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: Even when a storage container is placed upside down by mistake or in an inclined state, stored items are prevented from falling down or being disordered from an arranged state. A container body having a body recess for storing a lower side of the stored item and a lid member having a lid recess for storing an upper side of the stored item and being superimposed with the container body are provided, and the container body is provided with locking portions for locking the stored item at a plurality of points for applying separation resistance from the body recess to the stored item on the inner peripheral surface of the body recess of the container body.

Abstract: Even when a storage container is placed upside down by mistake or in an inclined state, stored items are prevented from falling down or being disordered from an arranged state. A container body having a body recess for storing a lower side of the stored item and a lid member having a lid recess for storing an upper side of the stored item and being superimposed with the container body are provided, and the container body is provided with locking portions for locking the stored item at a plurality of points for applying separation resistance from the body recess to the stored item on the inner peripheral surface of the body recess of the container body.

Abstract: A disposal system for sharp instruments comprises a rectangular container, and a plurality of elongated aligned receptacles therein for receiving sharp instruments. The receptacles each comprise a puncture resistant casing defining an entry opening, a rupturable seal deployed over the entry opening and a curable liquid contained within the casing and seal, said liquid being curable to a hardened state upon rupture of the seal. A lid pivots over the seal prior to use, and one or more of the containers is positionable on a wall bracket. A sharp instrument is inserted through the rupturable seal and immersed in the liquid within the receptacle, whereupon the liquid hardens and encases the instrument. The seal is provided with ascending numbers, respectively positioned over the entry openings, to provide a count of receptacles which have been used.

Abstract: A supply tape for clips comprises a plurality of pleats running transversely of the length of the tape and a plurality of generally U-shaped spring clips, each of which has opposed arms engaged in opposite sides of one of the pleats. An apparatus is provided for applying clips to the storage tape. The apparatus feeds the tape between a pair of meshing toothed wheels adapted to pleat the tape. U-shaped spring clips are fed to a clip application station where they are received on respective pleats with opposed arms engaged on opposite sides of the pleat.