Abstract: An easily opened, elongated tubular container is disclosed. The container is composed of an inner tube having at least one open end and being adapted for filling with various liquid substances. An outer tube, relatively reciprocative with respect to the inner tube, and having at least one sealing element capable of sealing the open end of the inner tube is provided, and at least one attachment is installed at the exit open end of the outer tube. The sealing element, which is formed as one piece with the outer tube, closes the opening of the inner tube. The outer tube is displaceable, by the operator, from a position which closes the open end of the inner tube to the reverse position which releases the open end of the inner tube so that the liquid in the inner tube is released to flow out the open end and be absorbed by the attachment.

Abstract: A swab dispenser comprising a bin adapted to store swabs, a fluid reservoir, and optionally, a cover. The bin may be compartmentalized. The reservoir ceiling has a depression in its outer surface, an aperture at the low point of the depression, and is optionally removable for cleaning and filling. A membrane covers the aperture. The membrane has an opening that is at least two intersecting slits or a circular hole that allows a swab to be inserted into the reservoir by temporarily deforming the membrane. Preferably, the floor of the reservoir is concave with the low point directly below the aperture. Alternatively, the bin and reservoir are separable so one may be replaced without having to discard the other.

Abstract: A topical anesthetic solution includes a tetracaine base dissolved in a solvent, such as isopropyl alcohol. A method for anesthetizing the ear canal and tympanic membrane using the anesthetic solution includes providing a dry, expandable applicator which expands as it absorbs a fluid and inserting the applicator, dry or partially wetted, into the ear canal and advancing the applicator into the ear canal to the vicinity of the tympanic membrane. The applicator is then fully wetted with the anesthetic solution, causing the applicator to fully expand within the ear canal, and is left in the ear canal for a period sufficient to effect anesthesia of the ear canal and tympanic membrane. An apparatus for applying a topical anesthetic to the ear canal and tympanic membrane includes an expandable, absorbent applicator that expands when soaked with a liquid, an applicator withdrawal tether attached to the applicator, and an applicator inserting and soaking device.

Abstract: A tampon device including a medicinal liquid, such as a hemostatic agent solution, and useful for releasing the medicinal liquid into the vaginal cavity after insertion into the vaginal cavity.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical kit includes a container; a packet of dispensing swabs; a bottle with a dispenser assembly with an upwardly extending tubular member with an open aperture at the top for the passage of fluid from the bottle through the dispenser assembly, the tubular member adapted to removably receive a short tube of a dispensing swab; a quantity of liquid iodine located within the bottle; and a tube containing a quantity of zinc oxide.

Abstract: An apparatus or kit for applying a predictable amount of liquid such as a surgical prepping solution to an applicator having a resilient, porous pad. The apparatus includes a receptacle having an internal space such that when the pad is placed within the space, the pad is compressed to a predetermined degree. The receptacle is attached to a bottle or other container holding surgical prepping solution. In one embodiment, a dip tube extends from an inlet near the bottom of the bottle to an outlet positioned within the internal space of the receptacle. Most preferably, the outlet extends into the internal space of the receptacle. Pressurizing the bottle dispenses liquid through the dip tube onto the applicator. A method of use of the kit or apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A swab dispenser comprising a bin adapted to store swabs, a fluid reservoir, and optionally, a cover. The bin may be compartmentalized. The reservoir ceiling has a depression in its outer surface and an aperture at the low point of the depression. A membrane covers the aperture. The membrane has at least two intersecting slits that allows a swab to be inserted into the reservoir by temporarily deforming the membrane. Preferably, the slits extend completely across the aperture. Preferably, the floor of the reservoir is concave with the low point directly below the aperture.

Abstract: A dispensing cartridge for use with a hand-held applicator has a chamber with a first section and a second section. The second section has a smaller cross-sectional area than the first section such that the chamber has a stepped configuration. A piston is slidably received in the chamber and has a head portion that is received in the second section and a tail portion that is received in the first section. As a force is applied to the tail portion, the head portion advances to expel material through an outlet opening. The cartridge is especially useful for dispensing compositions having a relatively high viscosity such as dental pastes and the like.

