Abstract: A method of implementing a splint device, and associated splint device, are provided for a guidance system of a surgical robot. A splint body includes first and second stabilizing portions extending from opposed lateral sides of a medial portion, and defines a U channel. The medial portion, or the medial portion and one of the stabilizing portions, defines a bridge portion extending along the U channel. A partition member, received by the bridge portion, extends into and longitudinally along the U channel. An adhesive material is engaged with the splint body, within the U channel. The U channel is engaged about a tooth or jaw of a patient, and urged toward the tooth or jaw, such that the partition member engages the tooth or jaw and separates the adhesive material into a first portion engaged with the first stabilizing portion and a second portion engaged with the second stabilizing portion.

Abstract: A method of implementing a splint device, and associated splint device, are provided for a guidance system of a surgical robot. A splint body includes first and second stabilizing portions extending from opposed lateral sides of a medial portion, and defines a U channel. The medial portion, or the medial portion and one of the stabilizing portions, defines a bridge portion extending along the U channel. A partition member, received by the bridge portion, extends into and longitudinally along the U channel. An adhesive material is engaged with the splint body, within the U channel. The U channel is engaged about a tooth or jaw of a patient, and urged toward the tooth or jaw, such that the partition member engages the tooth or jaw and separates the adhesive material into a first portion engaged with the first stabilizing portion and a second portion engaged with the second stabilizing portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a vessel for biological materials comprising a multilayer polymeric barrier material that has very low permeability to small molecules, such as water and oxygen, high flexibility and softness, and is resistant to tearing. The invention is particularly useful for forming vessels that receive biological fluids, such as ostomy bags and bags for storing blood, blood products, and IV solutions. The vessel comprises a flexible, multilayer, polymeric barrier material comprising (1) a first sandwich polymer layer, (2) at least one sandwiched, oriented liquid crystal polymer layer, and (3) a second sandwich polymer layer, the first and second sandwich layers disposed to sandwich the liquid crystal layer therebetween.

Abstract: Method for forming a polyurethane based adhesive composition in which a reaction mixture of at least one NCO-terminated prepolymer and a polyhydroxy compound is heated at a temperature and for a length of time sufficient to provide a gel content of from about 30 to 42% by weight and a molecular weight of extractables of at least about 45,000. Polyurethane based adhesives prepared by the method and medical devices employing the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for producing poly?urethane-(meth)acrylate!-based adhesives in which an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer is reacted to convert the isocyanate terminal groups into groups capable of cross-linking with each other, excess isocyanate groups are quenched with an isocyanate group quenching compound and the resulting prepolymer is then irradiated or heated to form the polyurethane-based adhesives, and adhesives produced thereby. Alternatively, a hydroxyl-terminated prepolymer is reacted with a reagent having isocyanate and methacrylate groups to form a prepolymer which is then irradiated or heated.

Abstract: Pressure-sensitive adhesives which possess absorptivity and/or permeability properties to remove transepidermal water loss and/or other bodily fluids that come into contact with the adhesive, in combination with a fine balance of cohesion and adhesion properties, can be formulated by controlling the crosslinking of a polyurethane polymer having excess hydroxyl functionality, a glass transition temperature of less than about 0.degree. C., a moisture absorption of at least about 20% of its weight and/or a moisture vapor transmission rate of at least about 300 grams/meter.sup.2 /24 hours measured at 37.degree. C. and a 90% relative humidity gradient. Adhesives of these polymers possess a peel adhesion to human skin of between about 0.3 and 4 newtons/cm width of the polymer or adhesive.

Abstract: Described is a device for the controlled release and delivery to mammalian tissue of a pharmacologically active agent comprising:(i) an impermeable backing member;(ii) a control membrane lamina consisting essentially of a first polymeric composition of matter which consists essentially of at least one C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 lower olefin-C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl acrylate and/or methacrylate copolymer having 2-90% by weight of alkyl acrylate and/or methacrylate monomeric units, taken alone, or taken further together with in intimate admixture, a second polymeric composition consisting essentially of a C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 polyalkylene corresponding to the C.sub.2 -C.sub.