Abstract: A monopolar needle assembly comprises a disposable insulated needle having an uninsulated tip projecting from a needle stem and a sheath for covering the needle. The protective sheath is preferably plastic and injection molded. The needle is disposed within a protective sheath until the needle is inserted into the patient, thereby preventing contamination of the needle. As embodied herein, the exterior and interior surfaces of the protective sheath are tapered to conform essentially to the elongated configuration of the needle. The portion of the sheath proximate the needle stem includes flanges projecting from the exterior of the sheath to prevent the monopolar needle assembly of the present invention from rolling if it is dropped.

Abstract: A toothbrush comprising a head having a flat surface facing upwardly, the head joined to a handle. The tufts of bristles are arranged in two groups of rows, each row extending transversely of the head. The rows of the first and second groups alternate with each other along the longitudinal axis of the head. In the first group, the two laterally outermost tufts of each row tilt sidewise towards their respective nearest side of the head, this tilt being about 12 degrees. The middle tuft of each of the second group extends substantially vertically upwardly from the head. The laterally outermost tufts of the second group tilt laterally inwardly toward each other by about 8 degrees. The tufts define three functional groups of tufts. The tuft arrangement is such that the cleaning action is substantially independent of any particular brushing technique employed by the user.

Abstract: A monopolar needle assembly comprises a disposable insulated needle having an uninsulated tip projecting from a needle stem and a sheath for covering the needle. A brass connector pin is connected to the needle stem of the electrically conductive needle. A handle is provided for supporting the connector pin and for holding the needle when the needle is inserted into a patient or the like. The connector pin, which is housed within the handle, is secured to a detachable power cord.

Abstract: A wound closure tape applicator has an elongated trapeziform casing partitioned into a front supply chamber for a roll of adhesive tape carried on a backing strip or liner and a trapeziform rear storage chamber for collecting waste backing strip. Front and bottom walls of the casing form a tape outlet slot in a lower front corner of the supply chamber. A cylindrical post extending horizontally between the casing sidewalls internally adjacent the slot guides the tape downwardly along the front wall. A front end portion of the bottom wall projects upwardly close to the underside of the post and guides the liner rearwardly to peel it away from the tape as the latter is pulled downwardly through the opening. A false bottom wall in the casing guides the liner rearwardly along the bottom wall beneath the partition into the rear chamber.