Abstract: A swab applicator for collecting debris and other materials from small and hard to reach spaces and cavities and applying materials to selected areas, including small and hard to reach spaces and cavities. The swab applicator includes an elongated member having two opposite ends having respective end members extending from the ends. One of the end member loops to form one or more through openings and has a surface made from or covered with an absorbent material. The other end member is different from the first end member and, in one configuration, is a wad mounted on the end of the elongated member.

Abstract: The current invention is a syringe and swab system for a syringe having a plunger, a barrel, a needle hub, a needle, a needle safety cover, and a swab attached to the distal end of the needle safety cover for placing over an injection site to apply pressure.

Abstract: A device for receiving a sample carrier is provided. The device includes an opening for receiving part of the sample carrier and a cutter for removing a part of the sample carrier. The cutter is coupled to a lid, which is movable to allow the cutter to make an incision in the sample carrier and, at the same time, to close at least part of the opening left open after receipt of the sample carrier. The disclosure further relates to a system comprising such a device and a method for operating such a device.

Abstract: A kit is provided for gathering biological specimens. The kit generally comprises a self-contained specimen gathering device including a protective housing and a preservation solution. Also provided is a method of gathering specimens and a holistic method of deterring crime using the kit.

Abstract: A method for remotely applying a force to a tether affixed to a sterilizing swab package to open the package for use of a swab disposed therein. The method may be applied to sterilizing a septum of a vial disposed within a bag.

Abstract: A treatment system and method includes use of a chemical facilitator to provide a result-effective event against one or more negative therapeutic effects related to exposing to a light output a skin portion including a condition treatable in whole or in part with light. In one exemplary embodiment for skin treatment including tattoo removal, perfluorodecalin is used to inhibit or resolve whitening, for example to speed a laser therapy session.

Abstract: Swabs, and materials of the present disclosure, and methods of making same, include randomly arranged sea-island bicomponent fibers.

Abstract: A multiple-use blotting device for blotting blood from a fingertip includes a substrate, and a blood absorbing pad secured to the substrate. The blood absorbing pad has a plurality of blood absorbing sections that are evenly spaced from one another. The blotting device includes a protective cover overlying the blood absorbing pad, the protective cover having a window formed therein for exposing the blood absorbing pad. The cover is coupled with the substrate and is adapted to rotate relative to the substrate and the blood absorbing pad for sequentially aligning the window of the cover with each of the blood absorbing sections for exposing, one at a time, each of the blood absorbing sections. After one section of the pad has been used to blot blood, the cover is rotated for exposing a clean, unused section of the pad, while covering the used, blood-soaked section of the pad.

Abstract: A built-in non-verbal compact instructional device integratable to an applicator having a microdevice for painlessly perforating skin and optionally an active agent for application to the perforated area. The microdevice can include microneedles, microneedle arrays, microblades, microblade arrays, microknives, microknife arrays, and Functional MicroArrays (FMAs). The active agent can be stored in a first chamber. The microdevice can perforate stratum corneum without significant pain or discomfort to a patient. The active agent is applied to the perforated area. The device verifies compliance with predetermined methods of use, such as a light to indicate application with the recommended amount of force for perforating skin. The applicator can provide enhanced delivery of an active agent, with minimal discomfort, for therapeutic or cosmetic treatment, such as topical treatment for acne, or other skin disorders, wrinkles, blemishes, etc.

Abstract: A disposable pen needle assembly for affixing to a pen injector for injecting a medicament, such as insulin, into a user. The pen needle assembly includes a needle that is sealed within a hub such that a proximal end of the needle is retained within the hub and enclosed by a peel-off hub inner seal. The opposite end of the needle extends outwardly for injecting the medicament. There is a sealed chamber external of the peel-off hub inner seal that contains a swab soaked with an antiseptic material. An outer removable seal, that also can be a peel-off seal, covers the sealed chamber containing the swab so that the user can simply remove the outer seal to gain access to the swab for cleansing the potential injection site. After swabbing the injection site, the hub seal is then also peeled off to access the needle for use in conventional manner.

