Abstract: A projector comprises optical elements arranged each to constitute a passage port comprising, on the one hand, a first lens (d.sub.1) ensuring focussing of the light source (3) in the plane to be illuminated, whilst optimizing the correction of optical aberrations and, on the other hand, a second lens (d.sub.2) ensuring a multiplication of the image of the source to permit rendering uniform the illumination in the illuminated plane.

Abstract: A field-of-operation illuminating device has at least one discharge lamp concentrically surrounded by several halide incandescent lamps at its bottom, which faces the field of operation. The discharge lamp is accommodated in a stationary reflector and illuminates the recesses of the field. The incandescent lamps are mounted in reflectors that can be adjusted so that their beams will overlap in the field. In the event of power outage or failure of the mains, power is supplied to the lamps from a battery-supported substitute source. The incandescent lamps, due to their thermal inertia, continue to burn almost uninterruptedly, whereas the discharge lamp remains off long enough to cool-down before being restarted. The advantages are less heat during normal operation and immediate availability of the incandescent lamps in an emergency.

Abstract: A removable handle for a surgical light fixture includes a tubular handle, a circular shield, and a threaded portion. The circular shield includes two living hinges which permit the shield to be folded down against the handle for storage. A plurality of tabs are disposed on the lower face of the shield, and a matching indentation is formed on the lower end of the handle, to enable two handles to be frictionally engaged together by engaging the tabs of one handle with the indentations of the other. The handle is attached to a light fixture by means of an adapter which includes at least one projecting portion which presses against and deforms the circular shield and prevent the living hinges from hinging, thereby causing the folding portions of the circular shield to be held rigidly in place while the handle is attached to the light fixture.

Abstract: A disposable cover for a handle of a fixture which is normally positioned within a sterile field comprises first and second panels formed of flexible, medical grade plastic film material bonded together at portions of their respective perimeters to form a receptacle including an open cuff merging with a hollow sleeve which is closed except at the cuff and is shaped and dimensioned to receive a grip portion of the handle.

Abstract: A luminaire for use during a medical procedure utilizes a single optic fiber for providing a beam of light having an initial beam width and an initial beam energy. The width of the beam is adjustable without substantially decreasing the beam energy, and the beam of adjusted width can be directed onto a surgical field. A headband for mounting a luminaire is formed of a perspiration-absorbent cloth strip, has hook-and-clasp engagement, and includes a luminaire mount.

Abstract: A lamp housing for a surgical lamp having a light exit opening at one end thereof, an access opening disposed on a side opposite from the light exit opening and a cover member for closing the access opening. The cover member is attached to a pivotable spring member located in the interior of the housing. The cover member is held in the access opening through spring action by a flange-type circumferential flange on the inside of an edge surrounding the access opening. The spring member is a leaf spring connected to the cover member and is pivotably hinged to the interior of the lamp housing. By applying external pressure to the cover member, the cover member is inserted into the housing and shifted along the interior of the lamp housing by a swivel motion to the extent that access, for example, for changing the bulb, without difficulty.

Abstract: A surgical or clinical lamp handle or adjusting means covering, barrier, shield or prophylactic comprised of a thin, tear-resistant elastic material which is disposable after a single use for covering the exposed surfaces of each of several different shaped and sized surgical or clinical lamp handles or adjusting means, as well as the handle or adjusting means elements which support and connect the handle or adjusting means to the surgical or clinical lamp for preventing the spread of infectious disease.

Abstract: A folding surgical light handle is made from an inexpensive light weight material and can be made as a single part including a handle body with a grip portion, a flange, and an integral connecting member which links the handle body and flange together through a pair of hinged connections. The hinged connecting member enables the light handle to be folded for convenient storage and to be quickly unfolded when the light handle is needed. A threaded head integral to the flange portion provides a way for the light handle to be installed on a surgical light fixture.

Abstract: A plurality of light emitting diodes are secured coaxially around the lower end of a cylindrical objective lens housing in radially spaced, circular arrays or rings disposed coaxially of the housing. The diodes in each ring are equi-angularly spaced from each other about the axis of the housing; and their light emitting ends overlie a work table so as to direct beams of light obliquely downwardly onto an object supported thereon. The diodes are energizable in generally pie-shaped sectors disposed coaxially of the housing so that arcuate clusters of diodes in a given segment may be illuminated to enable the orientation of the resultant illumination to be varied. The diodes of each ring may have their beam axes inclined at different angles to the axis of the housing so that the inclination of the projected illumination may be varied by selected energization of the rings; and a collimating lens may be secured over the light emitting end of each diode.

