Abstract: A low radar cross section lens antenna having high gain is disclosed. A spherical lens having a dielectric radial gradient focuses planar RF energy coupled thereto onto a focal point on the surface of a lens located diametrically opposite from the first intersection of the plane wave and the lens. The lens partially encloses a wedge shaped RF absorbing portion having the edge of the wedge passing through the center of the lens. The lens is partially surrounded by a second RF absorbing portion having a bowl-like shape. An antenna feed having its aperture located adjacent the surface of the lens is mounted to rotate about an axis lying substantially along the edge of said wedge shaped absorbing portion. Elevation rotation means is provided to rotate the feed antenna within a slot contained within the second RF absorbing portion.

Abstract: A hemostatic clip cartridge for automatically moving a plurality of pre-formed clips to a delivery station of the cartridge while reducing jamming of the clips in the cartridge is disclosed. Jamming is reduced both by using a constant force spring and employing flat surfaces on a portion of opposite sides of the clip located in the plane of the clip. Heart shaped clips having such flat surfaces are also disclosed.

Abstract: A two-part ostomy coupling has a first part which is a flat annulus having inner and outer peripheral walls. With the annulus these walls define a shallow channel. The coupling has a second part formed by a second flat annulus with radially inner and outer rims formed by respective flexible peripheral elements of plastics material. The first and second parts are constructed so that the second part is a push fit into the shallow channel defined by the first part. An annular member having a flexible resilient strip extending inwardly from its radially inner edge and an element extending from its radially outer edge which can engage under a rim portion of the said outer peripheral wall. Alternatively, the second part may be an annular member having a flexible resilient strip extending outwardly from its radially outer edge and an element extending from its radially inner edge which can engage under a rim portion of the said inner peripheral wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching a catheter to a bag includes a pair of coupling rings for trapping a part of the bag wall between them. A cutter having a blade of circular or closed loop form makes a cut in the trapped wall and an elastomeric member for gripping a catheter is connectable to the cutter or to one of the rings. The catheter is inserted in the elastomeric member and through the rings, the member serving as a gaiter.

Abstract: A faecal incontinence bag having flexible front and rear walls secured together around their periphery. The front wall has a hole therein for entry of matter discharged by the wearer. The hole is surrounded by an adhesive pad of skin-compatible water-resistant material secured to the external surface of the front wall surrounding the hole. The pad is generally heart-shaped so that when in position on the wearer the concave portion of the heart-shaped pad is towards the front of the wearer.

Abstract: A drainage tap can be readily fixed in a face-to-face manner to the wall of a plastics drainage bag and is easily operated by a user. The tap has a body and a valve member therein, and the latter is held within the body by engagement of an external rib on the valve member in a slot which extends into a flange of the body.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance intended for attachment to a peristomal area of a wearer includes a pad of medical-grade skin-attachable adhesive material, a first coupling element secured thereto, the element having a medically-extending flange attached to a surface of the pad and an upstanding rib of closed loop form constructed to couple with a couterpart (second) coupling element on a bag or pouch. An inner chute member is located radially within and adjacent to the first coupling element, the chute member having a substantially cylindrical wall covering the whole of the radially inner surface of the first coupling element. At one of its ends, the chute has a radially outwardly extending flange positioned so that it traps the chute member in position when the two coupling elements are coupled together.

Abstract: An attachment assembly is disclosed for attaching an article such as a wound cover or a prosthesis to human skin. The article attached may be, for example, a cover or dressing over a wound or a fistula or other lesion, it may be an eye patch or a breast prosthesis for use after masectomy or it may be a pouch to cover the genital region. The attachment assembly comprises a body-attachable pad of skin-compatible adhesive material and a series of double-sided adhesive layers thereon, which layers are constructed and arranged to be manually peeled off one-by-one when desired in order to expose a fresh adhesive surface to which the article is then attached.

Abstract: An improved beam deflector having a first ball element attached to a second ball element with the first ball element mounted in a movable socket, movable about a single axis only through the first ball element. The second ball element is mounted in a fixed socket and is rotatable about a single axis only through the second ball element. The fixed socket is fixed to the housing of the beam deflector. Rotational movement is limited by the spacing between opposing flat surfaces of the movable and fixed sockets. The movable socket is remotely movable in response to movement of a control rod which is coupled to the movable socket through a universally movable third ball and socket arrangement.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance has four annular parts. The first part is attachable to the body of the wearer. It is also attachable to the third part by a second part which comprises a rotatable locking ring. The third part is attachable to the fourth part in a push fit manner and the ostomy bag is connected to the fourth part.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an ink formulation capable of monitoring steam, dry heat and ethylene oxide gas sterilization processes is disclosed. The formulation comprises selected substituted pyridenes, quinolines or isoquinolines as the active compound in combination with a nitrocellulose solution and a solvent.

Abstract: A penile clamp has a flexible member for encircling the shaft of the penis. It can be tightened around the penis. The arrangement and construction of the flexible member is such that such tightening causes a localized pressure to be applied to a central portion of the underside of the penile shaft.

Abstract: A synthetic plastic bag for containing liquids, e.g., urine, has a plastic outlet tube. It is manufactured by a first step of seam welding the tube between two superposed bag walls. In a subsequent step, an encircling sleeve is slid over the tube to a position where it contains within it the portions of the bag walls on either side of the tube. Thirdly, this sleeve is compressed onto the tube by a crimping operation conducted with the crimping force applied in a direction substantially parallel to the plane in which the bag walls lie. The tube may be part of a tap or other outlet fitting such as a push-pull tap.

Abstract: A releasable catheter retaining device is mounted on a pad of medical grade skin adhesive material. The device has a flange with a central hole, and a post extends from a surface of the flange opposite to the pad. An elongated tab extends from the post, there being a slot in the post for receiving the free end of the tab. With this arrangement, the tab can be passed through the slot after encircling a catheter which extends through the hole, in order to grip the catheter and to retain it in position.

Abstract: A urostomy appliance has one part which is attachable to the body of the wearer by a pad of medical grade adhesive. The pad has a central hole, and, on its side remote from the skin of the wearer, a coupling element. The first part above mentioned is constructed to co-operate with a second part consisting of a single piece of moulded plastics material. The second part includes a coupling element constructed for a snap fit or a push fit engagement with the first coupling element. Moreover, it has a cover wall in the shape of a dome and an outlet pipe.

Abstract: A bag 10 for containing liquids is formed by welding together two plastic sheets around their peripheries and includes a neck portion 11 for connection to an outlet. An outlet tube 13 is partially inserted into the neck portion leaving a part of the tube with an upstanding seal member 17 outside the neck portion. A sleeve 18 is passed over the neck portion and the sleeve is shrunk into place, urging the neck portion 11 into tight engagement with the outlet tube 13 and effecting a seal between the sleeve 18 and the seal member 17 on the outlet tube 13.