Abstract: A pickup diaphragm includes a pickup part, a suspension edge and an outer edge, wherein the pickup part includes a non-planar surface. The suspension edge includes a deformable surface, with a joint surface being respectively configured on the inner and outer sides of the deformable surface, and the joint surface on the inner side being fixedly connected to the periphery of the non-planar surface. In addition, the outer edge includes a ring groove, in which one side of the ring groove is set as a connection end while the other side thereof is set as an opening end, the inner side of the connection end is fixedly connected to the joint surface located on the outer side, and a stethoscope head can be inserted through the opening end such that the ring groove is placed in sleeve on the outside of the stethoscope head.

Abstract: Polymeric materials are described which have a bioflavonoid coating, the bioflavonoid content of the coating comprising at least naringin and neohesperidin. The use of such coated polymeric materials is also described as well as the process for making the coated polymeric materials.

Abstract: A quick release structure of a diaphragm assembly of a stethoscope is disclosed, including a stethoscope having two collecting surfaces each being connectable with a diaphragm assembly. The collecting surface has a portion adjacent to an outer periphery thereof and formed with an annular fitting groove that has a height lower than the collecting surface. The collecting surface is formed with a trough. The annular fitting groove has an inclined internal wall. The diaphragm assembly includes an elastic piece combined with a diaphragm assembly. The elastic piece includes a raised rib, a projection portion, and an inclined inside surface. Through pressing the raised rib into the annular fitting groove, the inside surface is set in tight engagement with the internal wall, and this, in combination with the projection portion fit in the trough, forms a secure and stable fitting engagement and allowing easy release performed in an opposite way.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an ergonomic chestpiece for a stethoscope. The chestpiece includes a bottom surface which is generally planar and adapted to be placed near the patient for receiving auscultatory sounds. The chestpiece includes a raised center portion defining first and second lateral indented gripping surfaces, the raised center portion having a top surface opposite the bottom surface. The chestpiece includes a stem portion extending distally from the raised center portion. The first lateral indented gripping surface is defined by a first wall comprising a first concave surface arcuate about a first axis and the second lateral indented gripping surface is defined by a second wall comprising a second concave surface arcuate about a second axis. The first axis and the second axis form a V-shape comprising an apex oriented in a direction of the stem portion.

Abstract: The technology described in this document can be embodied in a method that includes receiving one or more electronic files comprising information on structural features of a portion of an ear of a user, generating an electronic representation of the eartip or a cast based on a portion of the information on the structural features of the portion of the ear, and producing the eartip based on the electronic representation. The eartip includes an outlet, and a sealing structure disposed around an exterior of the outlet, wherein a first end of the sealing structure is attached to the outlet, and a second, opposite end of the sealing structure is physically separated from the exterior of the outlet. Generating the electronic representation includes configuring one or more structural parameters of the outlet or the sealing structure in accordance with the structural features of the portion of the ear.

Abstract: The stethoscope with sound recognition capacity is an electric stethoscope. The stethoscope with sound recognition capacity comprises a stethoscope and a sound processing device. The stethoscope is a traditional medical device used to listen for audible sounds inside a patient. The stethoscope of the stethoscope with sound recognition capacity performs this traditional function. The sound processing device is an electrical circuit housed within the stethoscope. The sound processing device: a) converts the audible sounds captured by the stethoscope into an electrical signal; b) processes the electrical signal to extract diagnostic information; c) processes the extracted diagnostic information to identify one or more conditions of diagnostic relevance found in the patient; and, d) makes an audible spoken announcement of the one or more conditions of diagnostic relevance.

Abstract: A planar magnetic loudspeaker may employ an airflow system having a magnet array separated from a diaphragm. The magnet array can have a plurality of airflow apertures that are arranged in a pattern and each continuously extending through a thickness of the magnet array to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the planar magnetic loudspeaker.

Abstract: Presented herein are non-surgical or superficial coupling apparatuses for transcutaneous bone conduction devices. A coupling apparatus comprises a drive plate configured to be detachably connected to a transcutaneous bone conduction device. The drive plate is also connected to an earhook (ear hook) configured to fit over/around a recipient's pinna (auricle) to at least partially support the drive plate. An adhesive member may also be provided to secure the drive plate to the recipient's skin.

