Abstract: A faecal management device having a flange or abutting the perianal region of a wearer. The flange has an aperture therethrough. The aperture has a contour defined by two mutually perpendicularly oriented ellipses.

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.

Abstract: A faecal management device. The device has a bag. The bag has an aperture defining a plane and allowing the entry of faecal material. The bag is constructed of two pieces of material joined at a seam, which may lie in a plane parallel that of the aperture. This two-piece construction advantageously allows for a bag geometry which is not long or narrow, thus providing increased comfort for the active wearer.

Abstract: A bandage for use with a vacuum source includes a member to be placed in contact with a wound surface and a suction port associated with the member. The member is configured with passageways and/or spacers.

Abstract: A discharge disposing apparatus is provided with a diaper cup body 2 enveloping the waist and hips of a human body, a cleaning water feeding hose connected to the diaper cup body 2 for feeding water into the inside of the diaper cup body, and a filth sucking hose connected to the diaper cup body 2 for sucking the cleaning water and the filth from within the inside of the diaper cup body. The diaper cup body 2 is composed of a base body 2x provided with the cleaning water feeding hose 2p and the filth sucking hose 2n, a caterpillar-like joint 2a rotatably coupled with the base body 2x, and a front cover 2b rotatably coupled with the caterpillar-like joint 2a. The caterpillar-like joint 2a is connected with a plurality of joint pieces 2a1, 2a2, 2a3, 2a4, and 2a5. The diaper of the present invention provides a discharge disposing apparatus in which the exchange operation is made easily without any leakage of water, and the diaper cup body 2 is adjustable to fit human bodies of different sizes.

Abstract: A catheter movement control device is provided which allows forward, extending movement of the catheter tube contained within a flexible package to the exterior thereof as required during insertion. The method of use includes moving the catheter tube through the control device to exit the catheter package where it is inserted into the urethra. If resistance is encountered during insertion a stop member firmly engages the catheter tube to prevent rearward movement of the catheter tube under normal urging.

Abstract: The people and things in the vicinity of an undiapered baby are protected from being urinated upon by a device which has an open resilient foam band, which is “C” or horseshoe shaped. The band has a curved front segment with two rearwardly extending side segments which allow the band to be resiliently clasped about the midsection of an infant. A urine receiving pad is connected to the front segment of the band, and extends downwardly to space a quantity of absorbent material from the infant. The pad has an exterior fluid impervious barrier to which a cotton or synthetic absorbent material is attached. The lower comers of the pad are turned up to define an upwardly opening pocket which better retains liquid. The shield is readily affixed to the infant prior to removal of the diaper, and throughout the period during which urination of the undiapered infant is likely.

Abstract: A disposable bag for excrement and solid and liquid residues has a tubular body made of a flexible material and having an open end, a closed end, an interior space for receiving excrement and solid and liquid residues through the open end, and a peripheral edge at the open end having an internal channel. A polymeric material is disposed in the interior space of the tubular body for solidifying liquid residues in contact therewith. At least one strip of material is disposed in the internal channel of the tubular body for drawing the tubular body into a generally pouch shape and for sealing the tubular body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a single use undergarment for use by neonatal, pediatric, adult and geriatric patients for the purposes of obtaining a measured sample of either fecal or urine material. Such devices are needed in order to gather fecal and urine samples in a safe, non-invasive manner without the assistance of medical professionals.

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.

Abstract: An urethral catheter and urinary drainage bag adaptor which includes a substantially cylindrical segment telescoping over a smaller diameter but longer substantially cylindrical segment. Both ends of the longer segment are open and both ends of the shorter segment are closed. Each segment also has a wall and a lumen. The longer segment includes a first portion, a shorter second portion and a substantially spherical-shaped third portion located between the other two portions. A storage chamber for antiseptics is defined by a closed space between the two segments and communicates with the lumen of the longer segment through at least one fenestration located on a wall of the third portion. The longer segment is a conduit for body fluid. A rotary valve is located in the third portion for controlling drainage of body fluids and collecting antiseptics from the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for managing uncontrolled urine release in females. The device is flexible and is worn externally on the vaginal area. This external device may further be attached to a urine collector, such as a bladder bag, and may be worn by a female person while standing, walking, sitting, or laying down. This external urine drainage device is comfortable and easy to use, avoids soiling of the laundry when worn correctly, runs a low risk of causing urinary infections or skin irritations, and is easily washable and re-usable.

