Body Treatment Patents (Class 206/210)
  • Patent number: 7871581
    Abstract: A medical instrument holding assembly for improved pre-sterilization cleaning with or without lubrication of the instruments is provided. The medical instrument holding assembly includes a coil or a series of plates defining instrument receiving gaps, opposing support ends, a perforated retracting member that maintains the instruments in an open position so that cleaning can reach the hard to reach areas of the instrument, and restraint bands for holding the instruments in the medical instrument holding assembly during handling. The method is also included for improved pre-sterilization cleaning using the medical instrument holding assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Patient Care Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Billy Donald Coleman, John Forrest May
  • Patent number: 7857913
    Abstract: A cleaning compound for cleaning surfaces in a food processing environment includes at least one container, with each container including a peroxide and/or an alkaline reactant therein. The alkaline reactant is selected to raise the pH of the cleaning compound into the alkaline range when the peroxide and the alkaline reactant are mixed together. The cleaning compound may be a liquid or dry compound, which is applied to the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: William E. Spindler
  • Publication number: 20100300903
    Abstract: A method of providing an antioxidant to a medical device and a kit are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: NI DING
  • Patent number: 7842010
    Abstract: A pneumatically-operated thrombectomy catheter deployment system having a plurality of components collectively acting as a drive unit, including a double-acting air cylinder, a reciprocating assembly including a positionable four-way valve, a high pressure pump, an effluent pump, a compressed air tank, and other closely related components. The double-acting air cylinder is reciprocatingly driven by the complement of the drive unit components to provide high pressure saline for use in the thrombectomy catheter and to exhaust effluent from the system. A plurality of preconnected components are connected to the drive unit including a thrombectomy catheter, a saline supply bag, an effluent collection bag, connection tubes, and other closely related components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: MEDRAD, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael John Bonnette, Arun Saini, Ernest Ralph Scherger, III, Eric Joel Thor, Stephen Earl Weisel
  • Patent number: 7832555
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a first compartment for storing and heating baby wipes, a second compartment for storing plastic bags for use as dirty diaper bags, a first fluid receptacle for holding and dispensing hand-lotion, a second fluid receptacle for holding and dispensing anti-bacterial lotion, and a tube receiving and squeezing mechanism that can hold one of a variety of tubes and that can squeeze cream such as diaper rash ointment from the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Regalo International, LLC
    Inventor: Mark A Flannery
  • Publication number: 20100282623
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a medical sharps and waste disposal container made from a composition of polypropylene and an additive is provided. The container has a puncture resistance of at least about 2.8 lbf. The additive is present in an amount sufficient to accelerate degradation of the polypropylene after a predetermined shelf-life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP
    Inventor: Piyush J. Reshamwala
  • Patent number: 7829042
    Abstract: A personal sanitation device comprises a container, a substrate disposed within the container and a disinfecting agent carried by the substrate. The personal sanitation device is utilized by the user, for example, by inserting a portion of their body into the container to contact the substrate. The disinfecting agent is transferred from the substrate to the inserted body portion to sanitize that portion of the user. Objects may also be placed within the container to come in contact with the substrate so as to have the disinfecting agent transferred to said objects, thereby disinfecting them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Gerald B. Halt, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7828142
    Abstract: A unit dose package for applying a material with an applicator having a separate material and applicator portion. In one embodiment, a material well is squeezed to dispense the material onto an applicator through a releasable portion between the material well and the edge of the tray. In another embodiment, a plurality of material wells is used to mix different materials to be dispensed with an applicator. In another embodiment a portion of the cover is removable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Centrix, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Discko, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7823722
    Abstract: A packed intraluminal probe comprises a tube provided with a hydrophilic coating and having a proximal holding end connected to a nozzle. The nozzle has a canal communicating with the tube and an orifice. The probe is entirely arranged in a flexible, transparent and hermetic package. The probe comprises a removable stopper which closes the orifice. The package is fixed to the nozzle in a hermetic manner such that the nozzle defines two hermetic chambers which communicate only by means of the lumen of the tube and the canal in the nozzle. A first chamber contains a wetting fluid for the coating of the tube, but a second chamber does not contain any wetting fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: B. Braun Medical SAS
