A battery source of dc voltage continuously energizes digital circuitry for controlling operation of analog signal processing circuitry including a microphone preamplifier, an automatic gain control amplifier, a bandpass section and an output buffer driving audio reproducing equipment. The analog signal processing circuitry is energized on select command from the battery source through a switched on power supply. Automatic operation of the gain control amplifier may be disabled and the bandpass section by-passed in response to other select commands.

A diagnostic system comprising one or more stethoscopes and a diagnostic unit. Each stethoscope is used to pick up a sound, which is then transmitted in radio form via an antenna after amplification through an electric/audio transducer. The sound, after being received by the diagnostic unit, is compared in a computer for diagnosis of the symptoms. The result of the diagnosis is then transmitted through an antenna and received by the stethoscope for reference by its user.

An ultrasound bell for attachment to an acoustic stethoscope includes threads that mate with threads located on the turret of the acoustic stethoscope. The ultrasound bell includes an ultrasound transmitter for emitting ultrasound acoustic waves or signals and an ultrasound detector for receiving reflected ultrasound acoustic waves and converting the reflected ultrasound acoustic waves into electric signals. Electronic circuitry within the ultrasound bell converts the electric signals created by the ultrasound detector into sound waves emitted by a speaker. The speaker is acoustically coupled to the turret of the acoustic stethoscope such that an airtight acoustic wave pathway is formed between the ultrasound bell and the turret of the stethoscope.

A stethoscope and headset system comprising a stethoscope having a monitor mechanism for monitoring internal bodily vibrations of a patient and conversion circuitry coupled to the monitor mechanism for receiving the internal bodily vibrations and transmitting internal bodily indication signals based upon the internal bodily vibrations, a headset having a headband, a pair of earpieces coupled to the headband, a microphone for receiving a user's voice and transmitting a plurality of intercom signals; and a pair of speakers with each speaker coupled to an earpiece for transmitting audible sounds upon actuation by internal bodily indication signals and intercom signals; and a user-orientable selector switch coupled with the stethoscope and headset and coupleable with an intercom system of an aircraft, the selector switch having one orientation for enabling a user to listen to a patient's internal bodily vibrations and another orientation for enabling a user to communicate through the intercom system.

A means and method for medical timing of human vital signs including the steps of generating a repeating preselected time interval signal which is used to produce a sensory stimulating signal. The sensory stimulating signal is used as a reference when measuring human vital signs. The apparatus of the invention includes a housing containing a timing mechanism for producing the repeating pre-selected time interval signal and a mechanism for producing the sensory stimulating signal. The device is adapted to be used with a power source such as a battery and is small, portable, and easily maneuverable. An illuminating light is optionally includable to assist in viewing the patient and obtaining other medically related signs and readings.