Abstract: A fingertip protector for a person using a thermal appliance includes a thermal insulation layer for thermally isolating the fingertip from the workpiece or work surface. The thermal insulation layer is sandwiched between an adhesive layer and preferably a heat-resistant, non-stick layer. The adhesive layer is used for securing the fingertip protector to a fingertip. The heat resistant, non-stick layer is used for preventing the work surface from adhering to the fingertip protector. The three layers are bonded to or laminated with one another to form a non-rigid pad which is adapted for mounting on the underside of a fingertip.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing the spurting of blood from a vein or artery, the system including an adhesive tape comprising an air permeable non-woven material, across the width of which an adhesive is applied in rows, and a hemostatic island absorbent dressing pad, which expands on contact with fluids, affixed to said non-woven material, and an armband associated with the adhesive tape, the armband including a flexible strap having a notched underside, a pressure box with a rigid extension on either side thereof attached to one end of the strap, the pressure box and extensions forming a T shape, a groove defined along the width of the strap where the strap is attached to one rigid extension, at one end of the T shape, to enable the strap to bend downwards at a 90.degree.

Abstract: A hospital type of bandage integrates an absorbent pad and non-stick layer with a fluid-impermeable outer layer and an adhesive in a single composite structure. In a preferred embodiment the invention further includes means which may be used to turn the bandage inside out upon removal, so that surfaces once contacting a patient are no longer externally exposed. A bandage according to the invertible embodiment preferably includes a pocket formed on the side of the bandage facing away from the patient after application, this pocket being large enough to accommodate at least a portion of a human hand, and inside this pocket and located opposite the entrance is a means for grasping which may be pulled outwardly through pocket opening, thereby inverting the entire structure. Various forms of devices for grasping are possible as alternatives, including a string, a tab and a tab with one or more finger-receiving holes.

Abstract: A cast is disclosed comprising a membrane, padding and immobilizing material. The membrane repels water but allows oxygen and vapor to pass outwardly from the skin. The padding is disposed between the membrane and immobilizing material. The membrane prevents the wet padding from direct contact with the wearer's skin.

Abstract: A perforated medical adhesive tape has a tape backing layer formed from flexible sheet material, e.g., plastic film, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer for bonding the adhesive tape to the skin of a patient. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is flexible, deformable, elastic and has a permanently tacky surface. The backing layer has a planar outer surface with a multiplicity of upwardly extending protrusions, i.e., minute mounds which are upward deflections in the tape with corresponding upwardly extending, downwardly opening concavities or indentations in its lower surface below each of the protrusions. Each of the protrusions has a pierced opening located at its approximate center. The openings are elevated above the planar surface of the tape, and each opening extends through both the tape backing and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer to facilitate the diffusion of air and moisture vapor through the tape. The tape is pierced with a multiplicity of heated needles, each having a tapered point.

Abstract: An improved barrier or drug delivery system which is highly adherent to the surface to which it is applied is disclosed, along with methods for making for making the barrier. In the preferred embodiment, tissue is stained with a photoinitiator, then the polymer solution or gel having added thereto a defined amount of the same or a different photoinitator is applied to the tissue. On exposure to light, the resulting system polymerizes at the surface, giving excellent adherence, and also forms a gel in the rest of the applied volume. Thus a gel barrier of arbitrary thickness can be applied to a surface while maintaining high adherence at the interface. This process is referred to herein as "priming". The polymerizable barrier materials are highly useful for sealing tissue surfaces and junctions against leaks of fluids. In another embodiment, "priming" can be used to reliably adhere preformed barriers to tissue or other surfaces, or to adhere tissue surfaces to each other.

Abstract: A bandage encapsulated in a protective sterile covering is disclosed, whereby the bandage may be removed from its sterile covering and applied with one hand without contaminating any portion of the bandage. The apparatus and method to manufacture the unique bandage is also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent wound dressing (1) includes a polymer foam layer (3) having a plurality of discrete zones (2) on at least one surface (4) of the foam layer, the material forming the zones being less swellable than the foam layer material, such that when the dressing is placed with the zones of polymeric material in contact with a wet surface, the zones move apart as the foam layer absorbs fluid and swells.

