Illuminating Patents (Class 600/199)
  • Publication number: 20100324374
    Abstract: Provided is a laryngeal stroboscope using voice signals. The laryngeal stroboscope includes a photography unit for photographing a patient's vocal cords and a light source for illuminating a part to be photographed, a microphone for sensing the patient's voice, a high-pass filter for passing voice signals of 100 Hz or more among voice signals output from the microphone, a low-pass filter for removing signals of harmonic components from the voice signals output from the high-pass filter and passing only a voice signal in a fundamental frequency band, a peak detector for detecting a peak of the voice signal output from the low-pass filter and obtaining a pitch, and a controller for controlling the light source to intermittently emit light in response to a signal output from the peak detector and controlling the photography unit to operate according to whether or not the light is intermittently emitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: UMEDICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byoung Chul Kim, Kyong Hae Park, Ki Sik Kown, Bum Yong Choi, Jong Won Park, Kyu Won Lee, Jin Choon Lee
  • Patent number: 7771350
    Abstract: A laryngoscope including a laryngoscope blade and laryngoscope handle apparatus including an LED and which may include an ergonomic handle and laryngoscope handle apparatus including an LED and which may include an ergonomic handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Leroy D. Geist, Leroy D. Jutte
  • Publication number: 20100191062
    Abstract: A laryngoscope adaptor cap for use with existing government issue military flashlights designed for use in night time battlefield conditions. A filter disc filters out visible light and a light seal design prevents leakage of visible light from an assembled laryngoscope. The adaptor cap is crush resistant, impact resistant, has a high melting temperature, is disposable and allows the attachment of conventional laryngoscope paddles. It allows for night time endotracheal intubation in conjunction with military issue night vision goggles in the absence of visible light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Lucan Miles Kieffer
  • Patent number: 7720521
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for performing image guided interventional and surgical procedures, including various procedures to treat sinusitis and other disorders of the paranasal sinuses, ears, nose or throat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: John Y. Chang, Joshua Makower, Julia D. Vrany, John H. Morriss, Ketan P. Muni
  • Patent number: 7670287
    Abstract: A medical diagnostic instrument includes a housing containing at least one battery and a light source, such as a lamp, for illuminating a medical target. A switch includes a movable member that selectively moves at least one of the battery and the lamp into and out of electrical connection with the other. The instrument is preferably fabricated from a diecast or an extrusion process wherein a thin plastic sleeve member having text and/or graphic materials can be shrink fitted onto an extruded handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris R. Roberts, Allan I. Krauter, Michael A. Pasik, John R. Strom, Peter J. Davis
  • Publication number: 20100049003
    Abstract: An expandable surgical site access system and method for using the expandable surgical site access system to perform minimally invasive, percutaneous surgeries to access the spine or other bone structures, organs, or locations of the body is disclosed. In one embodiment, the expandable surgical site access system includes an elongated, expandable stent (20) that is particularly adapted to be deployed in a body during a surgical procedure to provide access to a surgical site (24) within the body. The stent (20) defines a working channel (26) through the body from a point of entry (28) to the surgical site (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Elad I. Levy
  • Publication number: 20100041953
    Abstract: Metal laryngoscope blade including a resiliently elastically deformable metal blade hook-on fitting for removable double snap engagement into an operative intubation position on a metal laryngoscope handle with a correspondingly sized handle hook-on fitting, a metal spatula attached to the blade hook-on fitting and including a leading tip for transversely extending from the laryngoscope handle in the operative intubation position for insertion into a subject's mouth, and an illumination assembly including an electrical light source disposed toward the leading tip for providing illumination thereat for assisting intubation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Eugeny Pecherer, Igor Kobets
  • Patent number: 7654952
    Abstract: An innovative one-piece videolaryngostroboscope that provides slow motion visualization and detailed analysis of the vocal cords movements, which are imperceptible to the naked eye due, by means of a video camera with stroboscopic; said apparatus is used to perform examinations in patients, aiming to assess the incidence of larynx cancer. The invention including a processor base; an optics tube with a built-in light sources, a built-in video camera; a microphone, an auxiliary pedal and software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Ciro Timoteo Ott
  • Publication number: 20100022843
    Abstract: Laryngoscope handles including a handle shell having a pair of opposite semi-cylindrical metal or plastic handgrip support members permanently joined together to form a tubular handgrip support and a non-metal sleeve-like handgrip encircling the handgrip support. Rechargeable illumination units for use with laryngoscopes and including a light transmissive end cap diffusely glowing on interior illumination by a least one user indication light source for providing at least one visual user indication regarding the operability of an illumination unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Eugeny Pecherer, Igor Kobets
  • Publication number: 20090318769
