Abstract: Cotinine is prepared from nicotine or nicotine sulfate by mixing a solution thereof with compounds having the formula XBr, YBrO.sub.3 where X is hydrogen or an alkali metal and Y is an alkali metal to produce an intermediate product: dibromocotinine hydrobromide perbromide, which is reduced and de-brominated to produce cotinine.

Abstract: A non-occlusive medication patch to be applied to the skin includes a porous self-supporting backing layer to give the patch the required integrity and strength by acting as a supporting framework for other components, and a flexible hydrophilic pressure-sensitive adhesive reservoir comprising a hydrocolloidal gel for the sustained release of medication to be absorbed topically through the skin into the body of a patient. The reservoir has two portions: first, an external coating layer with an exposed lower skin-contacting surface that forms a pressure-sensitive bond with the skin, and second, an upper internal portion which infiltrates the porous backing and becomes solidified therein after being applied so that the reservoir and the backing are unified, enabling the backing itself to act as a storage location for the medication-containing reservoir.

Abstract: A solid, multipurpose, flexible, ultrasonic biomedical couplant hydrogel in sheet form is applied to the skin of a patient to facilitate the transfer of ultrasound energy between a standard ultrasound instrument and the body. The couplant sheet has broad upper and lower surfaces and a narrow peripheral edge which is usually circular, square or rectangular but can have other shapes such as the shape of the part of the body being monitored. During use, the lower surface of the sheet is applied to the skin of a patient and remain in place throughout use. The ultrasound instrument is then passed back and forth, usually in contact with the exposed upper surface of the hydrogel sheet while ultrasound energy is transmitted through the hydrogel which serves as a transmission path for the sonic energy passing to and from the body of the patient. The hydrogel sheet of the present invention is a flexible, self-supporting solid sheet which holds its form during storage and when placed on the body.

Abstract: A multipurpose medical stimulating electrode is described for use in external cardiac pacing, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and neuromuscular stimulation which includes a protective cover layer at the top extending over and bonded to the upper surface of an electrically conductive layer, e.g. carbon filled silicone rubber having a resistivity of about 100 ohm centimeters on the lower surface of which is coated a selfsupporting skin contacting hydrogel layer comprising a matrix having a sticky surface adapted to make a good electrical contact with the skin and having a resistivity of greater than 1,000 and less than 10,000 ohm centimeters. The matrix is composed of natural or synthetic hydrocolloid, e.g. polyacrylamide, and/or natural gum such as karaya gum, water and a humectant comprising a polyhydric alcohol and optionally with Mg(OAc).sub.2 as a gelation inhibitor and electrolyte.

Abstract: Porous bilayer non-woven substrates with an organic polymer on one side and a cured silicone resin on the other side. When the substrate is coated on the organic polymer side with a hydrophilic natural or synthetic pressure sensitive adhesive, a tape is produced that can be wound upon itself.

Abstract: A medical electrode is provided which includes a flexible tin backing coated with a flexible hydrated gel matrix adapted to contact and conform to the skin. The matrix is composed of a hydrated polysaccharide gum, a liquid hydrating agent such as a polyhydric alcohol and water, an electrolyte including one or more tin salts dissolved in the liquid and preferably a stabilizer present in sufficient quantity to prevent the tin salts from forming insoluble reaction products.

Abstract: A flexible, liquid absorbent, adhesive bandage includes a backing element and a substrate attached to the backing element. The substrate comprises a homogeneous, hydrophilic, stable matrix including a solid phase formed of a synthetic polymer, a long chain polysaccharide, or a combination thereof. The liquid phase of the matrix consists of a hydric alcohol, carbohydrates and/or proteins in an aqueous solution, and/or water or a combination thereof. The matrix contains a medicament therein for release to the affected areas.

Abstract: A flexible, liquid absorbent, adhesive bandage includes a backing element and a substrate attached to the backing element. The substrate comprises a homogeneous, hydrophilic, stable matrix including a solid phase formed of a synthetic polymer, a long chain polysaccharide, or a combination thereof. The liquid phase of the matrix consists of a hydric alcohol, carbohydrates or proteins.

Abstract: An improved combination electrode for use in monitoring and stimulation medical applications is provided having an electrical current conductor including a connector plug and a skin-interfacing substrate material, this substrate being a composition including a karaya gum matrix containing an electrically conductive substance.

Abstract: An improved combination electrode for use in monitoring and stimulation medical applications is provided having an electrical current conductor including a connector plug and a skin-interfacing substrate material, this substrate being a composition such as mixture of a natural organic polysaccharide and hydric alcohol having electrically conductive and adhesive properties.