Abstract: A stethoscope includes a tubing having a first end to which an adapter is releasably mounted and second ends to which a pair of binaurals are mounted and a plurality of chest pieces selectively and interchangeably connected to the adapter. Each of the chest pieces has a tubular portion with a sound channel formed therein. The chest piece has formed on the tubular portion a guiding slot extending axially and a holding slot extending circumferentially and in connection with the guiding slot. The tubular portion of the chest piece has a deep recess formed on the holding slot. The adapter has a bore to receive the tubular portion of the chest piece therein.

Abstract: A stethoscope has a dual-sided stethoscope head. The stethoscope head includes a body member having first and second opposite sound collecting sides. Each of the first and second sound collecting sides has a suspended diaphragm member. Preferably, one side is specially adapted for use with adult patients while the other side is specially adapted for use with pediatric or thin patients where it is difficult to obtain good surface contact.

Abstract: A stethoscope device assembly which is adapted to monitor a surface sound on a body surface of a mammalian body and includes an earpiece assembly which is acoustically coupled to a sound receiver assembly. A sound transmission member is coupled to and extends between the earpiece assembly and the sound receiver assembly. An arm which includes at least a portion of the sound transmission member and also a superelastic member is coupled to and extends between the earpiece assembly and the sound receiver assembly. The superelastic member has a resting shape, such as a helical shape, which is adjustable under an applied force to a strained shape, and also has an elastic memory to the resting shape after being adjusted to the strained shape.

Abstract: A mechanical system for reducing unwanted vibration of a stethoscope chestpiece, which reduces the signal components of the chestpiece output due to sources of vibration other than internal physiologic processes within the patient's body. The system includes a compliance, a mass, and a mechanical resistance element, which together increase transmission loss of external sources of vibration between their source and the chestpiece transducer. Methods of using such a system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stethoscope includes a chestpiece with at least one sound gathering device, a binaural assembly with two earpieces, and a sound transmission unit between the chestpiece and the binaural assembly for transmitting auscultatory sounds from the chestpiece to the earpieces. The chestpiece confines an acoustic path therein. The sound gathering device is mounted on the chestpiece in acoustic communication with the acoustic path. The sound transmission unit includes a rigid first hollow connector which has a first end mounted on the chestpiece in acoustic communication with the acoustic path and a second end formed as a tubular wall, and a flexible second hollow connector. The second hollow connector has a sleeve portion and a pair of transmission tubes connected integrally at one end to the sleeve portion and mated with the earpieces at an opposite end. The sleeve portion is sleeved over the tubular wall and engages sealingly the latter.

Abstract: A protective cover for a contact surface of a stethoscope having a planar section of film material with a static charge placed therein. The planar section of film material has a top surface and a bottom surface. The section of film material has an area greater than the contact surface of the stethoscope. The top and bottom surfaces are non-adhesive surfaces. The static charge acts on the bottom surface so as to allow the bottom surface to removably cling to the contact surface of the stethoscope. The planar section of film material is applied to a backing surface having an area greater no less than the area of the section of film material.

Abstract: A stethoscope includes a pair of binaurals and a chest piece with a rubber tube extending and connected therebetween. The chest piece has a body defining therein a cavity for movably receiving a frequency switching member which is movable between a first position and a second position. A retainer ring having a bore is fixed to the body to retain the frequency switching member within the cavity. The frequency switching member has a reduced end with a circumferential rib formed thereon extending through the bore of the retainer ring. The retainer ring has a circumferential rib which surrounds the bore and is in tight contact engagement with a membrane fixed to the body so as to define a first confined zone on the membrane which provides a first, low frequency vibration mode of the membrane.

Abstract: A removable and disposable chestpiece for a stethoscope. The chestpiece comprises a unitary disk-like chamber have opposed walls connected by a peripheral wall. One of the opposed walls is provided with a central opening. The head of the stethoscope is provided with an extending skirt which fits into the hole of the chestpiece.

