Abstract: A stethoscope comprises a pair of binaurals, an acoustical tubing and a chestpiece. There may be a light source within the chestpiece suitable for medical examination purposes. The electrical supply means for operating the light source may comprise one or more batteries. The chestpiece comprises an upper member and a lower member, which may be releasably attached. The chestpiece may have a contoured gripping surface. The light source may have switching means that may be pushed and held to activate the light, and released to deactivate the light, or may be pushed to activate the light, and pushed again to deactivate the light. The acoustical tubing may have measuring indicia that may comprise a pupil dilation measuring scale or a scaled ruler.

Abstract: A non-vented shell earplug for insertion into the ear canal has multiple chambers configured as coupled acoustic resonators. Each chamber is provided with an acoustic element having inertia and resistance coupling the chamber to its neighbor to form multiple resonant chambers. The dimensions of the individual acoustic elements set the frequency response of the earplug, and determine the attenuation characteristics of the resonators. Unlike the single chamber resonator of the prior art, the multiple-resonator earplug provides attenuation in both low and high frequency segments of the noise spectrum. Additionally, the present invention teaches placing loudspeaker and/or sound sensing transducer for sound communication purposes and active noise control within the earplug, with their sound field patterns directed into a chamber for coupling to the ear canal. The use of multiple resonators enhances the high frequency communications response of the earplug.

Abstract: A stethoscope is provided with two head portions for fitting two diaphragms different in caliber on a head main portion, having diverse design properties and functions. A stethoscope head comprising a head main portion and a conduit connecting portion provided on the head main portion, wherein said head main portion comprises a main head portion and a sub-head portion formed from a transparent or semitransparent element formed in the opposite direction each other with the pipe connecting port put therebetween; the main head portion comprises a transparent or semitransparent main diaphragm connected to the conduit connecting port, and the sub-head portion is provided with spaces for receiving the sub-diaphragm for high frequency and or narrow area stethoscope or various functions, and is provided with mounting means for mounting the sub-diaphragm or the apparatus on the sub-head portion.

Abstract: A visual-acoustic device is provided that contains an acoustic detector to produce sound waves in communication with a moiré pattern generator that produces moiré patterns corresponding to the sound waves. The device includes a rigid plate having a first repetitive pattern and a flexible plate spaced from the rigid, plate and having a second repetitive pattern corresponding to the first repetitive pattern. The sound waves induce movement of the flexible plate such that the second repetitive pattern moves with respect to the first repetitive pattern to produce the moiré pattern. The visual-acoustic device can be arranged as a visual-acoustic stethoscope.

Abstract: A method for personalizing a stethoscope, wherein the personalization permanently identifies the owner of the stethoscope and also decorates the stethoscope. The personalization does not deter from the normal operation of the stethoscope, and allows for full sterilization of the stethoscope. The diaphragm of the stethoscope, includes an exterior side that is adapted to come into contact with the patient and, an interior side that is not exposed to the outside. A design selected by the owner is applied, in reverse, to the interior surface of the diaphragm. The design is preferably painted on the diaphragm in stages, or layers. Using the present reverse application technique, images painted on the right-half of the interior surface, appear on the left-half, when viewed from the exterior of the stethoscope. Further, in the present application technique, the foreground is painted on, or applied, first, and the background of the personalization is applied last.

Abstract: A stethoscope protective wrap for a stethoscope including a pair of ear inserts attached to a pair of arms, a sound tube and a stethoscope head, the wrap including a protective wrap installed over the sound tube of the stethoscope, the protect wrap comprising a spiral cut material. A method of assembling the stethoscope is also provided.

Abstract: A protective cover for a stethoscope head and an apparatus for quickly and easily interconnecting the protective cover with the stethoscope head. The apparatus includes a cover-positioning device that positions the protective cover so that it can be quickly and easily interconnected with the stethoscope head. The cover positioning device includes a base having a planar portion and an upstanding rim connected to the planar portion, the upstanding rim defining an opening for receiving the stethoscope head therethrough. Following examination of the patient using the stethoscope with the protective head covering, the protective covering can be quickly and easily removed from the stethoscope head and suitably disposed of so as to prevent skin bacteria and like contaminants that may have contaminated the protective cover during patient examination, from undesirably being transmitted to the next patient.

