Abstract: A disposable liner/lid system useable with a rigid canister and having an adhesive seal to provide improved sealing characteristics and effectively reduce the likelihood of spillage and leakage. The liner includes a flange and the lid includes adhesive that is secured to the interior of the lid and the flange of the liner when installed to provide a seal.

Abstract: Medical component systems are described in which individual hand-held components are enhanced by adjacent restraint and by combinations of function, including: suction devices with a port for regulating suction with single-finger-operable valve for repeatable incremental user control of suction-vacuum variation by aperture shapes like triangles and slots and tactile feedback means like plane changes for amplifying tactile feedback to a user to enhance distinguishing of control increments; clips and tubing restraints for attachment between devices; endotracheal tubes with feedback features so a user knows where the distal end is; wound kits and splash shields for use in combination with various irrigation sources; combination cough shields with medical components; endotracheal tube adapters with less dead space and improved flanges and monitoring ports; and improved long syringes and medical lights.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing and promoting tissue growth in wounds, in which irrigant fluid optionally containing cell nutrients and/or other physiologically active material from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing, a biodegradable scaffold in contact with the wound bed and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The apparatus has means for supplying thermal energy to the fluid in the wound. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. micro-filtration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is disclosed to provide vacuum therapy to a wound associated with a patient. The wound treatment apparatus comprises a control unit comprising an alarm and a display displaying an alarm log providing information associated with each activation of the alarm. The display also displays information to instruct a user how to operate the wound treatment apparatus. A method of calibrating the control unit is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds with means for stressing the wound bed and optionally tissue surrounding the wound, in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. micro-filtration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The means for stressing the wound bed and optionally tissue surrounding the wound promotes wound healing. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for alerting a colostomate or medical attendant to the presence of fecal matter. The device includes a hollow plug detachably securable to a flexible port positioned about the stoma. The port carries an alarm circuit which is triggered when fecal matter enters the plug lumen which will alert the colostomate to an impending episode. The signal may be vibratory, audible or visible and may be transmitted to a remote location. The device includes an inflatable air cuff which, when inflated, presents a physical barrier to the passage of fecal matter. Gas may pass through filters in the tube. The method involves positioning the device in the stoma, inflating the cuff and generating an alarm when matter is sensed.

Abstract: A portable closed wound drainage system that uses a pouch shaped dressing which is inserted into a wound. At least a portion of the outer surface of the pouch is porous to allow exudates to enter. Exudates are removed from the pouch by flexible tubing which is secured inside the pouch at one end and secured at the other end to a portable drain/suction unit. The pouch contains porous material. The tubing can have a single or multi-lumen structure. The pouch and the tube are sealed by a flexible sealing material which is applied to the outer surface of the skin. A cosmetic cover sheet is attached to the patient's skin over the closed wound drainage system.

Abstract: A leveling device for determining the zero pressure point of an external draining system with respect to a patient is provided. The leveling device generally includes a body having a viewing element defining a field of vision, and a reference point indicator spaced apart from the viewing element and disposed within the line of vision. The viewing element and the reference point indicator define a line of sight. The device further includes a horizontal level indicator mated to the body and oriented parallel to the line of sight established by the viewing element and the reference point indicator. The horizontal level indicator is effective to indicate the horizontal alignment of the body with respect to a particular reference point viewed through the viewing element and indicated by the reference point indicator.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus used for collecting fluids during a medical procedure includes a fluid collection pouch having an open end, an inflatable bladder substantially surrounding a perimeter of the open end, and a pump coupled to the inflatable bladder. The pump is operable to inflate the inflatable bladder. According to another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus used for collecting fluids during a medical procedure includes a fluid collection pouch having an open end with a perimeter, a channel surrounding approximately one half of the perimeter of the open end, an inflatable bladder disposed within the channel, and a pump disposed within the channel and coupled to the inflatable bladder. The pump is operable to inflate the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A device includes a housing that can be transported between remote locations. The housing includes base and cover members conjoined therewith. The base member includes an open top end and a divider position in a cavity thereof, defining isolated chambers within the housing. The cover member includes a divider mateable with the divider of the base member. A mechanism is included for locking the cover member to the base member. A mechanism is included for collecting body excrements from the patient and is in fluid communication with one of the chambers. A mechanism is included for cleansing a selected portion of the patient and is in fluid communication with another chamber. The cleansing mechanism and the collecting mechanism are independently and simultaneously operable, and are electrically mated to an external power supply source.

