Abstract: A surgical table is provided which is capable of conventional surgical table functions and is provided with a radioluscent tabletop which may be horizontally displaced to allow radiographic procedures to be performed without requiring relocation of the patient. The surgical table includes a base member which may be locked to a floor mount pivot. The base member supports a table superstructure which may be raised and lowered and tilted relative to the longitudinal axis of the table as well as tilted relative to a lateral axis of the table. A carriage assembly is provided intermediate the tabletop and the superstructure which allows the translation of the tabletop both longitudinally and laterally. Locking means are provided to prevent the horizontal translation of the tabletop when the table is in the surgical mode.

Abstract: An illumination system is comprised of a source of polarized light for illuminating a subject. A light amplifier having an input and an output is provided. A filter is positioned at the input of the amplifier for admitting into the amplifier light of the proper polarization reflected by the subject such that the admitted polarized light is amplified to produce a glare-free, visually enhanced image of the subject.

Abstract: A system and method for recycling first and second quantities of process heat from a vapor having substantially the total initial process heat where the vapor is channeled from at least one apparatus in which a process having a vapor utilization phase is practiced. The preferred embodiment of the system comprises at least one steam sterilizer, apparatus for channeling steam having substantially the total process heat from one of the sterilizers to a first phase change material where the first quantity of heat is absorbed by the first phase change material and water, having the second quantity of heat, is yielded. A fluid, preferably a refrigerant, is passed through the first phase change material for transfer of the first quantity of heat to the refrigerant. The refrigerant is then compressed in a compressor to provide a sufficient quantity of additional heat to raise the heat content of the refrigerant above the initial process heat.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for removing the heat from within a generally sealed enclosure having a heat generating means disposed therein, such as a surgical light. The enclosure of the light includes a slightly domed top, a generally cylindrical side wall and a round bottom lens. The heat generating means consists of a plurality of lamps located within a cylindrical housing having a closed end which is located within the enclosure in the center of the top thereof. Radial fins extend about the circumference of the heat generating means, certain of the fins having arms extending radially therefrom. A large curved reflector having a series of lower slots forms an annular inner wall between the arms of the fins and the lens adjacent the outer circumference thereof. As such, the heat generated by the lamp housing is passed to the fins and travels to heat the upper ends thereof.

Abstract: A guide mechanism for use with apparatus for opening and closing a door of a chamber includes a way system for aligning the door with the chamber while the door is being opened and closed and a carriage member operatively linked to the way system for linking the door to the way system when the door is open. The carriage member includes a plurality of pins adapted to receive a portion of the apparatus when the apparatus moves the door into an open position to engage the door to the carriage member. Means are provided to coordinate the operation of the pins and the apparatus.

Abstract: An illumination system having a continuous fixed ceiling panel, at least one light source suspended by a telescoping arm from the panel and a split-core transformer formed by two electroinductive coils enclosed in permanent magnets through which a magnetic field is created for the sealed transfer of electrical energy through the panel to the light source. One magnet is disposed on opposite surfaces of the panel. Rollers or a pneumatic system may be disposed between each magnet and the surface of the panel on which the magnet is disposed for sliding the magnets over the surfaces of the panel while maintaining the transfer of electrical energy. Secondary lighting means may also be included.

Abstract: A valve permits articles disposed within a sterilizer container to be exposed to an entire sterilization cycle, yet seals the sterilizer container upon completion of the cycle. The valve includes a housing which defines a passage through which fluid can flow between the interior and exterior of the sterilizer container. A sealing member seals the passage after a predetermined number of high and low pressure stages of a sterilization cycle has been completed. A cam member is reciprocated as the high and low pressure stages of the sterilization cycle are performed, each reciprocation causing the sealing member to move one step closer toward sealing the sterilizer container. Apparatus is provided to permit the valve to be reset for further use of the container.

Abstract: A multi-filament lamp combination is disclosed which may be used alone and in multi-lamp arrangements with other single and multi-filament lamps to provide pattern size variation from a large diameter flood effect to a smaller diameter spot effect. A spot/flood capability exists to provide large pattern exposure simultaneously with secondary spotlighting. The filaments can be energized selectively from a remote switching station so that the individuals who are scrubbed and gloved need not touch any part of the switching arrangement to change the lamp pattern size. A cluster of lights can contain one or more multi-filament lamps within the cluster, so that by switching on the rear most filament of the multi-filament lamps and switching off the single filament lamps, a small high intensity pattern is obtained by switching to the other filaments, a large pattern of high intensity is formed. More than two filaments can be provided in each lamp.

Abstract: A surgical light assembly employs three fixed, coaxially-arranged curved reflectors with a single movable light source mounted for limited movement along the axis of the reflectors to focus the light. The light source and at least the reflective surfaces of two of the reflectors are enclosed so that convective currents over these surfaces are precluded. The light is cooled by a heat sink mounted in heat transfer relation with the light source, with the heat sink having a major surface exposed to atmosphere to dissipate heat. Glare is minimized by precluding direct viewing of the light source from outside the light assembly.

Abstract: Illuminator apparatus and reflective optical methods directed to meeting the stringent requirements of surgical lighting and similar requirement uses. In the optical system, axially symmetrical light source means and multiple reflectors project light rays in a converging light pattern of uniform light intensity. The angled approach of light to the illuminated area reduces shadow formation and forms a shadow-free zone for location of fixture handling and pattern controls. Heat projection is reduced or minimized optically and the physical arrangement of the support structure provides for removal of heat from the area. Color correction, if required, can be achieved optically without relying on increase in or control of source intensity.