Abstract: A protective cover for an insertion probe of a medical instrument. The cover contains a flexible tubular body that compliments the probe geometry and a radially disposed flange that surrounds the proximal end of the body. A series of snap-on fasteners removably connect the cover to the instrument. A camming surface is located on the outer face of the flange which coacts with a cam follower that is movably mounted upon the instrument to flex the cover sufficiently to open the fastener and release the cover from the instrument and move the cover axially toward the distal end of the tip.

Abstract: A reconfigurable grille for use in association with an axial fan, and a fan assembly including the reconfigurable grille. The reconfigurable grille includes a central hub, an outer rim, and a plurality of vanes each extending from the central hub to the outer rim. The plurality of vanes are configured to switch between at least a first configuration and a second configuration, for example, by a rotation of the central hub relative to the outer rim. The grille can further include a control element to switch the vanes between different configurations.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometer with a cuff for use on a patient wrist, upper or lower arm incorporates an inflatable bladder and a support structure. The cuff is subdivided into two sections. The first section holds the bladder against an arterial side of the limb, while the second section abuts a non-arterial side of the limb and is mechanically coupled to the support structure. When the cuff is attached to the patient limb, the bladder is positioned to avoid receiving a gravitational force caused by the weight of the limb. Rather, the gravitational force is absorbed by the support structure in an interior area of the cuff removed from the bladder.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a housing with a substantially open top portion. Water can be added to the humidifier by pouring the water into a water reservoir through an open top. The water is pumped from the water reservoir to an upper portion of the humidifier where it is dispersed into the environment by a flow of air. The humidifier may include both an ultrasonic nebulizer and a heater to provide a warm mix of cool mist and hot vapor. Alternatively, a warm mist can be provided by dispersed water from an ultrasonic nebulizer in combination with warm air. The humidifier may also solely provide a cool mist from an ultrasonic element, or the water can be dispersed using a wicking filter.

Abstract: A non-contact medical thermometer is disclosed that includes an IR sensor assembly having an IR sensor for sensing IR radiation from a target, a distance sensor configured to determine a distance of the thermometer from the target, and a memory component operatively coupled at least to the IR sensor assembly and the distance sensor. The memory component contains predetermined compensation information that relates to predetermined temperatures of targets and to predetermined distances from at least one predetermined target. A microprocessor is operatively coupled to the memory component. The microprocessor is configured to perform temperature calculations based on the IR radiation from the target, the distance of the thermometer from the target, and the predetermined compensation information.

Abstract: A medical thermometer including a curved mirror and a radiation sensor is disclosed. The radiation sensor is disposed relative to the mirror in a configuration whereby the mirror reflects away from the sensor radiation that passes through the radiation entrance and that is oriented outside a range of angles relative to the mirror, and reflects toward the sensor radiation that passes through the radiation entrance and that is oriented within a range of angles relative to the mirror.

Abstract: An improved scent pad and mechanism for housing the same. The mechanism is preferably a part of a humidifier or similar device and positioned adjacent to a heated surface. The mechanism preferably includes a cover, a keyed portion and a rib portion which allows the scent pad to fit properly and prevents other shaped pads from being inserted into or otherwise used in the housing mechanism, insuring optimal performance. In one embodiment the scent pad includes an upper straight edge, side edges, two lower beveled edges and a lower straight edge situated between the beveled edges. The upper straight edge and lower straight edge are preferably substantially parallel to each other. The side edges are preferably substantially parallel to each other and the beveled edges are preferably arranged at an angle that intersects both the lower straight edge and a side edge.

Abstract: A thermometer that enables the measurement of temperature from multiple body sites comprising a body portion that has a circuit configured to measure an IR signal and convert it into an output that accurately reflects body temperature and a switch in communication with the circuit. The thermometer also comprises a probe that has an IR window configured to accept an IR signal and an attachment mechanism coupled to the probe which comprises a generally circular hollow bore at its distal end, fastening members to engage the body of the thermometer and a pin at its proximal end for interacting with the switch on the body of the thermometer. When the attachment mechanism couples to the probe, the pin interacts with the switch in various positions and the circuit converts the signal based upon the position of the switch which position reflects the location from which the temperature measurement was taken.

Abstract: A UV sterilization chamber is provided to a humidifier having a water reservoir, a humidifying element and a pathway for directing water provided by the water reservoir to the humidifying element of the humidifier. The pathway is provided in a humidifier base, over which a humidifier enclosure is removably placed. The UV sterilization chamber includes a serpentine portion of the pathway and a UV radiation source positioned for illuminating the portion of the pathway with UV light. Upwardly-directed projections in the base border a perimeter of the pathway; and a downwardly-directed projection of the UV radiation source extends between the upwardly-directed projections when the enclosure is mated with the base, thereby locating the UV radiation source over the portion of the pathway. A switch disables the UV radiation source when the enclosure is removed from the base.

Abstract: A temperature therapy pad for use with a person including a thermal unit for making the pad either hot or cold and a therapeutic slot extending from one side of the pad which substantially divides the pad into sections. An elastic member may extend across the slot. The therapy pad can include a strap or an adhesive for attaching the therapy pad to a user's body. The thermal unit can be an electric heating coil and include a controller. The thermal unit may also be a material which has a high specific heat capacity or a material which heats when exposed to oxygen. The thermal unit may also be in the form of two separate chemical substances which change temperature when mixed. Another embodiment is for a temperature therapy pad including a substance which presents a heating or cooling sensation to a user's skin.

Abstract: A probe cover for medical thermometer has a matching feature for preventing its use with an incompatible thermometer. A mechanical matching feature of the probe cover includes at least one of a fold, a step, or a series of holes or indentations that are respectively matched to a ridge, a valley or series of pins formed on the front end of a compatible thermometer. When applied to the compatible thermometer, the mechanical matching feature permits the probe cover to be fully seated on and retained by the probe, thereby placing the thermometer in condition for use. Alternatively, an opto-electronic matching feature of the probe cover includes a reflective layer for use with an opto-electronic detection circuit of a compatible thermometer. When applied to the compatible thermometer, the opto-electronic detection detects the reflective layer and places the compatible thermometer in an operational state for use.