Abstract: A trocar support comprising an elastomeric membrane having an aperture to receive the trocar. The membrane comprises an elongated wall portion which surrounds the aperture and an outer flange portion. Between the flange and the elongated wall is an intermediate, expandable, bellows-like portion which provides flexibility to a trocar inserted through the aperture. Adhesive material is disposed at the flange portion to enable the membrane to be adhered to a body surface. The aperture in the membrane which receives the trocar is sized with respect to the outer surface of the trocar disposed therein, so as to form a substantially tight fit and seal between the wall portion and the trocar.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful reusable diaper comprising inner and outer substantially rectangular layers of absorbent material, a liquid impervious layer between the inner and outer layers, and first and second pockets on the inner layer, and wherein the open sides of the first and second pockets are oriented toward each other.

Abstract: A sanitary article which comprises an absorbent layer, a leak-proof sheet and a surface sheet, at least one of the absorbent layer, leak-proof sheet and surface sheet having a porous aggregate of fibers integrated therewith.

Abstract: A technique for the treatment of male impotence. The apparatus to be implanted in the corpus cavernosum of the penis is a cylinder of an implantable polymer. The cylinder is generally flexible and has a plurality of transitions from a lesser diameter to a greater diameter. As the cylinder is filled with fluid under pressure, the areas of lesser diameter tend to expand, thereby effectively lengthening the cylinder without an unacceptable increase in girth. Optional rings may be positioned over the areas of lesser diameter to prevent collapse. An optional outer sheath also improves longitudinal stability.

Abstract: A voice prosthesis insertion assembly is described including a voice prosthesis device and a placement tool for positioning the device in a fistula connecting a trachea and anesophagus of a laryngectomized patient. The voice prosthesis device has an attachment means formed thereon and the placement tool has an attachment means molded integrally and homogeneously thereon for detachably interconnecting the device with the tool. As a result of this construction, a positive interconnection of the voice prosthesis device and the placement tool is maintained during positioning of the device in the fistula and such interconnection may be maintained until detachment is desired.

Abstract: A cochlear implant auditory prosthesis corrects sensorineural deafness by generating stimulus signals to neurons connected to the auditory nerve in response to vibrations in the basilar membrane of the cochlea of the inner ear. The prosthesis comprises a plurality of transducer elements disposed along the length of the cochlea adjacent to the basilar membrane, whereby each transducer element responds to vibrations in the basilar membrane at the corresponding location of the respective transducer element. Each transducer element comprises a transducer for detecting the respective vibrations of the basilar membrane, and a signal processing element for generating a stimulus signal in response to the vibration. The frequency response and gain of each transducer element of the prosthesis can be tuned by a compact control unit to provide an ideal response for the user.

Abstract: A tracheostomy dressing comprising an occlusive adhesive-backed dressing, a means for securing a tracheostomy tube to the occlusive dressing and a means for attaching a absorbent pad for collecting tracheal secretions to the occlusive dressing. The tracheostomy dressing is both tie-less and gauze-less and provides advantages of a functional as well as a cosmetic nature.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises an elongate flexible forceps member having a diameter sufficiently small so that the forceps member is slidably insertable into a biopsy channel extending longitudinally through a flexible tubular endscope member, the forceps member being provided at a distal end with a pair of forceps jaws each formed on an inwardly facing surface with a longitudinally extending groove. A staple having a spring bias construction tending to force the staple into an opened configuration is disposed in a closed prefiring configuration between the jaws and has a pair of legs each disposed in the closed prefiring configuration in a respective one of the grooves in the forceps jaws. The provided with locking elements for locking the staple in a closed postfiring configuration.

Abstract: A technique for administering medicaments in veterinary applications including the steps of applying a medicament transdermally to an animal and non-surgically terminating the application of the medicament at a pre-determined time. There is also provided apparatus for transdermal application of medicaments to animals including a removable enclosure arranged to be non-invasively mounted onto an animal ear.

Abstract: A system for performing hip prosthesis revision surgery includes a trial femoral component having a passageway which, upon insertion in the cavity left after removal of the original prosthesis, provides guide means for drilling a channel to receive a guide wire which, upon removal of the trial femoral component, serves as guide means for progressively larger reamers.

