Patent Publication Number: US-2022211262-A1

Title: Vaginal speculum apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation patent of U.S. Ser. No. 16/537,726 filed on Aug. 12, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 15/888,248 filed on Feb. 5, 2018 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,376,138), which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 15/453,436 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,949,633), issued on Apr. 24, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 15/149,747 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,883,792), issued on Feb. 6, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/169,850 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,332,898), issued May 10, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 11/910,387 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,821,395), issued on Sep. 2, 2014, which is a national stage application of PCT/US2006/012116, filed on Apr. 3, 2006. The prior PCT application is further based upon the following two (2) provisional patent applications, claiming priority based on 35 USC § 119(e): U.S. Ser. No. 60/667,505, filed Apr. 1, 2005, entitled: ILLUMINATED VAGINAL SPECULUM ASSEMBLY; and U.S. Ser. No. 60/735,576, filed Nov. 10, 2005, entitled: ILLUMINATED VAGINAL SPECULUM ASSEMBLY. The entire contents of each above-noted application is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This application generally relates to the field of hand-held medical diagnostic instruments, and more particularly to a vaginal speculum apparatus including a single-use or single patient speculum that distributes illumination from at least one illumination assembly attached to the speculum. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Vaginal specula are commonly known apparatus presently used in the field of diagnostic medicine for purposes of examining the cervix of a female patient. A typical vaginal speculum includes an upper blade member and a lower blade member that are operated upon to open and close by means of an articulation mechanism in order to dilate the vaginal cavity of the patient. According to one version of a vaginal speculum apparatus that is manufactured and sold by Welch Allyn, Inc. of Skaneateles Falls, N.Y., a corded illumination assembly is received within a hollow handle portion of a disposable speculum made from a molded plastic material. The illumination assembly includes a miniature light source, such as a halogen or other miniature incandescent lamp, which is contained within an assembly housing and is tethered by cabling to a dedicated (e.g., AC) power source. The light source is coupled, when received by the hollow handle portion, with the proximal end of a curved light pipe disposed within the lower blade member, the light pipe being formed from a light transmissive material. Light is transmitted from the light source by means of internal reflection along the light pipe to a distal end, the light pipe extending along the interior of the lower blade member. Light is projected from the distal end of the light pipe toward the distal end of the lower blade member to the target (i.e., the cervix), thereby permitting a practitioner to conduct an effective patient examination. 
     One problem with the herein-described light pipe is that a so-called “hot” spot is developed at the distal light emitting end. The distal light emitting end further produces back reflection of light to the eye of the user along a viewing aperture of the speculum that is formed between the upper and lower blade members at the proximal ends thereof. This back reflection produces considerable amounts of glare, thereby impairing the effectiveness of an examination. In addition, the configuration of the distal end of the current light pipe provides non-uniform light distribution at the target (e.g., the cervix). 
     Another problem is that the body of the light pipe extends into the lower field of view of the user (e.g., the physician), creating obstruction of the target. In addition, shadowing of external illumination is caused by the distal light pipe end. 
     A further concern is the amount of plastic material that is used in the lower blade member of the molded disposable speculum, including the material taken up by the light pipe and the hollow handle portion. Excessive plastic material results in extra cost of manufacture. The molding of the lower blade member is further affected in that a stress concentration is created at the distal end of the light pipe, based on its squared discontinuous end, resulting in weak location and potential breakage. Moreover, there is difficulty in molding due to the abrupt change in cross section near the gate. 
     Yet another problem is that body fluids expelled from examination are often trapped by the distal end of the light pipe, producing a contamination issue as well as impairing the efficiency of examination given the effect on light transmission of a buildup of fluids against the light-emitting surface of the light pipe. 
     Yet another problem is that the industry has become content with the concept of utilizing a tethered illumination assembly. Though effective and highly useful, there are occasions in which such assemblies make examination impractical to perform such as, for example, instances in which the patient is bed-ridden. In these situations, the corded portion of the speculum apparatus can become an impediment to examining a patient. In addition, the use of corded illumination assemblies requires a non-portable (e.g., AC) power supply to be present in the examination area, making field examinations difficult. Still further, corded assemblies can become tangled or become a source of dirt or other contamination, requiring frequent cleaning between examinations. 
     Yet still further, the advent of alternative light sources, such as LEDs, provide a means for providing efficient illumination with a longer service life than that of incandescent lamps. Heretofore, the incorporation of such light sources in portable illumination systems for vaginal specula has been discouraged in the field due to inefficiencies in power conversion and illumination output. Provision of these light sources, at least in certain instances is desirable, but presently unavailable for use in such apparatus. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to one aspect of the present application, there is provided a vaginal speculum apparatus, said apparatus comprising a portable illumination assembly defined by a housing that retains a portable power supply and at least one LED, and a speculum comprising an upper blade and a lower blade, said lower blade including a handle portion sized to receive at least a portion of said portable illumination assembly and wherein the at least one LED contained within said housing is coupled to a light pipe extending into the lower blade of the speculum. 
     The portable illumination assembly can be releasably attached to the speculum. According to one version, the illumination assembly can be attached to the lower blade of the speculum and positioned therein so as to be optically coupled to the light pipe. 
     According to at least one version, the portable illumination assembly can include means for energizing the at least one LED contained within the housing. 
     The LED energizing means can be disposed on the exterior of the housing of the portable illumination assembly. According to one version, a switch mechanism can include a mechanical switch member, having a portion that is provided on the exterior of the housing, in which the switch member is biased in an off position. Engagement of the illumination assembly with the receiving cavity of the speculum causes a feature within the speculum to act upon the biased switch member. The feature can include at least one protrusion, rib, or groove, for example, that is formed within the receiving cavity. For example and according to a preferred version, a set of rails is provided to retain the assembly and to permit automatic energization of the contained light source. 
     According to another version, the speculum can include at least one opening that permits access to the LED energizing means of the portable illumination assembly. 
     At least one of the illumination assemblies can be powered by at least one battery, either retained directly within an assembly housing or alternatively by way of a connected component, such as by means of an attached power adapter. The power adapter can be tethered to the housing or alternatively can include a body that is mechanically and electrically linked or engaged with the housing. The power adapter can contain either a primary or auxiliary power supply, depending on the application. For example, one power adapter provides auxiliary power in the event that battery power is low or depleted. The auxiliary power supply in this power adapter can be at least one battery or a non-compact (e.g., AC) power supply. 
     In a preferred version, the at least one battery is rechargeable wherein an illumination assembly containing same can be placed in a docking or recharging station. The illumination assembly can include a low-battery power indicator to notify the user that recharging may be necessary. The docking station can permit, according to one version, simultaneous recharging of a plurality of illumination assemblies. In another version and as noted, the illumination assembly can be separately attached to a backup or auxiliary power supply, such as an AC power supply or at least one other battery. 
     In at least one version, the light pipe is releasably attached to the speculum. In another version, the light pipe can be integral to the lower blade of the speculum. 
     In one version, the speculum is disposable and the portable illumination assembly is reusable. Alternatively, the entire apparatus can be disposable. 
     According to another aspect claimed herein, there is described a vaginal speculum apparatus, said apparatus comprising a portable illumination assembly comprising a portable power source and at least one LED contained within a common housing, and a speculum having an upper blade, a lower blade and a mechanism enabling relative movement between said upper and lower blades to enable dilation of a patient, said portable illumination assembly being releasably attachable to one of said upper and said lower blades of said speculum. 
     In one version, the portable illumination assembly is axially received within a portion of the lower blade of the speculum. The illumination assembly can be coupled to a proximal end of a light pipe, the light pipe having a distal light emitting end. The portable illumination assembly can be releasably or otherwise coupled to the light pipe. In one version, the speculum includes a cavity disposed in a handle portion of the lower blade, the cavity being configured to receive at least a portion of the illumination assembly housing. 
     According to one version, the portable illumination assembly housing includes externally accessible means for energizing the at least one LED. For example, the illumination assembly can include a switch mechanism to energize the contained light source automatically when placed at least a predetermined distance into the receiving cavity. Additionally, removal of the illumination assembly, according to this version, automatically causes the light source contained therein to be de-energized. 
     In one version, the LED energizing means can include an exterior switch member that is acted upon by a corresponding feature of the speculum to cause automatic energization/de-energization of the contained light source. For example, the speculum can include at least one protrusion, tab, groove or other suitable engagement feature for acting upon the exterior switch member or can act upon a close contacting fit with the interior of the receiving cavity. 
     In another version, the LED energizing means is configured for manual operation, thereby enabling the illumination assembly to also act as an examination light without the speculum, as needed. The speculum can include at least one feature, such as at least one opening, enabling user access to the LED energizing means, even while the illumination assembly is inserted within the speculum, enabling the illumination assembly to be selectively de-energized without requiring removal. According to one version, the switch member is biased in an Off position. The switch member can be manually located into a “locked” position with the contained light source being initially energized prior to insertion into the receiving cavity of the light source. In the “locked” position, the automatic energization features of the speculum/assembly would not be active and the bias feature is overridden until the user moves the switch member out of this “locked” position. 
     The illumination assembly can be retained by at least one engagement/retention feature provided within the receiving cavity, such as grooves, channels, ribs and the like, wherein the at least one engagement/retention feature can also co-act to permit specific alignment of the illumination assembly relative to the receiving cavity. 
     According to one version, the illumination assembly can utilize the alignment/retention features, but the assembly can be disposed in one or more rotational orientations within the receiving cavity about a primary axis of the illumination assembly, while also permitting automatic operation of the switch mechanism. 
     According to one version, the speculum is disposable, Alternatively, the entire apparatus, including the illumination assembly, is disposable. 
     According to yet another aspect claimed herein, there is provided a method of assembling a vaginal speculum apparatus, said apparatus comprising a vaginal speculum having upper and lower blades, said method comprising the steps of releasably attaching a portable illumination assembly to one of said upper blade and said lower blade and configuring said illumination assembly with exterior accessible means to enable energization of a contained LED. The illumination assembly can be tethered or otherwise connected to a dedicated (e.g., AC) power supply or can include means for receiving at least one battery for powering the at least one LED, such as a white LED. 