Abstract: A disposable sterile cover for a contoured handle of a surgical lighting fixture, which is formed from a thin-walled flexible material and shaped to match the configuration of the contoured handle. The sterile disposable cover is fitted around the contoured handle in order to prevent the hands of surgical personnel from directly touching the handle when moving and/or focusing the lighting fixture during surgery. The cover includes a flange portion and an elongated, cylindrically-shaped, hollow grip portion. The grip portion has a plurality of elongated expandable channels formed therein, which facilitate fitting the cover over the contoured handle. The disposable cover may be used with contoured handles having different configurations. In an alternative embodiment, a length of tape, having pressure sensitive adhesive applied thereto, is attached to the disposable cover, and may be wrapped around the cover for the purpose of securing the cover to the handle.

Abstract: A small, lightweight, high intensity illumination assembly for use in dental and medical applications. The illumination assembly includes attachment means for removable attachment to headgear such as eyeglasses, face shields, or headbands, and lenses, loupes, and binoculars associated with such headgear. The illumination assembly is able to achieve extremely light weight by using only a single optical element therein, e.g., an aspheric condensing lens, binary optical element, or holographic optical means, and by piping illumination to the optical element from a remote light source by use of a flexible light guide, e.g., a fiberoptic bundle.

Abstract: The mask has a cap from which two deformable legs protrude. The legs are deformed to permit the outermost parts of the legs to be snapped into a groove in the socket that carries the lamp of the dental light. The mask is not attached to a reflector shield, thereby simplifying the manufacture of the overall lamp.

Abstract: A method and a device is described. The probe device is a leading probe for surgical procedures which includes both instrument access and illumination. The leading probe device includes an annular arrangement of a plurality of light transmission fibers about a central instrument-receiving working channel. The leading probe may be fixed on the outer wall of the eye by a notched footplate with suitable suture material. Alternatively, the present invention device may have an appropriate adhesive member for securing the leading probe at the surface of the eyeball.

Abstract: A disposable cover for an operating room lighting fixture handle comprises a sheath attached to a generally flat flange. At least one tab is integrally formed projecting from the flange, to provide a snap fit between the flange and a recessed area on the light fixture handle. Two covers may be conveniently packaged within a compact envelope by engaging the locking tabs of each cover with those of the other.

Abstract: An assembly for attachment to a conventional operating room light fixture includes a handle and a disposable cover. The handle has an upper portion adapted to be attached to the light fixture. The handle further includes an annular rigid disk at a central portion thereof and an annular ring provided below the annular rigid handle flange and defining a groove therebetween. A grip portion is provided at a lower portion of the handle. The assembly also includes a sterile, disposable cover, including a hollow grip cover having a closed end and a flexible flange formed integrally with the grip cover at an open end thereof and adapted to be fitted over the grip portion of the handle and advanced thereon. The disposable cover further includes a circular rigid cover flange attached to the flexible flange and curved away from the rigid disk when the grip cover is fitted over the grip portion of the handle, with the rigid disk restraining further advancement of the rigid cover flange.

Abstract: A handle system for dental operatory lights of the type in which a light head is mounted to be moved in space and oriented in direction to focus and direct light through a lens includes a pair of mounting posts carried at opposite sides of the light, the posts being approximately mirror image duplicates of each other, and a pair of approximately identical interchangeable symmetrical handle members. Each handle member includes a mounting head portion and a grip portion. The mounting head has a transverse channel extending between its opposite sides, having a cross-sectional configuration adapted to register with either of the posts. The opposite sides of the mounting head are configured as a hilt. The grip is held at a canted orientation with respect to the lens. The mounting heads and posts carry intercooperable latching structure.

