Abstract: A radiolucent surgical table (40) is provided with a low shadow accessory interface profile (70). The interface profile includes a plurality of interconnected curved surfaces formed along the entire outer edge of the patient support member for selective attachment to a range of medical accessory devices. The support interface includes a non-planar first connection area (72) having a recess (82) and a curved lip area (90) adapted to engage correspondingly formed surfaces (122, 126) on a medical accessory connector (110, 140). A second connection area (76) of the support interface (70) includes a planar locating surface (100) formed at an angle oblique with the top surface (74) of the patient support member. Engagement with the locating surface by corresponding surfaces formed on the medical accessory connectors (110, 140) generate a downward force that causes an increase in the engagement forces between the recess and lip areas of the interface and corresponding surfaces on the accessory connectors.

Abstract: A radiolucent surgical table is provided with a patient support member and includes a low shadow accessory interface profile formed by a plurality of interconnected curved surfaces disposed along the outer edge of the patient support member for selective attachment of a range of medical accessory devices. A clamping apparatus secures associated accessories to the outer edge, which has a top recess and an essentially planar and non-vertical side surface slanting inwardly from top to bottom and terminating in a flared lower edge extending beyond the bottom of the patient support member. The clamping apparatus includes an upper jaw member which has a downwardly projecting lip formed to conformably engage a section of the top recess. A lower jaw member is also included and has a hook region formed to surroundingly engage a section of the flared lower edge. The upper and lower jaw members are joined.

Abstract: An orthopedic traction apparatus includes in coaxial arrangement, a first tubular member anchored to a operating table or other stationary structure supporting a patient, and a second tubular member telescopically moving within the first one. A hand-crank and jack-screw mechanism is used to vary the position of the second member in relation to the first member. A tensiometer is provided at the distal end of the second member proximate a fixture adapted for attachment to a part of a patient's body. The tensiometer is based on a compressible, calibrated coil spring and is provided with a vernier scale for convenient and precise adjustment of the traction force. Alternately, the tensiometer uses a load-cell driving a digital read-out.

Abstract: An orthopedic traction apparatus includes in coaxial arrangement, a first tubular member anchored to a operating table or other stationary structure supporting a patient, and a second tubular member telescopically moving within the first one. A hand-crank and jack-screw mechanism is used to vary the position of the second member in relation to the first member. A tensiometer is provided at the distal end of the second member proximate a fixture adapted for attachment to a part of a patient's body. The tensiometer is based on a compressible, calibrated coil spring and is provided with a vernier scale for convenient and precise adjustment of the traction force. Alternately, the tensiometer uses a load-cell driving a digital read-out.

Abstract: A radiolucent surgical table is provided with a patient support member and includes a low shadow accessory interface profile formed by a plurality of interconnected curved surfaces disposed along the outer edge of the patient support member for selective attachment of a range of medical accessory devices. A clamping apparatus secures associated accessories to the outer edge, which has a top recess and an essentially planar and non-vertical side surface slanting inwardly from top to bottom and terminating in a flared lower edge extending beyond the bottom of the patient support member. The clamping apparatus includes an upper jaw member which has a downwardly projecting lip formed to conformably engage a section of the top recess. A lower jaw member is also included and has a hook region formed to surroundingly engage a section of the flared lower edge. A means is provided for joining the upper and lower jaw members.

Abstract: A radiolucent surgical table is provided with a patient support member and includes a low shadow accessory interface profile formed by a plurality of interconnected curved surfaces disposed along the outer edge of the patient support member for selective attachment of a range of medical accessory devices. A clamping apparatus secures associated accessories to the outer edge, which has a top recess and an essentially planar and non-vertical side surface slanting inwardly from top to bottom and terminating in a flared lower edge extending beyond the bottom of the patient support member. The clamping apparatus includes an upper jaw member which has a downwardly projecting lip formed to conformably engage a section of the top recess. A lower jaw member is also included and has a hook region formed to surroundingly engage a section of the flared lower edge. A means is provided for joining the upper and lower jaw members.

Abstract: A voice controlled surgical suite is provided for controlling a plurality of surgical apparatus by a single human. The system includes a voice recognition device adapted to recognize a plurality of predetermined speech commands from a single human and to generate a corresponding set of command output signals. A surgical table is operatively connected with the voice recognition device and is responsive to a first set of the command output signals to initiate selected surgical table movements. A surgical lighthead is similarly connected with the voice recognition system and is responsive to a second set of the command output signals to initiate selected surgical lighthead operations. In addition, surgical camera and task light devices are included in the system and are responsive to fourth and third sets of command output signals, respectively, generated by the voice recognition device to initiate selected surgical camera and surgical task light operations.

Abstract: A surgical task light is provided including a light source adapted to generate light. An elongate optical fiber carries the light generated by the light source to a remote target site. The optical fiber includes a proximal end for receiving the light generated by the light source and a distal end for emitting the light. A support member supports the optical fiber relative to the ceiling of an associated operating room and holds the optical fiber in a plurality of selected positions. A lens device is carried on the distal end of the optical fiber for focusing the light emitted from the distal end of the optical fiber into a desired selected pattern. A sterile sheath member in combination with the surgical task light provides a sterile barrier between the surgical area and the mechanical and optical portions of the task light. A re-lamping module includes a replaceable light bulb module carrying a light bulb to help facilitate replacement of the light bulb by maintenance personnel.

Abstract: An accessory (26,28) for selectively coupling with an orthopedic table (A) supports a patient's leg during surgery. The accessory includes a unitary support member (42) formed from a radiolucent material, such as carbon fiber. A joint assembly (40) pivotably and removably mounts the accessory to a side rail (24) of the table.

Abstract: A crutch is disclosed for providing assistance to individuals who have been injured or are physically challenged. The crutch includes two members capable of telescoping adjustment to accommodate the height of a user. A special shoulder support is used to provide comfortable support to the underarm of the user. The crutch also includes a rectangular foot, which is used to provide a more secure contact with the ground. The foot is specially designed so that is may flex in a manner similar to that of a human foot. The crutch is also capable of supporting multiple accessory items such as a beverage container and a briefcase.

Abstract: An orthopedic table for supporting a patient in a desired position includes a support for the upper body of the patient and a support for the sacrum of the patient that move together transversely of the longitudinal axis of the table. The table permits positioning or repositioning of a patient on the table without causing the patient to experience undue physical trauma. The table affords convenient access by a surgeon to all parts of the patient's body. The table also permits improved examination of the patient's body with image-amplification equipment.

Abstract: A movable member mounted in an opening in the back support section of a multisectioned surgical table. The movable member is so pivotally connected to a portion of the perimeter of the opening that the movable member can assume a range of articulated positions relative to the back section for lifting portions of the patient's body. The movable member has contoured edges for providing a smooth, preferably padded surface against which the portions of the patient's body can be supported and restrained against lateral rolling. The edges of the movable member are preferably also contoured to define a perineal cutout. Means are provided for locking the movable member into selective positions within the range of articulated positions.

Abstract: An assembly for permitting a sterile person to control adjustable equipment in a sterile field without contamination to the person or the field. The assembly includes a cover having two halves which can be folded together over the handle of the equipment in a closed position to isolate the handle from the sterile field. A flap on the cover isolates a control panel on the equipment from the sterile field. The assembly also includes a container in which the cover is sterilized and with which the cover is so applied to the handle following sterilization that the container provides a barrier against contamination of the exterior of the cover during such application. The container is structured to maintain the cover in a partially closed position and is adapted to be so deformed that the container can move the cover from the partially closed position to a closed position around the handle.