     The illumination assembly includes a power supply and a mechanism for selectively energizing the at least one contained LED, either automatically upon attachment to the speculum, and/or manually by the user. At least one opening can be provided in the speculum to enable a user to access the exterior accessible means for energizing the contained LED. 
     According to one version, a receiving cavity of the speculum includes features to permit the illumination assembly to be retained by the speculum, such as ribs, protrusions or grooves. The retaining features can also serve to align the illumination assembly with respect to the receiving cavity and with features that would enable automatic energization/de-energization of the at least one LED. 
     The apparatus can include means for dissipating heat generated by the illumination assembly. In one instance, the handle portion is sized to channel heat from the illumination assembly. In another instance, at least one air gap is formed in the receiving cavity. 
     In one version, the illumination assembly can be coupled with a light pipe upon attachment of the illumination assembly to the speculum. The light pipe can be releasably attached to the speculum or integral therewith. In one version, the speculum is disposable. In an alternative version, the entire apparatus is disposable. 
     In addition, the portable illumination assembly can be attached without modification to the speculum. 
     The speculum apparatus further permits existing illumination assemblies to be adaptively attached to the handle portion of a speculum. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages will be readily apparent from the following Detailed Description which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a vaginal speculum apparatus made in accordance with the prior art; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of a prior art disposable vaginal speculum used in the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of the prior art disposable vaginal speculum of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the prior art disposable vaginal speculum of  FIGS. 2-3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a partially unassembled rear perspective view of a vaginal speculum apparatus that is made in accordance with a first embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the vaginal speculum apparatus of  FIG. 5 , as assembled; 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view, partially unassembled, of the vaginal speculum apparatus of  FIGS. 5 and 6 ; 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a disposable sheath member used to cover a portion of the illumination assembly of the vaginal speculum apparatus of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of an illumination assembly used in the vaginal speculum apparatus of  FIGS. 5-7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom view, taken in perspective, of the vaginal speculum of the apparatus depicted in  FIGS. 5-7 ; 
         FIG. 10  depicts a partial bottom end view of the vaginal speculum of  FIGS. 5-7 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom perspective view of the illumination assembly of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the illumination assembly of  FIGS. 8 and 11 , with the cover removed; 
         FIG. 13A  depicts the interchangeability of a corded illumination assembly relative to the vaginal speculum of  FIGS. 5-7 ; 
         FIG. 13B  depicts an enlarged view of a portion of the apparatus depicted in  FIG. 13  A; 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom perspective view of an alternative vaginal speculum design; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a vaginal speculum apparatus including a cordless illumination assembly made in accordance with another embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  depicts the vaginal speculum apparatus according to  FIG. 15 , including a docking station; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a corded illumination assembly made in accordance with another embodiment; 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded view of a vaginal speculum apparatus in accordance with another embodiment; 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded view of a light cartridge used in the illumination assembly of the vaginal speculum apparatus of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a rear perspective view of the vaginal speculum apparatus of  FIG. 18  in an assembled condition; 
         FIG. 21  is a side view of the disposable speculum and an illumination assembly of  FIGS. 18-20  in an unassembled condition; 
         FIG. 22  is a functional electrical block diagram of the illumination assembly of  FIGS. 11 and 12 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a side view of a vaginal speculum apparatus made in accordance with another embodiment, similar to that of  FIGS. 16 and 17 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a side view of a vaginal speculum apparatus made in accordance with another embodiment; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the distal end of the light pipe of the vaginal speculum that is depicted in  FIGS. 5-7 ; 
         FIG. 26  is an enlarged view of a section of the bottom blade member of the vaginal speculum depicted in  FIGS. 5-7 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a side cross sectional view of the light pipe of the vaginal speculum of  FIGS. 5-7 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a partially unassembled view of a vaginal speculum apparatus manufactured in accordance with another embodiment; 
         FIG. 29  is a top perspective view of an illumination assembly used in the vaginal speculum assembly of  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a side view of the vaginal speculum apparatus of  FIGS. 28 and 29 , shown in one assembled condition; 
         FIG. 31  is a rear perspective view of the vaginal speculum apparatus of  FIGS. 28 and 29 , shown in an alternative assembled position; 
         FIGS. 32 and 33  are perspective views of a speculum adapter as used with a corded illumination assembly in an unassembled and partially assembled condition;  FIG. 34  is a diagrammatic view of alternative versions of power adapters used with the vaginal speculum apparatus of  FIGS. 5-7 ; 
         FIG. 35  is a side perspective view of a vaginal speculum apparatus made in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 36  is a side view representing a vaginal speculum apparatus made in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 37  is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the vaginal speculum apparatus of  FIG. 36 , in particular representing the top blade of a disposable speculum having an illuminator assembly releasably attached thereto 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following relates to an illuminated vaginal speculum apparatus as well as certain aspects of the apparatus that are herein described and based on various embodiments in accordance with this application. It should be readily apparent from the discussion that follows, however, that there are many variations and modifications that will be apparent to one of sufficient skill in the field, and that are intended to be within the scope of the inventive concepts. In addition, certain terms are used throughout the discussion, such as “top”, “upper”, “bottom”, “lower”, “above”, “below”, “proximal” and “distal”, each of which are provided in order to provide a suitable frame of reference with regard to the accompanying drawings. These terms, however, are not intended to be overlimiting, except where so specifically indicated. 
     Referring first to  FIGS. 1-4 , there is shown a prior art vaginal speculum apparatus  100  that includes a disposable speculum  102  and a reusable illumination assembly  140 . The disposable speculum  102  includes three (3) interconnected components; namely, a lower or bottom blade member  104 , an upper or top blade member  108 , and a slide member  112 . Each of the two blade members  104 ,  108  is preferably made from a clear, durable plastic material, such as acrylic or polystyrene, wherein each of the lower blade member  104  and upper blade member  108  include a trough-shaped distal blade  116 . A handle portion  120  extends vertically downward from the proximal or rear end of the lower blade member  104 , wherein the handle portion is integrally molded as part of the lower blade member. 
     An intermediate portion of the slide member  112  is fitted within a guide slot (not shown) that is provided on a rearward facing side of the handle portion  120 , the slide member further having a forked upper end or yoke  124  that receives the upper blade member  108 , which is pivotally attached thereto, including a downwardly extending lever portion  128  extending from the proximal end of the blade member. 
     The lever portion  128  further includes an opening  135 , shown only in  FIG. 3 , defining a user aperture between the yoke  124  and the lower and upper blade members  104 ,  108 . The lever portion  128  terminates in a tab  137 , the latter having an interior slot  139 . The interior slot  139  is engageable with a flexible rear extending projection  123  of the slide member  112  provided beneath the yoke  124 , and more particularly with a axially disposed set of ratchet teeth  125  that are provided on a lower facing surface of the projection. The ratchet teeth  125  of the flexible projection  123  are biased into the interior slot  139  of the lever portion  128  of the upper blade member  108 . Angular articulation between the lower and upper blade members  104 ,  108  is initiated by applying finger pressure inwardly against the tab  137 , causing the lever portion  128  to move along the set of ratchet teeth  125 , and providing positive engagement therewith. 
     In addition, the slide member  112  further includes a lower tongue  129  having a single ratchet tooth  130  that engages with a set of corresponding teeth  131  that are provided on the rear exterior side of the handle portion  120  in order to provide relative vertical adjustment between the lower and upper blade members  104 ,  108 , as needed. Additional details relating to the disposable speculum  100  depicted herein, including the adjustment of the upper and lower blade members  104 ,  108 , can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,716,047, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the handle portion  120  of the disposable speculum  100  includes a receiving cavity  133  that is sized for receiving a housing  144  of the reusable illumination assembly  140 . The housing  144  retains a miniature incandescent lamp, such as a halogen bulb, which is sealingly retained within a distal portion  148  thereof. A proximal portion of the housing  144  extending from the receiving cavity  133 , when assembled to the speculum  100 , includes a strain relief  152  extending to an electrical cable  156  that further extends to a switch assembly  160 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , an electrical cable  164  extends from the switch assembly  160  to a pronged plug  168  that engages a corresponding female plug  172 , the latter being tethered by a corresponding cable  174  extending to a power supply transformer  176 . The switch assembly  160  is defined by an elastomeric housing, having a depressible button  163  that is used to selectively energize the miniature incandescent lamp (not shown) contained within the distal portion  148  of the illuminator housing  144 . Specific details relating to the illumination assembly  140  can be found in commonly assigned and co-pending U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0184288 A1, entitled: ILLUMINATION ASSEMBLY HAVING FLUID-TIGHT SEAL, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , and in order to direct light from the illumination assembly  140  to the target of interest, a curved light tube or pipe  146  is provided, the light pipe having a proximal end disposed in the upper end of the handle portion  120  of the lower blade member  104 ,  FIG. 2 . When the housing  144  is inserted into the receiving cavity  133  of the handle portion  120  of the speculum  100 , the contained miniature incandescent lamp is optically coupled to the proximal end of the light pipe  146 . Emitted light is then directed by means of internal reflection through the length of the light pipe  146  to a flat distal light-emitting end  147  wherein the light is then distributed substantially along a longitudinal axis of the lower blade member  104  towards the target. The light pipe  146  is preferably molded directly into the lower blade member  104 , wherein the proximal end of the pipe, as noted, is provided in the upper end of the receiving cavity  133  of the handle portion  120 . In operation, light from the coupled incandescent lamp is collected by means of a plastic lens (not shown in these figures, but one of which is depicted in  FIG. 27 ) that is also preferably directly molded into the proximal end of the light pipe  146 . The lens has an appropriate curvature to collect the light from the lamp of the illumination assembly  140  and conduct same through the transmissive light pipe  146 . 