Abstract: A stethoscope with a figure-eight configuration designed for one-handed operation and further comprising improvement to the headpiece resonance chamber. The ear tubes of the stethoscope are roughly S-shaped and together form a figure eight design. The lower portion of each ear tube is connected by a resistant force mechanism that maintains the stethoscope in the closed configuration. By applying one-handed compressive force to the resistant force mechanism attached to the lower portion of the stethoscope's figure-eight construction, the earpieces are separated and the stethoscope adopts the open configuration. Both the headpiece and the diaphragm are interchangeable to allow a variety of different shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A stethoscope protective device is for easily and hygienically covering the head and at least a portion of the connector tube of a stethoscope. The device can be quickly applied to the stethoscope while eliminating or minimizing the need for contact by a patient of the head and connector tube during examination. In a single-handed operation, the stethoscope head and connector tube can be readily slipped into and secured within the protective device. The device is constructed at least in part of a material that is acoustically transmissive and provides a barrier for reducing the transmission of microorganisms.

Abstract: An ear piece device made of pliable material dimensioned for fitting the ear canal of a user. In one embodiment, one canal extends through a portion of the ear piece to provide an opening for communication between a person's inner ear and an environment outside the person's ear. The ear piece has at least two fold lines to facilitate the reversible collapsing of the device into a star-like configuration.

Abstract: An asymmetric adjustment mechanism, a head piece (e.g., stethoscope head piece or audio headset) including such an adjustment mechanism coupled to an ear tip subassembly, and a stethoscope including such a head piece. In typical embodiments, the adjustment mechanism can be closed (e.g., to reduce separation between ear tips) by exertion of closing force on the ear tip subassembly, or opened by exertion of opening force on the ear tip subassembly. In some embodiments, it automatically locks (e.g., with a desired separation between ear tips) upon cessation of user-exerted adjustment force in a locked state in which it exerts no more than an acceptably small (e.g. zero) bias force on the ear tip subassembly. The bias force has magnitude less than that of the opening force required to separate the ear tips to remove them from the user's ears.

Abstract: To provide a stethoscope apparatus that can contribute to medical cares that can eliminate anxieties of a patient as much as possible. A stethoscope apparatus 10 according to the embodiment integrally mounts a speaker 9 and a microphone 8; accordingly, the speaker 9 can reproduce sounds obtained with the microphone 8. For instance, when a physician explains the pathology and so on to a patient with the patient allowed hearing sounds from a speaker, the patient can be diagnosed at ease more than ever.

Abstract: A stethoscope protective-sleeve cartridge system of the invention includes a cartridge for mounting to a stethoscope, and for dispensing a protective sleeve into which a head of a stethoscope is placed. The cartridge includes a housing and a plurality of protective sleeves positioned in the housing. The housing defines an interior space and includes an opening through which the protective sleeves are drawn. Each sleeve includes a leading end, a trailing end, an interior, and an opening at a location between the leading and trailing ends. The stethoscope head is passed through the sleeve opening and into a portion of the interior of the sleeve.

Abstract: An electronic stethoscope system that reduces cross-infection when examining a patient is provided. The electronic stethoscope system includes a handheld auscultation portion for picking up bodily sounds of a patient. The detected bodily sounds are transmitted to a base unit having a loudspeaker for broadcasting an audible representation of the detected bodily sounds. The sounds are transmitted to the base unit either by a wireless transmitter and receiver or by way of a disposable flexible tubing adapted for transmitting acoustic waves.

Abstract: A stethoscope protective device is for easily and hygienically covering the head and at least a portion of the connector tube of a stethoscope. The device can be quickly applied to the stethoscope while eliminating or minimizing the need for contact by a patient of the head and connector tube during examination. In a single-handed operation, the stethoscope head and connector tube can be readily slipped into and secured within the protective device. The device is constructed at least in part of a material that is acoustically transmissive and provides a barrier for reducing the transmission of microorganisms.

