Abstract: An optical device includes a shaft, a handle and a camera assembly. The handle is coupled to the shaft at a first end, and the camera assembly is coupled to the shaft at a second end. Camera circuitry and software may be provided in the shaft and the handle, so that, in one embodiment, the device may be constructed with reusable portions of the camera circuitry and software.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for cervical manipulation includes an inner tubular member manufactured from a bendable, semi-rigid material having an inflatable balloon disposed at the distal end and a flexible wire coupled to the wall of a lumen within the inner tubular member, and also includes an outer tubular member within which the inner tubular member reciprocates and which carries at the distal end an applicator member shaped to engage the external os of a cervix.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cervical dilator includes a tubular member having a rounded cap disposed at the distal end, a balloon disposed on the distal portion, a lumen extending longitudinally within the tubular member, and a flexible wire attached to the wall of the lumen. The cervical dilator may be extended inside the uterus of a patient for sounding, and the tubular member will bend but not snap if excessive pressure is applied against a uterine wall, sliding away from the point of contact. The balloon is then properly positioned inside the cervical canal and gradually inflated. In other embodiments, a plurality of tubular members may be included, each reciprocating within another, and one or two applicator members may also be provided, to retain the cervix in position before and after dilation.

Abstract: A cervical tenaculum is provided having an applicator member with a longitudinal lumen and a tubular member dimensioned to reciprocate within the lumen. The applicator and tubular members are first connected one to the other by engaging protrusions extending from the distal end of the tubular member with matching grooves inside the lumen. After positioning the applicator member in the cervical os of a patient, the protrusions are disengaged from the grooves, and the tubular member is disconnected from the applicator member and removed from the patient. The applicator member instead remains positioned in the cervical os and provides access to the uterine cavity by a clinician. In different embodiments, the applicator member is frustoconical in shape and has one or more ridges disposed on its outer surface, and a control arm is connected to the applicator member for accurate positioning into the cervical os.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring cervical dilation are provided that include two biocompatible fasteners affixed to opposing cervical or vaginal walls, and a biocompatible string coupled to the fasteners, yet free to slide between the fasteners. The string has ends extending outside the vaginal opening of the patient, so that changes in cervical dilation can be measured by monitoring the relative movements of the string ends. The heads of the screws are preferably concave, with a loop attached thereon, so that the string can be coupled to the screws by running the string therethrough. Further, the tips of the screws are preferably blunt, to minimize loss of blood and the possible risk of HIV infections.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an apparatus for uterine anesthesia that comprises an outer tube and an inner tube positioned within the outer tube. The apparatus is positioned in the cervical os of a patient and an anesthetic is dispensed through the inner tube. A stopper surrounding the inner tube prevents a drainage of the anesthetic through the interstice between the two tubes, while an applicator surrounding the outer tube prevents a loss of the anesthetic along the cervical walls and into the vaginal canal. The applicator also maintains the cervical os in a dilated position, operating as a tenaculum and providing access to the uterus by a clinician. Methods for providing uterine anesthesia are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for endometrial biopsies, wherein an applicator is disposed on the distal end of an outer tube and an injection device is connected to the proximal end of the same tube. The applicator comprises one or more ridges on its outer surface that anchor the applicator in the cervical os, and that cause the applicator to remain securely positioned and maintain the os in a dilated position during the entire procedure. The ridges may be shaped like protrusions, scalloped edges or grooves, and may be disposed in a helical or circular pattern. A method for performing endometrial biopsies is also provided. The apparatus and methods according to the present invention are configured to minimize discomfort to the patient while facilitating the operation of the clinician.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for cyclically distributing compressed air to a device, such as a therapeutic device, in a compact, cost-effective manner using a cyclic compression device having a base member. The base member preferably includes three plates, whereby an intermediate routing plate serves to route compressed air into tubing associated with the device, without the need for complex and expensive valve arrangements and pressure monitoring systems.

Abstract: Dual program audio apparatus is provided having two or more sources of input audio program signals, switching circuitry for selecting two of the input audio signals for amplification, one or more amplifiers for amplifying the selected input audio program signals, and one or more audio speakers for enabling a listener to hear both audio programs simultaneously. Volume control circuitry is provided for selecting a higher volume level for a foreground program and a relatively lower volume for a background program and circuitry is provided for selectively interchanging the foreground and background programs either instantaneously or gradually and continuously.

Abstract: Dual program audio apparatus is provided having two or more sources of input audio program signals, switching circuitry for selecting two of the input audio signals for amplification, one or more amplifiers for amplifying the selected input audio program signals, and one or more audio speakers for enabling a listener to hear both audio programs simultaneously. Volume control circuitry is provided for selecting a higher volume level for a foreground program and a relatively lower volume for a background program and circuitry is provided for selectively interchanging the foreground and background programs either instantaneously or gradually and continuously.

Abstract: A cutter pick assembly comprises a point attack cutter pick rotatably mounted in a pick box through a sleeve in a bore. In front of the sleeve a hardened metal thrust and seal ring is mounted surrounding the forward end of the pick shank. The ring has a front face which engages in a recess in a shoulder of the pick and the ring both supports the pick against rearwardly directed cutting forces and provides a sufficiently close fit with the pick and the pick box bore to limit passage into the bore of foreign matter that may interfere with rotation of the pick in use. The thrust ring is retained axially in the bore by a spring clip and a further spring clip holds the pick axially in the sleeve, the latter being trapped in the bore by the thrust ring.

Abstract: A cutter pick assembly comprises a point attack cutter pick rotatably mounted in a pick box through a sleeve in a bore. In front of the sleeve a hardened metal thrust and seal ring is mounted surrounding the forward end of the pick shank. The ring has a front face which engages in a recess in a shoulder of the pick and the ring both supports the pick against rearwardly directed cutting forces and provides a sufficiently close fit with the pick and the pick box bore to limit passage into the bore of foreign matter that may interfere with rotation of the pick in use. The thrust ring is retained axially in the bore by a spring clip and a further spring clip holds the pick axially in the sleeve, the latter being trapped in the bore by the thrust ring.