Abstract: Formulations, articles and methods for the detection and/or qualification of ultraviolet light. A chemical formulation containing a tetrazolium or formazan complex is used to make a UV sensitive compound. The formulation is used to form a chemical indicator comprising a substrate with the formulation impregnated on or in the substrate. The substrate may be any suitable material and may be coated, uncoated, or laminated. The formulation may be coated on or inserted into a substrate and will form a UV detecting indicator when applied thereto. Depending upon its composition, the formulation will undergo a color change on exposure to different types of ultraviolet radiation, such as UVA, UVB or UVC, and the color change can be correlated to the length of exposure. The indicator can be used to detect and evaluate exposure to ultraviolet light in a variety of settings depending on the specifics of the formulation.

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.

Abstract: A Bowie and Dick type prevacuum steam sterilization test pack for insertion into a sterilization chamber for indicating the presence of unacceptable levels of uncondensable gas comprises a housing, a heat sink and an indicator. The housing defines a single chamber having a large open end, a relatively small closed end opposite the open end, and a sidewall smoothly tapering from the open end to the closed end. The heat sink is disposed in the chamber and extends substantially from the open end to the closed end to define a path through which the steam travels from the open end toward the closed end, the path being adapted to provide sufficient exposure of the steam to the heat sink so that the steam condenses within the path, releasing any noncondensable gas associated with the steam, forcing the noncondensable gas so released toward and concentrating such noncondensable gas within the closed end.

Abstract: A disposable package is adapted to simulate the steam permeability and other qualities of the linen pack previously used to test the functioning of a steam sterilizer using a biological test device. The biological test device comprises spores on an appropriate carrier, either in a self-contained biological device or as a spore strip. The biological test device is placed within applicant's specially constructed package and the package is placed within the sterilizer, which is then cycled through a conventional sterilization cycle. During the sterilization cycle, applicant's package simulates the standard sterilizer linen pack previously used for such tests. After the sterilization cycle, sterility of the spore preparation is evaluated by incubating the spores in a culture medium to determine whether the spore population has been adequately destroyed.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus is provided for an optical examination device secured to a hand grip at the distal end of a light-conducting cable which is connected at its near end to a projector. The mounting apparatus includes a lower mount for supporting the cable receiving end of the hand grip, which mount has a slit in it to permit passage of the cable, and an upper mount which serves as a holding device for either the other end of the hand grip or the optical examination device secured thereto. A sensing device is provided in the upper mount to turn off the light source which illuminates the cable when the hand grip is placed in the mounting apparatus and to turn the source on when the hand grip is removed from the mounting apparatus.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometer cuff which is adapted to be put on by a patient without assistance. One end of the cuff is formed into a loop by means of elastic bands extending around the loop. When the loop is slipped over a limb, the elastic bands stretch and hold the cuff in place while the remaining cuff portion is wrapped and secured.

Abstract: A wall mounted power supply for medical diagnostic instruments provides a continuously variable output voltage over the normal operating range of such instruments and a discreet excess voltage above the normal operating range to provide extra illumination during brief periods. The power supply output is regulated so as to be independent of load. The power supply is adapted to be conveniently wall mounted on a bracket assembly which permits quick and secure attachment and removal.

Abstract: A sterile pack blank is provided which comprises an enclosure determined by a substrate of predetermined porosity and a discrete plastic film overlying the porous substrate. The film and porous substrate are adhesively connected by a cohesive or self-sealing adhesive. The porous substrate is printed with a continuous adhesive track, while substantially an entire surface of the plastic film is adhesive coated. An end flap of the film is folded back upon itself along a fold line to provide access to the enclosure interior. After introduction of an instrument into the enclosure, the film end flap is hingedly connected to the substrate, along respective adhesively coated areas thereof, according to the sealing method of the invention. The adhesive is characterized by the fact that it is self-adhering. Therefore, only interfaced areas of the film and substrate that are respectively coated with the adhesive may be adhesively connected.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometer in which individual valve mechanisms under control of a series of push buttons are provided to permit release of air from the sphygmomanometer cuff at approximate predetermined rates for proper diagnosis. The valve arrangement includes a safety release feature which prevents the buildup of excess pressure in the manometer.

Abstract: The present application discloses an examination pattern for use in conjunction with ophthalmoscopes which provide a illuminated slit surrounded by an illuminated ring to permit the physician to view the environment of the portion of the retina illuminated by the slit.

Abstract: This application discloses an ophthalmoscope illumination arrangement including a bulb mounted in a special bulb carrier which is adapted to cooperate with the ophthalmoscope chassis so as to automatically position the bulb for best illumination. The bulb carrier and ophthalmoscope chassis cooperate to establish the longitudinal position of the bulb filament along the illumination axis of the instrument and to align the rotational position of the bulb filament with the upper edge of the reflective mirror or prism so that the illumination beam is in close alignment with the viewing axis of the instrument.