Abstract: A surgical instrument of scissors configuration having one or more suction and spraying openings disposed at the functional end thereof, the openings communicating with a fluid conduit which is carried by and movable with one or both of the instrument handles or manipulating means. Movable conduit extensions selectively locate the suction and spraying openings in areas adjacent the scissors functional ends.

Abstract: An improved ostomy sealing gasket for application to the opening between the intestinal or urethral stoma of the patient and a post-surgical external pouch. The sealing gasket is made from a hydroxyalkyl acrylate or methacrylate with an alkylene glycol or polyalkylene glycol in the presence of a reducing agent and water. Embodiments designed for higher absorptive capacity also include an absorptive material such as natural or synthetic gums or a cellulosic material.

Abstract: A disposable diaper comprising a body of absorbent material defined by peripheral edges and having an inside surface for direction toward the body of an infant. There is provided at least one adhesive tape tab affixed to the diaper along a peripheral edge, said tab comprising a strip of tape with adhesive material on one side and having a pad of gauze cushioning material along its peripheral edge.

Abstract: An osmotic device for delivering an active agent is disclosed. The device is comprised of a wall surrounding in at least a part, a reservoir containing agent. The wall is formed of a material permeable to an external fluid and impermeable to agent. The reservoir is formed of a microporous material permeable to agent and fluid, and having at least one micropore that is a passageway for release of agent. The agent is soluble in the fluid and exhibits an osmotic pressure gradient against the fluid, or the agent has limited solubility in the fluid and is admixed with an osmotically effective compound soluble in fluid that exhibits an osmotic pressure gradient against fluid. In operation, agent is released by fluid permeating through the wall into the reservoir producing a solution of agent or a solution of compound containing agent, which solution in either instance is released through the micropore to the exterior of the device.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising, an absorbent pad having a mass of hydrophilic fibers and a matrix of a comminuted hydrophobic material dispersed in the interfiber spaces defined by the fibers throughout at least a portion of the pad.

Abstract: Means are provided in an absorbent product, such as a catamenial tampon, for greatly reducing the tendency for fibrous particles to break loose from the body of the product during use, this condition being referred to as "sloughing". The means comprise a pad of absorbent material having printed on at least one surface thereof a non-occlusive pattern of adhesive binder. The pad, when used for a catamenial tampon, is turned upon itself into a generally cylindrical shape which may be compressed into the final tampon.

Abstract: A blink-activated duct for supplying a solution to the eye of the user has a particular utility in introducing an artificial tear solution to the eye of those persons who are incapable of producing such a solution themselves. The duct consists of a reservoir section which contains the solution, and a pump section consisting of a contact lens or a Silastic tube assembly for delivering the solution directly to the eye. This pump section is activated by the eyelid compressing the contact lens or the Silastic tube assembly, causing the solution to be displaced to the eye and successively drawing additional solution from the reservoir section to the pump section due to the creation of a temporary vacuum.

Abstract: Improved processes for obtaining the sustained release of pharmaceuticals from polymer matrices comprising the utilization of such steps as will allow the formation of solid solutions between pharmaceutical and its matrix or, conversely and in a proper case, substantially avoiding formation of any solid solution between the matrix and pharmaceutical. The advantage of such processes is the greater predictability of qualitative and quantitative nature of release rates of products formed therewith.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin having an adhesive element thereon for attaching to a undergarment is provided with means for both protecting the napkin and the adhesive element prior to use and for disposing of the napkin after use. The means comprise providing the napkin with a wrapper sheet of flexible material overlying one major surface, and the sides of the napkin and at least partially overlapping on the second major surface of the napkin. The sheet is releasably adhered to and held in place by the adhesive element.

Abstract: An inhalation device having an elongate housing having an emptying chamber adjacent that end of housing which is adapted for insertion into the mouth or nose of a user. A plurality of passageways extending essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing intersect with the inner end of the emptying chamber. Adjacent that end of the emptying chamber closest to the passageways, the housing has means for receiving or presenting a unit dose of powdered medicament for administration. During inhalation, the powdered medicament is entrained in the air stream being inhaled and is carried into the nose, throat or lungs of the user where beneficial or therapeutic action of the medicament occurs.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for feeding fluids to internal body organs. An implant is introduced subcutaneously comprising a capsule having a hollow interior cavity and at least one channel extending outwardly therefrom. The capsule is puncturable by needle injection, so as to be filled with liquid.

