Abstract: A system for packaging and using granulated solid dialysate concentrate. A bag is constructed to hold granulated or powder concentrate, having a V-shaped bottom with an access port in the bottom. Water is flowed through the access port and into the bag using suitable water control means. The incoming water lifts and suspends the granules or powder in a turbulent flow, thereby filling the container simultaneous with dissolving the granules or powder. The water with dissolve concentrate then constitutes the dialysis solution and is ready for use or transfer to a dialysate delivery machine.

Abstract: A sight barrel arthroscopic instrument for use in a knee cruciate ligament repair procedure for forming a passage into the femoral endosteum to intersect, at an acute angle, a straight ligament tunnel that is formed from a point on the tibial tuberosity into the femur endosteum. Which instrument references the ligament tunnel to guide drilling of a passage from a point in the roof of the intercondyle notch to intersect the ligament tunnel in the femur endosteum, which passage is for receiving a fastener, such as a set screw, interference screw, or the like, that is installed into a ligament graft fitted in that ligament tunnel, providing an endosteal fixation of which ligament graft in that femur endosteum.

Abstract: An apparatus for separately storing a first component, such as a drug and for mixing this first component with a second component, such as a sterilized diluent, to form a beneficial agent which can be delivered to a patient from the container containing the second component. The device includes novel means for interconnecting a container, such as a glass vial containing a first component, such as a drug, with a second container such as a flexible bag containing the second component such as a parenteral liquid, and then for mixing the components under sterile conditions.

Abstract: A tampon applicator has an outer cylindrical member for containing a tampon and an inner arcuate member which is arranged to lie between the inner surface of the outer member and the tampon and to be slidably moved within the outer member to act as a piston for ejecting the tampon. One end of the inner member is adapted to engage the tampon and has a shoulder region. The outer member is provided with a first inward projection to engage the tampon and prevent rearward movement thereof and at least one second inward projection intermediate the first projection and the rear end of she cylindrical member to engage the shoulder region of the inner member and prevent complete withdrawal of she inner member from the outer member. The inward projections comprises at least one flap for example a pair of flaps or an inwardly deformed arcuate strip.

Abstract: A closure system for anchoring the absorbent article on the wearer. The closure system provides a primary line of tension around the wearer that fits predominantly within the low motion zone to enhance the dynamic fit and to anchor the absorbent core in place so that it will not slip/slide during use. The primary line of tension established by the closure system is disposed at an angle on the wearer. In preferred embodiments, the closure system is provided with tape tabs of a specified design, to allow the wearer to easily form the "angled" primary line of tension about the wearer. The closure system is also provided with a landing member designed to enhance the opportunity for the user to establish this primary line of tension equally each time the closure system is used.

Abstract: A topsheet for body fluid absorptive articles improved so that liquid passages formed in the topsheet may be stabilized during use of the goods and the topsheet may offer cloth-like feeling and appearance, the topsheet being composed of an upper sheet layer made from melt blown nonwoven fabric containing downwardly extending liquid passageways and an underlying fibrous layer 11 bonded thereto adjacent the lower openings of said liquid passageways, whereby the liquid passageways will not be collapsed and the lower openings of these passageways will not be distorted.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for separately storing and selectively mixing a first component, which is in a liquid form, and a second component. The apparatus is formed of a first container made of a flexible material, having a communication mouth with an isolator and adapted to store the first component therein, a supporting case connected to the communication mouth, a second container having a mouth portion held in the case and a plug fitted in the mouth portion and adapted to store the second component, and a hollow, inflexible communication device capable of penetrating through the isolator and the plug. The communication device is accommodated in the first container and is attached to the communication mouth movably therein.

Abstract: A laminated loop fastening material for a refastenable mechanical fastening system, the loop fastening material being capable of engaging a complementary hook fastening material.

