Abstract: A system for assisting in communication of the state of a patient's condition is disclosed. In an embodiment, a plastic container of washcloths includes two labels. The first label is mounted on the container and occludes an entry into the container. The second label also is mounted on the container via attachment to the first label. The second label includes a template that is mounted face down. In operation, the second label may be removed and observations regarding the patient's skin condition that are made during use of the washcloth can be marked on the template provided on the second label. The second label then may be communicated from one care provider to another care provider.

Abstract: A disinfectant delivery system and method of providing alcohol-free disinfection to a body to be disinfected, as well as a method of infection reduction by preparation of a patient before an invasive procedure. A blended cloth comprising first fibers and second fibers is provided with the first fibers generally being greater in quantity by weight than the second fibers. A disinfectant solution impregnates the blended cloth, with the disinfectant solution having chlorhexidine gluconate as an active ingredient and having no alcohol. In the method according to the invention, at least one impregnated blended cloth is used to disinfect at least a portion of a body. A plurality of blended cloths can be provided for disinfecting discrete portions of the body.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to a properly dosed fabric, such as non woven fiber, are provided. In one aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a cloth having a consistent amount of medication thereon. In one embodiment, the weight and dimensions of the raw materials and the resulting cloths are compared to adjust the amount of solution that is applied to the fabric. In another embodiment, a continuous sheet of fabric is divided at select locations depending on its weight and physical dimensions. In one such embodiment, a controller may be utilized to determine the amount of tension to apply on the continuous non-woven fabric. In yet another embodiment, the tension applied to the fabric alters the physical dimensions of the fabric. Another aspect of the invention relates to a cloth of fibrous material, such as a non-woven cloth having a predetermined quantity of medication disposed thereon.

Abstract: A suction device which can be protected after use. The suction device includes an elongated suction tube having a suction tip at one end. A retractable, protective sheath is connected to the tube and extendable over the exposed length of the suction tube. A closure is secured to the free end of the sheath, and includes a cap which can be pivoted to a closed position. So as to avoid contamination, an automatic closer is provided to pivot the cap to the closed position.

Abstract: A suction oral care device with a head having opposite scrub elements. The scrub elements are dissimilar to one another, one of the scrub elements comprising bristles and the other comprising a foam pad. A suction port communicates with each scrub element, each suction port leading to a suction end of the device. A suction outlet, separate from the suction ports, also extends from the cleansing head. The suction ports and the suction outlet provide three separate locations for suctioning so that even if two become clogged, a third is available.

Abstract: A head bathing system for haircare. The system is composed of an outer cap having a head-receiving aperture, an inner, absorbent liquid-holding layer, and a flexible gathering for the cap at the aperture. The liquid-holding layer is impregnated with a cleansing solution. To clean a person's hair, the system is applied to the person's head, which is massaged through the cap to cause the cleansing solution to wet the person's hair. After sufficient cleaning, the system is removed from the person's head. Because of the nature of the liquid-holding layer, it reabsorbs much of the cleansing solution before the system is removed from the person's head.

Abstract: A patient bathing system in the form of a sealed, flexible outer package and having at least one impregnated washcloth disposed therewithin. The washcloth is formed of a blended cloth comprising rayon and polyester fibers which have been mechanically entangled, with the quantity by weight of the rayon fibers being much greater than the quantity by weight of the polyester fibers. A cleansing solution impregnates the blended cloth with the cleansing solution being generally uniformly distributed throughout the cloth and being generally non-migratory. The amount of the cleansing solution is far less than the absorbency of the washcloths.

Abstract: A head bathing system for haircare. The system is composed of an outer cap having a head-receiving aperture, an inner, absorbent liquid-holding layer, and a flexible gathering for the cap at the aperture. The liquid-holding layer is impregnated with a cleansing solution. To clean a person's hair, the system is applied to the person's head, which is massaged through the cap to cause the cleansing solution to wet the person's hair. After sufficient cleaning, the system is removed from the person's head. Because of the nature of the liquid-holding layer, it reabsorbs much of the cleansing solution before the system is removed from the person's head.

Abstract: A patient bathing system in the form of a sealed, flexible outer package and having at least one impregnated washcloth disposed therewithin. The washcloth is formed of a blended cloth comprising rayon and polyester fibers which have been mechanically entangled, with the quantity by weight of the rayon fibers being much greater than the quantity by weight of the polyester fibers. A cleansing solution impregnates the blended cloth with the cleansing solution being generally uniformly distributed throughout the cloth and being generally non-migratory. The amount of the cleansing solution is far less than the absorbency of the washcloths.

Abstract: A patient bathing system in the form of a sealed, flexible, hollow outer package having an inner insulating layer lining the package and forming an inner cavity. The layer is shaped by slits for forming the inner cavity. A series of impregnated washcloths are disposed within the cavity for dispensing through an elongated dispensing slit in the outer package. The package and the insulating layer are preferably microwave transparent while the impregnated washcloths absorb microwave energy so that the contents of the package can be warmed while heat is retained by the insulating layer.

Abstract: A specimen transporting and processing system having a tubular container with a collar threadedly secured at one end and with a cap applied to the collar. The collar is temporarily locked in place on the container by means of an extending tab which is bound in place by a tape strip adhering to the tab and to the container. When the tape strip is removed or broken, the collar can then be unscrewed and removed from the container.

Abstract: A resealable package having a label applied over an opening into the package. The label has a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and is repeatably peelable from the package body and reappliable thereto. Full peeling of the label from the body is inhibited by a portion of the label co-acting with a portion of the package body. In one form of the invention, the label has cuts on opposite sides with an uncut portion therebetween, and the inhibiting of peeling is due to puckering of the package and the label when the label is peeled back to the cuts. In a second form of the invention, the package includes tabs or fragments which adhere to the label, with the peeling being inhibited when un-cut portions of the tabs or fragments are reached.

Abstract: A mouthcare kit comprising a pair of sealed bags formed as a unitary structure. The first bag contains a swab and a frangible first pouch carrying a liquid for impregnating an absorbent head of the swab while retained within the first bag. The second bag contains a second pouch with a moisturizing liquid which can be removed from the second bag so that the moisturizing liquid can be applied to the swab.

Abstract: A container caddy for holding a waste container and having a foot activated mechanism for opening and closing the top of the waste container. The top opening mechanism includes a member for engaging the sliding top of the waste container and a linkage extending down to a foot pedal. The invention includes a receptacle for the waste container and a deployable handle for guiding movement of the container caddy. A quick disconnect latch is used to secure the opening mechanism to the sliding top of the waste container.

Abstract: A disposal container including a lid having an access aperture, and a closure which is shaped to overlay and seal the access aperture. The closure is slidable in an operative position at a first elevation from a temporarily closed orientation over the access aperture to an opened orientation where at least a portion of the aperture is exposed. The closure can be locked in place over the access aperture by rotating the closure to align tabs on the closure with recesses in the lid, and then pushing the closure downwardly to a second elevation to lock it in place.