Abstract: An end plug or fitting for an endoscope includes a mouthpiece member 1 having a central passage therethrough for the insertion of a medical instrument, such as a forceps, into a guide tube 5. The upper portion of the passage receives a sealing member 2 having a nozzle section 2a whose oblique end face confronts the mouth of a suction pipe 4 and whose inner diameter is smaller than that of the guide tube and approximately the same as the outer diameter of the instrument(s) to be inserted. Such a construction provides for ease of instrument insertion and withdrawal, good suction during insertion, and very low suction after withdrawal.

Abstract: A cryosurgical instrument which may be used with interchangeable spray and closed end cryotips includes a body member with a central bore extending partially therethrough. Refrigerant is supplied to a first point in the bore through a valved refrigerant supply line while an effluent opening connects an effluent line to a second point in the bore. The bore receives the inner ends of cryotips. All cryotips used with the instrument include refrigerant delivery tubes having inner ends which are positioned adjacent the first point in the bore and O-rings which are seated between the first point and the second point in the bore to prevent escape of refrigerant. Closed end cryotips to be used with the instrument further include an effluent channel extending from an expansion chamber to the second point in the bore. A second O-ring is provided with closed end cryotips.

Abstract: A device for use primarily in medical applications to locate, analyze, illuminate and destroy obstructions in a tube. The device includes a fiberoptics bundle for insertion to the tube in a flexible conduit. The conduit includes a connection to a suction source at one of its ends, a valved means of controlling the application of suction, which functions also to control the injection of locating material, and a connection to the fiberoptics bundle. The fiberoptics bundle is divided into an illuminating source bundle portion, a viewing bundle portion and a laser bundle portion. The device functions to remove obstructions in tube structures, both biological and non-biological, by insertion of the conduit sheathed device into the tube structure, distal to the obstruction. A dye, or the like, is injected and the site of the obstruction thereby determined under the guidance of image-intensified fluoroscopy.

Abstract: A conductivity sensing device for diapers comprises a pair of swingably connected jaw members spring biased to closed position. One of the jaws has an electric conducting member with jaws designed to pierce material of the diaper to contact an electrically conducting layer therein. One of the jaws is provided with an electrical conducting area designed to contact the skin of a baby. Means are provided for preventing direct electrical contact between the jaws and the conducting area and means are provided to detect an increase in conductivity between these members.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in moving a disabled human limb has a cuff arrangeable on a disabled limb, and a handle assembly attached to the cuff and engageable by an able limb of the user for permitting the able limb to manipulate the disabled limb.

Abstract: Improved method for in situ visual examination of cardiovascular system comprises feeding a catheter having at least one afferent fiber-optic bundle for transmitting light from the proximal end of the catheter to the distal end thereof and at least one efferent fiber-optic bundle for returning light from the distal end to the proximal end, into the cardiovascular system until the distal end is in the vicinity of the region of cardiovascular system to be examined; illuminating the region by illuminating the proximal end of the catheter; injecting a clear physiologically innocuous fluid in front of the distal end of the catheter to increase clarity of blood in the region being examined; and observing the image returned to the proximal end of the efferent fiber-optic bundle. Fiber-optic catheter system and improved catheter for carrying out method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cervical collar comprising means adapted to underlie at least the head and trunk of the body of a patient for rigidly supporting a patient and comprising a head supporting portion and a trunk supporting portion, an elongated, elastically deformable core having a mid-portion comprising means for encircling the patient's neck while leaving the front of the neck uncovered, when the cervical collar is in place. The core has a pair of end portions each integral with the mid-portion and extending forwardly from the mid-portion at the front of the patient's neck when the cervical collar is in place. An elongated flexible cover around the core having a pair of end parts each extending longitudinally beyond a respective end portion of the core and means for preventing the longitudinal movement of the cover relative to the core.

Abstract: This application discloses a dynamic orthosis device utilizing elastic forces to treat scoliosis or other curvatures of the spine. First and second shell segments are provided with a connecting arrangement for adjustably aligning them so as to encompass the torso. At least one pressure pad is pivotably mounted to one of the shell segments, and an elastic strap is adjustably secured to one of the shell segments so as to exert a predetermined force on the pressure pad. The elastic strap, pressure pad and shell segments cooperate to apply adjustable dynamic forces to correct abnormal curvatures of the spine.

Abstract: An elongated speculum blade for insertion horizontally into the vagina of a standing animal. From an end of the blade a balancing weight extends adjustably vertically downward and adjustably horizontally under the blade, enabling the speculum to be self-supporting. With this blade in place, a second blade may be inserted and freely moved to observe particular regions in the vagina.

Abstract: A fiber optic pH probe suitable to be implanted in tissue for physiological studies is disclosed. The probe includes an ion permeable membrane envelope which encloses the ends of a pair of optical fibers. A pH sensitive dye indicator composition is present within the envelope. The probe operates on the concept of optically detecting the change in color of a pH sensitive dye.

Abstract: A flexible pad with two self-securing straps for mounting a transducer to the arm of a patient.

