Abstract: A suction device which can be protected after use. The suction device includes an elongated suction tube having a suction tip at one end. A retractable, protective sheath is connected to the tube and extendable over the exposed length of the suction tube. A closure is secured to the free end of the sheath, and includes a cap which can be pivoted to a closed position. So as to avoid contamination, an automatic closer is provided to pivot the cap to the closed position.

Abstract: A specimen transporting and processing system having a tubular container with a collar threadedly secured at one end and with a cap applied to the collar. The collar is temporarily locked in place on the container by means of an extending tab which is bound in place by a tape strip adhering to the tab and to the container. When the tape strip is removed or broken, the collar can then be unscrewed and removed from the container.

Abstract: A specimen collection kit particularly for collection and transport of urine specimens. The kit includes a first pouch sealed about its periphery and encapsulating a collection container therewithin. A second pouch is provided, also with a peripheral seal, and encapsulating one or more test vials for specimen testing. The second pouch also includes a resealable seal proximate one edge such that the second pouch can be resealed after opening of the peripheral seal on that edge. The pouches are united along one edge of each pouch, and a perforation is provided at that juncture to permit severing of the two pouches.

Abstract: A sealed collection container having a hollow container body formed of semi-rigid material, such as plastic. The container body is provided with a sealable opening, and a non-venting spout which permits liquid to be poured from the container when inverted. The spout, in combination with deformable sides of the container form a system for metering a desired quantity of liquid from the container when inverted. The deformable sides can be formed thinner in thickness than the corner portions of the container from which the sides extend to aid the metering function of the container.

Abstract: A disposable tourniquet comprising an elongated, flat, stretchable band. The band has a pressure-sensitive adhesive face on one side of the band at one end, and a release agent on the same face of the band but spaced from the adhesive face. The tourniquet is stored with the adhesive face folded against and adhering to the release agent, and is deployed by peeling the adhesive face away from the release agent, wrapping the tourniquet about the arm and pulling it sufficiently tight, and then adhering the adhesive face to the outside surface of the band to hold the tourniquet in place.

Abstract: A surgical sponge carrier and counter formed from a pliable film. The carrier and counter includes a glove-like portion with a tubular sleeve extending therefrom. A closure is located in the sleeve, the closure comprising a drawtape disposed in a guide and secured at one location to the sleeve. A notch is located in the guide generally opposite the location at which the drawtape is secured to the sleeve, the drawtape extending into the notch and forming a loop which may be engaged for both removal of the sponge carrier and counter by turning it inside out about the glove-like portion, and also drawing the now-inside out carrier and counter closed about its contents.

Abstract: A device for collection and transporting of stool samples. The device has a container with a lid having a spoon secured to the underside of the lid. The spoon is angled at approximately 45.degree. to facilitate sample collection, and has a generally straight cutting edge. A secondary access aperture is provided in the lid for accessing the interior of the container once the lid has been applied.

Abstract: A method of forming a disposable suction swab from an elongated stem having an enlarged, resilient tip at one end. The stem is installed in a longitudinal central channel in the tip, and the assembly is then compressed between a pair of displaceable clamp plates, the plates having drill apertures in registration with one another and with the tip being in alignment with the apertures. A hole is then bored through the compressed tip and stem by drilling through the apertures in the clamp plates. The plates are released to eject the formed swab.

Abstract: A disposable protective gown with a pair of integral neck tie straps. The gown is composed of a body portion which extends over the shoulders of the wearer and which has a pair of sleeves which extend outwardly from opposite sides. Each sleeve is attached to the body portion over an angle of attachment greater than 180.degree. and less than 300.degree.. A thumb loop is formed at the end of each of the sleeves and is shaped to engage the saddle of the thumb of a wearer. In forming the gown, after the body portion has been cut and the sleeves formed, the sleeves are attached to the body portion by heat sealing half the sleeve, then rotating the sleeve so that a second portion of the sleeve is attached to the gown, with the total angle of attachment not exceeding 300.degree.. A score is provided adjacent the head aperture in the gown to define the pair of tie straps which can be used to create a tighter or looser fit about a wearer's neck, as described.

Abstract: A disposable protective gown and process for making the gown. The gown is composed of a body portion which extends over the shoulders of the wearer and which has a pair of sleeves which extend outwardly from opposite sides. Each sleeve is attached to the body portion over an angle of attachment greater than 180.degree. and less than 300.degree.. A thumb loop is formed at the end of each of the sleeves and is shaped to engage the saddle of the thumb of a wearer. In forming the gown, after the body portion has been cut and the sleeves formed, the sleeves are attached to the body portion by heat sealing half the sleeve, then rotating the sleeve so that a second portion of the sleeve is attached to the gown, with the total angle of attachment not exceeding 300.degree.. In order to prevent inadvertent sealing of both sides of a sleeve together, each sleeve includes a circumferential notch which extends for a length up to that comprising the portion of a the sleeve that is not attached to the body of the gown.

Abstract: An inflatable novelty device of multiple flexible sheets sealed in regions to form a hollow inflatable peripheral body member in a general horseshoe configuration, the central portion forming a non-inflatable hand pocket cavity. Inflatable outwardly extending appendages may be contiguous with the inflatable peripheral body portion to provide shapes representing "No. 1", "V for victory" and the like. The inflated novelty devices may be worn on one or both hands and still allow clapping and other use of the hand or hands by the wearer. Such novelty devices are used at a wide variety of promotional events, sporting events, political conventions, and the like.

Abstract: Flexible plastic bags having a closure capable of withstanding external force applied to the bag. The bag has a top opening which may be easily opened and closed by a closure member secured to the exterior of the bag forming a pocket having an opening. The pocket opening extends across a portion of the bag substantially parallel to and spaced from the open end. The open end may be folded over upon itself at least two times or twisted upon itself at least three times and the pocket turned inside out over the end portion to form a closure which is resistant to external forces. The bag of this invention is especially suitable for retaining liquids and gases when an external pressure is applied to the bag.