Abstract: In a telecommunications system interconnection is made between a broadband network and a narrowband PABX by an interworking unit providing conversion between the cell based switching of the broadband network and the circuit switching of the narrowband PABX, whereby broadband network users have access to PABX telephony facilities. The broadband network may be ATM based.

Abstract: A valve for a urine collection bag has a base plate with a valve housing within which a valve member is displaceable. The valve member is hollow and has an aperture that aligns with an aperture in the base plate and bag when the valve member is in its lower position. The valve is opened by squeezing a finger plate on the valve member down towards a lower finger grip on the base plate. In the open position, the valve member can engage a coupling which slots between the arms of a fork projection on the base plate. The valve is closed by squeezing the finger plate up towards an upper finger grip on the base plate.

Abstract: A two-part ostomy bag assembly comprises a bag and a fitment secured around the stoma. The bag has a coupling in the form of a neck with an annular lip which is insertable in a deformable collar in the fitment. A resilient ring embraces the collar and has projecting tabs by which the ring can be tightened to deform the collar about the neck of the bag coupling. The lip prevents full tightening of the ring before the neck is fully inserted in the collar and the lip engages in an annular recess in the collar. The ring is retained in a tightened state by means of a releaseable ratchet arrangement.

Abstract: A wc-disposable ostomy bag has an outer water soluble layer of polyvinyl alcohol and an inner relatively insoluble layer of polyvinylidene chloride. A flange of a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive ring has one side adhered to the outer layer only, around an opening into the bag so that the edge of the outer layer around the opening is left exposed to material passing through the opening. The other side of the flange in use is secured to the patient's skin around the stoma either directly or via a peristomal wafer.

Abstract: A fibrous composite material of essentially two-dimensional form in the form of individual fibres, sheets or layers comprising combustible fibres and lamellae of a layer mineral of size below 50 microns, a method for the manufacture of the fibrous composite materials by applying lamellae of a layer mineral to the fibres preferably from suspension followed by removal of the liquid phase of the suspension, and use of the fibrous composite materials for the fire-protection of substrates.

Abstract: A fibrous composite material in the form of individual fibres, sheets, layers or lightweight blocks comprising non-combustible fibres and lamellae of a layer mineral, a method for the manufacture of the fibrous composite materials by applying lamellae of a layer mineral to the fibres preferably from suspension followed by removal of the liquid phase of the suspension, and use of the fibrous composite materials for the fire-protection of substrates.

Abstract: A closure device for a surgical post-operative drainage bag comprises a first panel which is curved and a second panel. The two panels are joined by a hinged connection. The second panel comprises two strip-like portions joined together by an intermediate hinge. When the device is closed, the free edge of the second panel tightly engages within the inside of the lip so as to be placed in a stressed condition and so that a portion of the bag positioned between the inside of the lip and the free edge of the second panel may be secured.

Abstract: A surgical drainage bag has a vent opening in a rear wall of the bag. A first mount is attached to the rear wall of the bag and has an opening registering with the opening in the rear wall. A second mount has a tubular plug which is a press fit in the opening in the first mount and communicates with a recess containing a filter element.

Abstract: An aluminum substrate comprising a layer of lamellae of a layer mineral, preferably vermiculite, in which substantially all of the lamellae are of size below 50 microns, production of the coating by applying a suspension of the lamellae to the substrate and removing the liquid from the suspension. The coating significantly upgrades the thermal insulation and fire performance of aluminum substrates even when only a few microns, for example below 50 microns and even below 10 microns, in thickness.

Abstract: A fibrous composite material in the form of individual fibres, sheets, layers or lightweight blocks comprising non-combustible fibres and lamellae of a layer mineral, a method for the manufacture of the fibrous composite materials by applying lamellae of a layer mineral to the fibres preferably from suspension followed by removal of the liquid phase of the supension, and use of the fibrous composite materials for the fire-protection of substrates.

