Abstract: An external incontinence device which reduces or eliminates maceration, skin irritation, microbial skin infiltration and infection, and urinary tract infection associated with conventional urinary catheters and incontinence devices is provided. Devices of the invention comprise, in a plurality of configurations, a housing having an outlet conduit, and several alternative means for attaching the housing to a para-meatal genital surface, including a barrier disc comprising various adhesive and medically active substances which form an occlusive adhesive seal with the para-meatal surface. Adhesive leaves made of fluid-absorptive or fluid-permeable materials are provided to adhere the device to skin while permitting removal of moisture from the underlying skin surface, thus eliminating maceration. Vapor permeable adhesives on the interior surface of the attachment elements, and a microbial-barrier layer provided on inner surfaces of the several configurations of housings are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating incontinence includes a substantially tubular body member having a first end and a second end and defining a flow passage, an internal seal member positioned at the first end of the body member, an external retaining member positioned at the second end, at least one member of the internal seal member and the external retaining member being moveable longitudinally with respect to the other member of the internal seal member and the retaining member, ratchet structure for longitudinally securing the at least one member relative to the other member, whereby the tubular body member can be positioned in a urethra with the seal member substantially sealingly positioned in an interior opening of the urethra and with the retaining member positioned at an exterior opening of the urethra, and a valve positioned in the flow passage for controlling flow through the flow passage.

Abstract: A urine collection and drainage device comprising a chamber that contains a baffle. The device minimizes noises generated from sloshing urine in the chamber. Furthermore, when secured in a horizontal orientation relative to an individual's leg, the device is completely concealed from view by others while worn under shorts, short skirts or swimming trunks. Thus, the device collects urine such that it baffles any sloshing noises that emanate from the chamber and is completely concealed from view when worn under summer or sport apparel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a intravaginal collection device for the collection of vaginal discharge. The present collection device comprises a first layer that allows the passage of fluid therethrough but substantially prevents the passage of tissue and blood cells therethrough. The perimeter of the first layer is attached to a resilient rim. The rim is sufficiently resilient to provide an outward resilient force suitable to maintain the device in position within a user's vaginal canal during use. The device also comprises a second layer attached at its perimeter to the resilient rim. The second layer is suitable to substantially prevent the passage of fluid therethrough. The device further comprises a fluid retention layer positioned between the first layer and the second layer. The fluid retention layer is suitable for retaining fluid passed through the first layer.

Abstract: A float tube urinal of the present invention includes a urine inflow mechanism which is typically formed by a condom catheter formed of a condom (or other urinal) with an elongate tube extending therefrom. The condom catheter is connected to a housing with substantially rigid side walls, or sidewalls which, though flexible, are held apart by substantially rigid support structures, to prevent a compressive force from compacting a containment volume defined by the housing. A vent tube is attached to the housing to vent air in the housing as urine is received from the condom catheter.

Abstract: A device for the diagnosis of certain gastrointestinal pathogens includes a gelatin pharmaceutical capsule which contains a malleable drag material made of a mixture of beeswax and mineral oil. Embedded in the drag material is a narrow piece of thin sampling cloth with inwardly tapered ends. The free end of the sampling cloth is attached to a string which extends through a perforation in the capsule. The patient holds the free end of the string and swallows the capsule. The sampling cloth and drag material are retrieved for testing after the capsule is digested.

Abstract: A female urinary collection device includes a receptacle pouch for collecting urine. The receptacle pouch includes a first area for securing two strips of tape, one to each buttock of a user to create a relatively rigid engagement of the device with the body. In the upper zone, there is a stretch loop and foam belt for securing the pouch around the waist. Inside the receptacle pouch, there is a reservoir of adsorbent material with a wick which exits the receptacle pouch through a tubing connected to an orifice in the receptacle. The receptacle pouch fits around the labia majora of the user.

