Abstract: A dispensing device that dispenses a predetermined volume of fluid into a receptacle has a valve that controls the flow of the fluid through the device. The valve is pre-heated to a calculated operating temperature before dispensing operations begin. Once the temperature of the valve reaches the calculated operating temperature, the device begins dispensing the fluid. The valve is maintained at that calculated temperature during dispensing operations.

Abstract: A dispensing device that dispenses a predetermined volume of fluid into a receptacle has a valve that controls the flow of the fluid through the device. The valve is pre-heated to a calculated operating temperature before dispensing operations begin. Once the temperature of the valve reaches the calculated operating temperature, the device begins dispensing the fluid. The valve is maintained at that calculated temperature during dispensing operations.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for dispensing predetermined volumes of fluid into receptacles receives the fluid to be dispensed from a fluid supply into a reservoir. A fill tube is connected to the fluid reservoir such that it forms a closed loop with the reservoir. The fill tube minimizes the fluid turbulence that occurs inside the reservoir while the reservoir is being re-supplied with fluid from the fluid source. Additionally, the fill tube holds the predetermined volume of fluid to be dispensed into the receptacle. A fluid level sensor is disposed along the fill tube to control the volume of fluid flowing into or out of the fill tube, while a timer controls a dispense valve to meter the flow of fluid into or out of a dispense tube.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus is configured to dispense a predetermined volume of fluid, and includes a fluid reservoir to hold a fluid to be dispensed, a dispense tube to dispense the fluid, and an elevator mechanism. The fluid reservoir receives a fluid from a fluid supply. A dispense tube has a dispense outlet, and is connected to an outlet port on the fluid reservoir. The elevator mechanism changes a relative vertical displacement between the dispense outlet and the outlet port. Particularly, a processor controls the elevator mechanism to raise the dispense tube to a raised filling position to prevent fluid flow from the dispense outlet, and lower the dispense tube to a lowered dispensing position to dispense the fluid.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for dispensing predetermined volumes of fluid into receptacles receives the fluid to be dispensed from a fluid supply into a reservoir. A fill tube is connected to the fluid reservoir such that it forms a closed loop with the reservoir. The fill tube minimizes the fluid turbulence that occurs inside the reservoir while the reservoir is being re-supplied with fluid from the fluid source. Additionally, the fill tube holds the predetermined volume of fluid to be dispensed into the receptacle. A fluid level sensor is disposed along the fill tube to control the volume of fluid flowing into or out of the fill tube, while a timer controls a dispense valve to meter the flow of fluid into or out of a dispense tube.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus is configured to dispense a predetermined volume of fluid, and includes a fluid reservoir to hold a fluid to be dispensed, a dispense tube to dispense the fluid, and an elevator mechanism. The fluid reservoir receives a fluid from a fluid supply. A dispense tube has a dispense outlet, and is connected to an outlet port on the fluid reservoir. The elevator mechanism changes a relative vertical displacement between the dispense outlet and the outlet port. Particularly, a processor controls the elevator mechanism to raise the dispense tube to a raised filling position to prevent fluid flow from the dispense outlet, and lower the dispense tube to a lowered dispensing position to dispense the fluid.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus is configured to dispense a predetermined volume of fluid, and includes a fluid reservoir to hold a fluid to be dispensed, a dispense tube to dispense the fluid, and an elevator mechanism. The fluid reservoir receives a fluid from a fluid supply. A dispense tube has a dispense outlet, and is connected to an outlet port on the fluid reservoir. The elevator mechanism changes a relative vertical displacement between the dispense outlet and the outlet port, such that the fluid is dispensed when the dispense outlet is lower than the outlet port, and not dispensed when the dispense outlet is higher than the outlet port.

Abstract: The ostomy system with mounting wafer and repositionable pouch includes a resealable tape provided on one of the system members and a releasable film provided on the other system member. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the resealable tape is located on a faceplate of the pouch and the releasable film is located on the body-side mounting wafer. The pouch is thus secured to the body-side mounting wafer by engaging the resealable tape with the releasable film. The resealable tape and the releasable film coupling arrangement permit repeated removal of the pouch from the body-side mounting wafer and repeated resecurement of the pouch to the mounting wafer. The pouch can thus be repositioned relative to the mounting wafer even after the pouch has been worn for a day.

Abstract: The ostomy system with mounting wafer and repositionable pouch includes a resealable tape provided on one of the system members and a releasable film provided on the other system member. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the resealable tape is located on a faceplate of the pouch and the releasable film is located on the body-side mounting wafer. The pouch is thus secured to the body-side mounting wafer by engaging the resealable tape with the releasable film. The resealable tape and the releasable film coupling arrangement permit repeated removal of the pouch from the body-side mounting wafer and repeated resecurement of the pouch to the mounting wafer. The pouch can thus be repositioned relative to the mounting wafer even after the pouch has been worn for a day.

Abstract: The ostomy system with mounting wafer and repositionable pouch includes a resealable tape provided on one of the system members and a releasable film provided on the other system member. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the resealable tape is located on a faceplate of the pouch and the releasable film is located on the body-side mounting wafer. The pouch is thus secured to the body-side mounting wafer by engaging the resealable tape with the releasable film. The resealable tape and the releasable film coupling arrangement permit repeated removal of the pouch from the body-side mounting wafer and repeated resecurement of the pouch to the mounting wafer. The pouch can thus be repositioned relative to the mounting wafer even after the pouch has been worn for a day.