Abstract: A protective cover for a stethoscope head and an apparatus for quickly and easily interconnecting the protective cover with the stethoscope head. The apparatus includes a cover-positioning device that positions the protective cover so that it can be quickly and easily interconnected with the stethoscope head. The cover positioning device includes a base having a planar portion and an upstanding rim connected to the planar portion, the upstanding rim defining an opening for receiving the stethoscope head therethrough. Following examination of the patient using the stethoscope with the protective head covering, the protective covering can be quickly and easily removed from the stethoscope head and suitably disposed of so as to prevent skin bacteria and like contaminants that may have contaminated the protective cover during patient examination, from undesirably being transmitted to the next patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sound collector preferably applicable to an acoustic analysis with a high degree of accuracy and includes a sound collection hood having an opening at the front end and a sound reflective inner wall shaped like a rotating surface having a focus behind the opening at least provided on the opening side, thus forming an inner space, a microphone placed inside the sound collection hood with at least a sound receiving face oriented forward for receiving a sound wave entering the sound collection hood and an acoustical absorbent body formed in front of the sound receiving face so as to form an incident path for sound to enter the sound receiving face and in a shape surrounding the incident path.

Abstract: A cover for a stethoscope to prevent microbes from transferring from a patient to a stethoscope is disclosed. In one embodiment, a stethoscope cover comprises an antimicrobial barrier having a first and second surface, image forming material disposed on the antimicrobial barrier first surface, and an adhesive layer disposed on the second surface of the antimicrobial barrier to attach the antimicrobial layer to a stethoscope. In some embodiments, the image forming material is configured to depict an image of a product. In some embodiments, the image forming material is configured to depict an image of an animal or character to evoke feelings of happiness in a young patient.

Abstract: In well-known electronic stethoscopic transducers the sensitive element is influenced by signals transmitted via the skin, and the rear side is enclosed in a housing to prevent airborne noise from reaching the sensitive element. According to the invention, an improved signal-to-noise ratio is obtained by letting the transducer be a piezoelectric transflexural diaphragm in contact with the skin, the rear side of the diaphragm communicating with the surrounding air via an acoustical network, thereby receiving airborne noise which acts to counteract the influence of noise coming from the skin.

Abstract: An active stethoscope or other sound detection device, including a diaphragm, at least one floating mass mounted to the diaphragm (at at least one coupling point of the diaphragm), and an acoustic transducer mounted to the floating mass. Preferably, each floating mass is configured and mounted so that as each floating mass and each coupling point of the diaphragm move in sympathy with acoustic waves (to be detected) that impinge on the diaphragm, the acoustic transducer rides with and is stabilized by the floating mass to which it is mounted and the diaphragm is stabilized by each floating mass. The acoustic transducer can be of any of many different types. For example, it can be a microphone, or an optical, capacitive, or inductive transducer. The diaphragm can have an isolating portion which absorbs acoustic surface wave energy incident thereon, or otherwise prevents or reduces transmission of acoustic surface waves through the isolating portion between regions of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A stethoscope cover incorporated into an isolation garment which cover operably retains the stethoscope listening device and at least a portion of the stethoscope sound tube so that a doctor or nurse can put on an isolation garment and use their preferred stethoscope to examine a patient because the portions of the stethoscope which come in contact with a patient or are near the patient are protected from coming directly in contact with the patient by the stethoscope cover. Preferred embodiments include having the opening of the stethoscope cover attached at the neck opening of the isolation garment or attached at a location below the neck opening.

Abstract: A disposable hospital patient's gown with a stethoscope protector or cover for preventing the stethoscope of healthcare provider from being contaminated, so as to prevent transmission of infectious diseases to the patients.

Abstract: A medical glove is provided for protection against the transmission of infectious agents. The glove comprises a glove body sized to tightly enclose a wearer's hand. The glove body has a palm portion and adjoining finger portions. An integral webbing extends between two of the finger portions. The webbing is sized to receive a stethoscope head between the finger portions when the finger portions are separated. The glove is formed of an acoustically transmissive elastomeric material that is substantially non-porous and sufficiently thin to allow tactile sensitivity and dexterity.

