Author: claimsbot

1. A method of creating differential stress in a plurality of contacts in an integrated circuit (IC) chip, the method comprising:
providing a substrate including a p-type field effect transistor (PFET) and a n-type field effect transistor (NFET), the PFET and NFET each including a sourcedrain region;
forming a silicide layer over the PFET and the NFET;
depositing at least one nitride layer over the substrate;
depositing a dielectric layer over the at least one nitride layer;
etching a PFET contact trench through the dielectric layer down to the at least one nitride layer on the PFET;
etching an NFET contact trench through the dielectric layer down to the at least one nitride layer on the NFET;
opening the at least one nitride layer in a selected contact trench of a selected FET of the PFET and the NFET;
etching the selected contact trench through the silicide layer into the sourcedrain region of the selected FET, and opening the at least one nitride layer on the FET that is not the selected FET;
filling the PFET contact trench to form a PFET contact; and
filling the NFET contact trench to form an NFET contact,
wherein in the case that the PFET is the selected FET, the PFET contact extends into the sourcedrain region of the PFET, and in the case that the NFET is the selected FET, the NFET contact extends into the sourcedrain region of the NFET.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein in the case that the PFET contact extends into the PFET, the PFET contact comprises one of the following materials: nickel (Ni), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), titanium (Ti) or cobalt (Co).
3. The method of claim 1, wherein in the case that the PFET contact extends into the PFET, the PFET contact includes a silicide reaction layer between the PFET contact and the sourcedrain region of the PFET.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein in the case that the NFET contact protrudes into the NFET, the NFET contact comprises one of the following materials: tungsten (W), tantalum (Ta), titanium nitride (TiN), tantalum nitride (TaN) or copper (Cu).
5. The method of claim 1, wherein in the case that the PFET contact extends into the PFET, the PFET contact extends approximately 50 to approximately 3000 angstroms into the sourcedrain region of the PFET, and wherein in the case that the NFET contact extends into the NFET, the NFET contact extends approximately 50 to 3000 angstroms into the sourcedrain region of the NFET.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1-63. (cancel)
64. A security system for a movable, engine-powered vehicle provided with an enabling system, the security system comprising:
(a) an electronic camera positioned to scan at least a portion of the face of a person located at the driver’s station of the vehicle and structured to produce image signals;
(b) an electronic facial-recognition system responsive to the image signals and controllably coupled to the enabling system; and
(c) an electronic storage device coupled to the facial-recognition system to store a set of image signals, such that the facial-recognition system provides an authorization control signal and activates the enabling system only if signals representative of select characteristics of the scanned face of the person derived from the image signals produced on the camera’s output match a member. of a set of signals stored in the electronic storage device, each member representative of select characteristics of the scanned face of an authorized operator;
(d) wherein the engine and the gearshift are coupled to cause the engine to become activated in response to the combination of the authorization control signal and a selected gear-shifting action by the person located at the driver’s station.
65. The security system of claim 64 wherein the engine becomes activated in response to the combination of the authorization control signal and the selected gear-shifting action, without any further input.
66. The security system of claim 64 wherein the vehicle further has a brake pedal coupled to a brake system, and wherein the engine is further coupled to cause the engine to become activated only if the brake pedal is depressed.
67. The security system of claim 66 wherein the engine becomes activated in response to the combination of the authorization control signal, the selected gear-shifting action, and recognition that the brake pedal is depressed, without any further input.
68. The security system of claim 64 further wherein the engine and the gearshift are coupled to cause the engine to turn off in response to a second selected gear-shifting action by the person located at the driver’s station.
69. The security system of claim 64 further comprising a key-operated switch coupled to the facial-recognition system, which switch, when activated, stores in the electronic storage device, as representative of a member of the set of authorized operators, selected signals representative of select characteristics of the scanned face of a person located at the driver’s station of the vehicle and derived from the image signals on the camera output.
70. The security system of claim 69 wherein the key-operated switch is structured to become activated by a coded sequence of turns.
71. The security system of claim 70 wherein the facial-recognition system is structured to become disabled for a predetermined period of time upon activation of the key-operated switch.
72. The security system of claim 64 wherein the camera is an infrared scanner and further comprising another electronic camera that is a reflective-light scanner sensitive to visible light, wherein both cameras are positioned to scan at least a portion of the face of the seated person and are coupled to the facial-recognition system.
73. The security system of claim 64 wherein the portion of the face scanned by the camera includes an iris of an eye of the person at the driver’s station, and wherein the electronic facial-recognition system is structured to recognize characteristics of features within the iris.
74. The security system of claim 64 wherein the camera includes an autofocus lens control.
75. The security system of claim 64 wherein the camera is mounted along the vertical center plane of the vehicle and adjacent to the rear window, and wherein the scanning axis of the camera is directed along the center plane and at a rear-view mirror of the vehicle.
