Abstract: Novel wound dressings comprising the following essential elements, in order:a thin outer vapor-permeable layer; an absorbent adhesive layer for adhering the wound dressing to the skin and for acting as a reservoir for wound exudate; and a layer of collagen for placement directly on the wound, said collagen layer being of smaller dimensions than said absorbent adhesive layer whereby areas of said absorbent adhesive layer extending beyond the periphery of said collagen layer can be applied to the skin surrounding the wound.

Abstract: A circular knit garment cuff for use on surgical gowns comprised of a two ply front section, a single ply middle section, and a two ply back section. The front section is knit using two stretchable yarns. The middle section is knit using one stretchable yarn and the back section of the garment cuff is knit using one stretchable yarn. The front section, middle section and back section of the garment cuff are knit together in one continuous knitting step so as to form a single integral garment cuff. The back section of the cuff may then be secured to garment material.

Abstract: Novel system for providing a homogeneous mixture of materials comprising an internal mixer, an extruder, a cavity transfer mixer, means for discharging a mix from the internal mixer directly into the extruder, said extruder and cavity transfer mixer being juxtaposed in fluid-tight arrangement whereby material traversing the length of the extruder passes directly into the cavity transfer mixer, means for injecting material into the cavity transfer mixer for admixture with material traversing therethrough from the extruder, output means for removing the resulting homogeneous mix from the cavity transfer mixer, and motor means for operating said internal mixer, extruder and cavity transfer mixer, said motor means comprising means for separately driving and varying the speed of said cavity transfer mixer, whereby said cavity transfer mixer is adapted for operation at varying speeds higher than said extruder.

Abstract: Appropriate compression profiles for stockings to manage venous disorders in the lower extremities of ambulatory individuals are defined. Three profiles are described for the treatment of three categories of venous disease: mild venous disease, superficial venous insufficiency, and deep venous insufficiency. The highest pressures are used to manage the most severe disorder. The stockings use large pressure gradients to provide support for microscopic hemodynamics and valvular function at each region of the leg without producing venous congestion. The large gradients also ensure the maintainence of graduated pressure for the general population with an acceptable number of stocking sizes. Reduced foot pressures are also utilized to enhance patient compliance while avoiding a tourniquet effect.

Abstract: A liquid drainage system comprising, a container having a cavity to receive the liquid. The system has an array of a plurality of associated pairs of light emitters and light detectors disposed generally vertically along the container. Each of the associated pairs of emitters and detectors are changeable between a first state with the light from the emitters impinging upon the associated detectors, and a second state with the light from the emitters passing away from the associated detectors dependent upon the presence of liquid in the container between the emitters and detectors.

Abstract: Novel adhesive tapes consisting essentially of, in order, (1) a layer comprising glass or resin microspheres dispersed in a polymeric matrix; (2) a cloth scrim or reinforcing fabric; and (3) a layer of adhesive, preferably a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A disposable diaper comprising, a fluid impervious back sheet, a fluid pervious front sheet, a first absorbent pad adjacent the front sheet and comprising a loosely formed fibrous mass, and a separate second absorbent pad between the first pad and the back sheet, with the second pad comprising a mass of fibers having compressed regions extending throughout a substantial part of the second pad and having relatively uncompressed areas adjacent the regions, with the regions being spaced from opposed side edges of the second pad.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for cardiac output monitoring comprising a first pair of electrodes consisting of a first spot injection electrode for placement adjacent the xiphoid process for injecting a signal thereat and a first elongated conductive strip electrode for receipt of the signal at the xiphoid process, and a second pair of electrodes consisting of a second injection spot electrode for placement adjacent the neck for injecting a second signal thereat, a second elongated strip electrode for receipt of the second signal at the patient's neck, and a single connector assembly connected to all of the electrodes of the first and second pairs of electrodes and to a single cable connector for coupling the electrodes to a monitoring apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a scrub brush for medical cleaning purposes having a housing including a base with a plurality of walls comprising a reservoir for containment of treatment material. A foil type sealing material is disposed across the walls to seal the treatment material in the reservoir. A foam element is arranged on the housing, and a piercing means is arranged to break the foil and soak the foam.

Abstract: A urine meter comprising, a receptacle having a wall defining a cavity and an opening at the top of the metered receptacle communicating with the cavity. The urine meter has a container having flexible walls defining a chamber, with the container being secured to the top of the receptacle and having an opening communicating with the chamber and the cavity through the receptacle opening. The urine meter has an inlet conduit extending through the container to a position aligned with the cavity for draining liquid into the cavity. The receptacle is movably mounted between a first lower upright position to collect liquid in the cavity, and a second upper tilted position sufficient to dump collected liquid from the cavity into the chamber.