Abstract: A waste system for use in conjunction with a patient's bed is described. The system comprises an elongate arm with first and second ends configured to permit the first end to be inserted between a mattress and a bed box of the bed. A receptacle for receiving human vomit is connected to the second end of the arm. A clamp is connected to the arm, configured to clamp onto a portion of the bed to prevent movement of the system in relation to the bed.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a urine receiver. The urine receiver which collects urine of a wearer of the urine receiver under suction force has a container member provided with a bottom, a peripheral wall and flange. The container member has a suction tube which extends through the peripheral wall and has a urine suction port opening toward the interior of the container member and a urine evacuation port opening toward the exterior of the container member. The evacuation port is adapted to be connected to a connector of a urine suction means provided externally of the container member.

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment apparatus includes a drape for positioning over the wound site to create and maintain a substantially air-tight cavity between the wound site and the drape. A multi-lumen suction tube is provided to be attached to a reduced pressure source. The multi-lumen suction tube includes a center lumen and at least one outer lumen and is configured to deliver reduced pressure beneath the drape to the substantially air-tight cavity. The multi-lumen suction tube is adapted to allow fluid to be drawn from the wound site through the center lumen and pressure to be monitored at the wound site through the at least one outer lumen.

Abstract: A waste collection and disposal system for use in health care facilities is provided. The system includes a mobile waste collection unit for moving between use areas in the health care facility to collect waste material generated during medical procedures including body fluids, body tissues, saline, etc. The waste collection unit includes stacked upper and lower waste containers for receiving the waste material. During use, the upper waste container can be emptied into the lower waste container for temporary storage. In addition, different vacuum levels can be provided in the waste containers during complex procedures. Once a user desires to empty the waste collection unit, the waste collection unit is wheeled to a docking station. At the docking station, the waste material is off-loaded to a waste drain and the waste collection unit is cleaned and rinsed for further use.

Abstract: A device for clearing obstructions from a medical tube, such as a chest tube, is disclosed in various embodiments. In embodiments, the device features a guide wire that extends from a drainage canister and can be advanced and withdrawn through a medical tube, such as a chest tube, via an actuator. The guide wire is actuated so as to maintain the sterile field within the chest tube and the associated suction pathway. Methods of clearing a medical tube of obstructions using such a device are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a multiport filter having at least three intake ports and at least two layers—a first layer for containing particles 3 microns or greater and a second layer that contains particles 3 microns or less in size. In alternate embodiments, the filter includes a third layer for trapping odors and gases and a fourth layer for trapping fines. The second layer may be comprised of ULPA material and may have antimicrobial material. The invention also includes a contaminant removal system for the filtering and recirculation of air contaminated with smoke from cautery-type surgical procedures. The invention also broadly comprises a surgical assemblies control service head designed to house powered surgical devices and a vacuum-filtering system for the treatment of air contamination caused by surgical procedures.

Abstract: A drainage device and a method for draining a liner-type medical suction apparatus and a rigid-walled container. The drainage device preferably includes a swingarm, a drainhead, and a suction source. The drainhead is positioned to be in fluid communication with the liner-type suction canister or the rigid-walled canister. The swingarm rotates to activate the suction source and inverts the liner-type suction canister or rigid-walled canister. The contents of the canister drain to a sewer system. The method includes the acts of placing the canister on the drainage device, coupling the drainhead to the canister, and activating the suction source.

Abstract: A cerebrospinal fluid (“CSF”) collection tube includes a bottom end portion and a tubular sidewall portion. The tubular sidewall portion has a first end and a second end, the first end being sealed to the bottom end portion and the second end defining an open end portion of the CSF collection tube. The CSF collection tube further includes a filament element that is attached to an interior surface of the tubular sidewall portion and projects through the open end portion of the CSF collection tube. The CSF collection tube may further include a removeable cap.