Abstract: A handgrip for an electro-optical diagnostic-device set comprises a tubularly-shaped battery housing (10) for receiving variously-shaped energy sources (31, 33, 36, 38) therein to energize a lamp of an instrument head at a second end of the tubularly-shaped battery housing. There is a set of releasable end covers 40 for an opposite, first, end of the tubularly-shaped battery housing, with each of the end covers having a substantially identical cover attaching element (42) as that of the other end covers for mating with an opposite housing attaching element of the housing, but with each end cover being shaped differently from the other end covers, so as to accommodate an energy source different from energy sources accommodated by the other end covers.

Abstract: A laryngoscope handle includes a switch assembly for creating an electrical circuit between a lamp and a battery when a laryngoscope blade attached to the handle is moved into a working position.

Abstract: An operating theater lamp especially adapted for medical operations carried ut using endoscopes has a housing (11), a reflector (12) and a main light source (13). Additional lamps (17a; 17b) are arranged on the housing (11) which respectively transmit an auxiliary light beam (18) in the opposite direction to the main light beam (19).

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.

Abstract: The first purpose of the invention is to provide cordless light irradiation in which a stable amount of light is emitted when irradiating, and moreover, the device can be made compact. The second purpose is to offer a cordless light irradiation device that can control the battery temperature during use to a lower temperature than in the past.Halogen lamp 1 equipped with a reflective mirror and batteries 4 are housed in handpiece 2. The device is equipped with battery case 3 that is provided with ventilation holes 5, cooling fan 6 and optical filter 7, and lamp guide 8 is provided on the terminal of handpiece 2.

Abstract: A room lighting system specially suited for medical procedures. The system includes first and second light assemblies adapted to be mounted in the ceiling of the procedure room and each including a lamp movable between a plurality of angular positions. The lamps are controlled by a wall control unit mounted in a wall of the procedure room or by a remote control unit including an infrared transmitter communicating with an infrared receiver mounted in the wall control unit. The light assemblies can be controlled individually as to both intensity and angular position either from the wall control unit or from the remote control unit. Each light assembly includes a transformer which receives line power and steps the line power down to a 24 volt circuit to control the intensity of the lamp and a 12 volt circuit which includes all of the controls for the light assembly.

Abstract: A high illumination level lighting system. The system comprises a light source module and a lighthead. The light source module is remote from the lighthead. An elongated light piping member has a first end in said light source module and a second end adjacent said light head. Light energy from the light source module is transported by the light piping member to the lighthead which collects the light energy from the second end of the light piping member, controls it and directs it in a desired pattern onto a site to be illuminated. A support assembly is provided for the light head. The support assembly may hold the light head in fixed position, or it may be adjustable so as to hold the light head in adjusted positions. The light source module may be provided with filter elements to eliminate unwanted wave lengths, heat, and to provide color temperature control.

Abstract: A work place light fixture is presented wherein a shielding is provided for improved heat elimination and avoids heating of the reflector, this shielding being fashioned transparently at least in the region of the light which charges the reflector and essentially contains only face-side cooling air entry apertures lying in front of the reflector and exit apertures lying behind the reflector.

Abstract: An ambient air cooled high intensity light emitting instrument in which the lamp is contained in a heat sink mounted within the housing. The housing contains a plurality of vent holes which circumscribe the heat sink. As heat from the light is conducted along the heat sink when the instrument is in use, the heat emanates into the chamber surrounding the heat sink, and rises through the vent holes to the surrounding atmosphere, generating a thermal current which replaces the departing hot air with cooler air from the atmosphere.

Abstract: A fiber optic illumination system is supported upon the wrist and finger of a dentist, oral surgeon, or physician for lighting the oral cavity or other field of operation. A wrist-supported case houses a light bulb, battery, and switch for providing a source of light. A flexible fiber optic conductor conveys the light from the wrist-supported case to a finger supported lens for directing the beam of light in a direction controlled by movements of the finger. A quick release coupling allows the fiber optic conductor to be removed from the wrist supported case for sterilization of the components that come in contact with the patient. A remote light source can also be coupled to a light tunnel within the wrist-supported case for supplying light to the finger-supported lens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact surgical headlamp capable of dynamic adjustment of the resulting field of illumination, comprising at least a single core fiber optic delivery light guide, an adjustable light projection system, and a mounting mechanism for movably supporting the headlamp proximate to the surgeon's eyes. A receiving block is also provided for supporting the structure of the projection system and for coupling the delivery fiber thereto. The projection system comprises a cylindrical housing mount adapted with a centrally disposed cylindrical cavity for receiving the ferruled, output end of the delivery fiber and for allowing the light output therefrom to initially diverge within the cavity of the housing mount.

