Abstract: A single-use, hypodermic syringe which disables itself during its initial application thereby preventing any subsequent use of the syringe. The working parts of the invention are designed to separate automatically when the syringe is oriented into the solution dispensing mode. These separated parts prevent subsequent aspiration of solutions into the syringe thereby rendering the syringe inoperable and unuseable after its initial use.

Abstract: Method of providing relief from painful or stressful stimuli, or remediating imbalances or deficiencies in the neuroactive substances that modulate neurohumoral mechanisms, which involves concomitant administration of a neuroactive chemical promoter and transcranial electrostimulation. This combination enhances the ability of the central nervous system to provide relief from, for instance, pain, addiction withdrawal, anxiety and depression.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe having a cannula with a point that can be safely destroyed and stored. A portion of the cannula is disposed within a hollow housing that has a reel fitted therein and a portion extends externally therefrom through an aperture in which it is slidably received. A portion of the cannula is disposed in the reel whereby to enable a user to turn the reel, wrap the cannula around the reel to destroy and store it. When the point is fully retracted into the housing, the point can snap against the inside of the housing and provides sensory indications that it is fully withdrawn. The axis of rotation of the reel is at right angles to the cannula.

Abstract: A disposable device for the use, destruction and storage of a cannula useful for placement in blood vessels. The device includes a housing for the cannula with apertures through which the cannula extends and is slidably disposed. The cannula is fixedly disposed through a reel that is fitted in a cavity in the housing. The reel has an axis of rotation at right angles to the cannula and turning the reel wraps the cannula around the reel to deform, destroy and store it. The points of the cannula will be withdrawn into the housing through the apertures. When the points are fully withdrawn they will snap against the inside of the housing to provide sensory indications that the device can be handled safely.

Abstract: Novel thermoplastic sheet materials for permitting positionable and repeated repositionable use of tape fasteners therewith without experiencing substnatial loss of tape adhesion therebetween are disclosed. A novel thermoplastic sheet material generally comprises an ethylene polymer and an anti-popoff polymer in an effective amount for increasing and substantially maintaining the tape adhesion. The increase in and substantial maintenance of the tape adhesion is accomplished without adversely affecting the properties or cost of the thermoplastic sheet material. A preferred formulation for producing the novel thermoplastic sheet material comprises polyethylene as the ethylene polymer and a polypropylene or alpha-methyl styrene as the anti-popoff polymer. The novel thermoplastic sheet materials are especially suitable for use as films which can be used as backsheets in absorbent articles, such as, disposable diapers, bandages, surgical dressings or drapes and catamenial pads.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a disposable absorbent garment (such as disposable diaper) comprising a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet, a liquid-absorbent core interposed between these sheets, side flaps comprising a first sheet and a second sheet and extending outwards from opposite side edges of the core, a first elastic member incorporated into each of the side flaps at a location adjacent the outer side edge of this side flap and a second elastic member also incorporated into each of the side flaps between the associated first elastic member and a location adjacent the associated side edge of the core wherein the second elastic member is affixed only to the first sheet so that a part of the first sheet occupied by the second elastic member rises into the user's skin as the second elastic member is allowed to contract.

Abstract: A hand-held optimal injection high pressure syringe device, typically used for injecting viscous dye into a catheter or manifold. A pistol grip shape permits application of the full compressive force of the closing of the human hand. The syringe assembly is constructed of two major clear plastic sections plus a sealing tip attached to the injector end of the piston. The assembled syringe can be sterilized using standard procedures and disposed of following use. The simple design geometry permits use of efficient and low cost plastic injection molding techniques for manufacture.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a tubing portion and a needle portion, at least one of which is a thermoplastic liquid crystalline polymer. The tubing and needle may be integral or unitary. The invention includes a method to make the assembly in which a melt of the liquid crystalline polymer is shear thinned by passing through an orifice such as an extrusion die to make tubing. The shear thinned melt may be directed into a mold having a point to make a liquid crystalline needle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for containing and draining fluids comprising a two layered evaporating bandage used in combination with an absorptive means which system will drain and dry harmful body fluids from surgical incisions, wounds and burns.

Abstract: A bolus for releasing a biologically active substance into a liquid environment according to this invention comprising an elongate core, at least one end of which is frustoconical and a liquid impervious casing at one end and open at the other disposed about the core, the bolus being so constructed that, in use, the casing is progressively shed as the core retreats, thereby releasing the active substance at a rate which varies over at least one time period, the casing being so structured as to retain its integrity without disintegrating in the absence of any support provided by the core.