Abstract: A headphone is provided. The headphone includes a housing, a first speaker and a second speaker. The housing includes a sound output side, a first layer structure, a first output path, a first trench, a first recess, and a second recess. The first speaker is disposed in the first recess, wherein the first speaker includes a first speaker orientation, and the first speaker orientation corresponds to the first output path. The second speaker is disposed in the second recess. The first output path includes the first trench, which is located at the first layer structure, that extends around the first speaker, and is connected to the sound output side.

Abstract: A headphone is provided. The headphone includes a housing and an speaker. The housing includes a first layer structure, a first receiving space, a first output path, a first trench and a sound output side. The speaker is located in the first receiving space, wherein the speaker includes a first speaker orientation, and the first speaker orientation corresponds to the first output path. The first output path includes the first trench, which is located at the first layer structure, extends around the speaker, and is connected to the sound output side.

Abstract: An earphone device having a concentrating tube includes an annular magnet, a first yoke, a second yoke, a concentrating tube, a speaker assembly, and a passive diaphragm. The first and second yokes are respectively connected to first and second magnetic pole surfaces of the annular magnet. The concentrating tube is received in a central through hole of the annular magnet. The concentrating tube includes first and second open ends. The speaker assembly includes a voice coil and an active diaphragm. The passive and active diaphragms are at two opposite ends of the concentrating tube. The active and passive diaphragms are respectively close to the first and second open ends. A gas flow generated by the active diaphragm is gathered by the concentrating tube and pushes the passive diaphragm. A gas flow generated by the passive diaphragm returns through the concentrating tube to push the active diaphragm and transmits acoustic waves.

Abstract: An acoustic device that is adapted to be worn on the body of a user. The acoustic device has an array of acoustic transducers comprising at least three acoustic radiating surfaces, and a controller that is adapted to provide array control signals that independently control the relative phases and amplitudes of each of the transducers.

Abstract: An electroactive sound transducer foil includes a composite foil made up of at least one carrier foil, at least one first and one second electrode, and at least one piezoelectric layer including an electroactive polymer, the surface of the sound transducer foil including a structuring having different slopes, and the slope of the sound transducer foil surface changing the sign at least twice.

Abstract: A stethoscope head with adjustable audio frequency includes a head body, a diaphragm and a fastener. The diaphragm includes an annular step and a footing, and is disposed on a sound collecting surface on a front side of the head body and fixed on the head body by the fastener. An outer marginal part of a front side of the head body is provided with the annular step, and screw threads are provided on a step surface of the annular step. An annular groove is provided at the sound collecting surface inside the annular step. The inner surface of the annular groove and the bottom surface of annular recess form an obtuse angle ?. The diaphragm footing is disposed in the annular groove. The stethoscope head of the invention is convenient to assemble and the sound effect can be adjusted continuously.

Abstract: A speaker box with side acoustic emission structure is disclosed. The speaker box has a cabinet having an acoustic window, a speaker unit mounted in the cabinet and including a diaphragm, a voice coil and a magnetic circuit, the diaphragm disposed in the side of the acoustic window and not faced to the acoustic window and having a dome and a suspension surrounding the dome, the dome having a plurality of reinforcements aligned in multi-row, the area of one of the plurality of reinforcements which is closest to the acoustic window that is maximum for improving vibration of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A headphone apparatus with selectable sound admission is described including an earphone apparatus. The earphone apparatus includes a housing being shaped to substantially cover an ear of a wearer when the headphone apparatus is worn, a sound emitting component within the housing, a baffle member formed of a flexible, sound-insulating material in the form of an open-ended tube having an outer open end and an inner open end with a central axis through the tube, the baffle member has an open arrangement with the tube providing an open channel and a closed arrangement in which the baffle member is twisted about the central axis to form a closed neck in the baffle member thereby preventing sound from transmission through the tube, and an operating mechanism for operating switching of the baffle member between the open and closed arrangements.