Abstract: An extraction method and apparatus is provided for obtaining quick, safe and highly sensitive testing of a variety of body fluids including saliva, blood, urine or other fluids for drugs of abuse or other analytes. The apparatus includes a latchable extraction wand for obtaining body fluid samples from a subject which is adapted to maximize the portion of the body fluid sample that will go into a graduated bottle containing a buffer solution, and a testing device wherein the sample will be received and into which test strips can be inserted to determine levels of drugs of abuse or other analyte in the sample. In one of the methods of the invention, energy is imparted to the sample and buffer solution, such as by shaking, and this facilitates reduction of sample viscosity, such as by promoting the breakdown of mucins when the sample is saliva.

Abstract: A sterilized non-discolored eyelid cleansing pad, which has been sterilized by exposure to ?-radiation in a dose level of 2 Mrad.

Abstract: Methods, materials, apparatus and systems are described for performing capillary flow assay. In one aspect, a system includes a sample collection unit to collect a sample liquid and a sample testing and storing unit to interface with the sample collection unit to test and store the collected sample liquid. The sample testing and storing unit includes a sample inlet shaped to receive the collected sample from the sample collection unit, and a sample well positioned below the sample inlet to retain at least a portion of the sample liquid. The sample testing and storing unit includes a sample housing unit to store a remainder of the sample liquid not retained in the sample well, and an analyte testing unit housing shaped to receive an analyte detecting unit to test a presence of a target analyte in the sample liquid.

Abstract: Swabs, and materials of the present disclosure, and methods of making same, include randomly arranged sea-island bicomponent fibers which have randomly splayed terminal ends.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swab for collecting biological specimens of the type consisting of a rod terminating in a tip covered with fiber with hydrophilic properties to allow absorption of said specimens, wherein said fiber covers said tip in the form of a layer deposited by flocking.

Abstract: A swab applicator for collecting debris and other materials from small and hard to reach spaces and cavities and applying materials to selected areas, including small and hard to reach spaces and cavities. The swab applicator includes an elongated member having two opposite ends having respective end members extending from the ends. One of the end member loops to form one or more through openings and has a surface made from or covered with an absorbent material. The other end member is different from the first end member and, in one configuration, is a wad mounted on the end of the elongated member.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene device to wipe seminal and other fluids from the vagina after sexual intercourse.

Abstract: A method for packaging an agent for delivery within a body cavity. A reservoir within a package contains a specified quantity of the agent and is either contiguous with, or coupled to, a dispensing node such as a swab. Depth of insertion of the dispensing node into the body cavity is restricted to a specified depth by a penetration-restricting feature that forms part of the package.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swab for collecting biological specimens of the type consisting of a rod terminating in a tip covered with fibre with hydrophilic properties to allow absorption of said specimens, wherein said fibre covers said tip in the form of a layer deposited by flocking.

Abstract: A method of navigating a medical device in an operating region in a subject. The method includes applying a magnetic field to the operating region and changing the magnetic moment of the medical device by selectively changing a physical condition of at least one magnet element in the medical device to change the orientation of the device with respect to the applied magnetic field.

Abstract: A trocar cleaning device includes a connecting rod having a first end and a second end. A first sponge is coupled to the first end of the connecting rod, and a second sponge is coupled to the second end of the connecting rod. An X-ray detectable element is coupled to at least one of the connecting rod, the first sponge, and the second sponge.

Abstract: Personal hygiene devices designed to aid physically impaired persons to clean their own recto-genital area following urination, defecation, menstruation, or sweating. The devices include an elongated flexible strip made from one or two elongated individual sheets affixed together and of a length sufficient to extend between the user's legs and of a width sufficient to generally cover the recto-genital area. The strip has an absorbent middle portion for engaging the user's recto-genital area and respective dependent end portions having respective thumb holes therethrough for easy gripping in-hand. An absorbent pad is positioned at the middle portion retained by the individual sheets to increase the absorbency thereof. The device is used by gripping the end portions in-hand optionally using the thumb holes with the middle portion extending between the user's legs.