Abstract: A closed specimen collection system includes a port tube that is rotatably attached to tubing of a urinary drainage system attached to an indwelling urinary catheter. The port tube has a one-way valve located adjacent one end formed to fit sealably with a shaped nozzle. A collection has a proximal end and a distal end with a shaped nozzle at the proximal end adapted to fit sealably into the port tube adjacent the one-way valve. A specimen container has a hollow body, a back end and a front end with a sealable aperture sized and shaped to attach to the distal end of the collection tube. A piston fits closely within the hollow body and is attached to an actuating rod. When the actuating rod is moved away from the front end of the container, urine will flow into the specimen container through the collection tube in a sterile condition.

Abstract: The present application provides a system for measuring and storing data in an external device including a collection unit transferring fluid, a sensing unit connected to the collection unit for sensing the pressure of the fluid and converting the pressure into data, a housing assembly for housing the sensing unit, and a communication unit connected to the housing assembly receiving the data from the sensing unit and transmitting the data to the external device. The system provides a communication device for transmitting a signal to the external device having a plurality of buttons, each button corresponding to a condition, a light indicating operation of a button, and an electronic circuitry detecting the operation of the button, identifying the operation of the button as the signal, and transmitting the signal to an external device. The present application further provides a method for measuring data using the above-described system.

Abstract: A urine collection apparatus includes an adaptable reservoir that is sized and shaped for conveniently and effectively being transported by a user. The reservoir includes a top portion including an intake valve in fluid communication with the reservoir. The intake valve is provided with an opening such that the male catheter can be selectively biased in fluid communication with an interior of the reservoir. Such an intake valve further has a threaded screw cap directly and adjustably coupled thereto for effectively allowing a selected quantity of air to continuously flow into and out of the reservoir wherein the quantity of air is commensurate with a quantity of fluid discharging and entering the reservoir respectively. The intake valve preferably has a monolithically formed conical tip that terminates proximal to the top portion such that the male catheter can effectively be supported at a fixed relationship with the reservoir during operating conditions.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a fluid collection bag comprises an inlet opening adapted to receive an inlet tube located on a first side of the fluid collection bag. The fluid collection bag has a length greater than the height. The first side of the fluid collection bag is generally parallel with a length of the fluid collection bag. The fluid collection bag further comprises an outlet opening located on a second side of the fluid collection bag. The fluid collection bag may be reversible such that a first surface or a second opposing surface of the fluid collection bag may face a support element.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a fluid collection bag comprises an inlet opening adapted to receive an inlet tube located on a first side of the fluid collection bag. The first side of the fluid collection bag is generally parallel with a length of the fluid collection bag. The fluid collection bag further comprises an outlet opening located on the first side of the fluid collection bag.

Abstract: A guard is provided for intercepting, catching and/or receiving urine discharging from an infant such as during diaper change, bathing or clothing change of the infant. The guard is configured, adapted and/or operable to attach to a changing mat or diaper without attachment to the infant and lie over the groin of the infant, and/or to lie over the infant without any attachment, to receive any urine being discharged from the infant. A shield or shield portion of the guard is configured to cover the groin of the infant while elongated ends are releasably attached to the changing mat or diaper. The guard is formed from a completely washable or disposable material. The guard includes sheathed elastic that allows the elongated ends to stretch around and over the midsection of the baby to accommodate various sizes of infants. The shield and elongated ends are formed integral with one another.

Abstract: A suction fluid collector includes a transparent reservoir made of a resilient material with an upper opening positioned on one side of a flexible suction bag with at least one transparent side. A plate part made of a resilient material is positioned on another side of the suction bag opposite said reservoir. An urging means arranged between the reservoir and the plate part provides a force tending to expand a gap between the reservoir and the plate part. A suction tube is positioned partially inside the reservoir and extends through the suction bag.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus capable of efficiently and precisely measuring a urinary flow rate by using a general purpose pressure sensor with a low price, instead of a conventional expensive weight sensor, even without a conventional funnel. According to the method and the apparatus, water pressure of urine accumulated in a vessel is transferred to an external pressure sensor through a pressure transfer pipe, the received water pressure is converted into electrical signals through the pressure sensor, the electrical signals are amplified through a bridge amplifier, the amplified analog signals into digital signals (water pressure signals), the water pressure signals are converted into volume signals through an interface with an analyzer, and urinary flow rate signals are acquired by differentiating the volume signals, in which the electrical signals are voltage signals corresponding to volume signals. An apparatus capable of measuring a urinary flow rate.

