Abstract: An optical strain gauge is coupled to an obstetrical vacuum extractor to measure the tensile strain resulting from the application of an extraction force. The measured strain is transmitted to a readout device and converted to a readable indication of the force applied. The optical strain gauge may be of any suitable design, so long as the measured reading may be transmitted and converted to a readable indication of the applied force either before or at the readout device. Preferably, the strain gauge is connected with an optical fiber to the readout device. The strain gauge may be coupled to or molded to any portion of the extractor that exhibits a tensile or compressive force or bending as a result of the application of the extraction force.

Abstract: An adapter for connection to an opening in a fluid containing vessel for applying a vacuum to the interior of the vessel is provided. The adapter includes at least partially concentrically disposed outer and inner sleeves, each having a generally conical shape and a generally radially extending opening in a side wall thereof. The inner and outer sleeves are rotatable relative to each other such that the extent to which the openings in the side walls of the inner sleeve and outer sleeve are aligned can be selectively adjusted. The inner and outer sleeves define a passage through the adapter extending from a proximal opening at a proximal end to a distal opening at a distal end of the adapter. The proximal end of the adapter is configured for connection to a vacuum source and the distal end is configured for insertion in and to sealingly engage the edge of the opening in the vessel.

Abstract: An amniotic membrane perforator comprising an elongated shaft portion having an arcuate bend at the proximal end of the shaft and a hook at the distal end of the shaft. A flag portion extends perpendicularly to the shaft substantially adjacent the distal end of the shaft, opposite the hook. The cross-section of an extended length of the shaft inward the distal end is substanially oval. During use, the physician's index finger is placed along the flat portion, and the thumb and second finger adjacent the oval cross-section portion.

Abstract: An obstetrical vacuum extractor comprising a vacuum cup to which a disk assembly and attached traction cord are rotatably coupled. The cup has a protrusion extending from its base, and the disk assembly a bore for receiving the protrusion. The protrusion is then preferably ultrasonically welded to create a button to rotatably retain the disk assembly on the cup.

Abstract: A heating pad is disclosed. The heating pad is essentially "C-shaped" and is filled with a chemical composition. When activated by the triggering device, the chemical composition undergoes a reversible exothermic reaction and generates heat that warms the breast or other body part with which it is in contact. Because of its shape, the heating pad fits comfortably around the human female breast and efficiently transfers heat to the breast when activated. Also disclosed is an embodiment where the heating pad is connected to a breast pump so that the heating pad warms the breast while the breast pump is being used.

Abstract: A flexible plastic warming bag may carry a flexible strip having opposed end portions. The strip is attached to the bag at at least one end portion of the strip, in which circumstance the other end portion of the strip projects across the periphery and carries an adhesive surface. Thus the bag may be rolled into essentially tubular configuration about the limb of a patient and retained there. The strip may also be attached at both ends by an adhesive, with the points of attachment being on opposed faces of the bag. The adhesive preferentially adheres to the strip end portion, so that one of the strip end portions may be peeled away, and the bag. rolled in either direction and retained in such configuration.

Abstract: An exercise device including a pair of hollow cylindrical rollers interconnected so as to be maintained in generally line rolling engagement whereby upon the rollers being rotated by the hand of the person the person's fingers, thumb and hand are exercised, and if squeezed more tightly during rotation, the rollers also impart exercise to the wrist and forearm.

Abstract: The present invention provides reusable warmers of the supersaturated solution type that are substantially free of saddlebagging. The warmers also exhibit a more sustained period of time during which the heat pack remains within a therapeutically useful temperature range. The reusable warmers of the present invention also maintain a substantial degree of flexibility during their useful heat cycle. The reusable warmers comprise a flexible container, and located within said container, a supercooled salt solution, an activator for initiating crystallization of said supercooled salt solution, and a gelling agent, said gelling agent being present in sufficient quantity to convert said salt solution to a gel.