    Inventors: Pascal Bezou, Remi Collin
  • Patent number: 7806877
    Abstract: The invention provides an easily gripped, single use or multiple use, packet applicator that contains, protects, dispenses and applies powders, solids, semi-solids, semi-liquids, and liquids. The packet contents, or “payload”, are selected from a wide variety of personal care, domestic, office, commercial, and industrial substances, such as: sunscreen, soap, cosmetics, cosmetics removers, and medicaments for application to epidermis and other body surfaces; detergents, waxes, cleansers, and polishes for application to household surfaces; and lubricants, paints, sensors, and sealants for application to commercial and industrial surfaces. Embodiments of the packet applicator can include a rotatable grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventors: Alan H. I. Kang, George E. Darby
  • Patent number: 7770726
    Abstract: A sheet material wrapped about a catheter to form a package. The catheter extends generally longitudinally within the package, and the sheet material extends from a point beyond the proximal end to a point beyond the distal end of the catheter. Confronting proximal end edges, distal end edges and side edges of the sheet material are joined by a seal to define a sealed cavity. The sheet material has a tear strip affixed thereto which causes the package to open along an intended opening line. A gas permeable, liquid impermeable barrier divides the sealed cavity into a first compartment within which the catheter is contained and a second compartment within which a wick wetted with an aqueous liquid is entirely confined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Hollister Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Murray, Kai Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 7766163
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a package comprising a container defining a compartment for containing a liquid and at least partly a medical device. The compartment extends in a longitudinal direction from a bottom of the container towards an opening of the container, wherein a first section of the compartment has a cross-sectional area which is smaller than a cross-sectional area of a second section of the compartment, and where the first section is arranged between the opening and the second section. As the cross-sectional area of the first section is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second section the first section will function as a stop for the liquid in case the container is placed in a horizontal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventor: Allan Tanghoej
  • Publication number: 20100159435
    Abstract: A container may comprise a reservoir that may be associated with a dispensing opening or a closure element of the container. The reservoir may transfer a transferable material, such as a fragrance composition or skin health benefit ingredient, to the container's content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Joerg Mueller, Yessica De Nardin, Ursula Christina Glaser, Robert M. Hubbard, Lamia Delphine Mimassi, Cornelia Schmidt, Naka Seidel
  • Publication number: 20100137934
    Abstract: An adapter for temporary sterile electric connection of an implantable medical electronic device to an electrode line that is to be connected to the implantable medical electronic device during implantation for undistorted transmission of measured values detectable on the electrode line to the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas DOERR
  • Publication number: 20100116695
    Abstract: A packed intraluminal probe comprises a tube provided with a hydrophilic coating and having a proximal holding end connected to a nozzle. The nozzle has a canal communicating with the tube and an orifice. The probe is entirely arranged in a flexible, transparent and hermetic package. The probe comprises a removable stopper which closes the orifice. The package is fixed to the nozzle in a hermetic manner such that the nozzle defines two hermetic chambers which communicate only by means of the lumen of the tube and the canal in the nozzle. A first chamber contains a wetting fluid for the coating of the tube, but a second chamber does not contain any wetting fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Pascal Bezou, Remi Collin
  • Publication number: 20100116694
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a medical device package including a container for receiving a medical device having an area configured for storing at least one agent and a port for permitting the passage of a contact material between the outside the container and the area configured for storing the agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Joshua B. Stopek, Matthew D. Cohen, Joseph Hotter, William Denman
  • Patent number: 7712606
    Abstract: The invention provides a two-part package and method of use for a pre-attached medical implant and delivery tool system. The package includes a wet compartment and a dry compartment and allows a pre-attached implant and delivery tool system to be at least partially stored immersed in a fluid in the wet compartment and at least partially stored in the dry compartment. In one embodiment the implant comprises a replacement heart valve, and the heart valve is stored inside the wet compartment while the heart valve delivery tool remains dry in the dry compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Sadra Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Tom Saul, Robert Geshlider, Andrea Johnson, Dwight Morejohn, Daniel Hildebrand, Jean-Pierre Dueri
  • Patent number: 7711435
