Abstract: An enclosure which can be sterile for performing surgical procedures and a method for its use is disclosed that protects medical personnel from being infected by the patient and the patient from being infected by the surgical environment. The enclosure consists of a tent defining an isolated cavity and having flexible sides at least portions of which are transparent with connected gloves for accessing tools contained within the isolated cavity, an adhesive assembly for securing the enclosure to a patient and a support structure for supporting the tent. The surgeon can operate on a patient by making an incision through the enclosure, the adhesive assembly and the patient's skin. The incision and, consequently, the patient's body fluids, are all contained within the isolated cavity defined by the enclosure. Since the enclosure is collapsible and inexpensive, the entire structure can be disposed of after the surgery. Moreover, the enclosure can be quite small depending on the nature of the procedure.

Abstract: A clean box in which the rubber arms and hands may slide laterally relative to the remainder of the box. A first rigid plastic sheet has ovals passing through it. A second rigid plastic sheet, in front of the first, has circular openings on which the rubberized arm and hand gloves attach. The circular openings' diameter approximately equals the smaller dimension of the ovals on the first sheet of plastic. Resin strips provide an air seal along the upper and lower edges of the sliding first sheet of plastic. Wiper blades attached to the edges of the moving sheet complete the seal between the two sheets of plastic. A worker, with his hands and arms in the gloves and needing to reach a distant point in the clean box, may simply push against the edge of the openings for the gloves. The sheet of plastic will then move in the direction in which pushed. The clean box may have entirely rigid transparent sides to allow for a clear view.

Abstract: A plethysmograph system is provided for monitoring neonates in an intensive care setting. The system includes a base and a pivotably attached lid which together define an air-tight chamber in which an infant can be positioned. The lid is mounted to the base so that it may be rotated between a position in which it is seated upon the base to a storage position directly beneath the base. The lid includes a peripheral gasket which is made from hollow tubing. The base also includes a gasket which is engageable by the lid gasket. The base gasket is made from substantially softer material than the lid gasket. First and second sealing members are mounted to the base and lid, respectively, for providing an air-tight seal about IV tubes and the like, extending from outside the chamber to an infant within the chamber. Each sealing member includes a number of channels for receiving such tubes. Each channel includes a set of parallel, deformable walls extending completely across the channels.

Abstract: An inflatable pressure vessel (1), which may be a decompression chamber for treating divers, has a flexible elongate casing (2) made of a silicone elastomer material reinforced with windings of reinforcing filaments and one or more removable end members (7,8) to provide access. An end member may be a rigid plate which seals against a frame (3,4) defining the entrance under internal vessel pressure. A transparent plastic plate gives illumination and allows inspection of a diver under treatment in a decompression chamber. Two pressure vessels (31,32) may be connected by a linking element (24) comprising a male part (25) which seals within a female part (33,34) under internal pressure and which has inter-engaging projections (29,35) and depressions (30,36) to prevent the parts from sliding apart axially under that pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for oxygenating the blood of a non-breathing prematurely born baby which is still attached to its umbilical cord. The apparatus includes a lung member for oxygenating blood, and an adapter for connecting venous and arterial blood vessels in the umbilical cord with the blood inlet and outlet of the lung machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to treat head injury. The apparatus includes a cephalic expansion reservoir to allow a swollen brain to expand without increasing intracranial pressure. The apparatus has a port for fluid exchange and for the attachment of monitors of physical, chemical and electrical activity. The method includes attaching the apparatus to the skin with biological adhesives, removing the bone for replacement after treatment, treating the injured patent with appropriate therapy including filling the expansion reservoir with an appropriate fluid.

Abstract: An infant environmental transition system and method provides an infant with a controlled, healthy transistion from an intrauterine environment to the extrauterine environment, and includes a housing within which the infant is supported by a soft, form-fitting bed. Environmental conditions provided within the housing include simulated motions, sounds and tactile sensations resembling the intrauterine environment. A suspension and drive system controls the degree of movement imparted to the housing and to an infant supported therein. The resulting motion closely approximates the motion experienced by the fetus while the mother is walking. The sound profile simulates intrauterine cardiovascular and gastrointestinal sounds. The system simulates day and night variations in motions and sounds, integrates changes to the environment over time toward the natural extrauterine environment, and may respond to infant activity or other inputs at various intervals.

Abstract: A portable superabsorbent personnel stretcher and exactable on-demand isolation tent article is provided which is easily transportable, durable, and can be prepared in both sterile and non-sterile formats. The combination superabsorbent stretcher and isolation tent provides a fluid-absorbing capacity and capability via fibers able to absorb at least 15 times their own weight in fluid. The invention also provides portable means for erecting the collapsed isolation tent on-demand and portable means for transporting the combined stretcher and isolation tent in both collapsed and erected states.

Abstract: A personal integrating sphere system that provides a field of illumination of substantially uniform intensity for beneficially affecting the mental and physical health of a user. The system includes an integrating sphere configured to permit the user to experience the field of illumination of substantially uniform intensity. The integrating sphere integrates illuminating light injected thereinto to provide uniform illumination within the sphere. The system also includes an illuminator that may be controlled by the user to provide illuminating light sequences of variegated hues and mixtures thereof, saturation, brightness and duration. A sound system may be used in combination with the integrating sphere system to enhance the effect of the illuminating light sequences.

Abstract: An infant environmental transition system and method provides an infant with a controlled, healthy transition from an intrauterine environment to the extrauterine environment, and includes a housing within which the infant is supported by a soft, form-fitting bed. Environment conditions provided within the housing include simulated motions, sounds and tactile sensations resembling the intrauterine environment. A suspension and drive system controls the degree of movement imparted to the housing and to an infant supported therein. The resulting motion closely approximates the motion experienced by the fetus while the mother is walking. The sound profile simulates intrauterine cardiovascular and gastrointestinal sounds. The system simulates day and night variations in motions and sounds, integrates changes to the environment over time toward the natural extrauterine environment, and may respond to infant activity or other imputs at various intervals.

