Abstract: A binocular indirect ophthalmoscope that is adapted to be worn on a wearer's head includes a headband and illumination housing having an illumination source and a viewer module wherein the viewer module is moveable between an in-use and an out-of-use position. A mounting assembly is provided for allowing the viewer module to be pivoted between the in-use and the out-of-use positions and also allows adjustment and locking to the wearer's face in the in-use position. The mounting assembly includes a magnetic securement of the viewer module in both the in-use and out-of-use positions. Part of the magnetic securement operates as an electrical contact to automatically provide power to the illumination source in the in-use position. An optical polarizer provides intensity adjustment of the light energy transmitted to the eye being examined. Preferably the illumination source is a light emitting diode.

Abstract: A test pack for testing the adequacy of air removal in a prevacuum sterilizer.

Abstract: A method of determining the effectiveness of a sterilization cycle in a sterilization chamber by the use of an indicator containing DNA and a dye which can be bound thereto. The indicator containing DNA is placed in the sterilization chamber prior to the beginning of the sterilization cycle. When the DNA is subjected to heat and steam, the molecule is fragmented so that it is no longer capable of binding the dye. The DNA is withdrawn from the indicator after the sterilization cycle, contacted by a solution of the dye and, thereafter, dipped into wash water. If sufficient fragmentation has taken place, a substantial percentage of the dye will be washed off during the second dip. This is easily recognized by the operator and the efficacy of the cycle can be determined. On the other hand, if insufficient heat and steam has been applied, the remaining DNA will retain the dye and little or no change in color will be observed.

Abstract: A fecal specimen may be tested for the presence of occult blood by combining the fecal specimen with(a) an oxidizable substrate that produces a colored product in the presence of peroxide and hemoglobin;(b) hydrogen peroxide or a peroxide source; and(c) an enhancer selected to enhance the sensitivity of the test. Suitable enhancers are monocyclic nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocyclic compounds; tertiary or quaternary ammonium compounds having a phenyl, hydroxy alkyl or esterified hydroxy alkyl attached to the nitrogen; or quinoline or a substituted derivative thereof. If hemoglobin is present in the fecal sample, the oxidizable substrate is converted to the visibly detectable, colored product.

Abstract: A laryngoscope handle includes a switch assembly for creating an electrical circuit between a lamp and a battery when a laryngoscope blade attached to the handle is moved into a working position.

Abstract: A positioning device for an optical device is formed of two substantially parallel mounting plates which extend laterally outward from a headband. Each mounting plate has two vertically elongated slots cut in it. The slots closest to the headband (proximal) are in alignment with each other, as are the distal slots on the two mounting plates. Attached to the headband between the two mounting plates is an adjustable stop, such as a threaded rod and nut. The mounting plates and adjustable stop accept an optical device such as an ophthalmoscope having a mounting block affixed to a surface thereof. The mounting block is formed from a body having a hole extending therethrough for receiving a pivot pin. The hole is substantially parallel to the surface of the optical device to which the mounting block is affixed. The mounting block also has two spring loaded balls disposed partially within the body at opposing ends of a line through the body which is parallel to the hole in the body and located below the hole.

Abstract: A fecal specimen may be tested for the presence of occult blood combining the fecal specimen with(a) an oxidizable substrate that produces a colored product in the presence of peroxide and hemoglobin;(b) hydrogen peroxide or a peroxide source; and(c) an enhancer selected to enhance the sensitivity of the test. Suitable enhancers are monocyclic nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocyclic compounds; tertiary or quaternary ammonium compounds having a phenyl, hydroxy alkyl or esterified hydroxy alkyl attached to the nitrogen; or quinoline or a substituted derivative thereof. If hemoglobin is present in the fecal sample, the oxidizable substrate is converted to the visibly detectable, colored product.

Abstract: A sterilization biological test pack includes a first plurality of apertured planar sheets of substantially porous paper disposed to form a stack. Each of the sheets defines a generally centrally disposed aperture, the apertures operatively defining together a single cavity extending through the stack. Second and third pluralities of unapertured planar sheets of substantially porous paper are disposed on opposed sides of the stack and aligned therewith to close the stack cavity at either end thereof and define a chamber about the cavity configured and dimensioned to receive a biological indicator. The first, second and third pluralities together define a sheet pad. A tray formed of unapertured gas-inhibiting material, has a base coextensive and aligned with the exposed side of the third plurality and four sidewalls transverse to the base together substantially covering the exposed edges of the pad. The tray and the pad together define an assembly.

Abstract: A stereoscopic ophthalmoscope for examining an eye including two inner reflection mirrors for guiding light representing the image of the eye toward a pair of external mirrors. Each of the external mirrors serves as an image splitter for dividing the light into two distinct optical observation paths. The first optical observation path is used to produce a stereoscopic image of the eye suitable for binocular viewing. The second optical observation path is used to produce a non-stereoscopic image of the eye suitable for monocular or binocular viewing.