    Abstract: A storable implantable medical device assembly. An implantable medical device has a secondary coil operatively coupled to therapeutic componentry. A container holds the implantable medical device, the container having a first face. The implantable medical device being arranged in the container such that the secondary coil is positioned within a distance of the first face. The distance allows charging of the implantable medical device without disturbing the container. The first face of the container having indicia representative of a lateral location on the first face aligned with the secondary coil of the implantable medical device. The may then be utilized to place an external antenna in order to charge the implantable medical device without disturbing the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E Schommer
  • Patent number: 7703602
    Abstract: An easy-open encasement formed of a soft encasement member in the form of a film. An opening or an openable portion is formed in the soft encasement member, which allows a user to extract contents from the encasement. Furthermore, a lid member, which can be peelably adhered to the soft encasement member, is adhered to the surface of the soft encasement member such that it covers the opening or openable portion. With such a structure, a tab is provided at a part of the perimeter of the lid member, which serves as a starting point that allows the user to peel off the lid member. Furthermore, the tab includes a hinge portion, which allows the user to raise the tab, or a flap elevated from the surface of the encasement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Ikuya Saito, Takeshi Hanajiri, Takeshi Bando, Hiromi Yamada
  • Patent number: 7682347
    Abstract: An extra-labia urine voiding apparatus including a container sized and shaped to externally cover a vulval region of a female anatomy. The container has an open side and defines a reservoir that is adapted for receiving urine. The container also includes a surface disposed at a top of the container adapted to face and generally surround a periphery of the vulval region. The voiding apparatus also includes a conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir of the container and adapted for draining urine from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: FemMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Parks, James C. Block
  • Patent number: 7681725
    Abstract: A container may comprise a reservoir that may be associated with a dispensing opening or a closure element of the container. The reservoir may transfer a transferable material, such as a fragrance composition or skin health benefit ingredient, to the container's content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Joerg Mueller, Yessica De Nardin, Ursula Christina Glaser, Robert M. Hubbard, Lamia Delphine Mimassi, Cornelia Schmidt, Naka Seidel
  • Publication number: 20100065445
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pre-packaged, pre-moistened towel, which is customized. The towel is made from a woven cloth material, which can be customized by printing logos, designs or words on the towel. The towel can be either disposable or reusable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Huckleberry Toys
    Inventor: Hugo Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20100044253
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a sunscreen storage device comprising a timer that may be used to removably store compacted powder sunscreen contained within pallets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Natalie Santalucia
  • Patent number: 7651508
    Abstract: The DiamAbrasion System is a system for removing portions of the outer layers of skin comprising a source of vacuum; abrasive tipped tools; a tube with an internal lumen connecting the vacuum source and the center of the abrasive tipped tools whereby the vacuum functions to clean the skin of exfoliated cells and collect them for disposal to an inline filter. The inventive difference between the DiamAbrasion System and the prior art is in the design of the pick-up-treatment head of the apparatus. The prior art utilizes the low pressure section of the tip to suck the skin against the abrasive surface and to evacuate the abraded cells. The DiamAbrasion System has vent grooves across the abrasive surface of the distal ends of the tool tips to keep the vacuum from pulling the skin into the head. This is particularly important as many of the users of this device are elderly and their skin is not resilient and tends to bunch up in front of the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Dan A. Vierk
  • Publication number: 20100000886
    Abstract: A moisturized towelette impregnated with a sanitizing agent. The sanitizing agent is ingestible and safe for human consumption. The towelette is used to sanitize food handling utensils prior to their use in touching food items to be consumed by individuals. An alternative is to sanitize children or infant toys, pacifiers and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Lou Labuski - Brown
  • Publication number: 20090321283
    Abstract: A sealed package (10) encloses a pad (14) which has an impervious backing layer which may optionally be the base layer (10b) of the package (10). At least the interior of the package (10) and the sealed pad (14) are made of materials which are substantially free of micro-contaminants. The package is openable by separating the cover layer (1 Oa) from the base layer (10b) and thereby breaking the seal (12). The pad (14) may be dry or it may be impregnated with any suitable treatment substance, such as a solvent, which facilitates cleaning and which dissipates electrostatic charges. When the sealed pad (14) is dry, a suitable liquid or gel treatment substance, such as a solvent, may be applied to the pad or to a portion of it. A retainer hole (20) may be provided in the package (10) in the extra-peripheral area (11) outside the seal (12) to hold an optic fiber connector with which the package (10) may be sold as a unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: ZYNON TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Jay S. Tourigny