Abstract: A hand-held compact diagnostic device is provided with a pair of instrument heads each requiring an independent source of illumination. The instrument heads may be rotated into a fully extended position and once therein, may be smoothly turned through 360 degrees in consecutive ninety degree intervals to accommodate any preferred orientation desired by the user. Each instrument head is biased in the fully extended position and a rotated closed position. Each instrument head is also adjustably biased to an aligned position for proper closure by the interaction of an adjustment collar with a pair of ball detents. The adjustment collar further biases each head in three additional positions at ninety degree intervals for use when fully extended. A pair of central terminals maintain continuous contact between each rotatable head of the device while a pair of radial terminals are in electrical contact only when the instrument head is in a fully extended position.

Abstract: A field of action light allowing lamp replacement in the voltage-free condition of the socket without prior disconnection of the power supply. The base and the lamp form a structural unit that is held is easily detachable fashion in the housing of the light fixture, wherein the base is provided with electrical wiper contacts that interact such with corresponding cooperating contacts in the housing of the light fixture that a contacting of the electrical contacts automatically ensues upon introduction of the structural unit into the housing and a separation of the electrical contacts automatically ensues with the detachment of the structural unit from the housing. A mechanism for axially adjusting the position of the lamp with respect to the reflector is provided.

Abstract: A disposable sterile covering for the handle of a dental light or surgical light is provided for reducing the risk of contamination arising when treating patients. The sterile covering is sufficiently flexible to stretch over the entire handle of a dental light without slipping, while being sufficiently resilient to withstand gripping forces applied to its ends. One or more tear strips extend along the covering, and when the tear strips are removed, the covering will separate into two or more parts, which can then be easily removed from the light.

Abstract: An illumination system for optical equipment, such as an operating microscope, includes at least two separate illuminating beam paths, a first light source, and a lamp housing. At least one additional light source is provided on a rotatable lamp quick-change attachment. When the first light source fails, the first light source is automatically replaced with the additional light source.

Abstract: A lamp for surgical illumination includes at least one reflector and at least one light source that are displaceable with respect to the one another by means for automatically adjusting the concentration of the light rays on an operating field. The direction of displacement of the light source or reflector is a function of the outcome of comparison, performed by a comparator, between the current algebraic value of the measurement of the luminous intensity of the light reflected by the operating field, with that of a previously performed measurement. The intensity is measured with a device which is sensitive to the light and is accommodated in a gripping handle. Touching of a sensor on the handle actuates a cycle of adjustment, in the course of which a plurality of measurements of the luminous intensity and displacements of the light source are performed jointly with the displacement of the light source, to arrive at the optimal optical concentration.

Abstract: In a surgery lamp with at least one arm which is divided by several uniaxial joints consisting of several parts, a lamp head being fastened to its one end, and its other end is held stationary, the arm has a spring counterbalance for counterbalancing the lamp head when it is moved; the locking of the joints is electrically variable, and the release for adjustment followed by locking is performed through a switch. The joints are constructed with a sealed channel disposed in one joint member concentrically with the joint axis filled with an electroviscous fluid into which projections of the other joint member reach. The annular channel and the members form a pair of poles for the application of a voltage to the electroviscous fluid, whereby the joint members can be rendered relatively immovable.

Abstract: A frontal illumination system includes a light source and a finite plurality of reflecting surfaces. The reflecting surfaces can be characterized as the inner surfaces of a set of conical frustums arranged to approximate the illumination coming from the inner surface of a hemisphere. The light source is located within or adjacent to at least one of the reflecting surfaces. It emits light that is reflected off opposing portions of at least one, and preferably all, of the surfaces. The system is capable of illuminating the object from a very large solid angle, even though it is disposed in a substantially short axial space.

Abstract: A surgeons headlight system which comprises a short arc xenon lamp in optical communication with a proximal end of a light pipe. The light pipe having beam shaping optics located at a distal end thereof. The light pipe also having a first long section which is fixed in an elevated manner and a second tethered section which defines, at least in part, an umbilical. The distal end of the light pipe which comprises the beam shaping optics being supported solely by the surgeons cap. The headlight system delivering illumination of not less than 2500 foot candles over a three inch diameter circle, and causing less than 10 grams of pull to the surgeons cap.

