Abstract: A self-contained portable toothbrush comprises a plastic head having a plurality of bristles extending outwardly therefrom on one side and a hemispherical water pocket on the other side connected to the bristles by a plurality of channels extending through the head. The water pocket is composed of compressible plastic that ruptures a seal when pressed forcing water onto the bristles that contain dehydrated dentifrice. The head is joined to an intermediate coupling portion at one end which is joined at the other end to a detachable hollow handle portion contained water or mouthwash. After use, the toothbrush is discarded.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing adhesive material includes a container body holding the adhesive material and an applicator tip configured to permit improved control and economy in application of the adhesive.

Abstract: A disposable multi-compartment applicator has two receptacle blisters hermetically closed by a film. One of the receptacle blisters may contain a liquid, fluid, cream, or paste element and the other receptacle blister may contain a dry element, pad, compress, or a material having absorption and restitution power. Squeezing one receptacle blister separates part of the film along a zone of weakness to put the liquid element in communication with the dry element, while keeping the device completely hermetic. After the dry element has been in communication with the liquid element, the dry element may be uncovered for first-aid or other use. The applicator may additionally house sticking plaster or a bandage for covering a wound that has been cleaned using the applicator.

Abstract: An applicator tip for dispensing a polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material which is porous, absorbent or adsorbent and includes a polymerization or cross-linking initiator. The initiator initiates polymerization or cross-linking when the polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material is dispensed through the applicator tip. The polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material may be applied to a variety of substrates.

Abstract: In a reservoir and applicator unit, in particular for small quantities or testing purposes in the cosmetic or medicinal field, comprising a reservoir for the compound that is to be applied and an applicator to be united with the reservoir, it is provided that the reservoir, at a first end, has a recess, which is closed towards the interior of the reservoir, for accommodation of the applicator; that the reservoir, at a second opposite end, is provided with a feed inlet and outlet; it being possible to place the applicator, prior to use, from the first end of the reservoir onto the second end such that the applicator stands out freely from the reservoir and any compound in the reservoir can flow from the reservoir onto the applicator.

Abstract: A recording liquid container for containing liquid for recording to be supplied to recording means, said recording liquid container being detachably mountable to a mounting portion of a recording device, said recording liquid container includes an information memory medium storing predetermined information; wireless sending means capable of wireless sending of a predetermined information in said information memory medium within a predetermined range; a wireless communication antenna for wirelessly sending radio wave; and communication property changing means for changing a communication property of the wireless sending.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for use in dispensing liquid or solid material. The dispenser (10) includes wall portions forming a sealed first chamber (18) containing the material and wall portions forming a second chamber (20) and a molded, rupturable membrane (34) disposed between the first chamber (18) and the second chamber (20). The rupturable membrane (34) is preferably a circular disk with a series of molded radial depressions (40) or weld seams (40) extending from a center point of the disk. When pressure is applied directly to the membrane (34), the membrane (34) is fractured along the depressions (40) or weld seams (40). A method is provided for forming the dispenser (10) by injection molding.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing adhesive material, includes a container body, and an applicator tip, where the adhesive material is located in the container body in a non-contacting relationship with the applicator tip prior to dispensing said adhesive material. The applicator tip has a proximal open end open toward said container body for attachment to the container body, a distal end having at least one orifice, a restrictive flow portion located between the proximal end and the distal end, and a flow reducing portion located between the restrictive flow portion and the distal end. The applicator tip defines a fluid flow channel from the proximal end to the distal end and through the restrictive flow portion and the flow reducing portion, where the applicator tip permits the adhesive material to pass through the applicator tip and exit the applicator tip at the at least one orifice.

Abstract: A substance applying apparatus for applying a substance to an application location. An application element having a wetting body is partially received in an inner tube and the inner tube is received in an outer tube. A fluid connection between the inner space of the inner tube and the inner space of the outer tube is produced by the application of pressure on the substance applying apparatus. The inner tube is comprised of a softer material than the outer tube and at least the bottom of the inner tube is deformable upon the application of pressure on the substance applying apparatus.

