Abstract: A system comprises a negative-pressure source including a pump and an electric motor for maintaining negative-pressure at the wound and a pressure sensor for sensing a wound site pressure (WP). The system further comprises a system controller coupled to the first pressure sensor and the electric motor. The system controller maintains the wound site pressure (WP) within a hysteresis band by the application of power to the electric motor from a battery power source, based upon, at least in part a flow rate (FR) of fluid between the pump and the wound site as determined by the system controller. The hysteresis band including a maximum wound site pressure (WPMax) and a minimum wound site pressure (WPMin).

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for a handpiece for ocular surgical. Included may be at least: a proximal portion having at least inlet ports for irrigation tubing and aspiration tubing, and providing an irrigation fluidic pathway extending therethrough from the irrigation tubing inlet port, and an aspiration fluidic pathway extending therethrough from the aspiration inlet port; a distal portion terminating in an emulsifying tip, and providing an aspiration pathway terminating in an aspiration output, and at least one irrigation pathway terminating in at least one irrigation output; and a swivel ball provided at a base of the proximal portion and having a first opening to the irrigation fluidic pathway, and a second opening to the aspiration fluidic pathway, which seats within a socket cup provided at an upper end of the distal portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are negative pressure appliances and methods of operating the same in the treatment of wounds with negative pressure. Also disclosed are improved fluidic connectors or suction adapters for connecting a negative pressure source to a wound, having an air leak channel separated from a suction channel.

Abstract: A sensor sheet of a wound monitoring and/or therapy apparatus can include one or more electrical connections. The electrical connections can include multiple conductive inks having different impedances. A track of first conductive ink having a first impedance can be coupled to an electrical connector of an electronic component. A track of second conductive ink having a second impedance can be coupled to the track of first conductive ink.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a removable enclosure for a mobile negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) device, where the enclosure is arranged to reduce unwanted noise from a pump comprised with the negative pressure pump. The enclosure is specifically useful when operating the NPWT device during nighttime.

Abstract: A receptacle section for an aerosol provision article is described. The aerosol provision article is for generating a flow of aerosol in use. The receptacle section is arranged for receiving therein an activatable element for modifying, once activated, a property of the flow of aerosol. The receptacle section includes at least one activating element operable to apply, after an installation of the activatable element in the receptacle section by a user, a force to the activatable element to activate the activatable element installed in the receptacle section in use.

Abstract: An inhaler device for pulmonary delivery of at least one substance from a drug dose cartridge to an inhaling user, including: a first conduit for conducting a carrier airflow to a proximal opening of a mouthpiece for use by the user; a holder configured to position the dose cartridge within the carrier airflow; and a second conduit for conducting a shunting airflow to the mouthpiece without passing through the dose cartridge position. In some embodiments, a controller connected to a valve controls a rate of carrier airflow, for example by controlling the shunting airflow, based on a sensor indication of airflow rate and a target airflow profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metered dose inhaler (MDI) device comprising a mechanically activated visual cue representing a number of doses expelled from, or doses remaining in, a drug-containing cartridge or canister locatable within a body of said MDI, wherein the visual cue is visible through at least a portion of the body of said MDI, and a removable data processing system configured to verify the dose of drug administered and/or inhaled, wherein the MDI device further comprises a correlation system configured to correlate physically released doses from the drug containing cartridge or canister with the administration and/or inhalation data stored in the removable data processing system.

Abstract: A fluid permeable heater assembly for an aerosol-generating system includes a base including an opening through the base and an electrically conductive filament arrangement over the opening. The base includes a solid aerosol-forming substrate on the base. A cartridge includes a cartridge body including a reservoir within the cartridge body. A heater assembly is arranged at one end of the cartridge body.

Abstract: A high flow therapy system for delivering heated and humidified respiratory gas to an airway of a patient, the system including a respiratory gas flow pathway for delivering the respiratory gas to the airway of the patient by way of a non-sealing respiratory interface; wherein flow rate of the pressurized respiratory gas is controlled by a microprocessor.