Abstract: A multiple sample valve assembly for a urine collection system with a valve for taking small urine samples in a safe manner. The valve also has a valve for taking large urine samples while having a frangible portion for indicating that the large sampling valve was used, so as to alert medical personnel to the possibility of contamination or infection if proper procedures are not undertaken. The element for indicating use comprises frangible panels or bands which may be disturbed by opening the valve.

Abstract: A composite substrate for use as a coversheet on disposable articles such as disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, disposable bed pads, nursing pads, finger dressings, and incontinent diapers, or the like. The cover sheet comprises an inner layer of polyethylene thermoplastic film secured to and between the inner surfaces of a top layer and a bottom layer of nonwoven polypropylene fibrous webs, by means of a pair of, one of which being a heated embossed roll applied to at least one of the outer surfaces of the fibrous web. The heat from the heated roll causes the film to melt in discrete areas forming apertures therein without substantially affecting the fibrous webs. As the film melts, it contacts fibers in the substantially unaffected adjacent fibrous web layers, causing the film and webs to be secured to each other at least at the peripheral edges of the discrete apertured areas, leaving a matrix of fibers covering the apertured areas.

Abstract: A sponge collecting device comprising, a backing sheet of flexible material having a front surface, a rear surface, a pair of side edges, and a pair of end edges connecting the side edges. The device has a plurality of pockets progressively disposed on the front surface of the backing sheet intermediate the end edges. The pockets comprise a first flap of flexible material having a pair of side edges, and an upper edge extending between the side edges. Side portions of the first flap adjacent its side edges are joined to the backing sheet adjacent the side edges of the backing sheet, and a lower portion of the first flap is joined to the backing sheet intermediate the joined side portions of the first flap. The upper edges of the first flap define an opening intermediate the first flap and backing sheet to receive sponges.

Abstract: A biological needle depth setting arrangement comprising a locking assembly tightenable about the needle barrel. A sheath with graduations therein permits the needle depth to be adjusted accurately. An elastomer bushing is compressible about the needle barrel, and the bushing is prevented from dislocation through a screw-hub arrangement.

Abstract: A monitoring device comprising, a belt having a sufficient length for placement around a patient's body, a conductive electrode on the belt for contacting the patient's skin, and a device for securing the belt about the patient's body. The monitoring device has a transmitter of electromagnetic waves connected to the belt and electrically connected to the electrode in order to transmit bio-signals from the patient's body.

Abstract: A nephrostomy catheter comprising, an elongated shaft having a drainage lumen extending along the shaft and a distal end, and a formed tip bonded to the distal end of the shaft and having a distal opening communicating with the lumen to receive a guide wire.

Abstract: A suprapubic catheter comprising, an elongated shaft having a drainage lumen extending therethrough, and a plurality of openings extending through the shaft and communicating with the drainage lumen. The catheter has a first elastic sleeve secured to the shaft in spaced circumferential zones and defining a first cavity beneath the first sleeve, with the first sleeve being located adjacent a distal end of the shaft. The catheter has a second elastic sleeve secured to the shaft in spaced circumferential zones and defining a second cavity beneath the second sleeve, with the second sleeve being located proximal the first sleeve, and with the openings being located intermediate the first and second sleeves. The catheter has one or more inflation lumens extending along the shaft for inflating the first and second sleeves.

Abstract: Novel adhesive tapes comprising a cloth material and a layer of plastic foam having a thin plastic skin adhered to one surface and a layer of adhesive, e.g. a pressure-sensitive adhesive adhered to the opposed surfaces; and methods for making same.

Abstract: A dressing comprising a textile-like nonwoven fabric characterized in that the fibers comprise a blend of fibers including a percentage (preferably from about 15 to about 60 percent) of thermoplastic fibers, and the fabric is compacted (preferably micro-creped at an overfeed not less than 10 percent and typically in the range of about 20 to about 30 percent and at a drum temperature of greater than about 250 degrees F.) subsequent to hydro-entangling the fibers. prior to compacting, the fabric typically has a weight in the range of about 20 to 60 grams per square yard. After compacting, the fabric has an absorptive capacity and a liquid transfer both of which are greater than the absorptive capacity and liquid transfer of a hydro-entangled fabric of the same weight and fiber blend which has not been compacted.

Abstract: A surgical sponge comprising, a sheet of absorbent material comprising entangled fibers. The sponge has an elongated radiopaque element in the sheet, with the fibers being fluidentangled about the element to retain it in place in the sheet.