Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for storing and distributing hairpins for application to the hair of a subject, includes a support having a support surface, a plurality of hairpins releasably coupled to the support and an opener mounted to the support. The opener includes a base segment defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed generally diverging side segments. The base segment at least partially extends beyond the support surface of the support to orient the diverging side segments in position whereby legs of each hairpin may be advanced along the diverging side segments to displace the legs to cause opening thereof.

Abstract: A method for collecting and storing metallic hair clips. The metallic hair clips are located within a container that consists of a dancer's bag, luggage, a backpack, or a briefcase. At least one magnet is positioned inside a decorative object. The decorative object is placed within the container and then retained within the container while carrying the container. During the carrying, the decorative object moves (or shifts) within the container as a result of the carrying, thereby causing metallic clips dispersed within the container to collect on an outside surface of the decorative object. After carrying the container, the decorative object may be removed from the container (with the metallic clips retained on its outside surface.) The decorative object may be comprised of a child's stuffed toy, a cloth object shaped like a ballet slipper or a stuffed animal dressed like a ballerina.

Abstract: A ligation clip remover removes closed ligation clips from a ligated vessel. The remover includes a handle assembly having a squeezable trigger and a slender barrel assembly connected to the handle assembly. A clip separating mechanism is connected to a distal end of the barrel assembly, and a shaft is slidably disposed in the barrel assembly for operating the clip separating mechanism when the trigger is squeezed.