Abstract: The present invention provides a physiologically compatible conductive agent comprising (a) a long chain water-soluble ionic polymeric thickening agent selected from the group consisting of a copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride, carboxy polymethylene polymer, and mixtures thereof, present in an amount from about 0.05 wt. % to about 10 wt. %; (b) an unbranched or branched alcohol having from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms present in an amount up to about 70 wt. %; and (c) the balance water. The present invention also provides a physiologically compatible conductive agent comprising long chain water-soluble ionic polymeric thickening agent selected from the group consisting of a copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride, carboxy polymethylene polymer, and mixtures thereof, present in an amount from about 0.05 wt. % to about 10 wt. %; (b) a surface tension reducing amount of a surfactant; and (c) the balance water.

Abstract: The present invention provides sanitizer systems for improving personal hygiene and reducing the potential for the spread of disease. The sanitizer systems enable more thorough cleansing by providing mechanically removal of microbial agents and soil from the skin with an absorbent sheet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a twist open/twist close closure for a container wherein the finger of the hand that holds the container can open or close the twist open/twist close closure. The configuration of the twist open/twist close closure also permits the user a clear view of where the product in the container can be applied.

Abstract: A method for treating skin itch in an individual in need of such treatment, by topically administering an amount effective for relieving said itch of an additive selected from the group consisting of (a) aluminum chlorohydrates; (b) aluminum zirconium chlorohydrates; (c) chlorohydrates of aluminum and aluminum zirconium, each complexed with polyalkylene glycol; (d) chlorohydrates of aluminum and aluminum zirconium, wherein in each of said chlorohydrates some of the water of hydration has been replaced by glycine; (e) aluminum chloride hydrate; and mixtures thereof. In particular, a spray comprising aluminum chlorohydrate aqueous composition is applied to the affected surface area of the skin to effect relief from itching.

Abstract: The present invention provides a physiologically compatible conductive agent comprising (a) a long chain water-soluble ionic polymeric thickening agent selected from the group consisting of a copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride, carboxy polymethylene polymer, and mixtures thereof, present in an amount from about 0.05 wt. % to about 10 wt. %; (b) an unbranched or branched alcohol having from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms present in an amount up to about 70 wt. %; and (c) the balance water. The present invention also provides a physiologically compatible conductive agent comprising long chain water-soluble ionic polymeric thickening agent selected from the group consisting of a copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride, carboxy polymethylene polymer, and mixtures thereof, present in an amount from about 0.05 wt. % to about 10 wt. %; (b) a surface tension reducing amount of a surfactant; and (c) the balance water.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antimicrobial fabric comprising a fibrous material treated with an antimicrobially effective amount of an antimicrobial agent. The present invention further provides a method for preparing an antimicrobial fabric that exhibits antimicrobial properties comprising admixing an antimicrobially effective amount of an antimicrobial agent with a fibrous material.

Abstract: A method for treating skin itch in an individual in need of such treatment, by topically administering an amount effective for relieving said itch of an additive selected from the group consisting of (a) aluminum chlorohydrates; (b) aluminum zirconium chlorohydrates; (c) chlorohydrates of aluminum and aluminum zirconium, each complexed with polyalkylene glycol; (d) chlorohydrates of aluminum and aluminum zirconium, wherein in each of said chlorohydrates some of the water of hydration has been replaced by glycine; (e) aluminum chloride hydrate; and mixtures thereof. In particular, a spray comprising aluminum chlorohydrate aqueous composition is applied to the affected surface area of the skin to effect relief from itching.

Abstract: A method for examining the breast tissue of an individual for the presence of lumps or a change in texture, which method includes the steps of:applying to the skin of the individual in the area of the breast tissue while the skin is substantially dry an amount of an aqueous emulsion or gel composition effective to lubricate the skin; andfeeling the skin of the individual by hand for a lump or thickening in the underlying tissue;whereby the lubricating effect of the emulsion or gel composition increases the tactile sensation of the texture of the breast tissue.

Abstract: A packaging system for diluting a concentrated material to a preselected volume with a solvent for the concentrate, which system includes:a container for the diluted concentrate having an internal volume to at least the predetermined volume;an absorbent carrier disposed in the container; anda quantity of the concentrate absorbed onto the carrier;wherein the quantity of concentrate is pre-measured to provide a predetermined level of dilution of the concentrate in the preselected volume of solvent. Methods for diluting a concentrate to a preselected volume with a solvent for the concentrate using the packaging system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for applying electrode to the skin of a patient in which a thin film of a conductive liquid is applied to the skin of the patient. The thin film is of sufficient thinness so that electrical signals will be conducted through the thickness direction of the film to or from an electrode attached to the skin but so that there will be substantially no conductance of the electrical signals along the surface direction of the film to or from adjacent areas surrounding the electrode. The electrode is then applied to the skin of the patient via the thin film. Electrical signals can be detected from the patient or transmitted to the patient via the electrode and conductive thin film, e.g., ECG signals.

Abstract: A cardiac defibrillator cup is provided which can be designed to hold a unit dose of electrolytic gel, and is adapted to be applied and adhered to defibrillator paddles or electrodes, and thus, serve as an immediate source of gel therefor. The cup comprises a flexible container for holding gel, said container having an open face; the peripheral edges of said open face and/or area surrounding said open face includes a bonding agent for removably adhering the cup to a defibrillator paddle. Prior to application to such paddle, the open face of the cup will be closed off by a protective cover, which cover is removably secured to said bonding agent.

Abstract: A cardiac defibrillator cup is provided which can be designed to hold a unit dose of electrolytic gel, and is adapted to be applied and adhered to defibrillator paddles or electrodes, and thus, serve as an immediate source of gel therefor. The cup comprises a flexible container for holding gel, said container having an open face; the peripheral edges of said open face and/or area surrounding said open face includes a bonding agent for removably adhering the cup to a defibrillator paddle. Prior to application to such paddle, the open face of the cup will be closed off by a protective cover, which cover is removably secured to said bonding agent.

Abstract: Gel compositions are disclosed containing a primary thickening agent (e.g. carboxy polymethylene polymer) combined with small but effective amounts of an auxiliary hydroxy-containing thickener, e.g. an hydroxy alkyl cellulose polymer. The gel is particularly suitable for use with transducers wherein the gel is introduced between a transducer element (for example, an electrode) and skin or surface. The gel compositions are advantageous in that they do not irritate the skin, do not corrode the transducer element, are slow to dry and do not substantially leak out from the area of contact. The process of using the gel is also included.

Abstract: A process for utilizing gel compositions containing thickening agents which are primarily long chain organic powders in combination with small amounts of auxiliary polar thickeners having no metallic cations are described. They are particularly suitable for use as electrode gels in applications where long term contact of the electrodes with the skin is necessary. The process utilizing the described gel compositions, unlike the gels known to the art will not irritate the skin, corrode the electrodes, dry out in only a few hours or leak out from the electrode.

Abstract: Disinfectant compositions are provided which contain a dialdehyde and an alkali metal salt of a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid in aqueous solution and, optionally, an alcohol and/or a diol and/or a triol, and are as potent as, but substantially more stable than, known dialdehyde-containing disinfectant compositions. A method for disinfecting medical and surgical supplies and household objects is also provided wherein the above disinfectant compositions are employed.