Abstract: A wearable support device for use with heavy clothing such as a lead gown or apron is disclosed. The device relieves the shoulders and back of weight by transferring the weight of the lead gown to the waist and hips of the wearers. The device comprises a strap that supports the gown and a bolster disposed on the strap that is located distally. The lead gown is word over the waistband such that it rests upon the bolster. A closure is used to secure the device around the waist of the wearer, and an adjustment can be located on the strap for ensuring a snug fit. The bolster is made of a semi-firm material that is sufficiently firm to support a lead gown and flexible to conform comfortably to the waist of a wearer.

Abstract: A wearable support device for use with heavy clothing is disclosed. The device relieves the shoulders and back of weight by transferring the weight to the waist and hips of the users. The device comprises a frame attached to a waistband. The heavy clothing is worn over the device in a normal fashion. The clothing rests on the frame which, by its construction and by virtue of being rigid and positioned off the torso, transfers the weight to the waistband. An optional cushion is contemplated. Weight supporting posts attached to the waistband are also contemplated.

Abstract: A biologically implantable containment device having a wet seal, the device being adaptable for drug formulations or cell suspensions. A porous membrane, in a tubular configuration, is formed and can be configured as part of a closed cell-tight system for loading. During loading, the containment device membrane is wet, while the loading system remains cell-tight. The containment device is wet-sealed through a combination of heat and pressure, while the system remains cell-tight. Sealing the containment device substantially or completely eliminates metabolic functioning of any organisms in the vicinity of the closure. The wet-seal is formed by melting a thermoplastic material that is in contact with the membrane. The containment device is separated from the cell-tight loading system, which remains closed after separation.

Abstract: A surgical system, including a sealable pouch or envelope with surgical implements in the envelope is disclosed. The envelope is formed by the folds in a membrane and includes adhesive on the envelope to adhere the envelope to the surgical site. The system may include a port in the membrane to communicate between the interior and exterior of the envelope. When used for implant surgery, the port helps to provide sterile access to the implant site and also helps to ensure that the implant site does not become contaminated. The adhesive helps to position the system to the patient, and placement of the surgical implements inside the envelope helps to ensure sterility of the implements. The envelope can be opened over the surgery site and adhered to the incision site on the patient, thereby forming a sterile field.

Abstract: A biologically implantable containment device having a wet seal, the device being adaptable for drug formulations or cell suspensions. A porous membrane, in a tubular configuration, is formed and can be configured as part of a closed cell-tight system for loading. During loading, the containment device membrane is wet, while the loading system remains cell-tight. The containment device is wet-sealed through a combination of heat and pressure, while the system remains cell-tight. Sealing the containment device substantially or completely eliminates metabolic functioning of any organisms in the vicinity of the closure. The wet-seal is formed by melting a thermoplastic material that is in contact with the membrane. The containment device is separated from the cell-tight loading system, which remains closed after separation.

Abstract: A method is provided for closing a containment device that involves wetting at least a portion of a permeable polymeric membrane such as tubular membrane with a liquid such as a cell suspension or drug formulation the device is being filled with, and applying heat to at least a portion of a wetted thermoplastic polymer in association with the membrane to form a “wet seal” closure. The thermoplastic polymer melts at a lower temperature than the polymeric membrane and the melted polymer integrates with the membrane by flowing along surfaces and into available interstices of the membrane to form a cell-tight closure when the polymer cools below its melt temperature. The application of heat may be accompanied by slight pressure, and a heat sink may be applied to limit heat transfer beyond the closure region to the membrane.