Abstract: A novel method and a novel article are disclosed for cleaning a metal, glass, or plastic surface without scratching or scoring the surface. The novel method comprises wiping the surface with the novel article, which is made from an open cell, hydrophilic, static-dissipative, polyurethane foam, and which is laundered so that the article in deionized water releases fewer than 36.0.times.10.sup.6 per square meter of apparent surface area of the article for particles of a size greater than about 0.5 .mu.m and fewer than about 2.5 parts per million of chloride, fluoride, sodium, sulfate, sulfite, or silicon ions. The novel article may be a wiper, a sponge, a roller, a swab mounted on a handle, or a plug having a generally cylindrical shape when unstressed and having particular utility where the surface is the interior surface of a metal, glass, or plastic tube. The plug is propelled through the tube, as by means of compressed air. The novel method also may comprise washing the surface with deionized water.

Abstract: A novel method and a novel article for cleaning a metal, glass, or plastic surface without scratching or scoring the surface. The novel method includes wiping the surface with the novel article, which is made from an open cell, hydrophilic, static-dissipative, polyurethane foam, and which is laundered so that the article in deionized water releases fewer than 36.0.times.10.sup.6 per square meter of apparent surface area of the article for particles of a size greater than about 0.5 .mu.m and fewer than about 2.5 parts per million of chloride, fluoride, sodium, sulfate, sulfite, or silicon ions. The novel article may be a wiper, a sponge, a roller, a swab mounted on a handle, or a plug having a generally cylindrical shape when unstressed and having particular utility where the surface is the interior surface of a metal, glass, or plastic tube. The plug is propelled through the tube, as by means of compressed air. The novel method also may include washing the surface with deionized water.

Abstract: A thermometer for measuring the core temperature of a body by measuring infrared radiation emitted by the tympanic membrane of the ear. The thermometer includes a fiber optic fiber bundle assembly which is inserted into the ear canal to a location adjacent to the tympanic membrane. Infrared radiation is conveyed to a thermopile which converts the radiation to an electrical signal. To assure an accurate signal in changing ambient temperature conditions, circuitry is provided which measures the thermopile resistance (heat) just prior and/or just subsequent to taking a temperature reading and nulling this signal. A disposable sheath is provided to cover the end of the fiber optic assembly inserted into the ear canal to prevent cross contamination between patients. The sheath includes an infrared radiation transparent window over the end of the fiber optic so that there are no openings in the sheath within the ear.

Abstract: A flexible thermal jacket of a generally thin flat arcuate configuration, having a heat transfer face and an insulating face, for forming around and thermally contacting an organ and circulating a thermal fluid for controlling the temperature of the organ comprises, a first sheet of thin pliable flexible impervious material having an arcuate configuration defined by radially extending side edges and by inner and outer arcuate edges extending between the side edges, a second sheet substantially identical to the first sheet, the first sheet overlying and sealingly bonded to the second sheet along the arcuate edges thereof and along lines defining an elongated serpentine fluid passage extending throughout the area of the sheets between adjacent inlet and outlet ports opening outward from the outer arcuate edge adjacent one of the side edges of the sheet.