Abstract: A protective cover for a stethoscope head and an apparatus for quickly and easily interconnecting the protective cover with the stethoscope head. The apparatus includes a cover-positioning device that positions the protective cover so that it can be quickly and easily interconnected with the stethoscope head. The cover positioning device includes a base having a planar portion and an upstanding rim connected to the planar portion, the upstanding rim defining an opening for receiving the stethoscope head therethrough. Following examination of the patient using the stethoscope with the protective head covering, the protective covering can be quickly and easily removed from the stethoscope head and suitably disposed of so as to prevent skin bacteria and like contaminants that may have contaminated the protective cover during patient examination, from undesirably being transmitted to the next patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for auscultation and percussion of a human or animal body has a stethoscope with a diaphragm on one side of a head thereof, and a percussion mechanism positioned in the head for selectively producing a percussion against the body such that a sound from the percussion mechanism is passed through a tube connected to the head. The percussion mechanism includes a cylinder positioned within the head, a piston slidably positioned within the cylinder, and an activator lever connected to the piston for moving the piston between a first position adjacent to an impact element and a second position away from the impact element.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention is directed to medical devices and more particularly to a patient-friendly stethoscope with interactive light emissions. An embodiment of the invention includes a stethoscope which has a pair of binaurals and a transparent acoustical tubing connecting the binaurals to the chestpiece. An optical fiber is located within the transparent acoustical tubing extending from the junction region of the tubing to and within the chestpiece, thereby illuminating the chestpiece, the rim of the diaphragm and bell, and attachments to the chestpiece. The optical fiber has a light source coupled at its proximal end thereby illuminating the transparent acoustical tubing, the chestpiece, and attachments thereto from within.

Abstract: A dual-sensor stethoscope, or retrofit device for a stethoscope, promotes anti-sepsis and stereoscopy through use of a substantially rigid, generally T-shaped tube for support of dual stethoscope heads. Each head may be rotated away from a body independently for use of a single head or rotated into the same general plane for dual-head stereoscopy. A clinician can create a spatial, three-dimensional (3D) anti-septic barrier and avoid the need to carry multiple stethoscopes. During stereoscopy, the use of a common tube allows the transmission of sound with constructive interference of sound waves. The substantially rigid, generally T-shaped support tube allows a clinician to auscultate with one hand and monitor two locations without transference of pathogens.

Abstract: An animal ear protection apparatus includes a substantially solid plug that is comprised of a resiliently compressible material. The plug has a first end, a second end and a peripheral surface extending between the first and second ends. The first end is substantially planar. The second end is convexly arcuate. The first end has a substantially annular perimeter edge. A grip is attached to the plug and extends away from the second end. The first end of the plug is insertable into an ear canal of a canine and retrievable therefrom with the grip.

Abstract: The present invention describes means for maintaining position of a slidable object on an elongated object such as a flexible tube. The slidable means is provided through paired, generally flattened flexible tension-strips. Likewise, the fixation means is provided through the gripping action of the paired flexible tension-strips. Immediate and most pertinent use relates to a warmed pouch with slidable attachment to the tube member of a stethoscope. When the tube portion of a stethoscope is inserted and threaded through the lips of the pouch the flexible strips provide friction and grasping. Thus position of the pouch on the tube is maintained in stable fashion until external pressure is applied to the pouch at or near the bilateral ends of the strips.

Abstract: Article suitable for use as a medical device cover are disclosed. Methods of making and using the articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable stethoscope cover that covers at least the surface of the diaphragm is disclosed. The cover contacts a patient during use and reduces transmittal of microorganisms. The cover is in the form of a flexible sheet having a top and a bottom surface. The sheet has an adhesive material on a portion of the surface thereof that secures the sheet to the surface of the diaphragm. The sheet further includes at least one wing extending from the sheet. The wing has an adhesive on at least one surface thereof for securing the wing to the sheet when the wing is folded over at least a portion of a tube section of the stethoscope.

Abstract: A protective cover for a stethoscope head and an apparatus for quickly and easily interconnecting the protective cover with the stethoscope head. The apparatus includes a cover-positioning device that positions the protective cover so that it can be quickly and easily interconnected with the stethoscope head. The cover positioning device includes a base having a planar portion and an upstanding rim connected to the planar portion, the upstanding rim defining an opening for receiving the stethoscope head therethrough. Following examination of the patient using the stethoscope with the protective head covering, the protective covering can be quickly and easily removed from the stethoscope head and suitably disposed of so as to prevent skin bacteria and like contaminants that may have contaminated the protective cover during patient examination from undesirably being transmitted to the next patient.