Abstract: A urine collection and disposal system and method applies subatmospheric pressure to a receptacle open to atmospheric pressure which has a urine outlet in fluid communication with a source of subatmospheric pressure. The receptacle receives urine in the receptacle from a urine donor and removes the urine from the receptacle, transporting the removed urine to a reservoir under the force of a pressure differential between atmospheric pressure at the receptacle and subatmospheric pressure at the reservoir. The reservoir urine is discharged at atmospheric pressure, for disposal, from the reservoir while maintaining the reservoir at subatmospheric pressure. A plurality of the receptacles allows simultaneously providing urine to the reservoir from more than one of the receptacles. Sanitizing fluid may be supplied intermediate the receptacle and the reservoir for transport to the reservoir under the force of the pressure differential between atmospheric and subatmospheric.

Abstract: A system for applying suction to a wound uses a reference airflow for monitoring system operation. A reference airflow (or “controlled leak”) to the suction source is provided when the system is in operation, such that deviation from the reference airflow can be monitored as an indication of a change in operation, such as a leak in the seal of the wound cover, a blockage of airflow from crimping of the suction conduit or overfill of the waste collector, or an inadvertent turn off or disconnect from the suction source.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, urological medical devices are provided, which comprise a prostatically beneficial agent selected from alpha-adrenergic blockers, antispasmodic agents, anticholinergic/antimuscarinic agents, calcium channel blockers, anti-inflammatory agents, hormone-affecting agents, anti-cancer agents, and combinations thereof, among others. The urological medical devices are adapted for implantation or insertion into a subject's urinary tract, whereupon at least a portion of the prostatically beneficial agent is released into the subject's prostatic urethra. The release profile of the prostatically beneficial agent is effective to treat a prostatic disorder, for example, benign prostate hypertrophy, prostate cancer or prostatitis, among others. Other aspects of the invention are directed to treating prostatic disorders.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for carrying out the minimally invasive withdrawal of blood from animals by using blood-sucking assassin bugs. Blood samples are required within the scope of many testing arrangements, hence blood withdrawals are one of the most common interventions. In all known methods, a tapping of a blood-stream is carried out using a medical instrument. These blood withdrawals are often complicated and are subject to strict regulations. Furthermore, the animals have to be anesthetized sometimes. Assassin bugs have also been used for withdrawing small quantities of blood. The blood of bats stored in the abdomen of the assassin bugs is removed for tests. However, it is often difficult to locate the bug after it has sucked blood because it quickly flees to dark places. The inventive device is comprised of at least one receptacle (1), which has at least one perforated outer wall (1.

Abstract: A urine storing apron includes a flexible belt, a flexible apron coupled to the belt, a plurality of pouches attached to anterior and posterior sides of the apron, and a mechanism for storing the body fluid inside one of the pouches. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for simultaneously discharging air and the body fluid from the one pouch by rotationally articulating a portion of the simultaneous discharge mechanism about an axis registered orthogonal to an exiting travel path of the body fluid.

Abstract: For an assembly for receiving body fluids comprising a sampling element (10) that has a collecting area (12) for collecting body fluid obtained by a puncture, it is proposed that the collecting area is formed by a longitudinal slot (12) which is elongated as a capillary that is open on both sides via side openings (28, 30) on the sampling element (10).

Abstract: A skin penetrating system includes a housing member and a penetrating member positioned in the housing member. An analyte detecting member is coupled to a sample chamber. The analyte detecting member is configured to determine a concentration of an analyte in a body fluid using a sample of less than 1 ?L of a body fluid disposed in the sample chamber. A tip of the penetrating member is configured to extend through an opening of the sample chamber.

Abstract: A system for the extraction, collection, processing and transplantation of cell subsets, including adult stem cells and platelets, in particular for tissue repair in regenerative medicine, comprises a set of disposable fluid-transport elements that are pre-connected or that include aseptic connectors for making interconnections between them in an aseptic manner or are adapted to be aseptically connected. The set usually includes three kits of disposable sterile elements, a collection kit, a processing kit, and a transplantation kit packaged in a blister pack on a support such as a tray, having one compartment for receiving each inter-connectable kit of the set. The set includes an extracting device, for example including a needle for bone puncture or vein puncture, for extracting bone marrow or other sources of cell subsets from a patient.

