Receptacle Attached To Or Inserted Within Body To Receive Discharge Therefrom Patents (Class 604/327)
  • Patent number: 7344521
    Abstract: An ostomy appliance having a front wall and a rear wall of flexible material forming a bag, the rear wall having an inlet opening into the bag by which waste material can enter the bag, at least one of the walls having a vent through which gas may escape from the bag, a filter covering the vent and having an outlet opening, and a flap sealed at only one end thereof to the wall so as to be pivotally movable in the plane of the wall from a first position in which the flap is attached to the wall and covers the outlet opening, to a second position in which the flap is shifted to one side so as to be offset from the first position such that the filter outlet opening is at least partially open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventor: Birthe Vestbo Andersen
  • Patent number: 7338482
    Abstract: A bandage is provided for use with a wound having a wound surface. The bandage is connectable to a vacuum source and may include a flexible cover positioned over the wound and a collar coupled to the cover. The cover includes a port and is configured to seal to a patient's healthy skin surrounding the wound. The collar may be coupled to the cover and include a passageway in communication with the port of the cover. The passageway is configured to receive at least a portion of a tube in communication with the vacuum source. The bandage may also include a sealer coupled to the collar. The sealer may be configured to provide a substantially airtight seal between the tube and the passageway to create a sealed environment capable of maintaining a negative pressure between the cover and the wound surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Lockwood, Robert Petrosenko
  • Patent number: 7322970
    Abstract: The present invention is a deformable liquid handling member, having an inner region circumscribed and hermetically sealed by a wall region, which comprises a membrane assembly to separate a first zone outside of the member from a second zone within the inner region of the member. Thereby, the second zone is connected to a suction source capable of receiving liquid, and the first zone is positioned in liquid communication with a liquid releasing source during its intended use. The membrane assembly is capable of maintaining a pressure differential between the second zone and the first zone without permitting air to penetrate from said first zone to said second zone. Further, the inner region comprises an inner material, which has a volume expansion factor of more than 3, preferably 5, more preferably 10, and can have a creep recovery of more than 60%, preferably more than 90%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mattias Schmidt, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Fred Desai
  • Publication number: 20070225688
    Abstract: A urinary catheter device is shown which improves on prior devices by providing for a means to lengthen and shorten the tube used to transport urine to a collection receptacle. A transport tube is provided which is connected to the catheter or in fluid direct communication with the ureters where a stoma opening is instead provided. The transport tubing includes a contraction region, which can in an example be crests and groves or a helical coil, which allows for the region to be contracted during movement, transport or the like of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Mary Elizabeth Goodwin
  • Patent number: 7223260
    Abstract: The collecting bag has a bag member formed by a first and a second film blank, and a discharge portion that is foldable and unfoldable to bring the discharge portion from an open unfolded condition to a closed folded condition and vice versa. A first plate member is positioned on the first film blank and a second plate member is positioned on an extension of the second film blank Each plate member is formed from a relatively stiff material, and the distance between the distal edge of the first plate member and the proximal edge of the second plate member is smaller than the thickness of the first plate member. When folding the discharge portion, the distal edge of the first plate member acts as a pivot, and a stretching effect is created on the second film blank to effectively seal the discharge opening without deformation of the plate members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventors: Soren Hansen, Lars Bo Poulsen
  • Patent number: 7195617
    Abstract: A collection device for collecting material during a surgical procedure includes a collection chamber defined by an encompassing wall and having an opening sufficient for permitting collection of the material during the surgical procedure. A wicking material is positioned outside the collection chamber and is in fluid association therewith sufficient to wick fluid from within the collection chamber. The device also includes a scoop wall extending from the collection chamber and having a distal end portion for positioning proximate a source of the material and for guiding the material to the collection chamber wherein the scoop wall includes curved sidewall portions that are separated from the encompassing wall such that the scoop wall is bendable with respect to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Six-O, Ltd.