Abstract: A process for dispensing medicaments in aerosol form for inhalation therapy is disclosed. The process comprises: providing a hollow elongate housing having air inlet and air outlet passages; generating a positive pressure, air-stream between the inlet and outlet passages; rotationally releasing medicament from a container within the housing into the air-stream; and inserting the outlet passage into the oral or nasal cavity of the patient.

Abstract: A laparotomy sponge is disclosed having a central ply of rayon and polypropylene sandwiched between two piles of gauze.

Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided with adhesive tabs, each having an adhesive surface on one face, and further having a fixed end permanently adhered to a backing sheet of the diaper at a marginal location, and a working end. A cover strip means is releasably adhered to the adhesive surface on the working end of each tab. Between the face opposite the adhesive surface on the working end of each tab and the backing sheet is positioned an adhesive spot so that the working end is releasably adhered to an intermediate portion of the backing sheet when the diaper is prefolded in a box pleat configuration and when the working end is folded over during manufacture or packaging.

Abstract: A disposable incontinent pad such as an adult diaper or the like is provided comprising a fluid absorbent matrix with facing and backing sides, a facing sheet, and a water-impervious backing sheet in layered relation having the matrix infolded at its lateral edges onto the facing side in a C-fold configuration with the backing sheet overlapping the fold lines onto the facing sheet such that the pad when worn in a holder garment in fluid-absorbing relation with the body is resistant to lateral run-off of body fluid.

Abstract: A prefolded disposable diaper which is originally of substantially rectangular configuration and which is folded transversely in half with the body contacting surface internally disposed and has the outer segments of the transverse fold inverted and tucked back into the interior of the folded diaper to form a pair of facing triangular panels on each side of the folded diaper to define a centrally disposed flat-bottomed pocket. The internally disposed surfaces of the facing panels on each side of the pocket are adhesively attached to the interior body contacting surface by means of a strategically placed, narrow stripe of adhesive spaced outwardly from the pocket and disposed perpendicular to and straddling the transverse fold. When the diaper of this construction is opened up and partially flattened by the user in preparing the diaper for application to the child, the strategic placement of the adhesive stripes causes the side edges of the diaper to automatically flare outward.

Abstract: A perch structure for a bird bath is disclosed. The perch is disposed in spaced relation above and outwardly of the peripheral edge of the bath water containing vessel so as to generally parallel the peripheral edge of the vessel. The perch generally comprises an impediment in the flight-path of birds toward the bird bath and serves to encourage birds to alight thereon and drop excrement prior to entering the bath water. According to a further aspect of the disclosure, the means for securing the perch to the bird bath vessel includes a portion comprising a metal carbon electrocouple compound that extends into the bath water and serves to inhibit algae growth.

Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided with adhesive tab fasteners having the tacky surfaces thereof protected by perforated cover strips. The tacky areas presented through the perforations provide points of temporary attachment of the tab fastener free working ends to a diaper facing sheet so that the free working ends do not interfere with diaper manufacturing and packaging machinery.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent pad such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, underpad, surgical dressing or wipe, and the like, is made from a flexible, body fluid-impermeable backing sheet, a layer of absorbent material on the backing sheet, and a soft, body fluid-permeable facing sheet which overlies the absorbent material. The facing sheet is a perforate, substantially hydrophobic thermoplastic web having an integral fibrous or sueded outer surface. In addition to being useful as a separate entity the absorbent pad of this invention can also be incorporated into a disposable or limited use garment as an integral part thereof.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for administering a drug at a controlled rate for a prolonged period of time to produce a local or systemic physiological or pharmacological effect is comprised of a wall surrounding a reservoir containing a drug. The reservoir is formed of a drug carrier permeable to the passage of the drug and in which the drug has limited solubility. The wall is formed in at least a part of a drug release rate controlling material also permeable to the passage of the drug, but the rate of passage of the drug through the wall is lower than the rate passage of the drug through the drug carrier so that drug release by the wall is the drug release rate controlling step for releasing drug from the drug delivery device.