Abstract: A sharps container includes a container portion and a closeable lid. The sharps container includes any suitable cross-sectional shape having at least one wall. The container portion is fabricated from a light translucent or transparent material, such that any suitable light may be shined through the at least one wall thereof. An upper perimeter of the container portion is treated, such that light will not shine through an upper twenty five percent of the container by volume. An opaque tape, an opaque paint, an opaque printing ink or any other suitable treatment is applied to an upper perimeter of the container portion to prevent light from passing through the container portion. At least one wall of the container is treated.

Abstract: A sharps container includes a container portion and a closeable lid. The sharps container includes any suitable cross-sectional shape having at least one wall. The container portion is fabricated from a light translucent or transparent material, such that any suitable light may be shined through the at least one wall thereof. An upper perimeter of the container portion is treated, such that light will not shine through an upper twenty five percent of the container by volume. An opaque tape, an opaque paint, an opaque printing ink or any other suitable treatment is applied to an upper perimeter of the container portion to prevent light from passing through the container portion. At least one wall of the container is treated.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to relates to heat-resistant gel electrolyte materials and their uses, for example, in electrochromic devices such as electrochromic windows. In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides an electrolyte material including a polymer of ethyleneimine, optionally at least partially crosslinked (e.g., with an epoxide crosslinker such as the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A); a lithium salt (e.g., lithium perchlorate); and a high-boiling solvent (e.g., DMSO). The electrolyte materials can be used in electrochromic devices, such as electrochromic windows, e.g., for use as automobile sunroofs.

Abstract: A physiological signal monitor having retractable wires may include a housing, a patch and a cradle. The housing may be adapted to carry a memory, a first electrical contact, a second electrical contact, and a processor in data communication with the memory. The patch may include a first side adapted to be secured to a patient and an opposing second side. The cradle connects to the second side of the patch and may be adapted to carry the housing. The cradle may include a wire retractor, a first electrical pad adapted to contact the first electrical contact, a second electrical pad adapted to contact the second electrical contact, a first sensing connector, a second sensing connector, a first wire connecting the first electrical pad to the first sensing connector, and a second wire connecting the second electrical pad to the second sensing connector.

Abstract: A condom having an indicia disposed on the lower side of the roll when the condom is in the rolled configuration. Preferably, the indicia is a fluorescent marking disposed on the inner side of the condom disposed at a location so that, when the condom is in the rolled configuration, the indicia is visible from the lower side only. More preferably, the indicia is a ring-shaped marking extending about the inner side of the tubular body. In this configuration, a user holding a rolled condom can easily determine which is the upper side of the roll and which is the lower side of the roll. The user may then quickly orient the condom with the lower side facing toward the penis and unroll the condom in the proper direction.

Abstract: A male contraceptive device includes a condom-like sheath that is placed over the male genital member and has a flavorful formulated solution disposed inside the distal tip. The distal tip is operable to release, eject, or secrete the formulated solution during male ejaculation. The condom-like sheath is shaped to elastically conform to the elongated shape of a male genital member. The sheath has an open proximal end for receiving the male genital member and a distal end that has a distal tip that is selectively closed. The distal tip defines a reservoir containing an ingestible flavored solution and is operable to permit the release of a composition of the flavored solution and any seminal fluid that has entered the reservoir.

Abstract: An elastomeric condom device including a tubular portion to cover the shaft of the penis, the tubular portion having a first thickness; a pouch portion to cover the scrotum, the pouch portion having a second thickness; and a middle portion provided between the tubular and pouch portions, the middle portion having a thickness that is at least double the thickness of the thickest of the first and second thicknesses. The middle portion includes an opening for insertion of the penis and scrotum, the opening defined by an elastic ring of heavier construction than the middle portion, wherein when the condom is in place over the male genitalia the elastic ring is positioned around the base of the penis and the scrotum at the torso of the body.

Abstract: A male contraceptive device includes a condom-like sheath that is placed over the male genital member and has a flavor-infusing agent disposed within the distal end. The distal end is operable to release, eject, or secrete the flavor-altered semen during male ejaculation. The condom-like sheath is shaped to elastically conform to the elongated shape of a male genital member. The sheath has an open proximal end for receiving the male genital member and the distal end has a distal tip that is selectively closed. The distal tip defines a reservoir containing the flavor-infusing agent and is operable, upon pressure of seminal fluid entering the reservoir, to cause the flavor profile or characteristic of the seminal fluid to be altered and to permit the release of the seminal fluid that has entered the reservoir.