Abstract: A bone marrow collection kit is provided comprising a collection container for receiving a bone marrow containing fluid having a body that defines an interior and an inlet opening and an outlet opening and including a prefilter that extends from the outlet opening into the interior of the collection container so that fluid must flow through the prefilter to exit the collection container through the outlet opening. A first inline filter member is coupled to the outlet opening of the collection container, the first inline filter member having a flexible plastic body that defines an interior, and an inlet opening and an outlet opening and the interior including a filter so constructed and arranged that fluid that enters the inlet opening must flow through the filter to exit the first inline filter member through the outlet opening.

Abstract: A female incontinence device according to the present invention includes one or more rings of water swellable gel forming material mounted on a female incontinence plug or catheter. The water swellable ring swells upon insertion of the device into the urethra and non-traumatically secures the device in the urethra while providing a seal between the device and the walls of the urethra. The water swellable ring may be replaced by other stimuli sensitive materials which allow the ring to be swollen and later reduced in volume for removal of the device. The stimuli sensitive materials which may be used in the invention include materials sensitive to light, pH, electrical field, mechanical stress, temperature, and solvent interaction.

Abstract: The invention is a device and a method for collecting samples mixing the samples with test reagents, and acting as a container in which the mixture can be incubated and the test reaction viewed by microscope or imaging device. This device enables an entire test to be performed in one simple step without complicated handling procedures. The device consists of a cartridge with a well with micro-lances imbedded in the bottom of the well and an overlying micro-baggy containing a mixture of reagents. There are two reagents present in the micro-baggy: the first consisting of antibodies coupled to paramagnetic microspheres and the second consisting of antibodies coupled with a fluorochrome. A test subject presses down onto the micro-baggy and at the same time punctures his/her finger or thumb on the micro-lances. Once the finger has been lanced, breaking the micro-baggy, the reagents mix with the test subject's blood. The well is then covered by a clear mylar strip.

Abstract: The invention provides a drainage bag for receiving bodily waste, the drainage bag comprises a water-impermeable inner bag (1) enclosed therein; means (6, 7) defining an orifice to enable bodily waste to be received by the inner bag (1); the outer (2) and inner (1) bags being detachably secured together in the region of the orifice (6, 7). A first opening (15) is provided in a wall (4a) of the water-impermeable inner bag, said first opening (15) being covered by a portion (16) of gas-permeable hydrophobic foam material; and a second opening (18) is provided in a wall of the water-impermeable outer bag (2), the second opening (15) being covered by a flatus filter (19); the disposition of the first (15) and second (18) openings being such as to allow flatus gases within the inner bag (1) to pass out through the first opening (15) and thence through the second opening (18) to atmosphere.

Abstract: An evacuation unit and method for using the unit for controlling the release from a body cavity of aerosolized blood and other body fluids or other contaminants contained in the gas present in the body cavity during an endoscopic surgical procedure is disclosed. The unit includes a port in fluid communication with the body cavity through which the contaminated gas passes to an evacuation connector having a first end in fluid communication with the port and a second end and an aerosol trap in fluid communication with the second end of the evacuation connector such that the aerosol-containing gas is able to flow from the connector through the aerosol trap whereby the aerosolized fluids or other contaminants in the gas are prevented from entering the atmosphere of the operating room. The connector preferably has a flow control valve between the ends.

Abstract: A multilayer film generally includes a first exterior layer of polyurethane and a second exterior layer which can be formed from polyurethane, a homopolymer or copolymer of polypropylene, a blend of homopolymer or copolymer of polypropylene and elastomer, high density polyethylene, or mixtures of the foregoing. Such multilayer film is highly flexible and is advantageously used for various medical applications, such as the production of flexible pouches for the packaging and administration of medical solutions, drainage pouches, compression devices, and thermal blankets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collecting bag in particular for collecting body excreta running from an artificial anus, the bag being provided with padding designed, when the bag is in place, to surround the artificial anus in order to protect it. The padding is constituted by a cushion adapted to be inflated, and inflation means are also provided to enable the patient to inflate the cushion to the desired extent. In order to avoid excessively reducing the volume of excreta that can be collected, the cushion preferably extends along the periphery of the bag. It is also preferably disposed between the front wall and the back wall of the bag so as to hold them apart from each other. In this way, excreta, including solid excreta, have no difficulty in penetrating into the bag as stiffened by the inflated cushion, which thus transforms the bag into a kind of box.