76. The security system of claim 64 wherein the camera is structured to automatically become deactivated upon expiration of a predetermined period of time after it is first activated or upon recognition of an authorized driver by the facial-recognition system, whichever occurs first.
77. The security system of claim 64 wherein the camera is responsive to closure of an ignition key switch of the vehicle to become activated when the key switch is closed.
78. The security system of claim 64 wherein the camera is responsive to activation of a sensor switch to become activated when a person sits at the driver’s station of the vehicle.
79. The security system of claim 78 wherein the sensor switch is an in-seat sensor.
80. The security system of claim 79 wherein the camera is structured to become deactivated upon opening of the sensor switch.
81. The security system of claim 64 wherein the electronic storage device contains a personal code associated with each authorized operator, and wherein the facial-recognition system is further coupled to an electronic control of the vehicle so as to alter a personal setting automatically based on the code associated with the operator recognized by the facial-recognition system, said electronic control structured to control an operating setting of at least one of the following elements of the vehicle:
(a) an audio system;
(b) an electronic seat;
(c) a window;
(d) a temperature controller;
(e) a mirror; and
(f) the angle of the steering wheel column relative to the dashboard.
82. The security system of claim 64 wherein the facial-recognition system is structured to trigger an audible alarm upon failure of the facial-recognition system to effect said match after a predetermined time.
83. The security system of claim 64 wherein the facial-recognition system is structured to transmit alarm signals to a remote location upon failure of the facial-recognition system to effect said match after a predetermined time.
84. The security system of claim 64 wherein the facial-recognition system is structured to retain in non-volatile storage information derived from the signals on the camera output upon failure of the facial-recognition system to effect said match after a predetermined time.
85. The security system of claim 84 wherein the facial-recognition system is structured to activate a signal light upon failure of the facial-recognition system to effect said match after a predetermined time.
86. The security system of claim 64 wherein:
(a) the facial-recognition system provides an authorization control signal upon determining said match;
(b) the system further comprises a second personal-identification system; and
(c) the authorization control signal is produced only in response to identification of an authorized operator by both the facial-recognition system and the second personal-identification system.
87. The security system of claim 86 wherein the second personal-identification system includes a fingerprint reader.
88. A security system for a movable vehicle having a driver’s station, a gearshift, and an enabling system, the security system comprising:
(a) an electronic camera positioned to scan at least a portion of the face of a person located at the driver’s station of the vehicle and produce on an output a facial-image-signal;
(b) an electronic facial-image-signal storage device;
(c) an electronic facial-recognition-signal comparator having an output, a first input coupled to the output of the camera, and a second input coupled to the facial-image-signal storage device; and
(d) an AND gate having a first input coupled to the gearshift, a second input coupled to the comparator output, and an output coupled to the enabling system;
whereby the enabling system is coupled and controlled to cause the vehicle to operate in response to the combination of a selected gear-shifting action by the person located at the driver’s station and a match between signals representative of select characteristics of the scanned face of the person derived from the image signals produced on the camera’s output and a member of a set of signals stored in the electronic storage device, each member representative of select characteristics of the scanned face of an authorized operator.
89. The security system of claim 88 wherein the AND gate has only two inputs.
90. The security system of claim 88 wherein the vehicle further has a brake pedal coupled to a brake system, and further comprising a second AND gate having a first input coupled to the comparator output, a second input coupled to the brake, and an output coupled to the second input of the first AND gate.
91. The security system of claim 88 further wherein the enabling system and the gearshift are coupled to cause the vehicle’s engine to turn off in response to a second selected gear-shifting action by the person located at the driver’s station.
92. The security system of claim 88 further comprising a key-operated switch coupled to the storage device, which switch, when activated, stores in the storage device, as representative of a member of the set of authorized operators, selected signals representative of select characteristics of the scanned face of a person located at the driver’s station of the vehicle and derived from the facial-image-signals on the camera output.
93. The security system of claim 92 wherein the key-operated switch is structured to become activated by a coded sequence of turns.
94. The system of claim 93 wherein the enabling system and the key-operated switch are coupled so as to prevent the vehicle’s engine from being activated for a predetermined period of time upon activation of the key-operated switch.
95. The security system of claim 88 wherein the camera is an infrared scanner and further comprising another electronic camera that is a reflective-light scanner sensitive to visible light, wherein both cameras are positioned to scan at least a portion of the face of the seated person and are coupled to the comparator.
96. The security system of claim 88 wherein the portion of the face scanned by the camera includes an iris of an eye of the person at the driver’s station, and wherein the comparator is structured to recognize characteristics of features within the iris.
97. The security system of claim 88 wherein the camera includes an autofocus lens control.
98. The security system of claim 88 wherein the camera is mounted along the vertical center plane of the vehicle and adjacent to the rear window, and wherein the scanning axis of the camera is directed along the center plane and at a rear-view mirror of the vehicle.