Abstract: A respiratory ventilation apparatus configured to deliver a respiratory gas to a patient interface is provided. The apparatus may include a gas pressurization unit configured to generate a pressurized respiratory gas, a gas inlet port configured to introduce the respiratory gas into the respiratory ventilation apparatus, a gas outlet port configured to discharge the pressurized respiratory gas to a respiration tube, a detection module configured to detect the pressure of the pressurized respiratory gas, at least one non-volatile memory configured to store a plurality of parameters and a plurality of programs, and one or more controllers. The one or more controllers may be configured to initiate the respiratory ventilation apparatus upon a boot operation, and/or initiate a program that constantly reads information from the detection module, and controls the pressure of the pressurized respiratory gas using the information read from the detection module and at least one parameter.

Abstract: A patient circuit of a ventilation system, such as a non-invasive open ventilation system, wherein the patient circuit comprises a nasal pillows style patient interface that incorporates at least one “Venturi effect” jet pump proximal to the patient. The patient circuit further comprises a pair of uniquely configured 3-way connectors which, in cooperation with several uniquely configured tri-lumen tubing segments, facilitate the cooperative engagement of the patient interface to a ventilator of the ventilation system.

Abstract: A cushion member (2) is for a patient interface device. The cushion member includes a body portion (4) having a first end (6) and a second end (8) disposed opposite the first end, the body portion defining a passage (5) therethrough, and a support portion (10) extending from the second end into the passage. The support portion includes a first portion (12) and a second portion (14) disposed on or in the first portion. The support portion is movable from a first configuration to a second configuration responsive to a change in environment.

Abstract: An adjustment system includes: a first strap assembly and a second strap assembly positioned 180 degrees with respect to, and entwined with, the first strap assembly. Each strap assembly includes a slider having first and second slots therein. The slots are defined, in-part, by a central portion extending between both of the slots, a first end portion extending along the first slot opposite the central portion, and a second end portion extending along the second slot opposite the central portion. Each strap assembly further includes a strap portion having a first end coupled to the second end portion of the slider and an opposite second end structured to be coupled to one or more of the patient interface device or another portion of the headgear; and a tab coupled to the first end portion of the slider, the tab being structured to be grasped by the patient.

Abstract: A respiratory mask system includes a headgear that, in use, secures the respiratory mask system to a patient's head. The headgear includes a pair of forehead straps that are coupled together by a forehead coupler to form a closed loop. The forehead coupler is removably connected to a frame of the respiratory mask such that the forehead straps remain in a closed loop. The pair of forehead straps can also be coupled together by positioning a male strap portion within an aperture of a female strap portion. The male strap portion has a free end that is configured to be received into the aperture. The male strap portion includes a plurality of notches that engage the aperture of the female strap portion and provide incremental adjustment. The free ends of the male and female strap portions have fasteners configured to engage the surface of the other strap portion.

Abstract: A connector and tubing combination includes a tubing segment with an end piece, such as a tubing flange. The tubing flange can be secured within the connector by an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve of the connector. Both of the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are located outside of the tubing flange and the tubing segment. In addition, the inner sleeve, outer sleeve and the tubing flange are mechanically connected.

Abstract: A vent system for use during respiratory therapy with a flow of pressurized gas may provide a continuous vent flow of gas. The vent system may include a vent housing having an outer wall; an inner wall, the inner wall defining an inlet for the flow of gas; and a base positioned between the outer wall and the inner wall, the base having at least one first orifice and at least one second orifice. The vent system may include a membrane, the membrane being shaped and dimensioned such that the membrane does not cover the at least one first orifice to allow the vent flow through the at least one first orifice, and the membrane being shaped and dimensioned such that in a first position the membrane is positioned over the at least one second orifice to allow the vent flow through the at least one second orifice.

Abstract: A pressure safety device is used with a bag valve mask (BVM) for preventing over-pressurization. The BVM includes a bag assembly having a bag connector for detachably mating to a mask connector on a patient mask. The pressure safety device has a housing with a bag port, a mask fitting, and a flow path from the bag port to the mask fitting. The bag port detachably connects to the bag connector on the BVM, and the mask fitting detachably connects to the mask connector on the BVM. The pressure safety device includes an automatic flow reduction valve located on the flow path in the housing and impedes flow when pressure on a bag connector side of the valve exceeds a maximum threshold value.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are method, system, and computer-readable medium aspects for altering a user mind-body state through external stimuli. An aspect begins by onboarding a user through receipt of at least one data item. The aspect continues by receiving a mind-body state goal from the user and capturing the user's current mind-body state. The aspect then provides external stimuli to the user based on the at least one data item, the mind-body state goal, and the current mind-body state. The aspect captures a new mind-body state of the user after the external stimuli has been provided, and determines a similarity between the mind-body state goal and the new mind-body state. Based on the similarity, the aspect concludes by recommending further external stimuli to the user. In some aspects, the external stimuli corresponds to a category that is a predetermined combination of audio protocols, physical protocols, and behavioral cues.

