Abstract: An external incontinence device which reduces or eliminates maceration, skin irritation, microbial skin infiltration and infection, and urinary tract infection associated with conventional urinary catheters and incontinence devices is provided. Devices of the invention comprise, in a plurality of configurations, a housing having an outlet conduit, and several alternative means for attaching the housing to a para-meatal genital surface, including a barrier disc comprising various adhesive and medically active substances which form an occlusive adhesive seal with the para-meatal surface. Adhesive leaves made of fluid-absorptive or fluid-permeable materials are provided to adhere the device to skin while permitting removal of moisture from the underlying skin surface, thus eliminating maceration. Vapor permeable adhesives on the interior surface of the attachment elements, and a microbial-barrier layer provided on inner surfaces of the several configurations of housings are also provided.

Abstract: The pressure jacket systems of the invention are used to permit the front loading and removal of a syringe from an injector and include a first jacket segment and a second jacket segment surrounding the exterior surface of the syringe, interior surfaces comformable to the exterior surface of the syringe, a mechanism which allows movement of the first jacket segment in relation to the second jacket segment to permit insertion and removal of the syringe from the pressure jacket, and a mechanism for securing the first and second jacket segments in a fixed relationship upon insertion of the syringe.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a main body having a waist hole and a pair of leg holes, an elastic waist portion disposed along the, waist hole and a leg gather disposed along each of the leg holes. The main body comprises a front section and a rear section joined to each other in a crotch region and side regions of the main body. The front section has at least one constituent element whose property is different from that of the corresponding element of the rear section. The absorbent article is fully responsive to a variety of article configurations or constructions which require the front and rear sections to function differently or individually. A method for manufacturing such an absorbent article is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved sanitary napkin including a first padding section having a channel that is formed along the longitudinal axis thereof; a second padding section sized in a manner such that an extending portion of the second padding section extends away from the second surface of the first padding section when a portion of the second padding section is disposed within the channel; a screen barrier having a screen channel formed within the screen barrier at a location allowing the extending portion of the second padding section to be entirely disposed within the screen channel when the screen barrier is placed over the surface of the first padding section; and a liquid impermeable barrier section entirely covering the back surface of the first padding member and extending over the perimeter of the screen barrier and adhesively secured to the exterior surface of the screen barrier in a manner to seal the first and second padding sections between the liquid impermeable section and the screen barrier.

Abstract: A multilayered absorbent feminine hygiene product which is configured for releasable attachment to an user's garment has a plurality of absorbent pads. Each of the absorbent pads has an absorbent layer to contain absorbed fluid and a barrier layer to prevent absorbed fluid from leaking completely through the individual pad. The pads are releasably attached along at least a portion of their lateral edges with a protective material. The protective material protects unexposed absorbent pad layers from soiling by fluid runoff from the exposed pad layer, and it contributes to the attachment strength between the layers during use.

Abstract: A catheter placement unit comprises a catheter having an axial bore, a catheter hub at one end of the catheter, an introducing needle having a pointed tip for introducing the catheter into a desired position in a patient's body, and a needle hub on the needle remote from the tip for mounting the needle so that it extends through the catheter bore for introduction of the catheter into the patient's body and so that it can subsequently be withdrawn from the catheter bore leaving the catheter in position in the patient's body. The unit includes a needle tip protector on the needle for shielding the needle tip when the needle has been withdrawn from the catheter bore.

Abstract: Animal restraint system for use in safely transporting non-caged animals, such as dogs, on a pickup truck bed. The system includes a four-point anchored arrangement of straps that facilitate a lengthwise symmetrical placement of the animal restraint system within the bed of a pickup truck. The system includes a plurality of anchor devices secured to the forward and rear corner areas of a truck bed, a first cross-strap arrangement, including a pair of adjustable length strap members mechanically joined at one end and having respective mechanical anchors at another end, and a second cross-strap arrangement, including a pair of fixed length strap members mechanically joined at one end and also having mechanical anchors at another end. Each mechanical anchor associated with each cross-strap arrangement being mechanically secured to the anchor devices at the forward and rear corner areas of the truck bed.

Abstract: A permanently implantable guiding catheter for facilitating access to a body tissue site in a patient. The guiding catheter has a substantially hollow cylindrical configuration, and has a port assembly including a self-sealable septum disposed on its proximal end. The guiding catheter is made of a biocompatible material such that it may be implanted with its distal end situated at the desired body tissue site and with its proximal end and port assembly subcutaneously disposed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the guiding catheter has sufficient inner diameter to allow passage of a flexible elongate medical instrument, such as a drug infusion catheter or the like, therethrough. An introducer needle is used to percutaneously pierce the septum. Then, the medical instrument is inserted into the needle such that its distal end is guided by the guiding catheter to the desired body tissue site.

Abstract: A training device in the form of a retrieving dummy having a life-like appearance and texture. The device is durable in the course of repeated, rigorous, and demanding use, and is configured to encourage and train the dog to grasp the device in the proper manner, i.e., by the body portion and away from the head, feet or tail of the bird.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cassette 12 and vacuum aspiration collection system 10 for ophthalmic surgery. The cassette 12 comprises two parts 14, 16 under vacuum where the smaller part 14 discharges into the larger part 16 and the vacuum provided to both parts is provided by a single unit 30. The vacuum control system 10 has improved response to the user's demand.

Abstract: Disclosed herein a personal care absorbent product which when first insulted, has a high initial surface moisture value which is maintained for several minutes but then, after a short period of time, drops to a lower value. As a result, the product has an initial "wet" feel but quickly changes to a drier feel so as to provide more comfort.

Abstract: A cattle stanchion which has posts (24) supporting a top and bottom rail (20) and (22) with spacing bars (26) in between. A number of head openings permit animal feeding through the stanchion. Each head opening includes a side bar (36) and a swing bar (46) which is supported by a pivot bar (38). The swing bar has a yoke (40) on the top aligning and retaining one end onto the top rail. A guide block (54) attached between the forked fingers (42) of the yoke slidably receives a floating locking latch (62) that interfaces with notches (72) in a drawbar positioned above the top rail. An optional lever arm (88) slides the drawbar from an open to a closed position fop each head opening and individual locking latches may be disengaged for sorting animals or if an animal is down. A rotating handle (84) permits the drawbar to be manually pivoted disengaging the locking latches from the notches providing a free feeding position for the stanchion.

Abstract: A suction canister including a patient port, a vacuum port, a chamber, and a protrusion including a thin portion which defines a passageway, the passageway extending into the chamber such that the protrusion can be broken to provide communication between the passageway and the chamber to enable draining of fluid from the suction canister.