Abstract: An artificial insemination system and its use requires a sheath which has a first lumen for receiving and holding an endoscope, and a second lumen through which semen can be injected into the uterus of the animal to be inseminated. Additionally, the sheath includes a blunt guide probe which extends distally from the distal end of the sheath. A window covers the distal end of the first lumen so that the user can use the endoscope to view the guide probe and the general area surrounding the guide probe. When using the system, the endoscope is initially inserted into the first lumen of the sheath. The combination of sheath and endoscope are then inserted into the vagina of the animal and, using the endoscope, the guide probe is position at the cervical os. While continuing to view the guide probe with the endoscope, the guide probe is directed through the cervix until the distal end of the second lumen is positioned in the uterus.

Abstract: An artificial insemination system and its use requires a sheath which has a first lumen for receiving and holding an endoscope, and a second lumen through which semen can be injected into the uterus of the animal to be inseminated. Additionally, the sheath includes a blunt guide probe which extends distally from the distal end of the sheath. A window covers the distal end of the first lumen so that the user can use the endoscope to view the guide probe and the general area surrounding the guide probe. When using the system, the endoscope is initially inserted into the first lumen of the sheath. The combination of sheath and endoscope are then inserted into the vagina of the animal and, using the endoscope, the guide probe is position at the cervical os. While continuing to view the guide probe with the endoscope, the guide probe is directed through the cervix until the distal end of the second lumen is positioned in the uterus.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed, for taking a biopsy sample, having a needle attached to a syringe, with an opening in the side of the needle, which can be selectively covered by a cannula slidably mounted over the needle. The cannula can be locked into place on the needle, and the plunger of the syringe can be spring loaded to draw a sample into the syringe upon release of a latch. A method is also disclosed for taking a biopsy sample by sliding a cannula over a needle, inserting the cannula and needle into the tissue to be sampled, partially withdrawing the cannula from the needle to expose a lateral opening in the needle, maneuvering a sample of the tissue into the opening, cutting the sample from the tissue, and drawing the sample out through the needle.

Abstract: A disposable sterile sleeve is provided which is removably attachable to a video camera of an arthroscope. The sleeve comprises a flexible elongate tubular shroud and a rigid annular mounting collar. The shroud is open ended with the collar rotatably attached to one open end by a connector member providing independent rotation of the collar relative to the shroud. A pull tab is attached to the opposite open end of the shroud to facilitate extension of the shroud over the camera. The sleeve may be compacted for storage prior to use by tightly scrunching the shroud together, thereby folding it onto itself. To attach the sleeve to the camera, the video camera is inserted through the compacted shroud until it engages the collar. A male thread provided on the camera is threaded into a female thread provided on the collar and the shroud is then extended over the camera by pulling on the tab to draw out the folds in the shroud.

Abstract: A method is provided for assembling an arthroscopic probe which includes bending a linear image-transmitting optical fiber about a heated pivot point so that the distal end of the fiber is oblique to the proximal end. A lens is then attached to the distal face of the image-transmitting optical fiber by means of an adhesive and the resulting image path is positioned in a hollow needle with the lens exposed at the distal end and the optical fiber exposed at the proximal end. An illuminating optical fiber is also positioned in the needle adjacent the image path and the two are anchored therein by a curable filler material. Finally, the needle is proximally mounted in a base such that the proximal faces of the image-transmitting and illuminating optical fibers are exposed.

Abstract: A device and method for bagging thin flexible members such as a stack of tortillas having a curved pan for accepting and bending the stack of tortillas, a bagging head for opening and positioning a bag adjacent curved pan and an actuator for inserting the curved pan with the stack of tortillas thereon into the opened bag and transferring the bag with the tortillas therein onto a conveyor.

Abstract: A bag opening apparatus comprises a pair of pivotable pins mounted on a movable carriage. The carriage is mounted on the rod of the first piston and cylinder assembly so that is may move in and out of proximity with a stack of mesh bags to be opened and filled. The mesh bags are supported on one face only so that the opposed face may be opened by inserting the pins into the bag and moving the pins outward to engage the mesh faces. Only the face which is not suspended will be opened as the pins are drawn away on the movable carriage. A second piston and cylinder assembly includes a stop pumper which is located to control the extent that the carriage is retracted and to thereby control the extent of the bag opening.

Abstract: A mechanized filing system comprises a plurality of carrier pans mounted on an endless chain conveyor. Two chains rotate respectively about upper and lower sprockets with the carrier pans being attached between them by means of scissors-like suspension arms. The carrier pans define symmetrical, wide, wedge shaped, upper camming surfaces on the top sides thereof and symmetrical, wide, V-shaped lower camming surfaces, complementary to the wedge-shaped upper camming surfaces, on the lower sides thereof. The wedge shaped upper camming surfaces mesh with the V-shaped lower camming surfaces when the carrier pans complete rotation about the sprockets. The carrier pans are rotatably attached to the suspension arms at points relatively close to their wedge-shaped upper camming surfaces.