Abstract: Containers are disclosed for storing soiled sharp medical instruments. In one embodiment, a container has an entrance defined by a pair of flaps. A soiled medical instrument is positioned on one of the flaps and pushed downwardly such that the flaps move apart allowing access to the container for storing the medical instrument. The container is preferably formed of a clear plastic material such that medical personnel may count the number of instruments stored within the container. A second embodiment includes a cylindrical member with a plate positioned near one axial end such that an enlarged space and a smaller space are defined. Both embodiments allow entire syringes to be easily stored while still providing safe storage of smaller medical instruments such as suture needles.

Abstract: A device for use as a single use, disposable, sterile irrigation kit for catheter irrigation, comprising a prefilled sterile piston syringe containing from about 45 to about 75 cc of a fluid selected from sterile water, saline solution and dilute aqueous acetic acid solutions, said syringe including a catheter tip sized to operably connect to a conventional catheter tube, a cap on said tip removably mounted to selectively prevent escape of said fluid from said syringe and prevent movement of said piston while said cap is on said tip, said kit further including a disposable pouch for enclosing said filled syringe, said pouch and said filled syringe being sterilized after enclosure of said syringe in said pouch, said device further including a container having a tear-off top labeled with the specific solution in said syringe and a color code system marking at least a portion of said device with a color identifying the particular solution, said container enclosing said pouch containing said filled syringe and fu

Abstract: An elongated device for applying lotion to the body which comprises a first elongated section and a second elongated section joined together through a pivot so as to be foldable upon each other in a closed condition. An applicator head hingedly attached to the first section at the end distant from such pivot and a compartment in one of the sections for storage of a plurality of soft absorbent pads attachable to the head.

Abstract: A medical needle removing and disposing system (10) comprises a box (12) having a plurality of compartments (14) therein, each for removing a needle assembly (58) from injection and/or blood drawing equipment (62) and for disposing of it. A compartment comprises first and second containers (16, 20) for defining first and second chambers (18, 22) with a needle gripper (24) positioned therebetween. The first container has a plastic, non-hardening, tacky, substance (44) therein. Injection and/or blood drawing equipment with a medical needle assembly mounted thereon can be manipulated to extend a shaft (60) of the needle assembly into the second chamber until a mounting tube (56) of the medical needle assembly is located at the needle assembly remover which grips the mounting tube so that the injection and/or blood drawing equipment can be rotated for unscrewing the mounting tube from the injection and/or blood drawing equipment.

Abstract: A disposable medicinal applicator pad capable of being reshaped from a substantially flat configuration for storage to a puff configuration for use on a patient and a applicator pad dispenser for storing and dispensing a plurality of disposable medicinal applicator pads when in the substantially flat configuration, each disposable medicinal applicator pad comprises a pair of porous, absorbent membranes secured together by a continuous thread with a basting about the periphery thereof to retain a medicinal powder therebetween, the continuous thread includes a loop or grasping element whereby the continuous thread may be drawn or gathered about the periphery of the pair of porous, absorbent membranes by pulling or drawing the grasping element to reshape the disposable medicinal applicator pad to the puff configuration such that the medicinal powder may be applied to a specific area of the patient's body to reduce excoriation and maintain the normal pH level.

Abstract: A cleaning implement for feminine hygiene uses includes first and second sponges sealed within an easily portable water proof outer package. A first packet within the outer package is formed from a water proof material and contains a first sponge having a front absorbent surface with a dense array of spaced wave form ridges and a back surface formed by a thin soft flexible plastic film. The first sponge is treated with sterilized water and a mild soap for preliminary cleaning. A second packet in the outer package is formed from a water proof material and encloses a second sponge treated with sterilized water and a subtle fragrance for final cleaning purposes. The first and second sponges may be formed from synthetic materials or from absorbent paper.

Abstract: A presaturated wipe product having a dilute glutaraldehyde saturated pad secured to a layer of packaging material is provided. The saturated pad is sealed in the packaging and the entire package is subjected to .gamma.-irradiation in order to maintain the disinfectant activity of the pad over an extended period of time.

