Abstract: A intubation stylet having a cylindrical guide member is disclosed wherein the guide member has a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate section therebetween. The distal end may include a microphone operatively coupled to a sound processing device having a speaker or earphone. The stylet may be passed through an endotracheal tube and into the mouth or nose of a breathing patient. As the distal end is passed into the mouth, the microphone detects audible sounds produced by air movement within the upper airway and generates a raw sound signal based on the audible sounds. The sound processing device generates an amplified sound output signal based on the raw signal and transmits the amplified signal through a speaker. The amplified sounds may then be used as audio cues to assist in guiding the stylet through the larynx and into the trachea. The endotracheal tube may be advanced over the stylet guide member after which the stylet may be removed.

Abstract: A tapping apparatus and method is provided whereby a sleeve having at least one annular groove around the circumference thereof and an outwardly extending flange at one end thereof is, during the cutting of an opening in the wall of a conduit, carried by the cutter to a position at which the at least one angular groove is located within the cut opening and is engaged by the conduit material surrounding the opening to maintain the sleeve in a fixed position relative to the conduit, and wherein the outwardly extending flange contacts a portion of the tapping means for maintaining the tapping means in a fixed relationship to the tapped conduit.