Abstract: The present invention is a reusable wetness indicating cloth diaper which uses a thermally sensitive indicator to indicate that the diaper has become soiled. The diaper of the present invention includes material which at least partially thermally insulates the outer surface from said inner surface and an indicator on the outer surface which provides a visual indication when the outer surface has a temperature above a given threshold. The temperature threshold is chosen such that the visual indication will generally not be present when a baby wearing said diaper is dry, but will generally be present when the baby secretes waste material into the diaper. A thermochromic ink indicates a temperature change in the diaper. A plurality of discrete indicators are distributed over substantially the entire outer surface of the diaper with the indicators forming a repeating pattern.

Abstract: The invention comprises an IOL with at least a center zone and two concentrically located ring zones arranged thereabout, the center zone having a distance power correction. The first concentric ring zone has a near power correction and the second concentric zone a distance power correction. In one embodiment the lens body is provided with haptics which act to center the lens body when it is surgically implanted within the posterior lens capsule.In other embodiments, the lens diameter is increased to mate with the internal dimensions of the posterior lens capsule or is provided with an encircling haptic which bears against the posterior lens capsule.

Abstract: A method for treating hermorrhoids comprises the steps of (a) inserting a rectal probe or removable suppository through a rectal orifice, (b) drawing water from the hemorrhoidal tissues into the probe, (c) maintaining the probe disposed at least partially in the rectal orifice during the step of drawing, (d) expanding the probe during the step of drawing so that a portion of the probe remains in substantial direct contact with the hemorrhoidal tissues upon shrinkage of the hemorrhoidal tissues during the step of drawing, and (e) removing the probe from the rectal orifice upon sufficient shrinkage of the hemorrhoidal tissues. The probe carries a hypertonic or hydroscopic solution and is provided along an outer surface with an elastic semi-permeable membrane, whereby water diffuses osmotically through the membrane into the probe upon proper disposition thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for the manipulation of the bones, joints and muscle groups of the human back and neck for achieving mobility comprises a bed of solenoids on which the patient lies. The patient is positioned on the bed with respect to locator arms which ensure that the solenoids are activated to generate a cyclical pattern of forces in proper positions with respect to fixed skeletal positions. Mobility is quickly returned to the patient who lies passively on the bed during treatment.

Abstract: An intravenous metering device is provided which includes an air retention chamber in downstream fluid communication with a source of fluid and in upstream fluid communication with a pumping chamber. A first valve is provided between the air retention chamber and the pumping chamber to control access to the pumping chamber. A second valve is provided to control the exit of fluid from the pumping chamber. The valves include a shared diaphragm portion. A safety mechanism as provided to prevent accidental free flow of fluid through the metering device. In a first preferred embodiment of a safety mechanism, a gradually tapered priming stem is provided attached to the diaphragm portion of the second valve. In a second preferred embodiment of a safety mechanism, a priming stem is provided attached to the diaphragm portion of the second valve and a priming stem release mechanism is further provided.

Abstract: The invention comprises a handpiece for use in a surgical procedure which involves directing a surgical agent to a target area of a person's body which procedure produces an unwanted smoke plume. The handpiece includes both a probe for directing a surgical agent, such as a CO.sub.2 laser beam, and a smoke eliminator for removing with suction the smoke created by the surgical procedure. The probe has no functional components for creating the laser beam, and is thus economical enough to be disposable after one use. The smoke eliminator includes a nozzle and/or an offset suction port so configured as to create a votrex flow in the smoke in the target area upstream in the fluid flow pathway of smoke through the hand piece from the distal tip of the hand piece.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper. The disposable absorbent article has a topsheet foreshortened relative to the backsheet. This foreshortening creates a void space between the topsheet and the backsheet. Fecal material is communicated through an aperture in the topsheet to the void space.At least two longitudinally oriented spacers are disposed in the void space to keep the void space open under the weight of the wearer's body. While the void space is open, fecal material communicated through the aperture can be transported towards the rear waistband without interuption significant obstruction, preferably isolating the fecal material from the skin of the wearer. This isolation provides for easier cleaning of the wearer when the disposable absorbent article is soiled and removed.

Abstract: An ophthalmic instrument for fixating a patient's eye during an ophthalmic procedure. The instrument includes a speculum securable against the patient's bony orbit, and a fixation ring attachable to the patient's eye, the ring including both a mechanism for fixating the ring with respect to the eye, and a mechanism for adjustably attaching the ring to the speculum. The instrument may include one or more bubble-type levels carried on the fixation ring for indicating the orientation of the ring and assisting the surgeon in orienting the eye of the patient before securing the ring to the speculum.

Abstract: A temperature variable and iontophoretic device for application to the body of a patient has an outer support member coupled to a device for selectively applying thermal energy to the body of a patient or for removing thermal energy therefrom, and a further device for selectively energizing the thermal energy supply and removal device. Another member is coupled to the outer support member for iontophoretically administering a compound to the body of the patient. The energizing device comprises a user-operable data input device which also controls the iontophoretic administering device. Transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation (TENS) can also be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable garment for catching body fluids or excretions and particularly to a garment provided with a plurality of flaps extending longitudinally side-by-side along laterally opposite sides of the garment and normally biased by their own elastic shrinking potential to turn up.