Abstract: An assembly for attachment to a conventional operating room light fixture includes a handle and a disposable cover. The handle has an upper portion adapted to be attached to the light fixture. The handle further includes an annular rigid disk at a central portion thereof and an annular ring provided below the annular rigid handle flange and defining a groove therebetween. A grip portion is provided at a lower portion of the handle. The assembly also includes a sterile, disposable cover, including a hollow grip cover having a closed end and a flexible flange formed integrally with the grip cover at an open end thereof and adapted to be fitted over the grip portion of the handle and advanced thereon. The disposable cover further includes a circular rigid cover flange attached to the flexible flange and curved away from the rigid disk when the grip cover is fitted over the grip portion of the handle, with the rigid disk restraining further advancement of the rigid cover flange.

Abstract: A lighting device for a surgical operating room comprises a light source for generating visible electromagnetic radiation, at least one light output operatively connected to the light source for emitting and directing the electromagnetic radiation, and an attachment component connected to the light output for removably attaching the light output to a patient. The light output or outlets are mounted to a surgical retractor or, alternatively, to a flexible tube with an adhesive layer for temporarily binding the tube to a skin surface of the patient. The tube is also provided with a form retention element for enabling the tube to be bent to conform to a surgical site. A disposable transparent sheath surrounds the tube or the retractor. Other forms of the lighting device include goosenecks and a frame disposable on the operating table over the patient. In every case, the light source is a cold light source, i.e. spaced from the light output or outlets by an optical fiber.

Abstract: A lighting system for a surgical operating room comprises a light source for emitting electromagnetic radiation, a support for holding the light source above an operating table in the operating room, the light source being movably mounted to the support, and a drive operatively coupled to the light source for automatically moving the light source relative to the support. An activator or control disposed in proximity to the operating table is operatively connected to the drive for controllably energizing the drive in response to manipulations by a surgeon working at the operating table.

Abstract: An operating theatre lamp comprises a housing provided at the bottom with a light outlet opening (12) and in which a light source (13) is centrally arranged. The light source emits light all around toward a main ring concave reflector (14) which is mounted in the housing and deflects the incident light rays towards the light outlet opening (12) and concentrates them on a site of operation (15). At least one auxiliary ring reflector (17, 18) is provided between the light source (13) and the main reflector (14) outside of the light rays extending from the light source (13) toward the main reflector (14) which receives the light rays which would normally pass at the side of the main reflector (14) and deflects them toward locations of the main reflector (14) at which they are deflected toward the site of operation.

Abstract: Handle for manipulating a lamp above an operating table including a grip portion, a connecting portion above the grip portion for connection to such lamp, said handle including radially outwardly projecting support means between the grip portion and the connecting portion, and a mountable-demountable protective disc fitted over the connecting portion and supported by the support means. Also a package of two such handles lying side by side with tie means holding them together and with a disc underlying and a disc overlying the pair of handles and secured in place.

Abstract: A color-correcting optical delivery system for a dental or medical operatory light in which hue is eliminated. Chromatic aberrations are corrected by canceling the diffractions in the system due to the different wavelengths of the various colors in the projected light.

Abstract: A tip unit is removably affixed to and extends forward from the barrel of a surgical handpiece, for fluid transfer with respect to the surgical site. The tip unit includes a casing extending forward from the handpiece barrel and a fluid transfer tube extending forward from the casing. The fluid transfer tube extends in sealed relation through axially aligned holes in the front and rear walls of the casing for connection with a fluid transfer unit in the handpiece. A lamp at the far end of the tube is energized by a battery unit in the casing under control of a switch accessible at the outside of the casing. A light transmitting enclosure at the far end of the tube protects against liquid contact with the lamp.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a fiber optic lamp system such as those employed in medical diagnostic systems using a cabinet containing a power supply having a front extendible drawer containing a 250 watt focused beam metal halide arc lamp mounted in a removable bracket which includes a sensing tab extension. The bracket sensing tab operates an electrical interlock switch when the proper lamp is properly installed. The interlock switch controls power to the system whose circuit includes pin and floating sleeve electrical connectors which automatically directly completes the circuit to the arc lamp upon the drawer being closed. The amount of light transferred to the fiber optic cable is optimized by offsetting the axis of focused light with respect to the optic cable axis at the cable interface.

