Abstract: The indicator includes a transparent hollow cylindrical chamber with co-linearly aligned inlet and outlet ports located at spaced points along the cylindrical wall, on opposite sides thereof. An element is freely rotatably mounted within the chamber. The element includes an axle and a plurality of blade-like projections radially extending from the axle towards the cylindrical wall. End portions of the axle extend laterally beyond the plane of the projections and are received in recesses in the circular chamber walls which are aligned with each other and the axis of the chamber. The indicator is particularly useful in low flow rate situations such as in conjunction with stoma or wound irrigation devices.

Abstract: A drainage bag employs a non-return valve assembly including at least one baffle positioned between the top and bottom of the bag. Each baffle extends completely across the interior of the bag and includes an upper portion which is continuously attached to one face of the bag and a lower portion which is attached to an opposite face of the bag at spaced intervals so as to form at least one opening adapted to permit liquid to flow readily from the top of the bag to the bottom of the bag while inhibiting liquid from flowing from the bottom of the bag to the top of the bag.

Abstract: An insert, having a non-heat sealable surface, is affixed to a first thin film wall. The first wall is aligned with a second thin film wall, with the non-heat sealable surface of the insert facing the interior surface of the second wall. The walls are welded along their periphery to form the contour of the pouch. An adhesive-backed label is then welded to the exterior of the second wall. The insert prevents the interior surfaces of the walls from being sealed together as the adhesive-backed label is welded, simplifying the manufacturing process. The non-heat sealable surface of the insert may be composed of a low friction material to facilitate movement of solid waste within the pouch.

Abstract: An air vent for an ostomy bag has a variable flow rate so that the flow rate through a deodorizing filter housed in the vent can be varied to enhance the effectiveness of the filter. The vent also permits precise control over the degree of inflation of the bag.

Abstract: Ostomy pouches are manufactured by partially contour welding two pouch walls one of which has a stoma aperture over an area extending from the top edge of the pouch past the region of the weld seam around the aperture. A separator member is inserted into the partially welded pouch and an adhesive label is then welded or bonded to the pouch wall around the aperture. The separator member is withdrawn and the contour welding is completed to form the completed pouch.

Abstract: Ostomy pouches are manufactured by partially contour welding two pouch walls one of which has a stoma aperture over an area extending from the top edge of the pouch past the region of the weld seam around the aperture. A separator member is inserted into the partially welded pouch and an adhesive label is then welded or bonded to the pouch wall around the aperture. The separator member is withdrawn and the contour welding is completed to form the completed pouch.

Abstract: A marginally reinforced hole is provided in a sheet of weldable material by first welding a reinforcing ring to one sheet surface by means of a tubular electrode applied to its opposite surface while locating said ring by means of a pressure shoe presenting an internal cavity that is open at its bottom, and then admitting a pressurized gaseous fluid to said cavity to blow away the waste sheet material within the ring after the temperature of the sheet material within the welding area has reached the melting point.