    Inventors: Lew Papendick, Thomas Blue
  • Patent number: 7179245
    Abstract: A biodegradable and toilet-flushable body waste collection pouch, and an appliance in which such pouch constitutes the inner pouch of a peelably separable pouch-in- pouch system, are disclosed. The walls of the inner pouch are composed of an ultra-thin, heat-sealable film impermeable to body wastes comprising a plasticized biodegradable polyester or copolyester externally covered by a soft, porous, water-disintegratable cover layer of biodegradable and water-dispersible fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hollister Incorporated
    Inventor: Claudio Giori
  • Patent number: 7150740
    Abstract: The urinary catheter system includes a urinary catheter, a connector and a medical implement which is readily attached to or removed from the connector. When a medical implement such as a collection appliance is attached to the connector, fluid such as urine can flow from the patent and into the collection appliance. Alternatively, when a syringe is attached to the connector, the catheter system may be irrigated to remove debris and other foreign matter, or the syringe may be used to provide medication to the patient. The system is preferably a closed system in which the connector includes a resealable valve which prevents the flow of fluid through the connector if a medical implement is not attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Rita Latterman Bennett, Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr., Evelyn L. Foss
  • Patent number: 7147627
    Abstract: A bowel management system includes a waste collection catheter having at least two distinct sections. The first section is patient proximal when disposed in the patient's rectum and has durometer hardness in the range of about 50A to about 90A. The second catheter section is connected to the first section and has durometer hardness in the range of about 5A to about 49A. A selectively collapsible, substantially spherical retention balloon is attached coaxially and exterior of the first catheter section such that the proximal-most end of the retention balloon is coincident to the proximal-most end of the first section of the waste collection catheter, the substantially spherical retention balloon having an inflated size so as to be sufficiently large enough to retain the patient proximal end of the catheter in the patient's rectum without being so large as to trigger a defecatory response in the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Hollister Incorporated
    Inventors: Jae H. Kim, John S. Minasi, James G. Schneider, Nick Martino, Peter M. von Dyck
  • Patent number: 7096871
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus used for collecting fluids during a medical procedure includes a fluid collection pouch having an open end, an inflatable bladder substantially surrounding a perimeter of the open end, and a pump coupled to the inflatable bladder. The pump is operable to inflate the inflatable bladder. According to another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus used for collecting fluids during a medical procedure includes a fluid collection pouch having an open end with a perimeter, a channel surrounding approximately one half of the perimeter of the open end, an inflatable bladder disposed within the channel, and a pump disposed within the channel and coupled to the inflatable bladder. The pump is operable to inflate the inflatable bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Microtek Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan R. Lee, Michael A. Gil, Lewis Dorsey Cox, Lloyd G. B. Cooper
  • Patent number: 7077833
    Abstract: A convenient urology undergarment pant system for collecting urine discharge comprising of an undergarment that extends from around the waist and down the thighs. The undergarment can be used with urine collection devices from the urethra area (male condom-like coupling or female external receiving device), from the bladder by means of an ileoconduit system, and from the kidney(s) by means of a nephrostomy system. The undergarment includes a sewn inner pouch formed from an additional piece of fabric that holds the leg bag in place without the need for leg straps. There is an opening in the crotch area of the undergarment that provides means for placing the leg bag inside the inner pouch. The undergarment also includes a lower opening to accommodate the release valve of the leg bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: URO Concepts Inc.
    Inventor: Celeste V. Bonham
  • Patent number: 7066919
    Abstract: A fluid receptacle alarm assembly and/or kit comprising a fluid receptacle, an alarm module and at least one magnetic field source. The alarm module comprises an alarm, a magnetically-actuated switch, and a power source. The alarm module is attachable to a first surface of the fluid receptacle and the magnetic field source is attachable to a second surface of the fluid receptacle. A fluid quantity is receivable intermediate the first and second receptacle surfaces for adjusting the distance intermediate the first and second receptacle surfaces. The magnetic field source actuates the switch when a select alarm activation distance is adjustably met. The actuated switch electrically communicates the power source with the alarm. The energized alarm alerts a user to the fluid quantity in the fluid receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventors: Keith A. Sauerland, Arlene K. Sauerland
  • Patent number: 7066918