  • Patent number: 7595021
    Abstract: A disinfectant delivery system and method of providing alcohol-free disinfection to a body to be disinfected, as well as a method of infection reduction by preparation of a patient before an invasive procedure. A blended cloth comprising first fibers and second fibers is provided with the first fibers generally being greater in quantity by weight than the second fibers. A disinfectant solution impregnates the blended cloth, with the disinfectant solution having chlorhexidine gluconate as an active ingredient and having no alcohol. In the method according to the invention, at least one impregnated blended cloth is used to disinfect at least a portion of a body. A plurality of blended cloths can be provided for disinfecting discrete portions of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Sage Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Keaty, Jr., Ram Chakroborty, Jennifer M. Allen, Ajay Chawla, Robert J. Panek, Jr., Paul H. Hanifl
  • Patent number: 7571804
    Abstract: An assembly for wetting a medical device, in particular a urinary catheter, with a fluid medium is provided. The device is packed in a package which contains the fluid medium confined in a compartment. To ensure wetting of the device, the package is adapted to open the compartment and the package in one and the same opening action, preferably so that the compartment opens at the latest when the package opens. In that way, removal of the device from the package requires opening of the compartment and the device is therefore wetted automatically as part of the opening procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventors: Bo Kjellmann Bruun, Lotte M. Klixbull, Jan Torstensen
  • Patent number: 7565976
    Abstract: A wet sheet package storing folded wet sheets includes a package container and an open/close flap provided in the top surface of the container. An output opening through which to take out the wet sheets is provided at the approximate center in the top surface of the container, the open/close flap has a separation stopping part formed on one end, as deemed appropriate, in order to seal the output opening, and the open/close flap opens and closes the output opening by acting, together with the separation part of the top surface, as an open/close lid of the package container. A liquid-absorbent sheet with a void space at its approximate center is securely attached to the top surface of the container, and the open/close flap is adherably arranged on the top surface of the liquid-absorbent sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventors: Kenji Nakamura, Koji Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20090159468
    Abstract: A personal hygiene article comprises an individually packaged sanitizing wipe, a second package, a graspable member and means for attaching the second package to a different article. The individually packaged sanitizing wipe includes a first package having a sanitizing wipe contained therein. The second package has the individually packaged sanitizing wipe contained therein. The graspable member is attached to a surface of the package in a manner enabling grasping and pulling of the graspable member to at least one of open the package and detach the package from the different article. The means for attaching the second package to a different article is attached to the second package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: David Odell Simmons
  • Publication number: 20090139879
    Abstract: An ophthalmic lens package including a deformable bottom and deformable arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Tokarski, James Peck, Edward Dzwill, George Brock, James R. Davis
  • Patent number: 7526345
    Abstract: The invention presents an apparatus and techniques for determining whether a medical electrode, such as a defibrillation electrode coupled to an automated external defibrillator, is in a condition for replacement. The determination can be made as a function of one or more data. In one exemplary embodiment, the determination is a function of one or more measurements of an impedance of a hydrogel bridge in a test module. In another exemplary embodiment, the determination is a function of one or more environmental condition data from one or more environmental sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Medtronic Emergency Response Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin K. Covey, Thomas J. McGrath, Joseph L. Sullivan, Larry R. Nygaard, Richard C. Nova
  • Publication number: 20090078592
    Abstract: The invention provides container systems, kits and methods for peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions. Such a system, for example, includes a first compartment that contains a PD osmotic agent and a second compartment that contains a PD buffer agent. The compartments maintain their respective contents separately from one another for purposes of transport, storage and/or sterilization. However, the compartments are fluidly couplable, so that their respective contents can be combined with one another, e.g., following sterilization of the agents and prior to their introduction into the patient's abdomen. The invention provides, in other aspects, such systems, kits and methods that provide protective structure which inhibits breaking of a seal prior between the second compartment and an outlet of the system, prior to breaking of a seal between the first and second compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE NORTH AMERICA
    Inventors: Lynn E. Jensen, Olli Tuominen, Jay M. Lan
  • Publication number: 20090071851