Abstract: Applications of low-frequency (20 KHz) ultrasound enhances transdermal transport of high-molecular weight proteins. This method includes a simultaneous application of ultrasound and protein on the skin surface in order to deliver therapeutic doses of proteins across the skin. Examples demonstrate in vitro and in vivo administration of insulin (molecular weight 6,000 D), and in vitro administration of gamma interferon (molecular weight 17,000 D), and erythropoeitin (molecular weight 48,000 D).

Abstract: A method for closed-chest cardiac surgical intervention relies on viewing the cardiac region through a thoracoscope or other viewing scope and endovascularly partitioning the patient's arterial system at a location within the ascending aorta. The cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegia can be induced, and a variety of surgical procedures performed on the stopped heart using percutaneously introduced tools. The method of the present invention will be particularly suitable for forming coronary artery bypass grafts, where an arterial blood source is created using least invasive surgical techniques, and the arterial source is connected to a target location within a coronary artery while the patient is under cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegia.

Abstract: A hygienic applicator having a combination of moist and/or dry swab end sections made of absorbent material. The moist end section is pre-moistened with baby oil, cleaning solution, medicant, or any desired liquid. The dry end section can also be moistened with a preferred liquid and then dried, leaving this section impregnated with a desired residue. The end sections can be encapsulated with an easily removable wrap to prevent contamination. The wrap can be moisture-impermeable to retain the moisture of the wetted end sections. Wraps are incorporated for quickly unravelling the end sections just prior to use.

Abstract: To provide an autoclavable swab, a fibrous applicator pad is formed with a narrow slit and a handle with a plurality of barb means extending away from its longitudinal axis and from a first end toward a second end. The opening is sufficient in size to receive the first end of the handle and the adjacent portion through at least 25 percent of the applicator pad, whereby the barbs, once inserted, engage the applicator pad material within the opening to resist removal of the handle.

Abstract: Disposable paper products, such as paper toweling, are provided with an indicator means which is disposed on said disposable paper product in a discontinuous or combination discontinuous/continuous pattern. The indicator means gives a visually recognizable signal to a user that desirable properties of the disposable paper product are maintained, even after the disposable paper product has become wetted with a substantially transparent aqueous liquid. The wet gray scale difference for the disposable paper product of the present invention is at least about 64 gray scale units when the disposable paper product is wetted with a substantially transparent aqueous liquid.

Abstract: A device to be used for daily cleaning a user's internal walls of his or her nasal cavities. The device is elongated with two ends and an increasing diameter away from the ends. The device is made out of a soft material that conforms to the space defined by the internal wall of a user's nasal cavities. An inner elongated and longitudinally extending core made out of a firmer material is used to enhance the overall resiliency of the device. A plurality of soft filaments extend from the outer surface of the elongated body that with the longitudinally disposed grooves trap the secretions and facilitate their removal. Inserting the device causes it to exert an outwardly radial pressure to aid in the impregnated on the device to provide a user with relief and/or therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sampling kit for obtaining, in a rapid and gentle manner, a defined volume of lacrimal fluid for the purpose of reproducibly determining components of the lacrimal fluid.

Abstract: A device for applying medication fluid on mucus membrane in interior of body cavities has a manually actuatable pump element mountable on a medication supply container for discharging a medication fluid and having an outlet, an insertion tube having one end connected with the outlet and provided with a through going longitudinal opening, a distributor body connected with an opposite end of the insertion tube and having an outer shape and a volume to correspond to a body cavity to be treated, the distributor body having a plurality of outlet openings distributed over its outer surface and communicating through an interior of the distributor body with the insertion tube so that a medication fluid supplied under pressure is a discharged from the outlet openings over an outer surface of the distributor body.

Abstract: An essentially homogeneous, water-resistant, water-absorbent rod, containing a cohesive spiral winding of water-resistant, water-absorbent sheet material, in which the rod can absorb at least 50% by weight of water when placed in water at 23.degree. C. for one minute. Methods for fabricating and using this rod are also described.