Abstract: A detection head of a stethoscope comprises a detection head body (1, 2, 8) and a sound guiding conduit in the detection head body (1, 2). The sound guiding conduit comprises a sound collecting surface (12, 23), a sound guiding pore (D), and a lateral sound guiding aperture (4). The sound collecting surface (12, 23), the sound guiding pore (D), and the lateral sound guiding aperture (4) are disposed on the detection head body (1, 2, 8), and in combination with each other. At least a part of the detection head body (1, 2, 8) is made of a second density material. The density of the material of a sound guiding layer (3, 5, 6, 7, 9A) on the sound collecting surface (12, 23) is greater than that of the second density material.

Abstract: A portable leak detector kit uses a stethoscope-like arrangement including a flexible and shape adjustable tube with several different interchangeable heads mountable at a distal end of the tube for picking up leak sounds of equipment or machinery. A first sound receiving head has a spheroidal shape with an external wire netting while a second head has a surface of spaced apart bumps and apertures and is made of a flexible material enabling it to be wrapped around a pipe, and a plurality of flexible third heads of different sizes enabling them to be selectively clamped around one of a range of NPS size pipes and each having a first open channel in an inside surface. Sound conducting paths join exterior surfaces of the heads to a neck which is ultimately connected through the tube to an ear piece used for listening to the leak sounds.

Abstract: A microphone for an implantable hearing aid includes a body part having a cylindrical housing installed to pass through a tympanum and a microphone controller installed within the cylindrical housing to convert an acoustic signal into an electrical signal, an acoustic collection part that provides a passage for transmitting external sounds into the body part, the acoustic collection part being disposed on one end of the body part in a direction of an external auditory meatus, and a wire connection part connecting the microphone controller to the hearing aid, the wire connection part being disposed on the other end of the body part in a direction of a middle ear cavity. The microphone is easily installed on the tympanum in a noninvasive manner, and attenuation in sensibility of the microphone is prevented. Thus, the microphone may be significantly utilized for the implantable hearing aid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the hygienization of medical instruments, in particular stethoscopes. In particular, the present invention relates to a hygienization or sterilization system (1) of a medical-healthcare instrument, comprising a hygienization or sterilization device (2) and a coupling member (3) associable to said medical-healthcare instrument, characterized in that the coupling between said coupling member (3) and said device (2) is actuated by magnetic coupling means.

Abstract: A receiver is provided having a balanced armature motor mechanically interconnected to a displaceable diaphragm component. A front volume changes as the displaceable diaphragm component moves. The front volume is connected to a port. A rear volume changes oppositely to the front volume as the displaceable diaphragm moves. An acoustic channel connects to the port and is also connected to a sound outlet. The sound outlet allows acoustic energy to exit from the acoustic channel. A first acoustic pressure is generated in the front volume as the balanced armature motor moves the diaphragm. The acoustic channel and the internal volume are divided by a common wall section, wherein the common wall section is defined by at least one of the walls of the housing which also provides a portion of at least one wall for the acoustic channel.

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 barrier 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: The method for reconstructing the three-dimensional shape of the surface (14) of at least a portion of an ear canal (18) and/or of a concha comprises—for each of a multitude of points (12) on said surface (14)—the step of using a chromatic coded distance measurement technique for determining a distance value (40) representative of a distance to said point (12); and further comprises the step of reconstructing said three-dimensional shape based on said multitude of distance values (40).

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: A stethoscope expander assembly includes a first portion and a second portion. Each portion is provided with at least one arm, at least one leg, and at least one attachment member. The first portion of the stethoscope expander assembly includes a male member and a cover opposite the male member. The second portion of the stethoscope expander assembly includes a female member and a channel for receiving a tubing of a stethoscope. The first and second portions provide a slit for receiving a spring of the stethoscope. The first and second portions of the stethoscope expander assembly function to move the stethoscope expander assembly into an expanded position.

