Abstract: There is disclosed herein a container for use in storing, cleansing, and moistening a guide wire or other flexible, elongated medical device between uses during medical procedures. The container has a base having an upper surface and a lower surface. A continuous side wall extends upwardly from the base forming a basin for retaining a coiled, flexible medical device such as a guide wire. A retaining flange is attached to the side wall and extends across at least a portion of the base to retain the free ends of the guide wire in the basin. A guide arm is attached to the side wall, and extends across at least a portion of the base so that the guide arm guides the coiled medical device onto the upper surface of the base as the medical device is inserted. The container may also have a plurality of ribs to keep the coiled guide wire from touching the base of the container.

Abstract: A fibrous pads package comprises a lightweight dispensing package having a dispensing opening and a plurality of discrete fibrous pads sequentially disposed in the dispensing package in an abutting relationship with each other. Each of the plurality of fibrous pads comprises a cleansing portion and a gripping portion of a predetermined size and shape. Each of the pads may have a transitional portion between the cleansing portion and the gripping portion. The cleansing portion has a cleansing portion thickness Tc and a cleansing portion flexural rigidity Rc; and the gripping portion has a gripping portion thickness Tg and a gripping portion flexural rigidity Rg. The cleansing portion thickness Tc is at least about 10% greater than the gripping portion thickness Tg, and the cleansing portion flexural rigidity Rc is at least about 100% less than the gripping portion flexural rigidity Rg. The gripping portion has a distinct gripping edge.

Abstract: Guidewire holders to store one or more coiled guidewires substantially immersed in a storage fluid are provided. Some embodiments are more suited to storing a single guidewire holder while other embodiments are designed specifically to hold a plurality of guidewires. The guidewire holder is generally configured as a shallow pan in a circular or ovoid shape with a periphery to hold the coiled guidewires. At least a portion of the guidewire holder is shaped so that the coiled guidewire is held away from at least the outer periphery of the holder. This enables a healthcare professional to reach into the guidewire holder and grasp a portion of the guidewire in order to easily extract the coiled guidewire from the holder.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for extracting leachable materials from a hydratable polymer by incorporation of an adsorbent into the solution employed to effect extraction. Suitable adsorbents are characterized as having a higher affinity for the leachable materials than either the hydratable polymer or the solvent employed in the solution. Also disclosed are sealed packages comprising an aqueous solution, an adsorbent and a hydratable polymer in the form of an ophthalmic device.

Abstract: A lens storage container includes an integrally formed receptacle member having a bottom wall and a sidewall providing a cavity. A concave recess is provided on the upper surface of the bottom wall and it is dimensioned and configured to seat a contact lens therein. A closure extends across the cavity and is secured to the sidewall of the receptacle member.

Abstract: A new structure of contact lens cleaner provides a rotary structure which can be easily manufactured and assembled. It also provides a safe one-way air exhausting chamber which can prevent the cleaner from explosion and make it safe to the user, and it further provides a platinum reactor which is a structure easy to be set in the cleaner and easy for the user to mount or dismount it.

Abstract: A sharps disposal device having a hollow housing and sharps-anchoring material for safe containment of contaminated medical sharps prior to permanent disposal. A flange stabilizes the disposal device on flat surfaces and provides a gripping surface for use in a one-handed technique for safe insertion of the contaminated medical sharps into the disposal device. Additionally, the disposal device may include a cover which positively secures the contaminated medical sharps after insertion into the disposal device.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a container for use in storing, cleansing, and moistening guide wires between uses during angiographic procedures. The container has a base and at least one upwardly and inwardly extending side wall. The container may also have a plurality of standoff members to keep the coiled guide wire from touching the base and side walls of the container. A bathing solution may also be disposed within the container to moisten and cleanse the coiled guide wire.

Abstract: This invention discloses a cleaning assembly comprising a wet tissue, a liquid impermeable packet containing the wet tissue and a dry liquid absorbent tissue mounted onto the liquid impermeable packet.