Abstract: A disposable swab tipped medication applicator containing one or more pharmacologically active agents in an anhydrous crystalline or powdered form at the swab. A method for use of the swab tipped applicator provides for delivery the pharmacological agent(s) to an area of the skin, such as the external auditory canal, preferably after showering or bathing, so that the dry agent is dampened so as to treat conditions of the skin. A package of the prepared applicators is provided in one embodiment, while in another embodiment applicators having two different medicaments are provided in a single package for treatment of a condition.

Abstract: An improved swab device includes a handle member having a swab portion and a hinge. The hinge divides the handle member into a handle portion and a controllable portion. The device further includes a first stop member and a second stop member. The controllable portion may articulate from a rest position in a first direction until it is retained in a first retained position. The first stop member is configured to prohibit the swab portion from articulating any further in a first direction and also may be configured to maintain the swab portion in the first retained position. The swab portion may then be released from the first retained position and articulate in an opposite second direction until it is retained in a second position. The second stop member is configured to prohibit the swab from articulating any further in a second direction and also may be configured to maintain the swab portion in the second retained position.

Abstract: A means for a physically challenged user to gain access to their anus in order to clean the area through a wiping action. The device has a handle that operates through a positionable mid-section to a pair of spreader elements used to spread the cheeks of the buttocks while a wiping element covered by a sleeve is brought forward through leverage, wherethen while holding the handle wiping can be performed through repetitive parallel movement of the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swab for collecting biological specimens of the type consisting of a rod terminating in a tip covered with fiber with hydrophilic properties to allow absorption of said specimens, wherein said fiber covers said tip in the form of a layer deposited by flocking.

Abstract: A device for applying a liquid, pasty or other flowable substance includes a pack with a receiving section comprising a wet portion for receiving the substance and a closure section defining a dry portion. The closure section is separated from the receiving section by a tear line. The wet portion is separated from the dry portion by means of a separation element comprising an orifice closed off by a closure element which is releasable from the separation element after tearing open the pack along the tear line.

Abstract: A disposable applicator assembly includes a handle of a diameter substantially larger than the diameter of an applicator stick. The applicator assembly includes a casing, the applicator stick, and an applicator (e.g., a swab). A support structure is disposed within the casing and engages the applicator stick. A product may be housed in the casing for delivery by the applicator. The applicator assembly may be formed of a single material that is suitable for an injection molding process.

Abstract: Provided are articles containing a solid surface material with an antimicrobial agent in a thermoset and/or thermoplastic resin matrix, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a chitosan-metal complex.

Abstract: A wet to dry, single use fiber optic connector end face cleaning device. The device is comprised a of a first swab, the first swab having a cleaning head and a first grasping end, the cleaning head having a presaturated fabric attached thereto, and a second swab, the second swab having a drying head and a second grasping end, the drying head having a drying fabric attached thereto. In use, the cleaning head of the first swab is positioned adjacent to the drying head of the second swab, the cleaning head and the drying head at different elevations. Also disclosed is a method for using the fiber optic connector end face cleaning device.

Abstract: Provided is a swab 1 in which a fiber lump portion 2 is disposed at one end or both ends of a stick 4, and an adhesive layer is disposed partially or entirely on the surface of the fiber lump portion 2, and a flocked layer 3 covering the adhesive layer is disposed by flocking fiber thereon in a brush shape. The swab 1 has a soft texture and excellent elasticity, and also has superior fluid retention performance and fluid release performance. Therefore, the swab is suitable for taking biological specimens, applying chemical agents to the affected parts, cleaning human bodies or equipment (for example, ear cleaning), applying cosmetic materials, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the use of recombinant human CC10 (rhCC10), also known as recombinant human uteroglobin, for use as a therapeutic in the treatment of nasal rhinitis, nasal sinusitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and nasal polyposis. More particularly, the invention provides methods, including broadly the critical dosage ranges of rhCC10 and intranasal route of administration, which may be administered to safely and effectively treat the aforementioned conditions. The invention further provides a composition useful in administering rhCC10 to humans.