Abstract: Condoms having an elastomeric layer and coating containing an anhydrous warming lubricant and at least one or more ingredients dispersed therein, the coating being disposed on one or both surfaces are provided. The ingredients disposed on the elastomeric layer can be solid particles or encapsulated ingredients that are insoluble in the anhydrous warming lubricant and soluble in water. Methods of producing and using these condoms are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to condoms, prophylactics and contraceptive devices made of silicone rubber having a body comprising a plurality of sections that are capable of folding telescopically, such that each section folds into an adjoining section.

Abstract: A condom having an indicia disposed on the lower side of the roll when the condom is in the rolled configuration. Preferably, the indicia is a fluorescent marking disposed on the inner side of the condom disposed at a location so that, when the condom is in the rolled configuration, the indicia is visible from the lower side only. More preferably, the indicia is a ring-shaped marking extending about the inner side of the tubular body. In this configuration, a user holding a rolled condom can easily determine which is the upper side of the roll and which is the lower side of the roll. The user may then quickly orient the condom with the lower side facing toward the penis and unroll the condom in the proper direction.

Abstract: An excrement treating apparatus 100 includes an excretion receiver 1 and an apparatus body 2. The excretion receiver 1 includes a receiver body 10 which receives excretions and an excretion sensor 20 which detects the excretions. The apparatus body 2 includes a urine tank 51 which stores urine, a vacuum pump 52 which sucks urine received by the receiver body 10 into the urine tank 51, and a control unit 53. The excretion sensor 20 includes a pair of urine sensor electrodes 21 and 22 which detect urine received by the receiver body 10. The control unit 52 controls so as to reverse the polarity of the urine sensor electrodes 21 and 22 at prescribed time intervals. In the excrement treating apparatus, the excretion sensor's sensitivity is stabilized and urination is accurately detected and treated.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved packaged condoms that enable the use of a large quantity of a composition inside the condom. In addition, a sufficient quantity of certain spermicidal and/or microbicidal compositions is provided for efficient inactivation of sperm and pathogens. The present disclosure also provides condoms with reduced tendency to slip or break. Compositions associated with different surfaces of the condom can be effectively segregated to their intended condom surface according to the present disclosure.

Abstract: It is hereby described an oral prophylactic device constructed of vulcanized natural latex or similar material, having a reinforced edge, a crown-shaped middle portion slightly thinner and a central portion representing a protuberance similar to a nipple (though bigger in size) which is absolutely flexible due to its lower thickness. It allows the practice of oral-vaginal or anal sexual intercourse without any risk of contagion of venereal diseases or AIDS and it also eliminates foul smells.

Abstract: This invention relates to condoms, prophylactics and contraceptive devices made of silicone rubber having a body with an open end and a closed end, a first collar proximate to the open end, a second collar adjacent to the first collar, and a series of accordion pleats on the body, wherein the accordion pleats can independently expand or contract.

Abstract: A female condom and an improved method for manufacturing a female condom is disclosed. The invention provides a device that is effective in both acting as a contraceptive and inhibiting the transmission of disease during coitus. The invention employs synthetic latex in an efficient and cost effect manufacturing method that results in an improved product.

Abstract: A docking station for male medical line connectors, including a base housing securable to a stationary surface and having a plurality of docking bays, each of which is dimensioned and contoured for respectively receiving and temporarily retaining ampules containing sterilization fluid. Each of the ampules has a chamber therein containing the sterilization fluid and an access mouth exteriorly exposed when the ampule is secured in one of the bays, and each mouth has a female medical line connection dimensioned and contoured for temporarily receiving and securing a male medical line connector thereto with the tubular tip of the male connector immersed in sterilization fluid during the period of time that the infusion tubing is disconnected from the patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to condoms that are configured to facilitate release of nitric oxide.

Abstract: Means of easy manufacture and deployment of condoms are provided. A practical and inexpensive adhesive condom is achieved to augment user satisfaction, provide increased barrier protection and contraceptive efficacy. Compression to the penis is reduced, thereby facilitating the ease of attaining and maintaining erection, improving barrier protection and preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, as well as increasing utilization rates by enhancing sensation.

