Abstract: A lighthead identification system for controlling lightheads of a surgical lighting system. The lighthead identification system includes illuminated indicator lights that visually indicate to an operator that an associated lighthead has been selected for adjusting parameter settings on a user interface.

Abstract: A brake assembly for braking relative rotational movement of a spindle that is moveable about a central axis relative to a hub. The brake assembly is comprised of a collar comprised of a pair of arcuate leg sections, having a first end pivotally linked together to allow pivoting movement of the leg sections. A frictional surface is provided along the inner surface of each of leg section. An adjustable fastening assembly connects second ends of the leg sections together and clamps the leg sections to the spindle with the frictional surface on the leg sections engaging the outer surface of the spindle. A stop member is connected to the hub and is disposed to engage a surface of the leg sections, wherein rotation of the spindle in a first direction about the axis causes a surface of one of the leg sections to engage the stop and to reduce frictional engagement of one of said leg sections by releasing engagement with the spindle as the spindle moves in said first direction.

Abstract: A support pad, including a first cushion layer, a second cushion layer, and a sensing device, is provided. The sensing device is positioned between the first and second cushion layers. The sensing device includes a plurality of sensing elements and a substrate. The substrate includes a plurality of tab portions and a plurality of expandable portions. The sensing elements are respectively mounted to the tab portions. The expandable portions are moveable between contracted and expanded positions in response to pressure applied thereto.

Abstract: A pressure management device with an integrated warming apparatus that provides improvements to pressure management for patients in the supine and side-laying positions, warms a patient's head during surgery; and allows for compact storage. The pressure management device includes a pressure management layer and a heating layer having a heating member that includes a heating element.

Abstract: A leak detection system for use in a vacuum sterilization chamber having a plurality of piping sections that are connected to the sterilization chamber through openings along an inner surface of the sterilization chamber.

Abstract: Reactive compositions are provided, having biocidal and chemical decontamination/neutralization properties, comprising a hygroscopic polymer and an active, which are useful in a variety of commercial, healthcare and military applications and a wide variety of contaminants, including without limitation chemical and biological warfare agents. The reactive compositions are renewable or rechargeable after use by exposure to an additional application of the active and do not require removal, disposal or replacement of the originally applied composition. Methods for preparing and applying the reactive compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: A brake screw for use with a surgical lighting system. The brake screw includes a screw member retained within a threaded aperture of a mounting hub of a spindle of an arm used with the lighting system. The screw member is rotationally adjusted to enable displacement in an axial direction. A brake member is in axial alignment with the screw member and disposed for movement in the axial direction against a mounting tube retained within the mounting hub upon rotational adjustment of the screw member. A rivet section is integrally formed with the brake member and has a distal end retained within an axial recess formed within the screw member, allowing movement of the brake member in the axial direction within the screw member. A bias member is disposed between the screw member and the brake member to create a biasing force that urges apart the screw member and the brake member along the axial direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a a process for decontaminating or sterilizing an article contaminated with spores. The process comprises contacting the spores with a liquid sterilant for a sufficient period of time to effect a desired reduction (e.g., at least a 4 log reduction) in the number of spores capable of returning to vegetative growth. The liquid sterilant may comprise water, an antimicrobial agent (e.g., peracetic acid) and a peroxide (e.g., hydrogen peroxide).

Abstract: This invention relates to a wipe for killing spores comprising an absorbent sheet holding an aqueous composition and a sealed package containing the absorbent sheet, wherein the aqueous composition comprises water, an antimicrobial agent and a peroxide. The invention also relates to a process for killing spores using the above-indicated wipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading a cart into and from a chamber of a housing. The apparatus is movable between a first, collapsed configuration and a second, expanded configuration. The apparatus includes a user portion and a chamber portion engagable with the housing. The chamber portion is movable relative to the user portion. An attachment assembly selectively attaches the apparatus to the housing. At least one cart locking device selectively locks the cart to the apparatus. When the at last one cart locking device locks the cart to the apparatus, the cart is removed from the chamber when the apparatus moves from the first, collapsed configuration to the second, expanded configuration. The cart is inserted into the chamber when the apparatus moves from the second, expanded configuration to the first, collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A surgical lighting apparatus for illuminating a surgical environment includes a lighthead and a control unit. The control unit is configured to receive data from sensors positioned in one or more light emitting modules and identify, from the received data, an obstruction inhibiting delivery of a predetermined amount of light from one or more of light emitting elements of moveable light emitting modules to corresponding areas of a surgical site. The lighthead is configured to illuminate the surgical site. The lighthead includes a plurality of the light emitting modules and the sensors. Each of the light emitting modules includes a plurality of the light emitting elements positioned on a front side thereof. Each of the light emitting elements is configured to emit the predetermined amount of light from the light emitting modules to illuminate one of the corresponding areas of the surgical site.

Abstract: A refractive lens array assembly for integrated, adjustable beam spreading and bending, said refractive lens array comprising: (i) a first optical element including a top face having a stepped surface or a generally planar wedge-shaped surface, and a bottom face having a curved surface; and (ii) a second optical element including a top face having a curved surface, and a bottom face having a stepped surface or a generally planar wedge-shaped surface.

Abstract: An aiming and status indicator system for surgical lightheads, cameras, and other lighting system accessory devices. The system includes a plurality of marker lights mounted to a housing for the accessory device. Each marker light produces a respective marker light beam that is directed towards a work area (surgical site) to provide a marker indicator pattern. The marker indicator patterns can be used to indicate the boresight of a lighthead or camera, whether a lighthead is in a focused or unfocused condition, and status information associated with the lighting system.

Abstract: A handle assembly comprised of a base and a detachable handle that mounts to the base. The base includes integrated electronics, such as switches. The detachable handle includes buttons for activating the switches.

Abstract: A handle assembly comprised of a base and a detachable handle that mounts to the base. The base includes integrated electronics, such as switches. The detachable handle includes buttons for activating the switches.

Abstract: A handle assembly comprised of a base and a detachable handle that mounts to the base. The base includes integrated electronics, such as switches. The detachable handle includes buttons for activating the switches.

Abstract: A support pad, including a first cushion layer, a second cushion layer, and a sensing device, is provided. The sensing device is positioned between the first and second cushion layers. The sensing device includes a plurality of sensing elements and a substrate. The substrate includes a plurality of tab portions and a plurality of expandable portions. The sensing elements are respectively mounted to the tab portions. The expandable portions are moveable between contracted and expanded positions in response to pressure applied thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assigning addresses to components sharing a common bus. In one embodiment, an iterative elimination process is used to assign the addresses to each component. In another embodiment, each component includes a distance sensor that detects a distance to a front face of a calibration plank. Addresses are assigned to the components based upon the distance readings of the sensors.

Abstract: A support pad, including a first cushion layer, a second cushion layer, and a sensing device, is provided. The sensing device is positioned between the first and second cushion layers. The sensing device includes a plurality of sensing elements and a substrate. The substrate includes a plurality of tab portions and a plurality of expandable portions. The sensing elements are respectively mounted to the tab portions. The expandable portions are moveable between contracted and expanded positions in response to pressure applied thereto.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a two-part liquid composition for cleaning and disinfecting a substrate, comprising: (A) a disinfectant medium comprising peracetic acid; and (B) a supplemental medium comprising a non-enzymatic cleaner, a corrosion inhibitor, and a chelator. The supplemental medium (B) may further comprise an enzymatic cleaner, a surfactant, a buffer, a pH modifier, or a mixture of two or more thereof. The substrate may be a medical device, for example, an endoscope.