Abstract: A device for collecting body waste. The device has a bag with an aperture to allow entry of body waste. A flange permits the device to be attached to the body of a wearer. Upstanding from the flange is a projection for sealing against the body of the wearer. The projection is resiliently deformable to promote comfort and better sealing.

Abstract: There is provided a BM containment system for personal care products having an expandable material which expands upon contact with fluids to form a compartment in which BM may be contained. The system may optionally have a dewatering layer on the side away from a wearer of the personal care product. The system may also be in liquid isolation from other personal care product components which are located on the side away from a wearer in order to keep the BM containment system from expanding from exposure to urine. Liquid isolation may be provided by a film between the other system components and the traditional personal care product components.

Abstract: The female urine collection device includes a formable ring and a collection receptacle. In one embodiment, the receptacle is an external catheter with a flexible neck that passes through and folds back over the ring. In another embodiment, the ring and collection receptacle are integrally formed. In all embodiments, the ring may be placed against the tissue around the urethral meatus to form a seal with the neck, permitting voiding into and through the collection receptacle. The ring may be manually held in place against the tissue around the urethral meatus to form a good seal. A protruding tip or probe may be included and inserted slightly into the vaginal opening or entrance to assure proper placement of the ring. In such embodiments, the ring may be integrally formed with the probe. An adjustable, inflatable pessary anchor may also be provided to help secure the collection receptacle adjacent the genital tissue.

Abstract: An urethral catheter and urinary drainage bag adaptor which includes a substantially cylindrical segment telescoping over a smaller diameter but longer substantially cylindrical segment. Both ends of the longer segment are open and both ends of the shorter segment are closed. Each segment also has a wall and a lumen. The longer segment includes a first portion, a shorter second portion and a substantially spherical-shaped third portion located between the other two portions. A storage chamber for antiseptics is defined by a closed space between the two segments and communicates with the lumen of the longer segment through at least one fenestration located on a wall of the third portion. The longer segment is a conduit for body fluid. A rotary valve is located in the third portion for controlling drainage of body fluids and collecting antiseptics from the chamber.

Abstract: Featured is a device for draining fluids and/or gas from body cavities, including at least a pressure control chamber and a collection chamber being fluidly coupled by a one-way valve thereby establishing a waterless seal between the collection chamber, including the patient, and the suction source. The pressure control chamber also includes a waterless suction pressure control regulator that controls and maintains the suction pressure at or about a selected value. Preferably, the regulator includes a spring operated valve. The device also includes a vent path arrangement having an intermediate chamber and at least two passages that are perpendicular to two adjacent surfaces within the intermediate chamber. The two passages and intermediate chamber are arranged so liquid in the collection chamber does not flow and contaminate the upstream portions of the device when the device is resting on its front side or backside.

Abstract: The venous reservoir accommodates variations in the total volume of blood circulating in the extracorporeal circuit during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). It is connected between the patient and the arterial pump and serves as a compliance chamber. Venous drainage by gravity alone provides an inadequate rate of blood return during procedures such as minimally invasive cardiac surgery and bypass via femoral cannulation. In these cases the resistance of the venous cannula limits the maximum achievable flow. Vacuum augmented venous drainage (VAVD) is a technique that overcomes flow limitations by applying suction to the hard shell reservoir thereby increasing the pressure difference between the venous site and venous reservoir. VAVD allows for a decrease in the inner diameter of the venous line, thereby reducing prime volume, as well as the use of a smaller cannula that translates to an easier insertion, a better surgical view, and a smaller surgical incision.