    Abstract: A liquid waste collection chamber assembly adapted to be worn in the crotch region of a user includes a triangular collection chamber with a rigid inlet tube and a back flow valve. The inlet tube attaches to a condom catheter by way of a flexible tube. Liquid waste from the user flows into the collection chamber in response to gravitational force. The collection chamber is worn, attached and supported to the wearer in the crotch region by way of straps connected to a top portion of the collection chamber. The collection chamber also includes an outlet tube disposed above the inlet tube at a top portion of the collection chamber attached. The outlet valve is actuatable to open and allow expulsion of liquid waste from the collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Herbert N. Charles
  • Patent number: 7056310
    Abstract: A body fluid management device used with an absorbent article is disclosed. The body fluid management device has a body facing surface and an opposite surface facing the absorbent article when used with the absorbent article. The body fluid management device comprises a first attachment means provided on the body facing surface for attachment to the body of the wearer to cover the genitalia area of the wearer and an acquisition layer disposed between the body facing surface and the opposite surface. At least a portion of the body facing surface is fluid pervious and at least a portion of the opposite surface is fluid pervious such that fluid passes through the body fluid management device from the body facing surface toward the opposite surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Yuko Tanaka, Vincenzo D'Acchioli
  • Patent number: 7045098
    Abstract: Urine samples are made free of potentially interfering substances, such as alkaloids or pharmaceuticals, by contacting the urine sample with an amount of a chemical oxidizing agent in a disposable oxidation bag, while retaining the physical indicia characteristic of urine to allow the sample to be further tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: James Matthew Stephens
  • Patent number: 7041090
    Abstract: A device for the drainage of the bladder through the body's own urethra opening outside of the human body, comprising a tube-shaped body (10). The 5 tube-shaped body is comprised: to assume a first contracted position and for taken up within the bladder as well as a to assume a second partially extended position. At least one thread (14) extends between the bladder and an opening so that the tube-shaped body can be extended from the first position to the second position during 10 the application of a pulling force upon the thread. The tube-shaped body will return to the first position upon the release of the pulling force on the thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Prostalund Operations AB
    Inventors: Magnus Bolmsjö, Sonny Schelin
  • Patent number: 7025753
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for treating disease in a urinary bladder. The devices include a bladder liner for insertion into the urinary bladder and catheters positioned within the urinary bladder to carry urine from the ureters to an outside collection container. The bladder liner and catheters are constructed of biocompatible materials and are configured to create a seal with the urethra and ureters. The bladder liner may be adapted to deliver medicinal agents to the urinary bladder. Methods of treating disease in the urinary bladder include isolating urine from the bladder wall to allow sufficient time for the bladder wall to heal e.g., by implanting the aforementioned devices. Healing or pain relief may be enhanced by instilling pharmaceutical agents between the liner and bladder wall without dilutional effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Reever
  • Patent number: 7022113
    Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus has a vacuum bandage covering a wound of a patient, a vacuum source coupled to the vacuum bandage, and a controller that operates the vacuum source to apply negative pressure to the wound through the bandage in a controlled manner. The controller is programmed to limit the rate of change of the negative pressure applied to the wound. A caregiver has the ability to change one or more negative pressure setpoint values and the controller of the wound treatment apparatus controls the rate of change of the negative pressure to reduce patient discomfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Lockwood, Robert Petrosenko, James Robert Risk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7018366
    Abstract: VARS (Vacuum Assisted Relief System) is a aircrew bladder relief system that allows the pilot, whether male or female, to urinate in flight with comfort and convenience. There are three principle parts to the system, The pump, the garment, and the receiver. A pump and battery pack may be mounted in a breast pocket or attached to a torso harness at breast level. Locating the pump at a level higher than the garment insures little or no “leak back” to the garment. A garment worn like a diaper or underwear, includes an intake manifold comprised of a number of perforated tubes sandwiched between layers of material. Urine from a user is collected in the garment, drawn into the manifold tubes through these holes, by means of vacuum from the pump. Collected urine then passes through a hose into containment bag or receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: William Craig Easter
  • Patent number: 7008407
    Abstract: A urine collection device (10) that is made up of a flexible, thermoplastic urine collection bag (20), which receives urine through a molded plastic inlet fitment (30) that is secured to an upper end of the bag 5 and discharges urine through a two-piece molded plastic valve fitment (40) at a lower end of the bag. The inlet fitment, which has no check valve therein, has a series of steps gradually reducing lateral extent as it extends longitudinally from the bag to a free end thereof, and each of the steps extends at a non-perpendicular angle to the longitudinal central axis of the inlet fitment. The bag is also free of any check or flutter valve. The outlet valve fitment has a fixed outer element (42) surrounding an inner element (44) that is rotatable with respect to the outer element to selectively open or close the outlet valve fitment to flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Kamp
