Abstract: A flexible biopsy forceps device for acquiring more than one tissue sample comprises an elongated, flexible body having a central lumen and having a proximal end and a distal end. A control assembly is adjacent to the proximal end of the flexible body and a jaw assembly is coupled to the distal end. A jaw actuating means extends from the control assembly to the jaw assembly. The jaw assembly includes a pair of jaws that pivot from an open position to a closed position in response to movement of the jaw actuating means to surround and excise tissue samples. In their closed position, the jaw pair has a proximal opening aligned with the central lumen of the flexible body sized to allow passage of tissue samples. An intake means is disposed within the distal portion of the central lumen and may extend into the proximal opening of the jaw pair.

Abstract: A gain control voltage is applied to a control terminal of a variable gain hearing aid amplifier which is logarithmically related to a signal voltage level which is sensed at either an input terminal or an output terminal of the amplifier and which is below a certain threshold value, and an impedance is connected to the control terminal which includes, in parallel a first capacitor, a series combination of a resistor and a second capacitor of larger value than the first, the impedance being operative at signal levels below the threshold value to provide a rapid recovery from short intense sounds and a much slower recovery from prolonged intense sounds.