Abstract: An applicator and/or scrub saturated with a desired fluid is packaged in a sealed, liquid-impervious pouch. The liquid-carrying applicator or scrub is made from open-cell, polyurethane foam. A cylinder of the foam is mounted on a stick. The tip end of the foam applicator is fastened to the tip of the stick in a manner that creates a rounded smooth tip. The tip end of the foam applicator may be formed into a smaller brush-like shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides a package for and method of packaging a sterilizable calibratable medical device including a hydratable sensor component. The device is maintained in a sterile environment during storage and in a clean environment during the calibration procedure. The package includes a manifold connected to the sensor component by plumbing. The plumbing establishes fluid communication between the manifold and the sensor component and/or between the sensor component and the ambient environment of the plumbing. The manifold, plumbing and medical device are sealed in a wrap including a gas-permeable surface. The wrap and its contents, including the interior surfaces of the components, are sterilizable by exposing the wrap to a gaseous sterilization solution and appropriately adjusting the plumbing. The medical device is hydratable by directing the hydration solution to the sensor component by means of the plumbing.

Abstract: A moisturized towelette impregnated with wet powder, such as talc, which, after use on the skin and evaporation of the moisture therefrom, leaves a deposit of powder on the skin. Preferably, the towelette is made of a non-woven material, or paper, cotton, rayon, or a mixture of these materials or a woven material.

Abstract: A parenteral fluid medication administration kit includes re-usable barrel, needle and lancet sub-assemblies, each separately mounted in sterilizing positions within a container in which sterilizing fluid is stored. The barrel subassembly may be coupled to, or de-coupled from, either the needle or lancet sub-assemblies. Each use is made under sterile conditions.

Abstract: A package for an urinary catheter consists of a generally rectangular tray with an open top, to which a peel-back cover is bonded, containing a catheter assembly, a syringe prefilled with bacteriostatic water, and two gloves. The catheter assembly is designed such that a urinary catheter may be simply and efficiently placed into the bladder under sterile conditions. The catheter assembly consists of a heat shrunk seal to hold the end cap, three intermediate caps with antiseptic soaked sponge tips bonded to the ends, and the tube-like guide in proximity therewith. The catheter passes through the guide after removal of the heat shrunk seal and the systematic removal and utilization of the end cap and the three intermediate caps. A protective shroud encloses the distal end of the catheter, as it is bonded to the guide. A biocompatible lubricant is contained between the third intermediate cap and the guide.

Abstract: A lens storage container in combination with a lens support structure in which a pair of lens hold members carrying a lens cover for each lens is independently pivotal upon a support frame, and a latch structure is provided for each of the holder members. The location of the latch structure above the lens enclosure prevents gravity action from pulling the lens downwardly into the path of the latch structure and these events any lens damage therefrom.

Abstract: A sterilization, storage, and presentation container, the container including a tray and a cover which can be inverted to form a second tray. Instrument support means are provided through insert boards, dividers, clip retainers and open-cell, synthetic foam devices. The insert boards include holes for the passage of the sterilizing medium and the holes in the lower insert board can receive pegs to further support the instruments.

Abstract: A thread, such as a floss, impregnated with a hypo-allergenic, anti-bacterial astringent for cleansing and conditioning pierced ear lobes.

Abstract: A tray for surgical patties is a sterilizable, impervious planar sheet having a first upper surface with provided notches for supporting sterile surgical patties by the strings. A flat base member extends at an angle to the upper section and has a retaining lip parallel to but opposite the first upper section. Non-penetrating fastening such as smooth jawed alligator clips are provided at the upper corners of the tray permitting the tray to be suspended from the surgical drapes immediately adjacent the operating area. Holders on the outer edges of the tray are provided to hold an electric cautery, cutter and forceps. The tray permits the ready identification and removal of individual patties directly by the surgeon during the course of the operation significantly simplifying the surgeon's actions during the intricate operational procedures.

