Abstract: A punctum plug includes a proximal head, a distal body, and a thin-walled flexible shaft between the head and the body. The thin wall of the shaft of the plug is preferably provided with accordion-like folds, thereby permitting the length of the shaft to vary depending upon the degree to which the accordion-like folds are folded or unfolded. In addition, the accordion-like folds permit the thin wall of the shaft to easily bend, permitting the head and body of the plug to lie along different axes. As a result, the plug is shaped to accommodate both relatively long and short vertical puncta and the body of the plug may be angled relative to the head to accommodate a variety of anatomical structures. According to another aspect of the invention, the body of the plug may be provided with a thread which rotationally guides the plug into the small punctal opening when insertional and rotational forces are applied to the plug. As a result, a relatively larger body size may be used.
Abstract: A hybrid rocket system and motor includes an oxidant tank communicating with a combustion chamber containing a solid fuel grain. The passage from the oxidant tank to the combustion chamber is obstructed by a fill tube which fills the oxidant tank with oxidant and pressurizes it. Once the tank is full, the fill tube is displaced from the tank-chamber passage to deliver oxidant to the grain and initiate the combustion process. The motor may be an integral part of the rocket, or it may be a modular, expendable or exchangeable cartridge-type device inserted into a reusable body.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 9, 1999
Date of Patent:
May 9, 2000
Assignee:
Hy Pat Corporation
Inventors:
Kevin W. Smith, Korey R. Kline, Theodore C. Slack, Jr., Andrew E. Mossberg
Abstract: A collection tray for use in pelvic procedures includes a single piece molded plastic tray having a planar portion, a basin portion, and a live hinge therebetween. The basin portion is preferably provided with a central drain which includes a sponge barrier. The basin portion is also provided with a shelf having one or more slots for holding an irrigation fluid tube so that irrigation fluid may be easily directed toward the site of the procedure. A pair of ears defining instrument receiving holes are preferably located adjacent to the basin portion and the live hinge.