Abstract: An infusor system for administering medications to a patient comprises a delivery tube with one of the ends couplable to a supply of liquid medication. A dispenser head is coupled to the other end of the delivery tube and medication is directed through the tube to the dispenser head. The dispenser head includes a contact surface and is configured to be placed within a body cavity of a patient such that the contact surface contacts a portion of a mucous membrane in the body. The dispenser head is operable for directing medication from the delivery tube to the contact surface and on to the mucous membrane to be absorbed by the mucous membrane and distributed in a body of a patient. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dispenser head includes a portion of compressible foam which is configured to fit within the rectal cavity of a patient. The dispenser head channels, wicks or otherwise directs medication to the rectal mucous membrane to be absorbed thereby.

Abstract: An infusor system for administering medications to a patient comprises a delivery tube with one of the ends couplable to a supply of liquid medication. A dispenser head is coupled to the other end of the delivery tube and medication is directed through the tube to the dispenser head. The dispenser head includes a contact surface and is configured to be placed within a body cavity of a patient such that the contact surface contacts a portion of a mucous membrane in the body. The dispenser head is operable for directing medication from the delivery tube to the contact surface and on to the mucous membrane to be absorbed by the mucous membrane and distributed in a body of a patient. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dispenser head includes a portion of compressible foam which is configured to fit within the rectal cavity of a patient. The dispenser head channels, wicks or otherwise directs medication to the rectal mucous membrane to be absorbed thereby.

Abstract: A device for applying pressure using absorbed fluid is disclosed. The device has particular utility in body cavities, such as nasal or sinus passages. In one embodiment, the device includes an expandable packing member and a delivery/draining tube. The packing member is insertable into a body cavity or body wound and expands when the packing member absorbs one or more fluids. After reaching the desired expansion, the packing member contacts body walls and applies pressure thereto. The delivery/draining tube is able to deliver fluid for treatment purposes or for expanding the packing member to a desired size. The delivery/draining tube is also used in removing body or other fluids from the body cavity or wound that are absorbed by the packing member. Rehydrating fluid is also utilized in facilitating the removal of the packing member from the body cavity or wound. In another embodiment, the packing member is definable to include anterior, body and posterior sections.

Abstract: A delivery tip for use on a delivery device for applying a dental composition to tooth surfaces includes a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the tubular member is coupled to the delivery device. A plurality of fibrous bristles are disposed on an outer periphery at the distal end of the tubular member. The fibrous bristles can be used in an agitating action to remove entrapped air bubbles from the applied composition such as an impression material. The fibrous bristles on the delivery tip can also be used to coat and spread the composition on tooth surfaces. With the fibrous bristles attached to the outer periphery at the distal end of the delivery tip, the composition can be delivered through the passageway in the tubular member without interference from the bristles.

Abstract: A mouthcare kit comprising a pair of sealed bags formed as a unitary structure. The first bag contains a swab and a frangible first pouch carrying a liquid for impregnating an absorbent head of the swab while retained within the first bag. The second bag contains a second pouch with a moisturizing liquid which can be removed from the second bag so that the moisturizing liquid can be applied to the swab.

Abstract: A multifunctional device for use in an endoscopically performed operative procedure of the type where a narrow portal is established through the skin to provide access to an operative site and the multifunctional device is introduced to the operative site through the narrow portal. The multifunctional device is formed of an absorbent material, preferably expandable, having a substantially rigid dry state prior to introduction to the operative site and a soft, flexible wet state after absorbing fluids. The absorbent material can be formed with a spine therein of either a continuous or a discontinuous, segmented construction, and the spine can be branched and tubular or solid.

Abstract: An electronic syringe for use in administering anesthetic and the like injections or for aspirating fluids. The electronic syringe is particularly well suited in dental applications where a precise level of hand control is required. The syringe housing is a compact, pen-style arrangement that may be gripped between the middle and index fingers of the practitioner's hand which allowing for thumb-free operation. Motorized, optionally cordless, operation with speed control and data collection is also provided such that an injection can be preformed on a patient in a steady, painless, non-intimidating manner. When connected to a processing device, the data collection feature is capable of updating a patient database with the mount of anesthetic and the like injected for record keeping purposes.

