Abstract: An otoscopic instrument includes an instrument head attached to a handle and a speculum tip actuator mechanism for receiving, retaining and selectively ejecting an otoscopic speculum tip element. The tip actuator mechanism includes an actuator knob rotatably attached to the instrument head in which the instrument head includes annular securement slots sized for receiving external engagement features of a speculum tip element which are rotatably fitted into the slot(s). The actuator knob further includes a pin for displacing a secured speculum tip element from the securing slot upon rotation in a predetermined direction in order to eject the tip element.

Abstract: An otoscope includes an instrument head, a tip element and an optical system. The instrument head has a distal insertion portion for insertion into an ear of a human or veterinary subject. The distal insertion portion has a distal opening. The tip element is releasably attached to the distal insertion portion. The tip element has a distal opening. The optical system is contained within the instrument head. The optical system includes a plurality of optical components. The optical system further comprises a viewing component for viewing of an image of a target of interest aligned along an optical axis disposed within said distal opening.

Abstract: A protective cover for an insertion probe of a medical instrument. The cover contains a flexible tubular body that compliments the probe geometry and a radially disposed flange that surrounds the proximal end of the body. A series of snap-on fasteners removably connect the cover to the instrument. A camming surface is located on the outer face of the flange which coacts with a cam follower that is movably mounted upon the instrument to flex the cover sufficiently to open the fastener and release the cover from the instrument and move the cover axially toward the distal end of the tip.

Abstract: A digital otoscope for capturing live and still digital images of body tissue and having associated optical characteristics that improve the quality of visual information gathered for medical inspection of both human and veterinary subjects. The digital otoscope includes a tip element having dimensions that are small enough to fit into a small body cavity, such as an ear canal. The tip element and the otoscope enclose an assembly of optical components yielding optical characteristics that provide a substantially wide field of view and a substantially wide range of optimal focus from which to form visual information within a small and confined body cavity.

Abstract: A removable protective cover for an insertion probe of a medical instrument. The cover contains a flexible tubular body that compliments the probe geometry and a radially disposed flange that surrounds the proximal end of the body. A series of snap-on fasteners removably connect the cover to the instrument. A camming surface is located on the outer face of the flange which coacts with a cam follower that is movably mounted upon the instrument to flex the cover sufficiently to open the fastener and release the cover from the instrument and move the cover axially toward the distal end of the tip.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic instrument includes a housing containing at least one battery and a light source, such as a lamp, for illuminating a medical target. A switch includes a movable member that selectively moves at least one of the battery and the lamp into and out of electrical connection with the other. The instrument is preferably fabricated from a diecast or an extrusion process wherein a thin plastic sleeve member having text and/or graphic materials can be shrink fitted onto an extruded handle.

Abstract: An LED for use with a medical diagnostic instrument having an adapter disposed between an instrument head and a hand-grippable handle, the LED being removably attachable in relation to the adapter in order to permit selective replacement of the LED, as needed. The LED is situated in order to provide mechanical and electrical interface with at least one of the adapter and the instrument, thereby enabling the adapter and the LED to convert the illumination source of the instrument selectively between an incandescent light source and the LED. The adapter matches a polarity between the LED and a power supply that is specifically intended for powering an incandescent light source.

Abstract: A tip element for an otoscopic apparatus includes engagement features that permit selective attachment to two different tip attachment mechanisms. The tip element includes both interior and exterior engagement features that provide interchangeability with otoscopes having different tip attachment schemes. The tip element includes an increased distal aperture formed from a decreased slope that enables a larger field of view, permitting the entire tympanic membrane to be viewed at once. External engagement features permit ejection of the tip from the otoscope, as well as stackability of a plurality of tip elements.

Abstract: A tip element for an otoscopic apparatus includes engagement features that permit selective attachment to two different tip attachment mechanisms. The tip element includes both interior and exterior engagement features that provide interchangeability with otoscopes having different tip attachment schemes. The tip element includes an increased distal aperture formed from a decreased slope that enables a larger field of view, permitting the entire tympanic membrane to be viewed at once. External engagement features permit ejection of the tip element from the otoscope, as well as stackability of a plurality of tip elements.

Abstract: An adapter for permitting a medical diagnostic instrument having an illumination source including at least one LED (light emitting diode) to be used with a power supply normally configured for use with a diagnostic instrument having at least one incandescent lamp as an illumination source. The adapter includes circuitry for compensating LED specific characteristics for permitting the power supply to be used with the LED.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic instrument includes a housing containing at least one battery and a light source, such as a lamp, for illuminating a medical target. A switch includes a movable member that selectively moves at least one of the battery and the lamp into and out of electrical connection with the other. The instrument is preferably fabricated from a diecast or an extrusion process wherein a thin plastic sleeve member having text and/or graphic materials can be shrink fitted onto an extruded handle.

Abstract: A compact medical diagnostic instrument includes at least one white LED which is coupled to a light guide made up of a single optical fiber or a bundle containing a small number of optical fibers to provide illumination of a medical target, such as the ear canal.

Abstract: An adapter for permitting a medical diagnostic instrument having an illumination source including at least one LED (light emitting diode) to be used with a power supply normally configured for use with a diagnostic instrument having at least one incandescent lamp as an illumination source. The adapter includes circuitry for compensating LED specific characteristics for permitting the power supply to be used with the LED.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic instrument includes a housing containing at least one battery and a light source, such as a lamp, for illuminating a medical target. A switch includes a movable member that selectively moves at least one of the battery and the lamp into and out of electrical connection with the other. The instrument is preferably fabricated from a diecast or an extrusion process wherein a thin plastic sleeve member having text and/or graphic materials can be shrink fitted onto an extruded handle.

Abstract: A case of the type for carrying and using an instrument having an insertion tube, a control handle, and a light box having therein a fan, the case comprising a body with a removable cover, a primary cavity in the body for snugly receiving the light box therein, oriented so that controls on the light box are accessible to a user, a secondary cavity in the body for receiving a control handle attached to the insertion tube therein, and a coil of tubular material, having a low coefficient of friction, positioned within the secondary cavity, and having an open proximal end into which the insertion tube can be slidably received for storage. The case is structured to promote cooling the of light box.

Abstract: A device for generating special turbulence patterns in fluids flowing in pipes, such as for mixing, promoting chemical reactions, or accelerating the transfer of heat to or from the fluid through the pipe wall. Two or more sets of flow dividers are mounted in the pipe, each set including a first and second flow divider with septum panel elements that overlap longitudinally of the pipe. The first flow divider septum elements mutually diverge downstream in a selected longitudinal plane in longitudinally overlapping relationship with septum elements of the second flow divider mutually diverging upstream in a different longitudinal plane so as to divert the fluid in such manner that the flow regions adjoining the pipe wall are caused to exchange positions with flow regions in the vicinity of the pipe axis.