99. The security system of claim 88 wherein the camera is structured to automatically become deactivated upon expiration of a predetermined period of time after it is first activated or upon recognition of an authorized driver by the comparator, whichever occurs first.
100. The security system of claim 88 wherein the camera is responsive to closure of an ignition key switch of the vehicle to become activated when the key switch is closed.
101. The security system of claim 88 wherein the camera is responsively coupled to an in-seat sensor.
102. The security system of claim 88 further comprising an audible alarm and a timer, responsively coupled to the comparator.
103. The security system of claim 102 further comprising a remote transmitter coupled to the alarm and the timer.
104. The security system of claim 88 further comprising a timer and a non-volatile storage information, both responsively coupled to the comparator.
105. The security system of claim 65p further comprising a signal light responsively coupled to the comparator.
106. The security system of claim 88 further comprises a second personal-identification system and where the AND gate is coupled so as to be activated only in response to identification of an authorized operator by both the comparator and the second personal-identification system.
107. The security system of claim 106 wherein the second personal-identification system includes a fingerprint reader.
108. A method of securing a movable vehicle having a driver’s station, a gearshift, and an enabling system, the method comprising:
(a) scanning at least a portion of the face of a person located at the driver’s station of the vehicle and producing image signals therefrom representative of select characteristics of the scanned person’s face;
(b) comparing the image signals to members of a set of previously stored facial image signals, each member of the set representative of select characteristics of the scanned face of an authorized operator of the vehicle;
(c) producing a control signal reflective of whether the comparing in part (b) produced a match;
(d) activating the enabling system if and only if:
(i) the control signal reflects a match; and
(ii) the gearshift is manipulated in a selected fashion.
109. The method of claim 108 wherein the conditions (i) and (ii) are sufficient to activate the enabling system.
110. The method of claim 108 wherein the movable vehicle has a brake and further comprising activating the enabling system if and only if the conditions (i) and (ii) are met and further if and only if, (iii) the brake is activated.
111. The method of claim 110 wherein the conditions (i), (ii), and (iii) are sufficient to activate the enabling system.
112. The method of claim 108 wherein the enabling system is coupled so as not to require turning of a key to cause its activation.
113. The method of claim 108 further comprising subsequently deactivating the motive force of the movable vehicle if the gearshift is manipulated in a second selected fashion.
114. The method of claim 108 further comprising the preliminary act of operating a key in the moveable vehicle to cause the storing of facial-image signals produced by scanning the face of an authorized operator located at the driver’s station.
115. The method of claim 114 wherein operating the key comprises manipulating the key through a selected sequence of turns.
116. The method of claim 115 further comprising disabling power to the vehicle for a predetermined period of time after operation of the key.
117. The method of claim 108 wherein the scanning is with respect to infrared radiant emissions from the face of the person.
118. The method of claim 108 further comprising initiating scanning by determining that the person has pressed a brake pedal of the vehicle.
119. The method of claim 108 further comprising automatically repeating acts (a) through (c) until the earlier of (i) expiration of a predetermined length of time and (ii) generation of a control signal that reflects a match.
120. The method of claim 108 further comprising electronically detecting when a person is located at the driver’s station and effecting such scanning only when a person is so detected.
121. The method of claim 108 wherein the scanning includes an iris of an eye of the person.
122. The method of claim 108 wherein the vehicle is an automobile and the scanning is performed with respect to the reflections in a rear-view mirror mounted along the centerline of the automobile near the front of a passenger cabin thereof.
123. The method of claim 108 further comprising initiating scanning by determining that an ignition key switch of the vehicle has been closed.
124. The method of claim 108 further comprising:
(a) if the image signals electronically match one of the previously stored facial image signals, generating an identification code corresponding to the identity of the recognized person; and
(b) automatically altering a personal setting based on the identification code.
125. The method of claim 124 wherein automatically altering a personal setting comprises adjusting an electronic seat to predetermined settings corresponding to the identification code.
126. The method of claim 124 wherein automatically altering a personal setting comprises adjusting an audio system to predetermined settings corresponding to the identification code.
127. The method of claim 108 further comprising triggering an audible alarm if the image signals fail to match any of the previously stored facial image signals within a predetermined time.
128. The method of claim 108 further comprising transmitting alarm signals to a remote location if the image signals fail to match any of the previously stored facial image signals within a predetermined time.
129. The method of claim 108 further comprising retaining in non-volatile storage supported by the vehicle information derived from the image signals if the image signals fail to match any of the previously stored facial image signals within a predetermined time.
130. The method of claim 129 further comprising activating a signal light adjacent to the storage if the image signals fail to match any of the previously stored facial image signals within a predetermined time.
