Abstract: An electrode for attachment to a patient comprises a flexible planar member, an electrically conductive member embedded in said flexible member and adapted for contact with the patient, a layer of electrically conductive adhesive applied to the conductive member and the flexible planar member on a side of the flexible planar member facing the patient. Through holes extend completely through the electrode and, optionally, may also extend through the layer of adhesive. Alternatively, a permeable electrode having a permeable member which allows a solvent to pass through to the adhesive may be used to eliminate the need for through holes in the electrode. The permeable electrode may also be coated with sodium chloride or potassium chloride and used in conjunction with an applicator containing an alcohol gel which liquefies upon contact with the sodium chloride or potassium chloride.

Abstract: A medical waste disposal system for contaminated products to be disposed having a hollow, disposal container and a housing enclosure which is engageable with and covers the container. The housing enclosure has an opening and a tumbler which is pivotally mounted to prevent access to the interior of the housing enclosure when a contaminated product is being deposited into the interior of the disposal container. In one embodiment, upon dropping waste into the opening of the housing enclosure, the tumbler rotates to simultaneously close the upper opening in the housing enclosure and open a lower opening which allows the waste to drop into the disposal container. After the waste has dropped, the tumbler, which is weighted, returns to its original position. When the disposal container reaches full capacity, the tumbler is blocked by the medical waste in the disposal container thereby preventing rotation to the open position.

Abstract: A secure installing system for mounting a container on a frame member, with ease of access to the container. The installing system is appropriate for use in a medical environment such as a hospital. The frame member may be a shelf bracket, or a cabinet for housing a medical waste container, and may be mounted to a wall. A container such as a glove box holder is installed on the frame member. The container may have a dispenser opening providing ready access to materials such as tissues or surgical gloves. The container is securely mounted to the frame member using a hook and snap arrangement and may be disengaged from the frame member in order to exchange stored materials such as tissues or surgical gloves. The hook and snap arrangement protect against accidental dislodging of the container from the frame member, thereby preventing possible contamination of stored materials. Frame members that are shelf brackets may support two containers each.

Abstract: An ink-jet bottle and valve system which delivers ink-jet ink to an ink-jet printer apparatus having an ink reservoir. The system has five, main components: (1) a bottle, (2) a housing, (3) a valve, (4), a cover, and (5) a vent tube. Coupled to the ink reservoir, the housing has a nozzle which extends into the ink reservoir and defines a channel through which ink may flow from the bottle to the ink reservoir. The top surface of the housing has a cutout defining a pair of valve rotation stops. The housing also has a bottom surface which includes a lower vent and a lower ink passage each opening to the channel of the nozzle. The valve fits snugly and rotatably within the housing. The internal surface of the valve is threaded to couple the valve to the threaded neck of the bottle. The bottom surface of the valve has an upper vent and an upper ink passage. Finally, a top surface of the valve has a projecting tab.

Abstract: An electrode for attachment to a patient comprises a flexible planar member, an electrically conductive member embedded in said flexible member and adapted for contact with the patient, a layer of electrically conductive adhesive applied to the conductive member and the flexible planar member on a side of the flexible planar member facing the patient. Through holes extend completely through the electrode and, optionally, may also extend through the layer of adhesive. Alternatively, a permeable electrode having a permeable member which allows a solvent to pass through to the adhesive may be used to eliminate the need for through holes in the electrode. The permeable electrode may also be coated with sodium chloride or potassium chloride and used in conjunction with an applicator containing an alcohol gel which liquefies upon contact with the sodium chloride or potassium chloride.

Abstract: A non-invasive fetal probe having enhanced adhesion and electrical isolation for attaching to the presenting part of a fetus and sensing at least one fetal parameter during labor and delivery. In one embodiment of the present invention, the electrical isolation of the fetal probe includes a non-conductive element used in combination with various conductive assemblies made from gel formulations which are polymerized to form a fetal sensor. The non-conductive element in addition to providing physical separation also enhances electrical separation between fetal and maternal sensing elements of the fetal probe. Non-invasive fetal probes having low-profile designs are also provided which help decrease the tendency of the fetal probes to detach caused by forces generated upon the probe by the head of the fetus, the cervix of the mother, or both.

Abstract: A scraping apparatus or scraper for contacting an adhesive device and skin to which the adhesive device is attached, at an interface between the adhesive device and the skin, to remove the adhesive device from the skin. In one configuration, the scraping apparatus includes a fluid for reducing the adhesion of the adhesive; an element for holding the fluid; and a scraping component. The scraping component is connected to and in fluid communication with the fluid holding element and has at least one first opening distal to the fluid holding element. The scraping apparatus also includes a structure for closing the first opening. In another configuration, the scraping apparatus further includes an element for propelling the fluid to the scraping component. The propelling element may be a compressed gas.

Abstract: A conductive medical electrode formed from a moldable, conductive material such as carbon-filled plastic. In one embodiment, the electrode is an integral, conductive electrode including a stud adapted to detachably couple the electrode to a lead wire and a body integral with the stud. The body has a face disposed opposite the stud, for contacting a patient, which has a grooved pattern formed therein. The grooved pattern increases the surface area of the electrode in contact with a conductive adhesive and increases the conductivity between the patient and the electrode. A second embodiment features a two-piece, conductive electrode including an electrically conductive stud and an electrically conductive substrate having an opening formed therein and attached to the stud. The opening formed in the body creates a cavity which aids in retaining the conductive adhesive. The substrate has a face disposed opposite the stud, adapted to contact a patient, which has a grooved pattern formed therein.

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 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 safety catheter assembly holds a catheter onto an assembly housing, to prevent exposure of the point of a used needle. A needle extending from a needle assembly. A needle point lock has a housing, a locking arm with a hook extending outside of the housing and a rear tab. A wheel within the housing is pushed against a ramp surface and the rear tab of the locking arm, by a spring. Alternatively, a spring biased retainer may be used. The needle extends through the housing and a hole or slot in the locking arm, and into the catheter. The hub of the catheter is held against the housing by the hook on the locking arm, until the needle is withdrawn into the housing, releasing the locking arm and allowing the hook to separate from the catheter hub. After the point of the needle has been withdrawn into the housing, it cannot be pushed back out as the needle slot moves out of alignment with the needle point.