Abstract: A unitary, multi-layer disposable undergarment such as a panty adapted for use in training infants or for use by incontinent adults or children is provided. The undergarment is constructed from a non-woven, stretchable fabric and comprises a front portion, a rear portion, a crotch portion, a self-fitting waist portion and self-fitting leg apertures. The preferred undergarment has an inner ply of stretchable fabric adapted to contact an infant's skin, a moisture-impervious or mositure retardant outer ply and an intermediate liquid-absorbent layer or panel disposed therebetween. The inner and outer plies preferably are constructed from a non-woven fabric which has been mechanically compressed to provide small pleats (micropleats) perpendicular to the machine direction and which has first been compacted in the cross direction to provide the desired stretch characteristics.

Abstract: A thermogenic sheet combined poultice comprising a thermogenic composition layer capable of generating heat in the presence of air or oxygen and a heat-stable wet pack composition layer; and a process for the production of the thermogenic sheet combined poultice.

Abstract: A combination cap and stopper for sealing a substance within a syringe whether the needle remains on the syringe or is removed, consisting of a rubber or plastic device having a generally cylindrical portion and a portion having a generally frustoconical shape. The cylindrical portion has a frustoconical axial bore therein with an axially extending groove formed in the frustoconical wall and at the bottom end of the bore a plug-like cylindrical protrusion. The portion of generally frustoconical shape being solid and having a raised target on its base so as to aid in proper insertion of a cannula.

Abstract: A tampon inserter is disclosed of the type comprising an outer cylindrical insertion tube containing a compressed tampon in its proximal end and an inner plunger or piston axially movable within the outer tube for ejecting the tampon out of the proximal end of the insertion tube into the vagina. The outer insertion tube which is rotatable about the plunger is provided with (a) an outwardly extending annular ring to control the depth of insertion of the inserter and (b) an inwardly directed key or finger which depending upon the degree of rotation of the insertion tube about the plunger will extend into one of a plurality of elongated slots of various lengths positioned in the walls of the inner plunger which (slots) control the length of travel of the plunger and thereby provide a means for varying the depth of insertion of the tampon.

Abstract: An improvement in a fluid flow valve is disclosed. The valve comprises a combination of flexible tubing joined to a tubular member having a membrane closing off the passageway in the tubular member. A pointed spike having at least three radially projecting ribs extending longitudinally is located within the tubing adjacent the membrane and is movable by external manipulation of the tubing whereby the spike ruptures the membrane and creates a passageway permitting fluid to flow freely through the tubular member and adjoining tubing.

Abstract: An improved inner facing for use with disposable diapers containing adhesive tape tabs. The improved inner facing includes a porous nonwoven fabric having at least one entire surface treated with an adhesive release agent so that the treated surface may be a releasable surface for the adhesive tape tabs. The treated fabric is pervious to fluid.

Abstract: An improved kit for an ostomate, comprising a drainable stoma bag appliance of the type consisting of a flexible, vertically elongated member with a closed top end for attachment to the stoma of the patient, with a downwardly open bottom end that is openable for flushing. The present invention comprises such a stoma bag appliance together with a novel directional water flushing appliance consisting essentially of a hand-operated positive shut-off valve member for actuating a water outlet tube which is a rigid J-shaped tubular conduit, with a distal end including a directional spray orifice. With the present kit, an ostomate may greatly facilitate directional flushing of the stoma bag, since the ostomate can manipulate a directional flushing action to selected portions of the interior of the stoma bag, without danger that the seal between the stoma bag and the stoma of the patient will be broken.

Abstract: A patient-care apparatus housing a device for controlling the presence of pathogens is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a container with an inlet port and a device in the apparatus for controlling the presence of pathogens.

Abstract: A urinary drainage bag incorporating a handle, inlet and outlet tubes, and a vent is formed from twosheets of flexible plastic material joined together along their peripheries. The arrangement of parts is such that assembly is accomplished using a two-cycle sealing operation which can be done at one or a plurality of sealing stations. An inlet tube section and an outlet tube portion are disposed between the upper and lower margins of the sheets and are in axial alignment. Steps in the preferred method of manufacture include positioning the inlet tube section, a portion of the outlet tube, and the handle on a common mandrel prior to sealing. This assembly is then placed between the sheets and a sealing operation performed to produce all required seals. A segment of the seal is shaped to provide a labyrinth passageway vent.

Abstract: A pacifier for infants, having a nipple provided with a chamber, the wall of which has perforations. In use, the chamber is supplied with flavored sweets such as pellets of candy, of frozen fruit juices. When the nipple is then placed in the infant's mouth, saliva therein circulates through the perforations thereof and the resulting sweetened fluid flowing therethrough encourages the infant to retain the nipple in its mouth and not eject it.

