Abstract: A catheter and package combination including a package having opposed front and rear panels that are sealed together to define a sealed interior cavity. The package also has top and bottom edges and opposed side edges. The cavity has a first height extending in a direction between the top and bottom edges. The front and rear panels are configured to tear adjacent to one of the side edges in the direction between the top and bottom edges to form an opening in communication with the cavity wherein the opening has a second height in the direction between the top and bottom edges that is smaller than the first height of the cavity. A urinary catheter in a compact configuration is disposed within the cavity.

Abstract: Provided are buffered adhesive compositions comprising a high molecular weight non-neutralized polymeric acid and a high molecular weight partially neutralized polymeric acid and products such as wound dressings, ostomy skin barriers, and ostomy barrier rings incorporating the compositions.

Abstract: A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly and method of manufacturing and distributing same includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube or shaft which may be surrounded by a sleeve to provide a no-touch, sure grip feature. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package together with a limited amount of a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. It may be loose liquid as a desired percentage of the volume of a tube-receiving portion of the catheter receiving cavity of the package, or it may be contained in a liquid sequestering element.

Abstract: A thermal blanket with an elastic fit to accommodate body movement and particularly suitable for compressive post-operative thermal treatment of body joints such as the shoulder, ankle, knee, elbow, hand/wrist, back or hip, is disclosed. The blanket includes a bodyside first panel composed of double layers of thermoplastic sheet material heat-sealed together to define at least one and preferably two serpentine fluid flow passages for the circulation of cooling (or warming) fluid. The sheet material may alternatively define a relatively open passageway between an inlet and outlet. The blanket also includes a soft, foldable exterior second panel coplanar with the first panel, the edges of the two panels being secured together to form a unitary, easily-foldable blanket. The exterior panel is of soft loop-providing pile fabric over substantially the entire exterior surface thereof.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube attachment device for positively securing an endotracheal tube to a patient and allowing selective lateral positioning and locking of the tube without removing the device or tube from the patient is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated strip of flexible material adapted to be adhesively attached to an upper lip region of a patient and a tube holder which is slideably mounted upon the strip. The tube holder has an arm extending in a direction perpendicular to and away from the strip and a securement strap is provided for positively securing the tube along the length of the arm. Positioning and locking mechanisms are provided for allowing selective lateral positioning of the tube holder along the length of the strip and positively locking the tube holder and tube in a selected position. The tube holder also allows for efficient and easy longitudinal adjustment of the endotracheal tube in the patient's trachea which is often required soon after initial placement of the tube.

Abstract: A dynamic temperature control to selectively generate one of a plurality of discrete voltage level temperature control signals for use with a fluid circulating system operable in a heating or cooling state including a control panel to select the system operating parameters including operating temperature of the fluid and at least one temperature sensor, the dynamic temperature control comprises logic circuitry to receive temperature input signals from the control panel and temperature sensor and to generate one of the plurality of discrete voltage level temperature control signals proportional to the difference between the input signals from the control panel and the temperature sensor to control the operating temperature of the fluid circulated through the fluid circulating system.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensor for use with a fluid circulating system to indicate a predetermined rate of fluid flow therethrough, fluid flow sensor comprises a hollow fluid flow sensor body including a lower flow detection chamber and an upper fluid flow chamber formed therein and a float movable between a lower and upper position disposed within the hollow fluid flow sensor body, a float position sensing device including logic circuitry to selectively generate a first and second signal disposed adjacent the lower portion of the lower flow detection chamber and a float limit disposed within the upper fluid flow chamber, the float being disposed adjacent the float position sensing device when in the first position when fluid flow through the fluid flow sensor is less than the predetermined rate of fluid flow whereby the float position sensing device generates the first signal to indicate fluid flow of less than the predetermined rate and when the fluid flow through the fluid flow sensor equals or exceeds the predetermi

Abstract: A temperature control system for use with a fluid circulating system operable in a heating or cooling state to monitor and control the temperature and flow of fluid circulated through a remote liquid circulation manifold comprising a display/control panel to select the system operating parameters and provide a visual indication of the system status including operating temperature and fluid flow and a micro including logic circuitry to receive input signals from the display-control panel and fluid circulating system and to generate system control signals to control the operation of the fluid circulating system and system indicator signals to provide the visual indication of system operations.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device operable in a gas purge mode, liquid flow mode or backflow restriction mode for use with a fluid circulating system to selectively control the direction of fluid flow through the fluid circulating system, the fluid flow control device comprises a valve body including a lower fluid chamber and an upper float chamber formed therein and a spherical float movable disposed within the upper float chamber to control the direction of fluid flow through the fluid flow control device, the valve body includes a gas outlet, a fluid outlet, a liquid outlet and a fluid inlet such that fluid entering the upper float chamber controls the position of the spherical float therein to cause gas to flow through the gas outlet and liquid to flow through the liquid outlet and prevent backflow of gas or liquid through the fluid outlet.