    Abstract: A laryngoscope for use in viewing the vocal cords of a patient in performance of an endotracheal intubation. The laryngoscope includes a handle to be gripped by a medical professional in performing the endotracheal intubation; a blade portion extending from the handle to lift the patient's tongue and mandible for viewing the vocal cords and aid in the insertion of an endotracheal tube; a power source; and a black light source powered by the power source and carried by the blade portion to prompt the visible effects of fluorescence and phosphorescence with respect to the patient's vocal cords for viewing the vocal cords and passing of the endotracheal tube there between during endotracheal intubation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: James P. Tenger, Leslie A. Tenger, John R. Hicks
  • Publication number: 20090299146
    Abstract: A laryngoscope blade which improves the transmission of light from the laryngoscope to enhance the amount of light reflected from an area of interest in a patient. The laryngoscope blade has a channel which extends at least partially though the blade and receives a light source. The channel has a substantially transparent end face which is situated towards the blade end and has an optical clement adapted to reduce the ambient light signal from the light source in the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: AIRCRAFT MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Matthew McGrath
  • Publication number: 20090281390
    Abstract: A triggering system for a stroboscope system, comprising: a light source for projecting light on a vibratory object, such as vocal folds, an optical sensor for sensing light reflected or transmitted from said vibratory object in response to the projected light, in order to obtain vibratory information from the vibratory object; and a control arrangement connected to the optical sensor, for converting the vibratory information into triggering signals for the stroboscope system, said electronic control arrangement including a control output connectable to said stroboscope system, for outputting said triggering signals to said stroboscope system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: STICHTING VOOR DE TECHNISCHE WETENSCHAPPEN
    Inventors: Quinjun Qiu, Harm Kornelis Schutte, Lambertus Karel Van Geest
  • Patent number: 7611459
    Abstract: A laryngoscope blade comprising a blade portion, a base portion and an optic light pipe, the blade portion including a proximal end and a distal end provided with an optic window, the base portion including two base halves mounted to each other and to the proximal end of the blade portion, one of the base halves providing a resilient cantilever latch pin and the other of the base halves providing a rigid hook, the light pipe including a proximal end mounted between the two base halves and a distal end extending through the optic window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Vital Signs, Inc.
    Inventors: Leroy D. Geist, Leroy D. Jutte
  • Publication number: 20090112067
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a medical instrument used for conducting eye, ear, mouth examinations of a patient. The instrument is connectable with a remote power supply. In an exemplified embodiment, instrument comprises an elongated, rigid body defining a first end and a second end, a light emitting member disposed at the first end, and an input/output connector disposed at the second end and adapted for selective connection with the remote power supply, so as to enable operation of the light emitting member free of connection with the remote power supply. The instrument may also be used for sensitivity testing of skin areas of the patent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Jeff Baker
  • Publication number: 20090099421
    Abstract: Intubation laryngoscope having reusable and disposable blades, an illumination system, and an advantageous fastening appliance for connecting the blades to the laryngoscope handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: M.S.VISION LTD
    Inventors: Micheal Shalman, Leonid Lukov
  • Publication number: 20090065000
    Abstract: This invention is to provide an endotracheal tube stylet insertable into an endotracheal tube, the endotracheal tube stylet comprising: a first coupling member; a second coupling member coupled to the first coupling member; an operable member connected to the first or the second coupling member, the operable member being capable of changing the relative positions of the first and the second coupling members; and a turnable member connected to the first or the second coupling member, wherein the turnable member may be redirected by the change of the relative positions of the first and the second coupling members so as to change the shape of the endotracheal tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Tien-Sheng Chen
  • Publication number: 20080300464
    Abstract: A laryngoscope comprising a handle, a blade coupled to the handle, wherein the blade is movable between an operational position and a non-operational position. The laryngoscope also comprises a timer, wherein the timer is in communication with the handle or the blade of the laryngoscope, the timer being operative to measure a time period in which the blade is in the operational position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Atul K. Dhingra, David E. Persse
  • Publication number: 20080294010
    Abstract: A laryngoscope including a laryngoscope blade and a detector incorporated in or attached to the laryngoscope blade, the detector detecting contact. A method of using a laryngoscope including moving a patient's pharyngeal structure using a laryngoscope blade, wherein a detector is attached to the laryngoscope blade; contacting the patient's teeth with the detector; and indicating a contact between the detector and the teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: John D. COOPER
  • Patent number: 7452329
    Abstract: The invention describes a disposable device for operations on the arteria haemorroidalis, which comprises a retractor tube (1), closed and rounded on the end (101) which is inserted in the anal cavity, and open and diverging on the external end (201) to which is connected a griping handle (M) which removable houses a luminous source (F). In the connection zone of the handle to the external mouth of the retractor there is provided a channel (C) which contains a parabola (5) which reflects the light supplied from said luminous source (F) and which sends the reflected light inside of the same retractor, to illuminate a lateral window (8) through which appears the rectal mucosa upon which the operation must be made for the ligature of the arteria haemorroidalis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: THD S.p.A.
