Abstract:
Orthodontic appliances and related methods are provided, including a fast-dissolving and humidity-resistant coating, containing a colorant and a binder selected from a polyamide, cellulose derivative, or homopolymer/copolymer of poly(ethylene oxide). The coating can facilitate appliance identification and serve as a reference marking to assist the practitioner in appliance placement. Advantageously, the composition of these coatings allows the color marking to be rinsed off quickly, and yet the color of the coating does not bleed during storage even in high humidity environments. The fast-dissolving nature of these coatings also allows the coating to be deposited in concave and recessed areas of the appliance, such as the archwire slot and vertical slot, since these coatings can be removed prior to archwire installation.
Abstract:
Disclosed are surfaces for resisting and reducing biofilm formation, particularly on medical articles (100). The surfaces include a plurality of microstructure features (120), arranged according to at least one unit cell (740, 840). Also disclosed are methods for creating anti - adherent surfaces.
Abstract:
The disclosure provides apparatus and assemblies for disinfecting a stethoscope chestpiece. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an applicator that dispenses a disinfecting fluid when contacted with a stethoscope chestpiece and a motion generator to move the applicator relative to the chestpiece. In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a chestpiece receiver operably coupled to a means for dispensing a fluid disinfectant. In some embodiments, the assembly includes an absorbent material comprising a plurality of contact regions and a disinfecting fluid and a means for replacing one of the plurality of contact regions with another of the plurality of contact regions. Methods of use are also provided.
Abstract:
Methods and products for protecting tissue of a patient during a surgical procedure that involve making an incision in the tissue and retracting the tissue to make a larger opening, wherein the methods and products use a water-absorbing stress-distributing layer.
Abstract:
A multi-layer film for reducing microbial contamination on a surface. The multi-layer film can include a core layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, an adhesive layer disposed adjacent the first surface of the core layer, and an antimicrobial layer disposed adjacent the second surface. The antimicrobial layer can include a cross-linked matrix and an antimicrobial agent dispersed within the cross-linked matrix, where the cross-linked matrix is derived from a polymerizable precursor comprising a material selected from the group consisting of a polymerizable monomer, a polymerizable polymer having a molecular weight of about 1,000 or less, and combinations thereof.
Abstract:
Methods of treating and/or preventing otitis media in a subject are provided. Methods of treating and/or preventing otitis externa are also provided.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an article comprising a curable resin (3) and a filler (2, 6) associated with the resin. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention adds substantially to the strength of the cured casting material as well as to the handling properties of the uncured casting tape or bandage. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention also imparts air and vapor porosity to the cured casting materials. If desired articles of the present invention may also incorporate fibers (either individually, bundled, or in the form of a lightweight scrim) to provide increased cohesiveness to the uncured article.
Abstract:
An article, comprising: an enclosure comprising: a first film layer; a second film layer, wherein the first film layer and the second film layer are sealed together to form at least one interior region for enclosing a liquid; and an adhesive layer disposed on an exterior surface of the first film layer; wherein the at least one interior region is liquid-filled. A method, comprising: providing an enclosure comprising: a first film layer; a second film layer; at least one interior region; and a composite layer comprising the first film layer and an adhesive layer disposed on an exterior surface of the first film layer; wherein: the composite layer is liquid-impervious and flexible; the first film layer and the second film layer are sealed together to form the at least one interior region; the interior region has a sealed outer periphery; and the interior region is liquid-filled; positioning the article over an intended site of operation, with the adhesive layer facing towards the intended site of operation; penetrating each of the first film layer, the at least one interior region, and the composite layer with a surgical device; and penetrating the intended site of operation with the surgical device.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a rust inhibiting lubricant. Based on the total weight of the rust inhibiting lubricant, the rust inhibiting lubricant comprises: (a) from 5% to 45% of base oil, wherein the base oil is one or more substances selected from the following group: polyalkelene glycol, fatty glyceride and propanetriol; (b) from 0.1% to 15% of corrosion inhibitor, wherein the corrosion inhibitor may be one or more substances selected from the following group: organic poly(carboxylic acid), organic polycarboxylate salt and alkyl amine; (c) from 0.05% to 10% of anti-corrosion agent, wherein the anti-corrosion agent may be one or more substances selected from the following group: benzoic acid anti-corrosion agents and isothiazoline anti-corrosion agents; and (d) from 30% to 90% of water.
Abstract:
Medical dressings and medical dressing kits that can be used to proved positive pressure wound therapy. The medical dressings include one or more normally-closed valves. The medical dressing kits may further include fittings.