Abstract: A sound control system for dental treatment, includes: ear-worn speakers equipped to be worn by a patient in the dentist; a microphone that converts, into an electrical signal, a sound including the voice of a medical staff in charge of the patient; a voice recognition module for recognizing the voice of the medical staff in charge from an electrical sound signal input from the microphone; a sound source module that stores a plurality of sound sources for mental and physical stability of the patient; a user interface including a sound source selection unit that allows the patient to select a play sound source provided via the ear-worn speakers from among the plurality of sound sources; and an output signal generation module for generating an output sound signal output via the ear-worn speakers.

Abstract: The intravenous catheter device (100) includes a catheter hub (102), a valve member (158), an actuator member (176) and a valve closure member (192). The valve member (158) includes a convex portion (162) provided with slits (170) defining prongs (172). The slits (170) are configured to open when a needle (116) is pierced through the slit (170) to puncture a vein of a patient. The valve closure member (192) is disposed inside the catheter hub (102) such that the first surface (194) of the valve closure member (192) abuts the convex portion (162) of the valve member (158). When the luer lock member (206) abutting the actuator member (176) inside the catheter hub (102) is disengaged, the valve closure member (192) is adapted to push the prongs (172), closing the passage (204) for the fluid flow and preventing blood flow from the punctured vein of the patient.

Abstract: A stylet for use in guiding a catheter to a predetermined location within the body of a patient includes a continuous core member for transmitting an electrical signal from a distal section of the stylet to a proximal end. The stylet includes a differing stiffness profile along its length. The differing stiffness characteristics are achieved by varying the number of strands of a wire, the diameter of each individual strand, twisting or braiding the strands, or varying the number of turns per unit length of the twisted strands. The stiffness of the stylet may decrease intermittently or continuously from the proximal end to the distal section. By using multiple strands bundled together, the beneficial conductive and, optionally, magnetic properties can be maximized while at the same time the stiffness characteristics can be modified.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intraluminal catheter that includes a flexible elongate shaft configured to be positioned within a body lumen of a patient, and an intraluminal sensor disposed at the distal portion of the shaft that is configured to sense a characteristic within the body lumen. The shaft further comprises a plurality of wires disposed around a lumen, wherein the wires are helically twisted. The wires can be helically twisted in a single direction to form a cylindrical shape. This helical structure is configured to stiffen the flexible elongate shaft for movement into an obstruction within the body lumen without kinking.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter may include a distal end for insertion and a proximal end. The distal end for insertion may terminate with a tip. It may define at least two openings, of which one is the proximal-most in the distal end. The distal tip may include a first radiopaque marker that is discretely positioned at the proximal-most opening and radiographically distinguishes the proximal-most opening from the rest of the distal end. The distal tip may also include a second radiopaque marker that marks the tip.

Abstract: A urinary catheter conveying device includes a sleeve member, a conveying assembly and a controller. The sleeve member is for sleeving onto a glans of a penis and has a guiding hole to be registered with an external urethral orifice of the glans. The conveying assembly includes a casing removably mounted to the sleeve member, and a conveying mechanism for advancing the urinary catheter to the guiding hole such that the urinary catheter is inserted into the external urethral orifice. The controller controls the conveying mechanism to advance the urinary catheter to the guiding hole. A urinary catheterization system and a method of using the urinary catheterization system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transfer device includes an introducer coupleable to a peripheral intravenous catheter, with the introducer having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, a catheter having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion and defining a lumen, a secondary catheter having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion and defining a lumen, and an actuator receiving the proximal end portion of the catheter and the distal end portion of the secondary catheter. The actuator is moveable within introducer from a first position where the distal end portion of the catheter is positioned within the introducer to a second position where the distal end portion of the catheter is positioned outside of the introducer.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device that allows for single-handed insertion of the catheter within the vasculature of the patient is disclosed. The catheter insertion device includes a handle, a needle cannula partially within the handle, a guidewire partially within the handle and the needle cannula, and a first actuator connected to the handle and the guidewire. The guidewire is movable relative to the handle in a distal direction away from the handle, and in a proximal direction towards the handle. A catheter assembly is removably coupled to the handle and is configured to slide on the needle cannula. A catheter hub may be connected to a proximal end of the catheter, and a catheter advancer base may be releasably connected to the catheter hub. The catheter insertion device may also include a needle support pivotally connected to the handle for supporting the needle cannula on a cantilever portion thereof.