Abstract: An ergonometric chestpiece for a stethoscope adapted to receive auscultatory sounds from a body and adapted to be coupled to an earpiece for a user. The chestpiece is adapted to be grasped by a thumb and at least one finger of the user. The chestpiece has a bottom surface which is generally planar and is adapted to be placed near the body for receiving the auscultatory sounds. The chestpiece has an upper portion opposite the bottom surface. The upper portion has a raised center portion defining left and right indented gripping surfaces which form recesses defined by the left and right indented gripping surfaces and by a surface generally parallel to but opposite the bottom surface. The left and right indented gripping surfaces are adapted to receive the thumb and at least one finger of the user, respectively. The indented gripping surfaces have indented impressions adapted to be easily, securely and comfortably grasped by the thumb and fingers of the user.

Abstract: A stethoscope comprising two earpieces (1,2) which are connected to an endpiece (3) for capturing sounds via a route for transmission (4 to 7) of the captured sounds, the endpiece being held in one hand by a practitioner during auscultation of a patient. According to the invention, the transmission route (4 to 7) comprises a closable orifice (9) which, in the open position, is capable of bringing the transmission route into sound communication with the surroundings, and whose closing and opening are controlled by the hand holding the endpiece.

Abstract: A disposable patient-to-transducer interface device for use in securely holding a transducer such as a stethoscope head positioned against the skin surface of a patient. The interface device may be adhered to the patient's skin surface and the stethoscope head securely received in an opening provided in the device. When in use, the interface device substantially surrounds the stethoscope head thereby providing a passive barrier to ambient noise. The interface device also develops a relatively good air seal around the stethoscope head and thus provides an additional barrier to ambient noise. Furthermore, the interface device prevents substantial movement of the transducer head and, thereby, minimizes the amount of surface motion noise generated and detected by the transducer head. In addition, when the interface device is attached to the skin surface of the patient, it establishes a good reference point whereby continual or periodic monitoring of a particular location on the patient may be accomplished.

Abstract: A chesthead having a pair of acoustic chambers, each of which is provided with a diametrically arranged wall separating the acoustic chamber into two portions. The two portions in each chamber are connected selectively to a pair of sound tubes so that dual sounds from each chamber are fed to the user simultaneously.

Abstract: A stethoscope head having a first pair of acoustical passages in sound communication with a low frequency sound receiving bell and a second pair of acoustical passages in sound communication with a high frequency sound receiving diaphragm. A cylindrical valve plug having a third pair of acoustical passages is disposed within a cylindrical bore into which the first and second pairs of acoustical passages open. A pair of sound tubes are connected to the third acoustical passages within the cylindrical valve plug. The pair of sound tubes act as a lever to facilitate rotation of the cylindrical valve plug to acoustically connect the third acoustical passages with either the first or second pair of acoustical passages.

Abstract: Stethoscope-protecting bags for protecting a stethoscope from contamination during a stethoscopic examination are provided.

Abstract: A cover for temporary securement to a rigid stethoscope head to completely cover a diaphragm within the interior of the stethoscope head and seal the interior and the diaphragm from the ambient atmosphere. The cover includes a flat, double-sided, thin plastic sheet and a layer of adhesive on a side of the sheet to releasably sealingly secure the cover to the outer rim surface of a stethoscope head.

Abstract: A stethoscope head comprises a bell housing,for resonating, a diaphragm arrangement for sound communication, and a user operable selector control for selectively providing an opening in the diaphragm.

Abstract: A band earplug apparatus is described, of the type which includes a pair of earplug devices (20, 22) lying on the ends of a band (12) that fits halfway about a person's head, which avoids soiling of the earplug devices when the band is laid on a dirty surface. The band is designed so its middle portion (24) rests stably on a horizontal surface (5), and with the end portions then extending at an incline (A) away from the horizontal surface to hold the ends (14, 16) of the band and the earplug devices (20, 22) thereon spaced from the horizontal surface.

