Abstract: Disclosed is a method of brazing articles together to form at least one braze defined by complementarily curved faying surfaces on the articles, the faying surfaces each having at least one region of curvature comprising at least one point from which the surface curves in more than one direction, the method comprising the steps of: a) disposing between the complementarily curved faying surfaces at least one amorphous brazing alloy preform of complementary curvature at least in part to said at least one region of the complementarily curved faying surfaces to conform to the complementarily curved faying surfaces in said region; and b) heating the articles and at least one amorphous brazing alloy preform to a brazing temperature at which the amorphous brazing alloy flows and brazes. and brazing alloy preforms for use in such methods.

Abstract: The ostomy bag includes a multi-stage filter system that provides contamination protection for a deodorizing filter in the system. The multi-stage filter system also includes a gas transmissible protection filter that is impassible to semi-liquid waste material. The protection filter is located in the ostomy bag to precede the deodorizing filter such that gaseous waste must pass through the protection filter before it passes through the deodorizing filter. In one embodiment of the invention wherein the ostomy bag has a single chamber, the protection filter is a two layer structure with different pore counts that overlay the deodorizing filter. In another embodiment of the invention wherein the ostomy bag has dual chambers, the protection filter, without overlaying the deodorizing filter, is disposed across the flow path of gaseous waste to the deodorizing filter such that any gaseous waste that reaches the deodorizing filter must flow through the protection filter.

Abstract: An adapter comprising a channel shaped coupling member and a rib shaped coupling member connected by a continuous wall. The adapter coupling members are sized so as to fit between the body side and pouch of a two piece ostomy system.

Abstract: A pouch having a bottom wall secured to an adhesive layer that can be cut to fit around a wound or surgical opening, gusseted side walls, and a top wall provided with one or more access openings. An irrigation port and a catheter access port can be secured to these top wall openings. The bottom wall extends beyond the adhesive layer and is provided with a large exit port oriented so that gravity will drain wound exudate from the pouch. This exit port is also large enough to accommodate a hand to aid in locating the pouch on the body and permit access to the wound site without removing the pouch from the body.