Abstract: A delivery system for a liquid oral hygiene preparation suitable for tooth whitening, tooth cleansing and the treatment of. The delivery system includes an elongate barrel shaped body. A supply of the hygiene preparation saturates a fibrous wadding carried in a hollow chamber of the body. At an end of the body, an applicator formed of felt or synthetic fibers is seated. The applicator includes a broad tip and a stem wick which is received in the wadding and draws the preparation to the tip by capillary action. The preparation is applied to tooth surfaces, oral lesions, and the like by pressing the tip against the surface to receive the preparation and, where appropriate, wiping the tip along the surface. In an alternate embodiment, ball applicator is provided and the hygienic preparation may be carried in the chamber without the wadding.

Abstract: A compact, single-use stylus applicator is disclosed having a dry medication (e.g. a dehydrated topical astringent disinfectant that is adapted to treat acne and has been reduced to crystalline form by lyophilization) stored in a first chamber. A liquid diluent is stored in a second chamber. Fluid communication between the first and second chambers is blocked by a barrier. By compressing the second chamber, a corresponding hydraulic pressure is generated in the diluent which defeats the fluid blocking integrity of the barrier. Accordingly, the diluent in the second chamber is introduced under pressure to the dry medication in the first chamber to rehydrate and activate the acne medication. The reconstituted multi-constituent liquid medication is absorbed by a stylus-shaped swab so as to be applied directly to a tissue area as a topical treatment for acne or other skin disorders.

Abstract: The present invention includes a sleeve for use with a device for collecting and transporting biological specimens. The sleeve comprises a tubular member for containing the bottom portion of the collection device and a lever so as to exert pressure to the collection device so as to break the ampoule, The sleeve provides an environment to maintain the substantial viability of a specimen during transport in a collection device.

Abstract: A nasal pack inserter apparatus having a barrel member with a throughgoing lumen providing an inlet and an outlet for a plunger reciprocally mounted therein. The barrel member defines rib means projecting into the throughgoing lumen defining a track for the plunger which is configured to fit in the track when inserted into the lumen. The plunger member has a thumb piece on one end and a pusher tip on the other end to transport a nasal pack provided with a withdrawal thread through the lumen into a nasal cavity. The withdrawal thread of the nasal pack is positioned within a channel formed in the plunger body to prevent fouling of the same within the barrel lumen.

Abstract: A system for impregnating and dispensing a swab. An outer bag is provided having at least one swab and a burst pouch located therein. The burst pouch is opened within the bag while the bag is sealed, impregnating the swab before its removal. The bag is then opened, and the impregnated swab is removed through an access opening in the bag. The access opening is located so that the bag may be lain horizontally without liquid in the bag spilling from the bag. The pouch is oriented in the bag to be in proximity to the absorbent head of the swab.

Abstract: To provide an autoclavable swab, a fibrous applicator pad is formed with a narrow slit and a handle with a plurality of barb means extending away from its longitudinal axis and from a first end toward a second end. The opening is sufficient in size to receive the first end of the handle and the adjacent portion through at least 25 percent of the applicator pad, whereby the barbs, once inserted, engage the applicator pad material within the opening to resist removal of the handle.

Abstract: An improved specimen test unit is provided for use in the collection and analysis of a biological specimen or the like. The test unit includes a swab member having a hollow shaft closed at a rear end by a break-off nib, and a swab tip at a front end for collecting a selected specimen. The swab shaft rear end is carried by a housing base, with the break-off nib extending into a reagent chamber having a selected reagent therein. The housing base is sufficiently deformable to break the nib and thereby permit reagent delivery through the swab shaft to contact a collected specimen on the swab tip. In a preferred form, a housing cap removably interfits with the housing base to define a specimen chamber with the swab tip enclosed therein, with the housing base and/or cap being conveniently formed from blow molded plastic components.

