Abstract: Spool of tape and all necessary resin-forming reactant liquids are packaged in a "one-shot", disposable container for delivery to a physician who mounts the unopened package on an activator machine which spins it in successive operational stages to first activate the reactant liquids by mixing in a mixing region of the package and then wet the tape with the activated liquid by centrifuge, subsequent centrifuging removing excess liquid, whereupon the package is opened and the spool of tape, now damp with the curing resin thereon, is removed for winding on the patient's body to form a polyurethane resin orthopedic cast which hardens within minutes in air and without additional curing procedures. Preferred reactant liquids, plasticizers, and catalysts are disclosed, which have long shelf-life within the package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and defibrinating blood in a flexible container. The blood is collected in a flexible container of appropriate size into which is placed a sufficient quantity of glass beads or the like and a predetermined amount of gas. The flexible container is positioned within a vacuum chamber. The vacuum drawn in the chamber expands the gas within the flexible container to permit only about one half of the container to fill with blood. The flexible container is agitated causing the glass beads or the like to move rapidly through the blood and whip out the fibrin. An alternative embodiment substitutes a reticulated material in place of the glass beads positioned within the container.

Abstract: A disposable diaper comprising, an absorbent pad assembly having opposed surfaces, and at least one side edge. The diaper has a tape fastener comprising a folded tape strip having opposed front and back surfaces, first and second sections, and a connecting section intermediate the first and second sections. The first section is attached to a surface of the pad assembly adjacent the side edge, and the second section has adhesive on a surface releasably attached to one of the first and connecting sections.

Abstract: An osmotic system for delivering a beneficial agent to an environment of use is disclosed. The system comprises a laminate surrounding a compartment and has a passageway through the laminate for releasing agent from the compartment. The laminate comprises at least two laminae; one consisting of a semipermeable, polymeric material that is permeable to the passage of an external fluid and maintains its physical and chemical integrity in the environment of use, and one consisting of a semipermeable polymeric material that is permeable to the passage of fluid, substantially impermeable to the passage of agent and maintains its physical and chemical integrity in the presence of agent.

Abstract: A contraceptive containing device including a contraceptive gel having a pH of less than 3.0; an elongated casing containing the gel and having an insertion end extending beyond the gel; and a hygenically sealed pouch enclosing the casing. The seal at one end of the pouch overlaps the insertion end of the casing to secure the casing to the pouch and close the insertion end of the casing. The casing is weakened in a region near where it is secured to the pouch for tearing when the pouch is opened to expose the casing and the casing is pulled with respect to the overlapping end of the pouch so as to provide a shearing stress in the casing near the insertion end, for thereby separating the casing from the pouch.

Abstract: A disposable diaper substantially rectangular in shape and comprising in order, a water pervious layer or face sheet, an absorbent pad layer and a water impervious layer, said diaper having a pair of abutting, centrally located longitudinal panels defined by three substantially parallel longitudinal folds extending the length of said diaper. A flap portion is adjacent each of the panels. Adhesive means are positioned on each of the panels approximately centrally located longitudinally thereof for securing the longitudinal edges of the diaper in the crotch portion. The diaper in the folded condition has an "hour-glass" or "M" shaped configuration providing improved fit and particularly in the crotch area. The lateral edges of the diaper lie flat when the diaper is in open position, greatly facilitating manual manipulation of the diaper when applied to an infant. The diaper has significantly improved efficiency and appearance.

Abstract: Surgical forceps are disclosed which consist of first and second legs attached at one end in a tweezer-like configuration. One of the legs includes a small conduit which terminates in one or more inlets disposed on the inner and outer surface of the tweezers. The opposite end of the conduit is adapted for connection to a source of vacuum to permit fluid to be drawn away from a surgical area. In an alternative embodiment, a similar conduit is formed in the other forceps leg which is adapted for connection to liquid under pressure, terminating in one or more openings on the inner and outer surface of the tweezer legs to permit cleansing of the surgical area. In either embodiment, the conduits are selectively extendable beyond the tip of the forcep leg by movable tubes which allow the suction of fluid supply to reach into areas removed from the forcep leg. Fluid control means are provided on the tweezers for both the vacuum conduit and the liquid supply conduit.

