Abstract: A tap for a urostomy or similar bag has a first valve member which includes a male valve element located in a cap. The cap has at least one drainage hole. A second valve member including a tubular female valve element is engageable with the male valve element to close the tap, but is disengageable from the male valve element to open the tap. Flexible and/or extendible diaphragm or sheath is secured to and encloses part of the female valve element in a fluid-tight manner and is also connected to the cap in a fluid-tight manner. The diaphragm or sheath permits relative movement between the two valve members.

Abstract: A tubular surgical instrument such as a thrombectomy catheter or gall stone dislodger comprises a shaft of plastics material with a coiled spring projecting from its forward end. A portion of the spring is secured in a coupling portion at the distal end of the shaft. The coupling portion has an outer surface with a recess which flares forwards from a shoulder of the shaft towards an annular support surface. The spring is secured in the coupling portion. A balloon is inflatable by fluid pressure applied through a lumen in the shaft. An end of the balloon is located in the recess and is secured by a tie. The balloon is secured directly or indirectly to the spring by a second tie forward of the first. The instruments are primarily intended for use as aortic or venous catheters and especially thrombectomy catheters, but can also be used for example as gall stone dislodgers.

Abstract: The method assesses the level of general and specific cellular immunocompetence by measuring the responses of individuals to antigens in vitro employing the phenomenon of Leukocyte Migration Inhibition (LMI). The present invention differs from the previously described LMI technique in that antigens are individually incorporated into the agarose of assay plates, requiring no preincubation of antigens with patient blood cell (leukocyte) suspensions. The LMI assay method described herein is a practical alternative to delayed hypersensitivity skin testing to identify cellular immune deficiency and avoids the risk and inconvenience of the skin test procedure. The method also allows in vitro diagnosis of Tuberculosis and monitoring of tumor therapy.

Abstract: This invention relates to a laminated article, particularly to such an article comprising a gauze pack containing two or more gauzes such as are typically used as catalyst catchment or getter means in nitric acid production plants.Specifically, this invention provides a gauze pack segment suitable for locating in planar contiguous relationship with one or more further gauze pack segments to provide a gauze pack having a predetermined, for example, a regular geometric shape comprises a plurality of superposed gauze segments having at least when assembled substantially identical shape and area and held in fixed relationship one with another.

Abstract: A system for supplying an abrasive-containing liquid to a lapping or polishing machine includes a supply of abrasive slurry concentrate containing abrasive grain which is suspended in a liquid, a supply of diluent liquid which is essentially free from solids, and a mixing chamber positioned relatively close to a desired work surface. The slurry concentrate and diluent are separately conveyed under pressure to the mixing chamber to develop a diluted slurry concentrate which is sufficiently diluted to permit settling out of the abrasive grain. The diluted slurry is then supplied to the work surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a laminated article, particularly to such an article comprising a gauze pack containing two or more gauzes such as are typically used as catalyst catchment or getter means in nitric acid production plants.Specifically, this invention provides a gauze pack segment suitable for locating in planar contiguous relationship with one or more further gauze pack segments to provide a gauze pack having a predetermined, for example, a regular geometric shape comprises a plurality of superposed gauze segments having at least when assembled substantially identical shape and area and held in fixed relationship one with another.