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 passive noise reduction apparatus has a headset with at least one ear cup attached to the headset, the ear cup having an ear side and a shell side. An inner shell, having a cup side and an outer side, is mounted to and substantially covers the shell side of the ear cup wherein the cup side of the inner shell faces the shell side of the ear cup. An outer shell, having an inner side and a distal side, is mounted to and substantially covers the inner shell, wherein the inner side of the outer shell is in substantially contiguous contact with the outer side of the inner shell.

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.

Abstract: A fetal heart monitoring system preferably comprising a backing plate having a generally concave front surface and a generally convex back surface, and at least one sensor element attached to the concave front surface for acquiring acoustic fetal heart signals produced by a fetus within a body. The sensor element has a shape that conforms to the generally concave back surface of the backing plate. In one embodiment, the at least one sensor element comprises an inner sensor, and a plurality of outer sensors surrounding the inner sensor. The fetal heart monitoring system can further comprise a web belt, and a web belt guide movably attached to the web belt. The web belt guide being is to the convex back surface of the backing plate.

Abstract: A stethoscope is described. The stethoscope includes a head assembly, an ear piece assembly, and a tubing assembly. The tubing assembly has a first end connected to the head assembly and a second end connected to the ear piece assembly. The tubing assembly includes a first acoustic chamber and three insulation chambers. The insulation chambers include a first material having a first density and are disposed around the first acoustic chamber. The tubing assembly also includes an outer layer, which includes a second material having a second density. Moreover, the outer layer is disposed around the insulation chambers. In another embodiment, the outer layer is substantially frictionless and the tubing assembly is flexible. In yet another embodiment, the stethoscope further includes a second acoustic chamber and the insulation chambers are disposed around a portion of the first acoustic chamber and a portion of the second acoustic chamber.

Abstract: Vibration from a hearing aid receiver (and mechanical shock caused by dropping the hearing aid in which it is installed) is damped by a low-durometer elastomeric component that is adhered external to the receiver. The component may be filled with an electrically nonconductive viscous liquid. The component may also be a solid bead or may be provided with a multiplicity of outwardly-extending flexible fingers.

Abstract: An earphone device includes a housing, an electrical unit and a speaker. The housing has first and second portions, and an arc-shaped portion with a first end connected to the first portion and a second end connected to the second portion. The first and second portions have confronting inner end surfaces. The arc-shaped portion has a curved inner surface contiguous with the inner end surfaces of the first and second end portions. The curved inner surface cooperates with the inner end surfaces to define a cavity having a size sufficient to permit extension of an upper part of the human outer ear therethrough. The electrical unit has components distributed between the first and second portions. The speaker is mounted on the housing, is coupled to the electrical unit, and is disposed in the cavity so as to be located adjacent to an ear canal of the human outer ear.

Abstract: A portable, non-electronic hearing enhancement system collects sound from the front of the user and directs it towards the user's ears through the use of a pair of sound reflectors mounted on support bands. The sound reflectors are positioned behind a user's ears by adjusting the positions of the support bands on the headrest of a seat. The support bands are held in place on the seat by the weight of the support bands and by friction. Thus, the hearing enhancement system can be used without marring the fabric or other surface material of the headrest.

Abstract: A disposable diaphragm assembly for use with al types of conventional stethoscopes and a universal retainer ring for retro-fitting conventional stethoscopes to accept the disposable diaphragm assembly. A novel stethoscope for use with the disposable diaphragm assemblies. A stationary dispenser for the disposable diaphragm assemblies from which the assemblies may be loaded onto either retrofitted conventional stethoscopes or the novel stethoscope of this invention without the assembly being contaminated by the hands of medical personnel. Portable and disposable dispensers which also provide for the loading of the disposable diaphragm assembly in a manner which prevents the assembly from becoming contaminated by the hands of medical personnel.

