Abstract: A pull-activated applicator includes a barrel, a pledget, a finger grip, and a deployment element. The pledget includes a withdrawal string and is located within the barrel. The barrel, the pledget, and the deployment element are configured such that application of a force to the deployment element in a first direction deploys the pledget and withdrawal string from the barrel in a second direction generally opposite the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a temporary obstruction of the intestine of a mammal, using a solidifiable composition, said composition being flowable and solidifiable to form a solid plug at a desired site within the intestine, the structure of said plug being changeable in order to allow for the subsequent, at least partial removal of the obstruction.

Abstract: A sanitary product for use by women for the absorption of menstrual fluid, having a plug and a pad joined by a sheath. The plug is substantially cylindrical so that is fits comfortably in a vaginal cavity. The pad remains outside the vaginal cavity, but has an absorbent layer on an inward side proximal to the plug and a liquid impermeable layer on an outward side. In use, a wearer can insert a finger into the sheath from the outward side of the pad to assist with insertion of the plug into the vaginal cavity. A string is provided that extends inside the sheath from the outward end of the plug to aid removal of the product. A line of weakness extends along the major axis of the pad, about which the pad is disposed to fold in use.

Abstract: A system includes (i) a needle for insertion into a port of an implantable infusion device, and (ii) a receiver apparatus having a port location signal receiver module capable of receiving a signal from the implantable infusion device regarding spatial orientation of the port. The system further includes a processor operably coupled to the receiver apparatus and capable of determining the orientation of the needle relative to the port based on the received signal. The system also includes a display operably coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to cause the display to graphically render trajectory of the needle relative to the port. The port is graphically rendered as a target structure having a reference area. The needle is graphically rendered as an object moveable relative to the target structure. Occupation of the reference area by the object indicates trajectory alignment of the port and the needle.

Abstract: There is provided a multiple-component tampon applicator formed from at least three separate components. A fingergrip having a reduced cross-section as compared to that of the barrel may be formed such that it is a separate component or is integrally formed with a barrel component. The reduced cross-section fingergrip provides exceptional grippability to the user. The multiple components may be formed from materials including, for example, biopolymer including starches and proteins, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, or any combinations thereof. Prior to assembly of the applicator and prior to loading the barrel component with an absorbent pledget, petals may be formed on the insertion end of the barrel using existing processes and equipment. Alternatively, a separate insertion tip component having petals may be formed.

Abstract: An alarm unit for signaling impending overflow of a urine or ostomy (waste) bag includes an external magnet held at the end of an arm. An internal ferrous armature attracts the magnet which provides flux holding a switch element open when the magnet provides at least a predetermined flux to the switch. A clamp allows the user to fasten the unit to an edge of the waste bag with the bag walls between the magnet and the armature. When the bag contents reach the magnet, fluid force of the bag contents separates the magnet and the armature, causing the switch element to close and conduct power from a power supply to a signal element. The arm may be flexible. The switch element preferably comprises a reed switch controlling an electronic power switch.

Abstract: A magazine for chain components of a chain with radiation sources comprises a housing as well as a first means for receiving chain components that is mounted in a pivotal manner in the housing and has recesses for receiving the chain components, a tension spring for driving the means for receiving the chain components, a sprocket being coupled in a pivotal manner to the means for receiving the chain components and being mounted in a pivotal position in the housing, and an ejector for ejection of the radiation sources. Furthermore, the magazine comprises an ejection lever which is mounted in a pivotal manner in the housing, whereby, in a first position, the ejection lever engages the sprocket, and in a second position it blocks the ejector.

Abstract: The present invention provides endovascular devices and the methods of making and using the same. The endovascular device is a prohealing endovascular device that comprises a super hydrophilic surface. The super hydrophilic surface is generated by a method comprising a step of irradiating a surface of the endovascular device with a high energy radiation for a period of time to cause the surface to become super hydrophilic.