Abstract: A container for holding and disinfecting invasive medical instruments, such as hypodermic needles and scalpels. The container includes a cylindrical side wall and a bottom wall defining an enclosure with an open upper end. A layer of sand is placed in the container to give the container stability. An open cell foam layer saturated with a disinfecting solution is placed on the sand layer to provide a disinfecting medium. A sealing membrane is positioned over the foam layer to prevent the fluid in the foam layer from escaping from the container. A fibrous cork layer is positioned on the membrane at the open end of the container. The medical instruments are inserted into the container through the cork layer and the sealing membrane such that a contaminated end of the instrument is positioned within the foam layer. The disinfecting fluid in the foam layer kills various viruses and germs, and the cork layer holds the instrument in place.

Abstract: A centerflow dispenser for dispensing saturated wipers is disclosed which includes a dispensing nozzle affixed to the container of wet wipes. The nozzle has included therewith a rotatable dispensing disk through which the rolled web is dispensed. The rotatable disk has a dispensing orifice therethrough which includes a node and a plurality of contiguous appendages such that the disk will rotate to the path of least resistance as the saturated wipers are drawn through the dispensing orifice regardless of the direction of extraction of the web through the orifice. One or more drain holes are provided through the dispensing disk to allow liquid squeezed from the wiper as it is drawn through the dispensing orifice to pass back into the container. The nozzle includes a funneled or frusto-conical section which collects any liquid squeezed or which may drip from the wiper as it is extracted from the container to thereby direct such liquid toward the drain holes in dispensing disk.

Abstract: A lens storage container includes an integrally formed receptacle member having a spheroidal well providing a concave recess in which the lens is disposed. In some embodiments, a lip extends about a portion of the periphery of the well to maintain the lens in the well therebelow. In other embodiments, a depending portion on the closure extends into the well to keep the lens in position. A closure extends across the well and is secured to the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swab and swab shield assembly which is especially useful for applying cosmetics. The assembly is seen to comprise a swab having a wad at one end and preferably a protective cover or shield for the wad which can be removeably sealed to the swab so that the shield protectively enshrouds the wad. The swab, which is particularly useful as a cosmetic article is seen to comprise an elongate rod with a relatively smooth surfaced wad secured at one end, which wad is preferably a wax-coated, fibrous material onto which is applied a daubable material such as a sample of a cosmetic, such as for example a shade of lipstick, blush and/or eye shadow. The shield for the wad is annular and is preferably slidably moveable along the elongate rod between a first position protectively enshrouding the wad and an axially displaced position along the swab handle wherein the wad can be exposed for use.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for extracting leachable materials from a hydratable polymer by incorporation of an adsorbent into the solution employed to effect extraction. Suitable adsorbents are characterized as having a higher affinity for the leachable materials than either the hydratable polymer or the solvent employed in the solution. Also disclosed are sealed packages comprising an aqueous solution, an adsorbent and a hydratable polymer in the form of an ophthalmic device.

Abstract: A combined fluid storage container and applicator device for viscous fluids comprising a sheet-like impermeable material having overlying symmetrical or asymmetrical portions with a fold line and a temporary seal around the remaining periphery of the device forming a cavity for the fluid, a pad within the cavity and adhered to the sheet, and a separation mechanism for simultaneously applying continuous separating force in multiple directions to open the cavity and expose the pad. Methods of using the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An elongated segmented wound packing product comprised of individual linked segments of hydrogel enclosed within a liquid permeable pliable material, the individual segments being connected in a strand-of-beads like configuration.

Abstract: An improved container assembly for the storage and dispensing of pre-moistened towelettes is provided. The assembly includes a container and a multi-function cap. The cap matably engages the upper end of the container and further provides an additional storage area for the storage and retention of partially used towelettes. The cap also provides a relatively airtight seal to keep the towelettes moist and prevent them from prematurely drying out. A flexibly web in the cap enables the towelettes, connected to one another by perforations, to be pulled through the web of the cap. An individual towelette is separated from the roll with a sharp jerk or tub which tears the towelette along the perforation and leaves the remaining towelette extending partially through the web. An area underneath the top closure member of the cap and the web provides a sealed area for the storage of partially used towelettes.

Abstract: A container providing selective access to stored objects consists of a plurality of cells for storing objects and a mechanism for causing the cells to open and close in accordance with a control pattern that specifies the cells that are to be opened and the cells that are to be closed. A user, by selecting an appropriate control pattern gains access to those cells in which he has an immediate interest. The user may quickly gain access to other combinations of cells simply by selecting other control patterns.

