Abstract: The present invention resides in an improvement to a syringe having a syringe housing and a plunger slidably positioned therein and extendable therefrom, and includes a novel locking member mounted on the plunger externally of the housing and angularly movable thereon between a first position in which the locking member can move longitudinally along the plunger and a second position in which the locking member becomes engaged with the plunger to hold the members together in fixed condition for movement in concert. The locking member is also shaped to move into abutment with the syringe housing where the plunger is moved to limit movement of the plunger when in its locked position.

Abstract: A biopsy device is provided that includes a housing and relatively slidable tissue cutting and stylet members, both movable with respect to the housing. The members have actuators for manually moving the members and which are mounted in parallel relation to each other and when the proximal ends are equidistant from the housing, the cutting member covers a tissue receiving cavity in the stylet. The actuators are provided with stops to prevent the distal tip of the cutting member from moving distally beyond the distal tip of the stylet. A hand grip can be releasably attached to the device.

Abstract: A locking device attached to the exterior of a syringe barrel includes a flat body having a circular opening therein for passage of a syringe plunger reciprocatably therethrough. Arms depend from the flat body to frictionally hold the device against rotation with respect to the syringe barrel when a syringe plunger is rotated to engage the locking device. At least two ridges extend chordally across the circular opening, the distance between the ridges being selected so that the ridges engage the syringe plunger when the plunger is oriented in one position but not when the plunger is oriented in another position.

Abstract: A device for selectively locking a syringe plunger against longitudinal movement with respect to the syringe barrel includes two interlocking device parts. Each device part has a generally flat body with a generally semi-circular inner perimeter and first and second ends. A ridge extends along the inner perimeter of each half for engaging the syringe plunger when the plunger is rotated to a predetermined angular position. Each interlocking part has mating structures at each end for mating with the other device part and has a flange for retaining the assembled locking device on the syringe barrel. The syringe and locking device are assembled by inserting the plunger in the syringe barrel and then snapping the two device parts together around the proximal end of the syringe barrel.

Abstract: An endometrial sampler is provided for obtaining an endometrial sample for clinical analysis which is safe to use and reduces patient discomfort. The sampler includes a handle and a flexible plastic probe having grooves on diametrically opposite sides adjacent the distal end of the probe. Each groove has a pair of sharp edges with each edge formed at the intersection of the periphery of the probe and a sidewall of the groove with the two forming an acute angle at their intersection. The probe is of solid plastic, relatively small in diameter and can be bent before insertion into the uterus of a patient to reduce patient discomfort.

Abstract: A fluid coupler for connecting two devices in locked fluid communication is provided which includes a body (12) having a male Luer lock connector (14) at one end connected in fluid communication with a female connector (28) at the other end. The female connector (28) is radially spaced from an outer wall (32) of the body (12) and has a Luer tapered bore (30) for receiving a male Luer tapered connector (62, 86) and a resilient locking member (40) connected to the body (12) at the other end thereof for frictionally engaging and locking the male Luer connector (62, 86) when inserted into the Luer tapered bore (30) to ensure against any subsequent fluid leakage between the connector.