Abstract: A temporary tread insert and method for installation in a stairway framework during building construction. The temporary tread insert includes an insert body having an upper tread surface, a bottom surface and opposed side surfaces. A front end of the insert body has a substantially bullnose shaped curved surface. The upper tread surface has a notched surface extending along the upper tread surface. Also disclosed is the method of inserting the temporary tread insert into the stair pan of a stairway framework, where the stair pan includes a bullnose at a front end of the stair pan, and the bullnose has a portion extending laterally a distance into the stair pan. The temporary tread insert includes a notched surface.

Abstract: A temporary tread insert and method for installation in a stairway framework during building construction. The temporary tread insert includes an insert body having an upper tread surface, a bottom surface and opposed side surfaces. A front end of the insert body has a substantially bullnose shaped curved surface. The upper tread surface has a notched surface extending along the upper tread surface. Also disclosed is the method of inserting the temporary tread insert into the stair pan of a stairway framework, where the stair pan includes a bullnose at a front end of the stair pan, and the bullnose has a portion extending laterally a distance into the stair pan. The temporary tread insert includes a notched surface.

Abstract: A temporary tread insert and method for installation in a stairway framework during building construction. The temporary tread insert includes an insert body having an upper tread surface, a bottom surface and opposed side surfaces. A front end of the insert body has a substantially bullnose shaped curved surface. The upper tread surface has a notched surface extending along the upper tread surface. Also disclosed is the method of inserting the temporary tread insert into the stair pan of a stairway framework, where the stair pan includes a bullnose at a front end of the stair pan, and the bullnose has a portion extending laterally a distance into the stair pan. The temporary tread insert includes a notched surface.

Abstract: A temporary tread insert and method for installation in a stairway framework during building construction. The temporary tread insert includes an insert body having an upper tread surface, a bottom surface and opposed side surfaces. A front end of the insert body has a substantially bullnose shaped curved surface. The upper tread surface has a notched surface extending along the upper tread surface. Also disclosed is the method of inserting the temporary tread insert into the stair pan of a stairway framework, where the stair pan includes a bullnose at a front end of the stair pan, and the bullnose has a portion extending laterally a distance into the stair pan. The temporary tread insert includes a notched surface.

Abstract: An airway management device comprises an elongated tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end used to establish an airway for a patient. At least a portion of the elongated tube is reinforced with reinforcing means that is compatible with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures. The reinforcing means may comprise, for example, titanium, a titanium alloy, or tungsten, and may be in a helical coil or other configurations.

Abstract: A cuffed tracheal tube for use in intubation of a trachea of a patient during laser surgery involving the head or neck of the patient, includes a flexible aluminum conduit, and an expandable cuff carried at one end of the conduit and including a body of sponge-like material enclosed within a cover filled with water which saturates the sponge-like body while expanding the cuff to provide a seal between the tracheal tube and the trachea of the patient. The flexible aluminum conduit and the water saturated cuff define a heat dispersion medium for absorbing laser energy engaging the tracheal tube.

Abstract: A speech prosthesis device which is inserted into a surgically created opening communicating the trachea and esophagus of a laryngectomized patient includes a one-way valve assembly that permits air to be channeled air from the patient's trachea into the patient's esophagus while preventing flow of esophageal material into the trachea. The present invention provides an improvement in such prosthesis devices by providing that the membrane-like, tabbed flap or disc is seated at an angle which is oblique in reference to the longitudinal axis of the tubular housing of the device be, preferably, oval shaped, and that the tabbed flap or disk be superiorily hinged to the tubular housing. The predetermined and uniform resistance to airflow offered by the one-way valve assembly of the present invention is substantially less than the resistance offered by a normal human larynx.

Abstract: Voice prosthesis devices of known type to be inserted into a surgical fistula communicating between the trachea and esophagus of a laryngectomized patient have included a one-way valve that permits channeling air from the trachea into the esophagus of the wearer while preventing flow of esophageal material into the trachea. Heretofore, the one-way valves in certain of such prosthesis devices were in the form of a flap-type check valve having a membrane-like flap or disc anchored at a segment of the margin to the interior or intraluminal surface of a tubular housing. The present invention provides an improvement in such voice prosthesis devices in the form of a novel way of anchoring the membrane-like flaps or discs to the tubular housings whereby when the prosthesis devices are manufactured in commercial quantities the method of attachment provides a uniform resistance to airflow for each prosthesis formed of corresponding production components.

Abstract: A tracheostoma valve assembly for use with a tracheostomy tube or a speech prosthesis device includes a tubular housing structure containing a spring biased main valve which, during normal vegetative breathing, will remain open, and which, during normal air flow associated with speech, will close. The valve assembly includes a separate external relief valve which is closed during normal vegetative breathing and speaking and which opens to release the increased air pressure within the tubular housing resulting from a substantially increased air pressure within the valve assembly and automatically closes when the air pressure is reduced in the valve assembly.

Abstract: A tracheotomy tube of the type embodying inner and outer cannulas, with the inner cannula being removable from and insertable into the outer cannula and having a flange projecting outwardly therefrom in position to be disposed in a recess in the outer cannula for holding the cannulas against rotation relative to each other, and with the outer cannula embodying a collar rotatable into and out of overlying relation to the recess for selectively securing the flange in the recess and permitting withdrawal therefrom, respectively.