Abstract: An electrode package in which one or more adhesively-applied skin electrodes may be sealed has an envelope that includes a sheet of material and a releasable seal joining portions of the envelope to provide a sealed first compartment in which an electrode may be isolated from an external environment. The envelope includes a first wall that defines a first interior surface facing the interior of the sealed first compartment. The first interior surface includes an electrode mounting surface for direct attachment of an adhesive portion of an electrode. The envelope is releasably sealed so that, when the envelope is sealed, the first interior surface is isolated from an external environment and, when the envelope is unsealed, the first interior surface is not isolated from the external environment.

Abstract: A disposal device especially suited for used hypodermic needles and other such sharp contaminated medical devices includes a container having a hollow interior and at least one opening through the walls of the container into the container interior, and a plug filling the opening in the container walls and secured to the container. The plug is composed of a resilient, self-sealing, non-coring, needle-penetrable material, so that the used medical product may be inserted through the plug such that at least the tip thereof is in communication with the hollow interior of the container. An anti-microbic, anti-viral liquid is disposed in the hollow interior of the container so that the tip of the used medical product inserted in the hollow interior is exposed to the anti-microbic, anti-viral liquid. The container/plug combination is sufficiently light that it may be agitated by moving the used medical product without the user having to actually touch the container.

Abstract: A container for storing at least one contact lens (12) comprises at least one receiving means (1), one side wall of which is provided with an opening providing access to a receiving space (11) within the receiving means the contact lens is to be received in, a closing means (2) for closing the opening, and a supporting means (13) being integral with said closing means and serving to support the contact lens. The receiving means (1) comprises two at least substantially flat wall parts (3, 4) and wall joint parts (5, 6, 7) joining said wall parts, while a space defined by said wall parts constitutes the receiving space. Additionally, a contact lens storage apparatus designed for storing a plurality of containers according to the invention is provided.

Abstract: A contact lens case includes a cup adapted to receive a quantity of disinfecting or cleaning solution and a cap removably closing the opening mouth of the cup. A lens support structure is associated with the cap and holds a pair of lenses within the cup. The lens support structure includes a base plate which supports one of a pair of the lenses on each side thereof and basket means pivotally connected to the base plate for enclosing the lenses in overlying position and maintaining the lenses on the base plate. A latch structure releasably maintains the basket means in the overlying position, and includes a flexible, integral extension peripherally formed on each basket means and is releasably retained in the overlying position by snap-fit against a hook member. Preferably, a pair of the flexible extensions are formed as vertically aligned and thinned tabs on opposing edges of each basket, which are snap-fit against a corresponding pair of hooks formed on each side of the lens support structure.

Abstract: The container for packing hollow endoprostheses (8) comprises two germ-proof wrappings (1, 2). In accordance with the invention the inner wrapping (1) consists of a water-tight wall (10, 11) and various connection points (40, 50, 60). At least two of the connection points (40) are provided as access into the cavity of the prosthesis (8) and one is provided as an outlet (50) for liquids for treating the prosthesis. The outer wrapping (2) comprises through-pieces (42, 52, 62), which are associated with the connection points of the inner wrapping. The two wrappings are permeable to gas at least some regions. In accordance with the invention the container has a second application apart from its protective function: for example, in the case of a hybrid prosthesis for vascular replacement, to perform the charging of the prosthesis with the patient's own endothelial cells in the container.

Abstract: A disposal assembly (10) includes a base (14) and four walls (20) extending perpendicularly out therefrom defining a hollow interior (22) partially filled with a plurality of layers. The bottom-most layer (38) is fabricated of styrofoam which, along with the tapered cylinders (28) and hydrostatic pressure, secures the medical instruments (12) therein. A layer of dry disinfectant (36) covers the styrofoam (38). A layer of sponge (34) directly covers the dry disinfectant (36). When fluid is injected into the dry disinfectant (36) to create a disinfectant solution, the sponge (34) absorbs the solution and distributes it across the entire cross section of the disposal assembly (10). A semi-viscous material (40) seals the disinfectant solution and the infected portions (26) of the medical instruments (12) in an anaerobic environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for applying a plurality, preferably two, of dermatological agents to the skin from a single dispensing and applicator system comprising a plurality of compartmentalized applicator pads which may be exposed and sequentially or simultaneously applied to the afflicted skin area.