Abstract: A disposable applicator includes a generally tubular applicator body having a closed proximal end and an open distal end and a frangible vial inside. The proximal end is covered by a drying swab while the distal end is covered by an applicator swab that is in open communication with the interior of the applicator body. Within the applicator body is a frangible vial containing a biomedically useful liquid composition, such as an &agr;-cyanoacrylate adhesive, a medicament, or both. The applicator is useful for applying liquid compositions to target sites such as tissue, particularly sites of topical pathology, such as stomatitis lesions.

Abstract: A semi-enclosed applicator, such as a mitt, for distributing a substance onto a target surface. The mitt has a first layer, a second layer in face-to-face contact with the first layer, and a third layer in face to face contact with the second layer. The first and second layers are positioned to form a cavity to allow for a product dispensing reservoir to be placed. The first layer, second layer and reservoir are removably attached to the third layer for removal by the user after use.

Abstract: An applicator is provided for distributing a substance onto a target surface. The applicator includes a first side, a second side, and an internal cavity between said first and second sides. The applicator also comprises at least one opening and at least one substantially fluid-impervious barrier layer within the internal cavity adjacent at least one of the sides. The applicator also comprises a first rupturable, product-containing, flexible film reservoir comprising at least one co-extruded film. A product is released to the target surface upon application of pressure to said reservoir.

Abstract: In a reservoir and applicator unit, in particular for small quantities or testing purposes in the cosmetic or medicinal field, comprising a reservoir for the compound that is to be applied and an applicator to be united with the reservoir, it is provided

Abstract: A dosing reservoir for distributing an active compound in controlled amounts onto a target surface comprising a first impermeable layer and a second permeable layer facing and affixed to the first layer. A fluid tight cell with a frangible seal and containing an active compound is disposed between the first and second layers. When the frangible seal is ruptured, the active compound is released from the cell and is controllably released from the reservoir through the permeable layer.

Abstract: A microapplicator for dispensing and applying an adhesive or sealant material comprises a handle portion, an applicator tip connected to the handle portion, and a microreservoir at the applicator tip arranged to hold a small amount, about 20 microliters or less, of an adhesive/sealant material until dispensing. In embodiments, the applicator tip has a width of about 1 mm. The microapplicator may include a second reservoir, containing the adhesive/sealant material, that is arranged to supply the adhesive/sealant material to the microreservoir at the applicator tip. The second reservoir may comprise a frangible ampoule disposed in the handle portion, a container, such as a syringe, connected to the handle portion, or the handle portion itself. The applicator tip may comprise one of a polymer loop, a spatula, a rolling ball, a grate, a porous material, such as a swab, a foam pad or a mesh, and a brush.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser applicator for preoperative preparation of a target area of a patient's skin is comprised of two integrated components, a handle portion and a canister vessel. The two components are locked by a locking and sealing ring mechanism to prevent accidental rupture of the sterile antiseptic fluid in the canister vessel. When the lock is unlocked, the unit contains a perforator designed to initially slit the membrane followed by pushing it open further and thereafter venting it to provide dual-staged self-venting by the perforator for ease of flow.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for dispensing a synthetic or semi-synthetic polymerizable or cross-linkable adhesive monomer material includes a pipette-shaped applicator, and a synthetic or semi-synthetic adhesive monomer material sealed in the pipette-shaped applicator prior to dispensing the material.

Abstract: A swab (10) for applying fluids to a surface having a quick, easy opening dispenser package portion (12 and 14) and at least one sponge-like member (30). The dispenser package portion (12 and 14) includes a wall (12) made from a thermoplastic material and having an outlet creating formation (20). When a sufficient force is applied to the at least one outlet creating formation (20), an outlet opening (18) is formed allowing a release of the fluid contents (17) to flow from the dispenser package (12 and 14) and into the overlying at least one sponge-like member (30).

Abstract: A solution applicator comprising a solution container having a frangible twist-off member that enables solution in the solution container to flow out of the solution container when the twist-off member is twisted. The solution applicator also comprises an applicator head having a proximal end and a distal end and a solution pathway extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the applicator head being engaged with said solution container at the proximal end, the applicator head having an aperture and applicating material at the distal end, and the applicator end having a receiving member that the twist-off member engages when the applicator is rotated relative to the solution container to thereby open the solution container at the twist-off member to enable fluid to flow from the solution container to the applicating material.

