Abstract: An ostomy pouch is disclosed in which a flexible, shape-recoverable plastic dome is secured internally to a wall of the pouch over a vent opening. A peripheral portion of the dome spaced from the apex is provided with at least one slit therethrough traversing a radially and axially extending plane of the dome. The slit is curved or arched towards the apex and defines outer and inner lips that normally have their opposing edges in juxtaposition to restrain the escape of gases from the pouch but permit such escape in quantity when the apical portion of the dome is depressed (by axially squeezing the dome). The lips advantageously have beveled opposing surfaces with the surface of the outer lip generally facing towards the vent opening and that of the inner lip generally facing away from the vent opening.

Abstract: Vented ostomy pouches are disclosed in which a first wall is securable to a patient's peristomal skin surfaces and the obverse second wall is provided with an outlet opening for the escape of gases from the pouch. A deodorizing gas filter extends over the outlet and a third wall, or internal barrier wall, is located within the pouch and divides it into two chambers. The barrier wall operates to block the passage of solids and most liquids from the first chamber to the second but is provided with at least one vent that permits the flow of gases into the second chamber from the first. A filter-protecting panel in the second chamber directs such gases along a circuitous route as they travel from the vent to the outlet. A connection, preferably in the form of a spot weld, joins the barrier wall to the bodyside first wall of the pouch at about the elevation of the filter to prevent the barrier wall from blocking against other surfaces and obstructing the flow of gases through the vent and filter.

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: A drainable pouch for colostomy patients with a stoma and that includes a valve for selectively releasing the gases trapped within the pouch. The valve assembly is removably mounted permitting a user to rinse the interior of the pouch from the uppermost portion. The valve also contains an odor suppresant filter that may include an impregnated fragrance. A cap member is used to cover the outlet spout. A sheet having cooperative dimensions and made out of a non-transparent material is used to conceal said pouch from public view.

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 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.

Abstract: The pouch is formed of first and second thin barrier film walls welded along the periphery to form a waste receptacle. One wall has an inlet defined by an attachment ring. The ring mounts the pouch on an adhesive faceplate adapted to adhere to the skin surrounding the stoma. A membrane, formed of material which is gas permeable but transmits little moisture and no liquid, is situated between the walls to separate the receptacle into an inlet chamber, where solids, liquid and most moisture are retained, and an outlet chamber into which gas and a small amount of vapor passes. A filter is provided to permit the gas to exit the outlet chamber. A first section of superabsorbent material isolates the filter from the outlet chamber. By absorbing any moisture in the gas before it contacts the filter, blockage of the filter is prevented.

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 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: The ostomy bag includes a multi-stage filter system that provides contamination protection for a deodorizing filter in the system. The multi-stage filter system also includes protection elements that are impassable to semi-liquid waste material but permit passage of gaseous waste. The protection elements are located such that gaseous waste must pass through the protection elements before it passes through the deodorizing filter. In one embodiment of the invention, the protection elements include a fluid and gas-impermeable cover layer with fluid bypass ports. The fluid and gas-impermeable cover layer is followed by a barrier filter that restricts passage of semi-liquid waste material. The barrier filter is followed by a liquid-impermeable membrane that prevents passage of liquid. The liquid-impermeable membrane is followed by a moisture-absorbent pad that is adjacent the deodorizing filter.

Abstract: A vent device, in particular for a stoma bag, constituted by an essentially flat housing comprising a base having a face inside the housing and a face outside the housing, and adapted to be fixed via said outside face to an exposed face of said bag and provided with an opening communicating with said bag, and also provided with a valve of the type that is closed at rest, the valve being formed by a valve member adapted to bear against the inside face of said opening in said base, and being integral with resilient means for urging said valve member against said base with a predetermined return force, wherein the housing further includes a removable cover adapted to close said base and wherein the valve member is secured to said cover.

Abstract: An improved wound dressing having an adhesive layer (26, 426) containing one or more hydrocolloids dispersed in a viscous elastomer, a flexible water-impervious backing layer (22, 322, 422) on one side of the adhesive layer, and a removable release layer (28, 328, 428) on the adhesive layer's opposite side. The dressing includes a body portion (36) with a stair-like outer contour merging with a peripheral flange (38, 238, 338, 438) of reduced thickness. The flange (38, 238, 338, 438) is required to have a width of at least 5 mm. and the thickness of the adhesive layer of that flange is no greater than 0.5 mm., for purposes of overcoming prior problems of adhesive flow, fluid channeling, leakage, and unintentional detachment.