Abstract: A condom applicator (10) is disclosed which comprises a base (12) with a split line (18) across it and two flaps (14) which are connected by flimsy hinges to the base (12). Tubs (16) protrude from the flap (14). The base (12) includes two generally parallel walls (24, 28) and a base (26) which bound a trough (22). The trough receives the hem ring of a condom. There is an opening in the base which is encircled by the inner wall (24). When the flaps (14) are folded over, areas (44) of the flaps (14) cover the trough leaving a gap (G) between the wall (24) and the area (44). The tubs (16) span across said opening. The teat of the condom lies across the opening.

Abstract: A female condom has a pouch with an open end, a closed end, and a tubular body extending longitudinally therebetween. The female condom also includes an anchor attached to and outside of the closed end of the pouch.

Abstract: To use a loose-fitting condom, a penis or prosthesis is covered loosely with a condom having a loose-fitting portion. The loose-fitting portion is twisted so that the loose-fitting portion closely covers the penis or prosthesis. The loose-fitting portion is then secured in the twisted state. An external penile prosthesis is provided, which includes a generally tubular body portion and a head portion. The head portion can be rotatable about the central axis of the body portion or include a plurality of flaps swingably attached to the body portion for adjusting an opening between the flaps. Further provided is a combination of the prosthesis and a loose-fitting condom. The condom has a flexible sheath which has a loose-fitting portion sized for loosely covering a penis or the prosthesis. The combination may further include a holder for holding the loose-fitting condom in a twisted position.

Abstract: A garment includes a bifurcated body having front and rear sections wherein the front section is provided with a sheath oriented about a genital region and includes a ribbed outer surface. The rear section is provided with a plurality of apertures and is oriented about a buttock region respectively. The ribbed outer surface includes a plurality of protrusions. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for fastening the garment about the user's waist. A condom is positionable about a user's penis wherein a proximal end portion of the condom is engageable about the ribbed outer surface of the sheath, defining a frictional contact area for assisting to maintain the condom positioned about the penis during sexual activities.

Abstract: A female condom and an improved method for manufacturing a female condom is disclosed. The invention provides a device that is effective in both acting as a contraceptive and inhibiting the transmission of disease during coitus. The invention employs synthetic latex in an efficient and cost effect manufacturing method that results in an improved product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a condom (10) for the penis. The condom (10) comprises a flexible condom wall (12). In the condom wall plane a shaft channel (18) is arranged in which a flexible rotary shaft (16) is supported. The rotary shaft (16) is adapted to be driven by a rotary drive. The rotating shaft (16) generates stimulating vibrations.

Abstract: An autotransfusion system for collecting blood from a patient and reinfusing the blood back into the patient is disclosed. The system includes a collection unit, a manually operable portable suction evacuator removably connected to the collection unit, and a blood reinfusion bag removably connected to the collection unit. The collection unit includes a collection chamber that is oversized relative to the volume of blood that the unit is intended to contain, and an airflow port located and oriented in the collection chamber to prevent blood from leaking into the port when the collection unit is oriented upright or on its side. When connected to the patient, the collection unit and portable suction evacuator are maintained free of blood by enclosing them within a substantially transparent, flexible envelope. The envelope enables the unit and evacuator to be connected and set-up for proper operation while preventing blood from contacting the outer surfaces of the unit and evacuator.

Abstract: A water and moisture sealed, self contained, compact, long term, ambulatory physio-kinetic monitor is designed for mounting directly to the skin of an athlete or fitness performer, preferably immediately adjacent to the organ or system that is to be monitored, and is adhesively held there in place, covertly and comfortably, under clothing by disposable electrode, adhesive skin pads. At least three positive electrodes and a common negative electrode extend from the monitor and attach by similar disposable adhesive electrode pads to detect physiological, e.g. ECG data. Accelerometer means disposed within the monitor detects body movement and likewise stores that data on a third ECG data channel.

Abstract: A lock member attachment device with a needle guard installation structure includes a needle guard having a pair of fork-like attachment pieces at a basal portion thereof, and a boxlike needle receiving portion at least at an upper surface thereof. The needle receiving portion is at a front portion of an attachment piece. The pair of attachment pieces are pivotally supported on an area near a front end of a main body casing, and at least one of the attachment pieces is acted on by a slider-type stopper, thereby retaining a predetermined position. The needle receiving portion has a cut groove formed in a bottom portion thereof, the cut groove being for restraining a discharged runner portion of a tag suspending member assembly when the needle guard is collapsed in use, so that a finger holding a grip of the main body will not contact the runner portion.