Abstract: The practical stethoscope cover of this invention in its most essential elements, comprises any form of material which acts as an effective, inexpensive and acoustically transmissive barrier means for easy application and removal from the head, or heads, of a stethoscope. The barrier means should be non-transmissive for dirt, organisms, oils, fluids and the like, all of which may carry pathogenic components. Significantly, embodiments of the stethoscope cover of this invention are easily applied by a physician, nurse or other medical practitioner to the head of a single-headed stethoscope or a double-headed stethoscope, typically in a quick, simple, easy single-handed operation. The barrier means comprising the stethoscope cover comprises folds, gathers or crimping at the marginal edges or medial portions thereof, providing flexibility, extensibility or elasticity to the cover, thus facilitating easy application and removal of the stethoscope cover from the head of the stethoscope.

Abstract: A stethoscope head for joining to an earpiece assembly. The head has a generally tubular neck for joining the head to the earpiece assembly. An anterior chamber has an open face with an aperture at its apex and an outer rim. The bell is adapted to gather and reflect sound originating at or near the open face toward the aperture. A thin disposable diaphragm has adhesive on one side for releasably adhering to the rim. A central chamber is adjacent the bell and connected to the bell by the aperture. The chamber is adapted to direct sounds from the aperture to the neck.

Abstract: A stethoscope head for a one-way stethoscope with a membrane. The stethoscope has a funnel or bell-shaped resonance body. A membrane and the resonance body enclose a resonance chamber that is interconnected to the air column in the lumen of a tube. A capsule of a soundproof material completely surrounds a distal region of the resonance body without contact, leaving just an opening through which the tube passes. A suspension element of elastomer material forms a mobile connection between the capsule and the holding ring attached to the peripheral rim of the resonance body.

Abstract: A stethoscope having a chest-piece which is composed of a base member fixed to flexible tubes, a pickup mounting member rotatable about a first axis relative to the base member, and a plurality of pickups carried by the pickup mounting member. The plurality of pickups consist of one diaphragm and one bell; the diaphragm and the bell extend in diametrically opposite directions perpendicular to the first axis and extend along a common axis of symmetry; the bell has an outer end which lies in a first plane remote from the first axis, an inner end between the outer end and the first axis and a curved wall between the outer and inner ends; and the outer end has an external diameter less than 30 mm.

Abstract: Acoustic point source transducer apparatus including a high-output acoustic sound source propagating sound through a long, flexible tubing having an open end with a small diameter. Sound radiates from the small diameter open end effectively acting as an acoustic point source. A flexible sleeve encasing the terminal end of the tubing permits convenient wand-like placement of the acoustic point source by a human operator and an electromagnetic position sensor at the small diameter open end determines point source position. The invention provides a convenient, nondirectional approximated acoustic point source for improved acoustic measuring, especially desirable for near-field Head-Related Transfer Function measuring.

Abstract: A noise blocking band earplug has a band (12) with outer portions (44, 46) that are bent to prevent the ear-engaging pods (20, 22) from touching the ground, whether placed right-side-up or upside-down on the ground. When the middle region (32) of the band rests on a horizontal surface (64), a band inner end part (70) extends at an upward incline (C) with its outer end forming a second bend (80) so the outer end part (72) extends at a downward incline (D), with the second bend preventing the pods from touching the ground when the earplug is laid upside-down. At the second bend (80), the largely vertical height (J) of the band is increased and its outer surface (102) is made convex to provide pads for more readily pressing the pods against the outside of the ear canals.

Abstract: An acoustic device has first and second conduits such that the first conduit has an inlet and an outlet, and the second conduit encloses a material that is different from the material in the first conduit, or encloses the same material as that in the first conduit but at a different pressure. The first and second conduits share a common wall that is made up of a flexible membrane that allows acoustic signals in the first and second conduits to be acoustically coupled together, thereby allowing acoustic signals in the first conduit to be altered to suppress, enhance, or change certain aspects of the acoustic signal without the use of electronics.

Abstract: A stethoscope supporting device is provided including a back plate and front portion for securing a stethoscope to the back plate. Connected to the back plate is a clip for securing the same on an article of clothing.