Abstract: An external device for the drainage of biological fluid, particularly cephalorrhachidian fluid, utilizes a catheter (1, 2), one end of which is disposed in the area to be drained and the other end of which is connected to a drainage bag (3). This device includes a pressure measuring device (4) for measuring the pressure in the area to be drained and external flow control valve (5) on the catheter. An electronically controlled power supply (10) is provided for actuating the valve when the pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A valve assembly apparatus includes a main body portion which includes a top main body portion and a bottom main body portion. The bottom main body portion includes a container connector portion. A one-way vent valve is in air way communication with the bottom main body portion. A one-way liquid flow valve is supported by the main body portion. A tubing adaptor is connected to the top main body portion. The valve assembly apparatus can be used to direct urine from a urinary drainage tube into a urine reception container. The one-way liquid flow valve prevents urine from flowing backward up into the urinary drainage tube, and the one-way vent valve prevents urine from leaking from the urine reception container if the container is tipped over.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ostomy appliance comprising a body side member comprising an adhesive wafer or pad for securing the appliance to the user's skin, the wafer or pad having a hole for receiving a stoma, and a separately exchangeable receiving member or bag secured to the body side ostomy member for receiving secretions from the ostomy, the ostomy appliance further comprising a separate sealing member disposed in the hole of the wafer or pad surrounding the stoma wherein the separately exchangeable receiving member or bag is secured releasably to the body side ostomy member by a mechanical fastening means.

Abstract: A urine management system for human females comprising a novel collection device, a novel conveyance tube, and a novel storage container is described. The collection device is worn by the user in direct contact with the skin surfaces surrounding the urethral opening being held in place by an undergarment. The collector comprises a thin layer of pliable and water-permeable material through which leaked or voided urine passes and that is underlain by a layer of water-wicking material which may also contain one or more open channels for directing and conveying the flow of urine to a fitting connection with the conveyance tube. The conveyance tube, a novel thin-wall, flat tube, contains a spacer throughout its length to prevent the tube lumen from being completely closed and sealed off by kinks or twists in the tube. The tube can conform to the body shape of the wearer, expands as flow rate increases, and shrinks and flattens as flow drops off.

Abstract: A urine collection system for use by a person using a float tube comprises a flexible pouch housing a urine collection reservoir in fluid communication with the person. The pouch defines first and second openings, one for receiving a tube connected to the urine collection reservoir that is coupled to the user with a condom catheter and a second for receiving a drainage valve for conveniently emptying urine from the reservoir. A unidirectional valve is associated with the tube for preventing urine from exiting the reservoir while allowing urine to freely enter the reservoir. The pouch is preferably placed outside the float tube at or above the water level so that water pressure does not affect the operation of the urine collection system.

Abstract: A waste evacuator (2) to vacate waste products from a stoma having an inlet (3) adapted to seal over the stoma and when operated to vacate waste products from the shortened bowel. The waste evacuator could be battery or manually operated.

Abstract: An external catheter for attachment to the urethra is disclosed which includes a flow tube having a first and second end, the flow tube at the first end being funnel shaped, a spongy covering attached to the funnel shaped end for sealing an area around the urethra, said spongy covering being shaped so as to conform to the area surrounding the urethra, a skin adhesive for securing the spongy covering to the area surrounding the urethra and a fluid collector connected to said second end of said flow tube.

Abstract: A gross filter in a drainage device for filtering fluids drained from the pleural cavity of a patient comprising a filter body having a first side panel, second side panel, back panel and bottom panel that assemble to form a generally box-shape filter with open front and top portions. The gross filter is located in the first of two subchambers that comprise the collection chamber. The filter body further comprises a filter screen sized for filtering gross particulates, such as blood clots, that may become entrained in fluid drained from a patient. The gross body is configured so as to permit the further filtering of fluids when blood clots have formed and blocked the filter screen of the filter's bottom panel from fluid flow therethrough, thereby allowing uninterrupted filtering of blood into the collection chamber through the first and second side panels instead.