Abstract: A catheter and introducer needle assembly with needle shield that is connected to the needle hub by a pleated tether. The tether defines a plurality of holes therein to allow the introducer needle to extend through the tether. Each hole defines a longitudinal dimension and a radial dimension such that the radial dimension is less than the longitudinal dimension. This configuration improves the tensile strength of the tether. The tether prevents unwanted proximal movement of the needle with respect to the needle shield once the needle has been withdrawn into the needle shield.

Abstract: A catheter device includes a catheter tube having a bend and having a distal end for insertion into the body of an animal or human and a proximal end. The catheter device also includes a sealing member located on the outside of the catheter tube in the vicinity of the bend. The sealing member prevents the leakage of fluid from the catheter tube when the catheter tube is pierced by the a needle in the vicinity of the bend. Preferably the catheter device is made by an injection molding process. Also disclosed is a combination needle and safety guard that includes: a needle having a sharpened distal end and proximal end; a safety guard having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the needle extends beyond the distal end of the safety guard in a direction away from the proximal end of the safety guard when the needle is in use or prior to use.

Abstract: A needle receptacle is provided for use with needle assemblies typically used in blood banks. The needle assemblies of the type concerned here have a needle mount with a forward end and a rearward end, a needle extending from the forward end of the needle mount and a flexible tube extending from the rearward end of the needle mount that connects the needle assembly in fluid-flow connection with a blood collection bag. The needle receptacle has an elongated hollow body with a front end and a rear end. The front end is open and sufficiently sized to permit the needle mount to pass axially through it. The rear end has a bore formed in it. The bore is sufficiently sized to permit the tube to pass axially through it, but too small to permit passage of the needle mount. There is also an opening formed in the body between the front end and the rear end for receiving the needle mount and the needle so that the hollow body can be slidably mounted onto the needle assembly.

Abstract: In a needle cannula extraction device, an engagement stroke moves one engagement member toward another engagement member so as to first engage a needle cannula inserted therebetween. Movement of at least one of the engagement members during a subsequent extraction stroke maintains a generally constant spacing between the engagement members that generally corresponds to a thickness of the needle. The extraction stroke pulls the needle cannula from its hub or other attachment structure, which is held in position. In first and second embodiments, the two engagement members first come together to grip the cannula, and then move together as a unit (with the engaged needle cannula) away from the retained attachment structure. In third and fourth embodiments, a first engagement member is pivotable toward a second engagement member, provided in the form of a backing member, and then away from the retained attachment structure.

Abstract: A manipulating protective glove structure for use with non-conductive, hazardous materials, or materials sensitive to contamination, in a sealed environment, e.g., glove box. The glove structure embodies components which provide monitoring and signaling to the user, of a breach, in the glove structure. The outer surface of the manipulating glove itself is made electrically conductive by conductivity treatment of by inserting the glove into a thin conductive glove member which is sized to tightly cover the outer surface of the manipulating glove. An isolated electrical wire is electrically mounted to a the conductive outer surface with prevention of ingreee of air (with possible contamination). An electrical monitoring device is electrically connected to the user's skin and to the outer conductive layer via the electrical wire.

Abstract: An improved viewing device which includes an adjustable support stand, a splash guard with an octagonally shaped open frame closing an open area to permit visual observation therethrough, with the frame having a surface thereon to receive and support a disposable transparent rectangular film positioned across the open area, and a releasable restraint in the form of a plurality of spaced posts or hooks which extend radially from the frame and which cooperate with the frame surface for releasable securement of the transparent film positioned somewhat under tension across the open viewing area. There are also adjusting components of the stand which permit the splash guard to be positioned in varying angular orientations and at varying heights relative to patient and medical attendant. A disposable transparent frontal drape adapted to be hung from one or more of the posts for enhanced body and clothes protection may also be provided.

Abstract: A medical method utilizes a medical instrument such as a suturing needle made of biocompatible material. In addition, a medical operating room is provided with a container of a solvent fluidic material. During a medical procedure, the instrument is used to operate on a patient in the operating room. Upon completed use of the instrument, it is deposited in the container in the operating room, whereupon the instrument dissolves in the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous real-time monitoring of the integrity of protective barrier materials, particularly protective barriers against toxic, radioactive and biologically hazardous materials has been developed. Conductivity, resistivity or capacitance between conductive layers in the multilayer protective materials is measured by using leads connected to electrically conductive layers in the protective barrier material. The measured conductivity, resistivity or capacitance significantly changes upon a physical breach of the protective barrier material.