Abstract: A manual gas venting and cutting apparatus for use in cutting an opening in and manually venting gas from the interior of a conventional unvented ostomy collection pouch includes a valve assembly having an open position, which permits gas to pass therethrough and a closed position, for preventing gas to pass therethrough. The valve assembly has an input portion for communicating with the interior of the ostomy collection pouch and an output portion for communicating with the atmosphere and a mounting device for mounting the valve assembly to a selected portion of the ostomy collection pouch. The mounting device releasably contains therein a portion of the valve assembly so as to position the input portion thereof proximate the interior of the ostomy collection pouch, and the output portion of the valve assembly proximate to the atmosphere. Also included is a cutting device for providing a geometrically-shaped opening through the ostomy collection pouch,.

Abstract: A manual gas vent assembly for use in venting gas from the interior of a conventional unvented ostomy collection pouch include a valve assembly having an open position, which permits gas to pass therethrough and a closed position, for preventing gas to pass therethrough. The valve assembly has an input portion for communicating with the interior of the ostomy collection pouch and an output portion for communicating with the atmosphere and a mounting device for mounting the valve assembly to a selected portion of the wall of the ostomy collection pouch. The mounting device releasably contains therein a portion of the valve assembly so as to position the input portion thereof proximate the interior of the ostomy collection pouch, and the output portion of the valve assembly proximate to the atmosphere. Also included is an absorbent pad suitable for receiving an antiseptic and/or deodorant.

Abstract: A holder for a urinary drainage bag for securing the bag to a patient's leg. The weight of the urinary drainage bag is supported by a waistband which encircles the patient's waist. The urinary drainage bag is affixed to a partial pantleg which is suspended from the waistband. The partial pantleg is split and adjustably encircles the patient's thigh. The partial pantleg is comprised of a twilled fabric and prevents a typically plastic or vinyl urinary drainage bag from making contact with the patient's thigh. The urinary drainage bag is affixed to the partial pantleg by means of a plurality of buttons provided on the partial pantleg. The buttons are arranged so that as the urinary drainage bag expands the buttonholes formed integrally with the urinary drainage bag will slide with respect to the buttons and not pull or tug on the partial pantleg. The partial pantleg need not be tightly secured to the wearer's thigh in order to be effective.

Abstract: A combination of a liquid-containing bag and a tube 28 is disclosed. The bag may be a urine drainage bag and is made up of a pair of superposed sheets 20, 22, joined by a weld 24 whose configuration is chosen to define in a single welding operation the outline of the bag and the tube integral therewith. A single weld seam 24 defines the bag volume. The tube and portion of the weld seam 24 run adjacent to one another and are separated by a row of perforations 30 or by a line of weakening. In such an arrangement, means are provided for precluding face-to-face contact of selected parts of the inner surfaces of said sheets. This may be done by effecting heat shrinkage of selected parts of one or both sheets. One or preferably both sheets is biaxially oriented.

Abstract: The invention provides a drainage bag (e.g. an ostomy bag or the like) for receiving bodily waste, the drainage bag comprising a water-impermeable outer bag; a water-impermeable inner bag enclosed therein; and an orifice to enable bodily waste to be received by the inner bag; the outer and inner bags being detachably secured together in the region of the orifice. The outer and inner bags are preferably detachably secured together by means of frangible or peelable connection or linkage therebetween.