Abstract: A parenteral delivery system and a formulation chamber are disclosed for administering a beneficial agent. The parenteral delivery system comprises a drip chamber and a formulation chamber. The formulation chamber comprises a wall surrounding an internal space and it has an inlet for admitting a liquid into the formulation chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the formulation chamber. The chamber houses an agent delivery system for releasing a beneficial agent into a liquid that enters the chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to materials exhibiting certain magnetic and biological properties which make them uniquely suitable for use as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agents to enhance MR images of animal organs and tissues. More particularly, the invention relates to the in vivo use of biologically degradable and metabolizable superparamagnetic metal oxides as MR contrast agents. Depending on their preparation, these metal oxides are in the form of superparamagnetic particle dispersoids or superparamagnetic fluids where the suspending medium is a physiologically-acceptable carrier, and may be uncoated or surrounded by a polymeric coating to which biological molecules can be attached. These materials are administered to animals, including humans, by a variety of routes and the metal oxides therein collect in specific target organs to be imaged; in the case of coated particles, the biological molecules can be chosen to target specific organs or tissues.

Abstract: A conical shield for attachment to a conventional admixture site which effectively and economically provides: 1) positive needle-thick protection for an individual administering medication; 2) secure locking of the device to the admixture site; 3) security from accidental disconnection of the intravenous solution and; 4) a method whereby the caps of hypodermic needles may be safely removed, stored during injection of medication or withdrawal of body fluids and returned to cover the needle following use.

Abstract: A single use needle assembly includes a needle extending through a base with a hub extending from the base for engaging a syringe. The end of the needle within the hub has a port which is covered by a retractable sheath. When the needle assembly and a syringe are assembled, two separable tabs held within a basket force the sheath to retract and expose the port in the needle whereby a fluid can flow through the needle. Upon disassembly of the needle syringe, the tabs separate from the basket and are effectively destroyed for further use in retracting the sheath.

Abstract: A syringe device has a vial for medicaments having a first open end at a sealed second end. The first end having a plunger tip for sealing the end and has a finger grip means mounted adjacent the first. The needle and hub is slidably mounted on a needle on the second end in axial alignment with the sealed end to position said needle for access to the vial. The plunger rod has a first engagement on one end for engagement with the plunger tip and mounting means for detachably mounting the plunger between the finger grip and the hub to prevent access to the vial when the plunger is mounted thereon.

Abstract: Devices for applying a plurality of active agents to the skin of a patient are disclosed including a liner layer with a releasable surface, a carrier layer, and a plurality of active agent carriers on the surface of the carrier layer, with the releasable surface of the liner layer in contact with the surface of the carrier layer including the active agent carrier and the two surfaces being releasably heat sealed together at least at a location between the plurality of active agent carriers in order to physically separate them prior to removal of the liner layer from the carrier layer.

Abstract: A melt extruded catheter of thermoplastic elastomeric hydrophilic polyurethane synthesized from a diisocyanate, polyethyleneoxide glycol of high molecular weight and a chain extender expands to a larger lumen size when contacted with an aqueous liquid. The catheter may include an antithrombogenic agent, antiinfective agent and radiopaque agent. The hydrophilic polyurethane may be synthesized by one-shot bulk polymerization, and may be melt extruded into the catheter tubing, and may encapsulate a stripe of a stiffening polyurethane.

Abstract: An article having a refastenable tape system comprising a flexible substrate having a tear strength, and an adhesive tape member having a peel adhesion value which is greater than the tear strength of the substrate when the tape member is adhered to a first major surface of the substrate. A reinforcement layer composed of a hot melt adhesive is bonded to a second major surface of the substrate located opposite to the first major surface. The reinforcement layer exhibits an elongation-at-break of at least about 100%. The substrate and the reinforcement layer thereby provide a composite tear strength greater than the peel adhesion value of the tape member, and provide a composite elongation-at-break of at least about 100%.

Abstract: Novel methods and compositions are provided for preventing secondary cataracts. A cytotoxic agent is employed which is introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye to inhibit proliferation of remnant lens epithelial cells after extracapsular cataract extraction. Desirably a non-cytotoxic agent cross-reactive with the cytotoxic agent is introduced prior to introduction of the cytotoxic agent. The agents can be provided as kits.

Abstract: An osmotic device for delivering a beneficial drug, such as an anti-fungal, into the mouth of a human patient is disclosed. The device has a size and shape adapting it to be comfortably retained in the mouth for extended periods of time. The device comprises a wall surrounding a compartment housing a layer of an agent that is insoluble to very soluble in aqueous biological fluids, e.g., saliva, and a layer of a fluid swellable, hydrophilic polymer. A passageway in the wall connects the agent with the exterior of the device. The wall is permeable to the passage of aqueous biological fluid but substantially impermeable to the passage of the hydrophilic polymer. In one embodiment the beneficial agent has a different color than the hydrophilic polymer. The wall is sufficiently translucent to permit the patient to see the amount of drug/beneficial agent remaining to be delivered.