Abstract: Several techniques are provided for aiding in the discrimination of detected biological signals indicative of blood pressure from detected signals not indicative of blood pressure (e.g., noise). In one technique, mixed signals which include biological signals indicative of blood pressure and noise signals not indicative of blood pressure are detected during time periods, and are evaluated over a plurality of the time periods to aid in discriminating the biological signals from the noise signals. This enhances the signal-to-noise ratio of the biological signals. In a related technique, the mixed signals are analyzed in different ways based on whether the noise level exceeds a threshold to discriminate the biological signals from the noise signals. Still another technique includes determining whether a candidate blood pressure signal should be used to measure blood pressure based on whether it exceeds a plurality of different thresholds.

Abstract: A headlamp module for providing a uniform field of illumination at a predetermined distance includes a headlamp housing having a first end and a second end. A light source such as a terminated fiber optic cable is disposed within the first end of the housing. A condenser system is disposed within said headlamp housing in optical communication with a light source which is positioned close to the condenser. The condenser system, which comprises a pair of planar convex lenses oriented with the convex sides facing each other, is in optical communication with a reflecting element such as a planar mirror or a reflecting prism. The light reflected by the reflecting element is directed to an exit lens, such as a projection lens or an objective. The light exiting the exit lens provides the uniform field of illumination despite the presence of a real image of the light source termination at a distance close to the exit lens.

Abstract: A pair of telescopic spectacles includes a frame having a top bar and a bottom rim disposed to provide an aperture and a lens having a bore therein disposed in the aperture of the frame. The telescopic spectacles further include a telescope assembly disposed through the bore of the lens at a predetermined convergence and declination angle. The telescope assembly includes a first housing having a first aperture, a first region with a bore therein and a second region having a cavity therein, a second aperture and a first surface. The telescope assembly further includes a lens retainer disposed in the first aperture of the first housing, and an eyepiece assembly disposed in the first region of the first housing. The eyepiece assembly includes a lens housing having a first end with a first aperture and having a second opposing end with a second aperture.

Abstract: An illumination assembly includes a lens housing having a first end and a second end, a first lens having first and second opposing surfaces with the first lens being disposed in a first end of the lens housing. A cane having a first a second surfaces is disposed in the lens housing with the first surface of the cane being spaced a predetermined distance from a first surface of the lens and wherein the second surface of the cane is polished and disposed against a first polished surface of a fiber optic bundle.

Abstract: A system is provided for forming a permanent crimped connection, through which light may be transmitted to and from a fiber-optic cable, by forcibly crimp fitting an adapter for fiber-optic devices, light sources, and light utilization devices, to an end fitting of the fiber-optic cable using a crimping tool. A portion of the end fitting is inserted into an a corresponding passage in the adapter and held in alignment for mating by the crimping tool. When the crimping tool is actuated, a cylindrical outer surface of the end fitting, having a larger diameter than a cylindrical inner surface of the adapter, is pushed into the adapter to create the crimped connection between the end fitting and the adapter.

Abstract: A chassis for a light source for medical/surgical applications comprises a lamp assembly having a support plate slidable through a housing door into chassis mounted rails or slides and having fixed thereon lamp heat sinks having the form of mounting plates with heat dispersing fins projecting therefrom. The supporting plate further includes or supports plugs which mate with corresponding plugs in the rear as the plate is inserted on the rails and pushed back onto stops, providing secure, aligned positioning. The heat sinks that hold the lamp in position are slotted so as to resiliently secure and electrically contact the lamp under the action of first and second resilient clamps which position the lamp in predetermined alignment and allow for thermal expansion, for example, of the sapphire window. Light from the lamp is projected along a path through heat filters to an output turret assembly which allows for selection of different fiber optic cables connected to plural connectors on the turret.

Abstract: A coaxial illuminator adapted for surgical coaxial illumination and viewing including an opaque housing defining a longitudinal axis and having a tilted, anti-reflection coated window located at one end of the housing. A beamsplitter is located within the housing and is positioned so as to reflect light, from a light source, along the longitudinal axis of the housing through the window to illuminate the object and to permit image light from the object being viewed to pass along the longitudinal housing through the beamsplitter. An absorber is positioned to absorb light which passes from the light source through the beamsplitter unreflected.

Abstract: A binocular surgical loupe which enhances the illumination of the viewed field while avoiding flare effects of illuminating light within the loupe optics. The binocular system utilizes circularly polarized illumination and viewing to prevent flare effects and additionally enhances the illumination of the field of view by utilization of the illumination source waste beam that results from the presence of a beam splitter in the illumination path within the loupe. In addition, a camera system is provided which permits remote viewing of the user's field of view. In one embodiment the camera and view paths include separate, identical zoom lenses which are synchronously controlled so that the fields of illumination and view are kept coextensive. In another embodiment for a binocular loupe, the loupe optics for one eye combines illumination and viewing functions while the loupe for the other eye combines camera and viewing functions.

Abstract: A binocular surgical loupe which enhances the illumination of the viewed field while avoiding flare effects of illuminating light within the loupe optics. The binocular system utilizes circularly polarized illumination and viewing to prevent flare effects and additionally enhances the illumination of the field of view by utilization of the illumination source waste beam that results from the presence of a beam splitter in the illumination path within the loupe. In addition, a camera system is provided which permits remote viewing of the user's field of view. In one embodiment the camera and view paths include separate, identical zoom lenses which are synchronously controlled so that the fields of illumination and view are kept coextensive. In another embodiment for a binocular loupe, the loupe optics for one eye combines illumination and viewing functions while the loupe for the other eye combines camera and viewing functions.

Abstract: A head mounted apparatus for illuminating a work site, and for transmitting a visual image of the work site to a remote location for viewing on a television screen. A camera and a light source are mounted on a head band which is worn by the user. The camera lens is disposed generally between the eyes of the user to allow viewing of the same image as the user is seeing. The light source is disposed slightly above the camera, and is coupled to a remote light source by a fiber optic cable. The light source and the camera are independently pivotally mounted on a bracket, and the bracket is pivotally mounted to the head band.

Abstract: Head-mounted illuminating apparatus, including a visual image pickup means and an audio pickup means for transmittal to a remote station.

Abstract: Vaginal speculum comprising a supporting base and a pair of parallel elongated separable jaws operatively connected to the base and fiber-optic illumination means operatively connected to the speculum for projecting a light beam within a viewing channel which is defined between the separated jaws of the speculum.

Abstract: A fiberoptic cable assembly is described with terminal connectors in which a coupling element encloses the fiberoptic fibers and has a sleeve portion over which the fiberoptic sheath is secured and a larger diameter hollow portion carrying discontinuities on its exterior surface for engaging a strain relief tubing. A cup washer is locked against the coupling element by a locking element that serves as the connecting terminal of the cable. The cup washer is designed so that its cupped portion encloses the end of the strain relief tubing and presses it into the discontinuities securing the tubing in place.

Abstract: A surgical headlamp is disclosed that is removably mounted to a headband and which utilizes a remote light source connected via a fiberoptic cable. The mounting arrangement includes frictional sliding members permitting adjustment of the lamp to an exact in between the eyes location.