Abstract: A sterilization biological test pack comprises a first plurality of apertured planar sheets of substantially porous paper disposed to form a stack. Each of the sheets defines a generally centrally disposed aperture, the apertures operatively defining together a single cavity extending through the stack. Second and third pluralities of unapertured planar sheets of substantially porous paper are disposed on opposed sides of the stack and aligned therewith to close the stack cavity at either end thereof and define a chamber about the cavity configured and dimensioned to receive a biological indicator. Fourth and fifth pluralities of unapertured planar sheets of paper of intermediate porosity are disposed on exposed sides of the third and fourth pluralities, respectively, and aligned therewith.

Abstract: A prevacuum steam sterilization test pack, for testing the efficiency of the vacuum system of a steam sterilizer apparatus to create a vacuum, comprises a bundle of layers and a porous overwrap folded about the bundle to maintain the integrity thereof. The bundle includes a porous test sheet with a steam sensitive indicator ink printed thereon positioned between layers of the bundle to indicate the efficiency of the vacuum system of a sterilizer, a plurality of selectively porous layers within the bundle above and below said test sheet, and at least one pair of non-porous gas-impermeable layers disposed intermediate the test sheet and one of the bundle end surfaces. The pair of non-porous layers is spaced from both the test sheet and the one bundle end surface by at least one of the porous layers, and the non-porous layers are spaced apart by at least one and no more than two of the porous layers.

Abstract: A magnifier for observing a surface includes a housing, a detachable window attachment coupled to a first end of the housing and an eyepiece coupled to a second end of the housing. A light source attachment is coupled to the housing for supplying light to the hollow interior of the housing. The light source attachment and housing each have major axes which extend in different directions and form an angle between approximately 110.degree. and 120.degree.. Photoconductive material serves as a light guide for directing the light from the light source attachment to the window attachment.

Abstract: A carton for dispensing articles from the front thereof comprises a top wall, a bottom wall, and a laterally spaced apart pair of sidewalls connecting said top wall and said bottom wall. A shelf is disposed intermediate the top and bottom walls and extends substantially between the sidewalls, the shelf having a substantially horizontal front portion of appreciable length extending rearwardly from the front of the carton, and a rear portion of appreciable length inclined rearwardly and downwardly from the front portion.

Abstract: A test slide for conducting a test of occult blood in feces is fabricated with a sheet of filter paper or other reagent carrier material impregnated with a test reagent and packaged in an envelope enclosure which overlies both sides of the reagent carrier sheet. One or more specimen apertures are provided in the enclosure on one side of the reagent carrier sheet to permit the placement of feces specimens on the reagent carrier sheet through the apertures. On the other side, the enclosure is openable to form a test opening (which encompasses the feces specimens) so that a developing reagent can be applied to the other side of the reagent carrier sheet at the location of the specimens. A barrier material, impervious to the passage of liquids, is deposited on the reagent carrier sheet in a line which runs across the area of the test opening.

Abstract: A binocular indirect ophthalmoscope is disclosed in which the optical observation axes from the examiner's pupils to the patient's pupil and the optical illumination axis from an illumination source to the patient's pupil are varied simultaneously by a single conveniently located lever. Mirrors reflecting the observation axes and the illumination axis are mounted on a common movable holder in fixed relationship to each other. The lever is coupled to the holder to move the holder in the observation plane upon actuation of the lever and thereby adjust both the observation axes and the illumination axis at the same time.

Abstract: Head-worn apparatus to which an optical device is adjustably coupled is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a headband, a support bow for the optical device rotatably coupled to the headband and a locking mechanism for automatically locking the bow in a viewing position of the optical device and in a rest position of the optical device while permitting the bow to be swivelled between the two positions. An articulated coupling adjustably connects the optical device to the central region of the bow. The locking mechanism always locks the bow in the same viewing position of the optical device so that once the articulated coupling has been adjusted with the optical device in its viewing position, the bow and with it the optical device can be swivelled back and forth between the rest and use positions without having to readjust the optical device.

Abstract: The inventive manual ophthalmoscope is provided with a housing 1 which is closed on all sides and in which the optical components 7, 8, 9, 13, 14 are housed in an entirely dustproof manner. The necessary switching operations for interposing correction lenses 15, 16, lighting field masks, color filters etc. into the illumination and/or observation light path 2, 3 are effected by electomagnetic drives 17, 18, 19, 20 which are adapted to be operated by means of operating elements 21, 22, 23 provided on the outside of housing 1 in optimum positions from an ergonomic point of view. The display of refraction values of correction lenses 15, 16 interposed into the observation light path as well as information deducible therefrom is effected in an optoelectronic manner.

Abstract: A steam sterilization indicator for indicating both exposure to steam and sterilization is provided. The steam sterilization indicator includes a backing member. A tablet formed of a compound having a first melting point and second melting point which is lower that the first melting point, the second melting point being the melting point of the compound exposed to steam is also provided. A wick is affixed to the backing member adjacent to the tablet. A steam permeable material covers the tablet and the wick. Upon melting, the tablet material is absorbed by the wick. A handle is affixed to the backing member. One end of the handle includes a steam exposure indicator formed of a color changing ink which changes color in the presence of steam.