     Though the light pipe  146  provides a coupling means for directing illumination from the contained miniature incandescent lamp of the illumination assembly  140 , there are a number of issues relating to the instrument design of  FIGS. 1-4 . First, the design of the light pipe  146 , as clearly shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , produces an obstruction for the user when viewed through the defined proximal opening  135  of the disposable speculum  100 . More particularly, the reflective nature of the light pipe  146  produces glare from light that is reflected proximally towards the user from the distal end  147  of the pipe, wherein losses in efficient light transfer detract from illumination of the target. Additional inefficiencies are created in that the light pipe  146  produces a shadow when external illumination is used. In addition the distal end  147  of the light pipe  146 , being flat and perpendicular to the centerline of the light pipe, produces a fluid-collection region that also blocks light from the target. A distal end  147  of the light pipe  146  as provided herein also produces difficulties in injection molding. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , there is shown a vaginal speculum apparatus  200  that is made in accordance with a first embodiment. The vaginal speculum apparatus  200  includes a disposable speculum  204  and a illumination assembly  230  that is releasably attached to the handle portion  216  of the speculum. In this embodiment, the handle portion  216  is hollow, including an open bottom end extending into an otherwise enclosed receiving cavity  217 . The handle portion  216 , including the receiving cavity  217 , is defined by a substantially rectangular cross section, the significance of which is detailed below. 
     Like the preceding, the disposable speculum  204  according to this embodiment is generally defined by an upper or top blade member  212 , a lower or bottom blade member  214  (which integrally includes the handle portion  216 ), and a slide member  220 . Each of the upper blade member  212  and lower blade member  214  are similarly constructed as described with regard to  FIGS. 1-4 , wherein each member is preferably formed from a durable clear plastic material, such as acrylic or polystyrene, and in which each blade member is further defined by a trough-shaped elongate section or blade  215 ,  FIG. 7 . The upper blade member  212  further includes a lever portion  224  extending downwardly at its proximal end thereof. The slide member  220 , also preferably being made from a durable plastic material, though not necessarily clear, further includes a forked upper portion or yoke  228  that pivotally receives the upper blade member  212 , as well as a flexible projection  225  that is disposed immediately beneath the yoke  228  and that extends rearward; that is, away from the handle portion  216 . The flexible projection  225  is upwardly curved in a convex configuration (as depicted in  FIG. 5 ), and includes a set of ratchet teeth  226  that are disposed along a bottom surface thereof. 
     The lever portion  224  is defined by a frame-like structure that includes an opening  221 , defining an aperture through which the user can examine the patient through the upper and lower blade members  212 ,  214 , as well as a bottom tab  227 . Finger pressure on the bottom tab  227  allows the user to angularly articulate the speculum  200 , in a manner similar to that described previously. According to this embodiment, an intermediate portion of the slide member  220  is movably (axially) disposed within a guide slot  223  extending over the entirety of the length of the rear side of the handle portion  216 . Finger pressure on the lower tongue  229  of the slide member  220  permits engagement between a single tooth provided on the slide member  220  and a set of external teeth  222  provided on the proximal or rear side of the handle portion  216  and enables selective vertical articulation (spacing) of the lower blade member  214  with respect to the upper blade member  212  through selective movement of the slide member  220  and yoke  228 . The guide slot  223  extends axially through the set of external teeth  222 , improving moldability as opposed to the version shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     As described in greater detail below, the receiving cavity  217  of the herein described disposable speculum  204  is sized to interchangeably and releasably accommodate at least two illumination assemblies. As will be described in greater detail below, the illumination assemblies that can be interchangeably accommodated by the speculum can vary based on at least one structural and/or functional aspect, including size, type of power supply, and type of light source. In one variation, the receiving cavity  217  of the speculum  204  can interchangeably receive either a corded illumination assembly  140 ,  FIG. 1 , and similarly constructed assemblies utilizing a non-portable power supply (e.g., an AC power supply) or a portable illumination assembly such as, for example, the exemplary assembly  230  more completely shown in  FIGS. 8, 11 and 12 . Details relating to this exemplary version are now provided. 
     For purposes of reference, the cordless or portable illumination assembly  230  according to this embodiment is at least partially depicted in each of  FIGS. 5-8, 11 and 12 . In brief, this illumination assembly  230  is defined by a housing  236  having a substantially hollow interior that is sized to retain a number of components, as described below. 
     More specifically, the housing  236  is defined by a lower base portion  260  and a narrower extending upper portion  245 . According to the present embodiment, the two portions  245 ,  260  are integrally formed by molding the housing, the housing being made from a durable plastic material. The narrower extending upper portion  245  is sized to fit entirely within the receiving cavity  217  of the handle portion  216  and includes a short tubular open-ended extending portion  238  projecting from a top surface  235  thereof. 
     The upper portion  245  of the housing  236 , as more clearly shown in  FIGS. 8 and 11 , also includes a set of parallel guide rails  249  (only one of which is shown in each of  FIGS. 8 and 11 ) disposed along opposite sides of the housing that are used to align the assembly  230  with respect to the receiving cavity  217  of the speculum  204 , permitting the assembly to be fitted within the cavity in two rotational orientations, 180 degrees spaced from one another, as described in greater detail below. 
     As noted, the substantially hollow interior of the housing  236  is sized to retain a number of components. More specifically and referring to  FIG. 12 , the tubular open-ended projecting portion  238  includes a spacer tube  241 . A lens  259  is fitted to a distal end of the spacer tube  241 . The lens  259 , according to this embodiment, has a piano-convex configuration and is recessed within the tubular extending portion  238 . This lens  259  is used to more efficiently direct illumination from a coupled light source to a light pipe  254 ,  FIG. 27 , described in greater detail in a later section. 
     An upper portion of the light source is also retained within the spacer tube  241 . According to this embodiment, the light source is a miniature white LED  232 , shown schematically in  FIG. 22 , such as a Model LXHL-PW01 white LED manufactured by Lumileds, Inc. The LED  232  includes a domed transparent envelope (not shown) at its upper end that is aligned with the lens  259  to provide optical coupling therewith. Moreover, the interior of the spacer tube  241  provides a surface that acts to direct stray light emitted from the envelope of the LED  232  and directs this light toward the lens  259 . Alternatively, the light source can be a miniature incandescent lamp, such as, for example, a halogen bulb, arc lamp, or other suitable form of light source. In addition and though a single light source is depicted herein, multiple sources could be disposed within the housing  236 , such as, for example, an array of LEDs having different colors (e.g., blue, green, white) to provide the cumulative effect of a “red” free filter. 
     A lower portion of the LED  232  is retained within a heat sink  244  made from a heat conductive material, such as, for example, aluminum, into which the lower end of the spacer tube  241  extends, as well as the extending electrical contact wires (not shown) from the LED  232 . The heat sink  244  extends substantially across the width of the extending upper portion  245  of the housing  236 , with the exception of a recessed portion  272  that accommodates an inner walled cavity  276 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 12 , the illumination assembly further retains at least one battery  242 , in this instance, a single rechargeable lithium ion battery, such as a Model UF 812248P JFH battery, manufactured by Sanyo Corp, the battery being disposed in a compartment defined by a pair of tabs  280  for retaining the lower end of the battery. The upper end of the battery  242  is retained, according to this embodiment, against a portion of an inner wall defining the inner walled cavity  276 , the latter being defined to receive a spring loaded plunger  284  beneath the heat sink  244 , the plunger being aligned for movement in a direction that is perpendicular to the primary axis of the illumination assembly  230 . 
     A printed circuit board  240  that includes components and circuitry for powering the LED  232  is disposed within the base portion  260  of the assembly housing  236  according to this embodiment. The circuit board  240  includes circuits for controlling the current required by the LED  232 . According to this embodiment, the circuit board  240  includes a buck-boost constant current LED driver  251 , such as a Model LTC3453EUF, used for this purpose. According to this embodiment, the circuit board  240  is retained and aligned within the housing  236  using a set of guide rails  285 , though other suitable retaining means can be used. A set of charging contacts  286  are disposed immediately beneath the circuit board  240 , each projecting through a bottom surface  287  of the housing  236 . According to this embodiment, three (3) such contacts are provided, each of the contacts being equally spaced from one another, the purposes of which are detailed below. The wires extending from the lower portion of the LED  232  and extending through the heat sink are passed behind the battery  242  to the circuit board  240  and are connected therewith in a conventional manner, while wires extend from the circuit board  240  to the negative terminal of the battery  242 . 
     According to one version as described below, the battery  242  is rechargeable wherein the housing  236  is sized and configured to permit recharging by attachment to a docking station. Details relating to the attachment of a housing of an illumination assembly is described in a subsequent embodiment, but for purposes of this discussion and referring back to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the charging contacts  286  are engaged when the base portion  260  of the housing  236  is placed within a port of the docking station, the port being configured to retain same. The contacts  286  are engaged with the lower surface of the circuit board  240  to permit recharging of the contained battery  242 , the latter being electrically connected to the circuit board. In the present instance, the three charging contacts  286  enable the housing  236  to be installed in at least two 180 degree-spaced orientations within a slot of the docking station and still enable recharging, the contacts therefore being position insensitive. In a preferred version and with reference to  FIG. 22 , the circuit board  240  further includes a short circuit/over current protection device  247  to prevent shorting and overcharging of the battery  242 . According to this embodiment, a Model UCC3952PW-1 manufactured by Texas Instruments, Inc. is used, though other suitable devices can be substituted. 
     According to the present embodiment, the base portion  260  further includes a pair of clamping recesses  289 ,  FIG. 11 , that are used in conjunction with the charging contacts  286  to allow a “clothespin” mechanism (not shown) to engage therewith for charging or for auxiliary power, as needed. 