Abstract: A needle safety device is provided which allows a health care professional to dispose of a needle quickly and safely while also only using only one hand. The safety device comprises a housing having an orifice therethrough; a puncture detection system in the housing and comprising a first membrane secured over the orifice, a pH sensitive dye, and a gas for raising the pH above normal atmospheric conditions; and a securing system in the housing and comprising a curable adhesive, a curing agent, and a membrane for temporally separating said adhesive from said curing agent.

Abstract: A sealed envelope contains a moistened pad that functions as a swab. The pad is secured to the envelope by an intermediate seal line. When the top of the envelope is removed, the pad is exposed. Since the pad is still captively held to the remainder of the envelope, the liquid on the pad may be dispensed by holding the clean, dry bottom of the envelope. The pad functions as a swab and the remainder of the envelope functions as the applicator handle and reservoir.

Abstract: A protective device for hypodermic syringes capable of avoiding needlestick injuries comprises a sterile penetrable support member and a plurality of hypodermic syringe protective caps received in the support member. In an alternative embodiment, the support member is removably attached to a base member so that it (the support member) may be disposed of and replaced by a new, sterile support member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating and disposing of materials contaminated with blood such as blood soaked menstrual pads or tampons. The invention further relates to a system for decontaminating and disposing of blood soaked products comprising a bag containing a disinfecting material, the bag having a readily openable portion for placing the blood soaked product into the bag and in contact with the disinfecting material and then resealing the bag to prevent its contents from contaminating the surroundings. Once resealed, the seal can not be removed without destroying the seal.

Abstract: A three-envelope package for preserving tissue specimens or other sterile objects. A sterile tissue sample is sealed within an innermost envelope sterile inside and out. The innermost envelope is sealed within the sterile interior of an intermediate envelope equipped with a peel-back seal for subsequent opening. Both the inside and the outside of the intermediate envelope are sterile. The intermediate envelope is sealed within the sterile interior of an outermost envelope, made of foil or another substance impermeable to a storage medium, such as liquid nitrogen. The outermost envelope provides complete impermeability to liquid nitrogen, eliminating the possibility of nitrogen seepage through the peel-back seal of the intermediate envelope. When the envelope package is removed from storage, the intermediate envelope is removed from the outermost envelope and can be opened in an assumed non-sterile environment, without contaminating the innermost envelope or the tissue specimen therein.

Abstract: A prelubricated urinary catheter and package assembly for use in draining the bladder through the urethra comprising an elongate catheter tube with a lubricant on the projecting end thereof and a package assembly receiving the catheter therein an arrangement for isolating the lubricant on the projecting end of the catheter from the rest of the catheter in the catheter receiving cavity.

Abstract: A combined shipping container and reusable lens case and system are provided for the storage, shipment, and consumer use of hydrophilic contact lenses. A plurality of bottomless bases, each including a cavity therein for containing a contact lens, is provided with each base including a universal coupling for enabling each base to be interconnected with another to provide a reusable lens case for a pair of contact lenses. Each base includes threads for engaging a lid in a manner for providing tamper indication upon first removal of each lid from each base. Indicia of lens configuration, or prescription, are imprinted or attached to a side of a bottom for the case in order to provide a permanent record of the lens configuration. The bottomless base and bottoms may be formed from material which enables the heat sealing of the bottom to the bottomless base. In addition, the material of construction is preferrable on which enables the autoclaving to sterility of the lens case.

Abstract: An improved package for a medical device includes an inner wrap that envelopes the medical device, the inner wrap including a gas-permeable surface, and a chamber defined in the inner wrap to store a hydratable sensor of the medical device. Plumbing for the package controls fluid flow into and within the inner wrap, to selectively establish, without breaching a portion of the inner wrap surrounding the sensor, fluid communication between the gas-permeable surface and the sensor, to sterilize the sensor and the inner wrap with a gaseous sterilant, or to hydrate the sensor with hydration fluid obtained from a source of hydration fluid connected to the chamber, or to equilibrate the hydration fluid in the chamber with an external source of gas, to calibrate the sensor within the inner wrap.

