Abstract: In a sheet-like filter element comprising a porous or fibrous filtering layer and a pair of opposite cover layers, these cover layers are maintained in tight engagement with the outer surfaces of the filtering layer by means of transversely extending connecting strings. The filter element may, for example, be used as a filter for a gas venting opening in a stoma bag, and in that case the porous filtering layer contains a big amount of finely granulated activated carbon. The connecting strings maintain the cover layers pressed against the filtering layer so as to avoid any tendency to delamination of the filtering layer and formation of undesired spaces or passages therein.

Abstract: Ostomy bag apparatus is provided for covering an ostomy bag and providing a pocket in which a deodorizing member is positioned. The apparatus includes a non-irritating cloth cover that substantially encloses an ostomy bag and in which a pocket is formed by at least one fold in the cover to receive a deodorizing member impregnated by a volatile deodorant that is warmed and vaporized by body heat of the ostomate wearing the apparatus.

Abstract: A universal vent device for the pouch of an ostomy appliance. The vent device is attachable to any pouch which has an enclosure wall of relatively thin pliable plastics material or the like. The vent device comprises a housing member for a gas-permeable, liquid absorbent filter element. The housing member has a vent opening leading outwardly therefrom. A connector member is adapted to attach the housing member to the enclosure wall. The connector member is movable into the pouch and has a stem adapted to extend through the enclosure wall. The stem attaches to the housing. The stem has a passage therethrough for communication between the interior of the pouch and the interior of the housing, for flow of gases from the pouch into the housing member. The stem also serves as a conductor of fluids into the pouch for cleaning and deodorizing the pouch.

Abstract: A vent assembly for a closed body fluid drainage system having a fluid retaining bag with a body engageable fluid draining tube extending therefrom. The venting assembly comprises, in spatial relationship, an outer, gas permeable, liquid-wetting bacteria filter, and an inner, gas permeable, liquid-repellent filter. In use, the vent assembly provides for the free exchange of gases flowing into and out of the fluid drainage system while effectively precluding entrance of bacteria and the like.

Abstract: An ostomy pouch having a filter element affixed to the outer pouch wall. The outer pouch wall has an aperture and the filter element includes a polymeric film cover and an insert of gas deodorizing material. The film cover also has an aperture and opposite ends of the insert overlie the two apertures.

Abstract: A surgical drainage bag has a vent opening in a rear wall of the bag. A first mount is attached to the rear wall of the bag and has an opening registering with the opening in the rear wall. A second mount has a tubular plug which is a press fit in the opening in the first mount and communicates with a recess containing a filter element.

Abstract: In a deodorizing gas filter for ostomy bags (22), consisting of a sheet (10) of deodorizing filter material, for example a porous foamed plastic with particles of active carbon, and having a central inlet opening (12), a gas-tight connecting layer (14) to the bag on one side of the filter sheet, and a gas-tight covering layer (24) on the other side of the filter sheet, the covering layer consists of elastic film material, or is provided with a layer of elastic material at least in that part covering the central opening and an immediately surrounding zone thereof.

Abstract: An air vent for an ostomy bag has a variable flow rate so that the flow rate through a deodorizing filter housed in the vent can be varied to enhance the effectiveness of the filter. The vent also permits precise control over the degree of inflation of the bag.

Abstract: A flatus filter for attachment in a folded position over the edge of a stoma bag to cover opposed perforations in each of the two external walls of the stoma bag, comprising a gas-permeable pad containing an odor-absorbent substance affixed to one side of an elongate web, with at least a portion of the edges of the pad being exposed and/or with a portion of a major surface of the pad being exposed through one or more perforations in the said web adjacent to the pad, and with at least a portion of the side of the pad remote from the said web being exposed, or covered only by a removable protective backing sheet, and with that part of the filter surrounding the last-mentioned exposed portion being provided with an adhesive coating for attachment of the filter to a stoma bag.

Abstract: A filter for a surgical drainage bag has a filter layer of activated carbon cloth. Gases may pass through this filter layer from the interior of the bag. A first layer of gas permeable thermoplastics material is arranged in contact with the front side of the filter layer. A barrier layer of gas permeable hydrophobic material has its rear side in contact with the front side of the first layer. A second layer of gas permeable thermoplastics material has its rear side in contact with the front side of the barrier layer. All the various layers are secured together by a peripheral seal.

Abstract: A collection pouch for use by ostomates, the pouch being drainable to facilitate extended use of the pouch and including a gas venting and filtering assembly having a replaceable deodorizing filter element. A barrier film is disposed within the pouch to protect the filter element from contact with and possible obstruction by exudate. Interior wall surface areas of the double-chambered pouch are raised or embossed, and the filter assembly is internally ribbed, to insure that the pathway for the escape of gases from the pouch remains open.

Abstract: A disposable discharge collector (10) for a stoma pouch (23) having a drain opening (32) therein includes a bag body (11) having flexible walls (14,15) and an opening (16) therein suitable to receive the drain opening (32) of the stoma pouch (23), a locking mechanism (12) adjacent the opening (16) for providing a liquid-tight closure of the bag body (11), and a wiper mechanism (13) in fixed, proximate spatial relation beneath the locking mechanism (12) and interior to bag body (11) for manually forcing substantially all discharge (24) in the stoma pouch (23) into bag body (11) without spillage, permitting the sanitary disposal of discharge (24).

Abstract: A surgical collection bag for post operative use having two opposed walls, secured together by a perimeter weld. One of the walls has an inlet opening through which the contents of the intestine of a patient can flow into the interior of the bag. The same wall also has a vent which is impervious to solid material and liquid from the intestine of the patient but which is pervious to gases. Welds inside the bag together with the perimeter weld define a pathway through which gases can flow from the interior of the bag to the vent. This pathway includes one or more vents through which gases must pass before they reach the vent. These gateways are sufficiently narrow at least substantially to prevent the passage of solid materials and liquids. If desired, the welds can be discontinuous to provide a multiplicity of gateways.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the adsorption and catalytic decomposition of foul-smelling intestinal gases, particularly mercaptans, wherein the intestinal gases are passed through a highly specific adsorbent which, out of a mixture of water vapor, methanol, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide and various sulfur-containing gases, particularly mercaptan-containing gases, catalytically decomposes and adsorbs only the sulfur and mercaptan compounds and optionally desorbs the non-smelling fractions. An absorbent for use in the method is characterized in that it contains an inert, highly porous solid having a specific surface according to BET of from 900 to 1800 m.sup.2 /g or pyrogenic silicon dioxide having a surface of from 50 to 500 m.sup.2 /g, the specific surfaces having been determined by argon adsorption at -196.degree. C., which are covered over their surface with from 0.1 to 5% by weight of aluminium, zinc, chromium or iron, based on the weight of the solid having a specific surface of 1000 m.sup.