Abstract: An operating theatre lamp, for lighting a site of an operation from above, comprises at least one light source, followed by a reflector arrangement (3) which concentrates the light beams issuing from the light source on the site of the operation and by at least one infrared filter (41) which absorbs and/or reflects the predominant portion of the thermal radiation, and which preferably also filters out ultraviolet radiation components. The lamp further comprises at least one closure plate (5) which covers over the reflector arrangement (3) from below and is preferably made of a structured glass which irregularly refracts the light, the radiation of the light source (2) being in particular directed in a predetermined solid angle outwardly towards the reflector arrangement (3), the latter deflecting the light beams (20) downwardly onto the closure plate (5) and towards the site of the operation (7).

Abstract: The lamp handle cover system for surgical lamps includes a semi-permanent, non-disposal surgical lamp handle and its accessory component, a sterile disposable semi-flexible handle cover, which, in combination, provides an aseptic medium by which a surgical team member can manually adjust the operating room lamp during a surgical procedure, thereby preventing accidental or unknown incidental procedure, thereby preventing accidental or unknown incidental contamination. The non-disposable lamp handle includes an ergonomically designed grip handle and a locking/coupling assembly which couples the grip handle to the male component of the conventional surgical lamp. The sterile disposable handle cover is formed from a flexible sleeve closed at one end and having a relatively rigid collar formed about the opposite open end.

Abstract: An operating theatre lamp with a main reflector (13) which illuminates the area of the operation (11) with a convergent main light beam (12) and an auxiliary reflector (15) can be arranged inside the main reflector to deflect a part of the used light beam (16) at a steeper angle to the site of the operation (11).

Abstract: The projector for medical use comprises an illuminating cupola articulately mounted about different axes and provided along its wider outline with a protecting flange of flexible material dimensioned so as to constitute a device for gripping and operating the cupola and defining an inner chamber bounded, on the outer face of the flange by a sufficiently thin wall to be deformed by manual pressure and allowing the operation of control mechanisms of a device for unblocking and reblocking articulation brakes of arm supports of the capola.

Abstract: A toothbrush comprises a hollow, tubular handle (11) which holds two batteries. A shoulder (14) at the forward end of the handle contains a high output light bulb (10). A head (17) extends integrally from one side of the shoulder, while a tuft of bristles (12) is attached to the distal end of the head. Electrical conduits made of a series of sleeves within the handle and an externally mounted bow spring switch (18) constitute a normally open circuit. Holding the toothbrush automatically compresses the switch to turn on the light bulb. When the head and bristles are placed in the mouth, the light bulb projects a beam of bright light across open space onto the external surfaces of the bristles, teeth and plaque. Thus the visibility of the teeth and plaque is greatly improved to facilitate brushing. In addition, the illumination produces a very appealing visual effect which will induce children to brush more frequently and for longer durations.

Abstract: The apparatus is a modular medical lighting system which includes a ceiling-mounted reading light module, examination light module, ambient light module, and a night light module. The reading light is directed toward a selected reading area on a hospital bed directly below the medical lighting system. The examination light illuminates the entire top surface of the hospital bed. The ambient light directs light to a wall abutting the head of the hospital bed thereby providing reflected light to the vicinity of the hospital bed. The night light directs light to a selected side of the bed so as to light a nurse's medical chart clipboard without disturbing the patient. The modules may be provided separately or in combination.

Abstract: An assembly for attachment to a conventional operating room light fixture includes a handle and a disposable cover. The handle has an upper portion adapted to be attached to the light fixture. The handle further includes an annular rigid disk at a central portion thereof and an annular ring provided below the annular rigid handle flange and defining a groove therebetween. A grip portion is provided at a lower portion of the handle. The assembly also includes a sterile, disposable cover, including a hollow grip cover having a closed end and a flexible flange formed integrally with the grip cover at an open end thereof and adapted to be fitted over the grip portion of the handle and advanced thereon. The disposable cover further includes a circular rigid cover flange attached to the flexible flange and curved away from the rigid disk when the grip cover is fitted over the grip portion of the handle, with the rigid disk restraining further advancement of the rigid cover flange.