Abstract: A medical device for the diagnosis or treatment of tissue in a body and method for fabricating the same are provided. The device includes comprises a first shaft and a second shaft. The first shaft includes a longitudinal axis, and the second shaft includes a second shaft axial end disposed within the first shaft. The second shaft is connected to the first shaft by a first nested lap joint formed between the first shaft and the second shaft.

Abstract: A full-surround contact antimicrobial dressing is disclosed. The dressing includes a transparent body that covers a skin insertion site through which a catheter assembly passes for disposal within the body of a patient. The transparency of the dressing body enables inspection of the skin insertion site. In one embodiment, therefore, an antimicrobial full-surround contact dressing for use with a medical device inserted into a skin surface of a patient via a skin insertion site is disclosed and comprises a transparent flat body, an antimicrobial adhesive substance disposed on a bottom surface of the body, and a slit defined in the body. The slit is configured to enable the body to be placed fully around a perimeter of the medical device on the skin surface at the skin insertion site such that the bottom surface of the body fully surrounds and contacts the skin insertion site.

Abstract: A catheter placement tool for placing a catheter within a vasculature of a patient includes a housing, a guidewire advancement assembly, a needle, and a catheter assembly. The housing can include a hermetically sealed guide portion and one or more translucent sides to enable blood entering an interior of the housing to be viewed. The guidewire advancement assembly is disposed in the housing and can include a guidewire, and a flexible track coupled to the guidewire. The flexible track can be positioned along the hermetically sealed guide portion, and be accessible via an opening in a distal portion of the housing. The needle can be fixed in the housing, and can include a proximal opening in fluid communication with the interior of the housing. The catheter assembly is positioned over the needle with the catheter hub disposed outside of the housing prior to insertion of the catheter.

Abstract: A non-shortening catheter balloon having a longitudinal axis and an inflatable balloon able to be affixed to a catheter shaft is provided. The balloon has an uninflated length which remains relatively unchanged upon inflation and is formed of least two helically oriented wrapped passes of balloon materials at a balanced force angle. Methods of making this balloon are also provided.

Abstract: Devices, systems for localized delivery of a chemotherapy, hormonal therapy or targeted drug/biologic therapy to a target tissue area of an internal body organ of a patient. A catheter 10 forms a sealed treatment chamber in a natural lumen extending through the target tissue area. Air is purged from the chamber, which is then filled with a liquid drug solution for an adequate treatment session time, solution volume and drug concentration to saturate the target tissue area, thereby providing the treatment. The liquid drug solution may be circulated or recirculated through the chamber or maintained stationary therewithin. The drug may saturate the target tissue area and pass therethrough into the lymphatic system or interstitial space, which may serve as a reservoir of the drug for continued therapeutic treatment after withdrawal of the catheter. The chamber is evacuated at the end of the treatment session.

Abstract: An implantation tool to implant a paranasal sinus fluid access implant device to fluidly connect the lacrimal apparatus in the orbit with a paranasal sinus has a securement mechanism reconfigurable from a securement configuration to secure the implant device to a mounting portion of a carrier member to a released configuration to release the implant device from the carrier member, and with a release mechanism disposed at least partially in an interior working space housed within the implantation tool. An implantation method with an approach through the palpebral fissure advances the implant device through a surgical route mostly under tension.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve assembly operable to selectively control a flow or passage of a fluid. The valve assembly may be applied to any appropriate mechanism such as a hydrocephalus shunt, fluid draining sewage system, or tank holding system. The valve assembly disclosed may include a selected profile for various applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid dispensing device made of non-plastic material for its use to squirt liquid through a nozzle of the device. The non-disposable device is an environmentally friendly and health safe alternative to conventional plastic bottles used by millions of people suffering from allergies for nasal irrigation. The device comprises a main body structure including a plunger disc, a push button operation mechanism, a container, and a nozzle. The container is detachable from the main body so it can be filled with water and warmed up in a microwave oven. When the button is pushed to plunge the disc into the container, warm water is squirted through the nozzle into a nasal opening.