Abstract: An embodiment of a urine test receptacle holder comprises a unitary polymeric material having a first section, a third section, and an second section. The third section is typically comprised of a bore, which is typically adapted to allow a urine receptacle such as a cup, to fit within. The third section is integrated to the distal end of the second section, with the second section typically angled up and away from the third section in a 45 degree angle. The proximal end of the second section typically integrated to the first section, also in a 45 degree angle. The first section is adapted to allow a person other than the person providing the urine, to hold onto the holder and coupled receptacle in a position that allows the receptacle to receive urine from a female.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a fluid collection bag comprises an inlet opening adapted to receive an inlet tube located on a first side of the fluid collection bag. The first side of the fluid collection bag is generally parallel with a length of the fluid collection bag. The fluid collection bag further comprises an outlet opening located on the first side of the fluid collection bag.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in a body fluid sampling system for use on a tissue site that includes an electrically powered drive force generator. A penetrating member is operatively coupled to the force generator. The force generator moves the member along a path out of a housing having a penetrating member exit, into the tissue site, stops in the tissue site, and withdraws out of the tissue site. An analyte detecting member is positioned to receive fluid from a wound created by the penetrating member. The detection member is configured to determine a concentration of an analyte in the fluid using a sample of less than 1 mL of the fluid.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance with a front wall and a rear wall of flexible material forming a bag, the rear wall having an opening into the bag by which waste material can enter the bag. The bag has two or more vents through which gas may escape from the bag and a filter device covering each vent. Each filter device has gas inlet and outlet openings in communication with a respective filter body so that in use gas flows through the filter device from the inlet opening through the filter body to the outlet opening. The inlet openings communicate with the inner space of the bag and are located near the border of the bag, being spaced at an angle of at least 45 degrees along radii of a circle of reference having a perimeter concentric with the waste opening of the bag.

Abstract: A urine collection and disposal system and method applies subatmospheric pressure to a receptacle open to atmospheric pressure which has a urine outlet in fluid communication with a source of subatmospheric pressure. The receptacle receives urine in the receptacle from a urine donor and removes the urine from the receptacle, transporting the removed urine to a reservoir under the force of a pressure differential between atmospheric pressure at the receptacle and subatmospheric pressure at the reservoir. The reservoir urine is discharged at atmospheric pressure, for disposal, from the reservoir while maintaining the reservoir at subatmospheric pressure. A plurality of the receptacles allows simultaneously providing urine to the reservoir from more than one of the receptacles. Sanitizing fluid may be supplied intermediate the receptacle and the reservoir for transport to the reservoir under the force of the pressure differential between atmospheric and subatmospheric.

Abstract: Method for draining and decompressing a colon in which a drainage tube is inserted through the anus into the colon to extend through the entire colon. The drainage tube is fixed in position and suction is applied therethrough to cause fecal matter to pass therein through apertures and be withdrawn from the colon. The drainage tube is inserted by inserting a guidewire into the colon through the anus, manipulating and pushing the guidewire to the cecum, passing a filament through the colon wall to engage the guidewire, pulling the guidewire out of the colon and anus to draw the filament through the colon and out of the anus, attaching the drainage tube to the filament and drawing the filament with attached drainage tube through the anus into the colon. The invention also relates to constructions of the guidewire, the drainage tube and methods for inserting drainage tubes using guidewires.

Abstract: A urinary catheter device is shown which improves on prior devices by providing for a means to lengthen and shorten the tube used to transport urine to a collection receptacle. A transport tube is provided which is connected to the catheter or in fluid direct communication with the ureters where a stoma opening is instead provided. The transport tubing includes a contraction region, which can in an example be crests and groves or a helical coil, which allows for the region to be contracted during movement, transport or the like of the patient.

Abstract: A package for a disposable ostomy receiving bag, the package including a first compartment capable of accommodating a fresh ostomy receiving bag and a second compartment capable of accommodating a used ostomy receiving bag. The second compartment is sealable so as to confine the receiving bag which facilitates the handling of fresh and used bags and renders the user more independent of the availability of a lavatory.

