Abstract: A distal end part of an endoscope including an objective optical system which is disposed in the distal end portion of an insert part of the endoscope so that the optical axis of the objective optical system perpendicularly intersects the longitudinal axis of the distal end portion of the insert part. The distal end part further includes a planar image sensor which is incorporated in the distal end portion, so that it can be inserted and removed along the longitudinal axis of the distal end portion. The planar image sensor is secured in opposed relation to the objective optical system to convert an image of an object, which is formed by the objective optical system, into an electric signal.

Abstract: An improved weightlifting assist device is provided that includes a flexible fabric strap and a ring attached to a protective cushioning member or layer. The strap is attached to the cushioning member by stitching the strap to a point on the cushioning member between the ends of the cushioning member. The strap has its opposite end unattached so that it can be threaded through the ring and folded flat against the palm of the user. The free end of the strap can then be wrapped around a weightbars to assist in transferring of a weight to the forearm of a weightlifter, relieving the lifter's fingers of the majority of the load. The cushioning layer may be substantially wider than the fabric strap, so as to distribute the forces of the weightlifting activity over a larger area, reducing irritation that would be caused by the strap alone.

Abstract: A continuous flow hysteroscope is shown. The hysteroscope includes an outer sheath having an outer surface, an inner surface and a hollowed-out central area extending along a central axis which extends therethrough. The outer sheath has a proximal section and a distal section. The distal end includes a plurality of openings communicating between the outer surface and inner surface. The openings have a predetermined shape and pass fluid exterior to the distal section therethrough and into the hollowed-out central area. The proximal section of the outer sheath includes an outlet and an inlet. An inner member is positioned within the hollowed-out central area and includes a first channel which is adapted to receive a telescope. A second channel, which is substantially parallel to the first channel is utilized for passing a working tool. The first and second channel are operatively coupled to an inlet for passing fluid therethrough and out of the distal end outer sheath.

Abstract: A multi-part nail corrective brace for treating an ingrown toe- or fingernail has a brace part and a bridging piece. The brace part has a pair of hooks that are installed under the left and right edges of the nail to be treated. In application, the bridging piece is joined to the brace part by joining loops or indentations. Tension is applied to lever the nail up so that it is no longer ingrown. The joining loops or indentations can be in the form of discs, which can be cut out to enhance their elasticity. These discs may be injection-molded of plastic or rubber.

Abstract: A surgical head clamp having two arms, one with a single head engaging pin and the second with two head engaging pins mounted on a bracket. The bracket is capable of being rotated to reposition the head. The operating knob which releases the bracket to allow rotation has a safety locking pin which prevents the inadvertent rotation of the bracket when the pin is in a locked position.

Abstract: A hinge for use in an orthosis having the function of supporting, protecting and/or controlling a body joint. The hinge includes first and second sets of flexible, substantially planar, elongated strip-shaped elements mutually slidable in a plane-to-plane contacting relationship. The strip-shaped elements are carried by supporting members having a controlling and guiding function and at least one of the sets of strip-shaped elements is comprised of resilient strip elements having a degree of springiness and stiffness and being resiliently flexible in the longitudinal direction of the strip yet essentially rigid against bending about an axis essentially perpendicular to the hinge axis of the joint.

Abstract: A hollow tubular elongated member is concentrically mounted to a borescope or surgical viewing instrument defining a spaced passage for flowing fluid to a cuff which is discretely located below the distal end of the lens of the borescope and which defines a discretely configured discharge port for flowing fluid over the lens surface for cleansing and defogging purposes. A two-piece locking handle may be used to lock the lens cleaning apparatus to the borescope. Another embodiment includes a flexible tube utilized with the cuff.

Abstract: An improved use counter for endoscopic instruments is mounted in the ferrule of the distal portion of an endoscopic instrument having separable proximal and distal portions. The counter includes a ratchet wheel having inner and outer teeth and a bimetallic coil having a fixed end and a free end. The fixed end of the bimetallic coil is attached to a hub portion of the ferrule and the free end of the bimetallic coil engages the inner teeth of the ratchet wheel. An inwardly extending tooth in the ferrule engages the outer teeth of the ratchet wheel to prevent backward movement of the ratchet wheel. The outer surface of the ratchet wheel is also provided with incremental indicia viewable through a window in the ferrule. As the bimetallic coil is heated and cooled when the instrument is sterilized, the free end of the coil engages and advances one tooth of the ratchet wheel. Movement of the free end is preferably limited by stops.

Abstract: An industrial endoscope apparatus including an endoscope which is to be inserted into an inspection portion, a control device for controlling the endoscope, a light source device for supplying an illumination light to a distal end portion of the endoscope, a CRT monitor for displaying an image of an object, a casing in which the control device, the light source device and the CRT monitor are contained within one unit, and a fixing member for detachably fixing the CRT monitor to the casing.

