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: 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: 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: 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 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 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 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: A passenger vehicle is provided with a body having front and rear ends with an interior and a rear cargo region that includes a load floor. A rear opening provides access to the rear cargo region and a rear wall extends above the load floor and defines a lower peripheral region of the opening. A closure member is connected to the vehicle body for enclosing the opening. An adjustable load floor member has a retracted position along the load floor, and an extended position aligned with a lower peripheral region for assisting loading of cargo into the rear cargo region. A passenger vehicle is provided with an adjustable load floor member having a retracted position along the load floor, and an extended position for dividing the rear cargo region into at least two compartments.

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 recessed storage well is formed in the rear load floor of an automotive vehicle to provide cargo transport capabilities for wet cargo. The recessed storage well is provided with a drain to permit the flow of liquids collected within the recessed storage well to be discharged externally of the vehicle. The recessed storage well is formed from impervious material to permit the storage of wet articles of cargo without dampening the carpet covering on the rear load floor. The drain is seated in an automotive frame component by a rubber grommet that prevents the transfer of vibrational noise to the recessed storage well. The drain enables the use of a water spray in clean-up operations by allowing the collected water to drain away from the recessed storage well.

Abstract: A flexible cargo restraining straps mounted on the sidewalls of the rear cargo area of an automotive vehicle to receive and restrain small cargo items from moving about the rear cargo area of the vehicle. The divider members are positionable along the longitudinal length of the restraining straps to permit the creation of a cargo receptacle that conforms to the size of the small cargo item being placed therein. Preferably, the divider members are slidable along slots formed in the sidewall of the rear cargo area and can be selectively locked into the desired position. Additional divider members can be added to the restraining straps as desired for creating cargo receptacles therein as needed. Alternatively, the cargo restraining straps can be mounted on the roof or on the interior of the door for the rear cargo area.

Abstract: A recessed storage well is formed in the rear load floor of an automotive vehicle to provide cargo transport capabilities for wet cargo. The recessed storage well is provided with a drain to permit the flow of liquids collected within the recessed storage well to be discharged externally of the vehicle. The recessed storage well is formed from impervious material to permit the storage of wet articles of cargo without dampening the carpet covering on the rear load floor. The drain is seated in an automotive frame component by a rubber grommet that prevents the transfer of vibrational noise to the recessed storage well. The drain enables the use of a water spray in clean-up operations by allowing the collected water to drain away from the recessed storage well.

Abstract: A bladder which is particularly useful for a sole assembly of a shoe is formed of multiple layers of barrier film to provide multiple pressurized layers of cushioning fluid or gas when the bladder is filled. A multiple gas layer bladder enhances cushioning response by relying more on the response characteristics of the gas and reducing the amount of foam and the dependence on foam as a cushioning material. The internal film layers provide a truss-like geometry in cross section and act as tensile members to impart a generally smooth surface contour to the bladder. The bladder is constructed to provide complex regionalized cushioning profiles which are coupled to the anatomy of the foot and expected loads at known points.

Abstract: A screen system is stowed in a compact storage position at a forward part of the rear cargo area adjacent the floor. The screen is extendable from the storage position to provide multiple uses. A vertical orientation of the screen can provide a rear seat storage pocket at a half-height position or a barrier between the passenger compartment and the rear cargo area at a full-height position. Horizontal deployment of the screen will provide a cargo restraint device or a carpet protector. The screen can be connected to the support for the spring-loaded cylinder to create a wrap storage device for cargo positioned next to the spring-loaded cylinder. The cylinder can be re-oriented to an intermediate location within the cargo area to create with a vertical extension thereof a divider for the cargo area. The screen can also be utilized as a conventional elevated security cover for the cargo area.

Abstract: A recessed storage well is formed in the rear load floor of an automotive vehicle to provide cargo transport capabilities for wet cargo. The recessed storage well is provided with a drain to permit the flow of liquids collected within the recessed storage well to be discharged externally of the vehicle. The recessed storage well is formed from impervious material to permit the storage of wet articles of cargo without dampening the carpet covering on the rear load floor. The drain is seated in an automotive frame component by a rubber grommet that prevents the transfer of vibrational noise to the recessed storage well. The drain enables the use of a water spray in clean-up operations by allowing the collected water to drain away from the recessed storage well.