Abstract: A catheter system is disclosed. The catheter system includes a catheter body having an external surface and an ultrasound transducer having a side between a first end and a second end. A first medium is positioned adjacent to the first end of the ultrasound transducer and a second medium is positioned adjacent to the external side of the ultrasound transducer. The second medium is harder than the first medium to encourage flexibility of the catheter body adjacent to the first end of the ultrasound transducer and efficient transmission of ultrasound energy from the external side of the ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: The tampon applicator assembly includes a tampon applicator section, an outer housing section, and a plunger section. The combined tampon applicator section and plunger section function as a conventional plunger-type tampon applicator. The outer housing section includes a sleeve with a proximal portion and a distal portion. The (distal) insertion end of the tampon applicator section essentially fits inside the proximal portion of the sleeve, and the distal portion of the sleeve is designed to accommodate a feminine hygiene product, such as a pad, a disposable wipe, a towelette disposal mitt, a simple disposal bag, and other products associated with menstruation.

Abstract: There is provided a multiple-component tampon applicator formed from at least three separate components. A fingergrip having a reduced cross-section as compared to that of the barrel may be formed such that it is a separate component or is integrally formed with a barrel component. The reduced cross-section fingergrip provides exceptional grippability to the user. The multiple components may be formed from materials including, for example, biopolymer including starches and proteins, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, or any combinations thereof. Prior to assembly of the applicator and prior to loading the barrel component with an absorbent pledget, petals may be formed on the insertion end of the barrel using existing processes and equipment. Alternatively, a separate insertion tip component having petals may be formed.

Abstract: Provided is a tampon applicator having one or more insertion indicators to gauge and/or control the insertion depth of a tampon. The one or more insertion indicators may be located on the tampon applicator barrel, plunger, tampon, removal string, or any combinations thereof. As a result of the one or more insertion indicators, a woman can adjust the insertion depth of the tampon to her body's requirements ensuring leakage protection, comfort, or both.

Abstract: A vaginal suppository delivery device includes a pincer body having upper and lower clamp members that cooperate to confine a passage, a sleeve member, and a push rod. The clamp members have connecting and clamp end sections. The sleeve member is movable toward the connecting and clamp end sections of the clamp members so as to permit the clamp end sections to move away from and toward each other, thereby permitting a suppository to be disposed and clamped in a drug receiving groove in the passage. The push rod has an operating end that is operable so as to enable a drug pushing end to push the suppository to move out of the passage after the pincer body has been inserted into a vaginal cavity, thereby delivering the suppository into the vaginal cavity.

Abstract: A dental device includes a removable dental restoration device having at least one sector positionable adjacent an opening of a salivary gland of a human wearer. At least one chamber is provided for storing a material for administration. The chamber has a permeable wall disposed near the sector. The dental device has a tube having one end connected in fluid communication with the chamber and an opening therethrough at a predetermined position in spaced relation from the one end. Shutters are provided to effect a shutting and an opening of the permeable wall and the tube opening. The permeability of the wall permits saliva to enter the chambers to dissolve the administration material, and the concentration gradient in the tube results in a gradual diffusion of the solution into the mouth.

Abstract: A device for taking a sample from the human or animal body comprising a casing tube (2) in which there is longitudinally movably arranged a swab carrier (1) whose distal end is provided with a swab (4), and a displacement device (3) which is arranged at the proximal end of the device and by the actuation of which the swab (4) can be extended from the casing tube (2) or completely retracted thereinto, wherein the swab carrier (1) comprises at least a distal carrier portion (10) and a tubular proximal carrier portion (11), which are releasably connected together by way of a coupling portion (12) which is introduced into the proximal carrier portion (11) and which extends in the distal direction into a first opening (13) at the proximal end of the distal carrier portion (10), and wherein the coupling portion (12) locks the carrier portions relative to each in their longitudinal direction in such a way that the connection thereof is releasable by pulling the distal end of the coupling portion (12) in the proximal

Abstract: An applicator system for delivering an object into a mammalian body cavity is disclosed. The applicator includes a tubular insertion member arranged and configured to contain the object and a linearly-biased expulsion member having a first end slideably fitted within the tubular insertion member. The tubular insertion member has an insertion end and a gripper end, opposite thereof. The expulsion member extends out of the gripper end of the tubular insertion member, and terminates in a second end. The applicator also includes an expulsion member restraint capable of restraining the second end of the expulsion member proximate an outer surface of the insertion end of the tubular insertion. The expulsion member is bent when so restrained.