Abstract: A device for facilitating insertion of an endoscope into the esophagus which includes an elongated tube composed of a flexible elastomer, the tube having a substantially uniform outer diameter along most of its length and a solid tapered tip end, the tip end being joined to the remainder of the tube by means of a hollow tapered neck portion. The tube is provided with an opening behind the neck of generally elongated configuration. The geometry of the opening and the flexibility of the tube are such that when the distal end of an endoscope is inserted into the aperture, the distal end is slightly bent and is received in wedged engagement within the tapered neck portion, and a portion immediately behind the distal end of the endoscope is resiliently supported by a portion of the periphery of the opening formed in the tube.

Abstract: A splint to be applied by a policeman, paramedic, or fireman during rescue operation to a suspected cervical spine injury victim. The splint is designed for quick on-site installation to immobilize the head and cervical area before any attempt is made to move the victim.The splint is composed of two half sections. Each section is mounted on a shoulder harness and is designed to be fitted independently on either side of the head. The two sections are then connected to form a cage surrounding the victim's head. The head is secured within the cage by means of inflatable neck pillows. The splint may be fitted with an accessory designed to apply traction to the cervical vertebrae during emergency room treatment.

Abstract: A forceps constructed of a pair of interconnected members in which the fore end of the pair of members each include a plurality of elongated grooves. The elongated grooves of the members are to cooperate together to facilitate clamping onto a Laminaria tent for insertion into the uterine cervix of a human female. In the longitudinal direction the grooves are inwardly tapered. The upstanding sidewalls separating the grooves assure a positive lock onto a variety of diameters of Laminaria tents.

Abstract: A two-stage locking or latching mechanism for releasably connecting an endoscope and a urological instrument. In the first latching stage a body portion of the endoscope is fully received within a socket of the urological instrument and is restrained by a cooperating lug and socket against all movement except limited outward axial movement into the second latching stage. In the second latching stage the parts are secured against further axial separation unless they are first rotated with respect to each other to cam a spring out of latching engagement with the body portion of the endoscope.

Abstract: The specification describes an individual ear clip which fits on the ear auricle and which is secured to the hair of the user for the flattening of a protruding ear auricle. The ear clip comprises a resilient clip portion for clipping over the auricle helix and a body portion including a first relatively flat section for fitting against the inner surface of the helix, a second relatively flat section for fitting in the auricle concha and a narrow bent section joining the first and second sections and fitting over the auricle antihelix. The ear clip is provided with hair securing means for securing the ear clip to the user's hair and tautly holding same, thereby flattening the protruding ear auricle.

Abstract: An ophthalmic applicator device for mechanically inserting solid medicaments in the form of inserts into the cul-de-sac of the eye, comprising an elongated tip of non-toxic, pliable material terminating in a groove through an end of said tip sufficient to form two flexible, opposed termini of said tip whereby said insert is releasably gripped by frictional engagement between said termini; said groove having cross-sectional conformation and dimensions sufficient to releasably grip said insert, and at least one dimension sufficiently less than the greatest dimension of said insert to result in removal of said insert from the ophthalmic applicator device by contact of said insert with the cul-de-sac of the eye; and a handle attached to said tip at the end of said tip opposite said termini, and forming an interior angle therewith of from about 30.degree. to about 120.degree..

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying aspiration, irrigation, medication and ultrasonic power and dwell time to biotissue for surgery and treatment wherein the pressure for both aspirating and irrigating is precisely and accurately maintained by the use of a differential valve and a control reservoir which is generally much larger than the biotissue cavity to be operated on and wherein the pressures for irrigation, apiration, medication and the application of the amplitude and dwell time of ultrasonic energy can be precisely controlled, externally, to the patient.

Abstract: An endoscope is disclosed having a propulsion mechanism and at least one transmitter at the distal end transmitting bursts of energy waves (radio frequency or ultrasonic) for tracking the position of the distal end through the use of two or more transducers on the anterior or lateral surfaces of a patient. The propulsion mechanism may consist of two radially expandable bladders separated by an axially expandable bellows with only the forward bladder attached to the distal end so that by expanding and contracting them in proper sequence, propulsion of the endoscope is achieved. Alternate mechanisms comprise compliant paddles on the distal end directly on an articulated section, or compliant paddles on a rotatable sleeve on the distal end. The endoscope has a sheath which includes material having a sharp melting point slightly above body temperature so that the sheath may be made flexible at selected sections by applying current to separate heating wires in the sections of the sheath.

Abstract: Improved method for in situ visual examination of cardiovascular system comprises feeding a catheter having at least one afferent fiber-optic bundle for transmitting light from the proximal end of the catheter to the distal end thereof and at least one efferent fiber-optic bundle for returning light from the distal end to the proximal end, into the cardiovascular system until the distal end is in the vicinity of the region of cardiovascular system to be examined; illuminating the region by illuminating the proximal end of the catheter; injecting a clear physiologically innocuous fluid in front of the distal end of the catheter to increase clarity of blood in the region being examined; and observing the image returned to the proximal end of the efferent fiber-optic bundle. Fiber-optic catheter system and improved catheter for carrying out method are also disclosed.