Abstract: A device applies a graduated pressure to an underlying surface. An exemplary device is a graduated compression device or a graduated pressure bandage, that is able to apply graduated pressure to a limb, with higher pressure being applied at one end of the device, e.g. near the ankle in use, and gradually applying less pressure at the other end of the device, e.g. such that the lowest pressure is applied to the end of the stocking closest to the thigh in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for applying graduated pressure to an underlying surface. An exemplary device is a graduated compression device or a graduated pressure bandage, that is able to apply graduated pressure to a limb, with higher pressure being applied at one end of the device, e.g. near the ankle in use, and gradually applying less pressure at the other end of the device, e.g. such that the lowest pressure is applied to the end of the stocking closest to the thigh in use.

Abstract: A system and method for separating human waste and converting urine into potable water for drinking and use in a hand washing station (165). In one aspect a commode (100), a three-way valve (110) at the outlet of the commode, a urine reactants tank (145), a storage container (160), a pump (170), and a spigot (175) are used. A user turns an actuator (111) on the valve in one direction to direct feces and feces-plus-urine into a reactants tank for feces, and in another direction to direct urine into the urine reactants tank. The urine reactants tank contains a plurality of baffles (210) separating the tank into chambers. A first chamber contains algae and microorganisms supplied by a seed (150). These organisms absorb nutrients from the urine as they grow into a mass (152). A last chamber contains only purified water that flows from the tank into the storage container from which it can be pumped to the spigot.

Abstract: A system for converting urine into potable water for drinking and use in a hand washing station (165) comprises a commode (100), a three-way valve (110) at the outlet of the commode, a urine reactants tank (145), a storage container (160), a pump (170), and a spigot (175). A user turns an actuator (111) on the valve in one direction to direct feces and feces-plus-urine into a reactants tank for feces, and in another direction to direct urine into the urine reactants tank. The urine reactants tank contains a plurality of baffles (210) separating the tank into chambers. A first chamber contains algae and microorganisms supplied by a seed (150). These organisms absorb nutrients from the urine as they grow into a mass (152). A last chamber contains only purified water which flows from the tank into the storage container from which it can be pumped to the spigot.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprising a sealed enclosure having at least one compartment; a plurality of spaced apart pillar-like structures positioned within the at least one compartment; and means for evacuating air from the at least one compartment, wherein the evacuation of air from the at least one compartment causes a reduction in the distance between at least two of the pillar-like structures.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprising a sealed enclosure having at least one compartment; a plurality of spaced apart pillar-like structures positioned within the at least one compartment; and means for evacuating air from the at least one compartment, wherein the evacuation of air from the at least one compartment causes a reduction in the distance between at least two of the pillar-like structures.

Abstract: A post-operative or trauma-site head dressing (10) comprises a cap (12) adapted to fit over the head (20) of a patient. The cap is a patchwork of compartments (14) of airtight, flexible material connected to a single opening (18) through which air may be evacuated. The compartments are filled with polystyrene beads so that, on air evacuation, the cap not only becomes rigid, but also gently presses against the scalp to inhibit post-operative swelling and/or bleeding from head wounds.