Abstract: Contaminated objects are disinfected in a device which has a cavity formed by a fluid impermeable wall, an opening that is closeable by a seal, and a dispensing conduit which is spaced from the seal. Objects are placed in the cavity, the opening is sealed, and a disinfectant soluiton is introduced into the dispensing conduit. The disinfectant solution flows from outlets in the conduit into the cavity so that the objects in the cavity are disinfected by the solution and its vapors.

Abstract: A safety container for storing and transporting a hypodermic syringe with attached needle, wherein the container is comprised of an elongated transparent plastic tube having a closed end and an oppositely disposed open end. The open end is fitted with a removable lid. The closed end of tube contains a rubbery pad into which the needle point of the syringe is embedded. The resilient, self-sealing rubbery pad frictionally holds the needle and syringe secure, and seals the lumen of the needle to prevent leakage of fluid from the needle or syringe. At least one end of the container has flat edges to prevent rolling of the container when positioned horizontally or when in a moving vehicle.

Abstract: A closable dispenser of wet tissues is described where the tissue edge is protected from drying out when not in use. The wet tissue is fed between the container lip and lid with the lid being rotatable to protect the tissue from exposure when not in use.

Abstract: A contact lens case having a container for liquid solution, a tray which fits into the container and having a substantially flat portion for the contact lens to rest on and an annular beveled outer portion for retarding the outward movement of the lens. A dividing perpendicular bar extending upwardly from the top of the tray and serves both to separate the right lens from the left lens and to act as a handle for lifting the tray. The tray forms apertures adjacent to or in rear proximity to the bar and other apertures to form the letter "L" on one side of the bar and the letter "R" on the other side. A removable cap forms ridges on its inside to prevent the creation of suction between it and the concave side of a lens.

Abstract: A contact lens storage chamber has a lens retaining member disposed therein with baskets for containing the lenses disposed in a vertically juxtaposed manner. The lens retaining member has a stopper portion which is located in an opening at the top of the chamber and is retained in place by a loose tongue-in-groove structure which facilitates the escape of vapors from the chamber during a lens cleaning and disinfecting procedure.

Abstract: A combination sterile glove and packaging wherein the glove is contained between a front cover and a rear cover with the edges of the covers releasably sealed with a glove compartment seal forming an upper compartment which is openable for insertion of the user's hand into the glove while the glove is still contained within the lower compartment amd when ready for use, the lower compartment is openable by peeling apart the front cover from the rear cover and separating the covers from the glove at the time that the glove is needed for use.

Abstract: An improved dental floss dispenser is provided and consists of a roll of waxed dental floss having a shaft that is rotatably supported in a chamber of a container with a quantity of powdered baking soda. Spring biased perforated sandpaper in the bottom of the chamber roughens the dental floss when it is pulled out. The container is agitated so that the baking soda can adhere to the roughened dental floss. A cutter on the container is for removing a piece of the roughened dental floss with the baking soda adhered thereupon so it can be utilized in conjunction with hydrogen peroxide when used in areas between the teeth for the treatment of gingivitis.

Abstract: An aid for gripping implements or objects, particularly in athletic and sporting endeavors. A fabric member impregnated with non-slip material is attached in layered fashion to a terry-cloth towel which is so arranged to enclose and protect the impregnated layer when the layered structure is held in a folded position by detachable members. Portability of the gripping aid is made possible by means of a suitable hanger.

Abstract: A thin covering is used for protecting an elongated surgical instrument, and is initially in a telescopically folded configuration prior to insertion of the surgical instrument therein, comprising: an elongated tube having an insertion opening region; two resiliently deformable leaf-shaped lining members connected to the elongated tube disposed in the insertion region, the lining members each having a central portion and a pair of sides edges. A first of the pair of side edges of one of the lining members is substantially congruent to a first of the pair of side edges of the other of the lining members, and a second of the pair of side edges of the one of the lining members is substantially congruent to a second of the pair of sides edges of the other of the lining members. Upon application of forces urging each of the first and the second pair of side edges together, the central portions are spread apart to form a jaw for receiving the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A disposable single-use contact lens conditioning package having two pairs of adjacent open-topped containers of a size for accommodating a contact lens to be conditioned, a contact lens sterilizing solution or cleaning member in one container of each pair, a solution for counteracting the sterilizing solution or rinsing away a lens cleaning liquid in the other container of each pair, and a cover sealed over the pairs of containers over the tops thereof and capable of being peeled off the containers for opening the tops of the containers.