    Abstract: A receptacle for a catheter, has a storage space (3) designed to receive a catheter, and an opening (4) connected to the storage space, through which opening a catheter in its longitudinal direction is pushable into and pullable out of the storage space (3). The receptacle (1) has a holding device (7) arranged in the storage space (3), which holding device is arranged to keep a catheter inserted into the storage space (3) in a spiral-shaped path under mutual separation of the different spiral turns of the spiral-shaped path so that the catheter is prevented from coming into contact with itself along the spiral-shaped path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: CIMATEX AB
    Inventors: Thore Maki, Urban Maki
  • Patent number: 7476223
    Abstract: This invention proposes a urinary catheter set with a urinary catheter disposed in a sterile package, which urinary catheter has a catheter shaft, a catheter tip and a preferably funnel-shaped end on the collecting pouch end, with a cuff being disposed in the package, which cuff encloses the catheter shaft. The cuff is preferably disposed so as to be movable along the length of the catheter shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Teleflex Medical Incorporated
    Inventor: Barry McBride
  • Publication number: 20080296178
    Abstract: The invention relates to a package (1, 1?, 1?, 1??, 1??) for distributing and storing a plurality of compressible sanitary products (3), the package comprising at least one compressible sanitary product and at least one resilient member (50, 52, 54, 56, 58) for exerting a compression force on at least one of the sanitary products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Susanna Hammarroth, Angela Hjerpe, Erik Yngvesson
  • Publication number: 20080277295
    Abstract: A package comprising an externally visible face. The externally visible face comprises indicia, the indicia having disposed thereon a relatively glossy or shiny coating. The externally visible face is embossed in a portion corresponding to the indicia. The externally visible face comprises an additional coating surrounding the indicia, the additional coating being relatively non-glossy. The indicia is non-alphanumeric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: William Mercer Benson, Peter Michael Searles, Linda Marie Bumpass
  • Publication number: 20080264807
    Abstract: A packet, or packet combination, containing a wipe and powdered substrate is provided. The packet, or packet combination, may be used in conjunction with a hygiene article such as a sanitary napkin. The wipe is used to clean an area of skin or hair that has residual menstrual, urinary, or fecal material left behind after the removal of a hygiene article. The powder may then be used to provide an added benefit such as odor control. An order of use can be dictated by locating the packets containing the wipe and powdered substrate in specific positions on the hygiene article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: David Joseph Caracci, Debra Lynn Hartsell, Sheri Dean Keeler
  • Patent number: 7441650
    Abstract: To provide an ophthalmic lens container of novel structure, whereby without the use of any special utensil, a liquid such as a preserving solution can be drained, while keeping an ophthalmic lens held in the container. An ophthalmic lens container 210 includes a container body 212, wherein a cavity 224 has an opening inside face 228 of generally heart shape in a plane view. A constricted lower end of the lower section of the heart shape in the opening inside face has a circumferential radius of curvature: ra is smaller than a radius of curvature of a front face of the ophthalmic lens, and the two side portions of the heart shape in the opening inside surface 228 of the cavity 224 have the radius of curvature in the circumferential direction greater than the radius of curvature of the front face of the ophthalmic lens; while a diameter dimension of an inscribed circle in the opening of the cavity is greater than the outside diameter dimension of the ophthalmic lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Menicon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Tanaka, Seiichi Ichikawa, Hiroyuki Oyama
  • Patent number: 7416083
    Abstract: A container for housing a package includes a case made of a flexible sheet. The package is adhered to a frame around a dispensing opening of the container through a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The frame has a lid. When the lid is opened, wet sheets can be taken out of the package. Since the frame is adhered to the package around the dispensing opening, a simple fastener can be used for keeping the case in an unopened state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Bando
  • Publication number: 20080190787
    Abstract: A dental floss container is provided that may include a container that defines a fluid chamber. A hygienic fluid can be present and may be disposed in the fluid chamber of the container. A spool of dental floss is located in the fluid chamber and engages the hygienic fluid. The spool of dental floss may have a center axis that is oriented in the vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Ted K. Grosse
  • Publication number: 20080173556
    Abstract: A rigid crush resistant plastic tube having quickly removable end caps. A hypodermic needle contained in a sterile needle wrapper is placed inside the crush resistant tube so that a portion of the wrapper is folded over the outside distal end of the tube. The end cap is then secured over the folded wrapper portion on the distal end of the tube in a friction fit arrangement to secure the needle wrapper between the cap and tube. In this arrangement, when the end cap is removed, it pulls the needle wrapper out of the protective plastic tube to allow for rapid access and deployment. In use, the plastic tubes are secured with elastic bands inside a carrying case, such as a first aid backpack. As the soft cases are often subject to substantial exterior impacts, the tubing significantly reduces the risk of needle breakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Robert A. Castellani