Abstract: An incontinence device includes a tray having a body with an opening extending through the body, having an annular ring surrounding the opening and extending away from the body to a terminal edge, and having at least one drain to drain material from within the tray body. The annular ring also has an annular groove that opens radially outward from the annular ring. The drain may include an array of slots that extend through the body. The annular groove may be defined between the tray body and an annular flange that extends radially outward from the annular ring at the terminal edge. The annular ring, annular flange, and tray body may be formed in one piece of a moldable material. A liquid barrier having an aperture extending through the barrier may further be included and coupled with the tray body to define a passage through each of the body opening and barrier aperture. An absorbent lining may be interposed between the liquid barrier and the tray body.

Abstract: A collapsible catheter is provided for use with an inflatable stiffening or reinforcing member which is capable of being inflated with fluid. The catheter comprises a collapsible hollow elastomeric tube which is open at the proximal end. The distal end portion has at least one aperture. A valve is provided which is at the open end of the elastomeric tube. The valve permits access to inflate the stiffening member. The catheter can be used for draining and aspirating urinary tract or draining or feeding the gastro-intestinal tract.

Abstract: A fluid shield for retarding the spraying and lateral leakage of body fluids from a pressurized anatomical structure includes a transparent flexible shield body terminating in a rim which defines an opening to the interior of the shield body. The rim is adapted to securely engage various body contours surrounding the structure so as to align the opening with the structure. The rim can be secured by adhesives or by manual pressure. The shield body can be penetrable by a surgical instrument for incising the structure, and fluids released from the ruptured structure are captured by the shield body for subsequent disposal. The shield body can be conveniently stored in a compressed stack disposed in a dispensing container. The outer surface of the rim can be textured to pull the next lower fluid shield of the compressed stack partially out of the dispensing container for subsequent removal.

Abstract: A containment and disposal system for human bodily fluids includes a bag and a holster that allows a user to quickly and easily remove and replace the bag. The bag includes an envelope having a hollow interior, an opening for receiving the bodily fluids from a catheter via a one-way valve, and hydrophilic material within the bag that rapidly gels bodily fluids in the bag upon contact. Prior to and during gellation, the one-way valve inhibits escape of the bodily fluids. The gellation sequesters the bodily fluids, and the gelled material further facilitates closure of the one-way valve. The hydrophilic material may include a polymer that is activated upon contact with the bodily fluids.

Abstract: A coupling device for a urinal including a urine collection bag and a flexible tube connected to a user's catheter. A quick release coupling readily connects and disconnects the flexible tube to the urine collection bag to provide a fluid passageway upon connection. The coupling closes both the tube opening and the bag opening upon disconnection to prevent fluid from spilling out and to avoid contaminants from entering the flexible tube.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a highly biodegradable flexible member adapted for medical use which is capable of undergoing degradation in a relatively short period of time in natural environment by burying in soil or abandoning in sea after its sterilization so that no environmental pollution would be caused by its disposal, and which additionally has excellent workability, cost performance, compatibility to ecosystem, as well as biocompatibility. At least a portion of the flexible medical member is fabricated from a material containing a resin composition comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate, a copolymer thereof, or a mixture thereof as its main component, and 0.01 to 60% by weight of a lipid compound.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture which are adapted for use in contact with one or more biologically active agents are coated with a glassy carbohydrate film. The glassy film provides a reduced surface energy coating which exhibits a reduced degree of binding with biologically active agents. Methods for applying the glassy carbohydrate film are disclosed wherein the glassy film is adsorbed directly onto the article surface. The coated articles are for use both in vitro and in vivo where contact with biologically active agents is expected.

Abstract: A system for fastening a body fluid container to a human leg. The device is a band of appropriate shape and length which encircles the human leg. Each end of the band has fasteners, possibly hook and loop fasteners, which coact with each other so that when the ends are fastened, the invention is frictionally supported on the user's thigh. The body fluid container is then attached to the band by the user, by means of fasteners which are also possibly hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: The invention disclosed and claimed an apparatus that relates to a delivery system comprising a biocide, with the delivery system designed and shaped for passages through the exit port of a urine container into the container. The invention disclosed and claim pertains also to a method of preventing infection in a patient by using the apparatus connected to a patient through a catheter.