Abstract: A combined adhesive bandage and applique in which a selectively removable applique is applied to the adhesive backing strip of an adhesive bandage serving the threefold function of 1) increasing the attractiveness of the bandage; 2) providing a decorative applique for reuse as desired; or 3) providing a clothing repair patch. The bandage-applique combination comprises an applique formed with a reusable adhesive surface on one side thereof releasably adhered to a release liner which is adhered to an adhesive coating on the top of an adhesive bandage tape having a lower adhesive coating to which a bandage pad is adhered at the central portion of the tape with a removable protective sheet covering the bandage strip adhesive and bandage.

Abstract: A fountain brush having a bristle carrier and a set of bristles thereon, a handle attached to the bristle carrier and forming a reservoir for a liquid or pasty medium, and an actuating device, attached to the end of the bristle carrier, remote from the bristles and comprising an actuating press-member, which is attachable to the inner wall of the handle via compressible bellows means is described. A channel is provided leading through the bristle carrier from the reservoir to an outlet orifice between the bristles, and an obturating member which either closes the orifice or clears it for the discharge of the medium therefrom.

Abstract: The invention comprises a limb support having upper, middle and lower sections. The upper section includes two compartments for receiving a fluid or ice and forming a trough to receive a limb of the patient. The middle section is in the form of an inflatable compartment for adjusting the height of the unit. The lower section includes three triangular-shaped compartments for adjusting the angle at which the unit is to be rested.

Abstract: Natural or synthetic rubber surgical elements such as tubing, catheters, drains and gloves are "lubricated" so as to prevent sticking during storage, and permit easier emplacement, such as putting on the gloves by a surgeon or nurse, by applying to the surface of the rubber elementA finely divided biodegradable powder consisting essentially ofAn enzymatically degradable form of poly(N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) selected from the group consisting ofPoly[N-acetyl-6-O-(carboxymethyl)-D-glucosamine],Poly[N-acetyl-6-O-(2'-hydroxyethyl)-D-glucosamine],Poly[N-acetyl-6-O-(ethyl)-D-glucosamine], andPoly(N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) itselfThis powder is readily absorbed by living tissue without deleterious tissue reaction, thus minimizing tissue reaction from the transfer of the powder from the element such as a glove to internal sites in a subject. The gloves may be packaged in a strippable laminate package. The polymers are derived from chitin.

Abstract: A fountain toothbrush is described which comprises a bristle carrier having bristles, a handle containing a reservoir for liquid or pasty dentifrice, a duct leading from the reservoir to the bristles, and actuating means which urge the reservoir in a direction out of the handle. A piston has a passage connected to the duct and to the interior of the reservoir and a cylinder sleeve part is provided on the reservoir into which the piston protrudes. When the piston is pushed into the sleeve part towards the reservoir, dentifrice is conveyed onto the bristles.

Abstract: Natural or synthetic rubber surgical elements such as tubing, catheters, drains and gloves are "lubricated" so as to prevent sticking during storage, and permit easier emplacement, such as putting on the gloves by a surgeon or nurse, by applying to the surface of the rubber elementA finely divided biodegradable powder consisting essentially ofAn enzymatically degradable form of poly(N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) selected from the group consisting ofPoly[N-acetyl-6-O-(carboxymethyl)-D-glucosamine],Poly[N-acetyl-6-O-(2'-hydroxyethyl)-D-glucosamine],Poly[N-acetyl-6-O-(ethyl)-D-glucosamine], andPoly(N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) itselfThis powder is readily absorbed by living tissue without deleterious tissue reaction, thus minimizing tissue reaction from the transfer of the powder from the element such as a glove to internal sites in a subject. The gloves may be packaged in a strippable laminate package. The polymers are derived from chitin.

Abstract: Natural or synthetic rubber surgical elements such as tubing, catheters, drains and gloves are "lubricated" so as to prevent sticking during storage, and permit easier emplacement, such as putting on the gloves by a surgeon or nurse, by applying to the surface of the rubber elementA finely divided biodegradable powder consisting essentially ofAn enzymatically degradable form of poly(N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) selected from the group consisting ofPoly[N-acetyl-6-0-(carboxymethyl)-D-glucosamine],Poly[N-acetyl-6-0-(2'-hydroxyethyl)-D-glucosamine],Poly[N-acetyl-6-0-(ethyl)-D-glucosamine], andPoly(N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) itselfThis powder is readily absorbed by living tissue without deleterious tissue reaction, thus minimizing tissue reaction from the transfer of the powder from the element such as a glove to internal sites in a subject. The gloves may be packaged in a strippable laminate package. The polymers are derived from chitin.