Abstract: Forceps instrument comprising a sheath having a first end and an elongated maneuvering element slidably disposed in the first end of said sheath. The sheath has an axis. The instrument comprises two jaw-pieces, at least one of the jaw-pieces being movable away from and toward the other of the jaw-pieces when the maneuvering element slides axially in the first end of the sheath. The jaw-pieces have, in an extension of a part thereof, an arm extending progressively toward the axis of the sheath so as to form a first, internal, inclined surface extending progressively toward the axis and facing the latter and a second, external, inclined surface extending progressively toward the axis and facing the internal surface of the sheath. The arm has a convex excrescence which is slidable substantially against the internal surface of the sheath, the excrescence having a concave hollow cavity facing the axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biopsy forceps having two jaw-pieces (9) capable of being moved away from and of being moved towards each other while a maneuvering element (2) is sliding in a sheath (3). The two jaw-pieces (9) are pivoted about a ball (20) fixed on the end of the maneuvering element. The jaw-pieces (9) are partly housed in a passage in the end of the sheath (3). They are guided by a rod (8) while they are being moved away from each other and by the end surface of the passage in the sheath (3) while they are being moved towards each other.

Abstract: The shell includes a core wedged rearwardly in a shoe and attached by a glue joint to a destructible plastics skirt fixed to the shoe. The invention is particularly useful for small or medium calibre shells.