Abstract: Systems for the receipt and storage of urine from a female patient comprising a pad formed of a liquid impervious material with a peripheral edge and an outwardly bowed recess interior of the periphery, the recess being positionable over the user and having an adhesive around the periphery for the securement of the pad in proper position, a forward strap extending forwardly and upwardly from the upper edge of the pad with a coupler at the upper end thereof and a pair of rearward straps extending upwardly to the lower back of the wearer, the pair of straps having upper ends, the bag having an opening at the lower end thereof; a belt positionable around the waist of a wearer with the rear straps attached at their upper end thereof to a rearward extent of the belt offset from the rear center thereof, the belt having a forward extent adapted to receive the coupler at the upper end of the forward strap, the belt having coupling means at the ends for securement of the belt and pad in position with respect to the us

Abstract: A waterproof non-spill bag particularly for male incontinents, includes a valve which comprises a gusset (2) sealed to the side edges of the bag. In the base of the gusset small holes (7) allow liquid from the gusset to pass into the body of the bag (21) but effectively prevent it escaping if the bag is inverted. A narrow web (8) coated with self-adhesive (9) and protected by a release coated web (10), is sealed to both side edges of the bag. When the web (8) is released along a line of perforations (13), it can be wrapped around the top of the bag folded to the penis, to close it and hold it to the penis. Holes (16) surrounded by seals (17) provide for suspension and support.

Abstract: A malleable vaginal speculum is manually shaped to dilate the inner contour of a vagina sufficiently to allow manipulation of endoscopic surgical instruments within the vagina. The malleable vaginal speculum may optionally be coupled a funnel, apron and splash shield to function as a fluid collector for use during endoscopic surgery. A portion of the splash shield is placed under the patient while the remainder extends to a perforated portion of the funnel wall. Fluid draining into the funnel through its mouth and through the perforated wall is collected in a container, where its volume is measured. By measuring the volume of irrigation fluid dispensed during the surgery and subtracting the measured fluid volume collected, an estimate of the amount of irrigation fluid absorbed by the patient during the surgery is obtained.

Abstract: An enclosure used in conjunction with an extracorporeal medical device for containing bodily fluid resulting from the occurrence of a rupture or leak during medical treatment includes a sleeve having an interior for receiving and surrounding the medical device. The sleeve is provided with two openings positioned at opposite ends of the sleeve for allowing tubing connected to the medical device to extend out of the sleeve. Each of the openings can be provided with an adhesive for closing the opening once the medical device is positioned in the interior of the sleeve to thereby define a closed environment within the interior of the sleeve. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an enclosure for surrounding a portion of a patient's body that serves as an access site for accessing the patient's bodily fluid includes a sleeve having an interior.

Abstract: An apparatus for draining a biological substance from a collection bag attached to a patient. The apparatus includes a large bore, thin walled drainage tube which expands to have a substantially circular cross-sectional configuration when a biological substance such as fecal material passes therethrough, and collapses into a substantially flat cross-sectional configuration when the tube is empty. A connector in the form of two adhesively coated, resilient, fluid impervious pieces of sheet material is used to connect the large bore drainage tube to the collection bag.

Abstract: A collection, storage and disposal system for human wastes. An externally positionable patient interface directs wastes through a conduit to a storage container. Accumulated wastes are sealed within the storage container to prevent cross-contamination. The patient interface is extendable through an aperture formed within a seat portion of a support structure which can be converted between bed and chair configurations. A mattress has a foam insert which may be selectively inflated to maintain desired supporting pressure for the patient and to provide a resilient support surface should deflation of the mattress occur.