     It should be noted in passing that various other configurations could be used for auxiliary or for primary powering of the herein described illumination assembly  230 . For example, and as shown in  FIG. 34 , the housing  236  can be configured alternatively to accommodate a plug-in cord  291  to a non-portable (e.g., AC) power supply by means of a transformer  296  in lieu of charging the battery  242 , or when the battery is nearly or fully depleted as indicated by a low battery power indicator  295  provided on the exterior of the housing  236 . According to this embodiment, the low-battery power indicator  295  is provided adjacent the top of the upper portion  245  of the housing  236 , but could be otherwise disposed such as along the bottom surface  287 ,  FIG. 12 , for example, the indicator being connected in a conventional manner to the circuit board  240 , as shown schematically in  FIG. 22 . Still further, it is not necessarily required that the battery  242 ,  FIG. 12 , be disposed within the housing  236  but could alternatively be disposed in a power adapter. As also shown in  FIG. 34 , the at least one battery  242  could be alternatively and separately contained within a power adapter  298  that is either tethered to the assembly housing  236 , such as by means of a cable  293  that can plugged into a receptacle  297  in the base portion  260  or a power adapter  288  having a contained battery (not shown) that is mechanically engaged to the bottom surface  287 ,  FIG. 12 , of the base portion  260 , such as using a set of pins  299  for engaging the charging contacts  286 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 22  and according to the present embodiment, a conductive strip member  290  extends along an interior side wall of the housing  236 , the strip member having a lower end  292  that is disposed adjacent to conductive contacts  243  of the circuit board  240 . The conductive strip member  290  extends into the upper extending portion  245  to switch contacts  294  that are disposed on the interior side of a mechanical slider switch  248 , the switch being disposed on the exterior of the housing  236 , as shown most clearly in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . The switch  248  is configured, according to this embodiment, to permit automatic operation when the housing  236  is disposed at least a predetermined distance into the receiving cavity  217  of the handle portion  216 , such as through engagement between an internal feature within the receiving cavity  217  and the exterior surface of the switch  248 . In this instance, the spring-loaded plunger  284  is used in conjunction with the interior wall of the receiving cavity  217  to assist in engagement and in retaining the illumination assembly  230  in the receiving cavity  217 . 
     According to this embodiment, the exterior surface of the slider switch  248  includes a pair of external projections  253 , one on each of the upper and lower end of the slider switch to aid in manual operation of the assembly. According to this embodiment, engagement causes the switch  248  to move downwardly against the bias of a coil spring (not shown), biasing the switch in an Off position, and causes the lower end  292  of the conductive strip member  290  to electrically contact the conductive contacts  243  of the circuit board  240 , thereby completing the circuit and causing the LED  232  to energize. 
     According to this embodiment, the illumination assembly  230  further permits the slider switch  248  to manually be preset to a locked position, in which the LED  232  can be energized prior to installing the assembly  230  into the receiving cavity  217 ,  FIG. 5 , of the speculum  204 ,  FIG. 5 . In this configuration, the slider switch  248  remains in the locked position based on the downward engagement of the switch  248  by finger pressure against one of the external projections  253  that locates a detent pin  261  attached to a leaf spring  263 . Finger pressure of the switch  248  enables de-energization of the LED  232 , but no automatic operation when the illumination assembly  230  is locked, irrespective of the position of the housing  236  within the receiving cavity  217 ,  FIG. 5 . 
     Otherwise and when not placed in the “locked” position, removal of the housing  236  from the receiving cavity  217  causes the switch  248  to be automatically de-energized (e.g., by sliding the switch  248  upward to the original position, moving the lower end  292  of the conductive strip member  290  out of contact with the circuit board  240 ) and thereby de-energizing the contained light source (e.g., LED)  232 . It should be noted that other forms of switch assemblies, such as, but not limited to optical switches, magnetic/reed switches, and other mechanical switches (such as an ON/OFF throw switch that can be enabled with the speculum when engaged therewith to automatically or manually energize and de-energize the contained LED) can be utilized. 
     The cordless, self-contained and compact nature of the herein described illumination assembly  230  as well as the operation, including the locking feature of the exterior slider switch  248  further enable the herein described assembly to be useful independently as an examination light. The positioning of the LED  232  within the spacer tube  241  as well as the positioning of the collecting lens  259  permit illumination to be directly efficiently and uniformly emitted. The positioning of the contained LED  232  within the illumination assembly  230  and particularly within the heat sink  244  further provides a safety feature in that the exposed end of the tubular portion  238  can be brought into substantial contact with a patient without particular risk of injury. More specifically, because the coupled lens is interior to the tubular extending portion  238 , the lens  259  cannot be readily contacted by a patient or user. The lens  259  is further isolated from shock loads if the illumination assembly  230  is dropped. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13A and 13B  and as noted, the receiving cavity  217  of the herein described vaginal speculum  204  further permits the releasable attachment of a corded illumination assembly  140 , as previously depicted and shown with regard to  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the receiving cavity  217  includes a pair of opposed interior rail-like portions  250  that are formed between two substantially interior parallel sidewalls of the handle portion  216 , the rail portions extending along substantially the length of the receiving cavity  217  that that are used to support and align the corded illumination assembly  140 . The rail-like portions  250  are also used to align with the guide rails  249 ,  FIG. 8 , of the cordless illumination assembly  230 , according to this embodiment in which the assembly can be mounted in at least two 180 degree spaced orientations. 
     The upper portion of either illumination assembly housing  236 ,  144 , including the extending tubular open-ended portion  238  of the housing  236  or the distal portion  148 ,  FIG. 1 , of the illumination housing  144 ,  FIG. 1  is received in the receiving cavity  217 . A pair of oppositely disposed internal centering fingers  246  form a guide in order to center the distal portion  148 ,  FIG. 1 , of the corded illumination assembly  140 ,  FIG. 1 , within the receiving cavity  217  in either of the two  180  spaced orientations. Lateral spring-like protrusions  136 ,  FIG. 1 , disposed on the exterior of the illumination housing  144 ,  FIG. 1 , initially guide and orient the illumination assembly  140 ,  FIG. 1 , within the receiving cavity  133 ,  FIG. 1 . The protrusions  136 ,  FIG. 1 , also provide a securing function through a friction fit with the interior of the receiving cavity  133 ,  FIG. 1 . 
     In either instance, the corded illumination assembly  140  and the cordless or portable illumination assembly  230  can be installed into the receiving cavity  217  of the handle portion  216  in which the light source contained in each assembly is effectively coupled with the proximal end of a light pipe  254 ,  FIG. 27 , to uniformly illuminate the target. In the previously described cordless illumination assembly  230 , the light is directed from the contained LED  232 , in part using the reflective interior surface of the spacer tube  241  to the lens  259  that collects the light and then directs this light to a collecting lens  262 ,  FIG. 27 , as described below. 
     As previously noted, the upper portion  245  of the housing  236  is sized to fit entirely within the receiving cavity  217 , wherein the handle portion  216  is defined by an aspect (width×depth) ratio of approximately 2:1 that substantially matches that of the upper portion  245 , thereby defining a substantially close-contacting fit. A range of 1.25:1 to 3:1 is suitable to provide adequate stability and greater rigidity, while permitting effective hand held operation. The extending base portion  260  of the illumination assembly  230  further defines an effective length or working length, as measured from a point P,  FIG. 6 , to the bottom end of the base portion  260  of 5.50 inches, as shown in  FIG. 6  by “A”. For purposes of this discussion, point P is representative of the most proximal part of the speculum  204  typically in contact with a patient for purposes of examination and is located on the exterior underside of the lower blade member  214  along the elongate blade portion  215 ,  FIG. 7 , thereof, this point as noted being representative. More particularly, the point P is substantially located in the vicinity of the distal end of the light pipe  254 ,  FIG. 27 . A preferred range for “A” lies between approximately 3 inches to approximately 6 inches, according to this embodiment. In addition, the substantially rectangular end of the base portion  260  provides a stable base for the user as well as effective rigidity, wherein the apparatus  200 ,  FIG. 5 , can easily be hand-held. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 25-27 , the herein described speculum  204  includes a light pipe  254  having a proximal end  255 , which is coupled to the light source of any of the interchangeably attached illumination assemblies  140  and  230 . The proximal end  255  further includes a collecting lens  262 . Rather than merely molding the lens into the proximal end, as done according to previous versions, the lens  262  according to this embodiment is molded as an inset in relation to the proximal end by means of a pedestal section  264  centered within an annular gap  265  formed between the set of internal centering fingers  246 . The pedestal section  264  is reinforced within the annular gap  265  by at least one web (not shown) to prevent sagging. 
     The collecting lens  262  by virtue of this construction provides improved optical coupling with the light source of either illumination assembly  140 ,  FIG. 1, 230 ,  FIG. 7 . This improved optical coupling results from improved mechanical alignment of the illumination assembly with the lens  262 ,  FIG. 27 , and from more effective internal reflection at the cylindrical portion of the light pipe  254  in the annular gap  265 . 
     Unlike that of the prior art, the distal end  258  of the light pipe  254  is also different than the version of  FIG. 2 . According to this embodiment, the distal end  258  is preferably molded into the lower blade member  214  and has a contoured configuration. By “contoured”, it is meant that the surface of the distal end  258  has a defined shape that is not a 90 degree cut with respect to the axis of the light pipe  254 . Therefore, it is intended that this term can cover both a range of angled surfaces as well as curvi-linear surfaces, such as spherical, parabolic and the like. The contour at the distal end  258  is preferably formed as a scallop, such as would be cut by means of an end mill or similar apparatus. Alternatively, the above modification can be placed into the molding process for the lower blade member  214  of the speculum  204 , for example, if the speculum is being made from polystyrene, acrylic or similar materials. It will be readily apparent that the concept should not be restricted to these materials, but should also be applied to literally any light transmissive material. 
     The contour provided in the distal light emitting end  258  according to this particular embodiment is essentially a scalloped cut producing an inwardly (i.e., concave) curved portion having a radius of approximately 1.5 to 3.5 inches. The center of the radius is provided from a point Q,  FIG. 27 , that is approximately 2.6 inches as measured distally from the rear side of the handle portion  210  and approximately 2.4 inches, as measured vertically from the top of the trough  215 ,  FIG. 7 , of the lower blade member  214 . These dimensions are shown in  FIG. 27 . It is noted that both dimensions locating point Q can be varied by approximately ±0.30 inches and still produce a desirable effect. The herein defined distal end  258  can alternatively be formed using an angled cut approximating that of the radiused scallop end described above. According to one version, a suitable angle of approximately 70 degrees, as measured clockwise from the proximal upper end of the cut with respect to the perpendicular is provided, thereby creating a downwardly extending face. The angle can vary from approximately 55 degrees to approximately 80 degrees for purposes of providing improved illumination spot quality while still reducing glare to the user. Illumination is passed through the entirety of the distal face such that fluid buildup will not significantly interfere with light transmission. This configuration further prevents glare from being reflected back to the user through the opening of the speculum and the contour itself further assists the user by being far less intrusive with regard to the field of view as seen through the opening. Alternatively and in lieu of providing a continuous contoured surface, the distal end  258  can be provided with a series of stepped surfaces (not shown). 
