Abstract: In one preferred aspect, a set of interlocking instrument handles is provided that permits a user to directly engage a locking element to releasably lock one instrument to another instrument. In another preferred aspect, a locking collar is provided for locking instrument handles to one another. In a further preferred aspect, a method is provided for locking instrument handles to one another.

Abstract: Adapters are provided for establishing fluid communication between an anesthetic agent container and an anesthetic vaporizer having a fluid port. The adapter may be mountable on the vaporizer to cooperate with the spout of an anesthetic agent container or may be mountable on an anesthetic agent container to cooperate with the fluid port of an anesthetic vaporizer to provide a sealing and/or retaining relationship therebetween.

Abstract: Devices and methods for mixing a clotting agent with other inputs such as blood, blood derived product, bone marrow, and/or bone marrow derived product to form a congealed mixture.

Abstract: A slitting tool for severing a tubular body includes a body portion, extending along a first axis, joined to a nose portion extending along a second axis, the second axis extending at an angle between approximately 5 degrees and approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first axis. The nose portion includes means for severing the tubular body while the body portion includes means for gripping by a hand of a user such that a wrist of the hand is in a neutral position when the means for severing is directed toward the tubular body.

Abstract: A slitting tool for severing a tubular body includes a body portion, extending along a first axis, joined to a nose portion extending along a second axis, the second axis extending at an angle between approximately 5 degrees and approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first axis.

Abstract: A casting actuator having a slip-resistant contacting surface which flexes to accommodate the user's thumb. The casting actuator preferably comprises: an actuating lever; a support structure; a living hinge pivotably connecting the actuating lever to the support structure; and a flexible cover extending from the support collar over at least a portion of the lever. The flexible cover provides a flexible, slip-resistant contacting surface on the lever. The inventive actuator is preferably formed by an inventive method comprising the steps of: (a) placing a first material in a mold to form a unitary, molded structure and (b) while the first material is present in mold, placing a second material in the mold to form the flexible cover. The unitary, molded structure formed from the first material comprises: the actuating lever; the support collar; and the resilient hinge. The inventive casting actuator preferably includes a convex engaging surface for operably contacting a main shaft of the fishing reel.

Abstract: An adjustable arm rest assembly for use on a chair including a support member, an arm rest member, a locking element and an adjustment member. The support member is attached to the chair and extends substantially upward therefrom. The arm rest member extends substantially coaxially with the support member. The locking element is attached to one of the support member and the arm rest member. A projecting portion extends from an end portion of the locking element and includes a first mating element. The adjustment member is attached to the other of the support member and the arm rest member. The adjustment member and the locking element are movable with respect to one another. A plurality of vertically spaced flanges form a plurality of recesses within the adjustment member. Each recess is sized to receive the projecting portion of the locking element and has a second mating element corresponding to the first mating element.