    Inventors: Filippo Bastia, Carlo Tagariello, Pier Paolo Dal Monte
  • Publication number: 20080200766
    Abstract: According to the present invention, the light source (7) is elastically mounted on the electric housing (5) and it can be pushed back by the projecting proximal end (4P) of the light conduit, when said housing is inserted into the disposable handle (3). As a result of being pushed back, the light source (7) actuates a microswitch (8) which enables it to be powered from a power source (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Gilles Ayoun, Joel Merran
  • Publication number: 20080188717
    Abstract: A prism module for a laryngoscope is disclosed. Said prism module mainly comprises a substantially cylinder-shaped first main part extending along a first axis; and a first refractive surface and a second refractive surface located at two ends of the first main part, respectively. Said first main part extends along a first axis and defines a first angle and a second angle with the first refractive surface and the second refractive surface respectively, wherein the first angle and the second angle are both less than 90 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Tien-Sheng Chen, Hui-Bih Yuan
  • Publication number: 20080177148
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a laryngoscope comprising a handgrip, a blade, and an image-capturing unit for capturing an image. The blade is connected to the handgrip, and the image-capturing unit is movably secured on the blade; in use, users may adjust the view of the laryngoscope by moving the image-capturing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Tien-Sheng Chen, Hui-Bih Yuan
  • Publication number: 20080146879
    Abstract: The configuration and arrangement of the instrument greatly facilitate safe placement of the instrument and an associated endotracheal tube. The instrument includes a handle with an arm extending therefrom. The arm includes a base portion and a distal lifter portion preferably having an angle between 5° and 85°, inclusive, and the lifter is sized and shaped to engage or lift the patient's epiglottis, thereby to expose the glottis. In a preferred embodiment, the base portion and lifter portion are substantially the same length, and a viewing device, which is preferably a CCD or CMOS camera positioned near the transition portion between the base and lifter portions, is aligned to provide a perspective view toward the distal end of the lifter. Lights, which are preferably LED units, are positioned toward the distal end of the lifter to facilitate viewing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: John A. Pacey
  • Publication number: 20080045801
    Abstract: An intubation laryngoscope having reusable and disposable blades adapted for both right and left-handed operation, an illumination system mounted on the laryngoscope handle, and an improved fastening appliance for detachable connection of the blades to the laryngoscope handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: M.S. Vision Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Shalman, Leonid Lukov
  • Patent number: 7182728
    Abstract: A two piece endotracheal intubation device is provided having a multidirectional eyepiece, a suction port and a fiber optic assembly that enables a practitioner to apply suction to a patient's airway while at the same time visualizing the airway from any position relative to the patient for insertion of the endotracheal tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Intubation Plus, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Cubb, Natalie A. McCray
  • Patent number: 7153260
    Abstract: An improved laryngoscope of the type having a stationary handle, a stationary blade affixed to the stationary handle, a tip pivotally attached to the stationary blade, a movable handle pivotally attached to the stationary blade, and an arm pivoting the tip downwardly when the movable handle is moved towards the stationary handle depressing the epiglottis. The improvement includes a movable blade pivotally attached to the stationary blade and affixed to the movable handle so as to allow the movable blade to pivot away from the stationary blade when the movable handle is moved towards the stationary handle and spread the posterior tissue defining the superior opening of the larynx away from the epiglottis simultaneously as the tip depresses the epiglottis and both thereby opening up the trachea exposing the larynx, and a lock locking the movable blade in a desired positioned by locking the movable handle affixed thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Magdy S Girgis
  • Patent number: 7128710
    Abstract: A laryngoscopes blade of the disposable variety for use with a Fiber Optic Green System Handle having a blade portion made from stainless steel and a heel portion made from thermoplastic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Azimuth Corporation
    Inventors: George D. Cranton, Barry L. Wall
  • Patent number: 7029439
    Abstract: A medical diagnostic instrument includes a housing containing at least one battery and a light source, such as a lamp, for illuminating a medical target. A switch includes a movable member that selectively moves at least one of the battery and the lamp into and out of electrical connection with the other. The instrument is preferably fabricated from a diecast or an extrusion process wherein a thin plastic sleeve member having text and/or graphic materials can be shrink fitted onto an extruded handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris R. Roberts, Allan I. Krauter, Michael A. Pasik, John R. Strom, Peter J. Davis
