Abstract: In a device for acoustic imaging of internal morphology of the respiratory tract which utilizes a hollow acoustic pipe having a speaker on one end and microphones on its side wall the improvement comprising a disposable tube or sleeve which is intended to be coextensive with the pipe, having a filter at its far end and filters to fit over the microphones along with a lip or ring at its outer end so as to avoid cross-contamination between patients whose breath enters the pipe.

Abstract: A device for allowing visual examination of the swallowing of fluids by an infant which includes a nipple mounted housing, a feeding tube for feeding fluid into the nipple, openings in the nipple to allow the fluid to pass or be sucked therethrough, a further opening centrally located in the nipple through which an endoscope is passed to allow for such visual examination.

Abstract: A method of acoustically imaging a portion of the morphology of a subject which includes the steps of utilizing a burst of pulses for which reflections are recorded prior to analyzing and plotting the data generated thereby.

Abstract: In a device for acoustic imaging of internal morphology of the respiratory tract which utilizes a hollow acoustic pipe having a speaker on one end and microphones on its side wall the improvement comprising a disposable tube or sleeve which is intended to be coextensive with the pipe, having a filter at its far end so as to avoid cross-contamination between patients whose breath enters the pipe while protecting the speaker from humidity.

Abstract: Single hand supportable and operable apparatus for providing an output signal characteristic of the morphology of a respiratory tract includes an acoustic pipe for exchanging acoustical energy with the tract. The pipe has an open first end in communication with an opening in the respiratory tract. A transducer, such as a loudspeaker, is coupled to the pipe for launching acoustical energy into the pipe, producing an incident wave towards the opening in the tract and a reflected wave to form a transient wave field in the pipe representative of the morphology of the tract. Preferably, first and second pressure wave sensing transducers, such as microphones, mounted along the length of the pipe in spaced relationship provide first and second transduced signals representative of the transient wave field.

Abstract: Single hand supportable and operable apparatus for providing an output signal characteristic of the morphology of a respiratory tract includes an acoustic pipe for exchanging acoustical energy with the tract. The pipe has an open first end in communication with an opening in the respiratory tract. A transducer, such as a loudspeaker, is coupled to the pipe for launching acoustical energy into the pipe, producing an incident wave towards the opening in the tract and a reflected wave to form a transient wave field in the pipe representative of the morphology of the tract. Preferably, first and second pressure wave sensing transducers, such as microphones, mounted along the length of the pipe in spaced relationship provide first and second transduced signals representative of the transient wave field.

Abstract: A laryngeal stent for supporting anatomical features of the mammalian larynx, including a human larynx is formed by a gas-inflatable envelope fabricated from a resilient, deformable material can conform to the anatomical surfaces of the larynx within the mammal's esophagus when pressurized by the gas. In preferred embodiment stents, the surface of the envelope is coarse, allowing for the venting of air between the laryngeal surfaces and the envelope. However, the stent conforms so closely to the anatomical features of the larynx that sutures are not required to anchor the stent in place.

Abstract: An implantable device used in treating glaucoma includes a movable plate shaped and sized to fit in a single quadrant of an eye to provide maximum surface area. A drainage tube is attached to the plate and has a distal end for insertion into the anterior chamber of the eye to drain fluid. A valve is disposed in the tube to control the fluid pressure within the eye and prevent hypotony. The plate is made of soft surgical grade polymeric material to prevent extrusion from the body.

Abstract: A nasal splint is described to separate the mucoperiosteum within a nasal cavity. The splint includes an elongate base sized and shaped to separate the inferior conchae. A flexible wing extends away from the base to separate the walls of the middle conchae when the splint is in place within the nasal cavity. A hollow tube is also provided on the base for defining an air passage.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of an improvement in the T-shaped tracheal stents and in the tracheal cannulas of the prior art, permitting one to conveniently have a complete and unitary unit including a closure member affixed to the device of the invention. Unidirectional retention sleeves are also described, which may be used in conjunction with the cannulas and the stents of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of an improvement in the T-shaped tracheal stents and in the tracheal cannulas of the prior art, permitting one to conveniently have a complete and unitary unit including a closure member affixed to the device of the invention. Unidirectional retention sleeves are also described, which may be used in conjunction with the cannulas and the stents of the invention.

Abstract: A stoma stent system for treating patients after tracheostomy and maintenance of a tracheastomy tract includes a tubular stent for insertion in the trachea and several plug components which may be inserted into the open, free end of the stent for several functions. For example, a plug may have several inserts for progressively constricting air flow through the stent to wean the patient off the stent. The same, or another plug may include a vapor source for transferring moisture from exhaled air to inhaled air. A third plug may include a check valve which blocks exhaled air and redirects the air toward the vocal cords to permit the patient to speak and cough.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of an improvement in the T-shaped tracheal stents and in the tracheal cannulas of the prior art, permitting one to conveniently have a complete and unitary unit including a closure member affixed to the device of the invention. Unidirectional retention sleeves are also described, which may be used in conjunction with the cannulas and the stents of the invention.

Abstract: An improved tracheobronchial stent has a T-Y shape with specific curves at the T and the Y intersections to minimize insult to the tracheal and bronchial tissues when used as a long-term prosthetic device.