Abstract: A portable early warning device for use in detection of breaches in protective garments such as gloves, during surgical procedures and the like. The device embodies a central process and source unit containing sensing wave generator, indicators, driving circuitry, digital analyzing and monitoring circuitry and a power source. The central process and source unit is separately directly connected to the object, e.g. skin of the patient, and to the device carrier, e.g. skin of the surgeon, via standard wires and EKG type terminal connectors. A conductive breach of protective garments such as surgical gloves with in vivo patient fluids, such as blood (of a possibly hazardous nature), completes a circuit and triggers a warning (either visible, audible, or mechanical) of the breach.

Abstract: A winged catheter introducer is disclosed. The catheter introducer has a catheter, a robe attached to the catheter and a winged intermediate member between the catheter and the robe. Within the catheter and the robe is a needle with a stylet attached to it. The stylet is attached to a hub which facilitates the pulling of the needle out of the catheter and through the robe. Attached to the robe is an adapter with a septum attached to it. The needle is provided with an opening extending from the needle wall to the needle lumen. A shielding device is provided which is attached to the adapter. The shielding device includes a needle container which is designed to trap the needle. A needle shield is provided inside the needle container. The needle is provided with an area of enlarged diameter. This area of enlarged diameter interacts with the needle shield when the needle is withdrawn from the catheter and robe and into the needle container.

Abstract: A cabinet housing CPR masks and non-sterile hypoallergenic latex gloves is mounted on a wall in a visible location. A plastic tie seal maintains the cabinet door closed. In the event of a CPR emergency, the seal is pulled, twisted and thereby broken, the door opened and the mask and gloves removed. When the door is opened, a lever switch on the cabinet automatically activates a loud piezo buzzer mounted on top of the cabinet, thereby alerting others to the emergency. The buzzer can be deenergized with a key-activated switch.

Abstract: An integral catheter and blood tester includes a needle unit which is receivable within a conventional catheter intravenous tube and housing. The catheter supports a piercing needle and interior chamber. A transparent tester housing is coupled to the needle unit and supports a test strip and test patch which extends into the flash chamber of the catheter needle. A constricting valve surrounds the test strip to maintain closure of the flash chamber. Once the catheter and needle have been inserted into the desired blood vessel, a quantity of blood is introduced into the flash chamber so as to wet the test patch. The test patch may, for example, include conventional litmus material used to test the pH of the test sample. Once the flash process is complete, the needle and tester housing are withdrawn from the catheter to permit conventional intravenous coupling to the catheter. Thereafter, the tester housing is separable from the needle unit to permit discarding of the needle unit.

Abstract: In an area where deadly diseases such as AIDs and similar diseases are common, the need for cleanness is obvious. This application provides covers made from latex and methods of using them that will be used to cover endoscopes and their parts to prevent such contaminations.

Abstract: A viewing device which includes a support; a splash guard with a peripheral wall enclosing an open area to permit visual observation therethrough, with the wall having a surface thereon to receive and support a disposable transparent film positioned across said open area; a post for positioning the splash guard; and a releasable restraint cooperating with the wall surface to releasably secure the transparent film positioned under tension across the open viewing area. There are also adjusting components to permit the splash guard to be positioned in varying angular orientations and at varying heights relative to the support. A variety of restraints are suitable, including resilient bands, toggle straps, flanged caps and compression springs. The device may be used with a variety of transparent films, polyethylene, polypropylene, cellulose acetate, polyester, polyvinylidene chloride and polysulfone.

Abstract: A self-sealing valve device for an angiographic catheter includes a housing having a first end adapted to form a luer lock connection with the proximal end of the angiographic catheter. A central bore extends between the first end of the housing and an opposing second end, and a deformable elastomeric slit seal is supported across the central bore to selectively seal the proximal end of the catheter. The slit seal is adapted to permit a guidewire to be passed therethrough and advanced into the catheter while sealingly engaging the walls of the guidewire to prevent blood loss through the catheter. The second end of the housing is provided with a female luer lock connection fitting for receiving the conical tip of a syringe, stopcock, or the like, and forming a pressure-tight connection therebetween.