131. A method for maintaining security of a powered vehicle, the method comprising:
(a) producing image signals by electronically scanning at least a portion of the face of a person at an operator’s station;
(b) computer analyzing the image signals and generating code signals representative of a set of predefined facial characteristics;
(c) comparing the code signals with a set of previously stored reference signals representative of the predefined facial characteristics of an authorized operator; and
(d) generating signals enabling operation of the powered vehicle if and only if: (i) the code signals electronically match one of the reference signals, and (ii) the gearshift is manipulated in a selected fashion.
132. The method of claim 131 wherein the conditions (i) and (ii) are sufficient to enable operation of the powered vehicle.
133. The method of claim 131 wherein the powered vehicle has a brake and further comprising enabling operation of the powered vehicle if and only if the conditions (i) and (ii) are met and further if and only if, (iii) the brake is activated.
134. The method of claim 133 wherein the conditions (i), (ii), and (iii) are sufficient to enable operation of the powered vehicle.
135. The method of claim 131 wherein turning a key is not required to enable operation of the powered vehicle.
136. The method of claim 131 further comprising subsequently generating signals disenabling operation of the powered vehicle if and only if the gearshift is manipulated in a second selected fashion.
137. The method of claim 131 further comprising the preliminary act of operating a key in the moveable vehicle to cause the storing of reference signals produced by scanning the face of an authorized person located at the operator’s station.
138. The method of claim 137 wherein operating the key comprises manipulating the key through a selected sequence of turns.
139. The method of claim 137 further comprising disabling operation of the powered vehicle for a predetermined period of time after operation of the key.
140. The method of claim 131 wherein the scanning is with respect to infrared radiant emissions from the face of the person.
141. The method of claim 131 further comprising initiating scanning by determining that the person has pressed a brake pedal of the vehicle.
142. The method of claim 131 further comprising automatically repeating acts (a) through (c) until the earlier of (i) expiration of a predetermined length of time and (ii) such time as the comparing in part (c) reflects a match.
143. The method of claim 131 further comprising electronically detecting when a person is located at the driver’s station and effecting such scanning only when a person is so detected.
144. The method of claim 131 wherein the scanning includes an iris of an eye of the person.
145. The method of claim 131 wherein the vehicle is an automobile and the scanning is performed with respect to the reflections in a rear-view mirror mounted along the centerline of the automobile near the front of a passenger cabin thereof.
146. The method of claim 131 further comprising initiating scanning by determining that an ignition key switch of the vehicle has been closed.
147. The method of claim 131 further comprising:
(a) if the code signals electronically match one of the reference signals, generating an identification code corresponding to the identity of the recognized person; and
(b) automatically altering a personal setting based on the identification code.
148. The method of claim 147 wherein automatically altering a personal setting comprises adjusting an electronic seat to predetermined settings corresponding to the identification code.
149. The method of claim 147 wherein automatically altering a personal setting comprises adjusting an audio system to predetermined settings corresponding to the identification code.
150. The method of claim 131 further comprising triggering an audible alarm if the code signals fail to match any of the reference signals within a predetermined time.
151. The method of claim 131 further comprising transmitting alarm signals to a remote location if the code signals fail to match any of the reference signals within a predetermined time.
152. The method of claim 131 further comprising retaining in non-volatile storage supported by the vehicle information derived from the image signals if the code signals fail to match any of the reference signals within a predetermined time.
153. The method of claim 152 further comprising activating a signal light adjacent to the storage if the code signals fail to match any of the reference signals within a predetermined time.
154. A method of retrofitting a moveable vehicle with a security system, which vehicle has a passenger cabin and an engine compartment, a driver’s seat in the passenger cabin, a gearshift within reach of a person in the driver’s seat, and an enabling device supported in the engine compartment and structured to enable motive force to the vehicle, comprising:
(a) mounting an assembly to the vehicle, which assembly supports at least the following elements:
(i) an electronic camera having an output for picture signals;
(ii) a facial-recognition system coupled to the output of the camera; and
(iii) an electronic storage device coupled to the facial-recognition system;

(b) positioning the assembly so that the camera is directed at the expected location of the face of a person seated in the driver’s seat;
(c) wherein the facial-recognition system issues an authorization control signal only if picture signals representative of select characteristics of a face in the rear-view mirror acquired by the electronic camera match a member of a set of signals stored in said electronic storage device, each member of the stored set representative of select characteristics of the face of an authorized operator; and
(d) coupling a control unit to the enabling device and to the gearshift, which control unit activates the enabling system only upon receipt of the authorization control signal from the facial-recognition system and upon receipt of a signal reflective of a select shifting action of the gearshift.
155. The method of claim 154 wherein the coupling in part (d) is such that receipt of the authorization control signal and the signal reflective of a select shifting action are sufficient to enable operation of the moveable vehicle.