Abstract: Transcutaneous immunization can deliver antigen to the immune system through the stratum corneum without physical or chemical penetration to the dermis layer of the skin. This delivery system induces an antigen-specific immune response. Use of skin-active adjuvants is preferred. Although perforation of intact skin is not required, superficial penetration or micropenetration of the skin can act as an enhancer; similarly, hydration may enhance the immune response. This system can induce antigen-specific immune effectors after epicutaneous application of a formulation containing one or more antigen and adjuvant. The formulation may initiate processes such as antigen uptake, processing, and presentation; Langerhans cell activation, migration from the skin to other immune organs, and differentiation to mature dendritic cells; contacting antigen with lymphocytes bearing cognate antigen receptors on the cell surface and their stimulation; and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A cotton swab and cotton swab holder, which can be used together in a cotton swab holder assembly. The cotton swab having a shaft and a cotton portion disposed on an end of the shaft. The cotton swab holder having a handle portion; and a cotton swab holding portion connected to the handle portion, the cotton swab holding portion having a mechanism for holding the shaft of the cotton swab. Also provided is a cotton ball including: a cotton body; a wall defining a cavity disposed on an interior of the cotton body; and one of a liquid or gel contained in the cavity.

Abstract: An anti-smear cleaning swab for cleaning delicate surfaces, comprising a body defining an elongated shaft having two opposite ends. An enlarged blade is carried at one end of the handle. A number of bores are made through the blade, these bores enabling both fluid flow therethrough and also some retensive capture of fluid droplets. A fluid absorbing cloth sheet pocket generally encloses by folding same around the blade, and is sized to fit snugly therearound.

Abstract: A swab comprising gelatine or collagen has been found to have a remarkably high recovery of microorganisms. Furthermore, the samples, such as microorganisms, spores, nucleotides and other biologically or biochemically relevant compounds can be fully recovered from the collagen-or gelatine-comprising swab. The invention thus provides a method and swab which has a high recovery of a target from a sample and furthermore a second high recovery when transferring from the swab to a medium for analysis.

Abstract: A nose cleaning device comprises first and second buds, each bud at the end of a shaft, and the shafts connected together with the buds biased apart in a tweezer arrangement. The inner faces of the buds are flat, and each bud comprises a depth limiting stop for limiting the depth to which the bud can be inserted into a nostril. The invention thus provides a simple to use device which can help parents improve the comfort of their child or carers improve the comfort of disabled or elderly patients.

Abstract: The swab/applicator for removal of earwax and fluid from the ear canal and for applying medicines provides a flexible sleeve that fits over a person's finger, made of cotton, nylon, elastic, gauze. An absorbent tip is removably or permanently attached non-rigidly to the sleeve proximate the user's finger tip.

Abstract: A protective covering constructed from an electrostatically charged sheet having a top and bottom surface and an absorbent layer. The absorbent layer has top and bottom surfaces, the bottom surface of the absorbent layer being bonded to the top surface of the electrostatically charged sheet. The absorbent layer is divided into a plurality of cells for containing liquid spilled on the absorbent layer. The absorbent layer can be constructed from paper, open cell foam, fibrous mat, or any other absorbent material. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cells are constructed by providing hydrophobic barriers in the absorbent layer. The barriers can be constructed from paraffin, plastic, or any other material that can penetrate the absorbent layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, a hydrophobic layer is bonded to the top surface of the absorbent layer.

Abstract: A composition for dissolving or reducing the viscosity of sputum on a surface of a device includes an effective amount of glycerol and an effective amount of dextran sulfate in a saline solution. The effective amount of glycerol is between about 30-50% and the effective amount of dextran sulfate is between about 10-30%. The composition may further include an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for delivering an active agent formulation for a predetermined administration period. An impermeable reservoir is divided into a water-swellable agent chamber and an active agent formulation chamber. Fluid from the environment is imbibed through a semipermeable plug into the water-swellable agent chamber and the active agent formulation is released through a back-diffusion regulating outlet. Delivery periods of up to 2 years are achieved.