  • Patent number: 6979324
    Abstract: A portable closed wound drainage system that uses a pouch shaped dressing which is inserted into a wound. At least a portion of the outer surface of the pouch is porous to allow exudates to enter. Exudates are removed from the pouch by flexible tubing which is secured inside the pouch at one end, and secured at the other end to a portable drain/suction unit. The pouch contains porous material, and may optionally contain beads and fillers which are antibacterial in nature. The tubing can have a single or multi-lumen structure with perforations in the side walls of the end of the tube that is inserted in the pouch to allow body fluids to enter laterally. The portable drain/suction unit is preferably a portable battery powered device. The pouch and the tube are sealed by a flexible sealing material which is applied to the outer surface of the skin around the periphery of the pouch and the tubing as it exits the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: NeoGen Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Farhad Bybordi, John J. Biggie, Lydia B. Biggie, John A. Dawson
  • Patent number: 6951553
    Abstract: A tissue closure treatment system and method are provided with an external patient interface. A first fluid transfer component FTC.1 comprises a strip of porous material, such as rayon, with liquid wicking properties. FTC.1 can be placed directly on a suture line for transferring fluid exuded therethrough. An underdrape is placed over FTC.1 and includes a slot exposing a portion of same. FTC.2 comprises a suitable hydrophobic foam material, such as polyurethane ether, and is placed over the underdrape slot in communication with FTC.1. Negative pressure is applied to FTC.2 through a connecting fluid transfer component FTC.3. A negative pressure source can comprises a manual device or a power-operated suction device. The tissue closure method includes a manual operating mode using a manual suction device with an automatic shut off for discontinuing suction when a predetermined volume of fluid has been drained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc
    Inventors: Stephen K. Bubb, David S. Zamierowski
  • Patent number: 6941587
    Abstract: A unisex, portable urinal for bedridden individuals. The urinal has a generally triangular shape for stability and to reduce urine levels, both of which prevent spillage. A handle configuration helps users properly position the urinal, for example in a manner that forms a good seal against the relevant portion of the female anatomy. Both male and female users benefit from stable urine storage and a comfortable, ergonomic form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Henry Fletcher
  • Patent number: 6936037
    Abstract: A tissue closure treatment system and method are provided with an external patient interface. A first fluid transfer component FTC.1 comprises a strip of porous material, such as rayon, with liquid wicking properties. FTC.1 can be placed directly on a suture line for transferring fluid exuded therethrough. An underdrape is placed over FTC.1 and includes a slot exposing a portion of same. FTC.2 comprises a suitable hydrophobic foam material, such as polyurethane ether, and is placed over the underdrape slot in communication with FTC.1. Negative pressure is applied to FTC.2 through a connecting fluid transfer component FTC.3. A negative pressure source can comprises a manual device or a power-operated suction device. The tissue closure method includes a manual operating mode using a manual suction device with an automatic shut off for discontinuing suction when a predetermined volume of fluid has been drained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen K. Bubb, David S. Zamierowski
  • Patent number: 6932797
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid removal system for applications where there is a need for liquid removal including laboratories and workshops as well as medical applications as well as dental applications. The liquid removal system exhibits improved wearing comfort by comprising an interface device which is compressible in the longitudinal and/or transverse dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mattias Schmidt, Bruno Hohannes Ehrnsperger
  • Patent number: 6913018
    Abstract: A condom donning device (10) adapted for donning a condom (12) having a tubular wall that is rolled up into a hem ring (14) which is defined on the outside of the tubular wall in an initial configuration of the condom. The device (10) comprises two support formations (16) and (18) which together define an internal space through which a penis can extend and a separation axis A along which the support formations are separable. Each support formation defines a pair of hook-like holding formations (22) in which the hem ring of the condom can be received and held in an arrangement permitting unrolling of the hem ring when donning the condom. The invention extends to an assembly including the device (10), the condom (12) and a package in the form of a pouch of packaging film which is hermetically sealed to the support formations so as to form a hermetically sealed enclosure surrounding the condom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Wincotrade Twenty (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Willem Nicolaas Van Rensburg
  • Patent number: 6858021
    Abstract: A method for reducing the incidence of urinary tract infection in a patient having an indwelling catheter, through the use of a weak acidic solution to treat the catheter drainage bag used by the patient. More particularly, the method decreases catheter-associated bacteriuria in a catheterized patient by the steps of instilling a sterile acetic acid solution (e.g., distilled vinegar) into the catheter drainage bag, dispersing the solution in the bag, and then draining the solution from the bag prior to resuming flow of urine from the patient into the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Eric A. Washington