Abstract: A multilayered structure comprising at least 2 layers of a gas barrier resin layer and a protective layer, at least 1 layer thereof containing a deodorant, and a colostomy bag having excellent odor barrier properties (skatole and ammonia barrier properties) made of the film of the multilayered structure.

Abstract: An ostomy bag having a liquid-gas separation device includes a separator disposed within a flexible film pouch used as an ostomy bag. The separator is made of an absorbent material to collect liquids and separate these components from any gas entering the ostomy bag through the stomal opening thereof. The separator is spaced from a filter incorporated in the ostomy bag to further enhance gas-liquid separation. The separator may be disposed in the bag in an attached or unattached configuration. A perforated wall may be included within the flexible film pouch to minimize clogging of the separator by solids so as to improve and gas-liquid separation. An absorbent pad covers the filter to absorb any fluid surging over the separation and flowing through the filter.

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: An ostomy pouch is disclosed having a filter assembly located therein, the filter assembly including a thin, flexible outer panel of liquid- and gas-impervious sheet material having a peripheral portion sealed to one wall of the pouch and a central portion unattached to, and preferably spaced from, that wall. The pouch wall overlying the central portion of the filter assembly's outer panel is provided with a flap vent in the form of a curvilinear slit defining at least one flap that normally assumes a closed position coplanar with surrounding portions of the wall but flexes outwardly into open position when venting gases from the pouch. The outer panel of the filter assembly is provided with a second flap vent similar to, but preferably out of register with, the first flap vent of the pouch wall, and components of the filter assembly within the pouch function to brace the flap (or flaps) of the second vent against opening in any direction other than outwardly.

Abstract: A low profile heat-sealable adsorbent filter for ostomy appliances is provided. The filter comprises a heat-sealable microporous film layer, a filter layer of melt-blown microfibers loaded with adsorbent particles and a cover layer. The microporous film layer provides for rapid release of flatus or other gas in having a Gurley value of less than about 100 seconds/50 cc. The melt-blown microfiber filter web has an estimated service life of about 3 days or more with a web basis weight of about 700 grams/m.sup.2 or less. The low profile filter can be sealed to the outside face of an ostomy appliance with a perimeter seal to provide a filter with no liquid or gas by-pass and no liquid by-pass through the filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ostomy pouch containing breakable deodorizing bubbles therein to facilitate the addition of deodorant when the pouch is reused.

Abstract: An ostomy pouch is provided with a normally-closed vent valve in the form of a slit-providing flexible dome secured to the interior surface of the pouch wall over a vent opening in that wall. An odor-absorbing filter extends across the vent opening (either within the dome or externally of the pouch) to deodorize gases when they are vented from the pouch. The edges of the slit seal against each other to prevent the escape of gases and protect the filter from effluent contact when the dome is in its normal unflexed state but, when the dome is squeezed between the fingers in a prescribed manner, the slit opens to permit the venting of gases from the 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: The ostomy pouch is formed of a flexible plastic material with a waste inlet opening and a gas outlet opening proximate the waste inlet opening. The gas outlet opening is of a configuration and size that resists entry of outside water into the pouch through the gas outlet opening. A filter aligned with the gas outlet opening is bonded at a peripheral zone surrounding the gas outlet opening, leaving an unbonded area that communicates with the gas outlet opening. A free face of the filter is gas impermeable. Gases within the pouch pass through an exposed, gas permeable peripheral edge of the filter toward the center and exit into the unbonded section for evacuation through the gas outlet opening.

Abstract: A method of making a gas-permeable liquid-impermeable membrane includes the steps of perforating a film of linear low density polyethylene (or other suitable polyolefin) in such a way as to yield an array of holes each having an average diameter of approximately 350, microns and then solution coating the needled film with a porous polyurethane material having pores of a pore size of 1 to 10 microns.Such a film is advantageously embodied in an ileostomy bag, and is fixed to a bag wall thereof in a location to prevent faecal material contacting the bag filter, by a heat or RF welding operation by which the polyolefin is welded to the bag wall which carries the filter. In use, the polyurethane is exposed to the bag contents, and permits gases to pass but prevents any liquid reaching the filter.