     In operation, the light emitted from the coupled illumination assembly  140 ,  230  is collected by the lens  262 ,  FIG. 27 , as positioned on the pedestal section  264 , is reflected internally within the light pipe  254  and then is emitted from the distal end  258 . The emission of the light is such that the light is directed towards the distal end of the elongate blade portion  215 ,  FIG. 7 , wherein significant light is not reflected back to the user viewing through the aperture or opening  221 ,  FIG. 5 . 
     In addition to the preceding, surfaces proximal to the light pipe  254  of the upper and lower blade members  212 ,  214  can be treated (e.g., as by frosting). Such treatment assists in reducing unwanted light (that is, light other than that received from the target) from being directed toward the user when the speculum  204  is used with an external light source. Similarly, the distal end  258  of the light pipe  254  can be provided with a variety of different optical surfaces through treatment thereof to smooth light output and control the distribution of illumination. 
       FIG. 14  depicts an alternative design in which the receiving cavity  217 A of a disposable speculum can be modified to accommodate a cordless illumination assembly (not shown) having a housing (not shown) that is configured to two AAAA batteries in side by side fashion. According to this version, a set of rails  250 A are sized to separately accommodate the corded illumination housing, wherein the rails align the assembly as well as retain the assembly in the receiving cavity  217 A. In this version as well as the preceding embodiment, the handle portion  216 ,  FIG. 5, 216A ,  FIG. 14 , can further include a series of parallel vertically arranged ribs  256 ,  FIG. 7 , disposed on a front facing side thereof, the ribs providing a means for dissipating heat developed by the retained illumination assembly, as well as providing a means for keeping a user&#39;s fingers away from “hot” surfaces. It has been determined that the provision of four (4) vertically extending exterior ribs  256 , each having a depth of about 0.160 inches, a thickness of about 0.055 inches and having an equal spacing of about 0.150 inches provides additional protection. Other shapes can also be utilized. 
     At least one air gap is also developed,  FIG. 13 , in the receiving cavity  217  based on the size differential between the receiving cavity and the corded illumination assembly  140 , the at least one air gap being used to channel heat away from the illumination assembly  140  or an alternative illumination assembly  140 A, shown in  FIG. 17  and described in greater detail below, that can include an LED as a light source in lieu of an incandescent lamp. Other means for dissipating heat can be utilized. For example, the housing  236  could at least partially contain a phase-change material (PCM), such as, for example, those manufactured by TEAP Energy in which residual heat developed or generated by the assembly is essentially stored during use and then later dissipated after use of the apparatus some later time after the illumination assembly has been deactivated. 
     In addition to the preceding and referring to  FIGS. 32 and 33 , a speculum adapter  281  can be used to facilitate attachment of a corded illumination assembly  140 B, to the receiving cavity  217  of the speculum  204 . The speculum adapter  281  according to the embodiment is a plastic-molded body that includes an external envelope  282  that is shaped essentially like that of housing  236 . The speculum adapter  281  further includes an internal envelope  283  that is adapted in this instance to accommodate the housing  144 B of a corded illumination assembly  140 B containing a light source, such as an incandescent lamp or at least one LED (not shown). The speculum adapter  281  assumes a friction or snap fit or other substantial close contact with the interior of the receiving cavity  217 . The internal envelope  283  of the adapter  281  retains the illumination assembly  140 B without requiring predetermined alignment and enables optical coupling with the proximal end of the light pipe  254 ,  FIG. 27 . In operation, the speculum adapter  281  is disposed in one of two  180  degree orientations within the receiving cavity (not shown in this view) and the illumination assembly  140 B is fitted into the internal envelope  283 , either prior to placing the adapter  281  into the receiving cavity or afterward. The adapter  281  is sized such that the distal portion  148 B of the assembly extends therethrough following assembly, allowing the contained light source to be optically coupled with the light pipe (not shown in this view). The adapter body provides a means for dissipating heat developed by the contained illumination assembly wherein at least a portion of the adapter  281  could also further be made from a phase change material (PCM), such as those previously noted. 
     Due to the portable and non-tethered (cordless) nature of the illumination assembly  230 ,  FIG. 7 , according to this and other described embodiments that follow, the herein described speculum apparatus  200  is more versatile and can be used, for example, with bed-ridden patients based in part on the fact that there is no corded portion extending from the handle portion  216 ,  216 A. As previously noted, the herein described illumination apparatus has an effective working distance A,  FIG. 6 , of approximately 3 to 6 inches that provides increased versatility and utility with regard to patients on a bed or examination table. As such, there are no issues such as those that are previously encountered with cabled or tethered assemblies. Either illumination assembly  140 ,  230  can be easily reused by removing same from the receiving cavity  217 ,  217 A of the handle portion  216 ,  216 A after an examination and discarding the speculum  204 . Alternatively, the corded illumination assembly  140 ,  FIG. 1 , can be covered prior to use with a disposable sheath. An exemplary version of such a sheath is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0186355 A1, entitled: PROTECTIVE SHEATH FOR ILLUMINATION ASSEMBLY OF A DISPOSABLE VAGINAL SPECULUM, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. A portion of an exemplary sheath assembly  1624  for this purpose is also depicted in  FIG. 23  utilizing a prior art speculum  102  that includes a slot  134 ,  FIG. 1 , formed adjacent the receiving cavity  133  at the bottom end of the handle portion  120 , the slot being sized to accommodate the disposable sheath assembly  1624 . The sheath assembly  1624  includes a spool or ring member. This sheath assembly can be used in connection with the cordless illumination assembly or alternative sheath assembly designs can be used. As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 7A , the extending base portion  260  of the illumination assembly  230 , on the other hand, can be covered using a flexible sheath member  266  in substantial sealing relation. The sheath member  266  according to this embodiment need only conform to the base portion  260  since the remainder of the illumination assembly  230  is contained within the receiving cavity  217 , wherein the sheath can be removed for disposal using a tab  268  that permits tearing of a disposed frangible tear strip  270 . 
     As noted, alternative embodiments of cordless (e.g., battery-powered) illumination assemblies are contemplated. Referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , there is shown a vaginal speculum apparatus  378  made in accordance with another embodiment. According to this embodiment, the disposable speculum  102  of the apparatus is literally identical in construction to that depicted according to  FIG. 1 . For this reason, the same reference numerals are used with similar parts for the sake of clarity. The disposable speculum  102  includes a lower blade member  104  having an integral handle portion  120  that includes a receiving cavity  133  formed therein. As previously noted, an illumination housing  144 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , but not shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , such as the 78810 model illuminator manufactured by Welch Allyn, Inc., can be releasably fitted into the receiving cavity of the handle portion  120  for coupling to the distal end of a contained light pipe. 
     A cordless illumination assembly in accordance with this embodiment can also be interchangeably attached into the receiving cavity  133  of the handle portion  120  of the speculum  102  without requiring modification to the speculum. Put another way, a corded illumination assembly housing and the cordless illumination assembly can be interchangeably fitted into the receiving cavity  133  defined by the handle portion  120  of the speculum  102  of  FIGS. 15-16  according to this embodiment. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the cordless illumination assembly  380  according to this embodiment is defined by a housing  384  wherein at least one extremely compact battery  404  is disposed in a lower or proximal end  388  of the housing. The at least one compact battery  404  may be a AAAA rechargeable battery, such as that available from Sanyo Corp (AAAA Size 1.2 Volt 300 mAh NiMH rechargeable battery). Other suitable miniature batteries can also be substituted. A miniature light source, in this case, a miniature LED (not shown but similar to that previously described as  232 ,  FIG. 22 ), such as a Model LXHL-PW01 white LED manufactured by Lumileds, Inc. is disposed in a distal end of the illuminator housing  384  adjacent a collecting lens  392 . If the at least one battery  404  is of the NiMH type, a circuit external to the battery may be needed in order to provide the correct current to the LED  232 ,  FIG. 22 . The circuit external to the battery  404  could be a constant current circuit set to deliver the current required by the LED  232 ,  FIG. 22 , similar to that previously depicted in  FIG. 22 . The NiMH battery described herein typically operates at 1.2 volts and the LED  232 ,  FIG. 22 , operates at 3.7 volts. Consequently, if fewer than three (3) NiMH batteries are used, the circuit to the battery  404  would be a voltage booster circuit. 
     The illumination assembly  380  further includes circuitry  400 , enabling the voltage of the at least one contained battery  404  to be raised, if necessary, to that required by the LED  232 ,  FIG. 22 . Typically and as noted above, the voltage required to power the LED  232 ,  FIG. 22 , is about 3.7 volts. The LED described herein is rated at 1 Watt, has a light output of at least 20lumens/watt and has a minimum service life of at least 1000 hours. An exemplary circuit for performing this function of permitting batteries to be electrically adapted is more fully described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0183482 A1, entitled: ELECTRICAL ADAPTER FOR MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUMENTS USING LEDS AS ILLUMINATION SOURCES, filed Mar. 20, 2003, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. A heat sink  396  provided in the illumination assembly housing  384  permits the heat generated by the LED  232 ,  FIG. 22 , and attendant circuitry  400  to be effectively dissipated. As noted above, the illumination assembly housing  384  is sized, owing to the size of the at least one battery  404  and the LED, to be fitted within the receiving cavity  133  of the handle portion  120  of the speculum  102  without any modification thereto and in which the components are arranged such that the proximal end  388  of the assembly housing  384  extends only marginally from the handle portion  120  when the illumination assembly housing  384  is inserted therein. The LED is optically coupled by means of lenses  392  (shown only in  FIGS. 16 ) and  262 ,  FIG. 27 , relative to the proximal end of a light pipe  254 , such as previously described, or to an existing light pipe  146 ,  FIG. 2 . 
