Abstract: Glove manufacturing methods can include a hand mandrel and a tube mandrel. The method can include dipping the hand mandrel and the tube mandrel while the mandrels are positioned apart from each other. The method can include bringing the hand mandrel in close proximity to the tube mandrel to enable creating a glove with an attached tube. The tube can be used to hold at least one optical fiber to enable light transmission distally along a finger. In several embodiments, the tube can be used for suction, irrigation, cautery, ultrasound, and/or sensing instruments. Gloves, including surgical gloves, can be made from many different materials including latex, nitrile, neoprene, cloth, leather, and/or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A work glove and illuminator assembly is provided. An illuminator is securely mounted on the glove and oriented to project a light beam distally of the glove toward the work surface when the glove is in use. The illuminator may have a self-contained light source, or utilize fiber optic-transmitted light from a light source remote from the glove. The assembly may comprise a laser generator or may utilize a fiber optic-transmitted laser light from a laser generator remote from the glove. The assembly may further comprise a video camera operably attached to a video receiver, a video monitor and/or a video recorder. In one embodiment of the invention, the illuminator is disposed within the interior of the glove and projects a beam of light through a glove tip which is translucent or transparent. The assembly is particularly suitable for use by health care professionals when examining or operating upon an anatomical part of a patient.