Abstract: An ostomy pouch (10) includes a front wall (12) provided with a comfort layer (16) and a vent (22). An apertured cover layer (24) is secured to the front wall (12) through the comfort layer (16) to define a chamber for a filter element (28) and to provide a smooth surface to which can be applied an adhesive sticker. The cover layer (24) includes a plurality of apertures (30), and the flow rate through the vent can be controlled by positioning the sticker to selectively block one or more of the apertures (30). An adhesive wafer (40) includes both circular and non-circular (race-track) cut out guidelines for enabling the aperture to be cut to any desired shape and size. The wafer (40) is secured to the pouch along a weld line having a shape corresponding to a combined circular and race-track silhouette.

Abstract: Disposable absorbent article such as a feminine hygiene pad, and adult incontinence article or a baby diaper having a minimised tendency for creating negative skin occlusion which might create over-hydration of the skin by exhibiting a low Breathability Value as impacted by the vapour permeability of backsheet materials and the respective areas as covered by such materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic or semi-automatic bladder relief system, specifically designed to increase the overall sanitation and comfort for users that may require a means to dispose of their urine in the absence of other sanitary facilities due to situations such as aircraft pilots and incontinent individuals.

Abstract: An ostomy pouch clamp/closure and a method of production are described. The clamp comprises a blade member and a trough member hingedly coupled to the blade member and having a blade member receiving channel. At least one of the members comprises integrally molded first and second portions, being respectively a rigid portion of a first relatively hard plastics, and a soft or comfortable-feel portion of a second relatively deformable plastics. The clamp can be formed using two-shot molding. The channel also includes an elongate constriction for releasably retaining the blade member in the channel, providing a mechanical interlock along the entire length of the clamp. The clamp also includes a snap lock at its distal end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for locking a catheter within a patient enables the catheter to be easily and securely locked and prevents the catheter from being inadvertently unlocked. The locking catheter includes an elongated body member including a proximal portion and a distal portion, a first proximal member, an elongated flexible member, and a second proximal member releasably couplable to the first proximal member to allow selective locking and unlocking of the elongated flexible member therebetween. The second proximal member includes a channel. The elongated flexible member extends from the distal portion of the elongated body member, through the first proximal member, and through the channel of the second proximal member. The elongated flexible member is slidable through the channel thereby allowing the distal portion of the elongated body member to be drawn toward the proximal portion of the elongated body member to form a loop in the distal portion of the elongated body member.

Abstract: The present invention comprises devices, methods, and kits for collecting semen and other biological fluids. The devices comprise a container that has an opening that fits on a glans of a penis, preferably only the distal portion of the glans, wherein said opening has an adhesive that detachably adheres the device to the penis. The present invention facilitates stimulating the penis to achieve ejaculation, the hygienic collection and secure storage of semen, and transferring the collected semen to other containers.

Abstract: An absorbent article with improved body fit wherein a combination of downward-deflecting crease lines and an upward-deflecting shaping line are used in outer and central absorbent members, respectively, to achieve a form-fitting geometry in the crotch region while also enhancing control over fluid flow in the article. Embodiments with wicking barriers between the outer and central absorbent members are especially useful in achieving leakage reduction.

Abstract: A balloon-like member is received in the bowel and inflated to seal the stoma. The member includes a thin, flexible wall defining an opening. A rigid or semi-rigid cap retains the member and closes the opening in the member wall. Skin comfortable adhesive adheres the edge of the cap to the tissue surrounding the stoma. A flexible dilation tube facilitates insertion of the member and cooperates with a pump to inflate the member. The cap is preferably removeably attached to a standard two-piece ostomy faceplate and is provided with a filter element to vent flatus.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment for management of body wastes includes a flat bag having an upper sheet provided with a hole and a guide means for body wastes formed around the hole. The guide means includes an elastically stretchable and flexible guide tube and a flange formed around an upper opening of the guide tube. The flange is applied on its upper surface with pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A pouch includes a front wall (22), a rear wall (24) having an entrance aperture (32), and a central partition (36). The partition divides the pouch into an entrance chamber (38) and a collection chamber (40) located one in front of the other. A pad (42) of superabsorbent material is located in the collection chamber (40) and extends above the lower level of the entrance aperture (32). In use, urine entering the pouch is directed downwardly and through a lower permeable region (36) of the partition, whereafter it is absorbed and gelled by the superabsorbent material pad. The urine is also wicked upwardly by the pad (42) so that the full height of the pouch can be used as a liquid-collection region.