     The working life of the compact battery  404  described herein is relatively limited. Preferably, the apparatus is configured such that the battery is designed to operate over a life extending at least equivalent to that of a day of examinations. Referring to  FIG. 16 , a recharging or docking station  408  is provided, the station being connectable to an AC power supply (not shown) and including a number of receiving slots that define corresponding charging sockets  412 . Each of the charging sockets  412  is sized for receiving the proximal end  388  of the illumination assembly housing  384 . The lower extending or proximal end  388  of the illumination assembly housing  384  includes either sealed circuitry for charging a sealed inductive charge circuit (not shown) or contacts that are engaged by a pinned or other suitable connection with the recharging sockets  412 , such as charging contacts  286 ,  FIG. 12 . Multiple recharging sockets  412  are provided, thereby permitting multiple illumination assemblies  380  to be stored and simultaneously charged for use in the herein described vaginal speculum apparatus  378 . The docking station  408  can further include at least one charge level indicator to indicate when charging is complete. As previously noted, a similar docking station can be configured for use with any of the cordless or portable illumination assemblies described herein depending, for example, on the geometry thereof. 
     In addition and referring to  FIG. 17 , it will be understood that the corded illumination assembly  140  of  FIG. 1  can also be reconfigured to provide an alternative LED light source in lieu of an incandescent lamp. According to this embodiment, the overall construction of a corded illuminator assembly  140 A is similar and therefore the same reference numerals are used where applicable. An LED  232 ,  FIG. 22 , such as the Model LXHL-PW01 white LED manufactured by Lumileds, Inc. is disposed in a distal portion  148 A of a housing  144 A. The LED  232 ,  FIG. 22 , includes a domed transparent envelope (not shown) that extends from the distal portion  148 A for optically coupling with the proximal end of a light pipe (not shown in this figure) disposed within the handle of a vaginal speculum, as previously described. The housing  144 A is appropriately sized to be fitted within the receiving cavity  133 ,  FIG. 1 , defined by the handle portion  120 ,  FIG. 1 , of the speculum  102 ,  FIG. 1 , in a similar manner to that of the assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . The inclusion of the LED in lieu of a contained incandescent lamp provides a number of advantages; for example, increased working life, less heat generation, improved color rendering and less power consumption. As shown in  FIG. 17  and similar to  FIG. 1 , a proximal portion of the illumination assembly housing  144 A includes a strain relief  152  extending to an electrical cable  156  that further extends to a switch assembly  160 . An electrical cable  164  extends from the switch assembly  160  to a pronged plug that engages a corresponding female plug  172 , the latter being tethered by a corresponding cable  174  extending to a power supply  176 . The switch assembly  160  is defined by an elastomeric housing, having a depressible button  163  that is used to selectively energize the contained LED  232 ,  FIG. 22 , within the distal portion  148 A of the illumination assembly housing  144 A. 
     In operation, each of the corded or tethered illumination assemblies  140 ,  140 A or cordless illumination assembly  380  can be disposed interchangeably within the receiving cavity  133  of the disposable speculum  102  and coupled with the proximal end of the light pipe  146  wherein illumination is conducted through the light pipe by internal reflection to the distal end  147  towards the target. Though not shown, the housing  384  can be configured with a switch member to enable automatic energization of the contained light source when the housing is disposed at least a predetermined distance into the receiving cavity  133  through engagement with at least one feature on either the housing and/or the interior of the receiving cavity. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18-21 , there is shown a vaginal speculum apparatus  1200  in accordance with another embodiment. The speculum apparatus  1200 , like the preceding, includes a disposable speculum  1204  as well as an illumination assembly  1260  that is releasably attached to the speculum. In addition and also like the preceding, the speculum  1204  is configured to permit interchangeable attachment of either a corded illumination assembly such as  140 ,  FIG. 1 , or a cordless (portable) illumination assembly  1260 . For purposes of this embodiment, only the cordless illumination assembly  1260  is herein discussed in detail. 
     The disposable speculum  1204  according to this embodiment is defined by an upper or top blade member  1212 , a lower blade member  1214  that includes an integral handle portion  1216 , and a slide member  1220 . Each of the top blade member  1212  and lower blade member  1214  are similarly constructed as that shown in  FIGS. 1-4  and are formed from a durable clear plastic material, such as an acrylic or polystyrene, wherein each blade is defined as a trough-shaped elongate member. The top blade member  1212  further includes a downwardly extending lever portion  1222  at the proximal end thereof. The slide member  1220 , also made from a plastic material, further includes a forked upper portion or yoke  1226  that pivotally receives the lever portion  1222  of the top blade member  1212 . The handle portion  1216 , according to this embodiment and unlike the proceeding, does not include either a light collecting lens or a light pipe, as previously required. Rather, the upper portion of the interior of the handle portion  1216  is open. 
     Distally adjacent and part of the handle portion  1216  and disposed beneath the lower blade member  1214  and extending essentially vertically therebeneath, is a substantially cylindrical receptacle  1234  having an open end  1238  and a defined hollow interior that is sized for retaining the illumination assembly  1260  of the herein described apparatus  1200 , as described in greater detail below. It should be readily understood, however, that other geometries can be substituted. The receptacle  1234  includes an upper portion  1242 , shown only in  FIG. 21 , which according to this embodiment is opaque or black, and a lower portion  1246  which is made from a clear material, such as that of the lower blade member, the lower portion including the open end  1238 . The receptacle  1234  is attached through an opening formed in the lower blade member  1214  through which the upper portion  1242  partially extends therethrough, or otherwise the receptacle can be integrally molded so as to form a portion of the lower blade member. According to another alternative version, the handle portion  1216  can be modified (e.g., widened—not shown) in order to accept the illumination assembly  1260 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , an exploded view is provided of the illumination assembly  1260 . According to this specific embodiment, the illumination assembly  1260  is defined by a hollow casing or housing  1264  sized to accommodate a number of components, including a prismatic member  1268  that is mounted to an upper portion  1269  thereof. The casing  1264  retains a miniature light source, which according to this embodiment is a miniature LED  1272 ,  FIG. 19 , such as a Model LXHL-PW01 white LED, manufactured by Lumileds, Inc. Alternatively, the light source can be a miniature incandescent lamp, such as a halogen bulb, an arc lamp, or other form of suitable light source. Still alternatively, different LEDs can be substituted, such as, for example, an array of different colored LEDs (e.g., blue, green) can be provided in the housing and configured in order to produce in combination a “red-free” filter. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the miniature LED  1272  is retained within a cartridge  1276 . A rechargeable or other battery  1280  is disposed within the casing  1264  beneath the cartridge  1276 , wherein a metallic conductive strip member  1284  is placed within the interior of the casing along the exterior of the battery and the cartridge to complete the circuit. The battery  1280  is retained by a spring  1288  disposed at the lower or negative end of the battery, the casing having an end cap  1292  for releasably retaining the above components. Between the prismatic member  1268  and the cartridge  1276 , a condensing lens  1286  is provided according to this embodiment, for collecting and uniformly distributing light output of the miniature LED  1272  through the prismatic member, which includes a mirrored upper surface such that the light output is directed between the two blade members  1212 ,  1214 . The lens  1286  according to this embodiment is piano-convex. 
     Details relating to the cartridge  1276  of the illumination assembly  1260  are now provided with reference to  FIG. 19 . The cartridge  1276  includes a cylindrical housing body  1304  which, according to this embodiment, is made from Radel R, polyphenylsulfone or other suitable polymer. Alternatively, the body  1304  can be fabricated from literally any electrical insulating material, wherein the miniature LED  1272  (only partially shown in  FIG. 19 ) is disposed at a distal end  1306  adjacent a reflector cap portion  1310  that is attached in overlaying relation thereto. A printed circuit board (PCB)  1314  containing suitable electronics  1318  thereupon used for driving (e.g. powering) the miniature LED  1272  and for enabling the LED to be powered by the battery power source  1280 ,  FIG. 18 . A circuit for this purpose is described in commonly assigned and co-pending U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0183482 A1, previously incorporated by reference in its entirety. The PCB  1314  according to this embodiment, is disposed immediately below or proximal to the miniature LED  1272 , and includes an opening  1322  for receiving the projecting portion  1326  of a heat sink  1330 , retained by the housing body  1304  in order to dissipate heat that is generated by the miniature LED  1272 , as well as heat also generated by the PCB  1314 . 
     The heat sink  1330  includes an axial groove  1327  extending over the entire axial length thereof and is sized to retain one of a pair of electrical contacts. A first electrical contact  1329  extends from the proximal side of the printed circuit board  1314  and includes a lead wire and a strip member  1334 . The strip member  1334  of this electrical contact  1329 , when finally assembled, is sandwiched between a cartridge collar  1333  and the exterior of the cartridge body  1304 . A second electrical contact  1331  is formed from a lead wire that extends axially from a battery contact board  1335 , the board being retained within the bottom of the cartridge body  1304 . According to this embodiment, the first electrical contact  1329  is a negative electrical contact while the second electrical contact  1331  is a positive electrical contact in which the positive terminal of the battery  1280 ,  FIG. 18 , is contacted by a rivet  1337  that is disposed within a chamfered hole  1339  at the bottom of the cartridge body  1304 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 19 , the reflector cap portion  1310  is defined by a through opening  1336  that is fitted about the lens envelope of the miniature LED  1272 , the through opening according to one embodiment having an inwardly tapered surface  1338  that is used in order to effectively focus the light emitted from the miniature LED  1272  onto the condensing lens  1286 ,  FIG. 18 , which is fitted between the prismatic member  1268  and the LED  1272 . The reflector cap portion  1310  according to this embodiment also recesses the LED lens and protects the lens from damage, such as from dropping the cartridge  1276 , when removed from the illumination assembly casing  1264  for cleaning. 
     In passing, it should be noted that the cartridge  1276  is entirely portable and modular and therefore, for example, other LEDs or light sources could be substituted in the herein described illumination assembly by simple substitution of another cartridge having a different light source. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , a negative electrical contact is created as the battery  1280  is pushed axially against the contact spring  1288  by means of a rotary switch assembly (not shown). As the switch is engaged, the strip  1334  of the electrical contact  1329  contacts the cartridge collar  1333  wherein the contact board  1335  within the cartridge body  1304  contacts the positive battery terminal, completing the circuit, and energizing the LED  1272 . 
     It should be noted that other forms of switch assemblies, such as optical switches, magnetic/reed switches and/or other mechanical switches which automatically energize and de-energize the contained LED, and/or other forms of assembly can be utilized. It should be further note in passing that each of the preceding handle portions can include a feature, such as a groove or slot, which permits manual engagement by a user of an exterior switch member, such as  248 ,  FIG. 12 . 
