Abstract: A laminate structure (e.g., hot or cold wrap) formed from outer substrates that are bonded together to form at least one pocket is provided. The pocket is separated by an inner substrate such that the pocket defines an upper pocket region and a lower pocket region, each of which contains a reactant. Due to the presence of the inner substrate, the reactants do not intermix prior to activation of the laminate structure. To activate the laminate structure, a tension force is exerted so that the inner substrate ruptures, thereby allowing the reactants to freely intermix and produce the desired result. For example, in some instances, the reactants undergo and exothermic or endothermic reaction so that the laminate structure may be utilized as a hot or cold wrap.

Abstract: A device that can be used to treat appendage ailments is provided. The device, or appendage sleeve, can be used for wounds, cuts, and blisters, as well as joint related ailments, such as arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. In some instances, the appendage sleeve can at least partially made from an elastomeric material, such as an elastomeric nonwoven, so that the sleeve can more aptly fit onto a finger or toe. Furthermore, the sleeve can also possess a barrier that is liquid impermeable, but vapor permeable so that the finger or toe of a user is more comfortable. Various additives can be applied to the sleeve to aid for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: An oral cleaning device that can fit onto a human finger is provided. The oral cleaning device, or dental wipe, is at least partially made from an elastomeric material, such as an elastomeric nonwoven, so that the wipe can more aptly fit onto a finger. Furthermore, the wipe, in some instances, can possess a barrier that is liquid-impervious, but vapor-permeable so that the finger of a user is more comfortable during cleaning. Various additives can be applied to the wipe to aid in the cleaning process.

Abstract: A finger glove that can fit onto a human finger is provided. The finger glove can be used as a substitute for cotton balls, swabs, and/or gauzes, or as an oral cleaning device. The finger glove is at least partially made from an elastomeric material such that the glove can more aptly fit onto a finger. Moreover, the glove can also be partially made from a texturized material having an abrasive surface useful for cleaning surfaces. Furthermore, the glove, in some instances, can possess a barrier that is liquid-impermeable, but vapor-permeable so that the finger of a user is more comfortable during use. Various additives can be applied to the glove.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and device for measuring water quality. The present invention utilizes displaceable particles located upon a substrate for measuring the water quality. The device allows the particles to be displaced by attaching bacteria to the substrate. The presence or the amount of bacteria in water is detected over a relatively short time period so as to provide a device or method for near instantaneous indication or measurement of water quality.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filtered fluid dispensing system. The invention may replace the sprayer provided with the faucet assembly of a conventional sink and may, in certain embodiments, be adapted to selectively dispense filtered and unfiltered fluid.

Abstract: A multi-component liquid filter is provided having at least two filter elements. One of the filter elements has an increased effective surface area defined by, for example, a pleated surface, to provide an increased filtering surface area. In addition, another one of the filter elements can have a flat surface to minimize the filtering surface area of the element. In one embodiment, the multi-component liquid filter has at least two generally cylindrical filter elements arranged concentric relative to a common axis. One of the filter elements can have a circumferential filtering surface having an increased effective surface area and another one of the filter elements can have a constant radius circumferential filtering surface to minimize the filtering surface area of the element.