  • Patent number: 7014340
    Abstract: An illumination assembly for a medical diagnostic instrument, includes an open ended lamp housing, an incandescent lamp disposed within the housing. A peripheral sealing member is disposed in intimate contact with the exterior surface of the lamp envelope such that initial energization of said lamp causes the sealing member to create a substantial fluid-tight seal with the lamp to protect the interior of the housing, including the electrical contacts of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Bettis
  • Patent number: 6991604
    Abstract: A dual bladed laryngoscope for quickly and easily intubating a patient. The invention has two blades pivotally hinged on one side while the opposing side is open allowing the laryngoscope to be easily removed after intubating a patient. The proximal end of the upper blade has a grip portion which can be moved closer to or farther away from the handle attached to the proximal end of the lower blade to open or close the distal ends of the lower and upper blades. The lower blade of the invention has a distal end adapted as an esophageal obturator for obstructing the esophagus. An arytenoid bumper to prevent the laryngoscope from penetrating too far into the esophagus is preferably secured to the distal end of the lower blade. The arytenoid bumper may have a ramp or wedge shape adapted to deflect an intubation tube through a patient's larynx and into the trachea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Scope Co, Inc.
    Inventor: Elroy T. Cantrell
  • Patent number: 6955645
    Abstract: An element for a phonomicrosurgical modular glottiscope system comprises a proximal end; a distal end; a pair of opposing curved sides intersecting at an apex line; a substantially planar base, and internal channels disposed within the base. The base plate is removably attached to the pair of curved sides, and the base and curved sides define a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The internal channels include a first internal channel that provides illumination to the distal end and a second internal channel that provides aspiration to the distal end. In operation, the distal end of the element is inserted into a body cavity and the lumen provides visualization of the distal end and access to the distal end for tools inserted into the lumen from the proximal end. A method of manufacturing the element is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Steven M. Zeitels
  • Patent number: 6923760
    Abstract: An endoscopic cleaning device capable of properly removing wet cerumen from an auditory canal while the interior of an auditory canal is illuminated. The device allows an image of the interior of the auditory canal to be acquired while the auditory canal is being cleaned. The device has an ear picking main body that also serves as a light guide to provide the illumination. The ear picking main body rotates about a light guide containing the micro lens used to acquire the image, so that the image remains stable. The ear picking main body is inserted through a removable, elastically deformable tubular ear picking part having a through hole and an outer layer made of fibrous material. In this way light can be delivered to the end of the ear picking main body, and the fibrous material of the ear picking part can be used to remove wet cerumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Coden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Koda, Kojiro Koda
  • Publication number: 20040210115
    Abstract: This invention relates to the development of a plastic disposable laryngoscope with built in power source in any form and built in refractory light sources. This invention relates to the development of a plastic disposable laryngoscope (this can be constructed of wood, metal, rubber, plastic or any other disposable material) contains three major components: first component—plastic rotational light source cover that may be in various forms (e.g. press button) and on different locations of the plastic handle. Second component—plastic handle contains the power source in any form and the light bulb in different intensities. The third component is the plastic transparent blade, which connects to the base of the plastic handle. The plastic blade contains a refractory mirror at any angle that receives and refracts the light from any light source and delivers the light along the transparent plastic blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Tat Cheong Ma, William Y.W. Lee, Bryn Jarald Henderson
  • Publication number: 20040204631
    Abstract: There is disclosed a tongue depressor which has a light function to visually examine or clean the inside of a mouth easily and effectively, and which can be operated even by one hand, and light deep teeth or a throat part without any reductions in the amount of a light. Because of a structure in which a hole is bored in the main body of the tongue depressor, and a lighting fixture such as a commercially available penlight can be inserted/pulled out, two functions, i.e., a tongue depressor and lighting, can be provided. A shape is simple, fabrication costs are low, and sanitary supervision is easy. Since the tongue depressor can be operated by one hand, mouth cleaning can be carried out by the other hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicants: Fine Co., Ltd., Kiyoshi Yasuda
