Abstract: A medical instrument is disclosed having a flexible tube, an end effector, and an actuator. A control member, such as a control wire, can extend through the flexible tube. A mechanical coupling is disclosed for attaching the control member to the actuator. A method for mechanically coupling the control member to the actuator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical instrument is disclosed having a flexible tube, an end effector, and an actuator. A control member, such as a control wire, can extend through the flexible tube. A mechanical coupling is disclosed for attaching the control member to the actuator. A method for mechanically coupling the control member to the actuator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible endoscopic clip applier includes a flexible coil with a manual actuator coupled to one end and a jaw assembly coupled to the other end. A store of clips is arranged adjacent to the jaw assembly and a clip pusher is arranged adjacent to the store of clips. The actuator includes a lever for opening and closing the jaws, a knob for rotating the jaw assembly, and a crank for dispensing clips. The knob and the lever are coupled to a single control member which extends through the coil to a joiner where it is joined to a pair of pull wires coupled to the jaws. The crank is coupled to a second control member which is threaded along a distal portion. The threaded portion engages a threaded member near the pusher and is coupled to the pusher such that rotation of the threaded control member by the crank causes the pusher to be moved distally.

Abstract: A container has a drop gate and lids that open along hinge joints formed at the upper end of the side walls. The drop gate is formed in one end wall and the lids can also be opened half way from the end wall in which the drop gate is formed. In this way, access to the interior of the container can be gained through the open drop gate and the open half of the lids so that the container can be used as a shelf box or hopper in a flow racking system. Further, when the lids are opened along their respective side wall hinge joints, the container can be used as a distribution tote. When the container is also used as a bulk shipper by vendors or suppliers, the container can perform three functions in a distribution system. Specifically, the container can be first used as a bulk shipper, then, without unpacking the goods, the container can be shelved on a flow racking system from which orders can be selected at a distribution center.

Abstract: A tote for transporting animals has a container, each having a unitary injection molded design. The interior of the container is provided with dividers to provide separate compartments for containing animals therein. The sides and lid of the tote have arrays of minute holes that provide air flow into the container, and filter material is provided to cover the air holes so that contaminated air is prevented from reaching the animals container therein. The filter material is held in place by filter frames provides for the lid and side walls of the tote. A water container is also provided in the container for providing a supply of water that is accessible to the animals.

Abstract: A pair of bi-fold lids covers a container having a depth dimension that is less than half the width dimension of the container. Each bi-fold lid has front and rear sections that are hinged together along a hinge axis. The hinge axis is reinforced by adjacent flanges that overlap one another when the lids are in their closed position. When the lids are open, the front and rear sections fold over on one another to reduce the extent to which they hang down adjacent the sidewall of the container. This permits a container of short height or shallow depth to have lids.