Abstract: An earpiece for insertion in an ear canal as a part of an earphone, an ear mounted microphone, an earphone/microphone combination or the like. The earpiece comprises a body part suitable for housing an earphone transducer and/or a solid vibration pickup, and a canal insert joined to the body part. Having a generally elongate shape, the canal insert has a rear portion joined directly to the body part, a front portion away from the body part, and a midportion through which the rear and the front portions are joined together. The front portion and midportion of the canal insert have their cross sectional dimensions determined in a predefined relationship to fit as closely as feasible in the ear canals of a majority of people. The earpiece may be provided with a stabilizer, as in the form of a contact piece or pieces projecting laterally therefrom, for greater stability against dislodgement from the ear canal or rotational displacement therein.

Abstract: A stethoscope head is combined with a watch having a sweeping second hand. A watch support member 30 extends from the stethoscope housing 20. The watch 32 rests upon the watch support member 30. A watch housing 38 encases the watch 32 and is secured to the watch support member 30. The watch support member 30 may be made of sound-absorbing material. Sound-absorbing material may be interposed between the stethoscope housing 20 and watch support member 30. The watch support member 30 and watch housing 38 may have cooperating threads so that the watch housing 38 may be screwed onto the watch support member 38. The sweeping second hand 34 of the watch may be easily viewed while the stethoscope is used.

Abstract: An ergonometric chestpiece for a stethoscope adapted to receive auscultatory sounds from a body and adapted to be coupled to an earpiece for a user. The chestpiece is adapted to be grasped by a thumb and at least one finger of the user. The chestpiece has a bottom surface which is generally planar and is adapted to be placed near the body for receiving the auscultatory sounds. The chestpiece has an upper portion opposite the bottom surface. The upper portion has a raised center portion defining left and right gripping surfaces which form recesses defined by the left and right gripping surfaces and by a surface generally parallel to but opposite the bottom surface. The left and right gripping surfaces are adapted to receive the thumb and the at least one finger of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for warming medical instruments, such as a stethoscope, includes a wall mountable, multi-walled, vented housing having a front access opening closed by a hinged translucent panel and an open bottom. A reflective, flexible metal liner having a lower portion overlying the open housing bottom reflects radiant heat from an electric lamp heat source in the housing toward an instrument to be heated vertically positioned in a support formed in the lower portion of the liner and aligned with a slot in the lower portion leading to the access opening. The heat source is thermostatically controlled.

Abstract: A stethoscope includes a sound pickup and a reverberation chamber defined in a housing. The reverberation chamber is acoustically connected to binaurals through a connecting tubing. The reverberation chamber includes at least one sound inlet opening and the sound pickup includes at least one sound outlet opening, wherein at least one sound outlet opening and at least one sound inlet opening are arranged so as to be at least partially overlapping. The relative position of the at least one sound inlet opening and the at least one sound outlet opening is adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention is a stethoscope which provides the user with continuous access to physiologic sounds. The stethoscope consists of multiple, lightweight, disposable sound receiving sensors and shutoff valves which allow selective auscultation of specific sites without patient disturbance. In addition, depending upon the positions of the shutoff valves, the stethoscope may enhance sound conduction by producing constructive interference of sound waves. A means of attaching the sound receiving sensors to the skin is also described. Because the sound receiving sensors are disposable, the risk of infection due to cross-examination is minimized. Therefore, this invention is safer than known stethoscopes.

Abstract: A stethoscope head adapter for a diaphragm microphone is provided. The adapter creates a smaller surface area for the diaphragm microphone without diminishing the acoustical reception by the diaphragm of normal or pathological conditions in a patient. The adapter is made from an elastomeric material to permit easy placement on the stethoscope head and to provide an effective acoustical seal against the uneven surface of the skin of a patient. A secondary diaphragm may also be provided in the adapter to focus the reception by the diaphragm microphone of the specific frequencies desired to be monitored. With the adapter on the stethoscope head, the intensities of sound at frequencies not desired to be monitored are attenuated when compared with the use of the stethoscope head without the adapter present.

