Abstract: A contact lens with a central portion, an iris portion, and a peripheral portion disposed about the iris portion; wherein the iris portion contains an arcuate colored or tinted portion that provides a shadow effect; the peripheral portion can be colored white and can have a pattern that graduates to transparent towards the outer diameter of the lens.

Abstract: A stoma closure that includes a conformable portion for conforming to an individual's stoma. The conformable portion includes a sack containing particles. The conformable portion may include a gel that may be loose or be at least partly contained in a sack. The conformable portion may include foam. The conformable portion may be configured to permit venting of flatus, while obstructing the passage of liquid/solid stool.

Abstract: An ostomy plug is described comprising first and second chambers having adjacent ends coupled to, and in fluid communication with, each other. The first chamber may be for insertion into a stoma. The second chamber may contain fluid for inflating the first chamber when the second chamber is squeezed or otherwise compressed. The plug may have a figure-of-eight configuration. The plug may be configured to permit venting of flatus while obstructing escape of other body waste from the stoma. The plug may incorporate an insertion aid for aiding insertion into a stoma. The plug may also incorporate a device for regulating the inflation pressure of the fluid to avoid undesirably high inflation pressures in the stoma.

Abstract: An ostomy plug is described comprising first and second chambers having adjacent ends coupled to, and in fluid communication with, each other. The first chamber may be for insertion into a stoma. The second chamber may contain fluid for inflating the first chamber when the second chamber is squeezed or otherwise compressed. The plug may have a figure-of-eight configuration. The plug may be configured to permit venting of flatus while obstructing escape of other body waste from the stoma. The plug may incorporate an insertion aid for aiding insertion into a stoma. The plug may also incorporate a device for regulating the inflation pressure of the fluid to avoid undesirably high inflation pressures in the stoma.

Abstract: A controlled evacuation ostomy appliance comprises a membrane that is urged into sealing engagement with a stoma, by the generation of radial tension in the membrane. A tensioning device applies tension, with respect to the stoma, at one or more positions that are (i) outboard of the periphery of the projecting portion of the stoma, and/or (ii) between the level of the peristomal skin and the level of the most projecting part of the stoma. Tension limiting means are disclosed. The membrane may be gas-permeable to allow flatus to be vented.

Abstract: A controlled evacuation ostomy appliance including a collection pouch, and an urging device for applying a sealing force through the pouch wall to seal the stoma. The pouch wall may seal directly against the stoma, or the pouch may have an internal sealing member that is pressed by the pouch wall against the stoma. The urging device provides an adjustable sealing force. The pouch may be disposable. The urging device may be reusable with a replacement pouch.

Abstract: A controlled evacuation ostomy appliance includes an attachment device for attaching the appliance to a wearer, a seal for sealing against stomal tissue, and a restrainer. The restrainer restrains the seal relative to the attachment device and transfers a sealing force (or its reaction) between the attachment device and the seal.

Abstract: A stoma seal is described for a controlled evacuation ostomy appliance. The stoma seal may have a liquid-responsive property, such as hydrophobic, hydrophilic or absorptive. The stoma seal may have a non-smooth surface, e.g., at a microstructure scale. The non-smooth surface may consist of tortuous channels, protruding seals, or a confronting apertured or porous layer. The liquid-responsive property and/or the non-smooth surface may facilitate separation of flatus from faecal matter and/or facilitate venting of flatus while obstructing stool.

Abstract: An ostomy plug is described comprising first and second chambers having adjacent ends coupled to, and in fluid communication with, each other. The first chamber may be for insertion into a stoma. The second chamber may contain fluid for inflating the first chamber when the second chamber is squeezed or otherwise compressed. The plug may have a figure-of-eight configuration. The plug may be configured to permit venting of flatus while obstructing escape of other body waste from the stoma. The plug may incorporate an insertion aid for aiding insertion into a stoma. The plug may also incorporate a device for regulating the inflation pressure of the fluid to avoid undesirably high inflation pressures in the stoma.

Abstract: A passive system for speech enhancement in a motor vehicle includes a headliner adapted to be disposed in an occupant compartment of the motor vehicle. The passive system also includes at least one passive sound reflector disposed in or near the headliner and being sound-reflective and shaped to direct or focus speech between front and rear seat occupants in the occupant compartment of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A passive system for speech enhancement in a motor vehicle includes a headliner adapted to be disposed in an occupant compartment of the motor vehicle. The passive system also includes at least one passive sound reflector disposed in or near the headliner and being sound-reflective and shaped to direct or focus speech between front and rear seat occupants in the occupant compartment of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A dye donor, such as a transfer ribbon, comprises a supporting substrate and a relatively thick dye layer consisting of a dye dispersed within a dye binder. A heater, such as a modulated scanning laser beam, heats selected pixel regions of the ribbon and causes dye to diffuse from the heated regions to a receiver sheet and print a number of pixels thereon which build up to form an image. In order to allow the donor to be reused, it is passed between a pair of heated rollers to cause dye in the dye layer to diffuse to an even density whereby the regions depleted of dye during the print process are replenished. Instead of the replenishment dye coming from the body of the donor, it may be supplied by a separate source.

Abstract: Articles for use with security documents are disclosed which include planchettes and security threads that comprise a plastic substrate having at least one security feature employing soft magnetic metal located thereon. Preferred articles comprise at least two security features where a first security feature is made up of an optionally repeating pattern of soft magnetic metal adapted to generate a signal or a series of signals in an interrogation field applied by a detection system for remote detecting and optionally for remote reading or identifying the article. A second security feature is a public security feature that comprises magnetic and/or non-magnetic metal formed indicia. The first and second security features of this invention can be coextensive features.

Abstract: Security strips or threads are provided which are suitable for at least partial incorporation in and/or for mounting on security documents or means for identification, such as labels, and which comprise the following deposited or laminated layers: at least one layer of a plastic substrate; a layer of a first security detection feature made up of identifying marks or indicia; and a layer of a second security detection feature comprising a generally invisible, optionally repeating pattern. The repeating pattern comprises at least one very thin conductive region and at least one electrically isolating region. Also provided is a security paper having such a security thread at least partially embedded therein and/or mounted on a surface thereof and a process for making the security paper. Further provided is a method of verifying the authenticity and reading the coded information of a security paper employing such a security thread.