Abstract: Apparatus for the rapid infusion of physiologic solutions into the human body which have been warmed by said apparatus to normothermic temperature. The apparatus includes an extracorporeal heat exchanger which warms cold bank blood and other physiologic solutions to normothermic temperature. Bank blood and blood products enter the apparatus through a filtered infusion line. Crystalloids and synthetic colloids enter the apparatus through an unfiltered infusion line. Bank blood, blood products, crystalloids, and synthetic colloids flow through PVC tubing, filtered drip chambers, and the extracorporeal heat exchanger at a rapid rate to restore and maintain the normal circulating blood volume of a patient in hypovolemic shock. The flow rate is regulated by PVC tube clamps and a fluid shut-off valve. The apparatus also embodies a macrodrip administration set for the infusion of drugs and other physiologic solutions at a slower infusion rate.

Abstract: The invention features an innovative vaginal sponge contraceptive device that has active spermicide. The active spermicide allows the device to be used instantly upon removal from its sealed packet. The sponge is of a sufficient size such that swelling agents, contained therein, maintain the sponge in pressured contact with the vaginal wall to prevent slippage from cervical contact. A low level of spermicide allows for effectiveness without irritation. A deodorant, contained in the sponge, provides for continuous use over a 24-hour period.

Abstract: A premoistened ready-for-use vaginal contraceptive device and method of use thereof are described wherein a porous polyurethane sponge is provided which is impregnated with a bacteria-free sterile spermicide, pectin and pH control and swelling agent aqueous solution enclosed within and readily removable from a sealed packet and wherein the premoistened polyurethane sponge with its absorbed components when removed from the packet is immediately inserted in position and is ready for contraceptive use. After one or more coital episodes the sponge is removed, its effective life being up to about 24 hours. The spermicide is present in a maximum of 8% and the pectin constitutes about 5%, both percentages being based on the weight of the solution.

Abstract: A flexible tube is mounted on top of the drip chamber. The top of the tube is connected to the spike via a one-way ball-type valve. The bottom of the tube is connected to the drip chamber via a duck-bill-type valve inside of the drip chamber. The duck-bill is held closed against head pressure by a metal spring clip acting on the lip. The duck-bill will open when the tube is squeezed and fluid will be injected into the drip chamber.The drip chamber is charged bubble-free by the use of an output tube open to the chamber and joined to the flexible tubing carrying the hypodermic needle. During the initial fill the output tube is positioned above the fluid level and air in the chamber vented via the output tube, the flexible tubing and the hypodermic needle. When the desired level is reached, the output tube is submerged and bubble-free fluid fills the output tube, the flexible tubing, and the hypodermic needle.

Abstract: A disposable reservoir cassette for use with a roller pump delivery system comprises a flexible reservoir tube, an air-permeable, liquid-impermeable element engaging one end of the reservoir tube, a pierceable delivery septum engaging the other end of the reservoir tube and a rigid housing containing the reservoir tube. The housing includes a backstop which supports the tube in a circular path while allowing access to the septum. The housing is adapted to be secured to the roller pump such that the circular path of the tube is adjacent to the path of a pump roller wherein motion of the pump roller compresses the reservoir tube sufficiently to drive any fluid contained therein in the direction of the delivery septum.

Abstract: A guide member is adapted to be removably mounted in the access aperture of a capped vial and arranged to guide and to support a delicate syringe needle as the same is advanced through a resilient septum closing the vial.

Abstract: This invention is a sleeve-like tissue-interface device designed to reduce the incidence of nosocomial infection related to percutaneous conduits by promoting a tissue seal where the conduit and skin interface, and by the expression of antibacterial activity to reduce the possibility of bacteria advancing along the conduit into deeper tissues. In particular, the positionability of the invention allows it to be placed onto a catheter-like device, in the dermal and subcutaneous tissue below the catheter exit site, although this position relative to catheter length is variable at different anatomical sites, and from patient to patient. The positionability feature also allows the invention to be used in conjunction with existing percutaneous access devices such as catheters and wound drains, as an optional measure against bacterial infection.

Abstract: Suction device for use with a tracheostomy tube to remove matter from the upper respiratory tract of a patient. The suction device is essentially tubular and open at both ends, and comprises a bulb near one end and a tubular portion which extends from the bulb to the other end. To use, one connects the end remote from the bulb to a source of vacuum and inserts the bulbous end of the suction device into the end of a tracheostomy tube which is outside the patient's body. The suction device can be used with tracheostomy tubes of different sizes, and is used in place of a catheter.

Abstract: A controlled release composition for administering a therapeutic agent to a ruminant, using an intraruminal device, consists of a compressed tablet or bolus which comprises the therapeutic and a carrier material is formed from a non-tacky free flowing powder in which 90% of the particles are less than 100 .mu.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for distending the blood vessels comprising the veins and the arteries in an isolated portion of a patient's body remote from the patient's heart to facilitate puncture with a cannula. The preferred method comprises placing the isolated portion of the patient's body within a chamber capable of supporting at least a partial vacuum and forming a substantially airtight seal between the chamber and the isolated portion of the patient's body. Venous blood flow from the isolated portion of the patient's body is then gradually restricted by circumferentially constricting the patient's body at a point approximately coinciding with the point at which the substantially airtight seal is formed.

