Abstract: A wound irrigation apparatus including a disposable portion associated with a discharged irrigation stream and a reusable fluid dispensing portion. One embodiment combines a conventional disposable splash shield with a shroud operable as a second splash shield to further protect (for reuse) a flow control device and its fluid supply conduit from splash-back of irrigating fluid. An exemplary shroud can be formed from a plastic bag. The shroud generally is used with a check valve forming a fluid path from the flow control device to a discharge nozzle exterior to the shroud. A preferred check valve may be embodied as a LUER™ joint spacer, and is structured to form a fluid resistant connection in engagement with a shroud by piercing the distal end of the check valve through a membrane wall of the shroud for reception of that distal end in a hub of a splash shield.

Abstract: An improved bite valve for use in personal hydration devices and other water dispensing systems. The valve has a flexible conduit sealed at an end by a cap. Fluid is blocked from flowing out of the conduit by the cap. The cap provides a fluid seal as a ring around an exterior surface of the conduit. Biting an end of the conduit, near the cap, radially separates the conduit from the cap, permitting fluid to flow into a person's mouth. The configuration of the valve permits a larger valve opening, and correspondingly improved fluid flow through the valve. A positive stop mechanism, to prevent undesired fluid flow, may also be provided in a valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring fluid pressure includes a reusable base section, and a disposable dome section detachably connected to the base section. The disposable dome section defines a fluid pathway and includes a dome viewing segment in fluid communication with a flush segment and a stopcock segment. A pressure transducer sensor is disposed in the reusable base section and is adapted to produce electrical signals proportional to fluid pressures sensed in the fluid pathway. A usage indicator can be disposed in the base section to provide a visual indication of usage of the apparatus within a predetermined number of uses. A calibration port can be provided in the base section to allow for simple calibration by the user without violating the sterility of the apparatus. The ability to reuse the base section with the sensor component reduces the cost of the apparatus, while the disposability of the dome section with the fluid pathway ensures sterility for each use.

Abstract: An improved bite valve for use in personal hydration devices and other water dispensing systems. The valve has a flexible conduit sealed at an end by a cap. Fluid is blocked from flowing out of the conduit by the cap. The cap provides a fluid seal as a ring around an exterior surface of the conduit. Biting an end of the conduit, near the cap, radially separates the conduit from the cap, permitting fluid to flow into a person's mouth. The configuration of the valve permits a larger valve opening, and correspondingly improved fluid flow through the valve. A positive stop mechanism, to prevent undesired fluid flow, may also be provided in a valve.

Abstract: The invention discloses a natural treatment for ecto-parasitic infestation, particularly effective against lice be it head, body or pubic. A preferred gel composition includes a salt, a plant essence, and a pharmaceutically acceptable gelling agent. Besides gel, the composition designed for use on scalp hair may be formulated as a shampoo, a detangling spray conditioner, mousse, hair spray, or hair styling emulsion. The composition may be formulated as an ointment or lotion for topical use in areas with sparse hair. The invention also discloses a method of use of the composition, which is especially suited for treatment of the hair of infested children. The composition and method benefit from the soothing effects of aroma therapy. An additional benefit is that ecto-parasites do not develop resistance to the composition, which may be used repeatedly with no ill effects to the host.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring fluid pressure includes a reusable base section, and a disposable dome section detachably connected to the base section. The disposable dome section defines a fluid pathway and includes a dome viewing segment in fluid communication with a flush segment and a stopcock segment. A pressure transducer sensor is disposed in the reusable base section and is adapted to produce electrical signals proportional to fluid pressures sensed in the fluid pathway. A usage indicator can be disposed in the base section to provide a visual indication of usage of the apparatus within a predetermined number of uses. A calibration port can be provided in the base section to allow for simple calibration by the user without violating the sterility of the apparatus. The ability to reuse the base section with the sensor component reduces the cost of the apparatus, while the disposability of the dome section with the fluid pathway ensures sterility for each use.