     In operation, the illumination assembly  1260  is releasably attached to the cylindrical receptacle  1234  of the disposable speculum  1204  such that the prismatic member  1268  is placed into the upper portion  1242 ,  FIGS. 20, 21 , of the receptacle extending into the opening provided between the two blade members  1212 ,  1214 , wherein the upper portion of the lower blade member  1214  has a distal facing opening (not shown). In this orientation, the light emitting surface of the prismatic member  1268  is directed axially towards the opening between the top and lower blade members  1212 ,  1214 . The casing  1264  is accommodated by means of a friction or interference fit with the interior walls of the receptacle  1234 , although other suitable releasable retention schemes, such as snap-fitting, can be used. 
     Providing the present illumination assembly  1260  according to the present embodiment eliminates the need to mold or otherwise provide a light pipe or a similar light coupling means in the lower blade member  1214 , such as provided in  FIGS. 2-4 . In addition, because the illumination assembly  1260  is battery powered, no cabling is required. Therefore, the herein described apparatus becomes more versatile, for example, permitting use for bed-ridden patients preventing entanglement with the clinician or patient, and preventing the risk of cross-contamination due to dirt collecting on cables. As in the preceding, the batteries are rechargeable and the illumination assembly can be placed within a docking station, such as depicted in  FIG. 16 , to enable recharging. 
     Another vaginal speculum apparatus  300  made in accordance with the present application is depicted in  FIGS. 28-31 . As in the preceding, the apparatus  300  includes a disposable speculum  304  and an illumination assembly  306  that is releasably attached to the speculum, the illumination assembly having a contained light source (not shown). 
     The disposable speculum  304  shown herein is similar to that described in  FIGS. 1-4  in that the speculum includes an upper or top blade member  308  and a lower or bottom blade member  312 , the latter including an integral handle portion  316  having a bottom end opening extending into a receiving cavity  317 . A slide member  320  is attached to the rear side of the speculum  304 , the slide member being fitted into a slot formed on the rear facing side of the handle portion  316  and including a yoke  332  at an upper end thereof that permits the pivotable attachment of the upper blade member  308  thereto. The upper blade member  308  further includes a lever portion  324  that extends downwardly from the proximal end of the upper blade member, the lever portion having an opening  336  defining an aperture that permits a user to view between the upper and lower blade members  308 ,  312  through the yoke  332  of the slide member  320 . The bottom of the lever portion  324  includes a tab  340  having an interior slot  344  that engages with a curved member  348  rearwardly extending from the slide member  320 , the rearwardly extending member being flexible and having a set of ratchet teeth  352  along a bottom surface thereof, permitting the selective articulation of the upper blade member  308  relative to the lower blade member  312 . 
     The slide member  320  further includes a lower tongue  356  having a single tooth at its bottom end that engages with a set of ratchet teeth  358  provided on the rear facing side proximate the bottom of the handle portion  316 . The tongue  356  can be retroflexed to release the tooth from the set of teeth  358  in order to permit vertical adjustment of the upper blade member  308  relative to the lower blade member  312 . Further details concerning the design and the articulation of the disposable speculum  304  are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 3,716,047, previously incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     With this background, discussion is now made of the illumination assembly  306  in accordance with this particular embodiment. Still referring to  FIGS. 28-31 , the illumination assembly  306  includes an illumination source housing  360  that is disposed in side-by-side relation with a battery housing  364 , each of the housings being supported by a base section  372 . The illumination source housing  360  is sized to be fitted within the receiving cavity  317  of the handle portion  316  of the disposable speculum  304  while the battery housing  364  is contoured to be fitted in adjacent relation relative to the exterior of the handle portion  316 , the battery housing assuming a parallel orientation thereto. As shown in  FIGS. 30 and 31 , the battery housing  364  can be provided either in front of or behind the handle portion  316  in terms of positioning. 
     The battery housing  364  is sized to retain at least one lithium ion or other form of battery (not shown), enabling the illumination assembly  306  to be used without tethering or connection to an exterior (e.g., AC) power supply. A rotatable switch  368  is located at the top of the battery housing  364 , the switch being electrically connected to the contacts of the battery and the contained light source to enable energization of the contained light source (e.g., a white LED) within the illumination source housing  360 . Electrical connection is effected by a metal tube that moves vertically when the switch  368  is rotated, the vertical motion causing the tube to touch a metal contact inside the housing  364 . Alternatively, other switches can be used with this embodiment of the illumination assembly  360 . For example, a switch of the type shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12  can be used, that switch having the advantage of being enabled automatically (by sliding downward) when the illumination assembly  306  is inserted into the receiving cavity  317  of the handle portion  316  and disabled automatically (by sliding upward to the original position under the action of a spring internal to the housing  364 ) when removed from the receiving cavity  317 . 
     The light source is preferably disposed in relation to the distal end of the illumination source housing  360 , according to this embodiment, enabling the light source to be coupled with the light pipe  254 ,  FIG. 27 , at the distal end of the receiving cavity  317  of the handle portion  316  in the same manner as previously described, the light pipe preferably having a scalloped, curved or otherwise contoured distal light-emitting end  258 , as previously described and shown in  FIGS. 25-27 . 
     Alternatively, other exemplary embodiments of portable illumination assemblies for use with a disposable speculum are shown in  FIGS. 35-39 . Referring to  FIG. 35 , a vaginal speculum apparatus  500  includes an illumination assembly  504  comprising a compact housing  508  that can be disposed within the top blade  512  of a vaginal speculum  510  such that a contained white or other color LED or other miniature contained light source (not shown) is aligned along the longitudinal axis of the top blade. The speculum  510  is similar to those previously described including the top blade  512  and a lower blade  516  having a downwardly depending handle portion  520 . An articulation mechanism  524  is also provided as previously described in which a lever portion  528  extending from a proximal end  530  of the top blade  512  is engageable with teeth provided on a flexible projection  532  extending outwardly from the lower portion of a yoke  534  of a slide member  538 . A lower tongue  542  enables adjustable movement of the slide member  538  along the exterior of the handle portion  520  in which relative movement can be provided between the blades  512 ,  516  to dilate a patient. The housing  508 , which can be reusable or expendable according to this embodiment, further contains at least one battery and resident circuitry for powering the LED. The housing  508  is releasably attached to the top blade  512  according to this embodiment although the housing can be alternatively positioned relative to either the top blade or the lower blade  516  of the speculum  510 , as discussed herein. Clips, fasteners or other conventional means can be used to releasably attach the housing  508  to the blade  512 , wherein the illumination assembly  504  can also be used separately as an examination light when detached. At least one optical element  526 , such as a focusing lens, may be disposed in front of the contained LED, either within the housing  508  or otherwise within the blade  512 , for distributing the emitted light. In addition, a clear, thin plastic sheath (not shown) can be disposed about the assembly prior to examination in order to prevent contamination in the event the portable illumination assembly  504  is intended for reuse. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 36 and 37  and according to another embodiment made in accordance with the present invention, a vaginal speculum apparatus  600  can be provided that includes an illuminator assembly  604  that can be releasably attached to the top blade  612  of a disposable speculum  610 . The disposable speculum  610  is similarly designed in accordance to the prior embodiments discussed herein and including the top blade  612 , as well as a lower blade  614 , a slide member  616  and a hollow handle  618 . As described in prior embodiments, the slide member  616  is part of an articulation mechanism including a yoke or upper section  620  that extends upwardly and permits pivotal connection of the top blade  612  by means of a lever portion  624  downwardly extending from a proximal end  625  of the blade. The top and lower blades  612 ,  614  define a proximal viewing aperture  630  therebetween for the user, as previously discussed. 
     In this particular embodiment, the portable illumination assembly  604  is attached to a top surface  634  at the proximal (rearward) end of the top blade  612 . The assembly  604  is defined by a compact housing  640  sized to retain a miniature light source, such as at least one LED, as well as batteries separately provided in spaced depending leg portions  644 ,  648  of the housing. It should be readily apparent that the number and orientation of the batteries can be varied, for example, depending on sizing of the batteries themselves and should not be limited by this exemplary configuration. In addition, the batteries can be rechargeable, the housing according to one version including an inductive loop or similar recharging circuit, permitting the housing  640  to be hermetically sealed. Otherwise, the batteries can be releasably attached within the housing. The housing  640  further includes a prismatic member  642 , which is optically coupled by means of at least one lens element (not shown in this view) to the contained light source (LED(s)). The housing  640 , according to this embodiment, is substantially U-shaped, including the leg portions  644 ,  648  and a connective base portion  652  but it will be readily apparent that numerous other design configurations are possible. The base portion  652  is secured to the top blade  612  by conventional means, such as by at least one fastener. The base portion  652  further includes a proximal extending section  656  that retains the prismatic member  642 , the proximal portion extending downwardly over the rear edge of the blade  612  wherein the prismatic member is aligned with the opening formed in the lever portion  624  such that the light emitting surface of the prismatic member is aligned with the viewing opening  430  between the top and lower blades  612 ,  614 . 
     The contained LED is electrically connected to the batteries and to the resident circuitry to enable energization of the LED or other contained light source. A switch assembly (not shown) permits selective powering of the contained light source. 
     Still other alternative embodiments are possible. Referring to  FIG. 23 , a vaginal speculum apparatus  700  includes a self-contained portable illumination assembly  704  which is releasably attached in conjunction with the lower blade  712  of a disposable speculum  710 . As in preceding embodiments, the speculum  710  is defined by a top blade  711  and the lower blade  712 , the latter including a hollow handle portion  716 . An articulation mechanism  724  includes a lever portion  728  extending downwardly from a proximal end  730  of the top blade  711  that is engageable with teeth provided on a flexible projection  732  extending outwardly from the lower end of a yoke  736  of a slide member  740 . A flexible tongue  744  enables movement of the slide member  740  to permit the top and lower blades  711 ,  712  and enable dilation of a patient. 