Abstract: A plurality of single diaphragm cover dispensable assemblies (11) each of which has a stethoscope diaphragm cover (12) having a thin plastic body member (16) to which there is applied a pressure sensitive adhesive layer (26) mounted on an adhesive protective layer (14) on a first surface (30). A stacking pressure sensitive adhesive layer (34) is on the adhesive protective layer (14) in a location spaced from the portion (28B) attached to the cover (12). The stacking pressure sensitive adhesive layer 34 may be on the first surface (30) or the second surface (32) of the adhesive protective layer (14). A plurality of the assemblies (11) are in a stacked aligned array with the stacking pressure sensitive adhesive layers (34) providing the detachable coupling of one assembly (11) to the next assembly (11) in the stack.

Abstract: A stethoscope, and a stethoscope chestpiece, with an increased signal to noise ratio. The invention concerns mechanical improvements to both traditional mechano-acoustic stethoscopes, and to electronic stethoscopes. The stethoscope chestpieces of this invention are constructed so that the transducers are responsive to the pressure differences between air pressure variations in the chestpiece air cavity which is coupled to the skin, and the air pressure variation due to ambient noise present in the environment. The result is a transducer output with increased signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: An electronic stethoscope emulates the frequency response of a standard acoustical stethoscope in both bell and diaphragm modes, while providing additional features attainable only with an electronic stethoscope, such as signal amplification, noise reduction, wider bandwidth, and mode selection. The electronic stethoscope includes spectrally separate idealized diaphragm and idealized bell modes. The idealized diaphragm mode and the idealized bell mode each include emphasized passbands and de-emphasized passbands. The emphasized passbands are spectrally separate. In addition, the electronic stethoscope also includes a wideband mode, which permits the user to hear high frequency sounds such as those associated with mechanical heart valves, lung sounds, and the like.

Abstract: A thin, disposable shield serves as a sanitary cover as well as a diaphragm for a stethoscope. The shield has a circular line of perforations, resulting in a central disk portion and an outer ring portion. The shield is releasably secured to the rim, preferably by adhesive, to protect a patient from contact with the rim. The shield itself serves as the diaphragm, vibrating with sound transmission. The perforations optionally allow the disk portion to be punched out to provide an unobstructed path for sound transmission of lower frequency. If the forward face of the threaded ring of a conventional stethoscope is not flat, a substitute ring may be secured in place of the conventional ring. The substitute ring has a flat face that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The flat face enhances the ability of the shield to stick to the ring.

Abstract: A stethoscope head with multiple removable diaphragm structures and bell components for adapting the stethoscope for use with infants or adults, or on sites having less skin area, such as between the ribs is described. The bell components further include a wider rim than a conventional rim for better acoustically sealing the rim to the skin of the patient's body above the site to be auscultated. Further, the bell component is metallic providing for better sound conductivity than a non-metallic bell component. A non-metallic ring is disposed on the rim to better acoustically seal the rim with the skin of the patient's body and further, provide comfort to the patient since the non-metallic ring is not as cold as the metallic rim. The bell component includes a thick body to exclude external noises from interfering with the sound to be auscultated.

Abstract: A stethoscope shield unit comprising a plurality of substantially planar shield stacked one upon the other, each of the shields including a first surface having an 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 plurality of shields wherein an exposed shield of the plurality of shields is removed after contacting the body of a patient. A protective shield devoid of an adhesive may be positioned adjacent the first shield of the plurality of shields with the protective shield being removed prior to adhering the first shield of the stack to the diaphragm.

Abstract: An acoustic conduit includes an outer tube and two independent inner tubes. The outer tube is formed of a first material having a first density. The inner tubes are formed of springs of a second material having a second density and each creates an acoustic chamber. The first and second materials are chosen so that the second density is greater than the first density. The acoustic conduit may be used as, for example, a stethoscope tube.

Abstract: A stethoscope is fitted with a disposable cover to prevent cross contamination between patients. The cover is formed as a shield of material which is impermeable to liquids but which transmits sound waves. Adhesive is applied in a predetermined pattern on a portion of the cover so as to define a non adhesive fluid pathway between the central portion of the cover and its peripheral edge. This pathway adapts the cover for use with stethoscopes having vented diaphragms. Additional cover configurations are provided for use on the bell of a stethoscope.