  • Patent number: 6854427
    Abstract: A urine collecting device for horses, especially mares, suitable for attachment to a special holding harness and a special head part therefor, which is advantageously suitable for collecting pregnant mares' urine for obtaining natural mixtures of conjugated estrogens. The holding harness with urine collecting device according to the invention offers high flexibility and wearing comfort for the horse. The horse's freedom of movement is not substantially impaired by the holding harness with urine collecting device, so grazing is possible, and it is not necessary to tether the horse in a narrow stall. The urine collecting device of the invention is distinguished in particular in that the urine collecting part and the head part are joined via a detachable connection, such as a bayonet lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Solvay Pharmaceuticals GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Frink
  • Patent number: 6849065
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid removal system for applications where there is a need for liquid removal including laboratories and workshops as well as medical applications and dental applications. The urine acquisition zone of the liquid removal system of the present invention has a skin hydration value of less than 200 milligrams and hence reduces phenomena related to liquid rewet from the liquid removal system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mattias Schmidt, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger
  • Publication number: 20040260202
    Abstract: A biological fluid collection accessory device is releasably coupled to a specimen container. The device includes an attachment ring and a peripheral wall extending from a base of the ring. The wall includes a receiving area for receiving a penis and a capturing area for capturing ejaculate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Matthew McQuaid
  • Publication number: 20040236293
    Abstract: The present invention as a bag for collecting boidily fluids such as urine. The bag is adapted for use e.g. in connection with a catheter and is provided with supporting means allowing handling of a liquid-filled bag without squeezing the bag and thus without the risk of contaminating the surroundings. The bag is provided with a draining spout allowing the liquid-filled bag to be emptied without spillage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Allan Tanghoj, Lars Jensen
  • Publication number: 20040215158
    Abstract: A connector for use in line in a catheter tube has a first part with a hose barb connected to the tube and a second part with a cylindrical opening and a circumferentially extending fastening strap. A hole is provided in the fastening strap. A gap is provided at the end of the fastening strap. A second part of the connector has a hose barb connected to another section of the catheter tube. The second part has a cylindrical portion that fits into the cylindrical opening of the first part. The second part also has a projection that may be positioned to enter the gap as the two pieces are fit together and which fits into the hole on the fastening strap after twisting of the pieces to latch the pieces together. The two pieces disconnect readily when a tension force is exerted that may otherwise cause injury to the wearer of the catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Medpoint Corporation
    Inventor: Verne M. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20040204694
    Abstract: An ostomy appliance cover that includes a first sheet of flexible material having at least one low coefficient of friction surface and dimensioned to cover a first portion of the ostomy appliance, and a second sheet of flexible material that is elastic and breathable, dimensioned to cover a second portion of the ostomy appliance. The second sheet of material includes an expandable opening, which when expanded allows the ostomy appliance to pass through the opening without substantial distortion of the ostomy appliance, and when released substantially covers the colostomy appliance in cooperation with the first sheet of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Micheal E. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 6802831
    Abstract: An ostomy coupling is described of the type comprising a locking member in the form of a resilient split ring, for fastening two ostomy coupling members together. One feature of the invention is that one of the coupling members comprises a tapered seal seat surface for cooperating with a deflectable seal wing carried by the other member. The tapered seal seat has a smoothly curved taper, to enable a relatively large seal area to be provided within a low coupling profile height. Another feature of one form of the invention is that the split ring has an inclined outer surface to form a smooth profile with the coupling member on which it is carried. Another feature of another form of the invention is that each limb of the split ring is bifurcated to receive a radially projecting guide of the coupling member, on which the split ring is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventors: Ron Plass, Ian Whatley
  • Publication number: 20040147886
    Abstract: A patient-adjustable device and surgical method for the treatment of urinary incontinence is disclosed herein. More specifically, the device is a mesh surrounded pillow which is implanted near the attachment of the urethra to the bladder, or mid to distal urethra which can be controlled by the patient. The fullness of the pillow can be controlled by the patient using two pressure-sensitive controls under the skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Aram Bonni
