Abstract: An apparatus for applying a portion of a plant product to the epidermis of a human, the apparatus adapted to be removably fastened with a belt or strap to a human body, comprising: the belt or strap; at least one pocket or container adapted to removably receive the portion of the plant product, the at least one pocket or container comprising: a contact portion that contacts the human body, when the apparatus is removably fastened to the human body, an opposing portion, opposing the contact portion, the opposing portion adapted to allow the portion of the plant product to be removably inserted into the at least one pocket or container, the contact portion having a plurality of holes, the plurality of holes allowing the portion of the plant product to contact the epidermis, when the plant product is removably inserted into the at least one pocket or container.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a portion of a plant product to the epidermis of a human, the apparatus adapted to be removably fastened with a belt or strap to a human body, comprising: the belt or strap; at least one pocket or container adapted to removably receive the portion of the plant product, the at least one pocket or container comprising: a contact portion that contacts the human body, when the apparatus is removably fastened to the human body, an opposing portion, opposing the contact portion, the opposing portion adapted to allow the portion of the plant product to be removably inserted into the at least one pocket or container, the contact portion having a plurality of holes, the plurality of holes allowing the portion of the plant product to contact the epidermis, when the plant product is removably inserted into the at least one pocket or container.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a portion of a plant product to the epidermis of a human, the apparatus adapted to be removably fastened with a belt or strap to a human body, comprising: the belt or strap; at least one pocket or container adapted to removably receive the portion of the plant product, the at least one pocket or container comprising: a contact portion that contacts the human body, when the apparatus is removably fastened to the human body, an opposing portion, opposing the contact portion, the opposing portion adapted to allow the portion of the plant product to be removably inserted into the at least one pocket or container, the contact portion having a plurality of holes, the plurality of holes allowing the portion of the plant product to contact the epidermis, when the plant product is removably inserted into the at least one pocket or container.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a portion of a plant product to the epidermis of a human, the apparatus adapted to be removably fastened with a belt or strap to a human body, comprising: the belt or strap; at least one pocket or container adapted to removably receive the portion of the plant product, the at least one pocket or container comprising: a contact portion that contacts the human body, when the apparatus is removably fastened to the human body, an opposing portion, opposing the contact portion, the opposing portion adapted to allow the portion of the plant product to be removably inserted into the at least one pocket or container, the contact portion having a plurality of holes, the plurality of holes allowing the portion of the plant product to contact the epidermis, when the plant product is removably inserted into the at least one pocket or container.

Abstract: A method of topically applying natural plant product for dissipation of human adipose tissue, comprising: (a) topically applying an inner portion of a natural plant product to an epidermal layer exterior to adipose tissue to be dissipated of a user's body for a period of time, upon which a percentage of the adipose tissue softens and dissolves, thus, reducing the adipose tissue of the user's body; (b) removing the topically applied inner portion of the natural plant product from the epidermal layer for another period of time; (c) repeating steps (a) and (b); and weight reduction apparatus comprising a topical applicator having a receiving container adapted to removably receive a natural plant product and having an opening or a porous wall adapted to facilitate pulp, juices, and/or extracts of the natural plant product to contact a user's epidermal layer exterior to the adipose tissue to be dissipated.

Abstract: A method of topically applying natural plant product for dissipation of human adipose tissue, comprising: (a) topically applying an inner portion of a natural plant product to an epidermal layer exterior to adipose tissue to be dissipated of a user's body for a period of time, upon which a percentage of the adipose tissue softens and dissolves, thus, reducing the adipose tissue of the user's body; (b) removing the topically applied inner portion of the natural plant product from the epidermal layer for another period of time; (c) repeating steps (a) and (b); and weight reduction apparatus comprising a topical applicator having a receiving container adapted to removably receive a natural plant product and having an opening or a porous wall adapted to facilitate pulp, juices, and/or extracts of the natural plant product to contact a user's epidermal layer exterior to the adipose tissue to be dissipated.