Abstract: A fluid pump for infusing medical fluids to a patient includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port. The housing further includes a substantially hemispherically shaped surface which is circumscribed by a periphery. An elastomeric membrane is attached to the periphery of the surface and is stretched over the surface to place the membrane in its region of nonlinear elasticity. With this combination, a potential fluid chamber is established between the surface of the housing and the stretched membrane.In operation, fluid is injected through the inlet port and into the potential chamber between the housing and the elastomeric membrane to fill the chamber with the desired medical fluid. A fluid line is connected to the outlet port of the pump and a flow restrictor is coupled with the fluid line to control the flow of fluid from the chamber. Fluid flows from the chamber as a result of the nonlinear contraction of the elastomer membrane.

Abstract: A disposable wearing article of pants type having a front body and a rear body comprising respectively at least a liquid-permeable topsheet and a liquid-impermeable backsheet, and elastic members along a waist-hole and respective leg-holes. The front and rear bodies are attached together along their laterally opposite side edges. The longitudinally opposite ends of the respective elastic members are located on the opposite side edges of the front and rear bodies, and the opposite side edges of the front and rear bodies are intermittently attached together so as to avoid the elastic members.

Abstract: A swing which allows neuromuscular handicapped persons to assume a normal sitting position and to receive good vestibular therapy. The swing has a chair formed by a rigid shell equipped with cushions. The chair is suspended on four ropes which attach to the top edge of the chair back and to the front edges of its sides. The ropes attach at their top ends to a swivel hook mounted on the ceiling or another overhead support. Adjustable head support pads on the back of the chair keep the neck of the occupant from bending unduly and hold the head in place. An adjustable leg support pad on the seat is straddled by the legs of the occupant.

Abstract: An environmentally sound absorbent insert for use with cloth diapers and the like. The insert comprises a sandwich of first and second webs constructed of non-toxic, biodegradable, pliable, liquid-absorbent material, such as tissue paper, with a layer of non-toxic, biodegradable, liquid-absorbent material sandwiched between them. The sandwich is bonded in an environmentally sound manner, such as by a mechanical bond (such as crimping) or by a non-toxic, biodegradable adhesive. The insert is used by placing it in the diaper so that the absorbent insert is sandwiched between layers of cloth. The cloth acts as a wick to draw fluids from the body of the wearer to the absorbent insert, to be retained until changing. One feature is a process for making the insert via a continuous feed process.

Abstract: A topical hyperbaric apparatus and method is disclosed for treating wounds and lesions on a patient's body. The hyperbaric apparatus includes a shell constructed of flexible plastic material which enables the shell which provides a substantially closed internal chamber to be arrangable between an expanded and collapsed configuration having a substantially reduced volume. As a result, the hyperbaric apparatus can be economically shipped to distant locations while minimizing storage requirements. The hyperbaric apparatus is expanded for use during normal application of therapeutic gases for treatment of the patient's wounds or lesions after being adhered to the patient's body using an adhesive material. The construction of the shell form plastic-like material allows the shell to be washable during patient use which is particularly pertinent when treating incontinent patients.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for phacoemulsification cataract surgery, a primary handpiece operable for phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration is inserted through a first incision in the limbus of an eye at a 12 o'clock position. An auxiliary handpiece for aspiration is inserted during the phacoemulsification, irrigation and aspiration operative procedure through a smaller second incision at approximately a three o'clock position. Both handpieces are fluidly connected to a power source aspiration from either the primary or auxiliary handpieces by rotation of the valve.

Abstract: The properties of (meth)acrylic ester/(meth)acrylic acid copolymer webs, such as films and nonwovens, are improved by blending the ester/acid copolymer with polyethylene glycol. The polymer blend provides a polymeric material which is useful for making personal care products such as diapers and feminine pads in that it can be made water-soluble while exhibiting other properties which are necessary for adequate product performance.

Abstract: A female incontinent device is provided which consists of a cylindrical stem insertable into a vaginal canal of a patient. An inflatable ballon attached to the stem retains the stem within the vaginal canal of the patient in a stationary position. A structure is connected to the stem for draining urine from the urethral meatus of the patient.

Abstract: A laparoscopic instrument includes an elongated member having two pairs of jaws with each pair being movable between open and closed positions. Finger grips are operably connected to each pair of jaws for actuating each pair of jaws between their open and closed positions. One of the two pairs of jaws is rotatably mounted.

Abstract: A surgical tool for forming a circular opening through the skin which is of smaller diameter at the outer skin surface than at the inner surface of the skin employs a trephine having a circular cutting edge. The trephine is inserted into a pocket surgically formed beneath the skin with its cutting surface facing the skin. A rod member is then inserted through the skin and threaded into the trephine. The rod member is attached to a spring biassed plunger within a tool housing which is released from a ready position by withdrawal of a locking pin. Upon release of the plunger, the spring drives the plunger to drive the cutting edge of the trephine outwardly through the skin.