Abstract: A self-sealing dual stethoscope head including a low frequency sound receiving bell, a high frequency sound receiving diaphragm, a selectively movable valve including a cylindrical valve seat having a first acoustical passage in sound communication with the bell and a second acoustical passage in sound communication with the diaphragm, and a cylindrical valve member having a radial opening for selective alignment and sound communication with the bell acoustical passage or the diaphragm acoustical passage upon rotation thereof, the cylindrical valve member being characterized by having at least a portion of an arcuate lengthwise segment of diminished radius as compared to the remaining lengthwise portion of the cylindrical valve member, means for urging the cylindrical valve member into sound sealing contact with the first or second acoustical passages within the valve seat and means for locking the cylindrical valve members into position during alignment with an acoustical passage.

Abstract: A stethoscope for auscultating sounds from a subject, the stethoscope including a housing, a curvilinear convex diaphragm supported on the housing for interfacing with the site being auscultated and for receiving sounds therefrom, an enclosed acoustic chamber supporting on the housing and communicating with the curvilinear convex diaphragm for enhancing the fidelity of the received sounds, and means for transmitting the enhanced received sounds to the user, which can be a dual lumen wave guide to binaurals or a single lumen wave guide to one aural tube. With such an arrangement, the user is capable of taking vital signs through clothing, bandages, blankets are other obstructions, even in the presence of high ambient noise, and can auscultate low frequency sounds associated with heart sounds and bowel sounds with significantly improved clarity and volume.

Abstract: A disposable shield for stethoscope heads, preventing the transfer of disease or other contaminants by repeated use of the stethoscope. The shield or envelope is formed from a single piece of plastic material in which the sides are folded toward each other, thereby defining two top portions overlying a bottom portion. The edges are sealed as by heat sealing, thereby defining an envelope or shield. In a preferred embodiment, the shields are formed and maintained in a ribbon or array, maintained in the form of a roll within a container or the like. Adjoining shields are interconnected at the heat sealed areas which may be perforated for ease of separation.

Abstract: A sanitary stethoscope which prevents carrying potentially infectious matter from one patient to the next comprises a modified stethoscope head or diaphragm-retaining ring and a quick-insert/quick-release replaceable diaphragm. The diaphragm is suitably held in place on the stethoscope by means of a projection on the diaphragm surface which fits into a groove on the stethoscope head or diaphragm-retaining ring, preferably with provision for magnetic attraction. Means for facilitating easy exchange of diaphragms comprise specially designed diaphragm dispensers and diaphragm storage containers or cartridges. The diaphragm dispensers may be heated to maintain the diaphragms at a temperature comfortable to the touch.

Abstract: A cover for a pre-cordial stethoscope provides protection for the stethoscope and reduces external noise contamination. The cover fits closely on the stethoscope body and includes a slot for receiving a tubular fitting which extends from the stethoscope body to transmit the monitored sounds. A shell presenting an internal vacuum chamber may be interposed between the cover and stethoscope body for enhanced noise suppression. Different embodiments of the cover are provided for adult and infant pre-cordial stethoscopes.

Abstract: A double-headed body contact piece has first and second acoustic connector portions connected to first and second acoustic passages of a stethoscope-tube attachment, and further has a first, non-differential auscultation head with a single auscultation chamber and a second, differential-auscultation head with a pair of chambers which latter are to be placed simultaneously with each other against a patient's body with a predetermined spacing between them. A switchover mechanism has first and second settings, involving registration and non-registration of various passages internal to the body contact piece. In the first setting, acoustic connections are established leading from the single chamber of the first head to both the first and the second acoustic connector portions, these two connections being of at least equivalent geometry and having the same dimensions so as to be acoustically equivalent to each other.

Abstract: A stethoscope consisting of a pair of flexible ear tubes and a chest piece divided by a partition into two sound receiving chambers. These chambers are separately communicated with the right and left ear tubes, respectively.