Abstract: An enzymatic intralenticular cataract treatment for removal of nuclear cortical and subcapsular regions of the cataractous lens through enzymatic digestion thereof which comprises introduction of a concentrated solution of a trypsin enzyme into the nuclear and cortical regions of a cataractous lens, and after enzymatic digestion removing the liquefied cataractous material. The procedure allows subsequent removal of the nuclear, cortical and subcapsular portions of a cataractous lens through a very tiny incision in the eye and lens capsule, leaving all other structures within the eye intact. Bovine and porcine trypsins are preferred.

Abstract: A medical-surgical method and apparatus for facilitating the replacement of ostomy appliances. A hollow cylinder, filled with sterile absorbant material is used to center the sealing ring prior to the replacement of the ostomy appliance.

Abstract: Ostomy collection pouch appliances suitable for operation in a first, non-vented, or second, vented but substantially leak-proof, mode and provided with a sealed port member including a heat seal configuration which provides the user with directional information concerning proper opening of the port.

Abstract: An anal filter for protecting underwear from soiling, is attached to a person's anus solely by non-adhesive adherence to the anus and adjacent portions of the buttocks, due to a facing of fluffy fibrous material, and when attached, serves as a filter by being pervious to the discharge of gas through the anus but substantially impervious to complete passage of excreta carried by the gas or remaining on the anus from a bowel movement. A layer may be adhesively secured to the fibrous material and which prior to use of the anal filter can be pulled off from the fibrous material while pulling this material's fibers outwardly so as to give the material its fluffy characteristic.

Abstract: A knee pillow having a resilient pad forming a surface contoured by formation of an indentation to conform to the knee area of a leg of a person wearing the pillow, and including straps attached to the pad for removably securing the pad to the inside portion of a wearer's leg and preventing the knees of the wearer's leg from digging into one another.

Abstract: A stocking knee brace of the type to be used by athletes with knee problems. Such brace comprises a one-piece stocking sheath adapted to cover at least a portion of the foot up to the mid-thigh region. The sheath, in its preferred form, is knitted and characterized by full dimensional stretch. Such sheath is maintained in compression and tension about the wearer's leg by the elastic nature of the knitted stocking and by a foot encircling strap within said sheath. The knee-joint position of such sheath is provided with two vertically elongated openings, one on each side of the knee-joint, and fastening means to provide additional lateral, compressive pressure to such knee-joint.

Abstract: An improved elastic band is disclosed having dimensions and design specifically adapted for tying off human fallopian tubes or similar internal, tubular members. The band of the present invention has an internal diameter at least about 50% larger than the diameter of similar bands previously employed and ranges from 1.4 to 2.2 mm. The length or thickness of the band is at least 50% greater than the internal diameter of the band; and, in a preferred embodiment, the internal diameter of the band at both ends is about 0.2 to 0.6 mm. smaller than the internal diameter at the mid portion of the band. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the internal diameter of the tube at its mid portion is 1.8-2.2 mm, at both ends is 1.4 to 1.8 mm, and the length of the band is 2 to 3.5 mm.

Abstract: A highly conformable laminated absorbent dressing which comprises an absorbent pad or layer and an elastic backing film which is both elastic and easily deformable and which preferably is highly thermoplastic and easily heat-sealable. The backing film possesses an elastic recovery from 50 percent stretch of at least about 75 percent, preferably at least about 90 percent; a rubber modulus of not above about 2,000, preferably not above about 1,000, pounds per square inch at 50 percent elongation; a Gurley stiffness of not above about one at a thickness of one mil; and preferably is adapted to form permanent heat seals to paper or boxboard at peak temperatures not above about 350.degree. F. in no more than 4 seconds of clamping time. Various other relationships between the backing film of this invention, the absorbent pad and various types of facing layers are described and claimed.

Abstract: The instrument is generally shaped and operated in the manner of prior clip applying instruments. Shaped like a pair of dog-nosed pliers, the outer ends of the jaws are adapted to hold a clip which may be applied to a blood vessel with the instrument. The rearward portion of the jaws overlap and a rectangular channel is formed in one of them through which clips may be pushed by a pusher extending down the center line of the instrument. One of the jaws is adapted to receive a cartridge containing a stack of U-shaped clips which may be pushed one at a time to the distal end of the jaws by the pusher.The instrument basically comprises only three pivoted members, the pusher and its operating linkage, and one or two springs.Several forms of pusher-actuating means are disclosed, two of these include a bell crank and cam so that the pusher will be operated before the jaws can be closed. The third comprises a free bell crank and a pair of unbalanced springs to achieve the same object.

Abstract: The tubular surgical drape is adapted to cover a patient extremity and includes a pull sleeve concentrically rolled with a tubular stockinette to form a doughnut-shaped roll. The pull sleeve surrounds the outer wall of the doughnut-shaped roll and applies an unrolling force in a uniform manner completely around the rolled stockinette so as to provide for rapid and uniform application of the tubular stockinette to the patient extremity. Rupturable means, in the form of one or more tear lines, is provided along the length of the pull sleeve to provide for easy separation while the pull sleeve is being drawn along the patient extremity to unroll and apply the stockinette thereto.