Abstract: A device for controlling the flow of a fluid, more especially a biological fluid and in particular the urinary flow, said device including a rod which, in the rest condition is sealingly clamped, by any appropriate clamping mechanism, inside a connecting tube, which is made from a flexible plastic material presenting shrinkage on polymerization, and a mechanism which is adapted to prevent the axial movement of the said valve rod along the connecting tube under the effect of the pressure of a fluid filling two flexible activating bags connected through the connecting tube, which may cooperate with a third flexible bag.

Abstract: The implantable device for the repeated injection of medicament (20) in unitary does in at a frequency which is a function of the therapeutical treatment needs comprises essentially: a flexible reservoir (6) for the storage of the medicament. A first flexible connection tube (7) connecting the reservoir to an injection site (5) a small flexible balloon for the predosing and controlling of the injection of the medicament, a second flexible connection tube (9) connecting the small balloon (10) and the reservoir (6), a valve fitted with valve means (16) of the type responsive only to the pressure exerted to small balloon means (11) for controlling the flow rate for filling the small balloon (10), and provided on said second connection tube (9), a non-return valve (21) provided immediately upstream of the control balloon (10). Application to therapeutic treatments.

Abstract: An electrical valve having three paths, of the type comprising a valve body which is in permanent communication with an apparatus, controlled by fluid, notably by pneumatic partial vacuum, and is in alternate communication with either a fluid source of energy or with an outlet region, the passage from source to such outlet region and back being controlled by the plunger of an electromagnet permanently subjected to the action of a return spring urging the plunger to close such source. The valve body forms a control chamber of small dimensions, located on the outside of the electromagnet parts, wherein which communicates with the three paths. An extension of the electromagnet plunger provided with a single stopper seal which controls alternatively the source of energy and the orifice of the outlet region extends into the control chamber.

Abstract: New prostheses for ligaments and tendons in humans or animals intended to replace deficient original organs and induce the growth of new-formed tissue, which tissue, in turn, replaces such a prosthesis and reconstitutes an analogue of the original organ, may comprise at least one strand of synthetic polyaramide fibres NOMEX (i.e. polymetaphenylene isophthalamide the fibres not having any having any protective element so that they are placed in direct contact with surrounding live tissues, as a result of which the growth of fibrous new-formed tissue is induced to replace the synthetic fibres which are at least partly eliminated.

Abstract: A device for controlling the flow of a fluid, more especially a biological fluid and in particular the urinary flow, the device including a rod which, in the rest condition, is sealingly clamped, by any appropriate clamping mechanism, inside a connecting tube, and which is made from a flexible plastic material presenting shrinkage on polymerization, and a mechanism which is adapted to prevent the axial movement of the valve rod along the connecting tube under the effect of the pressure of a fluid filling two flexible activating bags connected through the connecting tube, which may be incorporated with a third flexible bag.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method of protecting human and animal organs against radiation. A foldable and unfoldable bladder prosthesis such as disclosed in applicants' U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,311,659 and 4,497,074 is placed in position in the body of the patient who has been operated on for a tumor. The balloon is placed in position in the operational site, after excision or reduction of the tumor and prior to treatment by ionizing radiation. This confers on the balloon the role of a protective device against the radiation of normal tissues and organs which are situated in the path of the radiation. It creats a "neutral" channel free from the presence of tissues or organs which can be injured by the ionizing radiation.

Abstract: A mechanism for the instantaneous tripping of an electrical contact in response to a progressive variation in applied fluid pressure. Contact is made by a conductive element movable along its longitudinal axis between an open position and a closed position. The upper portion of the interior wall of the contact element comprises opposed first and second sloping sections of substantially triangular cross-section having a side in common at their connection. A throttle is defined by the connection between the sloping sections. A cage member partially positioned within the conductive element is movable therein in response to the applied fluid pressure. The cage member includes a head portion having a channel therethrough perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conductive element. At least one ball is housed in the channel and is movable along the longitudinal axis of the channel and up and down the sloping sections in response to the movement of the cage member within the conductive element.

Abstract: Organ prostheses are manufactured starting from a support preformed in the shape of the prosthesis to be formed on which a sol giving on cooling a gel enabling a surface state approximating to that of a liquid-air interface is deposited, a hardenable flexible material compatible with body tissues is deposited thereon and the prosthesis removed from the mould. Ureter, bladder, vascular and cardiac prostheses made by this method are disclosed.

Abstract: The wrapper is made from a sheet of semi-rigid and foldable material such as paperboard and has two surfaces which are cut-out of the sheet. The two surfaces are applied respectively against the internal face and the external face of the bottom of the utensil. The surfaces are joined to each other by means of four tongues spaced at intervals around the lateral wall of the utensil. The tongues cover the free edge of the side wall and are applied against the internal and external faces of the wall.

Abstract: Organ prostheses are manufactured starting from a support preformed in the shape of the prosthesis to be formed on which a sol giving on cooling a gel enabling a surface state approximating to that of a liquid-air interface is deposited, a hardenable flexible material compatible with body tissues is deposited thereon and the prosthesis removed from the mould. Ureter, bladder, vascular and cardiac prostheses made by this method are disclosed.

Abstract: A ureteral prosthesis comprises a generally tubular member (9) of a urine-resistant and physiologically acceptable flexible material. The tubular member (9) has at least one permanent distortion (7) along its length, and has at least one anti-reflux valve (5) at its downstream end. The permanent distortion (7) is formed so that it co-operates with valve (5) in use of the prosthesis so as to vary the internal volume of the aforesaid prosthesis under the influence of physiological movement of a body part of a patient in which the prosthesis is implanted, which movement results in deformation of the flexible tubular member (9), whereby a pump-action is obtained in the prosthesis.