     In this embodiment, the portable illumination assembly  704  comprises a compact housing  750  that retains a miniature light source  754 , such as at least one white or other color LED, as previously described, as well as a portable power supply and resident circuitry for powering the contained LED. According to this design, the output of the contained light source  754  is optically and structurally coupled to a light collecting lens  758  formed or connected at a proximal end  760  of a light pipe  764 , the latter extending within a trough-shaped portion of the lower blade  712 . Because the illumination assembly  704  is cordless, according to this and the prior described embodiments, the apparatus  700  is quite versatile and can be used, for example, with bed-ridden patients. As such, there are no issues such as previously encountered with cabled assemblies. The illumination assembly  704  can be easily reused by removing same from the speculum  710  after examination and discarding the speculum. Alternatively, the speculum  710  and illumination assembly  704  can each be discarded following single or single patient use. In instances in which reusable use is intended, the illumination assembly  704  can be covered prior to use with a disposable sheath  766 . An exemplary version of such a sheath is described in U.S. Ser. No. 10/393,848, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     Yet another embodiment of a vaginal speculum apparatus  800  is shown in  FIG. 24 . This apparatus  800  includes a portable illumination assembly  804  that is releasably or otherwise engaged with a vaginal speculum  810 . As in preceding embodiments, the speculum  810  is defined by a top blade  811  and the lower blade  812 , the latter including a downwardly extending and hollow handle portion  816 . An articulation mechanism  824  includes a lever portion  828  extending downwardly from a proximal end  830  of the top blade  811  that is engageable with teeth provided on a flexible projection  832  extending outwardly from the lower end of a yoke  836  of a slide member  840 . A flexible tongue  844  enables movement of the slide member  840  to permit the top and lower blades  811 ,  812  to permit patient dilation. The yoke member  836  and the lever portion  828  combine to form a viewing aperture at the rear of the speculum  810 . 
     The illumination assembly  808  is defined by a compact housing  850  that is sized to be fitted into an open slot or cavity  815  of the hollow handle  816  or otherwise attached to the lower blade. The housing  850  retains a portable power supply (not shown), such as at least one battery, and resident circuitry (not shown) for powering a contained light source  854 , such as a white LED. According to this embodiment, the light source  854  is disposed above the hollow handle portion  816  and more specifically at the proximal end of the trough-shaped lower blade  812  along a surface thereof, and in the position of the light emitting end of the light pipe of the prior embodiments. The light source  854  is coupled to the remainder of the housing  850  by a set of lead wires and electrical contacts  860 , the latter being covered by an assembly enclosure  864  which is fluid-sealed. In one version, the enclosure  864  is formed, by a wall or barrier  868  forming a suitable compartment or can otherwise be alternatively provided as part of the housing itself as previously described in related embodiments. 
     PARTS LIST FOR FIGS.  1 - 37   
     
         
           100  vaginal speculum apparatus 
           102  disposable speculum 
           102  disposable speculum 
           104  lower or bottom blade member 
           108  upper or top blade member 
           112  slide member 
           116  trough-shaped distal blade 
           120  handle portion 
           123  rear flexible projection 
           124  forked upper end or yoke 
           125  ratchet teeth 
           128  lever portion 
           129  tongue 
           130  ratchet tooth 
           131  teeth 
           133  receiving cavity 
           134  slot 
           135  viewing aperture 
           136  lateral spring-like protrusions 
           137  tab 
           139  interior slot 
           140  illumination assembly, corded 
           140 A illumination assembly, corded 
           140 B illumination assembly, corded 
           144  housing, illumination assembly 
           144 A housing, illumination assembly 
           144 B housing, illumination assembly 
           146  light pipe 
           147  distal light-emitting end 
           148  distal portion 
           148 A distal portion 
           148 B distal portion 
           152  strain relief 
           156  electrical cable 
           160  switch assembly 
           163  depressible button 
           164  electrical cable 
           168  pronged plug 
           172  female plug 
           174  cable 
           176  power supply transformer 
           200  vaginal speculum apparatus 
           204  disposable speculum 
           212  upper or top blade member 
           214  lower or bottom blade member 
           215  elongate section or blade 
           216  handle portion 
           216 A handle portion 
           217  receiving cavity 
           217 A receiving cavity 
           220  slide member 
           221  opening 
           222  external teeth 
           223  guide slot 
           224  lever portion 
           225  flexible projection 
           226  ratchet teeth 
           227  bottom tab 
           228  yoke or upper portion 
           229  lower tongue 
           230  illumination assembly 
           232  LED 
           235  top surface 
           236  housing 
           238  tubular open-ended extending portion 
           240  circuit board 
           241  spacer tube 
           242  battery 
           243  conductive contacts 
           244  heat sink 
           245  upper portion 
           246  internal centering fingers 
           247  short circuit/over circuit protection device 
           248  slider switch 
           249  guide rails 
           250  rail like portions 
           250 A rails 
           251  LED driver 
           253  projections 
           254  light pipe 
           255  proximal end 
           256  ribs, vertically extending 
           258  distal end 
           259  lens 
           260  base portion 
           261  pin, detent 
           262  collecting lens 
           263  leaf spring 
           264  pedestal section 
           265  annular gap 
           266  sheath member 
           268  tab 
           270  frangible tear strip 
           272  recessed portion 
           276  inner walled cavity 
           280  tabs 
           281  speculum adapter 
           282  external envelope 
           283  internal envelope 
           284  plunger, spring loaded 
           285  guide rails 
           286  charging contacts 
           287  bottom surface 
           288  power adapter 
           289  clamping recess 
           290  conductive strip member 
           291  plug-in cord 
           292  lower end 
           293  cable 
           294  switch contacts 
           295  low-power indicator 
           296  transformer 
           297  receptacle 
           298  power adapter 
           299  pins 
           300  vaginal speculum apparatus 
           304  disposable speculum 
           306  illumination assembly 
           308  upper or top blade member 
           312  lower or bottom blade member 
           316  handle portion 
           317  receiving cavity 
           320  slide member 
           324  lever potion 
           332  yoke 
           336  opening 
           340  tab 
           344  interior slot 
           348  curved member 
           352  ratchet teeth 
           356  tongue 
           358  teeth, ratchet 
           360  illumination source housing 
           364  battery housing 
           368  rotatable switch 
           372  base section 
           378  apparatus 
           380  illumination assembly 
           384  housing 
           388  lower or proximal end 
           392  lens 
           396  heat sink 
           400  circuitry 
           404  battery 
           408  docking station 
           412  charging sockets 
           500  vaginal speculum apparatus 
           504  illumination assembly 
           508  compact housing 
           510  speculum 
           512  top blade, speculum 
           516  lower blade, speculum 
           520  handle portion, lower blade 
           524  articulation mechanism 
           526  optical element 
           528  lever portion 
           530  proximal end, top blade 
           532  flexible projection 
           534  yoke or upper section 
           538  slide member 
           542  flexible tongue 
           600  vaginal speculum apparatus 
           604  illumination assembly 
           610  disposable speculum 
           612  top blade, speculum 
           614  lower blade, speculum 
           616  slide member 
           618  hollow handle 
           620  yoke or upper section 
           625  proximal portion, blade 
           630  viewing aperture 
           634  top surface 
           640  housing 
           642  prismatic member 
           644  leg portion 
           648  leg portion 
           652  base portion 
           656  proximal extending portion 
           700  vaginal speculum apparatus 
           704  illumination assembly 
           710  disposable speculum 
           711  top blade, speculum 
           712  lower blade, speculum 
           716  handle portion 
           724  articulation mechanism 
           728  lever portion 
           730  proximal end, top blade 
           732  flexible projection 
           736  yoke 
           740  slide member 
           744  flexible tongue 
           750  housing 
           754  light source 
           758  lens 
           760  proximal end, light pipe 
           764  light pipe 
           766  disposable sheath 
           800  vaginal speculum apparatus 
           804  illumination assembly 
           810  vaginal speculum 
           811  top blade, speculum 
           812  lower blade, speculum 
           815  open slot or cavity 
           816  handle portion 
           824  articulation mechanism 
           828  lever portion 
           830  proximal end, top blade 
           832  flexible projection 
           836  yoke 
           840  slide member 
           844  flexible tongue 
           850  housing 
           854  light source 
           860  lead wires and electrical contacts 
           864  enclosure 
           868  wall or barrier 
           1200  vaginal speculum apparatus 
           1204  disposable speculum 
           1212  upper or top blade member 
           1214  lower blade member 
           1216  integral handle portion 
           1220  slide member 
           1222  lever portion 
           1226  yoke or upper portion 
           1234  receptacle 
           1238  open end 
           1242  upper portion 
           1246  lower portion 
           1260  illumination assembly 
           1264  casing or housing, hollow 
           1268  prismatic member 
           1269  upper portion 
           1272  miniature LED 
           1276  cartridge 
           1280  battery 
           1284  electrically conductive strip member 
           1286  condensing lens 
           1288  spring 
           1292  end cap 
           1304  housing, cartridge 
           1306  distal end 
           1310  reflector cap portion 
           1314  circuit board 
           1318  circuitry 
           1322  opening 
           1326  projecting end 
           1327  axial groove 
           1329  electrical contact 
           1330  heat sink 
           1331  electrical contact 
           1333  cartridge collar 
           1334  strip member 
           1335  battery contact board 
           1336  opening 
           1337  rivet 
           1338  tapered portion 
           1339  chamfered hole 
           1600  vaginal speculum apparatus 
           1608  illumination assembly 
           1612  housing 
           1614  light source 
           1616  light collecting lens 
           1620  light pipe 
           1624  disposable sheath assembly 
           1628  spool member 
           1632  sheath 
           1700  vaginal speculum apparatus 
           1708  illumination assembly 
           1712  housing 
           1716  light source 
           1720  lead wires 
           1724  enclosure 
           1725  barrier/wall 
       
    
     It should be readily apparent that other variations and modifications will be possible to those of sufficient skill in the field, these variations and modifications being considered within the inventive ambits described herein. For example, though each of the preceding embodiments depict a specific battery relation, other configurations and orientations capable of electrical interconnection can be used within the intended scope and breadth according to the following claims. In addition and though each of the embodiments related directly to a speculum with an enclosed receiving cavity, it is conceivable that the embodiments described herein can also be used, for example, with speculums having open-walled handle portions. Still further, the illumination assembly discussed with regard to each of the embodiments can be either a disposable version or, as described by a number of embodiments herein, a reusable assembly that can be attached to a disposable speculum.