Abstract: A chewable toothbrush includes a pliable bristle anchor, bristles attached to the bristle anchor, and a handle attached to the bristle anchor. In one embodiment, the bristle anchor includes a cavity that holds a material such as toothpaste or mouthwash. When the toothbrush is chewed, the material is released from the cavity and onto the bristles. The toothbrush may be realized as a single-use disposable unit or as a multiple-use unit. The cavity in a multiple-use unit can be reloaded with material prior to each use.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing adhesive material includes a quenched foam material, provided so that the adhesive material comes in contact with the quenched foam material. Thus, polymerization of the adhesive material is initiated in the absence of additional polymerization initiators. In addition, the applicator is configured to permit improved control and economy in application of the adhesive.

Abstract: A cell system has one or multiple burstable enclosures or closed cells which contain an active composition, such as a fluid or solid (including powdered) product, preferably a liquid product, which is released therefrom when the enclosures or closed cells are ruptured. Each enclosure or cell is provided with a flow control which controls the direction and flow of the composition outwardly of the enclosure or cell when the enclosure or cell is ruptured. The flow control is formed by a film covering one side of an enclosure or cell with the film having a cut-out portion forming a flow control window. The composition can be a face cleaning lotion or cream, a disinfectant, a household cleaning composition, a perfume, a polish or a medicament.

Abstract: A method of applying a medicament using a disposable swab applicator formed of a swab and a housing including a reservoir member and an adjustable sleeve member is provided. The reservoir member has a channel formed therein for receiving and storing the medicament with the adjustable inner sleeve member also being disposed within the channel. The inner sleeve member has an open first end which receives the swab and a closed second end with one or more windows formed between the first and second ends. In a first position within the reservoir member, the closed second end of the inner sleeve member forms a seal with the reservoir member to effectively store the medicament in the reservoir member. Movement of the inner sleeve member from the first position to a second position causes the medicament to flow through the one or more windows into contact with the swab resulting in the swab being ready for use.

Abstract: A dosing reservoir for distributing an active compound in controlled amounts onto a target surface comprising a first impermeable layer and a second permeable layer facing and affixed to the first layer. A fluid tight cell with a frangible seal and containing an active compound is disposed between the first and second layers. When the frangible seal is ruptured, the active compound is released from the cell and is controllably released from the reservoir through the permeable layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides antimicrobial skin-preparation delivery systems useable to disinfect a surgical site for surgery. The delivery systems include an antimicrobial alcohol gel formulation contained within a sealed, flexible container and a gel formulation dispenser connected to the container. The gel formulation dispenser includes a container connector connected to the flexible container and a gel applicator having a sealed piercing member which is slidably engaged with the container connector. An applicator pad is porous and also has enlarged holes for passage of the gel formulation. The gel formulation dispenser pierces a seal in the container and delivers the antimicrobial alcohol gel formulation from the container to the surgical site. Flow rate of the gel formulation is largely controlled by the amount of external pressure of squeezing a user applied to the flexible container. The antimicrobial skin-preparation formula includes iodine, alcohol and gel.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for dispensing an adhesive material, such as a synthetic or semi-synthetic polymerizable or cross-linkable monomer material, includes a container body, and a porous applicator tip having a proximal end that is attached to the container body, and a distal end located away from the container body, wherein the adhesive material is located in the container body in a non-contacting relationship with the applicator tip prior to dispensing the material. A flow pattern of the adhesive material within or on the applicator tip is controlled by controlling lengths of flow paths of the material through the applicator tip, forming one or more grooves in the applicator tip, providing a hollow, controlled thickness tip, and/or adding a cover surrounding at least a part but not all of an exposed area of the applicator tip.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing adhesive material includes a container body holding the adhesive material and an applicator tip configured to permit improved control and economy in application of the adhesive.

Abstract: A hydratable bioelectrode for use in an iontophoretic delivery device comprising a hydrating component and a bioelectrode component. The hydrating component includes a cradle having a chamber containing one or more fluid containing ampule(s) and ampule breaking means associated with the cradle for rapidly breaking the one or more fluid containing ampule(s).