Abstract: An anti-reflux valve for restricting flow in one direction through a catheter toward a collection reservoir. The valve includes a check valve positioned within a segment of the catheter. The valve includes a proximal end bonded to an inside periphery of an interior of the catheter. The valve includes a pliable side wall that reduces in diameter to a distal end having an opening that is collapsible upon itself. Fluid flow is allowed through the catheter segment having the check valve therein, with flow only permitted from the proximal end and through the distal end for release into a collection reservoir. The distal end opening collapses upon itself to negate the counter-current flow of fluid through the distal end. A plurality of check valves are aligned in series to reduce the possibility of reflux flow of fluids. A method of utilization of the anti-reflux valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ureteral drainage stent is designed to be placed in a patient's ureter and extend into a patient's bladder. An elongated tubular segment includes a distal retention structure for placement in the renal cavity, and a proximal retention structure constructed at least partly from a foam material and for placement in a urinary bladder. A central lumen connects at least one opening in the distal retention structure to the foam proximal retention structure. The foam proximal retention structure typically extends along at least a lower part of the ureter, across the ureteral-vesical junction, and into the bladder, to provide drainage through multiple networked channels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vitamin additive such as Vitamin A, B12, C, D, E, incorporated into the thermoplastic material of a sock, glove or like body protection article. The thermoplastic material is preferably a block copolymer such as SEBS, SEPS and SEEPS copolymer. Additionally, the thermoplastic material can include natural oils such as grape seed oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, canola oil, ceramides, aloe and olive oil.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a disposable excreta management device. The method includes the steps of: combining a continuous liquid impermeable body facing sheet web and a discrete adhesive flange to make a first continuous composite web at a first combining section; forming lateral fold on the continuous liquid impermeable body facing sheet web at a first fold forming section, and then forming a pair of longitudinal folds on the continuous liquid impermeable body facing sheet web at a second fold forming section; combining the first continuous composite web and a continuous liquid impermeable garment facing sheet web to make a second continuous composite web at a second combining section, and cutting the second continuous composite web into the discrete disposable excreta management device.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable absorbent article having a backsheet and a fecal management member joined to the backsheet. The fecal management member includes a scrim backing and a sheet of fibers. The sheet of fibers have anchor portions in the scrim backing at spaced bonding locations and have arcuate portions of the sheet projecting from the backing between bonding locations.

Abstract: A system for the collection of physiological fluids includes a vacuum source (14) that is controlled to provide low vacuum as a function of whether fluids are entering the system. The suction wand and associated tubing are made of thin flexible materials, and the pressures employed do little damage to the collected fluids.

Abstract: An improved smoke evacuation system and method for removing gaseous byproducts of surgical procedures and noxious vapors from chemicals is provided. The smoke and vapor evacuation system includes a vacuum head positionable at a surgical site or incorporated into a workstation. The vacuum head includes a plenum, and a plenum support for preventing the plenum from collapsing when a vacuum or low pressure is established therein, and is adapted to facilitate the use of the system in a variety of surgical or commercial procedures at a variety of surgical sites or commercial workstations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for treating dry eye or increasing contact lens wear time through the transdermal delivery of androgenic hormones to the adnexa of the eye. More specifically, an androgenic hormone such as testosterone or dehydroepiandrosterone is solubilized in pharmaceutically effective carrier such as a facial cream or gel. The androgenic hormone in a pharmaceutically effective carrier is applied to the adnexa of the eye, which is the tissue adjacent to and surrounding the eyeball.

Abstract: A fill spout for a drainage device is disclosed which permits the user to supply water directly to a water seal chamber of the drainage device for establishing a water seal therein. The fill spout comprises a funnel having lateral sides for facilitating the entry of the water into the drainage device, a depending lip extending from the fill spout for preventing any run off or spillage, and a tab having an arcuate-shaped rest which permits the user to open and close the fill spout. In use, the user pulls the tab which opens the fill spout and places a water-filled bottle against the rest. The user then pours a predetermined amount of water through the funnel and directly into the water seal chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fastener device. The fastener device includes a first tape section having a free end portion and a first connection portion opposing the free end portion; a second tape section having a second connection portion and a first anchor portion opposing the second connection portion The second connection portion is joined to the first connection portion of the first tape section. The fastener device further includes a third tape section having a third connection portion and a second anchor portion next to the third connection portion. The third connection portion is joined to the second connection portion of the second tape section. The third connection portion is joined to a branch connection portion between the second connection portion and the first anchor portion of the second tape section. The present invention is also directed to a disposable product which employs the fastener device.