Abstract: A stethoscope chestpiece has a body member, a tubular shaft, and an indexing detent. The body has a plurality of microphones each of which has a opening at its apex and a central recess. The tubular shaft is rotably secured within the central recess and has an opening in its wall that aligns selectively with one of the openings from the microphones. The sound conveying detent is mounted transversely within the shaft and aligned with the opening in the shaft wall. The indexing detent has a hollow cylindrical element and spring. The hollow cylindrical element has an open bottom and a seat end having an opening. The seat end is beveled and extends beyond the opening in the shaft wall to engage the body. When the seat end is aligned with a selected one of the openings from the microphones it seats to hold the opening from the microphone in alignment with the opening in the seat end to create a sound passageway into the tubular shaft.

Abstract: A stethoscope has two sound transmitting tubular elements with the ends insertable into ears of an examining person, and two sound receiving end pieces applicable onto a body at a distance from one another and communicating with the sound transmitting tubular elements to provide stereo information about sounds inside the body. The stethoscope can be adjusted to reception of mono sounds, and also for providing different sound transmission through the sound transmitting tubular elements.

Abstract: An improved stethoscope having a reversible breastpiece comprises two base discs with an intermediate element relatively rotatable with respect thereto about the axis of the base discs to position its sound inlet channel with an outlet channel from the base discs. The channels in the base discs are arcuately spaced apart at extremes of relative rotational movement of the intermediate element. The sound inlet channel in the intermediate element, in turn, cooperates with nipples or fittings connected to the ear yoke. Means is provided to limit the amount of relative rotation of the intermediate element relative to the base discs, and positioning means is provided to releasably engage the intermediate element in a selected position of rotation against inadvertent misalignment. As can be seen, the several parts can be relatively easily fabricated with a high degree of precision and assembled in a fashion that enables optimal sound transfer from the selected one of the base discs.

Abstract: A stethoscope including a bell and a removable insert therefore to better accomodate dimunitive skin areas. The insert is made of a resilient and deformable material. The insert snaps into the bell to releasably lock the insert into the bell. The insert reduces the opening to and the volume of the bell.

Abstract: A stethoscope including a diaphragm head with a loosely affixed diaphragm exhibiting an increased frequency response range. The diaphragm is peripherally supported adjacent the rim of the diaphragm head. The diaphragm is contacted with the head by the pressure applied by the underlying skin or clothing of the patient to eliminate sound leakage therebetween.

Abstract: The surface of a diaphragm 26 is maintained in hygienic condition during examination of successive patients by positioning a clean or sterile diaphragm cover 10 over the diaphragm during examination. The cover 10 can be disposed or resterilized for further use. The cover 10 includes a flexible, resilient, imperforate membrane sheet 32 mounted on a rigid rim member 30 containing at least one, and preferably two, tabs 34 which clip over the outer edge of the ring 26. The rim of the cover is designed to have a loose sliding fit over the cup and the cover sheet is very thin and deformable so that there is no interference with sound collection and transmission.

Abstract: A microphone for stethoscopes and the like having a weighted head member with a recessed cavity formed therein. A diaphragm is sealed to the head member with an adhesive material to provide an airtight cover for the cavity. The mass of the head member causes it to remain substantially vibration free and as a result all vibrations are transmitted directly to the diaphragm causing it to vibrate with increased amplitude at all frequencies. The adhesive seal between the diaphragm and the head member effectively eliminates secondary vibration thereof so that the microphone is capable of producing a distortion free air signal of high amplitude at all normal frequencies.

Abstract: A stethoscope head comprising a body member having a first generally bell-shaped recess, a diaphragm, a suspension member for connecting the diaphragm to the body member, and an immobilizing means located within the first recess. The suspension member affords movement of the diaphragm in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the diaphragm without the shape of or lateral tension in the diaphragm changing substantially. The suspension member also permits at least one of the diaphragm and the suspension member to contact the immobilizing means to cause the acoustical stiffness of the diaphragm to increase significantly. In a preferred embodiment the suspension member comprises a compliant ring and the immobilizing means comprises an O-ring situated circumjacent a plate-like member having a centrally sloping depression in its surface.

