Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing fecal incontinence in a subject, is disclosed. An inhibition action incontinence device includes a truncated cone with an angled concavity at a top portion. The truncated cone is positioned at the external opening of the anal canal. The truncated cone may be positioned to effect a positive pressure on the external sphincter muscles and the anal slit across the peri-anal tissues. It is believed that the truncated cone exploits the voluntary inhibition action of the external sphincter muscles and the simple mechanical closure of the anal slit to decrease fecal incontinence and soiling.

Abstract: A switch/display unit comprises a dot matrix display, having two sets of elongate electrodes, one set being inclined to the other, these sets being applied to opposite sides of a display medium. A transparent dielectric panel is superimposed in front of the display, so that the first set of electrodes, which are formed from a transparent conductive material abut the rear surface of the dielectric panel. A transparent conductive layer is formed in front of the dielectric panel, so that it will capacitively couple electrodes of the first set of electrodes with other electrodes of the first set of electrodes or other electrodes on the rear surface of the dielectric panel. This capacitive coupling may be varied by touching or moving the conductive layer. By applying read pulses to one of the sets of electrodes that are capacitively coupled via the conductive coating and sensing the pulses transmitted to the other electrodes, actuation of the switch can be detected.