Abstract: A method of topically applying natural plant product for dissipation of human adipose tissue, comprising: (a) topically applying an inner portion of a natural plant product to an epidermal layer exterior to adipose tissue to be dissipated of a user's body for a period of time, upon which a percentage of the adipose tissue softens and dissolves, thus, reducing the adipose tissue of the user's body; (b) removing the topically applied inner portion of the natural plant product from the epidermal layer for another period of time; (c) repeating steps (a) and (b); and weight reduction apparatus comprising a topical applicator having a receiving container adapted to removably receive a natural plant product and having an opening or a porous wall adapted to facilitate pulp, juices, and/or extracts of the natural plant product to contact a user's epidermal layer exterior to the adipose tissue to be dissipated.

Abstract: A method of topically applying natural plant product for dissipation of human adipose tissue, comprising: (a) topically applying an inner portion of a natural plant product to an epidermal layer exterior to adipose tissue to be dissipated of a user's body for a period of time, upon which a percentage of the adipose tissue softens and dissolves, thus, reducing the adipose tissue of the user's body; (b) removing the topically applied inner portion of the natural plant product from the epidermal layer for another period of time; (c) repeating steps (a) and (b); and weight reduction apparatus comprising a topical applicator having a receiving container adapted to removably receive a natural plant product and having an opening or a porous wall adapted to facilitate pulp, juices, and/or extracts of the natural plant product to contact a user's epidermal layer exterior to the adipose tissue to be dissipated.

Abstract: An improved earring assembly with removable ornaments is provided. The earring assembly comprises an earlobe securing assembly, a pin which hangs from the earlobe securing assembly and at least one selectively removable ornamental member secured to the earring assembly around the pin. The pin has a loop at its first end and a stop at its second end, the loop for receiving therearound the ornamental member(s) and for receiving therethrough a first part of the earlobe securing assembly, and the stop for retaining the ornamental member(s) on the pin. The method of selectively removing the pin from around the earlobe securing assembly for selective removal and replacement of the ornamental member(s) is further provided. Also provided is an earring assembly with a collection of selectively interchangeable ornaments.

Abstract: A sterile intravenous flow valve includes in-line valve mechanism which is maintained sterile in all of its positions. The valve also includes an adjustment member and a locking mechanism for selectively locking the adjustment member in place to thereby assure accurate flow rate settings. Sterility is achieved by providing a sealed chamber formed by a snap-fit engagement between the adjustment member and the main body member of the valve.

Abstract: A surgical scrub apparatus includes a liquid-containing rupturable cylindrical cartridge which is slidable within a tubular handle having two (2) hollow interior spikes projecting longitudinally from one end. The cartridge can be inserted sufficiently far to cause rupture of the cartridge by both spikes. Liquid from the ruptured cartridge flows through the hollow spikes to an applicator sponge having two (2) wide area applicator surfaces. The hollow spikes are oriented such that one is always disposed higher than the other when the applicator surfaces of the sponge are disposed substantially horizontally. The upper spike can be disposed at a position wherein the liquid pressure applied thereto is less than ambient such that the upper spike serves as a vent passage which admits air into the cartridge. The lower spike thereby serves primarily as an outflow for liquid from the cartridge and air replaces the egressing liquid through the upper spike.

Abstract: A surgical scrub apparatus includes a liquid-containing rupturable cylindrical cartridge which is slidable within a tubular handle having at least one and preferably two hollow interior spikes projecting longitudinally from one end. The cartridge can be inserted sufficiently far to cause rupture of the cartridge by both spikes. Liquid from the ruptured cartridge flows from within the handle, preferably through the spikes, to an applicator sponge having two wide area applicator surfaces. The spikes include exterior projections which are received in respective recesses or flow passages in the applicator to facilitate distribution of liquid through the applicator to the application surfaces. The recesses are contoured as desired to aid in liquid distribution. The interior of the spikes may be coated with a non-wetting agent such as silicone to facilitate flow through the hollow spikes.

Abstract: Sterile urine specimen collection is achieved by collecting the initial or forestream portion of a void in a chamber and then directing the midstream overflow into a specimen container in which the chamber is partially disposed. Overflow from the specimen container is drained to ambient or to an overflow container. This specimen container is selectively disengageable from the apparatus and can be sealed with a sterile cap which is secured to the apparatus in a sterile manner before it is deployed on the specimen container. Collection of the forestream and terminal portions of the void eliminates dripping from the unit when the specimen container is removed. When the terminal portion is drained to ambient, the drain tube is provided with a drip prevention structure. Void urine is received in a funnel having an oval entrance and a discharge spout which projects into the forestream chamber to a level above overflow holes defined in the chamber.

