Abstract: A tip element that is capable of being removably attached to an infrared thermometer and includes an axisymetric body having a distal end and an open proximal end. A membrane is located at the distal end of the body that is formed of an infrared transparent material. At least one engagement mechanism is mounted along the proximal edge of the body that has an engagement surface that passes circumferentially about a portion of the proximal edge and which contains an integral rib that extends axially toward said distal end of said body.

Abstract: A bleed flow valve assembly for venting air from a blood pressure cuff at relatively constant pressure decrease rate irrespective of cuff size includes a multiple chamber bleed valve and a multiple position control valve operatively associated therewith. A first end chamber is connected in pneumatic communication with the cuff and pneumatically sealed from a second central chamber by a first flexible diaphragm. A third end chamber is separated from the central chamber by a second flexible diaphragm. A variable flow area opening through the second diaphragm provides a flow path for controllably venting air from the second chamber to ambient pressure when the control valve is selectively positioned to connect the third chamber in pneumatic communication with ambient pressure. Air is vented from the cuff through the first chamber in regulated response to the pressure differential between the first chamber and the second chamber acting upon the first flexible diaphragm.

Abstract: A tip for coupling sound between a medical instrument and an ear includes a sealing surface configured to substantially conform the tip to an auditory canal of the ear. The tip includes an acoustic tube acoustically coupled to at least one of the plurality of openings and defining a first acoustic path. The tip also includes a second acoustic path acoustically coupled to at least another one of the plurality of openings in the sealing surface. The acoustic tube of the first acoustic path is configured to substantially acoustically isolate the first acoustic path from the second acoustic path. A tympanometric instrument is configured to use the tip and to provide an acoustic measurement of the ear of a patient.

Abstract: The diastolic blood pressure and a systolic blood pressure of a vertebrate are measured using an inflatable pressure cuff disposed about a limb of the vertebrate and connected to an inflation device through a single conduit. A pressure sensor is pneumatically connected to the cuff through the same common conduit. The sensed pressures at the diastolic and systolic points are corrected for a pressure differential associated with the flow of an inflation fluid through the common conduit. The sensed pressures at the diastolic point and the systolic point may be measured during inflation of the cuff or during controlled deflation of the cuff.

Abstract: A connector for blood pressure measurement systems is provided, wherein the connector enables interchangeable individual connection of a cuff to various gage housings, including those equipped with a male fitting or a female fitting, yet wherein the presence of the connector also desirably prevents inadvertent connection of a gage housing to certain other medical equipment.