156. The method of claim 154 wherein the moveable vehicle has a brake and further comprising coupling the control unit to the brake, wherein the couplings to the control unit are such that the control unit activates the enabling system only upon receipt of the authorization control signal and receipt of the signal reflective of a select shifting action and further only if the brake is activated.
157. The method of claim 156 wherein the couplings to the control unit are such that the control unit activates the enabling system only upon receipt of the authorization control signal and receipt of the signal reflective of a select shifting action and further only if the brake is activated, without any further condition.
158. The method of claim 154 wherein the coupling in part (d) is such that receipt of a signal reflective of a second select shifting action of the gearshift will cause the control unit to deactivate the enabling system.
159. The method of claim 154 wherein part (d) comprises replacing the enabling device with an integral unit containing both the control unit and the enabling device.
160. The method of claim 154 wherein mounting the camera comprises using an infrared scanner.
161. The method of claim 154 wherein mounting the camera comprises aiming the camera at a field that includes an iris of an eye of the person.
162. The method of claim 154 wherein the moveable vehicle has a brake and further comprising coupling the brake to a trigger for the camera.
163. The method of claim 154 further comprising installing an in-seat sensor and coupling the sensor to a trigger for the camera.
164. The method of claim 154 wherein the moveable vehicle has an ignition key switch and further comprising coupling the ignition key switch to a trigger for the camera.
165. The method of claim 154 wherein part (a) includes mounting an assembly that also supports an alarm transmitter configured to transmit alarm signals if an authorization control signal is not generated within a predetermined time after the facial-recognition system is activated.
166. The method of claim 154 wherein part (a) includes mounting an assembly that also supports a non-volatile storage information coupled to store information derived from the picture signals if an authorization control signal is not generated within a predetermined time after the facial-recognition system is activated.
167. An automatically starting movable vehicle having a driver’s station and a gearshift, and an enabling system, the security system comprising:
(a) an electronic camera positioned to scan at least a portion of the face of a person located at the driver’s station of the vehicle and produce on an output a facial-image-signal;
(b) an electronic facial-image-signal storage device; and
(c) an electronic facial-recognition-signal comparator having an output, a first input coupled to the output of the camera, and a second input coupled to the facial-image-signal storage device;
(d) wherein the enabling system coupled to the gearshift and to the comparator output such that it becomes activated in response to the combination of a selected gear-shifting action and a match between signals representative of select characteristics of the scanned face of the person derived from the facial-image-signal produced on the camera’s output and a member of a set of signals stored in the facial-image-signal storage device, each member representative of select characteristics of the scanned face of an authorized operator; and
(e) wherein the enabling system is coupled so as not to require turning of a key to cause its activation.
168. The vehicle of claim 167 wherein the couplings in part (d) are such that the gear-shifting action and the match are sufficient to activate the enabling system.
169. The vehicle of claim 167 wherein the moveable vehicle has a brake and wherein the enabling system is coupled to the brake such that the enabling system is activated only if, further, the brake is activated.
170. The vehicle of claim 169 wherein the couplings to the enabling system are such that the enabling system is activated without any further condition.
171. The vehicle of claim 167 wherein the couplings in part (d) are such that receipt of a signal reflective of a second select shifting action of the gearshift will cause the control unit to deactivate the enabling system.
172. The vehicle of claim 167 further comprising a key-operated switch coupled to the storage device, which switch, when activated, stores in the storage device, as representative of a member of the set of authorized operators, selected signals representative of select characteristics of the scanned face of a person located at the driver’s station of the vehicle and derived from the facial-image-signal on the camera output.
173. The vehicle of claim 172 wherein the key-operated switch is structured to become activated by a coded sequence of turns.
174. The vehicle of claim 172 wherein the enabling system and the key-operated switch are coupled so as to prevent the vehicle’s engine from being activated for a predetermined period of time upon activation of the key-operated switch.
175. The vehicle of claim 167 wherein the camera is an infrared scanner and further comprising another electronic camera that is a reflective-light scanner sensitive to visible light, wherein both cameras are positioned to scan at least a portion of the face of the seated person and are coupled to the comparator.
176. The vehicle of claim 167 wherein the portion of the face scanned by the camera includes an iris of an eye of the person at the driver’s station, and wherein the comparator is structured to recognize characteristics of features within the iris.
177. The vehicle of claim 167 wherein the camera includes an autofocus lens control.
178. The vehicle of claim 167 wherein the camera is mounted along the vertical center plane of the vehicle and adjacent to the rear window, and wherein the scanning axis of the camera is directed along the center plane and at a rear-view mirror of the vehicle.
179. The vehicle of claim 167 wherein the camera is responsive to activation of an in-seat sensor switch to become activated when a person sits at the driver’s station of the vehicle.
180. The vehicle of claim 167 further comprises a second personal-identification system and where the AND gate is coupled so as to be activated only in response to identification of an authorized operator by both the comparator and the second personal-identification system.