Abstract: A swab device, method, and kit for collecting and analyzing a sample for an analyte (antigens or antibodies) on the swab. The device includes a narrow rod or stick-like support in combination with an assay medium which is positioned adjacent to the support. The assay medium is extended longitudinally down the support a length sufficient to permit an immunoassay to be carried out within it. The assay medium and the support may include a capillary medium. A collection medium may also be attached to the capillary medium to enhance sample collection. The method includes collecting a sample suspected of containing the analyte in a sample collection area at the end of the swab. A liquid containing a labelled component is applied to the swab and allowed to immunochemically react with the sample. If the analyte is present, an immunocomplex is formed and retained on the swab. A wash solution is subsequently applied to the swab to effect the separation of the immunocomplex from excess free label.

Abstract: A laparoscopic instrument comprises a receptacle for storing a predetermined amount of a biologically active composition, a mechanical ejector operatively connected to the receptacle for ejecting the predetermined amount of the biologically active composition into a patient's abdomen, and an actuator operatively connected to the ejector for enabling an actuation of the ejector to eject the predetermined amount of the biologically active composition into the patient's abdomen. The laparoscopic instrument includes an elongate hollow shaft.

Abstract: A laparoscopic medical instrument for performing blunt dissection, as well as irrigation and aspiration of the operative field. The instrument comprises an elongated suction tube having proximal and distal ends, with the proximal end connected to a source of irrigation fluid and to vacuum suction equipment. A cannulated mandrel is partly inserted into the distal end leaving a portion of the mandrel extending outwardly from the elongated tube. A strip of cloth having a textured surface is wound around the outwardly extending portion of the mandrel for performing blunt dissection. An inner tube extends within the mandrel such that the bore of the inner tube is in registry with the bore of the elongated tube to provide a continuous internal bore extending through the entire instrument for supplying irrigation fluid and for removing the fluid and debris during aspiration. An X-ray opaque strip is wound within the cloth strip.

Abstract: An applicator swab that includes an elongate support member with a swab head mounted on at least one end thereof, together with accordion-like folds disposed in the support member for adjustably disposing the swab head at an angle to a center portion of the elongate member. In addition, the accordion-like folds provide means for limiting the amount of pressure that can be exerted by the swab against an object by forcing of the swab against the object, and accordion-like folds in the support member beneath the swab head enable the swab head to adjust to different diameters which enhances the usefulness of the swab.

Abstract: There are disclosed a body fluid purifying material which comprises a water-insoluble compound obtained by allowing one or more kinds of a polymeric compound having hydroxyl groups to react with a compound having at least one isocyanate group, and a method for purifying a body fluid which comprises using a water-insoluble polymeric compound obtained by allowing one or more kinds of a polymeric compound having hydroxyl groups to react with a compound having at least one isocyanate compound.

Abstract: An improved applicator for applying a topical anesthetic to a patient's mucosal tissue is disclosed, and includes a sponge-like dispenser member characterized by a relatively large surface area. The dispenser member is attached to an elongated handle. A predetermined quantity of the topical anesthetic is preapplied to the applicator member. A number of the applicators are stored in a refillable dispenser apparatus, wherein a refill dispenser housing defines a number of applicator wells, each for receiving one of the applicators. The handles of the applicators can be color-coded to indicate the flavor of the topical anesthetic which has been preapplied to the applicator.

Abstract: A disposable hollow bulb-shaped applicator has an ointment-permeable soft mesh membrane which covers the bulbous end of the applicator. Resilient walls surround and interconnect both ends of the applicator, and form a chamber for holding ointment therebetween. The applicator has a necked end opposite to the bulbous end which may be attached to a container of ointment. The ointment chamber of the applicator may be filled with ointment by pressurizing the container (e.g. by squeezing) to force ointment from the container into the applicator. A plug is inserted into the necked end of the applicator to prevent the flow of ointment out of the applicator through the necked end. The filled applicator is squeezed to force ointment through the soft mesh membrane and onto the surface which is to be treated by the ointment. The applicator may be discarded after use.