Abstract: An ostomy bag having a liquid-gas separation device includes a separator disposed within a flexible film pouch used as an ostomy bag. The separator is made of an absorbent material to collect liquids and separate these components from any gas entering the ostomy bag through the stomal opening thereof. The separator is spaced from a filter incorporated in the ostomy bag to further enhance gas-liquid separation. The separator may be disposed in the bag in an attached or unattached configuration. A perforated wall may be included within the flexible film pouch to minimize clogging of the separator by solids so as to improve and gas-liquid separation.

Abstract: The ostomy bag includes a multi-stage filter system that provides contamination protection for a deodorizing filter in the system. The multi-stage filter system also includes a gas transmissible protection filter that is impassible to semi-liquid waste material. The protection filter is located in the ostomy bag to precede the deodorizing filter such that gaseous waste must pass through the protection filter before it passes through the deodorizing filter. In one embodiment of the invention wherein the ostomy bag has a single chamber, the protection filter is a two layer structure with different pore counts that overlay the deodorizing filter. In another embodiment of the invention wherein the ostomy bag has dual chambers, the protection filter, without overlaying the deodorizing filter, is disposed across the flow path of gaseous waste to the deodorizing filter such that any gaseous waste that reaches the deodorizing filter must flow through the protection filter.

Abstract: An ostomy bag has a non-adhesive filter formed by a carbon fabric disc with impermeable layers on the front and back surfaces. The front layer has a central aperture whereas the rear layer is imperforate. The filter is releasably secured to an adhesive area around a vent opening of the bag with the aperture aligned with the opening so that gas can flow into the filter and radially outwards. The filter be peeled off and reversed to block escape of gas from the opening.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bodily waste reservoir deodorizing apparatus and method for deodorizing odors from bodily waste reservoirs, such as ostomy appliances and diapers. The apparatus has a miniature fan that moves air through a deodorizing element, which may contain activated charcoal as a means for eliminating odors. It is often worn inconspicuously under the clothing close to the bodily waste reservoir, and serves to prevent social discomfort and embarrassment on the part of the wearer.

Abstract: An ostomy bag having a stomal aperture to receive a stoma in one wall of the bag and a gas venting aperture in the bag with a filter element covering the gas venting aperture, the bag including an intervening membrane disposed between the front rear walls of the bag and between the stomal aperture and the gas venting aperture. The intervening membrane is liquid impermeable and gas permeable and supports an adequate flow rate of gas for ostomy bag applications. The intervening membrane preferably comprises a polytetrafloroethylene, microporous semi-permeable membrane laminated to a thermoplastic film layer which is heat sealable to the walls of the bag.

Abstract: An annular mounting member is bonded to the pouch wall to define a vent opening. The mounting member is made of material which is compatible with the pouch film and has a smooth exterior surface adapted to facilitate removable mounting of an adhesive coated element in alignment with the opening. The element may be a deodorizing filter assembly including a filter disk surrounded by an annular border member coated with pressure sensitive adhesive or a gas impermeable cover member designed to close the vent.

Abstract: A containment and disposal bag for human bodily fluids is disclosed which includes a bag having a hollow interior and a top at least partially open to receive the bodily fluids; preferably a funnel structure within the bag to channel said bodily fluids into the interior and to restrict expulsion of bodily fluids from the interior prior to sequestration; a hydrophilic material within the bag which is rapidly gellable upon contact with the bodily fluids in the bag, the gellation serving to essentially completely sequester the bodily fluids and prevent it from thereafter being expelled from the bag; and a closure to close the top of the bag after introduction of the bodily fluids into the bag. The hydrophilic material is commonly a polymer which is activated upon contact with the water-based bodily fluids and which gels rapidly (normally within thirty seconds or less) to sequester the bodily fluids.

Abstract: Laminated sheet material 9 comprises a laminate of a polyvinyl alcohol or other water-disintegratable film 12 with a thin coextruded film comprising a melt-bondable layer 15 and an impermeable layer 14. The laminate is odor impermeable but water disposable and so can be used to form a toilet-disposable ostomy bag by melt-sealing around the edges 10 between the facing melt-sealable surfaces 15.

Abstract: An annular mounting member is bonded to the pouch wall to define a vent opening. The mounting member is made of material which is compatable with the pouch film and has a smooth exterior surface adapted to facilitate removable mounting of an adhesive coated element in alignment with the opening. The element may be a deodorizing filter assembly including a filter disk surrounded by an annular border member coated with pressure sensitive adhesive or a gas impermeable cover member designed to close the vent.