Abstract: The invention provides a chewable tooth-cleaning device (chewable toothbrush). The chewable toothbrush is made of at least a flexible shell, a plurality of bristles coupled to the shell so that the bristles are substantially protruding from the exterior of the shell, a chewable centerpiece disposed within a shell interior, and a burstable capsule disposed adjacent to the chewable centerpiece within the shell interior. The invention is also a method of promoting oral hygiene by using the device.

Abstract: A container includes an inner chamber and one or more compartments that hold components of a composition apart from each other until needed for use. The container includes two or more sheets that are ruptured for mixing the components together when desired. In certain embodiments, the container includes an inner surface with a plurality of protrusions to facilitate mixing and dispensing of the mixed composition. In other embodiments, the container includes an articulated holder that enables the user to adjust the configuration of the container to any one of a number of orientations.

Abstract: A fabric comprising poly(vinyl alcohol) fibers, and a solvent, wherein the fabric is at least partially saturated with the solvent; a kit comprising a container, and a plurality of adjacent sheets disposed within the container, wherein the sheets comprise the fabric; a kit comprising a container; and a roll of the fabric disposed within the container; wherein the fabric comprises a width and a length, the lengthlwidth ratio is greater than 10:1, a series of perforations traverse the width of the fabric at evenly spaced intervals; and a method of using the fabric comprising contacting the fabric with the residue of a chemical or mechanical process.

Abstract: The applicator for an anti-microbial prep solution of this invention includes a generally hollow handle having a closed proximal end and an open distal end, a foam pad attached to the hollow handle over the open distal end, and a flow control valve disposed in the distal portion of the hollow handle proximal of the foam pad to control the flow of anti-microbial prep solution to the foam pad.

Abstract: A dispenser 10 for use in dispensing liquid or solid material. The dispenser 10 includes wall portions forming a sealed first chamber 18 containing the material and wall portions forming a second chamber 20 and a molded, rupturable membrane 34 disposed between the first chamber 18 and the second chamber 20. The rupturable membrane 34 is preferably a circular disk with a series of molded radial depressions 40 or weld seams 40 extending from a center point of the disk. When pressure is applied directly to the membrane 34, the membrane 34 is fractured along the depressions 40 or weld seams 40. A method is provided for forming the dispenser 10 by injection molding.

Abstract: A self-closing bottle cap having a cover plate (1) that is easily pushed aside with a light touch from a swab stick (17). The cover plate pivots aside and upward on a hinge (6) with an oblique pivot axis (10) that provides an ideal trajectory and gravity component for the cover plate motion. The cover plate is held aside with the swab stick while dipping the swab (18) into the bottle contents. When the swab is removed, the cover plate returns by gravity and closes the bottle. This allows an operator to easily open the bottle for each dipping of the swab, using only one hand with little distraction. The bottle remains closed at all times except briefly during each dip. This minimizes evaporation of chemicals into a working environment.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for dispensing a liquid adhesive includes an applicator body, a liquid adhesive contained within the applicator body, a porous applicator tip attached to the applicator body and in a non-contacting relationship with the liquid adhesive, and a polymerization initiator or rate modifier loaded in or on the applicator tip, wherein the polymerization initiator or rate modifier is selected from quaternary ammonium salts and tertiary amines. The liquid adhesive can also include a phase transfer catalyst.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for use in dispensing liquid or solid material. The dispenser (10) includes wall portions forming a sealed first chamber (18) containing the material and wall portions forming a second chamber (20) and a molded, rupturable membrane (34) disposed between the first chamber (18) and the second chamber (20). The rupturable membrane (34) is preferably a circular disk with a series of molded radial depressions (40) or weld seams (40) extending from a center point of the disk. When pressure is applied directly to the membrane (34), the membrane (34) is fractured along the depressions (40) or weld seams (40). A method is provided for forming the dispenser (10) by injection molding.