Abstract: An enclosure which can be sterile for performing surgical procedures and a method for its use is disclosed that protects medical personnel from being infected by the patient and the patient from being infected by the surgical environment. The enclosure consists of a tent defining an isolated cavity and having flexible sides at least portions of which are transparent with connected gloves for accessing tools contained within the isolated cavity, an adhesive assembly for securing the enclosure to a patient and a support structure for supporting the tent. The surgeon can operate on a patient by making an incision through the enclosure, the adhesive assembly and the patient's skin. The incision and, consequently, the patient's body fluids, are all contained within the isolated cavity defined by the enclosure. Since the enclosure is collapsible and inexpensive, the entire structure can be disposed of after the surgery. Moreover, the enclosure can be quite small depending on the nature of the procedure.

Abstract: A condom applicator (2) comprising a rolled up condom (4) and a ring member (6) for applying the condom (4) by unrolling it over a penis, the ring member comprising a side wall (8), a flat portion (10), a first lip (12), a second lip (16), and first and second ends (18, 20) which are joined together by a frangible joint (22) which forms the ring member (6) into a complete ring in order to retain the condom (4) in position prior to use of the condom applicator (2) and which breaks during use of the condom applicator (2), and the ring member (6) being constructed to control the tendency of the first and the second ends (18, 20) to twist with respect to each other after the frangible joint (22) has been broken.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating the transfer of an oscillating ventilator apparatus from one patient to the next, without requiring disinfection of the air pulse generating diaphragm and components, by separating the airway of the patient from the air pulse generating apparatus by a patient isolation apparatus comprising a patient isolation connection unit which mounts a flexible, fluid-impervious diaphragm in sealing relation to the ventilator housing and in adjacent relationship to the outer face of the air pulse generating apparatus, whereby no fluids emanating from the patient can contact said air pulse generating apparatus. The patient isolation apparatus may be disposed of after use with one patient, or may be disinfected and reused.

Abstract: Antimicrobial gloves such as those made of natural rubber latex may be manufactured by incorporating an antimicrobially effective amount of a non-ionic, sparingly water soluble antimicrobial agent, such as 2,4,4'-tricloro-2'-hydroxyphenyl ether, into the glove material prior to forming the glove. The antimicrobial agent may be present in amounts ranging from 0.1 to 10% by weight of the antimicrobial agent. The wearer contacting surface of the glove may also be dusted with a powder containing an antimicrobial effective amount of an antimicrobial agent such as chlorhexidine digluconate. The powder may comprise a complex of chlorhexidine digluconate and cyclodextrin.

Abstract: A fluid shield for retarding the spraying and lateral leakage of body fluids from a pressurized anatomical structure includes a transparent flexible shield body terminating in a rim which defines an opening to the interior of the shield body. The rim is adapted to securely engage various body contours surrounding the structure so as to align the opening with the structure. The rim can be secured by adhesives or by manual pressure. The shield body can be penetrable by a surgical instrument for incising the structure, and fluids released from the ruptured structure are captured by the shield body for subsequent disposal. The shield body can be conveniently stored in a compressed stack disposed in a dispensing container. The outer surface of the rim can be textured to pull the next lower fluid shield of the compressed stack partially out of the dispensing container for subsequent removal.

Abstract: A disposable hand held laminated pad suitable for the application or removal of liquids and other materials while shielding the hand of the user from the materials includes a base pad having a lower wiping surface and an upper attachment surface, a thin impervious shield portion coextensive with and attached to the upper attachment surface, and a thin handle secured at a lower edge to the impervious shield and extending upwardly therefrom for grasping between fingers of a hand for enabling use thereof without contacting the fingers with the material being applied or wiped. The impervious shield helps prevent contact between a user of the pad and a person on which the pad is being used.

Abstract: A protective garment, such as a surgeon's glove, is monitored for the occurrence of a breach in that garment. The monitoring is performed using an improved version of the system disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,036,309 and 5,109,215. The system is further improved by making the protective garment of one piece with one layer of electrically conductive material and one layer of electrically insulating material, and connecting one of the electrical contacts to the electrically conductive layer. Several forms of the protective garment are disclosed, including a dual layer garment and a triple layer garment. The triple layer garment has two forms, one of which includes an insulating layer sandwiched between two electrically conductive layers, and the other form of which has an electrically conductive layer sandwiched between two insulating layers.