Abstract: The pain associated with an injection or minor surgical procedure at a site on the skin of a patient is reduced by urging a skin engaging surface of a pressure member against the skin proximate the site, thereby stimulating the large diameter afferent sensory nerve fibers in the skin proximate the site and at least partially blocking pain signals from the small diameter afferent pain nerve fibers in the skin proximate the site. An apparatus for use in this method comprises a pressure member having a skin engaging surface adapted to be pressed against the skin of a patient proximate the site to stimulate the large diameter afferent sensory nerve fibers in the skin proximate the site. In certain embodiments, the skin engaging surface is comprised of a plurality of projections extending from the pressure member. Various embodiments include a syringe retainer adapted to be secured to a syringe, and a least one resilient member, such as a spring, resiliently securing the pressure member to the syringe retainer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an irrigation device for use in an orifice. The device has a tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end and at least one bore axially extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The bore terminates at a plurality of orifices which extend at an angle from the bore. As an additional feature, the tubular member can define an internal baffle which extends in a direction from the distal end to the proximal end of the tubular member. The internal baffle aids in deflecting a stream of pressurized fluid out the orifices of the tubular member. A flared member is coaxially positioned with respect to the tubular member. The flared member defines a tip in close proximity to the distal end of the tubular member and a base which is in a spaced apart relationship from the tip. The flared member defines a plurality of flared sides extending from the tip to the base. As the flared sides extend from the tip to the base, the flared sides increase in circumference.

Abstract: A thermometer having a central shaft (2) and a temperature indicator (3), is fitted with an adjustable depth gauge (1). By sliding the depth gauge (1) up or down the shaft (2), the chef can insert the device into a custard filling to a definable depth that ensures the filling temperature of the custard which is substantially in the middle of the filling is sensed, and that the device does not pierce the bottom crust (7) thereby giving a misleading temperature.

Abstract: The pain associated with an injection or minor surgical procedure at a site on the skin of a patient is reduced by urging a skin engaging surface of a pressure member against the skin proximate the site, thereby stimulating the large diameter afferent sensory nerve fibers in the skin proximate the site and at least partially blocking pain signals from the small diameter afferent pain nerve fibers in the skin proximate the site. An apparatus for use in this method comprises a pressure member having a skin engaging surface adapted to be pressed against the skin of a patient proximate the site to stimulate the large diameter afferent sensory nerve fibers in the skin proximate the site. In certain embodiments, the skin engaging surface is comprised of a plurality of projections extending from the pressure member. Various embodiments include a syringe retainer adapted to be secured to a syringe, and a least one resilient member, such as a spring, resiliently securing the pressure member to the syringe retainer.

Abstract: A conformal radiation therapy device is disclosed. A multi-leaf collimator is mounted adjacent the head of a linear accelerator. A pair of spaced guides which define predetermined cam grooves are supported by the patient table. The multi-leaf collimator includes a plurality of longitudinally slidable leaves. Each of the leaves includes a cam pin mounted in a respective cam groove. As the head and multi-leaf collimator rotate relative to the patient, the predetermined cam grooves acting through the cam pins slide the individual leaves to adjust a radiation window for controlling radiation to the patient.

Abstract: The invention comprises tissue approximation forceps which are particularly useful in approximating wound edges where tissue glue is to be used. A handle includes two leg members which mount grip members having grip surfaces. When the handle is squeezed, moving the grip members toward one another, the edges of the wound are moved together without everting. The tissue glue is then applied.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of approximating a wound or laceration without everting the wound edges and tissue approximation forceps to practice the method. The tissue approximation forceps include handle members which mount grip members having grip surfaces. The grip surfaces are moved toward the skin where the grip surfaces engage the skin while remaining generally parallel to the skin surface. The grip surfaces frictionally hold the engaged skin surfaces while the handle members are moved from an uncompressed position to a compressed position. The grip members can be moved toward or away from one another to approximate the edges of the wound or laceration without everting the wound edges. Tissue adhesive is then applied.