Abstract: An assembly and an associated method for collecting a sample of material desired to be characterized with diagnostic equipment includes or utilizes an elongated member having a proximal end with which the assembly is manipulated by a user and a distal end. In addition, a collection tip which is capable of being placed into contact with the material to be characterized is supported upon the distal end. The collection tip includes a body of chemically-inert porous material for binding a sample of material when the tip is placed into contact with the material and thereby holds the sample of material for subsequent introduction to the diagnostic equipment.

Abstract: A disposable swab tipped medication applicator containing one or more pharmacologically active agents in an anhydrous crystalline or powdered form at the swab. A method for use of the swab tipped applicator provides for delivery the pharmacological agent(s) to an area of the skin, such as the external auditory canal, preferably after showering or bathing, so that the dry agent is dampened so as to treat conditions of the skin. A package of the prepared applicators is provided in one embodiment, while in another embodiment applicators having two different medicaments are provided in a single package for treatment of a condition.

Abstract: A disposable swab tipped medication applicator containing one or more pharmacologically active agents in an anhydrous crystalline or powdered form at the swab. A method for use of the swab tipped applicator provides for delivery the pharmacological agent(s) to an area of the skin, such as the external auditory canal, preferably after showering or bathing, so that the dry agent is dampened so as to treat conditions of the skin. A package of the prepared applicators is provided in one embodiment, while in another embodiment applicators having two different medicaments are provided in a single package for treatment of a condition.

Abstract: A process for manufacture of an improved cotton swab product for use in personal hygiene, application or removal of cosmetics, or application of medication. Cotton swabs today are sold in packages containing hundreds of individual swabs that can come into contact with germs once the package is opened. This improved invention will prevent contamination of the swabs because they will be individually wrapped. Further, this improved invention will contain a saline solution sprayed into each cotton tip of the swab during the processing stage which will allow the user to clean their ears or other body parts much easier than using just a dry cotton swab. Dry swabs do not properly clean the ears and with this improved invention of a pre-moistened swab, personal hygiene will be much easier and more thorough.

Abstract: A cylindrical support rod has a first end and a second end with a central length between the ends. A quantity of an exfoliating material is coupled to one end of the rod.

Abstract: A vacuum device for removing a lodged mass or bolus from the throat of a choking victim. The device includes a pump for creating a vacuum chamber communicating with a mouthpiece having a frangible membrane. A resilient striker fractures the membrane to generate a substantially instantaneous vacuum to the mouthpiece to dislodge the mass. In one embodiment, the membrane is substituted by a manually displaceable sealing member, which is resealed after use of the device by movement of a vacuum-generating plunger.

Abstract: The application discloses devices, systems, kits and methods for treating biliary disease. Device comprise, for example, a component configured for deployment to a lumen of a gallbladder or gallbladder duct which has a proximal end and a distal end with a lumen extending therethrough and a fluid or gas delivery apparatus at its distal end.

Abstract: A kit for storing and applying an adhesive removing device comprising an enclosure which includes a base portion and a removable top layer releasably secured to the base portion; an adhesive removing device including at least one wiping mechanism which includes at least one absorbent portion; and a biocompatible composition including a solvent and a moisturizing agent embedded in the absorbent portion of the wiping mechanism. A method for storing and applying an adhesive removing device comprises a series of steps for using the adhesive removing device to remove an adhesive from a surface.

Abstract: A cleaning swab is for wet or dry use. The swab includes a handle defining a longitudinal axis. The handle is elongated and has a cleaning head end having a tip, and a grasping end. A cleaning head is mounted to the handle. The cleaning head is formed from a strip of material having an inner surface and an outer surface. The material is affixed to the handle at the inner surface, and extends along the handle, over the tip and along an opposite side of the handle. The head defines a loop at the handle tip spaced from the tip. The strip of material extends along the handle to define major cleaning surfaces and the loop defines an inner annular cleaning surface.