Abstract: A heat shield has a generally planar, sealed container having opposed, planar, water-permeable, heat-resistant front and rear members, and a highly water-absorbent polymer inside the container, the members being operable to allow passage of water into the interior of said container to swell the water-absorbent polymer.

Abstract: A blanket for smothering fires or protecting items from fire, comprised of a wettable polymer capable of high volume water retention, a water reservoir and heat activatable valves or water source to permit water to flow from the reservoir to wet the polymer through gravity fed conduits. For fire extinguishing, such as well-head fires, the blanket further comprises a heavy metal framework and an under-blanket support. The blanket is weighted and sized to cover the well-head fires with sufficient wetting to maintain it in place for sufficient time for smothering of the fire with an airtight closure. Uses of the reservoir-connected blanket include houses and mobile homes, protection suits and doorway mounts. In an embodiment used to protect valuable items, the polymer portion of the blanket is comprised of a tri-layer configuration of: a) a water tight liner to prevent water damage to the covered item, b) the wettable polymer, and c) a protective outer coat of a material such as glass fiber, kevlar and the like.

Abstract: An enclosure which provides a sterile environment for insertion of a catheter, attachment of an iv setup and the like and in another embodiment for sterile maintenance of a localized surgical site. The enclosure in both embodiments is comprised of a sterile transparent dome section comprised of a medically inert and acceptable resilient or rubber-like plastic material such as polyurethane, PVC or polyethylene, with a flat flange section peripherally situated around the base of the dome and extending away from the enclosure. The flange section comprises an adhesive section on the underface thereof whereby the dome can be sealingly and hermetically removably adhered to the skin of a patient to enclose a portion of a patient's skin in a controllable environment.

Abstract: A napkin- or drape holder in the form of a one-piece molding, comprising:a) a spring-like first plastic member having a body portion terminating in opposed proximal ends, the body portion being shaped to fit around the human neck;b) a spring-like second plastic member having a body portion terminating in free ends, each of the free ends being connected to the body portion of the first member by integral plastic hinges;c) the members have a normally open position in which they lie in planes oblique to one another and a closed position in which they are coplanar, the members being swingable about the hinges between these positions;d) the members are operable when in the closed position to clamp a napkin in place inserted between the body portions thereof; ande) integral plastic locks carried by one of the members for releasably locking the members in the closed position.

Abstract: Apparatus for shielding an area of an aircraft from the adverse effects of a fire, which comprises a wall for enclosing at lease a portion of the area of the aircraft to be shielded, a highly water-absorbent polymer operatively associated with the wall, a reservoir for storing water, conduits for establishing liquid communication between the reservoir and the polymer, and a device for delivering water from the reservoir to the polymer via the conduits.

Abstract: A sterilized cassette and a transparent cover for the cassette are stored in sterile packaging. A sterilizing gas flows through the cassette to maintain the operating field sterile while the cassette is in place on the patient.

Abstract: Sterile packaging contains a sterilized cassette and a needle assembly and a cover for the cassette in its own sterile packaging. The cassette assembly maintains the operating field sterile and free from contaminants before the needle is inserted, while it is in place and during its removal.

Abstract: A denture adherent preparation in powder form, which comprises an admixture of(a) a dental adhesive and(b) a gel-forming mixture of a water-soluble alginate and a setting agent for the water-soluble alginate in an amount effective to cause gelation of an aqueous solution containing the water soluble alginate.The powder composition of the present invention comprising the gel-forming mixture and dental adhesive described above, may also be used as a depot formulation for delivery of therapeutic agents to the oral cavity.

Abstract: An anti-splash device for attachment to a dental tool that delivers an aqueous fluid from a nozzle, which comprises an inverted U-shaped member having a base and integral, opposed legs depending therefrom, one of said legs having a bore extending therethrough and operable to secure said member to the nozzle of said dental tool, said bore providing access to the space between said opposed legs.

Abstract: A denture adherent preparation in powder form, which comprises an admixture of(a) from about 40-60% dental adhesive(b) from about 60-4% gel-forming mixture of a water-soluble alginate and a setting agent for the water-soluble alginate in an amount effective to cause gelation of an aqueous solution containing the water soluble alginate.The powder composition of the present invention comprising the gel-forming mixture and dental adhesive described above, may also be used as a depot formulation for delivery of therapeutic agents to the oral cavity.

Abstract: An anti-splash device for attachment to a dental tool having apparatus for delivering water from the head thereof during use, comprising an elongated, hollow member and a member for securing said hollow member to the head of said dental tool, said hollow member being adapted to surround and be spaced apart from said water delivery apparatus.

Abstract: Odontologic compositions suited for use as denture adhesives, the compositions containing a major amount of gum base and a quantity of a hydrophilic polymer to modify the adhesive properties of the gum base together with processes for producing such compositions.