Abstract: A wood-preservative package or bandage is disclosed which comprises: a first flexible sheet; a wood-preservative material having a grease-like consistency arranged in a layer upon said first flexible sheet; a perforated flexible sheet overlying said preservative material and secured to the marginal edge of said first flexible sheet, the perforations in said perforated flexible sheet being of sufficient number and dimension to permit said wood-preservative material to pass through said perforations; and another flexible sheet overlying and secured to said perforated flexible sheet. This wood-preservative package is particularly suitable for treating poles used for supporting telephone lines, power transmission lines and the like that have been held in stock for extended periods of time and for the ground-line treatment of such poles.

Abstract: A person's skin has its pores opened and treated with a non-alcoholic toner, and has subcutaneous blood circulation locally stimulated preparatory to an application to the skin of a lotion preparation massaged onto the skin and into the pores with an electrically inactive heated disk at a beginning temperature of from approximately 109.degree. F. to approximately 111.degree. F., where the heated disk maintains a temperature of over 106.degree. F. during the approximate three and one-half minute treatment. The pores may be cleaned and opened by a cleansing treatment in one aspect utilizing the heated disk having greater than 106.degree. F. temperature. A kit maintains various treatment lotions and liquids at ambient temperatures in an integral container along with the heated or heatable disk and its electrical heating pad.

Abstract: Sterile package moist woven cloth towel and method for producing same in hermetically sealed packages. The invention comprises inserting a small woven cotton cloth towel, such as of terry cotton, into a liquid impervious envelope, injecting a sufficient volume of liquid into the envelope to impregnate the towel, hermetically sealing the envelope and finally exposing the envelope to sufficient radiation to cause sterilization of the liquid-impregnated towel therewithin. The woven cloth is capable of laundering for subsequent use in wet or dry condition.

Abstract: A package for containing, dispensing and employing a plurality of conventional prep swab ampules comprising liquid-containing breakable glass capsules within protective plastic sheaths or vials capped with swab tips. The package comprises a multi-ampule closed compartment for holding and dispensing a plurality of ampules as required, and a flexible, open-ended sleeve associated therewith. The sleeve is designed to receive and frictionally-engage each dispensed ampule, to permit the breaking of the inner vial while further protecting the fingers and, if desired, to permit the use of the broken ampule for its intended purpose while it remains frictionally-engaged within the sleeve on the package.

Abstract: An improvement in specimen kits that reduces significantly the possibility of contamination of the specimen by either user or container; of the patient by the swab used to obtain the specimen; and of a subsequent handler of the container by the specimen. It permits the collected specimen to be transported to the diagnostic processing laboratory in common, widely used medical specimen mailing containers, while permitting the use of swab lengths that are appropriate to the type of specimen desired. The improvement is made possible by a unique double-ended stopper that maintains the specimen container sterile until use, then acts as a cap for engaging the swab shaft for withdrawal while maintaining a tight and sterile shipping container after the specimen is taken and while it is subsequently handled.

Abstract: A unitary snap hinge made of plastic with two hinge parts which are connected with each other by means of a main joint. A flexible connecting piece is connected with the hinge parts by means of secondary joints, whereby the secondary joints have a distance from the main joint transverse to the joint axis and that the joints are designed as film joints. The hinge parts have the tendency to snap into the one or other end position from a position of an unsteady balance within their own pivot range. The snap hinge is a separate structural element. The one hinge part supports a locking element for a removal opening, the other hinge part supports at least one adapter piece with arresting elements. Thereby, the snap hinge can be mounted on a container or on the locking piece of the same.

Abstract: An integral alcohol preparation device (10) or like type of fluid applying device includes an absorbent material or pad (11) for containing alcohol or other fluid, a fluid impermeable material, for example of metal foil (20) lined with plastic (21), as a selectively openable fluid tight chamber for the pad and fluid contained therein, and the pad and fluid impermeable material being attached as a substantially integral assembly. Being so attached, a method of using such a fluid applying device, then, may include the steps of manipulating the fluid impermeable material to open the chamber and to expose the pad and fluid contained therein without breaching the integrity of the several parts individually or collectively, and applying the fluid from the pad to an external surface. Further, a method is disclosed for making an integral fluid applying device. In an alternate embodiment a one piece fluid applying device is formed of flexible material that is folded to form a chamber to contain a fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing antiseptically sterile hands for use in hospitals where germ transfer from one patient to another is to be avoided, this being accomplished by encapsulating an antiseptically presoaked glove and later removing the encapsulating material to provide the user with premoistened gloves to perform body massage and operating room functions free of fear that there may be germ transfer to a patient under care.