Abstract: A sanitary towel for absorbing body fluids composed of an absorptive hydrophilic fiber filling having a cover, the cover being composed of a liquid-impermeable composite material and having a defined liquid-permeable zone. The core of the filling material contains an insert having high absorptive polymers therein and being covered with a liquid-permeable woven carrier material, fleece or tissue. Such towels are easy to manufacture, highly absorptive and possess good tactile properties.

Abstract: A waste-containment garment such as a disposable diaper or a disposable diaper insert which is fitted with integrally protected adhesive fasteners which do not extend outwardly from the edges of the garment. Each adhesive fastener comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive means disposed on an outer surface of the garment and an adhesive-release means disposed adjacent thereto on the same outer surface of the garment. Preferably such means are disposed on corner areas of the garment, and the garment is folded to associate each adhesive means in face-to-face adhered relation with its adjacent adhesive-release means until immediately prior to use of the garment. To use the garment, each adhesive means is peeled from its associated adhesive-release means so that it may be used for its intended purpose: e.g., to secure a diaper insert inside a diaper or overpant or the like; or to secure the back corners of a disposable diaper to the adjacent front corners of the disposable diaper.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coated paper outer tube for a tube tampon providing low friction inner and outer surfaces after the tube has been formed by convolutely winding.

Abstract: A system for the controlled delivery of a desired agent to a fluid environment. A semipermeable container defines a fully enclosed cavity and is imperforate except for a plurality of pores for permitting fluid to flow from the fluid environment into the cavity. A quantity of a molecular complex is positioned in the cavity. The molecular complex comprises a macromolecule that is non-diffusable with respect to the container and a desired agent complexed to the macromolecule, the agent being capable of dissociating from the macromolecule over time. The pores of the container have a larger size in relation to the agent and the container is so constructed as to permit unimpeded passage of the agent through the pores. The concentration of the agent within the cavity is controlled by the equilibrium between the molecular complex and the agent within the cavity and the active agent is deliverable by the system to the fluid environment exclusively through the plurality of pores.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having an absorbent layer and a moisture-impervious backing sheet. The diaper has an adhesive tab system comprising an adhesive tab and a release liner. The adhesive tab has an anchoring end portion which is permanently attached to the backing sheet, an intermediate portion, and a free end portion. The release liner has an end portion which is permanently secured to an outermost portion of the free end portion of the tab in covering relation in the free end portion of the adhesive tab. The intermediate portion of the adhesive tab may be folded back under the backing sheet with the tacky surface thereof facing outward of the backing sheet and the free end portion of the adhesive tab and the release liner may be further folded back such that the other surface of the release liner is in covering relation to the intermediate portion of the adhesive tab.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a disposable diaper formed from a web of layered material consisting of a water-absorbent, non-woven top sheet, a waterproof backing sheet bonded on its peripheral margins to the top sheet to thereby form a generally rectangular bag, and at least one layered middle pad encased in the bag. The web, with the top sheet facing up, is folded along its longitudinal center line into a generally inverted .OMEGA.-shaped vertical cross-sectional configuration and subsequently folded intermediate the opposite transverse ends thereof into a generally S-shaped vertical cross-sectional configuration whereby the front half of the web can be served as a front diapering area and the rear half of the web can be served as a rear diapering area. The S-shaped folded area of the web is bonded on the opposite longitudinal lapping margins to thereby form a pocket contiguous to the front diapering area of the web.

Abstract: The invention addresses problems with liquid absorbent pads having at least about 50% of their absorption capacity represented by water absorbent (including water-swellable) material capable of absorbing at least about 5 times its own dry weight of aqueous liquid. By openings of specified area, present in undulating layer(s) of such absorbent material in specified numbers and total area per unit area of said layer(s), and/or through forming such openings as hinges and displaced flap members for locking the layers of a moving composite together for bending into said undulating configuration, and/or through use of sheath members of material which substantially retain their structural integrity in contact with aqueous liquids, and have open or openable portion(s), pads are formed with both high absorption rate and capacity and/or ready disposability and/or rapid production characteristics, ideally suited for urinary incontinence care and other uses.

Abstract: A new ostomy bag having an integral breathable ostomy gasket derived from the non-aqueous reaction of a polyisocyanate and a polyoxyalkylene polyol moiety having a hydrophilic filler incorporated within the polyol moiety prior to the reaction of the polyisocyanate and the polyol. The bag includes hydrophobic material welded to the bag serving as a backing for the gasket.

Abstract: An absorbent material is provided for body fluid absorbent products which material has relatively high tensile strength, and is extremely flexible and may be incorporated into absorbent products without substantial loss in user's comfort. The material is made by forming a slurry of water wherein the solids comprise cellulosic fibers and hydrocolloidal material. The wet web is formed from the slurry and the web is then dried. The dry web is then compacted to a density of at least 110% and preferably at least 150% based on the density of the dry web. The resulting product has a tensile strength of at least 10 Kg/cm.sup.2 and the Gurley Stiffness of less than about 40 gm.

Abstract: A cloth diaper garment fabricated of a double layer of cloth and having an elastic member attached to the outer edge of the diaper through most of the perimeter of the garment. The diaper employs metal snaps arranged to permit use of the diaper with different sized infants.