Abstract: A device for diffusing one or several fluid product doses, each dose being contained in a sealed reserve defined by an envelope made of a flexible and ductile material, such that a collapsing pressure applied on the reserve causes the envelope to burst open releasing the product contained in the reserve. The envelope is locally provided with at least a weakened zone forming a pre-opening, so as to cause the envelope to burst open at the pre-opening, thereby channelling the product through the pre-opening in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A container having a first end and a second end, an internal cavity located within the container which provides an opening in the first end and extends towards the second end; a portion of the container, having an attached end and a free end, may be detached from a remaining portion so as to expose the internal cavity; and the free end is configured so that it may be seal the internal cavity once the portion of the container is detached.

Abstract: A disposable applicator includes a generally tubular applicator body having a closed proximal end and an open distal end and a frangible vial inside. The proximal end is covered by a drying swab while the distal end is covered by an applicator swab that is in open communication with the interior of the applicator body. Within the applicator body is a frangible vial containing a biomedically useful liquid composition, such as an &agr;-cyanoacrylate adhesive, a medicament, or both. The applicator is useful for applying liquid compositions to target sites such as tissue, particularly sites of topical pathology, such as stomatitis lesions.

Abstract: A storage and applicator article for the convenient and controlled application of lotion to a user's skin has a thin, fabric like cavity applicator that is pre-impregnated with fluid and stored in a fluid impermeable enclosure. Upon opening the enclosure, a user may apply the lotion by inserting their hand in the applicator, which may be configured as a glove or mitten, and spreading the fluid over the skin. The lotion may be a combination sunscreen and insect repellent. A second embodiment of the applicator and storage enclosure of the invention comprises opening on the applicator cooperating with the storage enclosure whereby opening of the enclosure urges the applicator open. Still another embodiment of the applicator of the invention comprises a reusable, reversible applicator cavity that may generally be pulled inside out to expose a fluid impregnated applicator surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an applicator for applying and distributing a substance onto a target surface. The applicator comprises a substantially planar sheet of compressible, conformable material having opposed first and second surfaces and an interior region between said first and second surfaces. The sheet of material has a thickness between the first and second surfaces which decreases when the sheet of material is subjected to an externally-applied force in a direction substantially normal to the first surface. The applicator further includes at least one discrete reservoir extending inwardly of the first surface into the interior of the sheet of material which is at least partially filled with a substance and at least one discrete aperture formed in the first surface which is in fluid communication with the reservoir.

Abstract: A toothbrush with a toothpaste feed system that includes a toothpaste cartridge feed handle, a hollow brush head, a resilient hinge openable neck structure connected between the toothpaste cartridge feed handle and the hollow brush head and providing a neck toothpaste passageway between a toothpaste feed end of a toothpaste cartridge cavity within toothpaste cartridge feed handle and a brush head toothpaste passageway formed within hollow brush head, and an accordion fold toothpaste filled cartridge with a rupturable perforated foil end that is sized to fit into the toothpaste cartridge cavity with the rupturable perforated foil end positioned within toothpaste feed end of toothpaste cartridge cavity. The back of the hollow brush head is provided with a flip open back cap that is in connection with the brush head toothpaste passageway and which is moveable into an open position to allow for cleaning of the brush head toothpaste passageway between uses.

Abstract: A writing implement suitable to be used by those with handicap in their hands and/or finger(s) comprising a grip having a terminal end having a curved surface adapted to contact with the palm of a user, the grip being formed such that the grip is held with the fingers and the palm in such a way that the grip is wrapped by the hand; and a pen point extending from a front end of the grip with a given angle. The grip can optionally have one or more concave contours adapted to fit the finger(s) of the user, wherein each concave contour can fit one or more fingers.

Abstract: A dispenser and applicator for liquid cosmetic material, such as liquid, semiliquid or pasty lip or eye cosmetic products, or for microencapsulated liquid products, including a rigid, axially elongated reservoir tube for holding the cosmetic material, a manually operable driver assembly for exerting pressure on the material within the tube, and an applicator tip having a planar woven mesh screen extending across an outlet end opening and molded in the applicator tip. The driver assembly forces the contained material forwardly through the screen, which the user applies to the lip or eye region of the face, or other selected skin area. In the case of a microencapsulated product, the microcapsules rupture when they are pressed against the mesh, releasing their contents.