Abstract: An improved applicator for applying a topical anesthetic to a patient's mucosal tissue is disclosed, and includes a sponge-like dispenser member characterized by a relatively large surface area. The dispenser member is attached to an elongated handle. A predetermined quantity of the topical anesthetic is preapplied to the applicator member. A number of the applicators are stored in a refillable dispenser apparatus, wherein a refill dispsenser housing defines a number of applicator wells, each for receiving one of the applicators. The handles of the applicators can be color coded to indicate the flavor of the topical anesthetic which has been preapplied to the applicator.

Abstract: Apparatus for insertion through an aperture in an earlobe includes structure for delivering medicament to the aperture. In one embodiment, a resilient reservoir for medicament is used to supply medicament through an apertured conduit. In another embodiment, a medicated string is pulled needle-and-thread fashion through the earlobe aperture and retained therein.

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

Abstract: A new composite material of an open foam substrate and bonded micropackaged active ingredient particles is generated by foam polymerization of a prepolymer phase and an aqueous phase. The foam substrate is an open cell foam for dispensing active ingredient liquids or solids released from the particles. The particles of micropackaged active ingredient liquids or solids are formed with frangible containment walls for breaking and releasing the active ingredient in response to defined stress. The micropackaged active ingredient particles are approximately 400 to 5,000 microns in diameter. The aqueous phase is a pourable and flowable slurry mixture of an aqueous liquid carrier such as water, micropackaged active ingredient particles in the range of 1%-60% by weight of the aqueous phase, and surfactant wetting agent for adjusting the surface tension of the aqueous phase to produce an open cell foam upon polymerization with the prepolymer phase.

Abstract: An external ear cleaning device which is specially adapted for reaching the surfaces of the curved portions of the external ear. A substantially inflexible shaft has attached thereon at least one end piece constructed of a flexible material capable of absorbing water. The flexible material is deformable when pressure is applied to the shaft, such that the end piece can contact normally inaccessible portions of the external ear. The end piece also has a portion which extends radially outward from the shaft and which prevents harmful insertion of the device into the ear opening.

Abstract: A stimulator which may be used to diminish the number of needed hemodialysis or peritoneal applications, as well as their duration. The stimulator is provided with at least two electrodes to be applied to a patient's body. The said electrodes are connected through an earphone and through a measuring instrument for indicating the average current quantity and its time derivative to the output of a generator of an electrical signal. The generator is fed from a direct current source. The stimulator may be applied separately, without an artificial kidney, viz. for diagnostical and therapeutical purposes in general medicine, or it may be used before hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

Abstract: A catheter or fiberscope for the inspection of an intracardiac area or the like is proposed which has a flexible tube and a balloon mounted on its end. The flexible tube is divided into four passageways, i.e. two fluid passageways and an illumination light transmission line and an image transmission line. A flush of a physiological saline solution is spouted from one fluid passageway outside of the balloon to form a visual field without interfering natural movement of the area to be inspected. A catheter for dissolving a thrombus is also proposed which has a porous tube, instead of a balloon, at its end portion.

Abstract: A medicament applicator having a rigid, curved delivery tube provides controlled diffusion of medicament, as well as rigidity for burnishing of tissue and removal of coagulated blood, and maneuverability for reaching desired points of application within the mouth or within an incision. The tube is curved to a pre-determined shape, and has a small amount of padding at the delivery end. Diffusion of the medicament is controlled by a pressure-applied delivery system utilizing a syringe-plunger, a syringe-capsule-plunger, a squeeze bulb or similar device. Release of the pressure-applied delivery system immediately stops the flow of medicament.

Abstract: A self-contained swab unit comprises a cylindrical plastic tube having a foam rubber swab capping one end. The tube is closed at the opposite end by a heating and crimping process. A cleansing or sterilizing solution is loaded into the tube. The tube is sealed by a plug having a diameter slightly larger than the inside diameter of the cylinder, so that the solution is sealed away from the foam rubber swab when not in use. Squeezing the tube causes the plug to pivot in relation to the wall of the tube so that the seal is broken and liquid may saturate the swab. Releasing the squeeze pressure on the tube causes the plug to pivot back into a partial seal so that the amount of fluid used in swabbing can be controlled.