Abstract: A self-contained disposable device to be used in testing a body fluid, particularly urine. The device is in the form of a 3-ply composite comprising an intermediate ply and outer plies on opposite sides thereof. The intermediate ply has a cavity for retaining a test wick and one of the outer plies has a small body fluid inlet opening for body fluid to enter and wet the wick. Preferably an absorbent pad is located opposite the inlet opening. Different segments of the length of the wick are impregnated with a control and selection of test reagents. The device may be circular and serve as a liner for the transparent closure cap of a specimen container or in the form of a paddle to be swished in a specimen of a stream of a specimen. One of the outer plies is transparent at least over the impregnated portion of the test wick.

Abstract: A self-contained disposable device to be used in testing a body fluid, particularly urine. The device is in the form of a 3-ply composite comprising an intermediate ply and outer plies on opposite sides thereof. The intermediate ply has a cavity for retaining a test wick and one of the outer plies has a small body fluid inlet opening for body fluid to enter and wet the wick. Preferably an absorbent pad is located opposite the inlet opening. Different segments of the length of the wick are impregnated with a control and selection of test reagents. The device may be circular and serve as a liner for the transparent closure cap of a specimen container or in the form of a paddle to be swished in a specimen of a stream of a specimen. One of the outer plies is transparent at least over the impregnated portion of the test wick.

Abstract: An improved disposable emesis container comprising a bag with its upper end enclosing the wide bottom of a funnel formed of paperboard-like material. The containers are mass-produced in a flattened collapsed condition. In use the funnel is squeezed open and after use generally elliptical complementary panels formed on the upper end of the funnel are folded over on each other to provide a self-retaining closure. The lower end of the funnel has downwardly arcuate score lines in the opposite sides which upon being pressed together following formation of the self-retaining closure, act in cooperation with the closure to close together the opposing bottom edges of the wide bottom of the funnel thereby providing a closed valve within the upper end of the bag so as to retain contents of the bag therein.

Abstract: A plastic composition adapted for use in contact with the skin, especially in the form of a pad applied to the skin, is manufactured by reacting a mixture of acrylamide-beta methacryloxyethyltrimethylammonium methyl sulfate copolymer, up to about 10 parts of acrylamide-sodium acrylate copolymer per part of said acrylamide-beta methacryloxyethyltrimethylammonium methyl sulfate copolymer, said acrylamide-sodium acrylate copolymer containing up to about 4% of sodium acrylate, and ethylene glycol in an amount sufficient to form a semisolid gel, said proportions being by weight. Useful embodiments of the pad include a sealing pad for an ostomy appliance and a skin-covering pad incorporated in a bandage.

Abstract: A plastic composition prepared by the reaction of a non-ionic water soluble acrylic polyelectrolyte and a cationic water soluble acrylic polyelectrolyte with propylene glycol and incorporating or conducting the reaction in the presence of polyvinyl pyrrolidone with or without water. In one embodiment a plastic composition adapted for use in contact with the skin, especially in the form of a pad, seal or bandage is prepared by reacting a mixture of: (1) acrylamide-beta methacrylyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium sulfate copolymer; (2) polyacrylamide; (3) propylene glycol; and (4) polyvinyl pyrrolidone. The plastic composition can contain glycerin in varying amounts to enhance the "feel" and flexibility of the final product. Water can be incorporated with the polyvinyl pyrrolidone to reduce the gel time and facilitate the molding process.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance for mounting around the stoma opening of a patient and embodying a receptacle of the disposable or throw-away type for receiving drainage from the stoma of a patient, with the receptacle being readily removable, but effectively mounted on a supporting member which is readily attachable to a pat ent's body, and the appliance embodyi g novel pad structure which is effective to protect a stoma, or the like, from injury, and which is also effective to afford a seal between the appliance and the patient's body for preventing or reducing seepage from the stoma opening onto the skin of the patient.

Abstract: A valve in the nature of a check-valve for use in the fluid lines of enema and stoma-irrigating units, and the like, for permitting flow of material therethrough in one direction but not in the reverse direction, and which may be quickly and easily dissassembled, cleaned and re-assembled.