Abstract: A drainage receptacle support system for use by a postoperative patient. The support device includes an adjustable belt and a plurality of pouches for individually receiving a drainage receptacle. A loop is provided on the back of the pouch for slidably receiving the belt, so that the pouch may be positioned directly underneath or directly above an insertion point for the drainage tubes. The loop is positioned so that the pockets are held in a generally upright position. Preferably the support device is lightweight and washable, and the pockets and the loop include padding to distribute the weight of the receptacle. Additionally, a releasable hinge is provided to secure excess slack from a drainage tube to the body of a wearer and gussets are used to accommodate larger drainage receptacles in pockets, and elongated pouches with two security hinges accommodate narrow drains with valves in the middle of the tubing.

Abstract: An external urinary catheter assembly for the relief of male urinary incontinence comprises an inner member (1), which is arrangeable, in use, under the foreskin (6) of a penis and has in its distal end a discharge conduit (5) for connection with a hose, and an outer holder member (8) for circumferential engagement, in use, with the external side of the foreskin (6).

Abstract: Rubbery products having a transition temperature that shrink from a second shape and size toward their original shape and size upon application of energy equivalent in result to raising the temperature of the rubbery product above the transition temperature. Also, hypo-allergenic rubbery products made from polybutadiene and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, synthetic isoprene and its copolymers, or synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers. Such rubbery products (not all of which need to be made to shrink) can be used in condoms, gloves, catheters, baby-bottle nipples, and dental dams, to name just a few.

Abstract: A water-dispersible disposable enclosure, such as an ostomy pouch or urinary incontinence pouch, which is adapted for flushing down the bowl of a water closet and is formed of a material that is, at least at the time of disposal into a water closet bowl, combined with a water activated exothermic reagent that raises the temperature of the enclosure or the water that comes into contact with the enclosure, prior to or upon placement in the water closet bowl, to a level at which the material melts, dissolves or otherwise disperses for ease of flushing.

Abstract: A non-invasive urine collection device for females that includes an adhesive covered, flexible film patient attachment structure that is sealingly secured to the skin entirely around the pubic area of the patent so that urine eliminated in the normal manner enters a collecting member in connection with the patient attachment structure and is then transferred into a disposable urine collecting bottle.

Abstract: A urinary incontinence appliance constructed according to the invention includes hydrophilic absorbing media encased in a water-impermeable sheath having a closed end that is inserted into the vagina of the user and an open end external to the vagina that is form fit to cover the urethra of the user. The external open end portion acts to funnel any urine that may escape from the urethra into the interior of the sheath where it is captured and wicked by the absorbent media within the vagina.

Abstract: An improved outlet tube device for a urinary drainage bag is disclosed wherein an outlet valve mechanism is contained with a rigid housing fixed securely to the drainage bag, rather than just being clamped to the outlet tubing, and thus cannot become separated from the bag. The outlet valve can be opened only by positive action on the part of the medical care personnel, thereby assuring that urine will be discharged only in a controlled manner. Further, because the valve mechanism does not require that a substantial length of tubing with a freely movable end be used in conjunction with the outlet port, there is no need to engage the free end of the tubing with a keeper. Thus the possibility of the tubing springing back to its straight configuration and flicking residual urine on the attending medical personnel is eliminated. In one embodiment the outlet tube device comprises a pinchcock-type valve which is fixedly mounted to the bag and which is normally operative to clamp off the outlet tube.

Abstract: A simple automatic opening and closing type of urination apparatus (10) comprises a flexible tube (110), a plunger (120), a bearing table (130), an elastic member (140), an electromagnetic solenoid (150), and an actuator (160). The flexible tube (110) has an inlet port (111) and an outlet port (112). The plunger (120) has a pushing portion (121) at one end and a contact portion (122) at the other end. The bearing table (130) is disposed below the pushing portion (121) of the plunger (120) for supporting the flexible tube (110). The elastic member (140) normally biases the pushing portion (121) of the plunger (120) onto the flexible tube (110) on the bearing table (130) to squeeze the flexible tube (110) between the pushing portion (121) and the bearing table (130). The electromagnetic solenoid (150) selectively attracts and repulses the contact portion (122) of the plunger (120). The actuator (160) selectively couples the electromagnetic solenoid (150) to a power source (170).

