Abstract: A urinary catheter having a sensor or indicator affixed therein in a location that will be in the flow of urine when catheter is in use. The indicator comprises an electrolytic wicking material having an anode and a cathode thereon separated across the gap. The wicking material may be paper. The indicator further includes an output transducer positioned and connected relative to the anode and cathode such that a circuit which energizes the output transducer is created when urine flows. The indicator is configured to generate an output signal received at a remote location so that a medical practitioner can monitor proper usage of the catheter. There may be multiple anode/cathode pairs connected in series or parallel to increase voltage or current. Also, a capacitor and/or an antenna may be provided for the output transducer to boost the output signal.

Abstract: A more comfortable ostomy bag that will not irritate the skin from relative movement. The ostomy bag has a pair of flexible flat sheets of material bonded together at juxtaposed edges to form a seam. A soft outer edge outside of the seam is formed by extensions of the sheets that either remain disconnected so as to form loose flaps or are slit radially to form finger-like extensions, or both. The ostomy bag further has an inlet opening formed through one of the flat sheets.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a laminated dressing that includes providing a lower layer having a fiber material that directly contacts a patient's skin and a wound area, providing an upper layer that has a foam or foam-like material that absorbs exudate and moisture, and binding the fiber-based lower layer and the foam-based upper layer with a binder layer comprising a binder material, the binder layer including a series of perforations. The perforations in the binder layer are formed by removing material from the binder layer with a pattern coated adhesive sheet prior to binding the fiber-based lower layer and the foam-based upper layer.

Abstract: A binder layer for a laminated wound dressing is brought into contact with a sheet coated with a pattern-coated adhesive sheet. As the binder layer is in contact with the pattern-coated adhesive sheet, a series of closed-loop cuts are made in the binder layer. The closed-loop cuts are made in such a way that the material enclosed by each closed loop is substantially physically separated from the remainder of the binder layer. Then the binder layer is moved away from the pattern-coated adhesive sheet, so that the binder layer and the pattern-coated adhesive sheet are no longer in contact. When the binder layer and the pattern-coated adhesive sheet are moved apart, the material enclosed in the closed-loop cuts—i.e., the cut waste fragments—are retained on the pattern-coated adhesive sheet, ensuring that the binder layer includes a series of cleared perforations.

Abstract: A binder layer for a laminated wound dressing is brought into contact with a sheet coated with a pattern-coated adhesive sheet. As the binder layer is in contact with the pattern-coated adhesive sheet, a series of closed-loop cuts are made in the binder layer. The closed-loop cuts are made in such a way that the material enclosed by each closed loop is substantially physically separated from the remainder of the binder layer. Then the binder layer is moved away from the pattern-coated adhesive sheet, so that the binder layer and the pattern-coated adhesive sheet are no longer in contact. When the binder layer and the pattern-coated adhesive sheet are moved apart, the material enclosed in the closed-loop cuts—i.e., the cut waste fragments—are retained on the pattern-coated adhesive sheet, ensuring that the binder layer includes a series of cleared perforations.

Abstract: The end of the elongated tubular element of the appliance that is designed to be inserted into a body cavity is formed entirely of soft, compliant material. That end carries an inflatable balloon made of non-expandable material, formed in the fully inflated shape, to prevent overexpansion. The balloon is inflated to a predetermined low pressure level to prevent pressure necrosis in the adjacent tissue. A method and apparatus for introducing the soft end of the appliance into the body cavity are also provided. The introducer apparatus includes rigid core surrounded by a soft, compliant sleeve. The sleeve extends beyond the rigid core to form an invertable section. The soft end of the appliance is situated adjacent the apparatus, the balloon is wrapped around the apparatus, and the sleeve section is inverted over the appliance, compressing the balloon and forming a soft, rounded insertion tip. The unit is then introduced into the body cavity.

Abstract: The end of the elongated tubular element of the appliance that is designed to be inserted into a body cavity is formed entirely of soft, compliant material. That end carries an inflatable balloon made of non-expandable material, formed in the fully inflated shape, to prevent overexpansion. The balloon is inflated to a predetermined low pressure level to prevent pressure necrosis in the adjacent tissue. A method and apparatus for introducing the soft end of the appliance into the body cavity are also provided. The introducer apparatus includes rigid core surrounded by a soft, compliant sleeve. The sleeve extends beyond the rigid core to form an invertable section. The soft end of the appliance is situated adjacent the apparatus, the balloon is wrapped around the apparatus, and the sleeve section is inverted over the appliance, compressing the balloon and forming a soft, rounded insertion tip. The unit is then introduced into the body cavity.