Abstract:
A stoma seal is described for a controlled evacuation ostomy appliance. The stoma seal may have a liquid-responsive property, such as hydrophobic, hydrophilic or absorptive. The stoma seal may have a non-smooth surface, e.g., at a microstructure scale. The non-smooth surface may consist of tortuous channels, protruding seals, or a confronting apertured or porous layer. The liquid-responsive property and/or the non-smooth surface may facilitate separation of flatus from faecal matter and/or facilitate venting of flatus while obstructing stool.
Abstract:
A device for delivering fluid to a patient including an exit port assembly adapted to connect to a transcutaneous patient access tool, a flow path extending from the exit port assembly, and a flow condition sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a resilient diaphragm having a first surface positioned against the flow path, a chamber wall defining a sensor chamber adjacent a second surface of the diaphragm, and at least one sensor arranged to provide a threshold signal when the second surface of the diaphragm expands into the chamber in response to at least one predetermined fluid flow condition occurring in the flow path. The sensor includes a first electrode secured on the diaphragm, a second electrode positioned in a fixed location with respect to the first electrode, and an impedance meter connected between the electrodes.
Abstract:
A CO.sub.2 (10.6 micron) medical delivery end probe is described which enables line-of-sight viewing of a surgical site internally within a body within the very same endoscope used to house the probe. The end probe includes two different sections of n
Abstract:
A controlled evacuation ostomy appliance comprises a membrane that is urged into sealing engagement with a stoma, by the generation of radial tension in the membrane. A tensioning device applies tension, with respect to the stoma, at one or more positions that are (i) outboard of the periphery of the projecting portion of the stoma, and/or (ii) between the level of the peristomal skin and the level of the most projecting part of the stoma. Tension limiting means are disclosed. The membrane may be gas-permeable to allow flatus to be vented.
Abstract:
The end of the elongated tubular element of the appliance that is designed to be inserted into a body cavity or vessel is formed entirely of soft, compliant material. That end carries an inflatable balloon formed in its fully inflated shape. The balloon is inflated to a predetermined low pressure level to prevent pressure necrosis in the adjacent tissue. A method and apparatus for introducing the soft end of the appliance into the body cavity are also provided. The introducer apparatus includes rigid core surrounded by a soft, compliant sleeve. The sleeve extends beyond the rigid core to form an invertable section. The soft end of the appliance is situated adjacent the apparatus, the balloon is wrapped around the apparatus, and the sleeve section is inverted over the appliance, compressing the balloon and forming a soft, rounded insertion tip. The unit is then introduced into the body cavity. After the appliance is separated from the apparatus, the apparatus is withdrawn.
Abstract:
A method for applying a bus bar to the peripheral edge region of a shaped substrate is disclosed. The method involves: 1) applying a protective coating to a blank substrate; 2) edging the blank substrate to shape; 3) applying a conductive coating to the peripheral edge region of the shaped substrate; and 4) removing the protective coating, along with excess conductive material.
Abstract:
A method and concomitant apparatus for use in an electrochromic control system in which components causing the charging and discharging of an electrochromic device are subject to drift errors and other errors. In the case of such errors, the actual programming level and the desired programming level as indicated by, e.g., a count value, may diverge. The invention periodically determines the actual programming level of the electrochromic device and responsively adjusts a parameter representative of the desired programming level.
Abstract:
Hinge and one or more wires, or electrical conductors, wherein portion of such wire or wires extends axially through the hollow pivot pin of a hinge and wherein such portion of the wire or wires is placed in torsion upon the hinge being pivoted.
Abstract:
In an image conduit, an annular glass cylinder surrounding an imaging bundle is employed to act as an illumination conduit. The illumination conduit may be a single annular light guiding structure or it may be a multilayer structure or a ring of fibers optically separated from the imaging bundle. The illumination conduit may be provided with a layers of lower index cladding glass to confine the light in an intermediate core. Alternatively, the bottle cladding may be a reflective coating deposited on the outside of the bottle after drawing.
Abstract:
The end of the elongated tubular element of the appliance that is designed to be inserted into a body cavity is formed entirely of soft, compliant material. That end carries an inflatable balloon made of non-expandable material, formed in the fully inflated shape, to prevent overexpansion. The balloon is inflated to a predetermined low pressure level to prevent pressure necrosis in the adjacent tissue. A method and apparatus for introducing the soft end of the appliance into the body cavity are also provided. The introducer apparatus includes rigid core surrounded by a soft, compliant sleeve. The sleeve extends beyond the rigid core to form an invertable section. The soft end of the appliance is situated adjacent the apparatus, the balloon is wrapped around the apparatus, and the sleeve section is inverted over the appliance, compressing the balloon and forming a soft, rounded insertion tip. The unit is then introduced into the body cavity. After the appliance is separated from the apparatus, the apparatus is withdrawn.