Abstract: A fluid collection device for collecting body fluids from a user includes a fluid director having a trough formed at least in part from a flexible material. The trough has a generally open inlet defined at least in part by a peripheral rim adapted to contact the body of the user and an outlet. A fluid receptacle is connected to the fluid director adjacent the outlet. In one embodiment, the fluid receptacle includes an absorbent material. In one aspect, the fluid director includes at least one attachment device spaced from the fluid receptacle and which is adapted to releasably secure the fluid director to at least one of the body of the user and an undergarment worn by the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable vaginal insertion device. The disposable device includes a housing having a first end and a second end and a core that is positioned within the housing. The core includes a handle and a swab that is secured to the handle. The core is axially movable within the housing between a first position where the swab is at least partially within the housing and a stop on the handle is outside the housing, and a second position where the swab is extended through the second end of the housing until the stop on the handle engages the housing to prevent further insertion of the handle into the housing. In another embodiment, the disposable device includes a core that is capable of rotating within the housing such that the handle of the core periodically engages the housing to indicate a relative amount of core rotation.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a disposable device for mechanically engaging a vagina. The disposable device includes an elongated handle and an elongated swab that is secured to the elongated handle. The elongated swab has an oblong cross-section in a plane that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the elongated swab. In other embodiments, the present invention relates to a method of fabricating a disposable device for mechanically engaging a vagina. The method includes forming an elongated swab that has an oblong cross-section in a plane which is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the elongated swab. The method further includes securing the elongated swab to an elongated handle. In other embodiments, the present invention relates to a method of engaging a vagina. The method includes positioning the disposable device near a vagina and mechanically maneuvering the elongated handle to manipulate the elongated swab against the vagina.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having a planar p-n junction which in order to increase the breakdown voltage is shunted by a resistance layer of a very high resistance provided on an insulating layer. According to the invention, a resistance layer is used in the form of an elongate strip. The strip is preferably in the form of a coil, or a number of concentric contact layers present on the insulating layer are used which cross the resistance layer and assume the potential of the resistance layer at the area of the cross-over.

Abstract: High voltage thyristors (including triacs) in which the forward and reverse blocking junctions are terminated in passivating material in separate moats in the same major surface of the body and a channel stopper region is present between the moats. Annular field-relief electrodes can be added to the structure.