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 one-piece suture clip, for holding the edges of a wound together, is constructed from a continuous metal strip formed into a pair of coacting arms adjacent a central bending region. Each arm includes a sharp projection for grasping the skin adjacent the wound and a pair of reinforced tabs. The tabs are rigidly secured to a common lower member of the arms to permit opening of the arms from the clamping position for removal of the suture clip.

Abstract: A tourniquet constructed from a length of elastic material. The ends of the elastic material are made non-elastic, and complementary coupling components are attached thereto. The elastic material is provided with a thickening for stress absorption and control.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a light conducting tube having an interior coating of a material having a lower index of refraction than the material of the tube so as to maintain total internal reflection in the light conducting material of the tube, the inner surface of the interior coating being prepared in such a way that unwanted light is prevented from entering the viewing passage.

Abstract: A wound clip rack has a base and a plurality of groups of flexible support fingers projecting upwardly from the base. Each group of flexible support fingers is adapted to support one wound clip. Each group includes at least one and preferably two pairs of flexible support fingers, the fingers of each pair being spaced apart from one another and having facing support surfaces.

Abstract: A disposable valve, including a body having a plurality of ports and a core which is telescoped in the body and is rotated therein to provide connections between various ports, is provided with an improved arrangement for rotatably securing the core in the body and for halting its rotation at predetermined positions. The core is provided at one end with a splined bore, and is rotatably secured within the body by means of a fastener having a threaded shaft portion designed to be press-fitted into the splined bore. The body includes a boss which protrudes from it at one end, and the core includes a protruding member positioned to engage the corners of the boss so that the rotation of the core is halted. Both the boss and protruding member are encircled by a skirt formed on either the body or core to protect them from physical damage.

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.