Abstract: An external male catheter has a drain tube connection end for connection to a drain tube or collection tube that leads to a collection bag. The drain tube connection end is connected to a larger tubular portion, the other end of which is connected to a reduced diameter central portion. The central portion is tubular as well and has its other end connected to a cuff portion of a diameter generally the same as that of the larger tubular portion. An embodiment without the cuff is provided, as is an embodiment with the cuff on a tubular sheath of generally constant diameter. An applicator for the external male urinary catheter includes a pivotally connected handle for parting a pair of roll engaging arcs which open the catheter for putting on the wearer.

Abstract: A simple automatic opening and closing type of urination apparatus (10) comprises a cylinder (2), a pressure responsive plunger (3), a resilient member (4), a protective casing (5), and a lock mechanism (6). The cylinder (2) is provided in a front end with an inlet port (21), on a rear end with a cylinder flange (22), and in an outer peripheral wall of an intermediate portion with a plurality of outlet ports (23). The pressure responsive plunger (3) is slidably received in the cylinder (2) and provided on a front end with a liquid-sealing portion (31), on a rear end with a plunger flange (32), and on an intermediate portion with a plurality of ribs (33) which extend longitudinally and cross each other radially. At least one of the ribs (33) is provided with serrated teeth (331) which are aligned at a given pitch in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A flat urinary drainage bag that can be worn by a patient over the abdomen with the bag suspended from a waist-encircling belt is disclosed. The device includes an inlet tube for connection to a urethral catheter and a valve-equipped drain tube that extends downwardly from the bag when the drain tube is used to drain the contents therefrom. The lower end of the bag is foldable upwardly to position the drain tube in an upwardly-facing raised position against the bag's front wall, and a retaining strap is located across the front wall for holding the drain tube in its raised position. Spot attachments that secure the ends of the strap to the bag's front wall also secure the front and rear walls of the bag together, thereby performing multiple functions of limiting bulging of the bag in use, reducing sloshing of the bag's contents, and securing the retaining strap (and the raised drainage tube) in place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to zinc gluconate gel-containing topical compositions which have an anti-irritant effect on the skin. In particular embodiments, the gel matrix may further comprise chlorhexidine gluconate, wherein the zinc gluconate gel diminishes the irritant and/or allergenic effect of the chlorhexidine gluconate.

Abstract: An improved incontinence fluid collection and disposal system consisting of a flexible fluid reservoir assembly mounted in an opening in a reusable brief is presented. The brief is either adjustable or one piece but in either case holds the fluid reservoir assembly snugly against the body to restrict fluid leakage. An adhesive layer, normally in the form of a gasket and affixed to a flange on an inlet end of the fluid reservoir assembly, can be used to hold the fluid reservoir in position against a layer in the brief. Additional gasket layer(s) in the form of other materials can also be utilized. The fluid reservoir assembly is, in its preferred embodiment, supplied with a gelatin agent to gelatinize the urine to make for easy removal and disposal. A bactericidal agent is supplied as part of the fluid reservoir assembly to prevent infections. An optional feature is a valve in the fluid reservoir assembly to which a collection tube can be attached for long term drainage.

Abstract: With a device for removing urine and/or feces, for example in connection with sick and infirm people, simple and safe removal is accomplished with a bag (1) with a face-side insertion opening for the genital organ or feces, such opening being tightly connected with a tube line (7, 7'), whereby the tube line (7, 7') is connected with the end facing away from the bag (1) with the suction side of a motor-driven, self-aspirating fluid pump (9), the latter feeding with the pressure side via tube line (7") into the drain pipe (13) of a washbowl (14) or the like.