Abstract: A medical stethoscope head (1) comprises a body (2) with an inlet pipe and at least one diaphragm portion (4) provided with a diaphragm (5) at its lower surface. At least one identifying-personalizing ring (11) provided with identifying-personalizing means (14) is mounted in any area of an upper surface (10) of said diaphragm portion (4), opposite to said diaphragm (5). The identifying-personalizing ring (11), at its surface adjacent to the diaphragm portion (4), is provided with at least one locating element for explicit locating the identifying-personalizing ring (11) in defined angular position in relation to an axis (3?) of said inlet pipe (3) of said body (2).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the prevention of carryover infection due to surface contamination on a stethoscope features a disposable stethoscope head cover implemented with hypoallergenic materials and a dispensing apparatus that automatically places a disposable stethoscope head cover in an attachment station, allowing a simple single handed attachment of the disposable stethoscope head cover to the stethoscope.

Abstract: A disposable cover is provided for a stethoscope head, the stethoscope stem and the tubing immediately adjacent to the stem to help provide a barrier to prevent the transmission of harmful organisms or matter from the stethoscope head to a patient, or to the medical practioner, or to the general public and vice versa. The cover has an opening which is stretched to receive the stethoscope head and a loose casing capable of enveloping the stethoscope head. The loose casing does not need to stretch during insertion or while enveloping the stethoscope head. The loose casing allows the stethoscope head to simply drop down into the cover to the closed end.

Abstract: A stethoscope is provided with two head portions for fitting two diaphragms different in caliber on a head main portion, having diverse design properties and functions. A stethoscope head comprising a head main portion and a conduit connecting portion provided on the head main portion, wherein said head main portion comprises a main head portion and a sub-head portion formed from a transparent or semitransparent element formed in the opposite direction each other with the pipe connecting port put therebetween; the main head portion comprises a transparent or semitransparent main diaphragm connected to the conduit connecting port, and the sub-head portion is provided with spaces for receiving the sub-diaphragm for high frequency and or narrow area stethoscope or various functions, and is provided with mounting means for mounting the sub-diaphragm or the apparatus on the sub-head portion.

Abstract: A stethoscope shield system comprising a plurality of substantially planar shield stacked one upon the other with an adhesive disposed therebetween, each of the shields including a first surface having the adhesive applied thereto and a second surface such that adjacent shields adhere to one another with the first surface of each of these shields adhering to the second surface of an adjacent shield with a first shield of the plurality of shields being adhered to the diaphragm of the stethoscope for supporting the stacked shields, wherein the adhesive disposed between the stacked shields has at least one of a consecutively increasing bonding area and a consecutively increasing adhesive bonding strength, and an exposed shield of the stacked shields is removed after contacting the body of a patient.

Abstract: A cover for a stethoscope, and in particular the bell or diaphragm of a stethoscope, has a semi rigid center portion with a flexible skirt extending therefrom. The skirt and the semi rigid center portion terminates in an expandable binding ring, thereby permitting the cove to be applied thereto. The cover may a unitary or a multiple piece.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for early screening of cardiovascular diseases through dual stethoscopic and Doppler detection with means ensuring coherence between the two types of detection. According the invention, the medical screening and diagnosis apparatus comprises a sound transmitting linking conduit (3, 33) connected, on one end, to a housing (100) forming at least partly an ear trumpet (1?) provided with a membrane (2), and, on the other end, at least an earphone (4) for listening to a stethoscopic signal from the ear trumpet (1?). The invention is characterized in that the housing (100) of the apparatus contains at least an ultrasound probe (8) designed to enable convergence of reception of the ultrasonic and stethoscopic signals.

Abstract: A small, lightweight sanitizing device that is adapted for attachment to a stethoscope. When the stethoscope is not being used the device covers the diaphragm and bell portions of the stethoscope with sanitizing pads that kill germs and prevent the spread of disease between patients that are examined with the stethoscope. When the health care provider needs to use the stethoscope, the device can be slid up a length of the stethoscope to a desired location so that the diaphragm is exposed for use. The device is advantageously produced with a narrow top that frictionally engages with the tube of the stethoscope so that the sanitizing device stays at the desired location until the user pulls the device back down over the diaphragm. The present sanitizing device can be used with both adult and pediatric stethoscopes.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic and communications apparatus with audio output comprises an electronic processor for processing stethoscope signals and secondary audio signals. An electronic stethoscope sensor is contained within a housing for transducing body sounds to electronic signals, and is operatively connected to the electronic processor. One or more secondary audio signal sources operatively connects to the electronic processor. A common audio output is connected to electronic processor to convert electronic stethoscope signals or secondary audio signals to acoustic output. These sounds may be produced separately or mixed.