Abstract: The ostomy pouch has a coupling or securement member formed as a washer-shaped wafer of adhesive material, preferably a hydrocolloid. The pouch is secured directly onto the abdominal wall with the adhesive wafer aligned with the stoma. Flushability of the pouch is enhanced by forming the pouch with converging side walls within an optimum angular range and a predetermined pouch width and pouch height. The pouch also has a predetermined wall thickness and the wafer is of predetermined thickness. Thus when the pouch is deposited in a water-saver toilet, bottom end first in a carrier sleeve, the pouch can flow in streamlined fashion through the passages of a toilet and any sewer pipe or septic line connected to the toilet. If the flush capacity of the toilet and the flow rate of water through the toilet and sewer line are increased, the ostomy pouch can be deposited in the toilet without a carrier sleeve.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus includes a fluid reservoir comprising a flexible bag-like enclosure. The fluid reservoir includes a discharge valve connected to a fluid output for dispensing fluid from said fluid reservoir. An electronic controller selectively opens and closes the discharge valve to dispense a predetermined volume of fluid from said fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir is flexible so that it expands and contracts to maintain the internal pressure of the fluid reservoir constant. In an alternate embodiment, the fluid reservoir has a rigid wall and is provided with an external bladder which expands and contracts to maintain the internal pressure of the fluid reservoir constant. The fluid dispensing apparatus can be configured either as a volumetric filler or as a time pressure filler.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus includes a fluid chamber and a fill tube which forms a closed loop with the fluid chamber. A pair of level sensors are disposed adjacent to the fill tube. Fluid is directed from the fluid chamber into the fill tube through a fill valve. When the fluid level in the fill tube rises to a first predetermined level, the fill valve is closed and a discharge valve is opened to dispense the contents of the fill tube into a container. When the level of the fluid in the fill tube drops to a second predetermined level, the discharge valve is closed and the cycle is repeated.

Abstract: The ostomy pouch has a coupling member that can be removed from the pouch envelope to permit flush disposal of the envelope without the coupling member. Flushability of the pouch is further enhanced by forming the pouch with converging side walls. Thus when the pouch is deposited in a toilet bottom end first in a carrier sleeve, the pouch can flow in streamlined fashion through the passages of a toilet and any sewer pipe or septic line connected to the toilet. Depending upon the flush capacity of the toilet and the flow rate of water through the toilet and sewer line, the ostomy pouch can be deposited in the toilet without a carrier sleeve.

Abstract: The ostomy pouch is formed of a flexible plastic material with a waste inlet opening and a gas outlet opening proximate the waste inlet opening. The gas outlet opening is of a configuration and size that resists entry of outside water into the pouch through the gas outlet opening. A filter aligned with the gas outlet opening is bonded at a peripheral zone surrounding the gas outlet opening, leaving an unbonded area that communicates with the gas outlet opening. A free face of the filter is gas impermeable. Gases within the pouch pass through an exposed, gas permeable peripheral edge of the filter toward the center and exit into the unbonded section for evacuation through the gas outlet opening.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus having no moving parts in contact with the fluid includes a fluid chamber and a measuring cup having an open top disposed in the fluid chamber. The fluid chamber is connected to a fluid source which supplies fluid to fill the chamber to a pre-determined level above the top of the measuring cup. As the fluid chamber is being filled, the fluid overflows and fills the measuring cup. A first sensor indicates when the fluid reaches the pre-determined level above the top of the measuring cup and stops the flow of fluid into the fluid chamber. A drain, which is responsive to the first sensor, drains fluid from the fluid chamber until the fluid level drops to a predetermined level below the top of the measuring cup. As the fluid level in the fluid chamber recedes, a pre-determined volume of fluid is captured in the measuring cup.

Abstract: Biodegradable composite films comprising a starch containing blended polymeric film and a barrier material coated or laminated to the blended film. The use of such composite films in ostomy pouches and other medical products is described. Also described is an ostomy pouch construction in which an adhesive label is affixed to the pouch so as to reduce the escape of odor from the stomal aperture.

Abstract: Flexible, soft objects such as ostomy pouches, wound dressings, bandages, diapers, etc. can be flushed down a conventional toilet by wrapping or enclosing the article within a material that rapidly becomes slimy or exudes a slimy material on contact with the water in a toilet bowl or by adding such materials directly to the bowl.

Abstract: Flexible, soft objects such as ostomy pouches, wound dressings, bandages, diapers, etc. can be flushed down a conventional toilet by covering the article with a sheet of material which rapidly becomes slimy or exudes a slimy material on contact with the water in a toilet bowl or by adding such materials directly to the bowl.

Abstract: Flexible, soft objects such as ostomy pouches, wound dressings, bandages, diapers, etc. can be flushed down a conventional toilet by covering the article with a sheet of material which rapidly becomes slimy or exudes a slimy material on contact with the water in a toilet bowl or by adding such materials directly to the bowl. An ostomy pouch constructed from materials particularly suited for disposal in a toilet bowl is also disclosed. The pouch is constructed from laminates of water swellable, cold water insoluble films and water resistant tissue paper.