Abstract: A syringe which is suitable for discarding after a single use takes the form of a generally tubular syringe body which has a double-ended hollow needle extending generally axially through a first, closed end of the body and is open at its second end to permit insertion of a liquid container such as an ampoule containing a liquid material to be injected. A removable plunger rod is provided to enter such a container within the syringe body to inject liquid from it via the needle, and one or more resilient projections extend generally radially inwardly from the open end of the syringe body, to allow insertion of a liquid container but prevent its subsequent withdrawal.

Abstract: Retractable needle/syringe devices for blood collection, catheterization, and medicinal injection procedures adapted to fixedly project the needle from a device housing to perform the procedure, and, after the procedure is completed, retract the needle back into the housing for disposal, substantially without risk of persons handling these devices coming into contaminating contact with a used needle or syringe. One embodiment of the device including a needle/syringe assembly spring biased in a first position within a housing. A push button locking mechanism disposed through the top of the housing in abutting alignment with the syringe barrel is operated to forwardly translate the syringe to a second position and lock it in place so as to fixedly project the needle from the housing.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent pads, sanitary napkins and the like that have absorbent cores that are suitable for rapidly acquiring and containing liquid in an especially effective and efficient manner. The absorbent core comprises a storage layer comprising hydrophilic fibrous material and discrete particles of absorbent gelling material and having an acquisition aperture so it can quickly acquire this discharged liquid; and a liquid handling layer comprising a resilient material that is mositure insensitive so to rapidly acquire liquids into itself through the acquisition aperture and distribute the liquid throughout the liquid handling layer to the storage layer. The storage layer also allows the liquid handling layer to be "drained" of the liquid that is acquired so that the liquid handling layer may have sufficient capacity to acquire and distribute subsequent loading of liquids.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having a fluid permeable inner layer, a fluid impermeable outer layer and an absorbent batt sandwiched between the layers, the diaper having a crotch portion extending between front and rear portions. The rear portion of the diaper is provided with a first securing system affixed to the outer surface of its outer layer so that the rear portion may be secured to the front portion as the diaper is wrapped around a baby. The front portion of the diaper is provided with a second securing system to allow the opposing edges of the front portion to be secured adjacent one another at a location behind the baby's back.

Abstract: A drug formulation chamber for an intravenous administration set is provided. The intravenous administration set includes a container of an IV fluid, a drip chamber, a drug formulation chamber, and an adapter-needle assembly. The drug formulation chamber has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for maintaining a flow of IV fluid through the chamber. A portion of the chamber wall is comprised of a material which is permeable to the drug but which prevents convective loss of the IV fluid. A transdermal-type drug delivery device is adhered to the semipermeable/microporous wall portion. Drug is delivered by the delivery device through the wall portion and into the flowing IV fluid. The device delivers drug into the IV fluid at a rate that is independent of the flow rate of IV fluid through the formulation chamber. The rate of drug delivery from the device into the IV fluid is controlled by either the wall portion or a membrane layer in the drug delivery device.

Abstract: An improved closure system for a disposable diaper is provided by directly securing pressure sensitive adhesive to exposed portions of the backing sheet and releasably retaining the closures in a storage position by detachably securing the pressure sensitive adhesive to release means inwardly of the pressure sensitive adhesive. The release means may be provided on the facing layer of the diaper, or on the backing layer thereof.

Abstract: A sustained release composition applicable for human beings and mammals which comprises (a) a silicone elastomer and (b) a pharmaceutical substance optionally with (c) albumin. When the pharmaceutical substance is of high molecular weight, and can exert its pharmaceutical effect in a trace amount, its continuous release over a long period is attained by application of this invention.

Abstract: A refastenable adhesive closure is provided. The closure has a pressure-sensitive adhesive-bearing fastening tab and a target portion, or target strip, having a working face for contact with the adhesive-bearing fastening tab. The working face of the target strip is formed with peaks and valleys, the height of the peaks above the valleys being substantially uniform and from about 40 to 300 .mu.m, the spacing between adjacent peaks being from about 50 to 500 .mu.m, the back face of the target portion being substantially flat, and the thickness of the adhesive layer of the tab being no more than about 90% of the height of the peaks above the valleys. The closure is resistant to contamination by dust and other fine particulate matter and is especially useful for refastenable disposable diaper closures and refastenable envelope closures.

Abstract: A method of photodynamic therapy employing an electron trapping material as the light source. The electron trapping material is charged with light, which raises electrons in the material from a ground level to a higher trapping energy level. The material is then introduced into a patient's body, where it delivers light to and activates an antibody which has been retained in cancerous tissue. The electron trapping material can be either a deep trap or shallow trap phosphor. In the former case, stimulation of the charged material with infrared energy releases electrons from their traps, resulting in the emission of light within the patient's body. In the latter case, the material emits light immediately after charging with an intensity that decreases in inverse porportion to time.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition and method of treating cellular disorders involving abnormal solid cellular growths which comprises administering a pharmaceutical composition containing cytotoxic agents in combination with a vasoconstrictive drug. Enhanced effectiveness of the composition is observed, with reduced cytotoxic effects on cells distant from the site of introduction. Agents may be included to enhance therapeutic gain and reduce adverse affects to normal tissue.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having an elastic waist is provided with a foam strip to cushion stresses of the elastic band in the waist area.