Abstract: A portable saliva compensation device is provided with a portable carrying case holding a vacuum pump, and a portable power supply for providing power to vacuum pump. An electrical control circuit is connected to the portable power supply and the pump. A saliva collection device is positioned at or below a user's mouth for collecting excess saliva and conveying it to a hollow tube connecting between the saliva collection device and the vacuum pump. A saliva detection switch in the saliva collection device is coupled to the electrical control circuit to activate the vacuum pump when saliva is detected in the saliva collection device. This draws the saliva from the collection device through said hollow tube and into a collection reservoir.

Abstract: A kit for external fixation pin site care in conjunction with practicing a uniform and consistent standardized protocol to significantly reduce post-operative infection risk is provided. The kit contains labeled treatment materials to be used in the newly-designed, standard post-operative cleansing and infection treatment procedure. The result is significantly reduced incidences of infection at the pin/skin interface of patients.

Abstract: A fluid containment bag is constructed of three sheets sealed along their perimeters but for a portion defining an opening. Two adjoining sheets define an envelope having a hollow interior into which bodily fluids may be received through the opening for receiving the bodily fluids from a catheter via a flutter valve. A hydrophilic material within the bag gels rapidly upon contact with the bodily fluids in the bag and facilitates closure of the valve.

Abstract: A fecal collector which comprises an elongated, flaccid pouch having an entrance end; an anchor attached to the pouch entrance end to anchor the entrance end in the lower bowel, and; a positioner attached to the pouch in spaced relation to the anchor O-ring, to remain outside the lower bowel and adjacent the body, for blocking tilting of the anchor in the bowel.

Abstract: A valve for urine drainage applications has a valve housing for attachment to a urine receptacle and a valve member rotatable within the valve housing between an open position, in which liquid can flow from the receptacle along an angled path from the inlet to the outlet from the valve, and a closed position cutting off the liquid flow. The valve member can be rotated about an axis substantially normal to the direction of liquid outflow from the valve and a manually operable tab or handle is provided for rotating the valve member in the housing and is arranged to point in the direction of the outflow from the valve when the valve member is in the open position.

Abstract: A waste bag made from a sheet of plastics laminate comprising a layer of generally fluid-proof plastics material and a layer of liquid-absorbent plastics material. The liquid-absorbent material is on the inside of the bag, and the laminate is turned back on itself along at least one seam of the bag. Regions of the generally fluid-proof plastics material that are in contact with one another along that seam are sealed together ultrasonically.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance comprises two pouches, one being located within and extractable from the other. The inner pouch has a stoma-receiving orifice in its bodyside wall and an annular adhesive flange externally secured to that bodyside wall about the orifice. The outer pouch has a substantially larger opening in its bodyside wall and a second annular adhesive flange is secured to that wall and surrounds the first adhesive flange of the inner pouch. The two flanges are spaced from each other and the only connection between the two pouches occurs along their uppermost margins. The inner pouch is provided with a tear line along its upper margin, and the outer pouch has an access flap in its obverse wall which may be torn downwardly for gaining access to and removing the inner pouch from the outer pouch.

Abstract: The malodours of an ostomy bag are reduced by including therein an article including a hygroscopic matrix and additive. The matrix is selected from polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol and glycerol. The additive is selected from food preservatives, fragrances, disinfectants, and odor absorbers.

Abstract: Disposable device for recovery, and if appropriate analysis, of a body fluid, said device comprising:a relatively rigid conduit element directly in contact with the inner wall of an elongate intra-corporeal cavity, having an open end or neck, and a closed end or base, and the outer surface of which is biocompatible with the inner wall of said intracorporeal cavity;a collection means for collecting the body fluid, mounted or integrated inside the conduit element, facing the neck of the conduit element, at an outlet, facing the base of the conduit element;a nonreturn means for the body fluid which has been collected, closing the outlet of the collection means of the conduit element, in the direction counter to that of collection.

Abstract: An external catheter comprises a sheath essentially formed as a shaft and a constricted drainage tube part integrated therewith for connection with a hose connector which is connected to a draining hose. In order to facilitate the mounting of the drainage tube part on the hose connector, an end portion of the drainage tube part at the orifice thereof is divided into at least two sections.