Abstract: A container package for simultaneously staining a plurality of specimens arranged on the respective faces of a plurality of microscope slides comprises a slide holder for vertically supporting the slides at their upper ends in closely-spaced parallel relation and a generally rectangular body member having a generally rectangular upwardly-opening cavity for receiving the downwardly extending portions of the slides. The cavity has a height less than the length of the slides and the walls of the cavity conform closely to the perimeters of the slides. Guide walls are arranged in the corners of the cavity for maintaining a spaced relationship between the opposed end faces of the inserted slides and the cavity walls. A quantity of staining liquid partially fills the cavity, the depth of the liquid prior to insertion of the slides in the cavity being less than the distance between the specimens and the inserted ends of the respective slides.

Abstract: A disposable container package for staining a biological specimen affixed to the face of a microscopic slide comprises a body member having a generally rectangular upwardly-opening cavity for receiving a slide. The cavity has a height less than the length of the slide and a cross-sectional area less than or equal to twice the cross-sectional area of the slide and is of a size sufficient to receive only a single slide. Guide slots are arranged in the cavity for maintaining a spaced relationship between the opposed faces of the slide and the cavity walls. A quantity of staining liquid partially fills the cavity, the depth of which prior to the insertion of the slide in the cavity is less than the distance between the upper edge of the specimen and the inserted end of the slide, and the depth of which when the slide is fully inserted in the cavity is sufficient to cover the specimen with a thin film of staining liquid. A removable seal closes the cavity prior to use of the container.

Abstract: A system for collapsing the lens loops of an intraocular lens in preparation for insertion of the lens into a human eye and forming and maintaining the lens loops in a collapsed position during the lens insertion operation. The system includes an apparatus for mating the intraocular lens with an incapsulating structure such as a wafer fabricated from viscoelastic material. The device is designed in a manner which causes the lens loops of the intraocular lens to collapse as the lens is inserted into the incapsulating structure during the mating process. In a preferred embodiment, the device may comprise a rotor element mounted on a baseplate for supporting the intraocular lens beneath the incapsulating structure, whereby the lens can be rotated or "dialed" into the incapsulating structure.

Abstract: A culture collection instrument for use in animal husbandry includes a tubular swab holder adapted to receive an elongated rod having a swab element on its end and a tubular swab protector adapted to receive and hold the tubular swab holder. The tubular swab protector includes a scored portion thereon a predetermined distance from the end of the swab protector such that flexing of the swab protector predeterminely breaks the swab protector and swab element from the elongated rod to provide a sealed tubular holder for the cultured swab element.

Abstract: This invention relates to a container for a stack of folded, preferably treated, towels, comprising a flexible, water-impermeable envelope having in the interior space thereof a movable apertured stiffening plate.

Abstract: A dispenser for containing and dispensing a premoistened web of material (26) comprises a magazine (2) for containing the web of material and a dispensing portion (3) associated with the magazine and having an opening (20) for dispensing the web of material. A passage (23) extends between the magazine (2) and the dispensing opening (20) and is adapted to take up the web of material such that the latter forms a seal in the passage, which prevents drying of the web of material.

Abstract: A wrap for receiving and surrounding an impregnated dressing to prevent it from sticking to a foil pouch in which the wrap and dressing are received characterized by a sheet-like member folded to form first and second panels having flaps on an edge opposite said fold line to enable easy opening of the wrap to expose the dressing. Preferably, the wrap is formed of a material such as paper which enables opening of the wrap to release the dressing without damaging or distorting the dressing.

Abstract: The refillable case comprises the bottom shell portion (1) and the cover shell portion (2) which are joined together by a hinge means (3). The shell portions (1, 2) enclose a circular chamber (4) in which are disposed two stacks of freshen-up cloths (6), of substantially square configuration, which are folded into a semicircular form. A retaining member (5) in the form of a plate is disposed centrally in the chamber, approximately at the level of the plane of the chamber opening. Each cloth (6) is so folded and fitted into the chamber (4) that a triangular portion (6g) thereof is on the top. By pulling thereon, the part of the cloth over which the plate (5) extends is rolled out of its cover means, without the secure position of the cloth therebelow being affected.

