Abstract: A device to stop the penetration of a cranial drill that is used to pierce the skull during neurosurgical procedures. The device uses a plurality of spacers that each have a body in the form of a cylinder having a bore extending therethrough with a flat disc adjacent the cylindrical body with a plurality of tabs fixed to the disk in a circumferential pattern around the bore and axially aligned therewith. The periphery of the disk having a diameter larger than the cylindrical body portion to form a gripping member. Each of the tabs having an indent positioned on an outer surface and an interior surface of the cylindrical body portion having a bead positioned around the interior diameter of the cylindrical body portion so that the indents in the tabs are adapted to engage and retain a bead of another spacer when the spacers are fitted together to define a drill stop. Each of the plurality of spacers are of different lengths than at least one of the other spacers.

Abstract: Brushhead magazine for receiving a number of brushheads (22), comprising a plurality of containers, which lie parallel alongside one another in mutual separation, in each case fully enclose a brushhead (22) and the height of which is dimensioned to correspond approximately to the width of a brush base (26) of each brushhead (22), a coupling end of the brushheads (22) in each case facing towards the container opening (30). A wall exhibits, in the area of each container opening (30), a closing flap (32) made from dimensionally stable material, which closing flap is defined by a target rupture line (36) and a hinge (40), formed by an attenuation line (38). The closing flap (32), as its target rupture line (36) is destroyed, can be pivoted by means of the coupling end of a brush handle about the hinge (40) into an open position in the interior of the assigned container. In each container there is disposed a locking device, by means of which the closing flap (32) can be locked in its open position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel absorbent structure and absorbent products containing this absorbent structure. More particularly, the absorbent structure of this invention is a flexible and retentive reservoir layer comprising a perf-embossed or tenderized peat board material.

Abstract: A process for making medical gloves whose fingers have thinner walls than the rest of the gloves involves first depositing onto a hand-shaped glove form a layer of coagulant that comprises an ionic metal salt, then depositing an elastomeric layer. Part of the coated form is then leeched of metal ions in the coating, and the form is overcoated with a second elastomeric layer. The overcoated layer is thinner in the part where it overlies the leeched coating. The gloves find particular usefulness in delicate operations such as those performed by ophthalmologists.

Abstract: A composite absorbent structure capable of extremely short fluid penetration time, well-suited for use as an absorbent core in disposable absorbent products such as adult disposable briefs, diapers, incontinence pads, sanitary napkins, wound dressings and bandages. The composite absorbent structure comprises a highly absorbent fluid transfer sheet having a low fluid retentiveness, and a laminated, wicking reservoir with a high fluid retentiveness in intimate fluid communication with the fluid transfer sheet to draw fluid therefrom under the effect of capillary action. The laminated reservoir includes superposed layers, the layer closest to the fluid transfer sheet being provided with a fluid distribution well. A highly porous and hydrophilic spacer element is inserted between the reservoir layers establishing a high void volume area which forms an extension of the fluid absorptive well between the reservoir layers.

Abstract: A three-dimensional non-woven fabric with a thermally activated adhesive surface well suited for use as a facing fabric for covering a fibrous mat. The fabric comprises two adjoining fiber layers, namely an adhesive layer including bond-forming fibers fusible at a predetermined temperature and a facing layer of fibers having a considerably higher melting temperature than the bond-forming fibers. The fibers of both layers are mechanically engaged one with another and are arranged flat-wise in bundles interconnected at junctures by protuberant fiber packings disposed in a staggered relationship throughout the fabric. Bond-forming fibers are concentrated in the apex portions of the fiber packings to form the thermally activated adhesive surface. The invention also extends to a process for manufacturing the three-dimensional non-woven fabric, based on the so-called "rosebud" technique for producing foraminous webs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the capillary attraction developed at a surface of an absorbent body intended to be used in a sanitary article such as a sanitary napkin, a diaper, a urinary pad, an adult brief, a tampon or a wound dressing, among others. The apparatus comprises a probe of fritted glass providing an array of capillary passageways in fluid communication with the interior of a closed cell completely filled with liquid. A pressure sensor mounted to the closed cell observes the liquid pressure therein. When the probe is placed in contact with the absorbent body, the capillary attraction exerted on liquid in the probe capillaries by the porous network of the absorbent body is transmitted through the liquid medium in the cell to the pressure sensor. The pressure data thus obtained reflects the state of dryness of the absorbent body surface. The capillary attraction measurement is made with no appreciable transfer of liquid toward the absorbent body to avoid altering its condition.

Abstract: A net dressing in which the net substrate is encapsulated in a hydrophilic, tacky resin, the coating on the net substrate leaving the majority of the apertures in the net substrate unoccluded and a process for preparing the dressing.

Abstract: A multifocal refractive lens to focus light on the retina of the eye. The lens is comprised of a plurality of segments, having different optical powers, at least one for distance vision and another for near. The lens does not require orientation to produce adequate far and near vision and normal stereoscopic effect. One or both of the segments having the optical powers may have aspherical lens surface. The central zone of the lens consists of only one lens segment, providing a clear central axis. Segments of the other optical power border the first segment along a path defined by a semi-circle or hyperbola that extends from one point along the periphery of the adjoining segments to another point along the periphery of the adjoining segments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for holding a medical instrument. The medical instrument is held in a cradle (112) having first and second interlockable regions (114, 116). The cradle (112) is coupled to a first mating element (124). The first mating element (124) is coupled to a second mating element (126) through a selected aperture (128) of a platform (16), such that the cradle (112) is coupled to the platform (16). The platform (16) has multiple apertures (128, 130, 138).

Abstract: A multi-element surgical drape includes a bottom sheet that is placed over a patient and a top sheet that is reversibly secured to the bottom sheet. The two sheets each have a fenestration, and the fenestrations are aligned to provide access to the surgical site. After the surgical procedure has been completed the two sheets are separated. The top sheet is contaminated ("red-bag") medical waste, while the bottom sheet can be disposed of as non-contaminated waste, recycled, or processed for reuse. The invention permits a substantial reduction in the volume of red-bag waste generated by surgery.

Abstract: Novel sunscreen compositions containing titanium dioxide having a particle size less than about 35 m.mu. and zinc oxide having a particle size less than about 50 m.mu. are described as well as methods of protecting the skin from damaging ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a non-slip region on its handle to facilitate better manipulation of the brush is disclosed. An insert having a surface with raised ribs is formed in a separate molding operation and then inserted within an aperture formed in the toothbrush handle. A method for manufacturing the toothbrush is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-layer article to protect a patient from laser radiation during surgery comprises two metallic layers sandwiching a flame-resistant, radiation absorbing layer. The facing surfaces of the metallic layers, adjoining the middle layer, are reflective. The top surface of the upper metallic layer has a non-reflective, flame-resistant coating. The radiation-absorbing layer is preferably a hydrogel. The lower metallic layer is preferably thicker than the upper layer and/or is of a metal that has a higher melting temperature than that of the upper layer. The article protects the patient by harmlessly dissipating the energy in a misdirected laser beam for a period of time that will permit a healthcare worker to take corrective action.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for directing accelerated electrons to at least part of one surface of one ophthalmic mold piece prior to filling with monomer and lens polymerization. In particular it has been found that generation of the ionized oxygen by means of a corona treatment electrode sufficiently increases the adherence of the polymer to the mold piece so treated. In the preferred embodiment, the flange around the convex, male piece of the lens mold is corona treated so that when the mold pieces are separated after lens polymerization, the flashing of excess polymerized material surrounding the lens cavity adheres to that male, convex piece flange while the lens is removed with the female, concave piece.