  • Patent number: 6761710
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable menstrual fluid management device (10) including a bag (11) having an aperture (13) that is surrounded by an adhesively-faced flange (12) for releasable attachment to the uro-genital area of the wearer. An absorbent material (15) is contained within the bag. The device (10) effectively absorbs menstrual fluids while being comfortable and discrete to wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Vincenzo D'Acchioli, Gianfranco Palumbo
  • Publication number: 20040133174
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sanitary urine collector bag which fills a niche in the current market. According to the invention, normally appropriate urination means are not required by healthy or sick persons needing to urinate frequently, especially while on the move. The invention comprises a bag which is at least partially inserted inside the body, the opening of said bag being positioned internally to allow the urine to pass from the user or patient to the bottom of the bag. The opening, having part thereof inserted inside the body, forms a non-return closing means which prevents the contents from inadvertently emptying. Additional closing means can be incorporated into the inventive bag. The internal part of the bag can be extended outwards, thereby forming a flattened tube with a secondary opening at the end thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Matilde Gamez Cano
  • Patent number: 6754914
    Abstract: A disposable toilet bowl for care comprises: a rod-like anus application member 3 which fits into a groove 20 between the buttocks 19 around a person's anus 17 and is filled with a fluid; an excrements passage hole 4 which is provided so as to extend through the center of the anus application member 3 and one end of which is applied to the anus 17 when the anus application member 3 is fitted into the groove 20 between the buttocks 19; a flexible sheet-like pad 8 which supports the anus application member 3 from the bottom thereof; fixing means provided on the pad 8 for holding the state that said anus application member 3 is fitted into the groove 20 between the buttocks 19; and a bag body 15 which is communicated with the excrements passage hole 4, of which upper end edge is fixed around the central hole 9 of the pad 8, and which receives internally the excrements discharged from the person's anus 17 through the excrements passage hole 4 and the hole 9 of the pad 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Eizou Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6743209
    Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a simple, safe, convenient and economical means of securing catheters to or at the outside of a human or other animal body by suturing, tying or taping to a tubular depression-shaped anchor member that is integrally formed during manufacture with the forming of the catheter resulting in a one-piece multipurpose combination construction unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventors: John Howell Brown, Wallace Maurice Sumner
  • Publication number: 20040097891
    Abstract: A device for the drainage of the bladder through the body's own urethra opening outside of the human body, comprising a tube-shaped body (10). The tube-shaped body is comprised: to assume a first contracted position and for taken up within the bladder as well as a to assume a second partially extended position. At least one thread (14) extends between the bladder and an opening of the urethra and is attached at a first end of the tube-shaped body so that the tube-shaped body can be extended from the first position to the second position during the application of a pulling force upon the thread. The tube-shaped body in the second partially extended position extends in such a manner so as to exceed the distance between the bladder and the point of the urethra's closing. The tube-shaped body is comprised in such a manner that it will return to the first position upon the release of the pulling force on the thread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Magnus Bolmsjo
  • Patent number: 6736783
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for automatically, repetitively sampling blood from conscious animals. The apparatus can simultaneously extract blood from a number of conscious, catherized animals at programmable time intervals. The apparatus is characterized as a system of computer controlled valves and pumps connected by tubing filled with saline solution to a catherized animal. Blood samples are collected via a cannula from the animal and placed in a fraction collector for analyses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Blake, Kang Cheng, Glenn A. Clarke, Gary S. Kath, Gregory W. King, Tsuei-Ju Wu
  • Patent number: 6736803
    Abstract: This bag includes an improvement in the form of an extendable drain tube that is normally retracted and retained in flat coiled condition against the front wall of the bag. The tube is biased into its coiled condition by the elastic memory of the thermoplastic material from which it is formed and, in a preferred embodiment, the flat coil is oval-shaped with its major axis extending generally vertically when the bag is worn. A retention strap attached to the front wall of the bag serves to hold the drain tube in its coiled condition against the bag's front wall. A valve is located at a distal end of the drain tube, which is used to control drainage. The location of the valve prevents spillage of residual urine upon recoil of the drain tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Cawood Family Limited Partnership
    Inventor: C. David Cawood
  • Patent number: 6734335