Abstract: A tampon applicator having a housing adapted to accommodate a tampon and a plunger telescopically slidable into the housing at one end thereof to urge the tampon out of the housing at its other end. The plunger is characterized in having a bendably flexible portion so as to enable the plunger to be folded into parallel arrangement with the housing, thereby presenting a compact configuration convenient for packaging and transportation. When required for use, the plunger may unfold, either automatically or manually, to a substantially rectilinear configuration, substantially coaxial with the housing. Once unfolded, the plunger is inserted into the housing a similar manner to existing tampon applicators having a rigid plunger.

Abstract: The invention provides a tampon insertion device comprising a tampon applicator having a first end and a second end, a tampon having a string, the tampon being positioned within the tampon applicator, and a plunger attached to the tampon applicator by the tampon string. The string is attached to the plunger at at least one connection point on the plunger. The tampon applicator with the tampon therein and the plunger are preferably positioned adjacent to one-another in a substantially parallel orientation prior to the use of the tampon insertion device. Such parallel orientation between the tampon applicator and the plunger is maintained by the tampon string connected to the plunger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tampon applicator. The tampon applicator is intended to permit easier and safer handling of the tampon. For this purpose, the tampon comprises a hollow outer cylinder (10) with a delivery opening (12) for allowing to push out the tampon (2) which outer cylinder has an opening (14) in the cylinder wall which is located behind the rearward end (3) of the tampon (2) when the tampon (2) is in its initial position in the hollow outer cylinder (10) with its forward end adjacent the delivery opening (12). In addition, an elongated pusher element (20) is provided adapted to be insertable in and slidable through the opening (14) into the interior of the outer cylinder (10) in order to abut with its forward end portion against the rearward end (3) of the tampon (2).

Abstract: An apparatus and method to apply traction to the cervical spine to help repair, non-invasively, a herniated cervical disc. A doughnut shaped member, appropriately cushioned, is constructed using elastic springy materials. Cushioned portions are placed against the underside of the chin and against the chest, and the member is bent to a saddle shape by securing opposing sides of the member behind the neck using flexible string or strap-like connecting members. The resulting structure applies pressure to the underside of the chin, in a comfortable manner, thereby providing traction to the herniated disc.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a sterile operating environment for endoscopic diagnosis and/or surgery. A covering comprises a pair of generally orthogonally arranged component bags. Each of the component bags is of an accordian-like extendible type. The component bags are joined adjacent the open end of one bag and an aperture adjacent the open end of the other bag. The open end of the second bag is engaged either to a sterile endoscopic probe preferably of the disposable type or to a shield for enclosing the distal end of an endoscope. The entire apparatus is sterilized and configured so that the component bags can be extended along the camera and light guide cables of the endoscopic system so that resistant spores, bacteria and viruses cannot contaminate the open incision.

Abstract: The applicator for inserting a pessary into the uterus, which pessary comprises a chain combined with a distal coil screwable into the base of the uterus. The applicator has an inner shaft, which received the chain in its leading end, installed in an outer shaft and with its leading end securing the nearer of the coil in a formlocked or forcelocked manner, as well as a handle at the opposite end of the shaft whose rotation and axial displacement allow screwing the coil out of the outer shaft and into the base of the uterus to the extend of its longitudinal dimension. The outer and inner shafts are withdrawable from the uterus with respect to the screwed-in coil and chain which are to be released, after completion of the application.