Tongue depressor

Abstract: An illuminating tongue depressor includes a handle having a battery-operated light source and a depressor blade selectively coupled with or uncoupled from the handle for discard and replacement, the blade being constructed of a light-conducting synthetic resin material of relatively thin cross-section and being arched laterally to resist bending along the length thereof, the blade including a light-receiving surface at the proximal end thereof for juxtaposition with the light source and a light-directing configuration at the distal end thereof for directing light conducted from the light source and projected from the distal end to a defined area to be inspected during use of the tongue depressor in the examination of a patient

Abstract: A combination handle unit and tongue depressor includes a light source and a means for attaching a light-transmissive disposable depressor member to the handle to conduct light from the source into, for example, the mouth and throat of a patient being examined. In some illustrated embodiments, the attachment means includes a peripheral groove about a portion of the handle unit into which the depressor member may be inserted. In some embodiments, the attachment means includes pins or posts provided on one of the handle unit or tongue depressor, and cooperating sockets for receiving the posts formed on the other of the handle unit or tongue depressor. The handle unit is conveniently designed and configured to remain out of the line of sight of the examining physician into the mouth, throat, or the like, of the patient being examined. To permit removal of the depressor member from the handle without the physician having to touch it, the handle is provided with a trigger for ejecting the depressor member.

Abstract: A tongue depressor and throat viewing assembly which includes a disposable flat blade for depressing the tongue of a subject in order to expose his larynx for inspection so that its condition can be diagnosed. Attachable to the trailing end of the blade is a light source and throat viewer unit which projects a light beam to illuminate the exposed larynx and to obtain a digital image thereof which is conveyed to an external computer monitor station. At this station, the image is exhibited on a screen, and is stored in a database for future use.

Abstract: A candy-tongue depressor for encouraging the cooperation of a child or teenager during an oral examination by a medical practitioner is provided. The device comprises, in combination: (a) a thin, flat, nonedible stick with a longitudinal axis; the nonedible stick having a distal end for grasping by the medical practitioner; and a proximal end for contacting the tongue of a patient; and (b) a thin layer of candy which covers the proximal end, but not the distal end, of the nonedible stick. A combination candy tongue depressor and flexible, reclosable, translucent wrapper is also provided.