Abstract: This invention relates to compact, easily transportable, moist tissue or towelette dispensers which are so designed that they maintain the tissues contained within the dispenser in moist condition for exceptionally long periods of time, thus providing long shelf life for merchants, who stock the dispensers, as well as a long life span of the dispensers for the consumer.

Abstract: An intraocular lens includes a lens body and a plurality of flexible haptics angularly spaced around the periphery of the lens body. The normally extended haptics are capable of being compressed towards the lens body and detachably held thereon, so that the haptics are essentially within the confines of the lens body, thereby reducing the overall dimension of the lens. A manipulator may be detachably secured to the lens body to facilitate handling and positioning of the lens within the eye.

Abstract: This invention provides medical procedure packages comprising a pre-sterilized kit within an outer package wrap, the package being so designed that all components of the package are sterilized using sterilization methods which are compatible with the chemical compositions of the components and their stability to such sterilization methods, and wherein the internal sterility of the package is maintained from final package sealing until the package is delivered to a sterile operating room environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and sterilizing ear lobe holes for pierced earrings utilizes a string of absorbent material having attached thereto a firm tip. Both the string and the tip are maintained in a sealed envelope adjacent a pad of absorbent material saturated with an antiseptic fluid in contact with the string to saturate the string with the fluid. When it is desired to clean and sterilize the ear lobe hole, the package is opened and the string and tip are run through the ear lobe hole. The string both cleans the ear lobe hole and imparts the sterilizing fluid to the hole.

Abstract: A container for a plurality of surgical patties having a recess for receiving a number of surgical patties and a plurality of count slots for receiving locating strings attached to the patties so that each pattie may be readily counted by surgical personnel. Additional slots are provided so that the locating strings can be wound back across the pattie recess to hold the patties in the recess during shipping. Wetting fluid may be introduced into the recesses to wet the patties before they are used in the body. If a plurality of pattie recesses are used, channel recesses are provided to provide fluid communication between the pattie recesses to that wetting fluid may be distributed among the multiple recesses.

Abstract: A culture collecting swab and a sealed glass ampoule packaged end to end in an envelope and initially are held in an assembled condition by a resiliently yieldable closure member which is carried on the end of the stem of the swab and which includes a cup portion snugly telescoped on one end portion of the ampoule. After a culture has been collected on the tip of the swab, the ampoule is broken open along a score line inside the cup portion of the closure member, the end portion broken off the ampoule being retained in the cup portion. The tip and end of the swab are then inserted into the ampoule through the open end thereof to immerse the tip in a culture-sustaining media and, as an incident to this, a plug portion on the closure member enters and closes the open end of the ampoule.

Abstract: A multiple part assembly includes an enclosure for a moist pad member. The assembly included a cup-shaped container within which the pad member is located. A heat seal secures the outer edge of the pad member to the container. A support is secured encircling the container and includes an annular backing member encircling the open end thereof. The backing member is adhesively affixed and peelable for the support. A plastic film cover overlies the pad member and adjacent portion of the backing member. An encircling fusion seal joining the plastic film cover to the backing member for removal of the cover with the backing member. A plastic heating tool includes an annular or circular tool element formed of appropriate material which is responsive to an inductive field for self-generation of heat within the tool for attaching the pad to the container.

Abstract: A container assembly of the type specifically structured for applying a predetermined liquid or solution to the fingernails of a person. A sponge material is disposed on the interior of a housing and preferably corresponds to the configuration thereof. A plurality of recesses being dimensioned and configured to receive the fingertip and accordingly the fingernail of the user are formed on the exposed surface of the sponge material in a predetermined array facilitating placement of all the fingers in various recesses. A liquid or solution such as nail biting preventative or nail strengthener is applied to the interior of the housing and the sponge material wherein the housing is filled to a level sufficient to form small pools in the bottom of each of the recesses.