181. The vehicle of claim 180 wherein the second personal-identification system includes a fingerprint reader.

1. An access port device for use in surgery, comprising:
a first sleeve of flexible material including a proximal end and a distal end;
a securing device attached to said distal end of said first sleeve to secure the access port device externally to a patient;
a second sleeve of flexible material attached to the proximal end of said first sleeve, said second sleeve including an entry opening adjacent said proximal end of said first sleeve and an exit opening positioned a spaced distance from said entry opening;
an inflatable chamber formed between said first and said second sleeves:
a third sleeve of flexible material attached to at least one of said first sleeve and said second sleeve, said third sleeve including an annular elastic band positioned between said entry and said exit openings of said second sleeve to sealingly engage a surgeon’s arm extending through said third sleeve.
2. An access port device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said third sleeve is of a sufficient length to be positioned adjacent said exit opening.
3. An access port device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said third sleeve extends along a substantial portion of said second sleeve.
4. An access port device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said third sleeve is attached to said second sleeve at a first attachment location adjacent said entry opening and a second attachment location a spaced distance alone said second sleeve from said first attachment location.
5. An access port device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said elastic band is positioned at a distal end of said third sleeve.
6. An access port device for use in surgery, comprising:
a first sleeve of flexible material including a proximal end and a distal end;
a securing device attached to said distal end of said first sleeve to secure the access port externally to a patient;
a second sleeve of flexible material attached to the proximal end of said first sleeve, said second sleeve including an entry opening adjacent said proximal end of said first sleeve and an exit opening positioned a spaced distance from said entry opening for insertion into an incision formed in a patient’s body;
an inflatable chamber formed between said first and said second sleeves;
an elongated exit opening seal mounted on said second sleeve at said exit opening said exit opening seal positioned alone an exit opening seal plane extending through said entry opening and said exit opening of said second sleeve;
a second sleeve retraction prevention means for preventing inadvertent retraction of said second sleeve from the incision, said second sleeve retraction prevention means including at least one transverse wing extending transverse to said exit opening seal plane.
7. An access port device as claimed in claim 6, wherein said at least one transverse wing includes at least one first wing positioned on a first side of said exit opening and at least one second wing positioned on a second side of said exit opening.
8. An access port device as claimed in claim 7, wherein each of said at least one first wing and said at least one second wing includes a pair of winds.
9. An access port device as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8, wherein said at least one transverse wing is integrally formed on said elongated exit opening seal.
10. An access port device as claimed in any of claims 6 to 9, wherein said elongated exit opening seal includes a pair of opposed bands biased together, said at least one transverse wing integrally formed on at least one band of said pair of opposed bands.
11. An access port device as claimed in claim 10, wherein said at least one transverse wing includes a first pair of wings and a second pair of wings.
12. An access port device as claimed in claim 11, wherein said first pair of wings is located at a first end of said pair of opposed bands and said second 5 pair of wings is located at a second end of said pair of opposed bands.
13. An access port device as claimed in claim 12, wherein one wing of said first pair and one wing of said second pair of wings extend from one band of said pair of opposed bands in a first transverse direction and the other wing of said first pair and the other wing of said second pair of wings extend from the other band in a second transverse direction opposite said first transverse direction.
14. An access port device for use in surgery, comprising:
a sleeve of flexible material including a proximal end and a distal end, and forming an access opening positionable in an incision in a patient’s body;
an outer annular sealing device attached to said proximal end of said sleeve to secure the access port device externally to a patient;
an inner annular sealing device attached to said distal end of said sleeve to secure the access port device internally to the patient;
an access component removable connected to said outer annular sealing device, said access component including a flexible ring removable engaging said outer annular sealing device.
15. An access port device as claimed in claim 14, wherein said access component includes a sleeved glove.
16. An access port device as claimed in claim 14, wherein said access component includes an access sleeve of flexible material, said access sleeve including an integral glove for receiving a surgeon’s hand, said access sleeve and glove having a length sufficient to extend from said flexible ring through said access opening.
17. An access port device as claimed in any of claims 14 to 16, wherein said outer annular sealing device includes an annular groove for receiving said flexible ring.
18. An access port device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said annular groove is formed in an outer peripheral surface of said outer annular sealing device.
19. An access port device as claimed in any of claims 14 to 18, wherein said access component further includes an access sleeve of flexible material positioned adjacent to said sleeve, the device further including an inflatable chamber formed between said sleeve and said access sleeve.
20. An access port device as claimed in claim 19, wherein said outer annular sealing device further includes a flexible annular extension extending radially inwardly from said outer annular sealing device, said annular extension including a inner annular biasing surface facing outwardly from the patient’s body.
21. An access port device as claimed in claim 20, wherein said annular extension includes a circumferentially unsupported annular floating edge.
