Abstract: A cancer detection patch is used for aid in early detection of breast cancer by a method which involves scanning mirror image quadrants of the breast to determine the temperature thereof. The patch comprises a flexible, heat-conductive web; an array of spaced-apart temperature indicators comprising a dye, or a pigment, and a temperature-sensitive substance having a relatively precise melting point approximately 0.5.degree. F. different from the melting point of the temperature-sensitive substance in the adjacent indicator, wherein each of said indicators displays a change in color upon melting of the temperature-sensitive substance therein; a transparent layer overlying said heat-conductive web and sealed thereto; a backing web made of a flexible, compressible material secured to the other side of the heat-conductive web and a peelable layer adhesively secured to said backing web.

Abstract: A cancer detection patch is used for aid in early detection of breast cancer by a method which involves scanning mirror image quadrants of the breast to determine the temperature thereof. The patch comprises a flexible, heat-conductive web; an array of spaced-apart temperature indicators comprising a dye, or a pigment, and a temperature-sensitive substance having a relatively precise melting point approximately 0.5.degree. F. different from the melting point of the temperature-sensitive substance in the adjacent indicator, wherein each of said indicators displays a change in color upon melting of the temperature-sensitive substance therein; a transparent layer overlying said heat-conductive web and sealed thereto; a backing web made of a flexible, compressible material secured to the other side of the heat-conductive web and a peelable layer adhesively secured to said backing web.

Abstract: A slip resistant article such as an underpad comprises a moisture-absorbent layer and a water-impervious layer. One surface of the water-impervious layer is in contact with a mattress seat of a wheelchair and the like articles, and is treated with a material which has a high coefficient of friction to prevent the pad from slipping or sliding out of position relative to the surface of such articles when the patient moves about.

Abstract: A package for the complete and protective enclosure of an article is described in which the article is fully enclosed by a continuous surface of rigid or semi-rigid material so as to form a housing. The housing is banded by a section of sufficiently reduced wall thickness to permit the frangible separation of the housing into two segments which are then drawn apart with the enclosed article being engaged by one of the segments for withdrawal from the other segment. The article can be fully assembled or partially assembled while in the package and means are described in the latter instance for dispensing the fully assembled article automatically in the course of removing it from the package.

Abstract: A device is provided for aid in early detection of breast cancer. The device comprises a flexible, heat-conductive web, preferably in the form of a disc-shaped patch having an adhesive layer on one side thereof and a peelable layer removably secured thereto by said adhesive layer. On the other side thereof, the device comprises an array of spaced-apart indicators, each of said indicators comprising a dye or a pigment and a temperature sensitive substance (crystalline organic chemical) which melts at a relatively precise temperature which is approximately 0.5.degree. F. different from the adjacent indicator. As many indicators are used as are necesary to cover the desired temperature range. The device is incorporated into the breast-receiving cups of a brassiere and mirror image quadrants of the two breasts are scanned and the device is visually examined to determine the number of indicators which have displayed a change in color, thus apprising the person of the existence of abnormality in the mammary tissue.