at the outer periphery of the sealing element to the main sheath, at or in the vicinity of the proximal end opening. Such construction thereby provides a membrane dam in the proximal segment of the condom to enhance its effectiveness as a contraceptive and to minimize the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases. Also disclosed are various condom manufacturing and processing apparatuses, as well as applicators for applying the condoms to the penis of a wearer.

Abstract: A method of providing a convoluted area on a first thermoplastic elastomeric film, by applying to the film, one or more discrete pieces of a second thermoplastic elastomeric film, wherein the second film is differentially expandable as compared to the underlying first film. The differential expansion may be caused by application of an agent which causes the second film to swell. Products made according to this method may have elongated strips or other shapes of the second film bonded to the first film in areas of the product for which convolutions, puckers or other regular or irregular deformations are desired.

Abstract: A condom package and donning device, comprising an enclosure and one or more condom attachment means. When the enclosure is separated into enclosure pieces, the condom opening is exposed for donning. When there are attachment means affixed to more than one enclosure piece, opening the device causes separation of the attachment means from each other, causing the proximal end of the attached condom to open for donning the condom. The condom may be released from the package device after donning.

Abstract: A condom having a blow formed tubular main sheath portion, and a method for making the condom. Blow extrusion techniques of fabrication are described, together with the use of various thermoplastic materials of construction, including polyurethanes, polyether block amides, styrene-rubber-styrene block copolymers, ethylene-octene copolymers, and polyesters. The condom is made by blow extruding a tubular film of thermoplastic material to form a main sheath portion, severing the main sheath portion into one or more condom pieces, and sealing one end of each piece.

Abstract: A condom comprising an elongate sheath, which may be of tubular form or alternatively of baggy- or pouch-type, which is rolled or rollable on a roll ring having applied thereto a material such as a lubricant, contraceptive, and/or medicament, and wherein the proximal portion of the condom is provided with openings therein, such that the roll ring can be squeezed on the applied condom to cause exudation of the applied material through the proximal openings of the sheath. The rolled condom comprises a rolled portion circumscribing a distal end portion of the condom, thereby forming a cavity into which a "plug" of suitable material may be disposed, as a reservoir means for containing lubricant, contraceptive, and/or medicament, as well as providing an orientation-indicating means so that the condom is not misapplied to the penis of a wearer. The sheath may be formed of natural latex rubber or synthetic polymeric materials, e.g., thermoplastic elastomeric material.

Abstract: An apparatus for compacting flexible, compactible articles, comprising a pair of vertically upwardly extending and converging wall members, a platform arranged with the wall members for relative vertical movement therebetween, and a tongue member arranged with the wall members for relative vertical movement therebetween. The wall members have limit stop means associated therewith, so that during relative movement between the wall members and tongue member, the platform engages the limit stop means. Subsequently, relative movement takes place between the tongue member and the wall members and between the platform and the tongue member, such that at the end of such relative movements, the tongue member extends upwardly above upper ends of the wall members, following which the movements are reversed. An appertaining method of compacting a flexible, compactible article is disclosed.

Abstract: Condoms are disclosed of the type having a main sheath portion closed at a distal end and open at a proximal end thereof, which are amenable to construction from thermoplastic elastomeric materials. In one preferred aspect, such condoms have an annular-shaped sealing element, formed of an elastic material, circumscribing an interior opening of smaller size than the proximal end opening of the condom, and joined at the outer periphery of the sealing element to the main sheath, at or in the vicinity of the proximal end opening. Such construction thereby provides a membrane dam in the proximal segment of the condom to enhance its effectiveness as a contraceptive and to minimize the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases. Also disclosed are various condom manufacturing and processing apparatuses, as well as applicators for applying the condoms to the penis of a wearer.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting sexually transmitted bacteria, such as in gonococcal infections is disclosed, comprising contacting the bacteria with a composition containing D-propranolol, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, preferably in a concentration of about 1% to abot 10% and lacking a polyethoxyethanol component.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for removing an intrauterine device with a retracted marker tail or an intrauterine device without a marker tail. The device comprises a handle slidably received within a sheath and having resilient bristle means with hooks on the probing end thereof for engaging a retracted tail, or the like.