22. An access port device as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21, further including a gas chamber positioned adjacent said inner annular biasing surface to collect gas leaking between said sleeve and the patient’s body.
23. An access port device as claimed in any of claims 20 to 22, wherein said flexible annular extension is generally flat.
24. An access port device as claimed in claim 22, wherein said outer annular sealing device includes an upper annular overhang positioned opposite and spaced from said flexible annular extension, said gas chamber being positioned between said upper annular overhang and said flexible annular extension.
25. An access port device as claimed in claim 20, said outer annular sealing device further including an outer biasing surface facing said inflatable chamber to cause gas pressure in said inflatable chamber to apply a gas pressure sealing force against said outer biasing surface to bias said outer annular sealing device into abutment with the patient’s outer surface.
26. An access port device for use in surgery, comprising:
a first sleeve of flexible material including a proximal end and a distal end, and forming an access opening positionable in an incision in a patient’s body; and
a leakage minimizing means for minimizing gas leakage from between said first sleeve and the patient’s body, said leakage minimizing means including an outer annular sealing device attached to said proximal end of said first sleeve, an inner annular sealing device attached to said distal end of said first sleeve for abutting and sealingly engaging an inner surface of a body cavity of the patient, and a sealing force applying means for causing leakage gas between said first sleeve and the patient’s body to apply a sealing force against said outer annular sealing device to bias said outer annular sealing device toward the patient.
27. An access port device as claimed in claim 26, further including a second sleeve of flexible material positioned adjacent to said first sleeve and an inflatable chamber formed between said first sleeve and said second sleeve.
28. An access port device as claimed in claim 27, wherein said sealing force applying means includes a flexible annular extension extending radially inwardly from said outer annular sealing device and an inner biasing surface facing outwardly away from the patient’s body.
29. An access port device as claimed in claim 28, wherein said annular extension includes a circumferentially unsupported annular floating edge.
30. An access port device as claimed in any of claims 26 to 29 wherein said sealing force applying means further includes a leakage gas chamber means positioned adjacent said outer annular sealing device for collecting gas leakage between said first sleeve and the patient’s body.
31. An access port device as claimed in claim 28, wherein said sealing force applying means further includes a gas chamber positioned adjacent said inner biasing surface to collect gas leaking between said first sleeve and the patient’s body.
32. An access port device as claimed in claim 31, wherein said flexible annular extension is generally flat.
33. An access port device as claimed in claim 32, wherein said outer annular ring includes an upper annular overhang positioned opposite and spaced from said flexible annular extension, said gas chamber being positioned between said upper annular overhang and said flexible annular extension.
34. An access port device as claimed in claim 26, wherein said leakage minimizing means includes sizing said first sleeve to fit closely to the patient’s cavity wall to cause a sealing force to bias said outer annular sealing device into sealing engagement with the patient’s skin.
35. An access port device as claimed in claim 33, wherein sealing force applying means further includes an outer biasing surface formed on said overhang and adapted to receive gas pressure biasing forces tending to bias said overhang into abutment with the patient’s outer surface.
36. An access port device for use in surgery, comprising:
a sleeve of flexible material including a proximal end and a distal end, and forming an access opening positionable in an incision in a patient’s body;
a non adhesive outer annular sealing device attached to said proximal end of said sleeve and adapted to create a non adhesive, substantially gas-tight seal adjacent the patient’s body to prevent gas flow from the patient’s body;
an inner annular scaling device attached to said distal end of said sleeve to secure the access port device internally to the patient; and
an access component sealingly mounted on said outer annular sealing device and extendable into said access opening.
37. An access port device as claimed in claim 36, wherein said access component is removably mounted on said outer annular sealing device.
38. The access port device of claim 37, wherein said non adhesive outer annular sealing device includes a flexible annular extension extending radially inwardly and an inner biasing surface formed on said flexible annular extension and facing outwardly away from the patient’s body.
39. An access port device as claimed in claim 38, wherein said annular extension includes a circumferentially unsupported annular floating edge.
40. An access port device as claimed in claim 38, further including a gas chamber positioned adjacent said inner biasing surface to collect gas leaking between said sleeve and the patient’s body.
41. An access port device as claimed in claim 37, wherein said flexible annular extension is generally flat.
42. A hand access substantially in accordance with either of the embodiments as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
43. A surgical device for use in minimally invasive surgery of the type using an inflated body cavity accessible to a surgeon through an incision, the device being formed to define a sleeve access port for insertion into the incision and having:
mounting means for locating and securing the device in position on a patient;
sealing means to prevent substantial leakage of gas from the body cavity; and
a retractor to limit contact between the sleeve and the incision when in use.
44. A surgical device as claimed in claim 43 wherein the retractor is provided as a deformable tube.
45. A surgical device as claimed in claim 44 wherein the tube has at opposing ends a proximal ring and a distal ring.
46. A surgical device as claimed in claim 45 wherein the proximal and distal rings are formed for substantially airtight engagement with the sleeve and with the patients abdomen.
