Abstract: An apparatus for connecting two hoses with a quick disconnect feature. A male plug is insertable into a female receiver and latched into position with a latch operator. The male plug is disconnected from the receiver by operating the latch operator or by pulling the male plug out of the receiver.

Abstract: A sheath is disclosed for covering a manually manipulated controller having at least one user accessible control thereon. The sheath is elongated and includes a nose portion and linear side portions forming a sheath perimeter removably secured to a carrier for dispensing the sheath therefrom. The sheath includes at least one shoulder segment having a scalloped first shoulder transition and a curved second shoulder segment. The scalloped first shoulder segment provides expansibility in excess of the expansibility of the curved second shoulder segment, thereby providing flexible material that is readily manipulated without tearing when the sheath covers the controller and the user manipulates the control covered by the sheath.

Abstract: A cover adapted to be received on the distal end of a medical probe or instrument such as an endoscope in such a manner as to not require the application of a retainer. The cover is constructed of two panel members secured one to the other along their respective sides. A throat is defined proximate the first end and is adapted to closely receive the distal end of the medical probe. The first ends of each of the panels are folded over to define a double thickness of material. The first panel member first end extends beyond the second panel member first end to define an extended portion, which provides a mechanism whereby the distal end of the medical probe is easily inserted into the first end of the cover. The second end of the cover is inverted to assist in the application of the cover of the medical probe.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing conditioned air to a patient while maintaining a low profile over the patient. The therapy blanket has an inflatable portion that includes air channels with a constriction in the area where the blanket covers the torso of the patient; thereby reducing, if not eliminating, bunching of the blanket. The blanket covers the torso and at least one extended arm of a patient.

Abstract: A sheath is disclosed for covering a manually manipulated controller having at least one user accessible control thereon. The sheath is elongated and includes a nose portion and linear side portions forming a sheath perimeter removably secured to a carrier for dispensing the sheath therefrom. The sheath includes at least one shoulder segment having a scalloped first shoulder transition and a curved second shoulder segment. The scalloped first shoulder segment provides expansibility in excess of the expansibility of the curved second shoulder segment, thereby providing flexible material that is readily manipulated without tearing when the sheath covers the controller and the user manipulates the control covered by the sheath.

Abstract: A closed loop heat therapy blanket provided for warming a patient to prevent or treat hypothermia. The closed loop heat therapy blanket includes first and second sheets secured to each other such as to define a supply manifold, at least one supply duct, a return manifold and a return duct. The first sheet defines a supply inlet opening into the supply manifold and a return outlet opening from the return duct. Heated air is introduced into the supply manifold and travels through to the return outlet and through an outlet hose. As the heated air travels through the blanket, a portion is communicated through the second sheet and toward the patient. A heat source is provided for collecting and heating ambient air, and for collecting preheated air from the outlet hose. In one embodiment, a humidifier is provided for controlling the moisture in the air being directed toward the patient.

Abstract: A surgical instrument holder for positioning of a surgical tool on the holder for sterilization and containment of sharp ends, The holder includes a first end having a first biased flap for containment of a first end of the tool. A second end of the holder includes a second biased flap for containment of a second end of the tool with each biased flap being folded onto the tool when positioned therebetween to limit longitudinal movement of the tool. A retainer clip is positioned between the first end and the second end and is adapted to receive the surgical tool therethrough to limit the lateral movement of the tool. The first biased flap includes a flap extension for positioning against the surgical tool for biasing the tool in a partially open position during sterilization. A method of preparation of a surgical tool for sterilization is also disclosed.

Abstract: An inflatable thermal blanket (10) for providing a conditioned gas to at least a portion of the body of a human or other animal. The thermal blanket (10) includes an inflatable portion (18) for receiving the conditioned gas under pressure and for being positioned over a portion of the body of the user. The inflatable portion (18) is defined by a base sheet (12) adapted for communicating the conditioned gas to a portion of the body of the user, and an outer sheet (14). The inflatable portion (18) also includes an inlet port (20) for placing the inflatable portion in fluid communication with a source of conditioned gas. The inflatable portion (18) also defines at least one outer channel (30) communicating with the inlet port (20) and at least one inner channel (32) communicating with the outer channel (30).

Abstract: A therapy device for providing heated air to the upper body of a patient and a method of making and using the therapy device have been provided. The therapy device is an inflatable U-shaped tube mounted on a base sheet and having a cover sheet. The patient is placed on the base sheet with the patient's head located between the legs of the tube. The cover sheet is placed over the patient's face. A heated air supply tube is connected to the tube and the heated air inflates the tube and heated air is forced out of the exhaust ports of the tube, thereby providing an environment in which a portion of the patient's body is heated. In one embodiment the exhaust ports are slits cut into the tube sheet material, and the slits are parallel to a tangent line of the tube's sealed edge. The method of fabricating the therapy device includes forming the individual pieces, attaching the tube sheets to form a tube, lancing the tube to form exhaust ports, and attaching the remaining pieces.

Abstract: A therapy device for providing heated air to the upper body of a patient and a method of making and using the therapy device have been provided. The therapy device is an inflatable U-shaped tube mounted on a base sheet and having a cover sheet. The patient is placed on the base sheet with the patient's head located between the legs of the tube. The cover sheet is placed over the patient's face. A heated air supply tube is connected to the tube and the heated air inflates the tube and heated air is forced out of the exhaust ports of the tube, thereby providing an environment in which a portion of the patient's body is heated. In one embodiment the exhaust ports are slits cut into the tube sheet material, and the slits are parallel to a tangent line of the tube's sealed edge. The method of fabricating the therapy device includes forming the individual pieces, attaching the tube sheets to form a tube, lancing the tube to form exhaust ports, and attaching the remaining pieces.

Abstract: A therapy device for providing heated air to the body of a patient through a plurality of V-shaped slits. The therapy device is an inflatable tube. A heated air supply is connected to the tube and the heated air inflates the tube and is forced out of the exhaust ports. The exhaust ports are V-shaped slits. The method of fabricating the therapy device includes forming the individual pieces, attaching the tube sheets to form a tube, lancing the tube to form exhaust ports, and attaching the remaining pieces.

Abstract: An device for covering an elongated medical probe such as a vaginal, rectal, ultra sound or the like type probe. In the preferred embodiment the sheath is tubular and includes a nose and an open end through which the medical probe is inserted. Preferably the sheath is packaged by mounting it on a flexible carrier in a partially elongated position. An adhesive material releasably secures the sheath to the carrier such that the nose of the sheath is inverted and defines a folded nose opening to facilitate positioning the sheath over the tip of a conventional medical probe.