Abstract: A substantially dry-to-the-touch article contained in a closed, moisture impervious container, comprises a matrix of polysaccharide and/or protein and a non-aqueous liquid having a dielectric constant of from 1.5 to 40 included within the matrix. The article although apparently dry is capable of releasing the included non-aqueous liquid when contacted with water. The article can form a sheet or wad of fabric or it can be presented in the form of a tablet or powder.

Abstract: Scent impregnated tissues are provided in a substantially airtight container having a resealable lid. The tissues have disposed between selected ones thereof individual scent-carrying layers carrying a scent-producing material therewith. The arranged scent-carrying layers uniformly impregnate the absorbent disposable tissues with the scent thereof, and the container and lid insure that the tissues and layers remain in a virtually hermetically sealed environment.

Abstract: This invention is a terry cloth towel and a bag containing powdered rosin; the towel and bag being detachably attached together by loop pile or Velcro fastener means.

Abstract: Sterilization of packaged products for medical or surgical use by including in the package aqueous hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.10% by weight.

Abstract: A dispenser for moist towelettes including an open-mouthed container for housing a supply of towelettes and a lid closure which facilitates ready accessibility to a towelette supply. The container is provided with an outwardly extending peripheral flange including front, rear and side sections which define a generally planar surface for receiving the lid in tight fitting engagement. The lid includes a stationary rear portion which overlies the rear flange section of the container, and an integral pivotable front access portion which overlies the interior chamber of the container. Unobstructed access to the entire cross-section of the interior chamber of the container is provided by pivotal movement of the front access portion of the lid.

Abstract: A resealable package for premoistened towellettes comprising a sheet of flexible moisture-impermeable material folded about said towellettes and heat sealed to form an inverted T-shaped container enclosing the towellettes within the base of the "T". One of the flaps of the sheet material in the stem of the "T" being provided with a region of weakening spaced from the base of the "T" for opening and dispensing the towellettes.

Abstract: A one piece fluid applying device is formed of flexible material that is folded to form a chamber to contain a fluid. The flexible material is impermeable and unaffected by the fluid. A seal is formed about the chamber to maintain the fluid tight integrity thereof. Surface portions of the flexible material which form walls of the chamber also form surfaces for applying the fluid to another surface, for example, to the skin of a patient.

Abstract: An integral alcohol preparation device or like type of fluid applying device includes an absorbent material or pad for containing alcohol or other fluid, a fluid impermeable material, for example of metal foil lined with plastic, as a selectively openable fluid tight chamber for the pad and fluid contained therein, and the pad and fluid impermeable material being attached as a substantially integral assembly. Being so attached, a method of using such a fluid applying device, then, may include the steps of manipulating the fluid impermeable material to open the chamber and to expose the pad and fluid contained therein without breaching the integrity of the several parts individually or collectively, and applying the fluid from the pad to an external surface. Further, a method is disclosed for making an integral fluid applying device. An alternate embodiment of fluid applying device includes a fluid permeable material and located therein a breakable fluid tight container containing the fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved autoclavable system for packaging of intraocular lens structures. In one embodied form, the inventive system comprises an outer container having at least two optically clear windows arranged in parallel relationship, an inner holding fixture mounted within the outer container for receiving and supporting an intraocular lens structure in alignment with the windows and a liquid medium within the container which substantially duplicates optical transmission characteristics of fluid in the eye. The unique packaging system provides an autoclavable sterile environment for a wide variety of intraocular lens structures prior to implantation which permits visual inspection and measurement of important optical parameters of the lens structure without removal of the lens from the container.

Abstract: An artificial organ assembly having an artificial organ with a built-in body fluid treatment mechanism as well as a body fluid inlet port and a body fluid outlet port, filled with a liquid harmless to the human body and sealed. It also includes an extracorporeal body fluid circulation mechanism comprising a body fluid inlet line connected to the body fluid inlet port and a body fluid outlet line connected to the body fluid outlet port, filled with a liquid harmless to the human body and sealed. The whole assembly is hermetically vacuum-packaged and steam sterilized in the packaged state.