Abstract: An add-on video camera arrangement permits onscreen viewing of a target within an enclosed structure, such as a patient's body cavity, using an optical laparoscope. A standard C-mount adaptor is fitted to the ocular of the laparoscope lens tube. The camera arrangement has a handle unit that is formed of a short one piece housing. A camera lens and imager unit is disposed therein at the distal end of the housing. A standard female-thread socket receives the standard male thread of the C-mount adaptor. A flexible umbilical tube couples the housing to a connector module that plugs into a light and power supply unit. The fiber optic bundle light conduit has its proximal end within the connector module to receive light from the light unit, and the light conduit extends through the umbilical tube in the handle unit housing and exits the housing at a light conduit port. A flexible tubular connector extends from this port and carries the fiber optic bundle light conduit.

Abstract: An aspiration device for laparoscopic surgery has a tube with a proximal end. A tool access port concentric with the tube permits insertion of a grasping tool for holding a sponge at the distal end of the tube.

Abstract: An improved T-bar row exercise device (10) includes a pivot bar (20) with an intermediate transverse weight tube (40) located behind the handle (32) and footrests (28) in order to minimize inertial effects for smoother motion, better form and more effective training by the user. If desired, the weight tube (40) can be mounted in a raised position to provide more proportional resistance over the lift angle.

Abstract: An improved lumbar spine support including preferably both an anterior and a posterior shell form-fitted around the corresponding torso areas. These shells are connectable by flexible fabric panels and a strap arrangement in opposing position tightly against the torso. The anterior shell includes a V-shaped indentation which hydrostatically lifts the lower abdominal musculature inwardly and upwardly. The posterior shell includes an elongated upright indentation having a laterally extending wider lower portion for centering and securing the posterior shell over the lumbosacral area of the spine.

Abstract: In an endoscope with a camera objective, in particular a video camera objective, coupled to the eyepiece cup of the endoscope at its proximal end, the objective is mounted so that it is free to rotate on the proximal end of the eyepiece cup. The camera objective and its camera head have a center of gravity which is offset from the axis of rotation of the objective so that the objective maintains its orientation if the endoscope is rotated about its longitudinal axis, whereby such rotation of the endoscope does not affect the endoscopic picture displayed on a monitor of the video camera.

Abstract: An endotracheal tape for adhesively securing an endotracheal tube in position is disclosed. The tape consists of a single piece of 1 inch wide tape having first and second opposite ends split into two identical sections. A single short, non-stick piece is centered along the length of the tape and the tape is rolled onto two plastic tubes from each of the first and second ends. To dispense the device, the tape is unrolled slightly from the tubes to expose the short non-stick piece and the piece is placed against the back of the patient's neck. The tape is then completely unrolled and the upper halves of the split ends are affixed above the patient's nose or mouth and the lower halves of the split ends are wrapped around an endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A distal end part of an endoscope, which has an objective optical system arranged to face forwardly in a distal end block, and a solid-state imaging device disposed in the distal end block at a position where an observed image is formed by the objective optical system. The distal end part includes a light guide fiber bundle for illuminating an observation filed of view of the object optical system, and a bore that is provided in the distal end block with an angle of inclination so that the boar approaches an optical axis of the objective optical system at the forward end thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for maintaining extension of the knee joints of comatose, debilitated or bedridden patients. The device generally includes one or more elongate struts positionable adjacent the knee and having a bendable hinge formed therein to permit volitional bending of the knee. Such hinge is biased to an extended position so as to hold the knee in such extended position when not volitionally bent. An upper leg engaging member serves to anchor the upper ends of the elongate strut members to the leg, above the knee. A lower leg engaging member serves to anchor the lower ends of the strut members to the lower leg, below the knee. The lower leg engaging member may comprise a foot and ankle splint device which extends beneath the plantar surface of the foot, and which is attachable to the foot, thereby serving to prevent upward or downward movement of the device and further thereby limiting the need for tightening the device around the upper and/or lower leg of the patient.

Abstract: A surgical retractor for use in performing hip surgery includes a pair of wing members mounted on a hinge pin for pivotal movement thereabout relative to one another. The hinge pin has one end mounted on a handle and carries a guide member at its opposing end. In performing surgery, the surgeon inserts the retractor, guide member first, with the wing members in a folded position, anchors the hinge pin in place by means of a nail driven into the bone and then opens the wing members to expose the hip socket for surgery. The wing members have guides which receive retention pins driven into the bone to retain the wing members in the desired open position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal heat pack for heating the female breast during post partum nursing and, more particularly, to a thermal heat pack which readily conforms to the contours of different sized female breasts to provide therapeutic heat to an adjacent breast to reduce swelling and irritation.

Abstract: An inflatable flexible bladder is mounted on the surface of a weightlifter's bench to provide support to the spinal region. A pressure device activatable by the hand or foot of the weightlifter is employed to provide desired supporting internal pressure to the bladder. In an alternative embodiment, the inflatable bladder is mounted on an axially traversing carriage so that its longitudinal position on the weightlifting bench may be adjusted to comfortably fit weightlifters of varying size. A locking assembly is provided to fix the carriage in place after adjustment.