Abstract: A fibrous composite material of essentially two-dimensional form in the form of individual fibres, sheets or layers comprising combustible fibres and lamellae of a layer mineral of size below 50 microns, a method for the manufacture of the fibrous composite materials by applying lamellae of a layer mineral to the fibres preferably from suspension followed by removal of the liquid phase of the suspension, and use of the fibrous composite materials for the fire-protection of substrates.

Abstract: A filter for a surgical drainage bag has a filter layer of activated carbon cloth. Gases may pass through this filter layer from the interior of the bag. A first layer of gas permeable thermoplastics material is arranged in contact with the front side of the filter layer. A barrier layer of gas permeable hydrophobic material has its rear side in contact with the front side of the first layer. A second layer of gas permeable thermoplastics material has its rear side in contact with the front side of the barrier layer. All the various layers are secured together by a peripheral seal.

Abstract: A fibrous composite material in the form of a three-dimensional block comprising a mass of combustible fibres and lamellae of a layer mineral, a method for the manufacture of the fibrous composite materials by applying lamellae of a layer mineral, preferably from a suspension, to combustible fibres and forming the fibres and layer mineral into a three-dimensional block, and use of the fibrous composite materials as insulating materials and for the fire protection of substrates.

Abstract: A surgical collection bag for post operative use having two opposed walls, secured together by a perimeter weld. One of the walls has an inlet opening through which the contents of the intestine of a patient can flow into the interior of the bag. The same wall also has a vent which is impervious to solid material and liquid from the intestine of the patient but which is pervious to gases. Welds inside the bag together with the perimeter weld define a pathway through which gases can flow from the interior of the bag to the vent. This pathway includes one or more vents through which gases must pass before they reach the vent. These gateways are sufficiently narrow at least substantially to prevent the passage of solid materials and liquids. If desired, the welds can be discontinuous to provide a multiplicity of gateways.

Abstract: Laminated foamed plastics articles, especially polyurethane and polyisocyanurate rigid foam panels, are faced with a composite layer of vermiculite lamellae and metal foil, especially aluminum foil. The vermiculite lamellae are preferably size-graded to below 50 microns and form a coating on the metal foil which has a thickness preferably below 50 microns. The laminated articles have good fire resistance properties.

Abstract: Laminated foamed plastics articles, especially polyurethane and polyisocyanurate rigid foam panels, are faced with a fibrous composite material comprising fibres, especially glass fibres, and vermiculite lamellae. The vermiculite lamellae are preferably size-graded to eliminate larger lamellae. Preformed flexible layers of the fibrous composite material may be used to face rigid foam board in a continuous lamination process. The articles have good fire resistance properties.

Abstract: The laminates have a core of rigid isocyanurate-based foam sandwiched between two facing sheets which are preferably non-combustible. Embedded in the core, substantially throughout its thickness, are multiple layers of a mesh of continuous glass fibre strands which is readily permeable to the foam forming ingredients. Each layer of the mesh is substantially parallel to the facing sheets.The laminates show advantages over laminates reinforced with single filament surface veil mat, single filament expanded mat, single filament random swirl mat and continuous rovings.

Abstract: A catheter with an inflation cuff, is produced by a method in which an inflation cuff of an elastomeric material which is not thermoplastic is placed on a catheter shaft of thermoplastic material at a desired position. Pressure is directed inwardly around the entire periphery of at least each end of the cuff. The shaft is heated sufficiently to soften it so as to enable at least the ends of the cuff to be recessed into the material of the shaft by the inwardly directed pressure.

Abstract: A fibrous composite material in the form of individual fibres, sheets, layers or lightweight blocks comprising non-combustible fibres and lamellae of a layer mineral, a method for the manufacture of the fibrous composite materials by applying lamellae of a layer mineral to the fibres preferably from suspension followed by removal of the liquid phase of the suspension, and use of the fibrous composite materials for the fire-protection of substrates.