Abstract: Multilayer disposable pads for use as wipes or applicators in various applications, including the cosmetics and personal care fields and the medical field. The pads include an absorbent base pad, an impervious barrier layer attached to the base pad, and a flexible handle attached to the barrier layer in a selective attachment area to define a handle attached portion and at least one handle graspable portion. The barrier layer may be attached to the base pad by being coated over the base pad without the use of adhesives, including being fused to the base pad when they are both made of a thermoplastic material. The handle attached portion may be fused to the barrier layer in an ultrasonic bonding process, again without the use of adhesive.

Abstract: A surgical dressing consisting of a film which carries an adhesive layer wherein the film has a hydration rate of at least 0.1 g/in.sup.2 /min.; becomes saturated when in contact with water in 3 minutes or less and absorbs at least its own weight of water. The film comprises a polyethylene oxide and a polymer or polymers selected from an ether based polyurethane and a polyether block amide. The dressing finds special use as a IV catheter site cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wound dressing in the form of a gauze or similar absorbent material having a partially or substantially dehydrated hydrogel material impregnated therein for absorbing wound exudate. The wound dressing is capable of absorbing large amounts of wound exudate without inhibiting the healing of the wound to which it is contacted and without the need for additional backing or adhesive layers. The wound dressing also has a pliable, soft structure which permits the dressing to be applied to wounds having irregular shapes and depths.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the stretching of the skin to prevent damage to the skin, and resulting stretch marks (striations) on a woman's abdominal area during pregnancy, by transversely taping an adhesive-backed polyurethane sheet over the affected area for a major portion of the pregnancy period.

Abstract: A conformable material is described which comprises a backing layer having an adhesive layer on a first surface and a removable protector covering the adhesive layer and a removable carrier layer on the non-adhesive surface of the backing layer. The carrier layer and the protector layer are provided with slits substantially the length of the longitudinal or major axis.

Abstract: There is provided a package for containing a wound dressing, the package comprising a first web and a second web hermetically sealed together around their peripheries, the inside of the package being sterile, wherein the first and second webs include transparent areas which can be superimposed and wherein the internal surface of one of the transparent areas is receptive to marking.

Abstract: A carrier delivered dressing is disclosed which has a conformable backing with a pressure sensitive adhesive coated on a bottom face and a low adhesion coating on a top face. The backing is supported during shipping and handling by a liner attached to the adhesive and a removable heat sealed carrier attached to the top face of the backing. The method according to the present invention discloses the steps of forming and optionally removing windows in a carrier material and nonpermanently heat sealing the carrier to the backing to form the dressings of the present invention.

Abstract: An improved medical dressing, including a dressing layer having a first face and a second face, the first face having an adhesive coating on at least a portion thereof; a release layer covering the dressing layer in releasable contact with the adhesive face of the dressing layer; a support layer covering the dressing layer in releasable contact with the second face of the dressing layer, the dressing layer having smaller surface dimension than the release layer and the support letter, the support layer having on at least one side thereof a U-shaped perforation therethrough, the perforation extending from an area adjacent an edge of the support layer and overlapping the smaller surface dimension of the dressing layer; and a delivery means for applying the dressing layer to a wound site, the delivery means pivotally mounted on a portion of the support layer adjacent the base of the U-shaped perforation.

Abstract: A thin film wound dressing that is particularly easy to position accurately and apply smoothly to form an occlusive seal comprises three layers: a first wound covering layer being permeable to gases and water vapor while being impermeable to microbes and liquids; a second adhesive layer intimately disposed on the first layer for use in occlusively attaching the invention to skin or wound surfaces; and a third release backing layer disposed on the second adhesive layer. The release backing layer has a functionally contiguous or integral pull-tab attached in a manner that creates a substantially U-shaped release backing/pull-tab assembly. The release backing and pull-tab portions of the assembly are highly flexible while also being highly resistant to elongation to facilitate the smooth and wrinkle-free application of the first and second layers to skin or wound surfaces and formation of an occlusive, microbe and liquid impermeable barrier.