Abstract: A splash shield for use in wound irrigation comprises a three-dimensional shield member having a peripheral edge and a surface extending from the peripheral edge, the shield member being formed at least in part of flexible and pliant material for selectively shaping the peripheral edge to fit the shape or dimension of a wound, and an adjustable hub extending from the surface of the shield member configured to be circumferentially adjustable to adapt to the fluid end portion of any number and variety of irrigation fluid delivery devices. An attachable drain tube and a splash shield having an attached drain tube for removing fluid from the wound site is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wound irrigation apparatus comprising a fillable fluid delivery member, a fluid channel, and a splash shield for use in wound irrigation is disclosed. The splash shield is a three-dimensional shield positionable about a wound to protect medical personnel from the back splash resulting from wound irrigation and is at least partially flexible and compliant for shaping the shield to fit the unique shape or dimension of a wound. The flexible peripheral edge of the splash shield also prevents damage to the wound if the shield should come in contact with the wound. The shield may also be structured to provide selective angular adjustment of fluid delivery to the wound. The shield of the present invention generally comprises a shield member and a hub positioned through the surface of the shield member to direct fluid to a wound. The shield member may be structured to provide selective angular positioning of the hub to selectively direct fluid to the wound site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rhamnogalacturonases derived from a strain of Aspergillus japonicus which (a) has a pH-optimum between 6.5 and 7.0; (b) retains at least 80% of the maximal activity throughout the pH range of 5.5-12; (c) has a temperature optimum of about 40.degree. C.; and (d) retains at least 80% of the maximal activity throughout the temperature range of 20-60.degree. C. The present invention relates to rhamnogalacturonases derived from a strain of Aspergillus aculeatus which (a) has a pH-optimum of about 5.0; (b) retains at least 80% of the maximal activity throughout the pH range of 3-6.5; (c) has a temperature optimum of about 40.degree. C.; and (d) retains at least 80% of the maximal activity throughout the temperature range of 5-50.degree. C.

Abstract: A fluid delivery valve for use in fluid conducting systems includes a rigid bracing member positioned within a hollow, flexible, resilient valve housing. By applying opposing lateral forces to the external surface of the housing near a widened portion of the bracing member, the valve housing deforms around the widened portion and the valve is actuated. Actuating the valve permits fluid communication between the inner chamber of the valve housing, and a channel which extends through an enlarged portion. The channels are sealed by the inner wall of the housing when the opposing forces are released. The fluid is thus selectively allowed to travel past the bracing member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a one-step method for disinfection and cleaning of contact lenses of the type using hydrogen peroxide as the disinfecting agent and a protease as the cleaning agent, comprising the following steps: a) disinfection of the contact lenses in an aqueous disinfecting solution comprising from 1 wt. % to 5 wt. % hydrogen peroxide at a pH not acceptable to the eyes, b) cleaning the contact lenses by subjecting the contact lenses to a protease being inactivated within a period of time at a pH level not acceptable to the eyes, c) neutralization of the hydrogen peroxide in the aqueous disinfecting solution with a microbial catalase being substantially active at pH 3.0 to 7.0, d) adjusting the pH in the aqueous disinfecting solution to a pH level acceptable to the eyes.

Abstract: A vaccine and method for treating fish susceptible to infection by Renibacterium salmoninarum is described. The vaccine comprises killed microorganisms that lack intact cell-surface-associated protein p57. The vaccine can be used in combination with additional materials, such as, without limitation, adjuvants, plasticizers, pharmaceutical excipients, antigens other than the cells lacking intact cell-surface-associated protein p57, diluents, carriers, binders, lubricants, glidants, aesthetic compounds, such as flavoring and coloring agents, and combinations thereof. The vaccine may be enteric-coated for oral delivery. The enteric coating generally comprises a polymer coating that is impervious to dissolution and/or degradation in the stomach, but is dissolved upon passing to the higher pH environments of the intestine. A preferred embodiment of the vaccine is made using spherical sugar microspheres.

Abstract: A method for actuating an access control transmitter in which a four code access transmitter is employed with the dimmer switch flashed once to produce a first signal, twice in rapid succession to produce a second signal, three times in rapid succession to produce a third signal, and four times in rapid succession to produce a fourth succession. Each separate signal is an access controlled signal to gain access to an access controlled area such as a garage. Programming of the access controlled transmitter occurs by actuating a standard transmitter nearby, when the access transmitter is in a programming mode. A programming access mechanism is provided to prevent authorized programming of the access transmitter by one not having the programming access code.

Abstract: A device for providing remote control current signals to wave energy transmitters in a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a power source, a manually operated electrical switch, and at least one wave energy transmitter. The device comprises an electrical network including a first timing R--C circuit, a second timing R--C circuit, a counter, and a transmission actuator that has a plurality of transmission output lines. The first timing R--C circuit provides a first timing period triggered by a first actuation of the electrical switch in the vehicle. The counter counts the number of times the electrical switch is actuated during the timing period. The transmission actuator provides an output current to one of the output lines for a duration controlled by the second timing R--C circuit. Selection of the output line for receiving the output current is determined by the accumulated count during the first timing period.

Abstract: An implantable lead fixation apparatus, including two suture collars connected by a flexible retaining member of predetermined length, is provided for anchoring an elongate cylindrical electrode lead to a patient's body. Each suture collar comprises a flexible annular member having a central lumen that is adapted to enclose the lead. The suture collars each include provision for securing the lead against longitudinal movement of the lead with respect to the collar, and provision for anchoring the collar to the patient's body. The suture collars are positioned relatively proximally and distally with respect to the lead, and are secured on the lead with the proximal suture collar being separated from the distal suture collar by slightly less than the length of the retaining member.