Abstract: An epidural needle location indicator device for semiautomatically indicating when an epidural needle has entered into the epidural space in preparation of the delivery of epidural anesthesia. The device can be used with conjunction with a conventional Tuohy needle and takes advantage on the reduction in pressure experienced upon entry into the epidural space causes a visible controlled forward movement of the stilette.

Abstract: A shut-off device particularly useful as an artifical sphincter for shutting-off the flow from a passage in a subject's body includes a conduit assembly attachable to the body with its inner end in alignment with the passage, a ring rotatably mounted in the outer end of the conduit assembly, and an elastomeric sleeve passing through the conduit assembly and ring, with the inner end of the sleeve attached to the inner end of the conduit assembly, and the outer end of the sleeve attached to the ring. The pliable sleeve is of a length such that the ring may be rotated with respect to the conduit assembly to twist the pliable sleeve from an untwisted open condition permitting the flow of the material from the body passage, to a twisted closed condition shutting-off the flow of the material.

Abstract: A hard tissue biopsy instrument includes an outer hollow needle attachable to a housing to project from one end thereof and having a sharpened outer tip; an inner hollow needle attachable to the housing within the outer hollow needle and having a milling outer tip, the inner hollow needle being rotatably and axially movable with respect to the outer hollow needle; and a rotary drive for rotating the inner hollow needle within the outer hollow needle.

Abstract: Medication dispenser apparatus comprises a plurality of containers for holding different kinds of medications; an injector for selectively injecting medications from their responsive containers; a dispensing station for receiving the ejected medications; and a programmable control for controlling the ejection of medications from their respective containers according to pre-programmed kinds of medication, amounts, and times. The described preferred embodiment is a group dispenser for dispensing medications for a plurality of patients, such as in the ward of a hospital, at predetermined times and in predetermined amounts.

Abstract: A fruit picking device includes a head for receiving the fruit, a first pair of bails pivotally mounted to the head in spaced relation to each other across the housing opening, a second pair of bails pivotally mounted to the head in spaced relation to each other across the housing opening substantially perpendicularly to the first pair of bails, and cutter blades carried by the latter bails and effective, when the bails are pivoted to their closed positions, to engage and cut the stem of the fruit within the head.

Abstract: A biopsy syringe for removing a specimen from a subject includes a tubular housing having a long hollow needle and two pistons. The first piston carries a mandrel received in the hollow needle. The second piston defines a chamber between it and the first piston enabling the syringe to be pre-loaded with a vacuum which is manually controllable so as to permit the first piston to be actuated to a retracted position in a smooth and simple manner while holding the biopsy syringe.