Abstract: A sterilizing device which is specifically adaptable for use with tonometer tips of the removable type comprises a container for a disinfectant solution and has with an upper edge in surrounding relation to an opening into the interior thereof. A lid is disposed on the upper edge of the container with a plurality of spaced tip-supporting openings which releasably support one of the tonometer tips for downward extension from the lid into the solution in the container.

Abstract: An antimicrobially active wet wiper product having a fibrous wipe and a hypotonic liquid preservative composition for the wipe. The liquid preservative composition comprises: (i) water, (ii) a naturally occurring organic acid in an amount effective to be a preservative, and (iii) a naturally occurring salt in a concentration effective to increase the efficacy of the naturally occurring organic acid.

Abstract: Contaminated objects are disinfected in a device which has a cavity formed by a fluid impermeable wall, an opening which is sealable, an absorbent liner, and a dispensing conduit which extends around the perimeter of the device. Objects are placed in the cavity, the opening is sealed, and a disinfectant solution is introduced into the dispensing conduit. The disinfectant solution flows from outlets in the conduit into the absorbent liner so that the objects in the cavity are disinfected by the solution and its vapors.

Abstract: A disposal system for sharp instruments comprises a rectangular container, and a plurality of elongated aligned receptacles therein for receiving sharp instruments. The receptacles each comprise a puncture resistant casing defining an entry opening, a rupturable seal deployed over the entry opening and a curable liquid contained within the casing and seal, said liquid being curable to a hardened state upon rupture of the seal. A lid pivots over the seal prior to use, and one or more of the containers is positionable on a wall bracket. A sharp instrument is inserted through the rupturable seal and immersed in the liquid within the receptacle, whereupon the liquid hardens and encases the instrument. The seal is provided with ascending numbers, respectively positioned over the entry openings, to provide a count of receptacles which have been used.

Abstract: A three-envelope package for preserving tissue specimens or other sterile objects. A sterile tissue sample is sealed within an innermost envelope sterile inside and out. The innermost envelope is sealed within the sterile interior of an intermediate envelope equipped with a peel-back seal for subsequent opening. Both the inside and the outside of the intermediate envelope are sterile. The intermediate envelope is sealed within the sterile interior of an outermost envelope, made of foil or another substance impermeable to a storage medium, such as liquid nitrogen. The outermost envelope provides complete impermeability to liquid nitrogen, eliminating the possibility of nitrogen seepage through the peel-back seal of the intermediate envelope. When the envelope package is removed from storage, the intermediate envelope is removed from the outermost envelope and can be opened in an assumed non-sterile environment, without contaminating the innermost envelope or the tissue specimen therein.

Abstract: Ready-to-use medical trays for retaining preparations. A tray for parturient comprises a first cell for retaining at least one sponge or cloth impregnated with a disinfectant. A second cell comprises at least one sponge or cloth impregnated with a disinfectant. This disinfectant is for a chirurgical intervention. The tray comprises also sealing closure for sealing its top and thereby each of the cells individually. Other trays comprise 3 cells for washing, drying and disinfecting skin and 4 cells for gynecological incursion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a dental hygiene kit including a sealed flat rectangular package formed of a pair of foil lined synthetic plastic sheets sealed together around all the edges thereof and having an end portion which is tearable to open the package. Within the package is a synthetic felt pad about 3.5 by 7.0 by 0.2 cm. folded once to form a square; within the folded synthetic felt pad is approximately 30 cm. of unwaxed dental floss wound on a plastic or paper spindle about 3 cm. by 1 cm. The pad is impregnated with about two cc of liquid consisting of water, about 15% alcohol, and a dentafrice consisting of one or more of the substances thymol, eucalyptol, menthol or benzoic acid. As an alternative to the spindle for the dental floss, the floss may be contained in a transparent plastic bag about 2.5 by 3.0 cm. or may simply be wound in a flat spiral coil.