Abstract: A system for impregnating and dispensing a swab. An outer bag is provided having at least one swab and a burst pouch located therein. The burst pouch is opened within the bag while the bag is sealed, impregnating the swab before its removal. The bag is then opened, and the impregnated swab is removed through an access opening in the bag. The access opening is located so that the bag may be lain horizontally without liquid in the bag spilling from the bag. The pouch is oriented in the bag to be in proximity to the absorbent head of the swab.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the biodistribution of substances using fluorescence spectroscopy. A photosensitizing agent or other intrinsically fluorescent agent, or an agent labeled with an extrinsic fluorophor is administered to a subject. A fiberoptic probe integrated with an excitation light source illuminates the examined tissue and causes fluorescence. The fluorescence is recorded by a spectrograph and plotted as a spectral curve. The intensity ratio (S1/S2) for the fluorescence from the photosensitizing agent (S1) and autofluorescence (S2) for the examined tissue is used as an index for drug presence and compared with the intensity ratio at the same wavelengths for various tissues.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical mixing container for storing a liquid having at least two factions which tend to separate during storage. A housing has an inner volume and is closed at one end by a septum arrangement and at another end by a combination sealing and pumping member. The combination sealing and pumping member has an integrally formed outer diaphragm element forming a diaphragm chamber with the inner structure of this element, and a plurality of fluid channels extending through the sealing and pumping element from the diaphragm chamber to the surface facing the inner volume of the container. A driving member assembly is coupled to the diaphragm element to enable this element to be extended and retracted by manipulating the driving element assembly inwardly and outwardly of the container.

Abstract: An attachment system for securing a garment to a wearer includes attachment pads on front and back waist sections of the garment. A pair of straps extend between the front and back waist sections. In one embodiment, the straps releasably engage adapter elements, which in turn releasably engage some attachment pads. In another embodiment, the straps releasably engage some attachment pads directly and releasably engage buckle-type fasteners, which in turn releasably engage other attachment pads.

Abstract: A biodegradable disposable diaper comprising a combination of a liquid absorbing material, a liquid permeable surface material and an leakproof backing material, said liquid permeable material being formed of an aliphatic polyester resin obtained by reacting an aliphatic saturated polyester prepolymer having an end group which is materially a hydroxyl group with a coupling agent or formed of said aliphatic polyester resin and an aliphatic saturated polyester resin which has not been treated by said coupling agent. The disposable diaper has excellent mechanical strength, softness, feel of touch, productivity as well as biodegradability, air permeability and waterproofness.

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: An anatomically designed vaginal tampon. The main body of the tampon has an external configuration complimentary in shape to the vagina. The main body has a pair of side ridges connected to an intermediate wall forming an external configuration resembling a capital H. One end of the tampon includes an outwardly opening cavity to fittingly receive the uterine cervix limiting movement of the tampon. A thin walled sleeve may be loaded with the tampon and then inserted in the vagina. A plunger contacts the tampon while the sleeve is withdrawn.

Abstract: In an underpants type disposable diaper comprising a liquid permeable top sheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet, an absorbent member disposed therebetween, an elastic expansible member for forming a gather each to a pair of leg portions and front and rear waist body portions formed around the absorbent member, the front and rear waist body portions being connected and fixed together at both sides to form a waist opening portion and a pair of leg opening portions, respectively, at least a part of each area formed between the waist opening portions and the pair of leg opening portions at both side portions of the waist portion is provided with a vertical split portion, respectively and connection means are provided to each of the side portions.

Abstract: A spectacle-like device mounts a system of pump elements that can project droplets of liquid onto a wearer's eye. A reservoir of the liquid and an electrical pump-controlling circuit are mounted on the spectacle frame for operation with the pump elements.

Abstract: An improved disposable container is provided for the collection and testing of bodily fluid samples, such as urine specimens. The improved container includes a collection bag sealably attached to a tubular member equipped with a lower valve means. A protective sleeve surrounds the collection bag and protects both the patient's hands as well as the medical technician's hands during transport and handling of the container once the specimen is deposited therein. The tubular member preferably includes an upper closure means with an access hole disposed therein. After the specimen is disposed through the tubular member and into the collection bag, the closure means disposed on top of the tubular member is closed and a test strip is deposited through the access means. Then, the sleeve is flipped upward and the open end of the sleeve is closed or sealed thereby closing the disposable container and sealably containing the specimen therein.

Abstract: Accessory devices for laparoscopic operations can be combined with a plastic receptacle 2 in such a way that an opening formed outside the abdominal wall in a cover sheet 10 can be coupled in sealing relationship with an end of the plastic receptacle 2 that can be closed or opened. The plastic receptacle 2 is in this case still located inside the abdominal space, at least in part, the opening of the plastic receptacle 2 projecting beyond the abdominal wall 4.

Abstract: An implantable drainage valve for the treatment of hydrocephalus is described. The valve includes a body, a valve seat, a closure member, a spring and at least one spherical weight. The spring is positioned within the cylindrical chamber of the valve body and between the closure member and the spherical weight. The valve is intended to be vertically oriented when the patient is sitting or standing and, when so oriented, the weight will provide additional compressive force against the spring to help maintain the valve in a closed condition. Consequently, hyperdrainage is avoided when the valve experiences normal variations in fluid pressure differentials such as when the patient rises from a lying or recumbent position to a standing position.