Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a female stimulation system that includes a device body having an operating region and a body contacting surface, and means for controlling a vacuum produced by the device body when the device body is applied to a user. In addition, the female stimulation system includes an applicator adapted to apply a biocompatible substance to the body contacting surface. In one or more embodiments, the applicator may be a pad, form-fitted insert, or a capsule.

Abstract: A female stimulation device and method for enhancing female sexual stimulation. The device includes a body having a tip portion, a flange, and an intermediate side wall portion. The intermediate side wall portion extending from the tip portion to the flange. The vacuum produced by the device can be controlled, and additional structures and elements may be added to enhance clitoral blood flow and stimulation without causing injury when the device is applied to a user.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a female stimulation system that includes a device body having an operating region and a body contacting surface, and means for controlling a vacuum produced by the device body when the device body is applied to a user. In addition, the female stimulation system includes an applicator adapted to apply a biocompatible substance to the body contacting surface. In one or more embodiments, the applicator may be a pad, form-fitted insert, or a capsule.

Abstract: A female stimulation device and method for enhancing female sexual stimulation. The device includes a body having a tip portion, a flange, and an intermediate side wall portion. The intermediate side wall portion extending from the tip portion to the flange. The vacuum produced by the device can be controlled, and additional structures and elements may be added to enhance clitoral blood flow and stimulation without causing injury when the device is applied to a user.

Abstract: A female stimulation device and method for enhancing female sexual stimulation. The device includes a body having a tip portion, a flange, and an intermediate side wall portion. The intermediate side wall portion extending from the tip portion to the flange. The vacuum produced by the device when applied to a user can be controlled to enhance clitoral blood flow without causing clitoral injury.

Abstract: A female stimulation device comprising a resilient device body having a partially deformable tip portion, a flange and an intermediate side wall portion extending outwardly from the tip portion to the flange. In use, the tip portion is compressed to force air out of the device body and the flange is placed in contact with vaginal wall tissue so that the clitoris is encompassed by the device body. Release and restorative deformation of the tip portion causes a partial vacuum within the device body, which maintains the device in place and provides suction to the clitoris. The intermediate side wall portion is substantially non-deformable in response to deformation of the tip portion, as may be achieved with outwardly convex side walls, thereby preventing deleterious entrapment and compression of the clitoris.

Abstract: A device for alleviating female urinary incontinence comprising a device body and a urethra obstructing member. The device body forms a cavity. The urethra obstructing member is shaped to deform the user's urethra and to cause the user's urethra to be substantially obstructed. When the device is positioned on a user's body, a partial compression of the device body produces a vacuum within the cavity which is sufficient to hold the device onto the user's body. The device may be re-usable, non-reusable or of limited re-use.

Abstract: A device for alleviating female urinary incontinence comprising a resilient and at least partially deformable device body having a distal tip portion, a flange and an intermediate frustoconical portion extending outwardly from the tip portion to the flange. In use, upper wall portions of the intermediate frustoconical portion adjacent to the tip portion are moved toward abutting relation to form a first vacuum region within the tip portion and a second vacuum region within the frustoconical portion. The meatus of the user is disposed in the second vacuum region and is advantageously prevented from entering the first region by the upper wall portions of the intermediate frustoconical portion. With this arrangement, the meatus is disposed in a "tent" region (i.e., the second vacuum region) which has a broad base and an apex and is prevented from entering the first vacuum region which has a narrower entrance that could detrimentally entrap meatal tissue.

Abstract: A two piece male incontinence device includes an inner sheath adapted to adhere to and cover at least a portion of the penis of the user and an outer sheath adapted to adhere to the inner sheath and to direct voided urine to a receptacle. At least the penile meatus is exposed through an opening in the inner sheath. The outer sheath includes a continuous cap-like section adapted to adhere to the inner sheath, a urine collection section and a tube section suitable for connection to a urine receptacle. The user changes the outer sheath as needed while leaving the inner sheath intact for prolonged periods of time, thereby minimizing penile skin damage and erosion resulting from repeated removal of a device adhesively bonded to the skin.

Abstract: A surgical instrument electrode having a tissue cutting edge disposed along a front portion and a gap having a depth extending along an axis passing through the front portion and a rear portion wherein the depth terminates in a region between the front portion and the rear portion. With such an arrangement, relatively deep gaps may be formed in the electrode without requiring a corresponding increase in the bluntness of the tissue cutting edge. In addition, the electrode has a cross-sectional shape substantially continuously changing along a portion of the electrode from a substantially circular cross-section at a distal end to a substantially rectangular cross-section along the tissue cutting edge. Due to the continuous nature of the change, undesirable electrical arcing due to the shape change is substantially reduced, and is in effect removed.