Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to methods of making an external nasal dilator amenable to continuous and automated manufacture. For example, in one embodiment of the method, a roll of a three-layered material is used as the starting material, the three layers consisting substantially and respectively of (1) a resilient sheet, (2) an adhesive-protecting sheet, and (3) an adhesive layer between the resilient sheet and the adhesive-protecting sheet. A series of dies are used to cut the three-layered material into the appropriate shape and (when necessary) to impress grooves in the resilient sheet.

Abstract: A medical appliance securing device. In one embodiment, the device includes a pair of anchoring patches, each of the anchoring patches having an inner edge. A retaining tab extends from and interconnects the inner edges of the anchoring patches. The retaining tab has a first end fixed to the patches and a second end that is free to move relative to patches so that the retaining tab may be wrapped around at least a portion of a medical appliance. Complementary fasteners are adhered to the fixed and free ends of the retaining tab. Both the anchoring patches and the retaining tab are made up of a multi-layer material that includes a breathable non-woven fabric, a pressure-sensitive adhesive adhered to one surface of the fabric, and a moisture-barrier layer adhered to the opposite surface of the fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to external devices for dilating nasal passageways and to the manufacture thereof. More specifically, the external nasal dilator of the present invention usually comprises a resilient sheet, an adhesive layer, and an adhesive-protecting sheet. In some embodiments of the external nasal dilator, the resilient sheet defines a groove for reducing the peel force that results from bending the dilator over the bridge of the nose. In addition to the groove or in lieu thereof, some embodiments of the external nasal dilator comprise a nasal passage region having a reduced width to reduce the peel force. Finally, the dilator can comprise a sheet of adhesive tape, which in some embodiments can provide an instant tack surface to facilitate application of the dilator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to external devices for dilating nasal passageways and to the manufacture thereof. More specifically, the external nasal dilator of the present invention usually comprises a resilient sheet, an adhesive layer, and an adhesive-protecting sheet. In some embodiments of the external nasal dilator, the resilient sheet defines a groove for reducing the peel force that results from bending the dilator over the bridge of the nose. In addition to the groove or in lieu thereof, some embodiments of the external nasal dilator comprise a nasal passage region having a reduced width to reduce the peel force. Finally, the dilator can comprise a sheet of adhesive tape, which in some embodiments can provide an instant tack surface to facilitate application of the dilator.

Abstract: A reinforced suture strip that incorporates resilient bands oriented parallel to one another along a longitudinal axis of the suture strip. Each band includes a semirigid strip of resilient material, said strip generally extending substantially the length of the suture strip, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the suture strip. The reinforced suture strip inhibits or minimizes both abductive and transverse movement by the opposing sides of flesh about an incisive wound. The present invention also comprises in some of its embodiments methods and processes for treating wounds using reinforced suture strips as described herein.

Abstract: A device for securing a medical appliance, such as an intravenous catheter hub. According to one embodiment, the securing device includes an anchor. The anchor includes a base layer and an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer being applied to the bottom surface of the base layer. A pair of foam blocks are adhered to the bottom surface of the adhesive layer of the anchor. The blocks are arranged to snugly receive the catheter hub and have a height substantially equal to that of the catheter hub. A transverse slit is provided in the anchor above the space between the blocks, the transverse slit being dimensioned to receive the nipple of the catheter hub. Reinforcing material may be mounted on the top surface of the anchor to minimize expansion of the transverse slit when the nipple is inserted through it. A pair of peelable release liners cover the bottom of the anchor and the blocks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to external devices for dilating nasal passageways and to the manufacture thereof. More specifically, the external nasal dilator of the present invention usually comprises a resilient sheet, an adhesive layer, and an adhesive-protecting sheet. In some embodiments of the external nasal dilator, the resilient sheet defines a groove for reducing the peel force that results from bending the dilator over the bridge of the nose. In addition to the groove or in lieu thereof, some embodiments of the external nasal dilator comprise a nasal passage region having a reduced width to reduce the peel force. Finally, the dilator can comprise a sheet of adhesive tape, which in some embodiments can provide an instant tack surface to facilitate application of the dilator.

Abstract: A laminated dressing defining an area adapted to receive and hold medicine. In one embodiment of the invention, the dressing comprises a contact layer and a backing layer, both fabricated from absorbent materials. The contact layer has an inboard surface and an opposing outboard surface defined. The outboard surface of the contact layer is adapted to be applied to a patient's skin surrounding a wound. The contact layer further defines a die-cut through-opening substantially in the center of the contact layer. Adhering to the inboard surface of the contact layer is the backing layer, which likewise has an inboard surface and an opposing outboard surface defined. Medicine is received in the area defined by the through-opening in the contact layer and the inboard surface of the backing layer. A polymer film covers the outboard surface of the backing layer to prevent the escape of medicine from the dressing through the backing layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to external devices for dilating nasal passageways and to the manufacture thereof. More specifically, the external nasal dilator of the present invention usually comprises a resilient sheet, an adhesive layer, and an adhesive-protecting sheet. In some embodiments of the external nasal dilator, the resilient sheet defines a groove for reducing the peel force that results from bending the dilator over the bridge of the nose. In addition to the groove or in lieu thereof, some embodiments of the external nasal dilator comprise a nasal passage region having a reduced width to reduce the peel force. Finally, the dilator can comprise a sheet of adhesive tape, which in some embodiments can provide an instant tack surface to facilitate application of the dilator.

Abstract: An improved wound dressing composite is disclosed, having a membrane film wound dressing, a relatively stiff substantially planar carrier sheet with tabs, and a releasable cover. The film dressing has an upper surface, a lower adhesive surface and opposed side edges for application in a spread out disposition to a wound site with the lower surface adhered thereto. The film dressing, being relatively thin, is substantially unable to support itself in a planar configuration. The carrier sheet has an upper surface, a lower surface, and opposed edges. The carrier sheet is releasably adhered on its lower surface to the upper surface of the film dressing in supporting relation for supporting the film dressing in a planar configuration, with the side edges of the film dressing and carrier sheet generally aligned in close adjacency.