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Yasuda
  • Patent number: 6719688
    Abstract: A light guide mount for use with a Shucman™ type ISO 7376/1 compatible laryngoscope blade, the light guide mount including a housing with a throughbore, and an L-shaped fiber optic light pipe with a short leg securely fastened into the housing and a long leg for extending along the blade, the throughbore accommodating a floating contact pin, a portion of the short leg, and a miniature bulb interdisposed between the contact pin and the short leg. A removable light guide mount for use with a laryngoscope blade, the light guide mount being removably slidingly insertable into a suitably shaped and dimensioned slot formed in a base portion of the blade, and secured therein by an inter-engagement means, and preferably a snap-fit inter-engagement means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Truphatek International Limited
    Inventors: Eugeny Pecherer, Igor Kobets
  • Publication number: 20040039252
    Abstract: The Self-Navigating Endotracheal Tube is an endotracheal tube that utilizes a light source and light measuring device to determine its location relative to a patient's trachea and esophagus. Using readings obtained via the light measurement device, a physician is capable of determining the proper insertion of the tube into a patient's trachea when a visual verification is not possible, as in the case of patients with spinal trauma, as well as the intubation of premature infants. It is also capable of providing an indication of self-extubation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth Elmon Koch
  • Patent number: 6666819
    Abstract: A laryngoscope (1) includes a socket (3) that is mountable on a hand grip, a spatula blade (2) that is coupled with the socket (3) and a light guide tube (4) that has proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the light guide tube (4) being releasably mounted in a cavity (11) that extends completely through the socket (3) while the distal end portion engages in a snap-in device on the spatula blade (2). The light guide tube (4) has a completely uniform permanent cross section that improves the laryngoscope spatula (1) since the light guide tube (4) can be manufactured and serviced in an uncomplicated manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Heine Optotechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Helmut A. Heine, Gerhard Guegel, Dirk Schade, Otto H. Schmidt, Anton Schneider
  • Patent number: 6616603
    Abstract: An anoscope for surgery and/or inspection comprising: a tubular body (2) having a distal blind end and a proximal open end; an inner light reflecting surface (7) located at said distal blind end; at least one slot (3) formed in said tubular body; a light source (6) placed in light reflection relationship with said inner reflecting surface (7), and a maneuvering handle (5) arranged to act on said proximal end of said tubular body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Paolo Fontana
  • Patent number: 6602188
    Abstract: An surgical instrument for use during procedures to harvest saphenous veins simultaneously retracts tissue and exposes sections of the vein. Removable spacer limbs are selectively attached to the instrument to aid in retracting tissue and to make the instrument self-retaining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey William Bolser
  • Publication number: 20030120131
    Abstract: A light guide mount for use with a Shucman™ type ISO 7376/1 compatible laryngoscope blade, the light guide mount including a housing with a throughbore, and an L-shaped fiber optic light pipe with a short leg securely fastened into the housing and a long leg for extending along the blade, the throughbore accommodating a floating contact pin, a portion of the short leg, and a miniature bulb interdisposed between the contact pin and the short leg. A removable light guide mount for use with a laryngoscope blade, the light guide mount being removably slidingly insertable into a suitably shaped and dimensioned slot formed in a base portion of the blade, and secured therein by an inter-engagement means, and preferably a snap-fit inter-engagement means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Eugeny Pecherer, Igor Kobets
  • Patent number: 6569089
    Abstract: The present invention is an intubating laryngoscope with light provided to the suction tip or blade simultaneously during intubation. Preferably, the laryngoscope is made of a transparent, engineering plastic material to provide a light path for light from a light source (e.g. flashlight). In an alternative embodiment, light is provided to the suction tip by fiber optics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventors: Roy Covington, Robert Gorman
  • Patent number: 6569110
    Abstract: Splint for surgery of lacrimal passages includes a plate adapted for insertion in a nasal passage, the plate comprising two arms made of a flexible material, the two arms defining therebetween an open angle, a convex side being formed on the plate opposite the open angle and a flange formed on a first edge of one of the arms, the flange being located on the convex side of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: France Chirurgie Instrumentation, F.C.I.