  • Publication number: 20080149139
    Abstract: A container provides for soaking medical instruments. The container includes a basin for receiving one or more medical instruments, a fill level sensor for detecting presence of a soaking substance at a minimum fill level, a lid closure sensor which detects closure of a lid onto the basin, and a timer adapted to begin a timing sequence when both the fill lever sensor detects presence of the soaking substance at the minimum fill level and the lid closure sensor detects closure of the lid. Proper soaking of the instruments prior to a full cleaning procedure improves the reliability of the cleaning procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Szu-Min Lin, Robert C. Platt, Peter C. Zhu, Vishnu R. Raja
  • Patent number: 7389874
    Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting a replacement heart valve are presented herein. A bioprosthesis may be stored in a storage container by suspending the bioprosthesis from a support structure. The volume of storage solution may be reduced by using a lid with a boss extending therefrom to displace some of the volume of the storage container. The support structure may rest on the base of the storage container. Additionally, there may be a holder attached to the bioprosthesis above the support structure. The holder-bioprosthesis-support structure may be constrained between the lid and base of the storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Quest, Bob Allan
  • Patent number: 7380658
    Abstract: A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly and method of manufacturing and distributing same includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube or shaft which may be surrounded by a sleeve to provide a no-touch, sure grip feature. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package together with a limited amount of a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. It may be loose liquid as a desired percentage of the volume of a tube-receiving portion of the catheter receiving cavity of the package, or it may be contained in a liquid sequestering element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Hollister Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Murray, Thomas H. Gilman, Sean Sweeney, Martin P. Creaven
  • Publication number: 20080060952
    Abstract: A packaging system (15) for an ingestible capsule comprising an ingestible capsule (20) having a pH sensor (22) and an outer surface (24), packaging (16) for the capsule comprising an open well (28) having an inner surface (46-49) and a holding volume (33) defined by the inner surface of the well and the outer surface of the capsule, the inner surface of the well configured and arranged to engage at least a portion (25) of the outer surface of the well, and the holding volume configured to and arranged to contain a pH calibration fluid and to hold the pH sensor submerged in the pH calibration fluid when the pH calibration fluid is added to the well, whereby the packaging provides for calibrating the pH sensor without removing the capsule from the packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Laura A. Negron
  • Patent number: 7328789
    Abstract: A bag, pack or sack for storing clothing and gear of outdoorsmen, such as hunters and military personnel. The bag, pack or sack may have one or both of two features: means for preventing odors from entering or leaving the interior volume of the bag, pack or sack; and a camouflage pattern visible from a vantage on the exterior of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James N. Bohanan, Jr., Jesus (Jesse) Leal, John R. Stevens, Jr., Edward A. Berich
  • Patent number: 7325675
    Abstract: A mirror wipe assembly for use in particular by dentists consists of an absorbent strip of material on a backing strip saturated with a defogging substance for transfer to the surface of the mirror used by such dentist to look within the mouth of a patient, by wiping the saturated absorbent strip across the mirror's surface. A single absorbent strip with its backing strip are enclosed within the impervious sealed pocket of a metalized flexible sheet pouch that is impervious to penetration by liquid or gaseous materials. The pouch may be opened for entrance to the pouch by pulling apart or by cutting. The pouch includes an adhesive strip with a peel off cover strip on the back of the pouch for the dentist or other user to adhere the pouch to a convenient location while working on a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Douglas R. Halkyard
  • Patent number: 7322465
    Abstract: A transparent or partially transparent polymer packet is described containing a hand sanitizing fluid in which floats a printed insert. Inclusion of the message-bearing insert promotes the distribution and use of the hand sanitizing fluid for improving hand hygiene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: William Anthony Harper
  • Patent number: 7311194
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fixture for supporting a two optic accommodating intraocular lens device. The fixture is capable of holding the device while taking measurements or performing manufacturing process steps on the device. In a preferred embodiment, the fixture supports the device along the periphery of the posterior optic thereof such that the haptics and anterior optic extend freely therefrom. As such, testing and/or processing of the optics during their accommodative and unaccomodative positions may be taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventors: Wen X. Jin, Charles P. Henning, Larry C. Hovey, Ted Foos