Abstract: A liquid container has an automatic opening and closing mechanism preventing entry of air into the container, and is convenient for portable use. The liquid container comprises an upper shell and a lower bonded along their outer circumferential ends to define a flat liquid pool between them. At least one of the upper and lower shells is a thin skin member made of a flexible material to be deformable when depressed. The upper shell has formed a through hole communicating with the liquid pool, and a flexible film is bonded onto the upper shell to form the automatic opening and closing mechanism composed of a duct communicating with the through hole and an outlet communicating with the duct between the flexible film and the upper shell.

Abstract: A single use pen-like marking device is disclosed which is useful for marking skin to form marks which persist for a least a week and which are invisible under ambient light but fluoresce under ultraviolet light and to reveal cracks and caries in teeth which are difficult to see under normal light and for visualizing plaque on teeth without leaving a stain visible under normal light. It has a flexible housing with a dry wick-type marking nib in one end which communicates with the interior of the housing and which is impregnated with a skin fluorescing furanone. Inside the housing is a sealed fragile glass tube therein which contains a solvent for the furanone. The marking device is activated by bending the housing until the glass tube breaks and releases the solvent, which saturates the marking nib and dissolves the furanone therein.

Abstract: A dispenser and applicator for animal scent material and a method of dispensing animal scent directly into the air and/or applying animal scent to surfaces includes a generally cylindrical shape-sustaining flexible casing, a generally cylindrical breakable ampule having a quantity of liquid scent material therein. A porous plug applicator swab closes an open end of the casing and a dispensing cap is mounted on the casing in enclosing relation to the open end of the casing and the projecting end of the porous plug. The liquid scent material is applied by placing the dispensing cap on the closed end of the casing and breaking the ampule by squeezing opposite sides of the cap and casing to deform the casing wall inwardly to break the ampule. The scent material is absorbed by the porous plug applicator swab and the swab can apply the liquid scent material to surface areas.

Abstract: A small sized shallow pouch like container (3) for a dispensible ingredient includes a pair of built-in outwardly pivotable flaps (5 & 7) positioned on opposite sides of the container's outlet end to form a package applicator (1). Squeezing the container's sides with the fingers expresses the stored ingredient through the outlet and onto the applicator flaps. Using the container portion as a finger grip, the flaps may be moved about the desired surface, spreading the dispensed ingredient. In some embodiments the outlet is opened by squeezing the container sides to break a closure seal (19). In others the outlet is unsealed by pulling the flaps apart (19'); by tearing (35) or is unblocked (57) by unfolding the flaps. In a preferred embodiment the container and applicator combination is formed by a pair of flexible foil sheets of substantially identical structure (21 & 23) that are superimposed over one another and partially connected together to define both the container and the applicator.

Abstract: A disposable toothbrush, comprising a first section (12) having a first proximate end (16) and a first distal end (18), a second section (22) having a second proximate end (28) and a first distal end (25), a plurality of bristles (20) coupled to the first distal end (18), a plug (30) sealingly disposed within the second section (22) and thereby forming a compartment (26) within the second section (22) between the plug (30) and the second proximate end (28), a quantity of powdered dentifrice disposed within the compartment (26) and a sealing means (32) sealingly disposed on the second proximate end (28) in order to seal the compartment (26) wherein the first proximate end (16) has a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the second distal end (25) so that the first section (12) may be placed in frictional, sliding engagement with the second section (22) when the first proximate end (16) is inserted into the second distal end (25).

Abstract: This invention pertains to a device and the method of making same, which device functions both as a containment system for a product having either liquid, semi-liquid, solid or semi-solid characteristics, and as an applicator that can be used to deliver and apply the product to a surface in a convenient, economical and simple manner. The device includes an applicator pad that has a front surface that comes in contact with the desired surface to thereby apply the product thereto. A product impermeable backing layer is bonded to a rear surface of the applicator pad and a packet can be placed in position to release the product into the applicator pad through an aperture formed in the backing layer. A multi-purpose label is used to seal the packet in place, protects the user's hands, provides printed information to the user, provides the user with a device gripping surface and can also function to seal and/or reseal the applicator device.