Abstract: A bag or pouch for receiving discharge from the human body is made of two superposed sheets of synthetic plastics material joined around their edges and has a filter attached to an upper part of an interior surface of one of the walls, there being a hole or slit in the wall to allow gases exiting the filter to pass to the exterior of the bag or pouch, and an intervening wall is included to separate the filter region from the remainder of the interior of the bag or pouch, said wall being characterized by having a series of scattered holes therein, there being from 100 to 300 holes per square inch (155000 to 465000 holes per square meter) and each hole having a maximum dimension of from 130 to 340 microns.

Abstract: A bagside coupling for an ostomy bag is intended to cooperate with a filter cartridge. Inserting the filter cartridge in a suitable recess results in establishing connection between the interior of the bag and the exterior. Escaping gases are constrained to pass through filter material in the filter cartridge.

Abstract: Performance of filters is improved by covering a surface thereof with a material which is permeable to gas but impermeable to liquids, e.g., Gortex.RTM..

Abstract: A three part filter is provided for attachment to an ostomy bag. One part includes a synthetic plastics base member having a central aperture and one flat surface whereby the filter can be attached to the bag wall. There are two walls upstanding from the other side of the base member to define a channel. The inner wall defines a shallow recess. The second part is a pad of filtering medium. The third part is a lid member of synthetic plastics material, with apertures through its top wall; the lid being a snug push fit within the channel. With this arrangement the lid member is readily removable to allow replacement of the filter pad.

Abstract: A member in the form of an overfilm or molded housing affixed to the pouch wall has a plurality of isolated vent passages. A separate filter assembly is situated in each of the passages. Adhesive coated covers are situated to obstruct the flow through all but a selected one of the passages. After the filter in the unobstructed passage has lost its effectiveness, the cover is removed from another passage and placed over the passage containing the used filter to obstruct same. The filter in each passage is used, in turn, by appropriate movement of the cover, until all of the filters have been used.

Abstract: The housing is mounted on and sealed around an opening in the pouch wall. The disc-like base of the housing has a central, axially extending entrance passageway aligned with the pouch opening. A portion of the base extends radially outwardly beyond the seal and has a second axial passageway therethrough. The cover of the housing defines a filter receiving recess aligned with the entrance passageway. The recess has a connecting channel extending radially therefrom. The cover is removably mounted on the base for relative rotational movement between a first position in which the connecting channel aligns with the exit passageway, so as to permit venting of the gases from the pouch, and a second position wherein the connecting channel is out of alignment with the exit passageway, closing the vent.

Abstract: A deodorizing ostomy drainage receptacle comprising a flexible pouch having drainage chamber defining walls therein and an opening in one of the walls. The opening is located in an upper portion of the pouch and is capable of receiving a stoma. An aperture is also desirably located in the upper portion of the pouch and permits gas to egress therefrom. A deodorant is attached to the upper portion of the pouch in the vicinity of the aperture and is contained in a separate bag so that the gas must pass through the deodorant before egressing from the pouch. The deodorant is generally a solid material such as activated charcoal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter system with a gas space opening, intended to be fitted in artificial anus drainage bags. This filter system is composed of a flattened oblong body comprising a core sheet, for example of open-cell expanded plastic material, impregnated with an adsorbent active material and covered by a protective film leaving free the end edges of the core sheet.

Abstract: HB polymers, such as copolymers of hydroxy butyric acid and hydroxy valeric acid, are provided as melt extruded films having a thickness of 5 to 200 .mu.m. Sheet materials may consist of such a film or the film may be laminated with other films to increase strength or impermeability. The films are best made by co-extrusion with a thermoplastic that is substantially non-tacky upon solidification. The sheet materials are of particular value as diaper backsheets and ostomy bags. They may include a layer of non-woven material.

Abstract: In a re-usable coupling means for securing flexible disposable bags for collecting intestinal wastes from ostomies and which consists (a) of a retainer plate of a comparatively stiff plastic material having an opening to lie around the stoma and having a gas passage duct communicating with a deodorizing filter, and (b) a flexible, sealing adhesive member for releasable adherence of the retainer plate to the skin and indirectly secured to the rear of the retainer plate, the gas passage duct is arranged in an annular bead protruding from the front of the retainer plate and communicates via gas inlet openings with the interior of the bag and via the filter and gas outlet openings in the coupling means with the outer world. The disposable bag may be releasably affixed to the holding means by the aid of a pressure-sensitive adhesive or by the aid of ring coupling systems known per se.