    Inventors: Jean-Antoine Bernard, Patrick Klap
  • Publication number: 20030088156
    Abstract: A combination laryngoscope and video display for providing images of the area ahead of the laryngoscope to facilitate insertion without damaging the surrounding tissue; the laryngoscope having a detachable blade and a rigid, detachable light and image guide attachment device for providing illuminating light ahead of the blade and for detecting the reflected light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: George Berci, Marshal B. Kaplan, James P. Barry, David Chatenever, Klaus M. Irion, Andre Ehrhardt, Jurgen Rudischhauser, Daniel Mattsson-Boze
  • Publication number: 20030018239
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medical devices used in the procedures of orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation. Oral or nasal endotracheal intubation procedures are commonly employed to secure a controlled airway and to deliver inhalant oxygen, anesthetic gases, and other therapeutic agents into the trachea and lungs of human and veterinary patients. Such intubation procedures carry a significant risk of dental injury resulting from contact between the laryngoscope blade used for visualization during intubation. The present invention provides an apparatus to reduce dental injury including a modified laryngoscope blade and a disposable insert which is designed to be received and retained in a single step by the modified laryngoscope blade. The disposable insert may be quickly secured by the user, and reduces both direct pressure and shear forces on the maxillary incisor teeth when the laryngoscope blade is placed in a patient's mouth during intubation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Richard Cartledge, Joshua Lane
  • Publication number: 20020087050
    Abstract: A laryngoscope is provided comprising a handle, a spatula arranged substantially transverse to said handle, and a coupling. Said spatula is detachably fixed to said handle by means of said coupling. The laryngoscope further comprises an illumination light waveguide for guiding an illumination light signal and an image waveguide for guiding an image signal, both of said waveguides being attached to said spatula. Said illumination light waveguide comprises a proximal end having an illumination light entry opening, and said image waveguide comprises a proximal end having an image exit opening, wherein said illumination light entry opening and said image exit opening are arranged in the area of said coupling. Said handle comprises, in the area of said coupling, an illumination light exit opening and an image entry opening which allow for the illumination light signal to couple into said illumination light waveguide from said handle, and for said image signal to couple out of said image waveguide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Jurgen Rudischhauser, Martin Renner, Klaus M. Irion, Peter Schwarz, Helmut Wehrstein, Mark Kocher
  • Publication number: 20020068854
    Abstract: A laryngoscope (1) includes a socket (3) that is mountable on a hand grip, a spatula blade (2) that is coupled with the socket (3) and a light guide tube (4) that has proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the light guide tube (4) being releasably mounted in a cavity (11) that extends completely through the socket (3) while the distal end portion engages in a snap-in device on the spatula blade (2). The light guide tube (4) has a completely uniform permanent cross section that improves the laryngoscope spatula (1) since the light guide tube (4) can be manufactured and serviced in an uncomplicated manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Helmut A. Heine, Gerhard Guegel, Dirk Schade, Otto H. Schmidt, Anton Schneider
  • Patent number: 6354993
    Abstract: An intubating laryngoscope providing ready interchangeability of blades and a magnifiable video display for use in efficiently positioning an endotracheal tube through the vocal cords into the trachea and teaching the procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marshall B. Kaplan, George Berci, James P. Barry
  • Patent number: 6350235
    Abstract: A tongue depressor and throat viewing assembly which includes a disposable flat blade for depressing the tongue of a subject in order to expose his larynx for inspection so that its condition can be diagnosed. Attachable to the trailing end of the blade is a light source and throat viewer unit which projects a light beam to illuminate the exposed larynx and to obtain a digital image thereof which is conveyed to an external computer monitor station. At this station, the image is exhibited on a screen, and is stored in a database for future use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventors: Gerard Cohen, Alexander Strovinsky
  • Patent number: 6277068
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a laryngoscope includes a housing which supports an axially movable miniature lamp assembly in the instrument handle and includes at least one sealing member which provides a fluid tight seal for the electrical contacts of the lamp assembly and the power supply of the laryngoscope regardless of the axial position of the lamp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Catherine Marie Wojnowicz, Stephen Edward Rink, Thomas James Grant
  • Patent number: RE37861
    Abstract: An improved laryngoscope blade for use with a conventional laryngoscope handle and conventional means for illumination. The improvements to the blade include a small reverse curve at the tip of the blade to better visualize the depth of insertion of the blade, include a greater width of the portion of the blade proximal to the handle to provide improved means for controlling the tongue, and include a more gradual curvature of the blade to better conform to the shape of the airway opening when the patient is properly positioned for laryngoscopy. The blade may also include a vertical wall which may be thickened to serve as a bite block, and raised areas to define grooves on the surface of the blade for insertion of an endotracheal tube and/or a suction catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Cary N. Schneider