Abstract: Devices for intranasal administration of naloxone are disclosed. The devices comprise a foam applicator and are configured to locate an applicator comprising a naloxone composition. in proximity to the middle turbinate and/or inferior turbinate. Naloxone can be delivered to the nasal mucosa by squeezing the nostril against the applicator. The device and methods of using the devices can be used to treat an opioid overdose.

Abstract: Disclosed is a functional drug injection module including: an injection unit including a body that is elongated, keeps a functional drug therein, has an outlet formed at a front end thereof, and is open at a rear end thereof, and a piston that is inserted in the body through the rear end of the body and discharges the functional drug by longitudinally sliding; a cover unit at least partially formed like a projection, inserted in the outlet, and adjust opening/closing of the outlet by selectively separating; and a sealing unit surrounding the injection unit and the cover unit, having a first crease formed in a longitudinal direction of the injection unit, and separating from the injection unit together with the cover unit by being divided along the first crease by external force.

Abstract: A device (1) for the application of liquid medical substances (100) comprises a main body (2) extending around a longitudinal axis (X) and comprising a housing portion (3) at a first open end (4) and a delivery portion (5) at a second open end (6) which is opposite the first (4); a hermetically sealed cartridge reservoir (7) containing a liquid medical substance (100); a perforating element (8) disposed inside the main body (2) in a position falling between the housing portion (3) and the delivery portion (5) and such as to achieve the perforation of one end of the cartridge reservoir (7). The perforating element (8) has a tubular shape and comprises, in a central portion thereof, a cylindrical conduit (12) having a cutting edge (14) faced towards the housing portion (3).

Abstract: A two-part bioactive agent delivery system includes a disposable part, a reusable part, and a solvent removal element. The disposable part includes an agent reservoir, a transdermal patch communicating with the agent reservoir and adapted to transdermally deliver the bioactive agent to a user. The transdermal patch has a bottom surface adapted to contact skin of the user, a top surface opposite the bottom surface, and a gas permeable membrane disposed over the top surface of the transdermal patch. The reusable part includes a power source and control electronics that are adapted to deliver bioactive agent dissolved in a solvent from the agent reservoir to the transdermal patch. The solvent removal element includes a gap disposed between the disposable part and the reusable part to create a flow path for gaseous solvent to flow from the gas permeable membrane to ambient air around the bioactive agent delivery system.

Abstract: A hydrogen-enhanced drug delivery system for hydrogen-assisted transdermal delivery of a therapeutic agent is provided. The system includes a hydrogen-generating compartment comprising at least one dry chemical. Addition of an activator, such as a liquid composition, from within or outside of the system, causes the dry chemical(s) to generate molecular hydrogen (H2) within the system. The molecular hydrogen passes through a skin-contacting surface of the system, which is permeable to hydrogen and not permeable to the dry chemical(s) and the liquid composition, and enhances the release of the therapeutic agent from the system as H2 is delivered to the subject's body. The H2 can also enhance the therapeutic effect of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A medical device for delivering a drug compound through a stratum corneum includes a support having an aperture, an array of microneedles extending outwardly from the support, a plurality of nanostructures associated with each microneedle, and a reservoir wherein the drug compound is retained. At least one microneedle contains a shaft extending from the support. The shaft includes a tip configured to penetrate the stratum corneum. The shaft defines a channel extending from the support to the tip. The channel is in at least partial alignment with the aperture. At least some of the microneedles of the array of microneedles each have a cross-sectional dimension of from about 1 micrometer to about 1 millimeter. At least some of the nanostructures have a cross-sectional dimension less than about 500 nanometers and greater than about 5 nanometers and an aspect ratio of from about 0.2 to about 5.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft (AV graft) and method of using the AV graft to facilitate dialysis is described. The AV graft includes a tube having two or more embedded reinforcing elements that each extend along a length of the tube and extends circumferentially along a portion of the tube. The reinforcing element is positioned in the patent distal to the skin and assists by minimizing slippage of a hemodialysis needle that might happen to attempt to pierce the back side of the AV graft. The method includes providing the AV graft to the patient and providing hemodialysis to a patient provided with the AV graft.

