Abstract: Apparatus for heating and humidifying respiratory gases include a housing, a gas permeable member positioned in the housing to exchange heat and moisture with respiratory gases passing through the housing, a fitting joined to both the housing and a tracheal tube device, and a fitting closure assembly movable to open and close a second end opening of the fitting. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a bypass line positioned to pass inspiratory gases to the fitting and tracheal tube device without passing through the housing. This bypass line embodiment is very effective in providing an additional treatment, for example, a nebulizer treatment, to the patient. The present apparatus are particularly structured and adapted to reduce the risk of causing trauma to the patient and to reduce clinician anxiety.

Abstract: Methods for measuring the distance between an eye and a lens spaced apart from the eye include passing an elongated tubular structure between the eye and the lens, and causing a length of a wire member to pass out of the opening at a distal end of the elongated tubular structure. The length of the wire member extending out of the opening is selected so that the combination of the elongated tubular structure and the wire member extending out of the opening is located in close proximity to the eye and contacts the lens. This length of wire member extending out of the distal end is correlatable to the distance between the eye and the lens. Apparatus for providing such measurements are included.

Abstract: A scrubber pad for a rotating epithelial removal tool is made of a single piece of substantially rigid plastic which has formed thereon a scrubbing surface equipped with a radial channel or channels to retain cell debris and lubricating fluid. An eccentrically located fluid supply conduit can provide additional fluid and can also serve with the radial channels as a visual centering indicator to the patient. The edges of the scrubbing surface can be undercut to give them a desired flexibility.

Abstract: Tubing circuits systems for delivering humidified respiratory gas to a human or an animal are disclosed. The circuit systems include an inspiratory tubing segment and an expiratory tubing segment joined by a manifold assembly. The inspiratory tubing segment is coupled to a humidifier while the expiratory system is coupled to a conventional ventilator. A single heating element is positioned in both the inspiratory and expiratory tubing segment elements. Temperature sensing elements are located at or near the outlet of the inspiratory tubing segment and at or near the inlet of the inspiratory tubing segment. Preferably, portions of all of the single heating element, and the temperature sensors are held by a single connector. The system is very effective in use, safe and easy to use, and provides a convenient, straight forward and reliable system useful in monitoring and controlling the temperature of respiratory gases being delivered to a patient.

Abstract: A press control system for presses fitted with floating platens or tools employs hydraulic cylinders and a spring loaded accumulator to bias the floating element against position change on press closure. The hydraulic pressure in the bias system is compared with floating element position to detect abnormal pressure-position relationships.

Abstract: An improved respiratory apparatus for conducting flow of supply and exhausted respiratory gas between a ventilator and a tracheal tube incorporates features and combinations of features, including aspiration, periodic pressure relief immediately downstream from the tracheal tube connection, coaxial flow conduits, to improve the form of pressure variations at the tracheal tube.

Abstract: A temperature probe is formed by enclosing a thermistor in a sensor sheath one of whose ends is closed and in engagement with the thermistor, and by biasing the thermistor into engagement with the inner surface of the sheath. The biasing is accomplished by coiling the transistor wires and using them as a compression spring. A closed air space is formed within the sheath by closing its other end with the end of a coaxial cable and overmolding an outer housing.

Abstract: Respiratory gas is delivered to a patient enclosure past a variably heated surface over which a film of water migrates and whose wetness is visible through a transparent cover which is recessed at the water film side to define water inlet, gas flow, and excess water removal paths.

Abstract: A contact lens case comprising a container and a receptacle adapted to receive the container. The container includes a container body and a cover with the cover being releasably attachable to the container body. The cover has a surface tension area within the interior of the container. The surface tension area is adapted to have the contact lens adhered thereto by surface tension when the container has been drained of storage fluid and when the lens is made to contact the surface tension area by squeezing the container. When the container is then opened by raising the cover, the contact lens adheres to the surface tension area and is automatically removed from the interior of the container.