Abstract: An adhesive dressing comprising a backing layer, a pressure sensitive adhesive thereon and a support layer attached to the non-adhesive surface of the backing layer characterized in having an additional edge strip component on the adhesive surface to aid adhesion of the dressing to the skin.

Abstract: A wound dressing is disclosed in which a thin layer of a hydrocolloid-containing adhesive material is covered on one side by a flexible, transparent or semi-transparent backing film and, on the other side, by one or more removable release sheets. Linear depressions are provided along the film-backed side of the adhesive layer and are clearly visible through the backing film to serve as guide lines, flex lines, and/or hinge lines in the use of the dressing. A foldable sacral dressing embodying such features is specifically disclosed.

Abstract: A bandage encapsulated in a protective sterile covering is disclosed, whereby the bandage may be removed from its sterile covering and applied with one hand without contaminating any portion of the bandage. The apparatus and method to manufacture the unique bandage is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adhesive bandage having a flexible backing element with a generally circular central region and a plurality of salient points radially extending from the central region giving the bandage a generally star-shaped or asterisk-shaped appearance. Wherein, the shape of the bandage helps the bandage protect and cover cuts on flexible parts of the body, such as the fingers and toes, without buckling and exposing the cut to the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprises an absorbent panel and a backing web secured to the panel. A preferred form of the web comprises an apertured film. The web may also include other components on the apertured film, including adhesive. The apertured film is preferably produced from a solid precursor film. The precursor film comprises a copolymer of ethylene and a comonomer polymerized using a single-site metallocene-type polymerization catalyst. The apertured film is formed from the precursor film so that the apertured film has localized deformations and apertures therein. The apertured film exhibits breathability, strength, and flexibility with an elasticity accommodating stretch or elongation and at least partial recovery.

Abstract: A device for administering an active agent to the skin or mucosa of an individual comprising a laminated composite of an adhesive overlay, a backing layer underlying the central portion of the adhesive overlay, an active agent-permeable membrane, the backing layer and membrane defining a reservoir that contains a formulation of the active agent, a peel seal disc underlying the active agent-permeable membrane, a heat seal about the periphery of the peel seal disc, the active agent-permeable membrane and the backing layer and a removable release liner underlying the exposed overlay and peel seal disc. The adhesive layer is above and peripheral to the path of the active agent to the skin or mucosa and is protected from degradation by the components of the reservoir by a multiplicity of heat seals. The peel seal disc protects against release of the active agent-containing reservoir and the release liner protects the adhesive from exposure to the environment prior to use.

Abstract: An occlusive wound dressing for penetrating thoracic trauma including a silicone impregnated gauze pad covered by an overlapping thin, flexible, plastic sheet having adhesive about the perimeter of three sides of said gauze pad and having an unadhered marginal area on the fourth side of said gauze pad to allow said wound dressing to be applied to the wound so that the unadhered marginal area of the outer sheet provides a flutter valve to permit the flow of undesired fluids such as air and blood out of the wound, for example, during expiration but preventing the in-flow of fluids into the wound during inspiration.

Abstract: A hospital type of bandage integrates an absorbent pad and non-stick layer with a fluid-impermeable outer layer and an adhesive in a single composite structure. In a preferred embodiment the invention further includes means which may be used to turn the bandage inside out upon removal, so that surfaces once contacting a patient are no longer externally exposed. A bandage according to the invertible embodiment preferably includes a pocket formed on the side of the bandage facing away from the patient after application, this pocket being large enough to accommodate at least a portion of a human hand, and inside this pocket and located opposite the entrance is a means for grasping which may be pulled outwardly through pocket opening, thereby inverting the entire structure. Various forms of devices for grasping are possible as alternatives, including a string, a tab and a tab with one or more finger-receiving holes.

Abstract: A dressing comprising a skin friendly pressure-sensitive continuous or discontinuous adhesive layer (2), which is coated on one side with a non-adhesive flexible polymer film (1 a) and which is optionally coated on the other side with a removable release layer (3), said polymer film (1a) consisting of an uppermost layer (4) of a material which is relatively hard, and a lowermost layer (5) of a material which is relatively soft, said lowermost layer (5) being thicker than the uppermost layer (4). The dressing has a low surface friction and a good flexibility.

