Abstract: A blade insert illumination system includes one or more illumination elements composed of a transparent or semi-transparent polymer that is preferably biocompatible and sterilizable. The illumination elements operate as a waveguide and may incorporate optical components such as, for example, facets, lenses, gratings, prisms and or diffusers to operate as precision optics for customized delivery of the light energy. The illumination elements may be modular, allowing components to be mixed and matched for different sizes of blade retractors, or may be a single integrated unit.

Abstract: The illumination system comprises an arthroscope, endoscope or other suitable surgical tool and an attachable cannula comprising a transparent or semi-transparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating the surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise by used for the optics of the arthroscope. The arthroscopic illumination system further comprises one or more illumination sources disposed at the proximal end of the cannula. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at the hub or other appropriate location. The cannula comprises a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location.

Abstract: An electro-acupuncture device for controlling nausea. The device includes a wristwatch like housing, circuitry for generating electro-acupuncture stimulus disposed within the housing, and a strap for securing the housing to the wrist. The device also includes a pair of D-shaped electrodes disposed on the bottom outer surface of the housing. A gasket made of an electrically non-conductive material is applied to the bottom outer surface of the housing. The gasket has apertures which are sized and shaped to receive the D-shaped electrodes. When the device is strapped to a patient's wrist, the electrodes contact the wrist and provide electric stimulation to the wrist.

Abstract: A lighting control system is disclosed. The lighting control system includes detector units that communicates with portable RFID modules. Based on the identification and/or detected locations of RFID modules, the detector units control lights within a building. The lighting in further embodiments is a building security system, wherein lighting data, RFID history data and/or occupancy data is transmitted to the central security computer. The central security computer is configured to store lighting data, RFID history data and/or occupancy data, sound alarms and/or enable the operation of one or more remote building systems, such as locks, building doors, building cabinets and commuters.

Abstract: The illumination system described below comprises an arthroscope, endoscope or other suitable surgical tool and an attachable cannula comprising a transparent or semi-transparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating the surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise by used for the optics of the arthroscope. The arthroscopic illumination system further comprises one or more illumination sources disposed at the proximal end of the cannula. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at the hub or other appropriate location. The cannula comprises a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location.

Abstract: An illuminator film system may include one or more pre-cut sections of optical film applied to a waveguide to allow light to exit the waveguide through the film in a predetermined manner. The one or more pre-cut sections may be removed and reapplied during a procedure to redirect the light. A laminated illuminator film may be provided that uses a laminated optical film structure to direct light from a fiber optic input. Such a laminated illuminator film may be very low profile, low cost and easy to apply to a retractor for providing illumination during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: An illuminator film system may include one or more pre-cut sections of optical film applied to a waveguide to allow light to exit the waveguide through the film in a predetermined manner. The one or more pre-cut sections may be removed and reapplied during a procedure to redirect the light. A laminated illuminator film may be provided that uses a laminated optical film structure to direct light from a fiber optic input. Such a laminated illuminator film may be very low profile, low cost and easy to apply to a retractor for providing illumination during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Medical retractors including light guides made of cyclo olefin polymer.

Abstract: An air gap retractor illumination system includes any suitable retractor such as a McCulloch with a channel in the blade to accommodate an air gap illuminator. The illuminator is preferably made from a suitable light conducting plastic material such as acrylic or polycarbonate or silicone. The illuminator has active portions in which light passes and inactive or dead zones in which light does not pass as a result of the configuration and orientation of the input, output and surfaces of the illuminator. The illuminator is formed to have an air gap surrounding any active portion of the illuminator extending from the light input to the light output portion. The dead zones may include elements to allow the illuminator to securely engage the retractor.

Abstract: An adjustable retractor blade may include a vertical blade portion integrated with an adjustable attachment portion, which is used to attach the blade to a support arm or frame. The adjustable portion is compatible with existing retractor support arms or frames and allows the vertical blade's position within the body to be easily adjusted without the need for an assistant.

Abstract: A hydrogel and scrim assembly adapted for use with an electro-acupuncture device to enhance electrical conduction between the device and the skin and to provide an impedance matching layer between the device and the skin. The assembly includes a scrim with conductive hydrogel masses disposed on the surface of the scrim. The hydrogel masses are sized and dimensioned so that when the pad is adapted to the device, the hydrogel masses do not bridge the electrodes to cause a short between the electrodes.

Abstract: An electro-acupuncture device for controlling nausea. The device includes a base unit which is includes a wrist-watch like housing, circuitry for generating electro-acupuncture stimulus disposed within the housing, and a strap for securing the housing to the wrist. The base unit has a standardized construction. The device also includes a releasably attachable electrode assembly. The electrode assembly attaches to the base unit of the device. The electrode assembly includes a pair of electrodes and connectors for connecting the electrodes to the circuitry of the base unit. The output of the device is dependent upon the circuitry of the electrode assembly. Thus various electrode assemblies can be made. The circuitry of the base unit modifies the output of the device depending upon which electrode assembly is attached to the base unit.

Abstract: A nausea control device which provides electrical stimulation to the K9 acupressure point or points on the finger of a patient. Various mounting structures may be used to hold the electrodes in place over the K9 point, and hold the pulse generation circuitry and power supply in convenient location relative to the electrodes and the patient.

Abstract: An electro-acupuncture device for controlling nausea. The device includes a wristwatch like housing, circuitry for generating electro-acupuncture stimulus disposed within the housing, and a strap for securing the housing to the wrist. The device also includes a pair of D-shaped electrodes disposed on the bottom outer surface of the housing. A gasket made of an electrically non-conductive material is applied to the bottom outer surface of the housing. The gasket has apertures which are sized and shaped to receive the D-shaped electrodes. When the device is strapped to a patient's wrist, the electrodes contact the wrist and provide electric stimulation to the wrist.

Abstract: A nausea control device which provides electrical stimulation to the K9 acupressure point or points on the finger of a patient. Various mounting structures may be used to hold the electrodes in place over the K9 point, and hold the pulse generation circuitry and power supply in convenient location relative to the electrodes and the patient.

Abstract: An acupressure device with mechanisms for modulating the pressure applied to the user.

Abstract: An electro-acupuncture device for controlling nausea. The device includes a wristwatch like housing, circuitry for generating electro-acupuncture stimulus disposed within the housing, and a strap for securing the housing to the wrist. The device also includes a pair of D-shaped electrodes disposed on the bottom outer surface of the housing. A gasket made of an electrically non-conductive material is applied to the bottom outer surface of the housing. The gasket has apertures which are sized and shaped to receive the D-shaped electrodes. When the device is strapped to a patient's wrist, the electrodes contact the wrist and provide electric stimulation to the wrist.

Abstract: A method for providing noninvasive electrical stimulation of a single acupuncture site for treatment of menstrual cramps or treating dysmenorrhea.

Abstract: A method of controlling the blood pressure in a patient with high blood pressure or low blood pressure utilizing a non-invasive nerve stimulation device applied to the wrist.

Abstract: A device for providing noninvasive electrical stimulation of a single acupuncture site for treatment of anxiety is disclosed.