Abstract: A device for a medical instrument comprises an information tag connector adapted to couple with the medical instrument, the information tag connector further adapted to removably couple with at least one accessory.

Abstract: A tool for neurological and diagnostic testing comprises the combination of a stethoscope with a reflex hammer including a light. When mounted on the stethoscope head the reflex hammer extends beyond the head, without interfering with the normal use of the stethoscope. A handle, which may or may not be joined to the reflex hammer, is positioned on the flexible stethoscope tubing and provides a gripping surface for using the tool for neurological testing. One embodiment includes a light within the reflex hammer, so that a light is available for testing responses to light at the same time as checking other responses. The reflex hammer and light combination is adaptable for use with binaural and electronic stethoscopes, thus providing a convenient set of instruments within a single device. A detent on the handle provides an ergonomic grip, or a place for inclusion of indicia.

Abstract: Techniques are described for analyzing auscultatory sounds to aid a medical professional in diagnosing physiological conditions of a patient. A data analysis system, for example, applies singular value decomposition to auscultatory sounds associated known physiological conditions to define a set of one or more disease regions within a multidimensional space. A diagnostic device, such as an electronic stethoscope or personal digital assistant, applies configuration data from the data analysis system to generate a set of one or more vectors within the multidimensional space representative of auscultatory sounds associated with a patient. The diagnostic device outputs a diagnostic message associated with a physiological condition of the patient based on the orientation of the vectors relative to the disease regions within the multidimensional space.

Abstract: A stethoscope cover incorporated into an isolation garment which cover operably retains the stethoscope listening device and at least a portion of the stethoscope sound tube so that a doctor or nurse can put on an isolation garment and use their preferred stethoscope to examine a patient because the portions of the stethoscope which come in contact with a patient or are near the patient are protected from coming directly in contact with the patient by the stethoscope cover.

Abstract: An earplug (10) of the type that is molded of elastomeric material and that has a flange (14) that seals to the walls of a person's ear canal as a stem (12) is pushed forward into the ear canal. Instead of using three or four flanges, applicant's earplug has a single very long main flange (14) with a maximum diameter (D) that is at least 80% of the length (L) of the main flange, and at least 55% of the entire length (B) of the earplug except for the stem. This allows the outside of the long flange to extend at a very small angle (C) to the axial direction, and apply a constant force against the walls of the ear canal, for good and comfortable sealing to the ear canal.

Abstract: A stethoscope protective device is for easily and hygienically covering the head and at least a portion of the connector tube of a stethoscope. The device can be quickly applied to the stethoscope while eliminating or minimizing the need for contact by a patient of the head and connector tube during examination. In a single-handed operation, the stethoscope head and connector tube can be readily slipped into and secured within the protective device. The device is constructed at least in part of a material that is acoustically transmissive and provides a barrier for reducing the transmission of microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hearing protection earplug, comprising a hard shell (10) having an elasticity of from shore D 85 to shore D 65 and having an outer surface individually shaped according to the measured inner shape of the user's outer ear and ear canal for being worn at least in part in the user's ear canal, the shell comprising a filter cavity (12) having at least one orifice (20, 30, 40) into which a passive acoustic filter element (21, 31) is inserted for forming, together with said orifice, a passive acoustic filter. The invention also relates to a use of such an earplug and a method for manufacturing such an earplug.

Abstract: A cordless stethoscope for use in hazardous material environments comprising a fluid tight hand held sound sensing device having a stethoscope head for sensing auscultatory sounds, a transmitter for transmitting sounds sensed by the device, a receiver for receiving transmissions from the transmitter and an ear piece for converting the received transmissions into audible sound. The housing is sized and shaped for being grasped by a gloved hand and is fluid tight for decontamination purposes. The sound sensing device may further comprise a microphone for sensing otherwise inaudible voice communications from a patient. The transmitter and receiver preferably uses magnetic induction transmissions to transmit sounds through barriers such as hazardous material suits that may be worn by clinicians during treatment of patients in possible hazardous material situations.

Abstract: A stethoscope cover applicator for facilitating application of a protective membrane to the stethoscope includes a membrane member configured to be selectively secured to a diaphragm of the stethoscope to inhibit contact between the skin of the patient and the stethoscope. An axle is couplable to the membrane member and the membrane member is rolled around the axle. A base member configured to engage a support surface receives the axle to facilitate unrolling of the membrane member from the axle.