    Abstract: A unitary absorbent composite having a plurality of strata is disclosed. In the composite, adjacent strata are separated by a transition zone integrally connecting the strata. Each stratum includes fibers and a binder, and the transition zone includes fibers from adjacent strata. Method for forming the unitary composite are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventors: Peter A. Graef, Daniel T. Bunker, Charles E. Miller, Jeffrey D. Mathews, Fred B. Howard, Terry M. Grant, Shahrokh A. Naieni, David G. Marsh, Melissa L. Dopps, Kay Rokman, Juhani Jansson, Eino Laine
  • Publication number: 20040087919
    Abstract: A body fluid management device used with an absorbent article is disclosed. The body fluid management device has a body facing surface and an opposite surface facing the absorbent article when used with the absorbent article. The body fluid management device comprises a first attachment means provided on the body facing surface for attachment to the body of the wearer to cover the genitalia area of the wearer and an acquisition layer disposed between the body facing surface and the opposite surface. At least a portion of the body facing surface is fluid pervious and at least a portion of the opposite surface is fluid pervious such that fluid passes through the body fluid management device from the body facing surface toward the opposite surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Yuko Tanaka, Vincenzo D'Acchioli
  • Patent number: 6723078
    Abstract: An emergency urinal kit is provided having a urine receptacle and a pair of specifically adapted male and female collector funnels, each said collector funnel for interchangeable connection with said urine receptacle for provide fluid communication thereto. The male collector funnel forms a cylindrical flexible membrane that has a rollable sidewall and is in fluid communication with a drain tube for connection with a collection conduit. The female collector funnel forms a rigid sidewall terminating at the upper end in an upper sealing ridge forming a contoured upper edge specifically adapted to seal against the user's body when pressed against the user's groin, and is in fluid communication with a drain tube for connection with a collection conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventors: Vinroy Pennington, Aston Pennington
  • Publication number: 20040073179
    Abstract: An arrangement at a stoma bag of the type used by persons or animals with a colostoma, comprising a flexible bag (10) (flexibag) and a ring fastener/magazine ring (4), where the ring fastener/magazine ring (4) is designed to be connected to a stoma plate (1), and where, in its initial position, the entire flexibag (10) is located in or in close proximity to the ring fastener/magazine ring (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Svein Jakob Andersen
  • Publication number: 20040068243
    Abstract: The collecting bag has a bag member (2) formed by a first and a second film blank (2,3), and a discharge portion (8) that is foldable and unfoldable to bring the discharge portion from an open unfolded condition to a closed folded condition and vice versa. A first plate member (21) is positioned on the first film blank (2) and a second plate member (22) is positioned on an extension (3a) of the second film blank (3). A locking device is provided at the discharge portion for locking the bag in the closed folded condition of the discharge portion. Each plate member (21,22) is formed from a relatively stiff material, and the distance (d) between the distal edge (21b) of the first plate member (21) and the proximal edge (22a) of the second plate member (22) is smaller than the thickness of the first plate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Soren Hansen, Lars Bo Poulsen
  • Patent number: 6716209
    Abstract: A loop ostomy device includes a flexible rod having coupling members at its ends. The rod is rigid enough to support a bowel loop but flexible enough to bend into a loop and couple its ends together. Methods for using the appliance are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Arnold Robert Leiboff
  • Publication number: 20040059305
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for treating disease in a urinary bladder. The devices include a bladder liner for insertion into the urinary bladder and catheters positioned within the urinary bladder to carry urine from the ureters to an outside collection container. The bladder liner and catheters are constructed of biocompatible materials and are configured to create a seal with the urethra and ureters. The bladder liner may be adapted to deliver medicinal agents to the urinary bladder. Methods of treating disease in the urinary bladder include isolating urine from the bladder wall to allow sufficient time for the bladder wall to heal e.g., by implanting the aforementioned devices. Healing or pain relief may be enhanced by instilling pharmaceutical agents between the liner and bladder wall without dilutional effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: SCIMED Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Reever
  • Patent number: RE39371
    Abstract: A combination pouch and underwear pant is worn by a man for facilitating sexual activity such as lap dancing. The pouch is worn over the sex organs of a man under the underwear pant, which is adapted by an elastic waistband for compressively pinning the pouch in place. The pouch is made of a flexible and elastic material. A top edge of the pouch provides access to an interior of the pouch of a hand and wrist of the wearer so as to facilitate insertion of the wearer's sex organs into the pouch through an aperture, which encircles penis and scrotum. The aperture elastically compresses between a top surface at the base of the penis of the wearer and a bottom surface at the base of the scrotum of the wearer. With the pouch in place, the wearer is able to facilitate the capture of body fluids without fear of the pouch moving away from its preferred position relative to the torso of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Wesley K. Johnson