Abstract: A strip of adhesive-coated sheet material is made easier to apply, even with one hand, if one end of the strip is mounted on a sheet release liner and the other end is mounted on one wing of a folded release liner.

Abstract: An external wound dressing having a cover which is reversibly movable to an open position exposing the wound from a closed position covering the wound thereby enabling selective viewing of the wound without removing the wound dressing from the individual.

Abstract: An adhesive dressing suitable for moist wounds includes a first layer comprising a substrate having a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on a wound facing surface and a second layer comprising a moisture vapour permeable continuous film. The second layer is attached to the non wound facing surface of the first layer at spaced apart intervals thereby to form a plurality of discrete cellular voids between said first and second layers. The first layer has apertures therein to allow passage of liquids therethrough into the cellular voids and total area of the dressing defined by the cellular voids is from 20% to 80% of the total operable area of the dressing.

Abstract: An adhesive film for adhesive bandage in which an adhesive is coated on one surface of a nonwoven fabric, characterized in that a film having water vapor permeability and water proofing property is laminated on the opposite surface of the nonwoven fabric. A backing sheet is formed in such a structure that an elastic nonwoven fabric is laminated with a film having water vapor permeability and water proofing property, whereby sufficient flexibility and excellent water vapor permeability are provided and help to keep skin respiration and not only to prevent skin irritation caused by stickiness with perspiration or the like but also to completely prevent permeation of water, a detergent aqueous solution or the like into a pad portion or an affected part and further to prevent infection of a wound with bacteria. The preventions can be more completed by sealing the edge portion of the adhesive bandage via heat-sealing or the like.

Abstract: An improved wound dressing composite is disclosed, having a membrane film wound dressing, a relatively stiff substantially planar carrier sheet with tabs, and a releasable cover. The film dressing has an upper surface, a lower adhesive surface and opposed side edges for application in a spread out disposition to a wound site with the lower surface adhered thereto. The film dressing, being relatively thin, is substantially unable to support itself in a planar configuration. The carrier sheet has an upper surface, a lower surface, and opposed edges. The carrier sheet is releasably adhered on its lower surface to the upper surface of the film dressing in supporting relation for supporting the film dressing in a planar configuration, with the side edges of the film dressing and carrier sheet generally aligned in close adjacency.

Abstract: There is described an adhesive dressing comprising a backing layer having a pressure sensitive adhesive layer over one surface thereof, a pad adhered to a portion of the adhesive layer a removable protector which covers the remainder of the adhesive layer and a conformable support layer which is lightly attached to the non-adhesive surface of the backing layer characterised in that the removable protector is provided with an aperture through which the pad is adhered to the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A transdermal delivery system for the modulated administration of drugs is described. The drug delivery device comprises a backing; a drug reservoir containing the drug, a plasticizer-type enhancer, a solvent-type enhancer, and optionally, a gelling agent; a non-rate-controlling membrane; and an adhesive layer containing a plasticizer-type enhancer. This drug delivery system is particularly useful for the administration of tolerance-inducing drugs, for example, vasodilators, such as isosorbide dinitrate.

Abstract: Liquid and pathogen impermeable island wound dressing which can be adhesively bonded to the skin surrounding a wound is provided with a liquid and gas permeable exudate absorbing pad, and a plurality of sequentially removable liquid and microorganism impermeable, gas and moisture vapor permeable cover sheets disposed adjacent to and covering the pad.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention novel medical dressing systems and methods are disclosed using a semiperipheral support design which provides at least one conformal, unsupported dressing edge upon application. The dressing system disclosed herein comprises a backing layer, an adhesive material overlying the backing layer and a release liner overlying the adhesive, wherein said medical dressing system further comprises a final dressing portion and a semiperipheral support portion partially surrounding said dressing portion and said support portion being partially defined by a separation, said dressing portion being further defined by at least one unsupported edge, said one or more unsupported edges extending from a first end to a second end of said semiperipheral support portion.

