Abstract: A pathogen detection and display system is configured to discover and display the location of substances of interest, particularly pathogens that can spread infection. The detection and display system can be used in healthcare facilities on surfaces, medical equipment and devices, patients, and staff, for example.

Abstract: A urinary incontinence device includes a working portion having an insertion equivalent diameter ranging from about 10 to about 25 mm and a use equivalent diameter ranging from about 25 to about 35 mm under an expansion pressure of about 20 to about 150 cm H2O.

Abstract: A device includes a somewhat cylindrical working portion having an initial equivalent diameter ranging from about 20 to about 170 mm, an insertion equivalent diameter ranging from about 5 to about 25 mm, a use equivalent diameter ranging from about 20 to about 40 mm and a length ranging from about 20 to about 60 mm; and an anchoring portion extending beyond the working portion and having an initial equivalent diameter ranging from about 20 to about 60 mm, an insertion equivalent diameter ranging from about 10 to about 25 mm, a use equivalent diameter ranging from about 20 to about 60 mm and a length ranging from about 10 to about 50 mm.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a working portion (e.g., intravaginal urinary incontinence device suppository, tampon) and an anchoring portion comprising at least one member extending beyond at least one end of the working portion to maintain the working portion in place during use.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a working portion (e.g., intravaginal urinary incontinence device suppository, tampon) and an anchoring portion comprising at least one member extending beyond at least one end of the working portion to maintain the working portion in place during use.

Abstract: A fluid management device for use in a mammalian body has at least one fluid transport element capable of interfacing with a mammalian body element to provide a substantially uninterrupted fluid conduit. The fluid conduit provides a fluid path between at least one fluid transport element and the storage element. A distal portion of the at least one fluid transport element is capable of extending away from the fluid storage element, and the at least one fluid transport element has a Wing Stiffness of less than about 10 gf.

Abstract: A fluid management device for use in a mammalian body has at least one fluid transport element capable of interfacing with a mammalian body element to provide a substantially uninterrupted fluid conduit. The fluid conduit provides a fluid path between at least one fluid transport element and the storage element. A distal portion of the at least one fluid transport element is capable of extending away from the fluid storage element, and the at least one fluid transport element has a Wing Stiffness of less than about 10 gf.

Abstract: A fluid management device for use in a mammalian body has at least one fluid transport element capable of interfacing with a mammalian body element to provide a substantially uninterrupted fluid conduit. The fluid conduit provides a fluid path between at least one fluid transport element and the storage element. A distal portion of the at least one fluid transport element is capable of extending away from the fluid storage element, and the at least one fluid transport element has a Wing Stiffness of less than about 10 gf.

Abstract: A method of folding a plurality of flexible elements about a central fluid storage element includes of urging an intravaginal device into a folding device; imparting relative rotation between at least a portion of the folding device and the intravaginal device; and contacting the plurality of flexible extensions with the folding device. Wherein the intravaginal device includes a fluid storage element and a plurality of flexible extensions extending therefrom, and the flexible extensions are folded about the fluid storage element in a uniform direction. Alternatively, in place of relative rotation, the flexible extensions are folded by means of guide rails of the folding device. Several apparatus may be employed in this and related methods.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a working portion (e.g., intravaginal urinary incontinence device suppository, tampon) and an anchoring portion comprising at least one member extending beyond at least one end of the working portion to maintain the working portion in place during use.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a fluid storage element and at least one fluid transport element in fluid communication with the fluid storage element. The at least one fluid transport element has a first plate and a second plate coupled to the first plate. The second plate is capable of separating from the first plate sufficiently to provide inter-plate capillary action. The at least one fluid transport element is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element. The invention also includes methods and apparatus useful in the production of an intravaginal device.

Abstract: A fluid management device for use in a mammalian body has at least one fluid transport element capable of interfacing with a mammalian body element to provide a substantially uninterrupted fluid conduit. The fluid conduit provides a fluid path between at least one fluid transport element and the storage element. A distal portion of the at least one fluid transport element is capable of extending away from the fluid storage element.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a fluid storage element having a longitudinal axis and is in fluid communication with at least one fluid transport element. The at least one fluid transport element has a first plate having an outwardly oriented surface and an inwardly oriented surface and a second plate coupled to the first plate. The second plate has a first surface disposed and maintained in facing relationship with the inwardly oriented surface of the first plate and an opposite surface. The second plate is capable of separating from the first plate sufficiently to provide inter-plate capillary action. The at least one fluid transport element is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a working portion (e.g., intravaginal urinary incontinence device suppository, tampon) and an anchoring portion comprising at least one member extending beyond at least one end of the working portion to maintain the working portion in place during use.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a working portion (e.g., intravaginal urinary incontinence device suppository, tampon) and an anchoring portion comprising at least one member extending beyond at least one end of the working portion to maintain the working portion in place during use.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a fluid storage element having a longitudinal axis and is in fluid communication with at least one fluid transport element. The at least one fluid transport element has a first plate having an outwardly oriented surface and an inwardly oriented surface and a second plate coupled to the first plate. The second plate has a first surface disposed and maintained in facing relationship with the inwardly oriented surface of the first plate and an opposite surface. The second plate is capable of separating from the first plate sufficiently to provide inter-plate capillary action. The at least one fluid transport element is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element.

Abstract: A method of capturing bodily fluid intravaginally providing an intravaginal device that has a fluid storage element having a longitudinal axis and is in fluid communication with at least one fluid transport element. The method involves providing at least one fluid transport element that is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element and positioned within a human vagina.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a fluid storage element and at least one fluid transport element in fluid communication with the fluid storage element. It is produced by providing an individual sheet of material having properties useful to move bodily fluids, attaching the individual sheet to a substantially cylindrical fluid storage element to form the at least one fluid storage element, folding the fluid storage element, and packaging the resultant device. The at least one fluid transport element is capable of extending radially away from the fluid storage element during use. The invention also includes alternative methods of forming the intravaginal device.

Abstract: A fluid management device for use in a mammalian body has at least one fluid transport element capable of interfacing with a mammalian body element to provide a substantially uninterrupted fluid conduit. The fluid conduit provides a fluid path between at least one fluid transport element and the storage element. A distal portion of the at least one fluid transport element is capable of extending away from the fluid storage element.

Abstract: A fluid management device for use in a mammalian body has at least one fluid transport element capable of interfacing with a mammalian body element to provide a substantially uninterrupted fluid conduit. The fluid conduit provides a fluid path between at least one fluid transport element and the storage element. A distal portion of the at least one fluid transport element is capable of extending away from the fluid storage element.