Abstract: A drilling apparatus for single pass bolting, the drilling apparatus comprising a drill steel assembly and a disposable drill bit, wherein the drill steel assembly comprises at least a drill steel having first and second ends, the first end of the drill steel being adapted to releasably operatively engage a drive for imparting rotational and impact energy and the second end of the drill steel is releasably operatively interconnected with the disposable drill bit, the drill steel being adapted to transmit rotational and impact energy to the disposable drill bit, and wherein the drilling apparatus is characterized in that a portion of the drill steel proximate the second end thereof is adapted to be received within a standard friction bolt, the drill steel assembly is provided with a flange adapted to drive the friction bolt into a body requiring reinforcement, and the drill steel assembly is adapted to allow facile disconnection of the disposable drill bit therefrom, whilst the drilling apparatus is embedded i

Abstract: A surgical sponge comprising, a sheet of absorbent material comprising a plurality of layers of an open mesh gauze fabric having generally parallel woven spaced warp and filling yarns. The sheet has one or more spaced generally parallel tie-in yarns interwoven between the layers in at least one direction of the sheet, with a substantial number of the yarns in one layer generally parallel to the tie-in yarns being located intermediate the corresponding yarns in another layer of the sheet to define a staggered configuration of the sheet yarns, with the tie-in yarns limiting freedom of movement of the staggered woven yarns to retain them in place, and with the sheet being folded into a multiple ply configuration.

Abstract: A wound dressing adapted for preventing pooling of wound exudate and for promoting healing comprises, in order:(a) a layer consisting essentially of hydrogel for placement on a wound, the hydrogel being characterized as being wound friendly and for absorbing and acting as a reservoir for wound exudate;(b) an intermediate layer disposed over said hydrogel layer. The intermediate layer comprises a tacky hydrogel or hydrocolloid adhesive, the tacky hydrogel or hydrocolloid adhesive characterized as having a greater absorbent capacity that does the hydrogel in the hydrogel layer; the underlying hydrogel layer is characterized as being more friendly and consequently more suitable for direct wound contact than the overlying adhesive hydrogel of greater absorbent capacity; the intermediate layer having sufficient moisture permeability therethrough to the surface of the dressing;(c) an outer oxygen- and vapor-permeable layer adapted for transpiration of at least a portion of fluid diffusing through the dressing.

Abstract: A bandage comprising a fabric formed from at least one layer of nonwoven hydroentangled fibers having a skim coat of adhesive disposed thereon. Subsequent to entangling the fibers, the fabric is compacted to arrange the fabric into a series of wave-like configurations having crests and valleys. These wave-like configurations allow the fabric to stretch when pulled, and recover to most of its original form when the tension is released. After compacting, a light coat of adhesive is applied to the crests of the fabric to impart some slip resistance to the surface of the fabric while leaving the valleys substantially free from adhesive. The adhesive may be applied to one side or both sides of the fabric, depending on the requirements of the fabric. The thusly formed bandage, when stretched for application, has discontinuous areas of adhesives disposed therein that provide sufficient slip resistance while also permitting complete repositionability.

Abstract: A sponge collection device comprising, a backing sheet of flexible material having a front surface, a rear surface, a pair of side edges, and a pair of end edges connecting the side edges. The device has a plurality of pockets progressively disposed on the front surface of the backing sheet intermediate the end edges. The pockets comprise a flap of flexible material having a pair of side edges, and an upper edge extending between the side edges, with side portions of the flap adjacent its side edges being joined to the backing sheet adjacent the side edges of the backing sheet. The upper edge of the flap defines an opening intermediate the flap and backing sheet to receive sponges, with a lower portion of the flap being joined to the backing sheet along a line intermediate the side portions of the flap. The joinder line extends upwardly from each of the flap side portions toward a raised central portion of the joinder line.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising, an absorbent pad having a mass of hydrophilic fibers and a matrix of a comminuted hydrophobic material dispersed in the interfiber spaces defined by the fibers throughout at least a portion of the pad.

Abstract: An absorbent article for placement against a wearer to capture body fluids comprising, an absorbent pad comprising a mass of fibers, and particles of plastic material fused to fibers in the pad to increase the integrity and resiliency of the fibrous mass. The article has sheet means covering a front and back surface of the pad.

Abstract: A surgical drape comprising, a sheet of flexible material resistant to the passage of bacteria for covering a portion of a patient's body, with the covering sheet having a fenestration for placement over a surgical site. The drape has an auxiliary sheet of flexible material resistant to the passage of body fluids connected to the drape and extending a sufficient distance past an edge of the fenestration for placement of an end portion in a surgical incision to isolate the surgical site and control runoff of fluids.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising, an absorbent pad having a mass of hydrophilic fibers and a matrix of a comminuted hydrophobic material dispersed in the interfiber spaces defined by the fibers throughout at least a portion of the pad.

Abstract: An absorbent article for the perineum comprising, an elongated absorbent pad assembly having a front surface for facing the perineum, a back surface, and separable side portions adjacent the front surface of the pad assembly. The side portions define a longitudinally extending channel adjacent the lateral mid-point of the pad assembly, such that the side portions separate during use to expose an increased area of the pad assembly.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising, an absorbent pad having a mass of hydrophilic fibers and a matrix of a comminuted hydrophobic material dispersed in the interfiber spaces defined by the fibers throughout at least a portion of the pad.

Abstract: An absorbent article for the perineum comprising, an elongated absorbent pad assembly having a front surface for facing the perineum, a back surface, and separable side portions adjacent the front surface of the pad assembly. The side portions define a longitudinally extending channel adjacent the lateral mid-point of the pad assembly, such that the side portions separate during use to expose an increased area of the pad assembly.