Abstract: A water vapor permeable dressing, such as a surgical dressing, is constructed of a thin elastomeric transparent film which is protected by a layer of non-woven fabric, such as a material of elastomeric filaments. The fabric is sufficiently thin, elastic and fluffy to absorb stress of abrasive objects so as to protect the underlying film. Both the film and the protective fabric are sufficiently thin and compliant to allow the dressing to conform to the contours of the human body. Adhesive used in the dressing, for securing the film to a person's skin, as well as for securing the fabric to the film, are permeable to water vapor. The film and the adhesives are impermeable to liquid water, thereby to provide an effective shield for a wound against infection by outside bacteria. A release sheet is employed for protecting a layer of adhesive on the film.

Abstract: A bandage assembly for concealing a skin wound, blemish or other dermatologic condition comprising: a segment of adhesive tape that is sized and shaped to overlie the site of the wound, blemish or condition and which has a top surface and a periphery; and a layer of make-up that matches the color of the skin and covers the top surface and periphery of the tape and the area of skin immediately surrounding the segment and is smoothed or feathered at its edge to blend with the skin.

Abstract: A multi-layered bandage is disclosed, for preventing or reducing transmission of blood borne pathogens from a bleeding wound area to a person applying the bandage to the wound, having a non-porous first layer having a first side and a second side opposite the first, the first side of the non-porous first layer serves as a gripping means or mitten whereby the hand of the person applying the bandage is prevented from contacting blood from the wound; a gauze pad second layer having a first side and a second side opposite the first, the first side of the gauze pad affixed to the second side of the non-porous layer; a flexible strap, of substantial longitudinal elasticity to allow the strap to extend and wrap around the wound area and be secured, having a first side and a second side opposite the first and having a first end affixed to the first side of the non-porous layer and a second end opposite the first; and a fastening means affixed to the second end of the strap and constructed of material to allow the str

Abstract: An island wound dressing comprising a fenestrated base layer, an absorbent pad positioned in the base layer fenestration, and a liquid and microorganism impermeable, gas and moisture vapor permeable cover sheet.

Abstract: A heat conserving bandage to cover human or animal tissue, comprising heat reflecting means (1) adjacent said tissue for reflecting heat from said tissue back to said tissue, insulation material means (2) covering said heat reflecting means (1), and textile means (3) covering said insulation material means (2). The heat reflecting means (1) includes a sandwiched structure of a first foil (1a) of plastics material adjacent said tissue, a second foil (1b) and bonded thereto. Further textile means (3') can be inserted between said heat reflecting means (1) and said human or animal tissue. Suitably, the textile means and the heat reflecting means are bonded together by sewing or by means of adhesive to create a pocket for receiving said insulation material means.

Abstract: Method of enhancing the healing of human wounds by controlling the microenvironment of the wound by sequentially applying to the wound dressings having moisture and oxygen permeabilities appropriate for the healing phases of the wound.

Abstract: A system for delivering both adhesive strips and transparent dressings to a patient. The adhesive strip or strips are provided with tab means for enhanced handleability and easy removal of the adhesive strip, and are releasably adhered directly to either the release liner or carrier layer of the transparent dressing. Preferably, the tab means is an integral part of one of the layers provided for delivery of the thin film dressing. Specifically, either the release liner or the carrier layer is provided as separately removable portions, and the adhesive strip is attached to the release liner or the carrier layer across the adjoining edge of these portions to allow removal of one portion from the balance of the composite at a time. When one portion is so removed, the adhesive strip is also removed and remains attached to that removed portion. The adhesive strip may then be easily handled for delivery to the desired site on the patient.

Abstract: A wound dressing for promoting moist wound healing comprising a backing sheet coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, an absorbent pad adhered to the adhesive, and a net extending across the pad and adhered to the adhesive. The perimeter of the pad is completely surrounded by a portion of the adhesive. The backing sheet comprises a strip of stretchable, liquid-permeable, non-woven fabric and a semi-occlusive film. The fabric strip is preferably disposed on an interior side of the film and carries the adhesive. The film defines an external face of the dressing and covers the entire surface area of the fabric strip.

