Abstract: A flexible articulating style for an endotracheal tube is provided with a ratchet mechanism whereby to selectively set and maintain a desired curvature of the style, and hence the tube, so that the intubationist may hold the stylet-curved tube with a pencil-like grip at its mid-section for optimal control during intubation.

Abstract: An x-ray tube comprises an envelope, an anode target rotatably mounted within the envelope, and a cathode and window assembly mounted within the envelope and spaced relative to the anode. The cathode and window assembly includes an electrically insulative ceramic base defining an x-ray transmissive window therethrough, a recess formed within the electrically insulative base adjacent to a peripheral portion of the x-ray transmissive window, a filamentary electrode received within the recess, first and second metalized conductive surfaces formed on a surface of the recess on opposite sides of the filamentary electrode and substantially electrically isolated relative to one another, a first terminal electrically connected to the first metalized conductive surface, a second terminal electrically connected to the second metalized conductive surface, and a high voltage cable receptacle located on a second side of the electrically insulative ceramic base.

Abstract: A flexible articulating style for an endotracheal tube is provided with a ratchet mechanism whereby to selectively set and maintain a desired curvature of the style, and hence the tube, so that the intubationist may hold the stylet-curved tube with a pencil-like grip at its mid-section for optimal control during intubation.

Abstract: An X-ray tube has a metal-ceramic envelope having rotatably mounted therein an anode disk, which may be axially translatable and provided with a peripheral rim surface wherein a focal track spiral groove (or multiple annular grooves) is disposed. The groove(s) include a focal spot(s) area spaced from an electron emitting cathode(s), which is associated with a beam-forming structure and an X-ray transparent window mounted within an insulating structure aligned with the focal spot area. The insulating structure incorporates a multiplicity of imbedded annular electrodes which control an accelerating electric field, and which are structurally and operationally integrated into a power-control assembly that provides the electrical power and control signals necessary for the functioning of the X-ray tube.

Abstract: A blind intubation guide (10) includes a guide wall (42), which aims an orotracheal tube (120) into the laryngeal opening (230), the guide wall (42) being pivotally mounted to an aft member (16) of the guide (10) to accommodate throats (202) of variable shallowness. The guide (10) may also include a flexible spout (100).

Abstract: A blind intubation guide (10) includes a guide wall (42), which aims an orotracheal tube (120) into the laryngeal opening (230), the guide wall (42) being pivotally mounted to an aft member (16) of the guide (10) to accommodate throats (202) of variable shallowness. The guide (10) may also include a flexible spout (100).

Abstract: A beam limiting apparatus is provided for reducing the amount of off-focus radiation in the image-forming beam emitted from an x-ray tube assembly. The x-ray tube assembly has a housing with an x-ray port for the passage of x-rays therethrough, a mounting boss defining the x-ray port, an x-ray tube mounted within the housing and defining a glass envelope, an anode mounted within the glass envelope, and a cathode spaced relative to the anode within the glass envelope. A peripheral flange of the beam limiting apparatus is mountable to the mounting boss of the x-ray tube housing, and a radiation-absorbing body of the beam limiting apparatus projects downwardly from the peripheral flange through the x-ray port.

Abstract: An athletic ankle brace is custom-formed to the shape of a wearer's ankle. The ankle brace includes a hardenable brace panel adapted for being molded while flexible to the medial and lateral aspects of the lower leg and ankle of the wearer. Upon hardening, the molded brace panel provides a rigid custom fit for restricting inversion and eversion of the foot during wear. The brace panel defines an integrally-formed hardenable posterior heel tongue adapted for being molded while flexible to the heel of the wearer and extending under the heel to further support the ankle upon hardening.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube (10) having an incomplete posterior bevel (50) extending toward, but not completely through, the anterior wall (36) and a curved lip (54) projecting from the anterior wall (36).

Abstract: An athletic ankle brace is custom-formed to the shape of a wearer's ankle. The ankle brace includes a hardenable brace panel adapted for being molded while flexible to the medial and lateral aspects of the lower leg and ankle of the wearer. Upon hardening, the molded brace panel provides a rigid custom fit for restricting inversion and eversion of the foot during wear. The brace panel defines an integrally-formed hardenable posterior heel tongue adapted for being molded while flexible to the heel of the wearer and extending under the heel to further support the ankle upon hardening.

Abstract: An endoscope viewing system including an orotracheal introducing guide (10) having channels (60) therethrough to support endoscope imaging end components (70,72) and, if desired, medical implements (120).

Abstract: A protective pad, for example, a shin guard, for being custom-fitted to a body member to be protected, and including a first flexible cushion layer for being placed against the body member in a first orientation and an initially flexible intermediate layer having a first side positioned adjacent to the first layer. The intermediate layer includes a fabric impregnated with a moisture-curable resin which hardens upon curing to form a rigid structure of the fabric which retains a body part-defined shape into which it is molded during curing, thereby also holding the first flexible cushion layer in the same body-part defined shape, the intermediate layer defining at least first and second adjacent segments for overlying adjacent body parts of the wearer.

Abstract: A blind intubation guide (10) including a tube-receiving space (46) with a tube-supporting spout (50) which effectively overhangs the epiglottis (90) so as to prevent an orotracheal tube (60) from catching thereon as such tube (60) is advanced through the guide (10). A guide wall (42), which aims the tube (60) into the laryngeal opening (82) and has an upper edge below the level of the junction of the spout (50) and an aft member (16) and a support member (30) of the guide, cooperates with a free edge (52) of the spout (50) to rotate the tube (60) into position for advancement into the laryngeal opening (82) and the trachea (96).

Abstract: A protective pad for being custom-fitted to a body member to be protected, and including a first flexible cushion layer for being placed against the body member in a first orientation, and an initially flexible intermediate layer having a first side positioned adjacent to the first layer. The intermediate layer is formed of a fabric impregnated with a moisture-curable resin which hardens upon curing to form a rigid structure of the fabric which retains a body part-defined shape into which it is molded during curing, thereby also holding the flexible first cushion layer in the same body-part defined shape. A second flexible cushion layer is positioned adjacent a second side of the intermediate layer for being held by the intermediate layer in the same body-part defined shape as the intermediate layer for being placed against the body part to be protected in a second orientation.

Abstract: To facilitate rapid, accurate, blind access to the larynx or esophagus such as for emergency intubation of a patient's trachea and suctioning of the hypopharynx or esophagus, a medical device (10) includes an anatomically contoured guide element (12) having a channel (22) therethrough. Guide element (12) is positioned about and atop the larynx such that the wall of the channel forms an upward continuation of the laryngeal wall. An orotracheal tube (18) advanced through the channel is guided exclusively into the larynx and trachea without substantial risk of accidental intubation of the esophagus or other areas of the hypopharynx. Tunnels (150, 160) may be provided through the guide element for blindly guiding or aiming other tubular-type members selectively into the esophagus or larynx. A tubular handle (14) or curved blade (454) is connected to the guide element (12) to blindly insert guide element (12) into the throat. Alternative embodiments (310, 350, 410, 450) of medical device (10) are also described.