Abstract: Soft, flexible films suitable for human skin contact are required for disposable medical devices. Soft, flexible monolayer elastomer films have been developed that are suitable for human skin contact and provide improved low-temperature flexibility and improved strength to weight ratio over conventional polyvinyl chloride films for medical uses. Embodiments of the flexible monolayer elastomer film include styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymers (SEPS), SEPS/polyolefin mixtures, SEPS/polyolefin/ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer mixtures, and EVA/polyolefin mixtures.

Abstract: A drinking straw which includes a tube having a distal opening and a proximate opening as well as a one-way valve attached to the distal opening of the straw. The valve is preferably made from a flexible material so that it can easily and conveniently be removed from the distal opening of the straw. In one preferred embodiment, the valve at the proximal opening comprises a cylindrical elastomeric body with a first end and second end. The first end is connected by a cylindrical midsection to the second end which has an oval shaped outer wall terminating in an open mouth. The valve further includes parabolically tapered walls located near the first end converging towards an elongated slit defined by lips. A collar is also positioned near the second end which projects radially outwardly from the outer wall of the midsection. In another preferred embodiment, the straw is part of a kit which includes devices for measuring and loading substances into the drinking straw.

Abstract: Soft, flexible films suitable for human skin contact are required for disposable medical devices. Soft, flexible monolayer elastomer films have been developed that are suitable for human skin contact and provide improved low-temperature flexibility and improved strength to weight ratio over conventional polyvinyl chloride films for medical uses.

Abstract: A workstation for a portable easel, especially a French easel, has hinged tray halves which, when open, have slides which engage the sides of the easel drawer from the exterior and thus hold the tray open so that the tray does not obstruct access to the interior of the drawer while providing a place to rest a palette. On the other side, the tray may form a brush rack and towel holder.

Abstract: A workstation for a portable easel, especially a French easel, has hinged tray halves which, when open, have slides which engage the sides of the easel drawer from the exterior and thus hold the tray open so that the tray does not obstruct access to the interior of the drawer while providing a place to rest a palette. On the other side, the tray may form a brush rack and towel holder.

Abstract: A mat cutting device has a planar base for supporting a mat to be cut, the base having a pair of supports, each at opposite sides thereof with a guide rod mounted therebetween and having a longitudinal axis parallel to the base. An elongated cutting head having a blade at one end thereof is mounted at the other end opposite the blade on the guide rod, the cutting head being longitudinally displaceable therealong and pivotable about the rod axis, the cutting head being engageable with a movable stop mounted on one of the supports and being axially adjustable for stopping the cutting head at a predetermined distance from the support and for keeping the cutting head with the blade thereof tilted upwardly for allowing insertion and removal of the mat therebeneath.

Abstract: A fraction collector or other electrically operated liquid-handling device has a tray underlying the device for collecting spilled liquid. A pitched surface in the tray gathers any spilled liquid into the vicinity of a sensor having a moisture-destructible or sensitive element which holds a switch against the force of a spring in a closed-circuit position, allowing power to be fed from a current source to the electrically operated device. Upon wetting and destruction of the element the spring is relieved to open the switch, thereby cutting off the power and stopping the operation of the liquid-handling device.