Abstract: A magnetically operated artificial urethral sphincter for the treatment of total urinary incontinence is presented. The artificial urethral sphincter employs an external magnet to achieve closure of the urethral cuff, a hydraulically operated silicone rubber sphincter cuff. The proposed invention consists of the urethral cuff, a connecting tube, and an elastomeric bellows assembly. The invention is closed by an external magnet placed on the skin over the implanted reservoir assembly. When the external magnet is in place the elastomeric bellows of the reservoir is compressed, and the prosthetic sphincter is closed. Removal of the external magnet from the skin over the implant allows the bellows to expand, thus opening the urethral cuff.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus is provided comprising a multiwell plate wherein each of the wells in the plate has a filter membrane bonded to the entire peripheral surface of an opening of the well. The filter membrane has a tab which permits removing the filter membranes from the wells without rupturing the membrane.