Abstract: A gas feeding/suction valve includes: a cylinder including a conduit opening communicable with a fluid conduit of an endoscope; two coupling members provided at different positions from the conduit opening of the cylinder and connected to respective fluid sources; and an operation member provided inside the cylinder and including a shaft slidably disposed in a space forming respective fluid paths through which openings of the two coupling members and the conduit opening communicate with each other, and the cylinder includes a sounding body provided near at least one of two ventilation ports, through which the fluid paths communicate with an outside of the cylinder, and configured to generate a warning sound when a fluid flows in a direction opposite to a direction in which a fluid generated from the fluid source is supposed to flow.

Abstract: A single use cap for connectors and corresponding method of use. The single use cap has a carrier with a body including a base that defines an opening separated from an end wall by a side wall. The opening leads into a cavity sized to receive a connector head. The single use cap also has an elastomeric sleeve releasably coupled to the carrier to span the opening. The elastomeric sleeve is configured to be transferred to the connector upon insertion of the head through the opening and at least partially into the cavity.

Abstract: An airway assist device and methods of making and using an airway assist device to assist in opening an airway or removing fluid or material obstructing an airway of a subject.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to blood flow reversal valves and related systems and methods. In certain aspects of the invention, a blood flow reversal valve includes a first member having a first passage and a second passage, and a second member having a first passage and a second passage. The first and second members are rotatably fixed relative to one another such that the first passage of the first member is aligned with the first passage of the second member and the second passage of the first member is aligned with the second passage of the second member. A flow directing element is disposed in the cavity and is moveable relative to the first and second members between a first position in which the first passage of the first member and the first passage of the second member are fluidly connected and a second position in which the first passage of the first member and the second passage of the second member are fluidly connected.

Abstract: A sterilization adaptor includes a check valve unit, a main body, and a vent valve unit. The check valve unit is disposed in the vent valve unit. The check valve unit includes a fluid passage. The vent valve unit includes a communication path. The vent valve unit includes a vent valve, a vent valve holding member, a rotation prevention member, and an elastic member. The main body includes an engaging portion configured to be engageable with a medical device by a biasing force of the elastic member.

Abstract: Described is a large volume parenteral (LVP) infusion device system including a cassette and a pump. The system can include means for sensing pressure in a pump having a symmetric or matched, parallel dual chamber pumping mechanism and an attached cassette. The system can include a cassette having dual pumping chambers and a distal fitment, the distal fitment having an outlet port configured for attachment to tubing for infusion administration and being disposed on a distal end of the cassette, the distal fitment further including opposing cutouts. The system can also an air in line sensor, the AIL sensor configured to bracket the distal fitment at the position of the cutout when the cassette is loaded on the pump. The cassette can be mechanically coupled to the pump. The cassette can include a user actionable flow stop. The system can be configured for cassette misload protection.

Abstract: A wearable fluid delivery system comprising a single-use device with a tube, a pump, and a nutrition container with a fluid. The system further includes a module including a processor, a battery, and an electric motor with an output member. The processor is configured to operate the electric motor. The single-use device is releasably coupled to the module such that the output member is coupled to the pump when the single-use device is coupled to the module, and the output member drives the pump to cause the fluid to travel through the tube.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is for an object discharged from a discharge port to be less liable to form a jet flow, and less liable to cause injury to the central nervous system. A passage 11 for a cell is formed inside a needle body 10 of a puncture needle 1. A discharge port 15 for a cell is formed in a side surface 13b of a front end part 13 of the needle body 10. Furthermore, the needle body is a single tube provided with a passage for an object. Further, a discharge path 14 for a cell, oriented upward from the passage 11 toward the discharge port 15, is formed in the front end part 13. The discharge path 14 comprises a frustoconical part 14a and a columnar part 14b.