Abstract: A transdermal drug delivery system is disclosed. The system comprises a laminate composite of a patch/skin permeable membrane; a transfer gel layer disposed on said permeable membrane; a permeable membrane disposed on said transfer gel layer; a plurality of sectional drug reservoirs for receiving medicament disposed on the transfer gel layer; and activation means for releasing medicament from said drug reservoirs for contact with skin of a patient. The medicament in contained in the reservoirs at varying amounts and/or concentrations, providing for selectable dosage, for sequential delivery, for sequential activation, for variable unit dose drug delivery in transdermal application.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-adhesive nonwoven elastic composite material composed of at least one elastic composite material; and a coating of a self-adhesive material on at least a portion of at least one exterior surface of the elastic composite material so that the material is capable of being compressed in the Z-direction at least about 45 percent at a pressure of about 3 psi to a thickness of not less than about 0.035 inch. The elastic composite material may contain an elastomeric nonwoven fibrous web joined to at least one relatively nonelastic gatherable material at spaced-apart locations so that the gatherable material is gathered between the spaced-apart locations. Such an elastic composite material can be coated with a self-adhesive material on at least a portion of at least one exterior surface of the elastic composite material so that the peel strength of the self-adhesive material is less than the peel strength of the layers of the elastic composite material.

Abstract: A flexible wound dressing product contains a clear hydrogel material in a gel-like phase. The wound dressing product is comprised of several layers including a wound dressing, optional removable tab and optional release liner. The wound dressing comprises a thin-film layer, an adhesive layer, porous backing layer, optional support layer and a hydrogel material. The thin-film layer has a center portion and a perimeter portion. The backing layer, support layer and hydrogel material, which together form a reinforced hydrogel patch, are positioned in the center portion of the thin-film layer. The porous backing layer is formed of a porous material having sufficient porosity that the backing layer can be secured to the hydrogel material without the use of an adhesive. During manufacture, the hydrogel patch is assembled in sheet form and subsequently cut to a desired size and shape.

Abstract: A flexible, transparent wound dressing product contains a clear hydrogel material in a gel-like phase. The wound dressing product is comprised of several layers including a wound dressing, removable tab and release liner. The removable tab provides a grippable surface to allow for the removal of the release liner from the wound dressing and to facilitate handling of the wound dressing during application to the wound site. The tab may be comprised of a flat, double-coated paper or other suitable material, or a flexible, V-shaped member, and is removable by peeling after the wound dressing is applied. The wound dressing comprises a transparent thin-film layer, a first adhesive layer, backing layer, second adhesive layer, support layer and a hydrogel material. The transparent layer has a center portion and a perimeter portion. The backing layer, support layer and hydrogel material, which together form a reinforced hydrogel patch, are positioned in the center portion of the transparent layer.

Abstract: A wound dressing product is provided which includes a wound dressing laminate having a plurality of layers including a backing layer which forms a first side of the wound dressing laminate and a hydrogel layer which forms a second side of the wound dressing laminate. The wound dressing laminate is spirally wrapped about a center axis such that the wound dressing laminate terminates at a leading end and the first side of the wound dressing laminate forms the outer surface of the wound dressing product.

Abstract: Provided is a medical compound and a surgical tape containing the medical compound for curing muscle ache and stiffness. The medical compound is capable of radiating farinfrared in the wavelength rang of 3-16 .mu.m when stimulated by body heat. It has the effects of vitalizing cells and promoting metabolism. The medical compound is composed of powdered perelite and at least one metallic oxide such as Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5, Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5, NiO and the like, which will not cause environmental pollution when the surgical tape is discarded after use.

Abstract: A flexible wound dressing product contains a clear hydrogel material in a gel-like phase. The wound dressing product is comprised of several layers including a wound dressing, optional removable tab and optional release liner. The wound dressing comprises a thin-film layer, an adhesive layer, porous backing layer, optional support layer and a hydrogel material. The thin-film layer has a center portion and a perimeter portion. The backing layer, support layer and hydrogel material, which together form a reinforced hydrogel patch, are positioned in the center portion of the thin-film layer. The porous backing layer is formed of a porous material having sufficient porosity that the backing layer can be secured to the hydrogel material without the use of an adhesive. During manufacture, the hydrogel patch is assembled in sheet form and subsequently cut to a desired size and shape.