Abstract: A medical apparatus for removing fluid accumulated along a respiratory tract of a patient, and particularly around an endotracheal tube, is disclosed. The disclosed apparatus may include a tube defining a lumen extending between a distal fluid port and a proximal fluid port, wherein the tube forms a self-supported, three-dimensional structure. The three-dimensional structure may include a distal coil adapted to be slidably and rotatably mounted on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube. The three-dimensional structure may also include a proximal coil.

Abstract: A cushioning boot for bed-ridden patients. The boot includes a thickly-padded leg engaging portion and foot engaging portion with a front opening for easy insertion of a patient foot and leg. A series of stretchable, adjustable closure panels are removably secured to the boot for positioning and inserted leg in the proper orientation and retaining it in place.

Abstract: A cushioning boot for bed-ridden patients. The boot includes a thickly-padded leg engaging portion and foot engaging portion with a front opening for easy insertion of a patient foot and leg. A series of stretchable, adjustable closure panels are removably secured to the boot for positioning and inserted leg in the proper orientation and retaining it in place.

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: A device for automatically disinfecting a portion of a medical implement, such as a needless hub or injection port. The device includes a body shaped to engage the medical implement with the portion to be disinfected exposed. A disinfectant pad is mounted on the body to permit displacement of the pad relative to the body and is biased such that when the pad is displaced from a rest position, the pad is urged toward the portion to be disinfected to contact and disinfect it.

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: A device for stabilizing a limb, typically when the limb is in a prevention and therapeutic/treatment boot. A wedge-shaped stabilization block includes an outwardly-extending tether. In one form of the invention, a fastener in the form of spaced fastener elements is located on the tether for securing the stabilization block in place. In a second form of the invention, the stabilization block is permanently affixed to the boot and may include fastener elements for engaging complementary fastener elements on the boot.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a limb, typically when the limb is in a therapeutic boot. A wedge-shaped stabilization block includes an outwardly-extending tether. A fastener in the form of spaced fastener elements is located on the tether for securing the stabilization block in place.

Abstract: A suction device which can protected before and 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 extends over the exposed length of the suction tube. A tip protector extends from the free end of the sheath, and includes an interference structure in the form of a plurality of spaced ribs protruding inwardly to engage and grip the suction tip. A hollow sheath housing is secured to the free end and a sheath inserter is secured to the suction tube proximate the connection end, with the sheath housing and the sheath inserter being shaped to insert the retractable sheath in the hollow sheath housing when the sheath is in a retracted position. The tip protector and the sheath housing can be portions of a unitary structure.

Abstract: A product dispensing system and a method of queuing usage of products. A plurality of layers of products, each having multiple items in separate packages, each layer having a carrier with the separate packages being secured to and extending from the carrier. The layers are assembled in a stacked orientation behind a front layer with layers behind the front layer being at least partially concealed and inaccessible. Products are used one layer at a time, and when the separate packages from the front layer are removed, the packages of the next-succeeding layer are exposed for use.

Abstract: A non-woven washcloth formed from a blend of two different size polyester fibers, the majority of which have a length about half of that of the minority. The washcloth has good absorbing and holding properties for a solution containing chlorhexidine gluconate, while also releasing said chlorhexidine gluconate when wiped on skin.

Abstract: A device for disinfecting a portion of an implement such as a needleless hub or injection port. The device includes a body shaped to engage the implement with the portion to be disinfected exposed. A disinfectant area is located on the body so as to permit pivotal displacement of the area relative to the body such that in a first orientation the portion to be disinfected is exposed and in a second orientation the portion to be disinfected is covered and the disinfectant area engages the portion to be disinfected.

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 cushioning boot for bed-ridden patients. The boot includes a thickly-padded leg engaging portion and foot engaging portion with a front opening for easy insertion of a patient foot and leg. A series of stretchable, adjustable closure panels are removably secured to the boot for positioning and inserted leg in the proper orientation and retaining it in place.

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.