Abstract: The piston stem (6) of the non-reusable syringe carries radial ribs (7, 9) having a saw-tooth profile (20, 21) cooperating with a stop (19) fixed to the inner wall of the syringe body, for allowing the piston (1) to be moved in one direction only, so that the syringe can be used only once.

Abstract: A process for producing a collagen-based cross-linked biopolymer is provided in which a collagen solution free of low-molecular impurities is saturated with nitrogen protoxide, its concentration is brought to maximum 80 mass percent and the solution is exposed to an ionizing radiation in a dose of 0.5 to 15 kGy. An implant for hermetization of corneal and scleral wounds involved in eye injuries prepared from said bipolymer has the shape and size that provide for complete hermetization of said wounds. The method for its preparation comprises saturation of a collagen solution free of impurities and having a concentration of 0.2 to 1.3 mass percent, with nitrous oxide, filling of a mould with said solution and its exposure to an ionizing radiation in a dose of 0.5 to 15 kGy. The resultant blank is dried to a moisture content in its biopolymer of 30 to 50 mass percent, whereupon the blank is given the shape and size of a required implant.

Abstract: An operable syringe assembly includes a barrel having an inside surface describing a chamber for retaining fluid, an open barrel end, and a distal barrel end having a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. A plunger rod includes an elongate body portion, a proximal end and a distal end with a stopper positioned at the distal end. The stopper slidably positioned in fluid-tight engagement in the barrel. A locking element is positioned in the barrel between the plunger rod and the inside surface of the barrel. Locking element includes a proximally and outwardly facing locking barb, a distally and inwardly facing resisting edge and an inwardly facing driving edge. Driving edge interacts with the plunger rod to move the locking element along the barrel as the stopper is advanced distally along the barrel.

Abstract: A medical device which can be introduced into the body tissue of a human or animal comprises a matrix of a polyurethane elastomer with organic silicone polymer units built into the main polymer chain and an oligodynamic agent spatially distributed uniformly within the matrix. The oligodynamic agent releases bacteriocidal or microbicidal metal ions when exposed to body tissues. The method for manufacturing the medical device is characterized by the addition of the oligodynamic agent in a solid or dissolved form prior to the reaction of the educts with isocyanate.

Abstract: An improved osmotic engine is disclosed. The osmotic engine is adapted to be used with an osmotically driven syringe which can be used to deliver a beneficial agent, such as a drug, at a pre-determined rate over an extended period of time. The osmotic engine has an exterior wall defining a compartment which contains an osmotic solute. The wall comprises a thin permeable and/or microporous material which is permeable to an external fluid such as water but is impermeable to the solute. The wall also has a delivery orifice drilled therethrough. A rigid non-dissolving ring-shaped wall support is provided for maintaining the shape of the engine during use. The wall support also provides a fluid flow path extending from the semipermeable wall portion toward the delivery orifice.

Abstract: A generally flat, elongated edge-sealed polymeric blood bag having a length to width ratio of at least 2 to 1 and one end portion in tapering communication with a connected tubing. When the bag is filled with a mixture of blood components which are then separated, the tapering end portion expands to form a funnel-like guide for directing a separated component from the bag through the tubing in a substantially unobstructed manner. Bag is especially useful for separating and isolating the components of a neocyte/gerocyte red blood cell mixture.

Abstract: Disposable garments such as disposable diapers are disclosed that possess improved elastic characteristics. At least one garment outer sheet is composed of a drawable fabric, such as melt blown polymeric fibers or melt spun filaments. An elastic element is affixed in the relaxed condition to a web of outer sheet fabric. The elastic web is then stretched, and simultaneously the web in the area of elastic element attachment is drawn to impart a molecular orientation to the web fibers. As a result, the web fibers are permanently elongated. Upon relaxation of the stretched elastic element, shirrs or gathers are formed in the web fibers that permit subsequent stretching of the elastic element when the garment is worn. One of the outside sheet webs need not be drawable or drawn if it is performed with corrugations or pleats in the region of elastic element attachment. The present invention also includes apparatus for manufacturing the garment.

Abstract: A kit for the administration of a radiopharmaceutical liquid composition has been developed, which includes a radiation-shielding injector accompanied with a syringe-type vial having a gasket therein, a seal cap and a plunger to be engaged with the gasket. The injector is made of a radiation-shielding tubular metal body covered with a plastic material having an exit at the bottom, the body being further provided with a lead glass window on its curved surface, a packing engaging the inside surface at one end of the body and a pair of wings having skid-proof ridges formed on at least one surface thereof, the wings being located at one end of the body. The body is so designed as to be shorter than the tubular portion of the syringe-type vial to be inserted therein, whereby the rear portion of the vial protrudes a little from the tubular body when the same is inserted into the body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for preventing secondary cataract formation in the eye following removal of the lens, comprising an antibody specific to particular lens cells related to secondary cataract formation, which antibody is conjugated to an antiproliferative agent. The particularly preferred antiproliferative agents require activation after binding of the antibody to the target cells, and activation may be accomplished by addition of a second composition or by exposure of the eye to electromagnetic energy.Also disclosed is a method of using the composition by administering it directly to the site from which the lens was removed to kill or prevent proliferation of lens cells.