Abstract: A litter bag is provided for isolating a casualty from a contaminated environment. The litter bag includes a collapsible access chamber mounted over an aperture in the bag whereby personnel may have immediate and direct access to the casualty. The access chamber is formed with tubular passages which may be filled with a gas to expand the chamber from a collapsed position to form a semi-rigid structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use thereof for performing autopsies is described. The invention is particularly useful as a protective device for the prevention of possible transmission of communicable diseases associated with autopsies and includes reusable and disposable components.

Abstract: An apparatus that is particularly useful in a hospital environment when cleaning bedpans and other objects which contain potentially dangerous materials. The apparatus comprises a generally transparent member that is provided with one or more openings for a person's arms, and means for mounting the member so as to locate the transparent member between the basin of the cleaning station and the person.

Abstract: A pass-through tube for use in conveying intravenous fluid to a patient in a pressurized chamber, the tube including a tubular body having an outer surface shaped and sized to sealably mate with the interior surface of a connector passing through the wall of a pressurized chamber, a first end having a first generally cylindrical surface adapted to sealably engage a similarly shaped surface of a mating first connector and first locking members for locking with mating locking members on the first connector, a second end having a second generally cylindrical surface adapted to sealably engage a similarly shaped surface of a mating second connector and second locking members for locking with mating locking members on the second connector. Also disclosed is a kit including a pass-through tube, a flexible internal tube, and a valve connected to the external end for connection to an intravenous supply line.

Abstract: An isolator and method of using it for providing a contamination-free atmosphere in which a surgical procedure can be performed or equipment that is sensitive to environmental contamination can be assembled. The isolator includes an inflatable bag of flexible material through which filtered air is circulated. For use in surgery, a portion of the lower side is made of an elastic surgical drape material to allow a body member upon which a surgical procedure is to be performed to be pulled into the work space of the bag. A portion of the top side of the bag is made of a relatively stiff, optically transparent, material through which the surgeon or the assembly worker can view the work area. A plurality of open-ended sleeves are attached to the bag through which the hands and arms of the surgeon and his assistants or the worker can extend into the work space.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for fluid treatment and manipulation of a patient (P) by a therapist (T) is described. The apparatus includes open segments (A and B) in tank (12) so that the therapist use his or her body to push a liner (11) inside the enclosure provided by the tank or other support means for the liner. The tank is preferably vertically movable on a frame (13) to adjust to the vertical height of the tank so that the therapist can be in a standing or sitting position. The apparatus increases therapist comfort and effectiveness.

Abstract: A collar for a respirator or resuscitator that provides for a relatively air-tight seal on the neck of the patient but is gentle enough to prevent injury to the skin and subcutaneous tissue as well as being constructed so as to minimize pressure on the anterior neck and anterior lateral neck to avoid undue injurious pressure on the jugular vein, carotid arteries, trachea and other delicate structures in this area of the neck. With the two frame parts separated and a patient in place with the neck in the collar opening, the collar is brought up tightly around the back of the neck and the lower collar portion clamped against the head side of the lower frame part by a U-shaped clamp. The upper portion of the collar then is passed between the two separated parts of the collar frame to the body side thereof. The wall or frame parts are then closed.

Abstract: In a medical thermographic imaging system a patient is examined while standing in a thermo-stable enclosure erected within an examination room. The enclosure is constructed of black natural cloth which is attached to a frame formed of plastic tubular members. The enclosure has an outer vertical wall opposite its entrance to block air currents from blowing through its entrance. The enclosure provides privacy to the disrobed patients.

Abstract: An isolation, sterilization and maximum observation (ISMO) tent for the isolation of a corpse during a medical procedure and to contain matter spilling from the corpse. The ISMO tent includes a frame and a form fitted translucent sheet supported by the frame, and will preferably have a continuous elastic band secured to the bottom edge of the sheet and an absorbent material, treated with disinfectant, in close proximity thereto to prevent spillage of infectious material.

Abstract: An enclosed containment apparatus for infection control in postmortem settings, comprising a table having a work surface, an hermetically sealed chamber assembly on the top of the table to provide a hermetically sealed environment above the work surface. The chamber comprises a door for providing access to work surface when opened in order to place a body within the interior of the chamber on the work surface, gloves extending into the chamber for working on the body, a transparent portion through which the work surface is visible, means for introducing decontaminant fluid into the interior of the chamber and means for draining the fluid away from the apparatus.

Abstract: A system for protecting the cockpit of an aircraft from airborne contamination is described which comprises a generally tubular curtain of size corresponding to that of the canopy and cockpit and being pleated and collapsible along its length between an extended condition and a folded condition; a tray, attachable to and co-extensive with the canopy sill of the aircraft, the tray having a floor and inner and outer walls defining a circumferential recess for receiving the curtain in the folded condition; a lid for covering the tray with the bottom surface thereof in substantial contact with the inner and outer walls of the tray; a circumferential crimpable lip on each the floor of the tray and on the bottom surface of the lid for engaging respective ends of the curtain and providing peripheral hermetic seals between curtain and tray and between curtain and lid; inflatable circumferential seals in the sill and canopy for releasably attaching the tray to the sill and the lid to the canopy for providing hermetic

Abstract: A decontamination shelter with compartments arranged in adjacency with traversal enclosures therebetween defined by the walls of the adjacent compartments and openings in the adjacent walls provided with closures which, when closed, provide isolation corridors between compartments and wherein the openings and closures therefor provide for passage from one compartment to the next through the isolation corridors.