Abstract: An apparatus for hanging a medical device is provided. The apparatus includes a shaft, a mounting portion coupled to an end portion of the shaft and configured for mounting the apparatus for movement with respect to the medical device, and a hook portion positioned at an opposite end portion of the shaft and configured for hanging the apparatus from a support. The shaft is configured to permit rotation of the hook portion with respect to the mounting portion, thereby facilitating orientation of the hook portion with respect to the support.

Abstract: A system for collecting urine specimens from pet or animal comprising an elongated tray section having at one end a collection chamber for collecting a predetermined volume of urine in fluid communication with an open section of said tray to receive a stream of urine from the pet or animal, a discharge port at the opposite end of said tray and a specimen vial removably mounted to the discharge end of said tray whereby when an animal is urinating, the device is positioned under the stream with the collection chamber end downwardly inclined so that a sufficient quantity flows into the collection chamber to predetermined level and then tilting the device in a reverse direction so the collected sample flows into the specimen vial and is sealed.

Abstract: A vacuum canister for use in surgical or other applications. The vacuum canister of the invention includes a shell that defines an interior volume. An integral handle is provided to assist in manipulating the vacuum canister. The shell has an open top, a bottom surface and a plurality of rows of recessed structures. The plurality of rows of recessed structures defines a plurality of circumferential horizontal reinforcement ribs and a plurality of vertical reinforcement ribs therebetween. A cap is provided to seal the open top of the vacuum canister. The cap defines a vacuum orifice and a pair of instrument orifices, i.e., an ortho orifice and a patient orifice. Additionally, the cap defines a drain orifice, which is preferably of a larger size than the instrument orifices. The cap further defines a filter receptacle in communication with the vacuum orifice.

Abstract: A biocompatible wound dressing comprised of a pad for insertion substantially into a wound site and a wound drape for sealing enclosure of the foam pad at the wound site. The pad, comprised of a foam or other like material having relatively few open cells in contact with the areas upon which cell growth is to be encouraged so as to avoid unwanted adhesions, but having sufficiently numerous open cells so that drainage and negative pressure therapy may continue unimpaired, is placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source for promotion of fluid drainage, as known in the art. The pad is further comprised of an ultra-low density fused-fibrous ceramic, or a bioabsorbable branched polymer, or cell growth enhancing matrix or scaffolding.

Abstract: A bed having a base, a pedestal oriented between a top side of the base and a patient support deck to facilitate elevational movement of the support deck. The patient support deck includes a seat section which includes a deck plate. A pair of laterally spaced support brackets are provided on the patient support deck. Coupling elements are supported on each of the support brackets. Separate patient supporting devices are configured to operatively connect to a selected one of the two coupling elements is provided. A guideway is provided on each of the support brackets, the guideway supporting a frame and having a track thereon. A receptacle is mounted on the track and for movement relative to the frame, the receptacle being stowable beneath the deck plate and deployable so that the receptacle is oriented immediately below the perineal edge of the seat section.

Abstract: A urine collection device which includes a urine collection vessel and a handle which releasable grips a pouring edge of the urine collection vessel.

Abstract: An inexpensive and disposable, highly absorbent pad for placement on a floor surface, directly in front of a urinal, for absorbing fluid not deposited within the confines of the urinal which would otherwise drip on the floor. Fluid absorbed by the pad is prevented from reaching the underlying floor thereby eliminating the problems associated with fluids being deposited on the floor. The pad includes a normally concealed incorporates a normally concealed, flexible, thin plastic disposal container connected to a pad removal member. The disposal container is stored in a normally concealed location, preferably beneath the pad, and automatically deploys and envelops the pad when a force is exerted on the removal member during the pad removal process.

Abstract: VARS (Vacuum Assisted Relief System) is a aircrew bladder relief system that allows the pilot, whether male or female, to urinate in flight with comfort and convenience. There are three principle parts to the system, The pump, the garment, and the receiver. A pump and battery pack may be mounted in a breast pocket or attached to a torso harness at breast level. Locating the pump at a level higher than the garment insures little or no “leak back” to the garment. A garment worn like a diaper or underwear, includes an intake manifold comprised of a number of perforated tubes sandwiched between layers of material. Urine from a user is collected in the garment, drawn into the manifold tubes through these holes, by means of vacuum from the pump. Collected urine then passes through a hose into containment bag or receiver.