Abstract: The invention includes apparatus and method for detecting defects in various barrier materials including surgical gloves and food packaging. Voltage is applied across electrodes and a barrier material and the voltage measured and compared with voltage control measurements for the same barrier material without a defect. Sensitivity of measurements is increased by adjusting partial pressure across the barrier material which is subjected to the passage of an ionized gas detected by suitable instrumentation.

Abstract: A urinary catheter and system includes a catheter with a drain lumen which is coated with oligodynamic metal and preferably arranged with a coating of a more noble metal for creating an iontophoretic galvanic couple, which drives antimicrobial ions into solution. The exterior of the catheter is also coated in a similar manner to inhibit microbes migrating toward the bladder along the outer surface of the catheter. The system includes a flow rate control device which may be a one-way valve, a filter or both. A collection bag is coupled to the control device. The interconnecting hoses, the flow rate control device(s) and the collection bag are also coated on the interior with oligodynamic metal, preferably silver, and also with a more noble metal, preferably platinum.

Abstract: A method of fabricating micron-range holes in elastic barrier materials which involves securing an elastic barrier material to a restraining ring and removing a limited portion of the elastic barrier material so as to form a hole having a diameter of less than 0.5 to 10 .mu.m. The portion of the elastic barrier material which is removed may be removed by a drilling, punching or clipping process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the non-destructive testing of a protective baer material. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises applying an alternating electrical current across the protective barrier material for establishing a conductivity, G, of the protective barrier material and/or a quality factor, Q, of the protective barrier material. The conductivity, G, and/or the quality factor, Q, are measured at more than one frequency. The quality factor and/or conductivity measurements so obtained at the more than one frequency are compared to predetermined quality factor and/or conductivity limits.

Abstract: An improved method of orthondontic electroosteogenesis comprises providing a biocompatible anode having a noble metal portion in engagement with an electrolytic gel portion comprising agarose and an electrolyte, where the anode gel portion is in engagement with epithelial gingiva at an area of osteoclastic or osteoblastic activity, and a biocompatible cathode having a noble metal portion in engagement with an electrolytic gel portion comprising agarose, an electrolyte, and a weak, biocompatible acid, where the cathode gel portion is in engagement with epithelial gingiva at an area of osteoblastic or osteoclastic activity. Electric current is then applied across the anode and cathode to stimulate osteogenesis. The invention also comprises biocompatible electrodes for electric stimulation of tissue.