Abstract: System and means for irreversibly recording the incidence of a predetermined temperature comprising a cholesteric liquid crystal system and an activator material capable of interacting with the liquid crystal system to induce a unique irreversible change in the optical properties thereof sustantially at the predetermined temperature. The system preferably includes means for separating the liquid crystal system and activator at temperatures below the activation temperature of the activator.

Abstract: The surface of the intravenous liquid in a container is maintained at substantially constant height above the patient by suspending the container from an elastic member which stretches along an axis other than the suspension axis for the container. In this manner, the total vertical length of the intravenous unit, including the container, the elastic member and the support hook, is minimized. In a particular embodiment the elastic member is a spring oriented substantially horizontal and combined with a pulley and idler roller to redirect the suspension cord for the intravenous liquid container. In another embodiment the spring is disposed vertically along an axis parallel to the suspension axis. An alarm circuit includes one or more micro switches which are actuated by the moveable spring-attached pulley to provide an audible or visible alarm indication when the suspension spring retracts to a specified position, thereby indicating that the intravenous container is approaching an empty condition.

Abstract: A patch of temperature-sensitive liquid crystal material adheres to a patient's skin to serve as an indicator of infiltration during intravenous (or intraarterial, intra-lymphatic vessel, etc.) insertion procedures. The material is selected so as to have a constant color over a temperature range which spans the normal skin temperature range. The patch is placed immediately downstream of the insertion point and preferably has a straight forward edge to permit rapid color change over a broad section of the patch in response to infiltration. The patch may include a downstream extension, remote from the likely infiltration region, which experiences infiltration-responsive color change considerably later than the forward edge, thereby providing a color contrast to facilitate visual detection.

Abstract: An incentive spirometer, of the type wherein an object is raised in a tube by a patient inhaling through the tube, is improved by automatically maintaining the tube vertically-oriented in spite of tilting of the frame from which the tube is supported.

Abstract: An improved liquid dispensing device having particular utility as a surgical scrub and/or swab unit is characterized by a cartridge which is slidable in a rigid handle and rupturably by a spike when slid within the handle to a predetermined degree. Fluid from the ruptured cartridge flows from within the handle to within a sponge through apertures which permit free flow of the dispensed fluid. The handle may be provided with longitudinally-extending slots to facilitate compression of the handle and the cartridge disposed therein. A check valve may be included in the hollow spike passage to prevent back flow of liquid from the sponge and dispensing chamber into the cartridge.

Abstract: A fitting for inserting a needle or catheter into a blood vessel and for positionally stabilizing the inserted needle or catheter in situ includes separate needle holder and stabilizer elements. A retainer member is secured at its proximal end to the holder and extends in spaced relation along the holder to a distal end. The stabilizer has a bi-wing shape with a slot contoured to receive the retainer member in longitudinally slidable relation at a location below a holder supporting region on the top surface of the stabilizer. The wings can be flexed upward and toward one another to positively grip the holder for insertion of the needle or catheter. When unflexed, the stabilizer slot constrains the retainer element which in turn holds the stabilizer in the space between the retainer and the holder. Removal of the needle is achieved by withdrawing the retainer longitudinally from the stabilizer slot.

Abstract: An incentive spirometer is provided with a mechanism for inhibiting the incentive in response to high flow rate bursts of inhalation so as to promote proper long inhalation efforts by a patient. In one embodiment, the spirometer includes a transparent column located in the inhalation flow path and in which an object is disposed and caused to rise in the column in response to inhalation efforts by the patient. The incentive-inhibiting mechanism may comprise a valve in the rising object which opens in response to excessive flow rate to permit flow through the object and thereby preclude the object from rising. Alternatively, the incentive-inhibiting object may be disposed to admit air into the flow path downstream of the object in response to high flow rate inhalation bursts to thereby reduce the flow rate acting on the object. A variety of embodiments are disclosed.