Abstract: A device (1) for collecting uncontrollably released urine including an introducing tube (2) passing a transparent collecting device. The invention proposes checking the collected urine as to impending and existing germinal infections by providing indicators (10) that are applied to a urine-exposed side of a control card (9, 9', 9'', 9''') attached inside the collecting device (3), and covering the control card (9 to 9''') on its urine-exposed side with a membrane (17) that slows down the reception of urine, on the one hand, and works against the indicators being washed out, on the other hand. The indicators (10) of the control card (9, 9', 9'', 9''') are protected from indication errors due to the slow passage of urine through the membrane (17).

Abstract: An enclosure used in conjunction with an extracorporeal medical device for containing bodily fluid resulting from the occurrence of a rupture or leak during medical treatment includes a sleeve having an interior for receiving and surrounding the medical device. The sleeve is provided with two openings positioned at opposite ends of the sleeve for allowing tubing connected to the medical device to extend out of the sleeve. Each of the openings can be provided with an adhesive for closing the opening once the medical device is positioned in the interior of the sleeve to thereby define a closed environment within the interior of the sleeve. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an enclosure for surrounding a portion of a patient's body that serves as an access site for accessing the patient's bodily fluid includes a sleeve having an interior.

Abstract: The present invention provides a closed, fluid-modulating receiving system for the conveyance, modulation, and collection of fluid matter from its source. The receiving system may be employed under both in vivo and inanimate use conditions for the collection and disposal of fluids which may be infectious, hazardous, or toxic in and of themselves.

Abstract: A vaginal discharge collection device is formed of an elastomeric rim and a flexible film reservoir. The rim may have a generally rectangular cross section and forms a collection space for collecting vaginal discharge. The reservoir may be collapsible so as to be substantially enclosed within the rim when the device is being used. Advantageously, the rim and the reservoir are arranged such that compressing diametrically opposed portions of the rim toward each other causes a leading portion of the rim to dip downwardly to facilitate insertion of the device. The device is ergonomically constructed so as to be convenient to use, comfortable to wear internally, and reliable. A system for reliably, comfortably and conveniently introducing agents, including drugs and other substances, into the vaginal canal is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum regulator apparatus such as for automatically establishing and maintaining a predetermined vacuum for withdrawing fluid from a chest cavity. The apparatus comprises a water manometer or vacuum regulator portion and a water seal portion. Atmospheric air is vented into the vacuum line through the vacuum regulator portion by displacing a predetermined height column of a fluid such as water. A filter is disclosed for preventing the escape of water from the manometer portion of the apparatus into the downstream vacuum source. A second filter is disclosed for permitting two way gas flow at the upstream end of the manometer portion, but for substantially preventing fluid flow in an upstream direction out of the manometer. Fluid fill ports are disclosed on the manometer and water seal portions for permitting infusion of water to precise and repeatable column heights.

Abstract: The present invention provides a closed, fluid-modulating receiving system for the conveyance, modulation and collection of fluid matter from its source. The receiving system may be employed under both in vivo and inanimate use conditions for the collection and disposal of fluids which may be infectious, hazardous, or toxic in and of themselves.

Abstract: A system for fastening a body fluid container to a human leg. The device is a band of appropriate shape and length which encircles the human leg. Each end of the band has fasteners, possibly hook and loop fasteners, which coact with each other so that when the ends are fastened, the invention is frictionally supported on the user's thigh. The body fluid container is then attached to the band by the user, by means of fasteners which are also possibly hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: A latex container for use as a leg bag by urinary incontinent persons. The latex leg bag is provided with strap holders that are formed simultaneously with the leg bag structure to provide a more structurally reliable strap holder. The strap holder includes a nodal growth of latex, simultaneously grown during the latex coagulation process. The nodal growth bridges an interstice on the former to close the strap holder loop. The leg bag container is provided with a skewed entry neck for facilitating better dressing of the delivery tube during use, and may be formed in a concave shape to better conform to the user's leg. The former is machined with corresponding structure to form the leg bag in a latex coagulation process. After the latex bag is formed and cured for a predetermined period, the latex bag structure is treated with a rubber polymer/solvent (KRATON G/toluene) chemical compound for managing the permeation of urine odors.

