Abstract: Microwave energy may be used to disinfect used face masks, respirators and other items containing filtration media for respiration. A method of disinfecting is provided as well as filtration media having indicators to visually indicate when disinfection has occurred. The indicators may function based on temperature and steam generation during microwaving. Thermochromic materials may be used to indicate that a proper temperature has been reached.

Abstract: A surgical drape for use during surgery of a patient includes a sheet that is configured for covering at least a portion of the patient during surgery. At least one instrument holder strap is attached to a front surface of the drape, the strap having a first end affixed to the drape, an opposite releasable attachment end, and an elastomeric section between the affixed end and the attachment end such that the strap can be stretched to attach surgical instruments to various locations on the drape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gown having a gown body, an inflatable chamber capable of selectively inflating and deflating carried by the gown body, and a shaping element carried by the gown body. The shaping element is directly responsive to inflation of the inflatable chamber so that the shaping element is moved from an initial arrangement to a subsequent arrangement by inflation of the chamber. Upon subsequent deflation, the shaping member retains its shape. The entire structure is suitable for the self-assisted donning of a surgical gown.

Abstract: An extensible sleeve having a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion is provided. The extensible sleeve is adapted to be used in a protective garment. A plurality of creases are disposed along one of the sleeve portions forming pleats. The other sleeve portion is placed internal and coincident to the first and the pleats are affixed to an outer surface of this internal sleeve portion. Pulling upon the sleeve portion would cause a partial to a total unfolding of at least one pleat resulting in a lengthening of the sleeve. The pleats may also prove useful in retaining a glove upon the sleeve.

Abstract: A chemically activated thermal covering containing a thermogenic system and a carrier is provided. The thermogenic system contains at least one compartment which itself contains a first reagent. The first reagent is maintained at a first pressure. The system also contains an actuator for controllably isolating a second reagent from the first reagent. The second reagent is maintained at a second pressure which is higher than that of the first reagent. Channels connect the compartment to the actuator. The pressure differential between the first and second reagents draws the second reagent into the compartment thereby initiating a thermal reaction.

Abstract: A protective garment having a sleeve that possesses an interior region and a peripheral surface attached to a hand shield. The hand shield also has an interior region and a peripheral opening. The peripheral opening of the hand shield is attached to and shares a common border with the peripheral surface of the sleeve thereby enabling direct access between the interior regions of the sleeve and the hand shield. The hand shield is designed to be detached from the sleeve at a zone of separation without damaging the sleeve. Use of this protective garment is conducive to methods for the unassisted donning of sterile gloves.

Abstract: A protective garment is provided consisting of a garment body having at least one sleeve, a glove associated with the sleeve, and an adhesive disposed upon a surface of the glove, the sleeve, or both. The adhesive forms an interface between the two surfaces. The adhesive has sufficient adhesion to remain affixed substantially to the surface to which it is applied while having sufficient strength to enable donning of the garment without damaging the interface. The glove is removable from the garment body by breaking the interface, without causing damage to the surfaces of the glove or garment body, and without migration of the adhesive from the surface to which it was applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of selecting apparel products for surgical procedures. The method includes executing program code in a data processing system in order to determine surgical procedures that are associated with a type of apparel; selecting one of the surgical procedures; and executing program code in the data processing system in order to determine apparel products that are associated with the selected surgical procedure. The present invention also relates to a data processing system that includes a computer readable storage medium, and program code stored on the computer readable storage medium, wherein executing the program code includes determining surgical procedures that are associated with a type of apparel entered by a user, accepting one of the surgical procedures as selected by the user, and determining apparel products that are associated with the selected surgical procedure.

Abstract: A surgical drape for use during surgery includes a sheet that is configured for covering at least a portion of a patient. The sheet has a top surface and a bottom surface that is opposite from the top surface. An expandable member is carried by the sheet. The expandable member has an unexpanded orientation and an expanded orientation. The expandable member forms a raised portion when in the expanded orientation.