Abstract: A new and improved receptacle for collecting fecal matter from incontinent patients and in particular bedridden incontinent patients is disclosed. The fecal incontinence receptacle comprises generally a gasket for sealingly engaging an area substantially adjacent to a stoma or anus of a wearer to form a liquid-tight seal therebetween, a conduit joined to the gasket for providing a passageway for discharge received from the stoma or anus of the wearer to pass therethrough, and a disposable receptacle detachably connected to the conduit for collecting and disposing of fecal matter received from the conduit. The gasket comprises generally a flexible plastic material having an adhesive coating on one surface with a removeable protective sheet covering the adhesive coating. The receptacle comprises generally an opening at one end for detachably connecting the receptacle to the bottom opening of the conduit.

Abstract: A method of deodorizing articles, devices, and solutions involved in or used in medical and biological procedures including endoscopic procedures and associated solutions and materials. The method is to treat the materials and solutions to be deodorized with 2,5-hexanedione or with 2,3-pentanedione as a chemical deodorant. In a preferred treating composition the chemical deodorant is used as an aqueous solution containing a small amount of an essential oil-type masking agent and an oil solubilizing surfactant.

Abstract: A belt for use on patients having had a gastrostomy surgical procedure perfomed wherein a flexible entrance tube extends outwardly, via a stoma, from the patient's body. The belt includes a pocket into which extends the flexible tube so that any excretions emanating therefrom will be absorbed by the absorbent material of the pocket and may include anti-bacterial medicaments and/or odor neutralizing medicaments therein, fits comfortably around the patient's body and may be reused many times without deteriation.

Abstract: An ostomy bag has a filter attached to it by a series of plural sequentially peelable adhesive annuli.

Abstract: A closure appliance for use in surgical ostomy comprising an upper member and a lower member. The upper member contains a cavity for receiving a closure. The closure is provided with filtration and absorbent materials. The lower member contains a plurality of tubular passageways which communicate with the cavity in the upper portion. Magnetic members surround the tubular passageways for magnetically securing the device to a magnetized annulus which has been implanted in the surrounding skin of the stoma. The closure appliance is utilized to tightly fit within the stoma and to selectively permit the evacuation of fluids from the interior of the stoma.

Abstract: A method of deodorizing articles, devices, and solutions involved in or used in medical and biological procedures including endoscopic procedures and associated solutions and materials. The method is to treat the materials and solutions to be deodorized with 2,4-pentanedione as a chemical deodorant. In a preferred treating composition the 2,4-pentanedione is used as an aqueous solution containing a small amount of an essential oil-type masking agent and an oil solubilizing surfactant.

Abstract: A gas filter suitable for an ostomy bag comprises a pad impregnated with a deodorizing agent (e.g., activated carbon) and made of any open cell plastic foam material which is laminated together with a first microporous membrane. A layer of water repellent material is applied on the surface of the first microporous membrane other than the surface to which the foam pad is attached. The layer is sufficiently thin so that gas flow through the microporous membrane is not blocked.

Abstract: A manually manipulated implement and method of use thereof for facilitating the drainage of conventional ostomy pouches are disclosed. The implement includes a two-piece handle portion with an elongated engagement member extending from each, with hinge means connecting the handle pieces and engagement members of movement toward and away from one another between spaced and essentially contacting positions. When the pouch drain opening is positioned over a suitable receptacle, the pouch walls are placed between the elongated engagement members, which are then moved from the spaced position to engage the pouch walls firmly therebetween. The implement is then moved manually toward the drain opening, forcing the contents out of the pouch, into the receptacle. In the preferred embodiment the implement is of one-piece molded plastic construction and includes means for stabilizing the relative lateral position of the engagement members as the implement is moved along the pouch.

Abstract: Degradation of body-waste bags to assist disposal thereof in sewage systems is facilitated by addition of a base to raise the pH of the human fecal waste bag contents to at least about 12. Inter alia, there is provided a package of at least one bag and sufficient base, preferably in prepacked quantities, to treat all the bags in the package.