Abstract: A temporary colostomy apparatus for diverting the fecal stream and comprising an open ended excrement tube including a fecal receiving end having a liquid inflatible balloon on the outside thereof. A dissolvable and absorbable band is snugly wrapped around the outside of the colon at a preselected location. The tube is inserted inside the colon through a slit opening, so that the balloon is further inward but adjacent the band. The balloon is inflated so that the outer circular periphery thereof contacts the inside surface of the arrested colon and has a circumference slightly larger than the band. The inflated balloon and the band are in an abutting relationship with a common area of the colon sandwiched therebetween, to prevent outward movement of the tube. A retainer ring is positioned on the disposal end of the tube and pressed against the outside of the body to prevent inward movement of the tube.

Abstract: A fluid shield for retarding the spraying and lateral leakage of body fluids from a pressurized anatomical structure includes a transparent flexible shield body terminating in a rim which defines an opening to the interior of the shield body. The rim is adapted to securely engage various body contours surrounding the structure so as to align the opening with the structure. The rim can be secured by adhesives or by manual pressure. The shield body can be penetrable by a surgical instrument for incising the structure, and fluids released from the ruptured structure are captured by the shield body for subsequent disposal. The shield body can be conveniently stored in a compressed stack disposed in a dispensing container. The outer surface of the rim can be textured to pull the next lower fluid shield of the compressed stack partially out of the dispensing container for subsequent removal.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a drainage catheter collection chamber to a body portion of a patient in a comfortable, non-irritating manner including a sheet of soft fiber material having a loop portion formed on at least one edge thereof, at least two tabs extending from corner portions of the loop portion, male snap fastener portions affixed to the loop portion, and female snap fastener portions affixed to the tabs in such a manner that when the tabs are folded over the loop portion the male and female snap fastener portions are in alignment to be engaged with each other.

Abstract: An assembly for collecting body fluids, especially cerebro-spinal fluids, which includes a drip chamber having an upper portion for introducing therein fluids to be collected and a lower portion, including a drainage tube, for draining fluids therefrom. The upper portion is provided with an overflow tube which is connected to the drainage tube and an air vent which is connected to a biological filter. The air vent comprises a tubular member and a device for closing the passageway in the tubular member to prevent fluid from wetting the biological filter.

Abstract: A melt-molded article such as water soluble fibers, a laminate and a container for waste matter, the article having biodegradability. The melt molded article is produced by melt-molding a composition comprising an oxyalkylene group-containing vinyl alcohol copolymer and starch or a starch-derived macromolecular substance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a closed, fluid-modulating receiving system for the conveyance, modulation, and collection of fluid matter from its source. The receiving system may be employed under both in vivo and inanimate use conditions for the collection and disposal of fluids which may be infectious, hazardous, or toxic in and of themselves.

Abstract: The invention provides a polyurethane amide segmented copolymer selected from:a) a segmented block polyurethane amide (PEUAm) of the following repeating unit [I] ##STR1## b) a segmented block polyurethane amide of the following repeating unit [II] ##STR2##

Abstract: A one wall of a plastic urine bag is extended as a broad sheet terminating in a rolled-over belt loop. The belt loop is threaded by a fabric belt, which is secured about a patient's waist, permitting the urine bag to hang in the area of the patient's leg. The fabric belt has Velcro.RTM. "loops" entirely upon its surface and is fastened by a tab of Velcro.RTM. "hooks". The catheter is taped to the broad sheet. A lower port of the urine bag has a valve for gravity drainage of collected fluids. The unitary urine bag and support harness in combination with the belt is low cost, sanitary, comfortable for patient use, easy of assembly, tamper resistant, and entirely disposable.