47. A surgical device as claimed in claim 46 wherein the ring incorporates an adhesive portion for fixing the ring in position.
48. A surgical device as claimed in any of claims 45 to 47 wherein the distal ring is formed for substantially airtight engagement with the sleeve and with the patients internal abdominal wall.
49. A surgical device as claimed in any of claims 45 to 48 wherein engagement between the proximal ring and sleeve is provided by a skirt carried on the sleeve and having a rim formed for releasable engagement to the ring.
50. A surgical device as claimed in claim 49 wherein the ring and skirt are integrally formed.
51. A surgical device as claimed in claim 49 or 50 wherein the skirt has an integrally formed glove for receiving a surgeons hand.
52. A surgical device as claimed in any of claims 49 to 51 wherein the skirt has an integrally formed pocket for receiving a surgical instrument.
53. A surgical device as claimed in any of claims 49 or 52 wherein the skirt has a recessed receiver formed for engagement with a ring
54. A surgical device as claimed in any of claims 49 or 53 wherein the skirt has a recessed receiver formed for engagement with a surgeons glove.
55. A surgical device as claimed in any of claims 45 to 54 wherein, the proximal ring incorporates a flexible gas retaining ring extending down from the proximal ring and formed for engagement against a patients skin when in position to define a gas retention chamber.
56. A surgical device as claimed in claim 55 wherein the gas retaining ring is inflatably movable between an insertion position and an in use position.
57. A surgical device as claimed in claim 55 or 56 wherein the gas retaining ring is provided by a collapsible bellows ring.
58. A surgical device as claimed in claim any of claims 43 to 57 wherein the device incorporates a retractor-positioning device.
58. A surgical device as claimed in claim 58 when dependent on claim 45 wherein, the retractor-positioning device has means for releaseably engaging the proximal ring and the distal ring.
59. A surgical device as claimed in claim 58 wherein the means for engaging the proximal ring and the distal ring are movable between a retracted position and a locating position.
60. A surgical device as claimed in claim 58 or claim 59 wherein the means for engaging the proximal ring and the distal ring are telescopically movable.
61. A surgical device as claimed in any of claims 45 to 60 wherein the proximal ring supports a flexible web, said web in turn defining a hole for receiving the sleeve.
62. A surgical device as claimed in any of claims 43 to 61 wherein the device incorporates a collapsible support scaffold, the scaffold being formed for supporting the device in an operative state and collapsible to provide a surgeon free access to the incision.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A self reversible inverted latex comprising;
an oily phase;
an aqueous phase;
at least one water-in-oil emulsifying agent; and
at least one oil-in-water emulsifying agent comprising 25% to 70% by weight of a crosslinked cationic copolymer,
wherein the crosslinked cationic copolymer is formed by inverse emulsion polymerization, and the crosslinked cationic compolymer comprises:
from about 55% to about 95% of the monomeric units being acrylamide;
from about 5% to about 35% of the monomeric units being at least one cationic monomer;
from about 0.1% to about 5% of the monomeric units being at least one nonionic surfactant monomer of the formula (I):
A-C(\u2550O)\u2014O\u2014(CH2\u2014CH(R1)\u2014On\u2014R\u2003\u2003(I),
wherein:
(i) n is from 1 to 10,
(ii) A is a vinyl radical,
(iii) R1 comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a methyl radical, and an ethyl radical, and
(iv) R is a lauryl radical; and
from about 0.005% to about 1% of a crosslinking agent, expressed relative to the monomers used,
wherein said percentages are expressed in terms of monomeric units.
2. The self reversible inverted latex according to claim 1, wherein the acrylamide of the crosslinked cationic compolymer is an ethoxylated derivative thereof having a molecular weight in the range of from about 400 to about 1000.
3. The self reversible inverted latex according to claim 1, wherein the cationic monomer comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of:
a) 2, N,N,N-tetramethyl-2-(1-oxo-2-propenyl)amino propanammonium chloride (AMPTAC),
b) 2, N,N-trimethyl-2-(1-oxo-2-propenyl)amino propanammonium chloride,
c) N,N,N-trimethyl-3-(1-oxo-2-propenyl)amino propanammonium chloride (APTAC),
d) diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC),
e) N,N,N-trimethyl-2-(1-oxo-2-propenyl) ethanammonium chloride,
f) N,N,N-trimethyl-2-(1-oxo-2-methyl-2-propenyl) ethanammonium chloride,
g) N-2-(dimethylamino)-1,1-dimethylacrylamide, N-2-(methylamino)-1,1-dimethylacrylamide,2-(dimethylamino) ethyl acrylate,
h) 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, and
i) N-3-(dimethylamino)propylacrylamide.