Patent · US Expired

Method of forming a membrane, especially a latex or polymer membrane, including multiple discrete layers

US5679399A · kind A · utility

61Cited by
137References
29Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 7, 1995
Grant dateOct 21, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 7, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T428/31826
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Single and multiple layer membranes such as gloves and condoms include one or more deactivating barrier layers and/or indicating layers to indicate to a user membrane breach or the presence of a harmful substance in blood or body fluids. A membrane may include one or more permeable or semipermeable layers to disperse contained substances such as lubricants, biocides, spermicides, or indicators outwardly, and may also include permeable or semipermeable layers to allow transmission of body fluids or other environmental fluids inwardly into contact with an indicating or treating substance. An intermediate layer of a multi-layer membrane may include a substance to wipe, cleanse, sterilize, or otherwise treat a piercing needle. A membrane may include a sealing or coating to entrap indicators or other agents such as biocides therein. A method of making membranes such as gloves results in a double glove having discrete inner or outer layers joined only in a cuff region. Admixing of gentian violet with latex prior to membrane formation provides biocidal properties, anti-aging effects prolonging shelf-life and tear resistance, and reduces allergic reactions in latex-allergic users.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.