Abstract: An insulated carrier for a wine-containing bag having a tap through which wine is dispensed from the wine-containing bag includes a substantially flat bottom, a first sidewall and a second sidewall. Furthermore, there is provided a space between the first and second sidewalls which provides an interior for the carrier within which a wine-containing bag can be positioned. In addition, the first sidewall defines an opening therein for accepting the tap of the wine-containing bag manipulated therethrough so that after positioning the wine-containing bag within the interior of the carrier, the tap can be manipulated through the opening of the first sidewall for accessing the tap. The carrier is also provided with a handle which facilitates the transport of the carrier between sites.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical hook instrument is used in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery for closing a gastric band having a buckle end a free end. The hook instrument includes a flat hook end that is placed underneath or on top of a pull tab that extends from the buckle end and through a hole of the pull tab. The hook instrument holds the buckle end securely while a pusher instrument is used to push the free end of the gastric band through the buckle.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument is used in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery for inserting a gastric band into a patient's abdomen through a laparoscopic port. The gastric band insertion instrument includes a handle, an elongated shaft and a distal end assembly. The elongated shaft includes an actuator rod that opens and closes a movable jaw at the distal end. A pin at the distal end assembly engages a hole in the front of the gastric band, and the movable jaw is closed thereby securely capturing the front end of the gastric band. The shaft and the captured gastric band are inserted through a laparoscopic port into the patient's abdomen.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical rotary capture instrument is used in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery for closing a gastric band having a buckle end a free end. The rotary capture instrument includes a pusher end that has a stationary jaw and a movable jaw. The movable jaw is actuated by rotary motion of an inner shaft. The jaws are used to gasp securely and push the tube end of the gastric band after it has been threaded through the buckle end of the band. A hook instrument is used to hold the buckle end securely while the rotary capture instrument is used to push the free end of the gastric band.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes an elongated barrel having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the elongated barrel; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongated barrel, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the elongated barrel to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

Abstract: A grill cleaning tool for cleaning a surface of a grill grate provided, for example, by a rod or bar includes an elongated shaft having a proximal end portion capable of being grasped by a user and an opposite distal end portion and utilizes a plurality of substantially planar cutting members attached to the distal end portion of the shaft in a substantially parallel relationship to one another. Each cutting member defines a series of cutting edges around its perimeter, and the cutting members are arranged so that a plurality of cutting edges defined thereby are positioned in substantially linear registry with one another so that the cutting edges which are in linear registry with one another can be placed in simultaneous engagement with the surface of a grill grate and guided therealong with the cutting edges in scraping engagement with the surface.

Abstract: A grill cleaning tool for cleaning a surface of a grill grate provided, for example, by a rod or bar includes an elongated shaft having a proximal end portion capable of being grasped by a user and an opposite distal end portion and utilizes a plurality of substantially planar cutting members attached to the distal end portion of the shaft in a substantially parallel relationship to one another. Each cutting member defines a series of cutting edges around its perimeter, and the cutting members are arranged so that a plurality of cutting edges defined thereby are positioned in substantially linear registry with one another so that the cutting edges which are in linear registry with one another can be placed in simultaneous engagement with the surface of a grill grate and guided therealong with the cutting edges in scraping engagement with the surface.

Abstract: An automatic set bi-directional apparatus for jarring an object in a well bore is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a tubular member having a portion defining an upper and lower striking shoulder, said tubular member having one end connected to a work string capable of creating a longitudinal force. A mandrel is connected to the object and the mandrel is concentrically disposed within said tubular member. The apparatus further includes a plurality of elongated members and an upper and lower ring members which serve as latch means. The mandrel further comprises a first and second grooved portion which are used for releasing the tubular member in order to deliver either an upward or downward jarring impact upon a stationary anvil.

Abstract: An attachment for a plant protection device is described that automatically maintains a life sustaining environment over a broad range of ambient temperature conditions. The invention consists of a cylindrical collar adapted to be mounted on top of existing open ended plant covers or to be manufactured as an integral part of such a cover and contains a thermostatically controlled butterfly valve for ventilating the plant cover. The thermostat is responsive to ambient temperature outside the plant cover which activates the butterfly valve for controlling the release of warm air from inside the container. The collar and butterfly valve are so designed to provide adequate light and ventilation without wind chill to the protected plants and also includes protection against flying insects and random or unwanted pollination.