Abstract: The invention is an improved amplification system for guitars that does not require electrical energy. The system is self-contained and intended for use by the guitarist to listen to the music that he produces on an electrical-type guitar without connection to an electronic-type amplification system. The guitarist can use it during practice or for personal enjoyment without the sound reaching others in the nearby vicinity of the guitarist. The system provides a pick-up piece on the guitar, a connecting pick-up piece for the main sound transmittal tubes, sound transmittal tubes, and an insulated headset.

Abstract: An electro-acoustical structure for switching on and supplying sound to an all-acoustical headset upon the insertion of an acoustic-use plug. A piston-valve is depressed against a spring upon the insertion of the plug, opening acoustic ports, and also moving a bifurcated contact attached to the piston to close a circuit with coactive stationary contacts for energizing an electro-acoustic transducer.

Abstract: One or more resonant cavities are selectively connected to the main sound passage of a stethoscope in order to selectively amplify frequency ranges of interest. The amplified frequency range is controlled by positioning a vent in a side wall of the resonant cavity a particular distance from the pick-up head. An improved sound pick-up head probe structure is rugged and allows extending the length of the probe when desired.

Abstract: A noise attenuating stethoscope is coupled to a noise attenuating headset having first and second sound attenuating ear cups which are coupled to the ends of a headband. A pair of ear tubes extends laterally through an aperture in the side of each ear cup and includes an ear piece coupled to each end thereof. A resilient sealing device is positioned within the aperture of each ear cup and surrounds the outer surface of each ear tube to form a seal between the ear tubes and the ear cups to attenuate the transmission of sound through the apertures and for permitting the ear tubes to be both angularly deflected and laterally displaced with respect to the ear cups. A sound delivery tube couples a sound pick up to each of the ear tubes to transmit sound from the sound pick up to the ear tubes. The noise attenuating stethoscope may further include a quick-connect coupling between the sound pick up and the sound delivery tube.

Abstract: A stethoscope having one or more resonant cavities adjusted to amplify sound frequencies of interest, such as those of the heart or lungs of a patient, and including a pick-up head that contacts the patient through a probe.

Abstract: A two-microphone stethoscope chestpiece is dislcosed wherein the locking mechanism for securing the shaft within the body of the chestpiece against axial movement and the indexing mechanism for aligning the shaft with the selected microphone are combined into a single spring having a C-shaped portion and a leg extending axially from one end thereof. The spring is positioned partially within grooves in the shaft and partially within corresponding slots in chestpiece body. Upon rotation of the shaft, the leg portion of the spring clicks into one of two opposed slots in the chestpiece body and secures the shaft in proper alignment with the selected microphone.

Abstract: A stethoscope head having a bell and a diaphragm. The bell is offset from the diaphragm axis. The bell axis intersects the diaphragm axis at an acute angle of not less than twenty degrees or more than seventy degrees, and preferably at thirty degrees. A selectively movable valve is provided to connect the bell and the diaphragm, individually, to an airway which may be connected to a sound tube leading to binaurals. The valve comprises a cylindrical spool seated and totally supported within a cylindrical bore in the head body.

Abstract: A toy stethoscope having a resilient sound collector at one end thereof. The sound collector is soft and pliable so as to prevent injury to a person in the event the person is struck by the sound collector. The sound collector further comprises a damper formed from a soft sponge or foam material that prevents unpleasant pressure and/or injury to the ear drums in the event a loud sound is introduced into the sound collector due to someone yelling or blowing directly into the collector or the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stethoscopes of the type commonly employed by air line passengers for use with entertaining sound apparatus and is concerned primarily with a stethoscope which may be adjusted for comfort when applied to and suspended from the ear canals of an air line passenger.

Abstract: A stethoscope having a head wherein a diaphragm sound chamber is disposed within a housing which allows for the head to be used as a diaphragm sound chamber or a bell sound chamber without removal of the stethoscope head from the patient.