Abstract: An integrated medical workstation for use in patient clinical encounters includes an input device such as a bar code scanner that is interconnected to a computing device. At least one device capable of obtaining at least one physiological parameter is either attached directly to the workstation or is in communication therewith. Preferably, the input scanning device controls at least substantial overall operation of the medical workstation that can be placed, for example, into a network.

Abstract: An integrated medical workstation for use in patient clinical encounters includes an input device such as a bar code scanner that is interconnected to a computing device. At least one device capable of obtaining at least one physiological parameter is either attached directly to the workstation or is in communication therewith. Preferably, the input scanning device controls at least substantial overall operation of the medical workstation that can be placed, for example, into a network.

Abstract: An integrated medical workstation for use in patient clinical encounters includes an input device such as a bar code scanner that is interconnected to a computing device. At least one device capable of obtaining at least one physiological parameter is either attached directly to the workstation or is in communication therewith. Preferably, the input scanning device controls at least substantial overall operation of the medical workstation that can be placed, for example, into a network.

Abstract: An imaging instrument includes a compact hand-held housing having an electronic imaging element supported within a housing, and a plurality of interchangeable instrument heads separably attachable to the housing. Each of the instrument heads includes an optical system disposed in alignment with the electronic imaging element along an instrument viewing axis. Preferably, the instrument includes a controller with sufficient programmable logic to capture and store a plurality of imaging images which can be transferred along with audio and/or annotation data relating to a captured image. Corresponding video, control and audio data can be then transferred using a receiving cradle to a computer which contains software which organizes the stored data for further processing. In a preferred example, the audio files can be transcribed through a network utilizing voice recognition software.

Abstract: A retrofocus objective lens system which is conducive for an otoscope includes a first group of optical elements positioned at a distal portion and a second group of optical elements proximally spaced from the first group of optical elements. The first group of optical elements includes at least one negative small diameter lens while the second group of optical elements include a plurality of small diameter lenses having an aggregate optical power which is positive, allowing an image of interest to be transmitted through the system without any intermediate imaging planes, and without the need for rod lenses. The first and second lens groups are retained in a plurality of linearly interconnected lens tubes such that one lens tubes is linearly adjustable in relation to the remaining lens tubes in order to vary the focal length of the lens system.

Abstract: An imaging instrument includes a compact hand-held housing having an electronic imaging element supported within a housing, and a plurality of interchangeable instrument heads separably attachable to the housing. Each of the instrument heads includes an optical system disposed in alignment with the electronic imaging element along an instrument viewing axis. Preferably, the instrument further includes an integral display for displaying at least one captured or real-time video image as viewed through the instrument head of choice. The instrument includes a controller with sufficient programmable logic to capture and store a plurality of imaging images which can be transferred along with audio and/or annotation data relating to a captured image. Corresponding video and audio data can be then transferred using a receiving cradle to a computer which contains software which organizes the stored data for further processing.

Abstract: A measuring adapter allows a viewing instrument, such as an otoscope or other imaging device, to perform surface examinations without significant modification thereto. The adapter is releasably attachable to the instrument housing and includes a distal optical element retained by an adapter housing which is suitably aligned with the distal tip opening of the diagnostic instrument, when attached thereto, for allowing a target to be viewed at a predetermined distance from the viewing system. According to a preferred embodiment, the adapter includes a baffle which causes illuminated light from the distal tip opening to obliquely impinge onto the optical element in order that a reflected image of the illumination optics is not directed to the viewing system. According to another preferred embodiment, the optical element is skewed relative to the illumination axis of the viewing instrument.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining refractive aberrations of the eye of a patient includes an instrument housing having a light source for projecting a substantially focused beam of light at the back of the eye of a patient, said substantially focused beam acting as a secondary source for a return light path of a fonned outgoing wavefront exiting said eye. An electronic sensor is disposed along said light return path, said electronic sensor having a light detecting surface disposed perpendicular to said return light path, and at least one microoptics array disposed between the electronic sensor and the eye along said return light path.

Abstract: A video otoscope includes an elongated body portion having a conically shaped insertion portion sized for insertion a predetermined distance into an ear canal. The insertion portion includes a tip opening and an interior having a lens system for focusing an optical image of a target onto a distally positioned imager each contained therein. The body portion includes an insufflation port to pressurize or apply a vacuum within the ear canal to allow stimulation of the tympanic membrane. In a preferred embodiment, a clear speculum releasably attached to the insertion portion transmits light to a target within the ear canal, while also allowing insufflated air to be reliably guided to the tip opening.

Abstract: An open end of a hollow member is sealed using a sealing member comprising a layer of sealant between two constraining layers. Force is applied to the sealing member to maintain the sealant in sealing contact with the inner walls of the hollow member. At least one of the constraining layers and/or the means of applying force is sufficiently resilient to accommodate volume changes of the sealant during temperature fluctuations and displacement of the sealant when a substrate is inserted into the hollow member through the sealing member. To facilitate insertion of the substrate through the sealing member, holes and/or slits may be provided in one or both of the constraining layers and/or through the sealant layer.

Abstract: A fixation card attachment for an eye examination instrument that enables the card to be positioned in reference to the optical path of the instrument so that the patient undergoing examination must refocus his or her eye when reading indicia on the card. The card is secured to the instrument by use of a magnetic coupling. The magnetic coupling includes a permanent magnet encapsulated in the front face of the examination instrument and a magnetic strip provided on the back of the fixation card.

Abstract: A retinoscope is provided with a hinged light filter carrier assembly for slidably positioning first and second polarizing filters in the light transmission and viewing passageways. A single actuating lever is provided to move the light filter members into operative position and to retract them out of alignment with the viewing passageways.

Abstract: A streak retinoscope has an external control sleeve that is fully rotatable and is movable axially for rotating the lamp and focusing the lens assembly, respectively. The lens assembly is carried on the lens holder and the lamp assembly is carried on a lamp carrier. The lamp carrier is rotatable but is held against axial motion, while the lens holder sleeve is held against rotation but is movable axially. A sliding gear arrangement is formed wherein the lamp carrier sleeve is configured with axially elongated teeth, thus serving as a sun gear. The outer control sleeve has internal teeth and serves as the ring gear. Planet gears can be carried on the lens carrier sleeve.