Abstract: A vessel approximator for use in anastomosis has a pair of opposed arms, each adapted to fit within the end of a vessel segment to be anastomosed. The tips of the arms are tapered to assist in placing an end of a vessel segment onto the arm. A stem extends from the junction of the arms to form a T shape. The stem is substantially thinner than the arms to permit the ends of the vessel segments placed over the arms to be proximate to each other to be sutured together. A ring on the end of the stem allows the device to be sutered in place in the surgical field. A notch at the junction of the arms opposite the stem permits the arms to collapse together when the device is removed from the vessel segments by pulling on the stem.

Abstract: Polyester-based hot-melt moisture indicator material for disposable articles containing a polyester, a carboxylic acid and an acid-base indicator.

Abstract: An ocular delivery system for dispensing liquid eye treatment solution includes an eyecup to be placed over the eye to be treated, a system for forming a crescent shaped mist of treatment solution, and a system for collecting used solution without contaminating the source of fresh solution. The delivery system further includes an integral lid retractor for retracting the upper eyelid during treatment. The system is safe and easy to use as well as hygienic.

Abstract: A medical injector apparatus includes a syringe having a barrel with a lateral projection, a needle, a plunger in the barrel having a portion extending from the barrel opposite the needle.

Abstract: A disposable diaper can be fastened securely around a person and be refastenable when it has an adhesive patch on the faces of corners at the back of the diaper, each of which patches contacts an adhesive patch on the front of the diaper, which patches form bonds to each other that have strong resistance to shear forces, can easily be peeled apart after 2 hours at room temperature and do not adhere either to ordinary packaging materials or to nonadhesive surfaces of the diaper. All of the adhesive patches can be cut from a single adhesive tape that has a flexible backing, one face of which bears a layer of the peelable adhesive while the other layer bears a layer of an adhesive that forms a strong, permanent bond to the diaper.

Abstract: A tampon comprises a compacted tampon blank, which in turn is formed by winding a liquid-permeable strip and a string of absorbent material placed thereon to a roll and inserting strip-parts which project from the sides of the string, inwardly of the innermost turn or winding of the roll. In the process of manufacturing the tampon, the strip carrying the string can be wound around a first, tubular mandrel, and one strip-part can be inserted into the mandrel through one open mandrel-end located adjacent the inner edge of the strip-part. A second tubular mandrel is then inserted through the open end of the first mandrel and the first mandrel then withdrawn. With the second mandrel surrounded by the first, inserted strip-part and located with an open end adjacent the inner edge of the other strip-part, the other strip-part is inserted into the second mandrel, which is then withdrawn from the thus formed tampon blank, which is thereafter compacted or compressed.

Abstract: Disposable sanitary articles comprise paper treated with polycationic latexes as wet-strength agents. The paper has sufficient wet strength that it can serve as the backsheet for absorbent articles, garments, and the like. Thus, KYMENE is reacted, for example, with acrylic acid and cross-linked with styrene/butadiene to provide a polycationic latex which is used to treat paper to enhance its wet strength. Diapers, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and the like, prepared from the foregoing materials are disclosed.

Abstract: A dressing device and method are described, for use with a needle that is injected into the skin. The dressing device comprises a cover sheet and a gel medium attached to the cover sheet, the gel medium being transparent and effective to reseal after being punctured by the needle. Most importantly, the gel medium includes a sterilizing agent.Injection of the needle into the skin occurs only after the needle penetrates the gel medium, so that the needle is disinfected or sterilized.

Abstract: A combined surgical drainage device and autotransfusion apparatus is provided in which a drainage device having a conventional collection chamber and suction regulating system may be readily converted into use as an autotransfusion system. The drainage apparatus has a fluid retention chamber disposed immediately beneath the inlet and a fluid outlet is provided in the bottom wall of the retention chamber with a spring pressed closure therein so that a nozzle on a collapsible autotransfusion bag may be inserted into the fluid retention chamber. The autotransfusion bag is collapsible and is provided with removable spreader means to maintain the bag in an expanded condition. When suction is applied to the drainage device, the interior of the autotransfusion bag is maintained at the desired suction level.

Abstract: This invention relates to a moisture-proof adhesive coating composition comprising an antioxidant and a blend of an amorphous polymer of propylene, a crystalline polymer of propylene and a resinous mixture of C.sub.4 to C.sub.10 hydrocarbons derived from the polymerization and hydrogenation of a petroleum feedstock and to a method of using and producing the blend of this invention.