Abstract: An net mounting assembly is provided for mounting a net onto a table or similar flat platform. The assembly comprises a mounting base constructed and arranged to be slipped over an edge of the table. The assembly also includes a first support member disposed on the mounting base and a second support member having an upper portion and a lower portion pivotally disposed on the first support member such that when the net mounting assembly is disposed on the table, the upper portion is disposed above a plane of the table and the lower portion is disposed below the plane of the table. The upper portion is connectable to the net and the lower portion is connectable to a biasing member such that the lower portion pivots inwardly towards the table and the upper portion pivots outwardly away from the table thereby tensioning the net and keeping the net substantially perpendicular to the table.

Abstract: A one-piece disposable speculum is provided having first and second blades which are interconnected at both the distal ends and proximal ends thereof. The bars which interconnect the distal ends of the blades are pivotally connected to each of the blades with a thinned portion of the material forming the blades and the bars so as to define a living hinge. The proximal ends of the speculum are adjustably interconnected with support bars provided on one blade which are selectively and adjustably connected with receiving elements provided on the other blade. The speculum can be moved from a compacted, insertion configuration to spaced apart, dilating configuration by moving one of the blade members relative to the other along the longitudinal axis of the speculum.

Abstract: A disposable speculum made of a unitary molded plastic construction. Upon folding, a pair of elongated members form opposing jaws or blades which are pivotally attached to a central ring. A handle portion is formed on an end of the lower blade and can be used to insert the speculum into a body cavity. Once inside a body opening, the opening can be dilated by pushing forward on the upper blade to elevate the upper blade from the lower blade of the speculum. The blades can be adjustably held at a desired opening size by support rods formed near the handle end of the speculum.

Abstract: There has been provided a method and apparatus for sterilizing females. Cautery means, vaginally insertable into the fallopian tube of the female, destroys a portion of said mucosal lining at a selected location. An absorbable scarification means and plug means is placed in the fallopian tube at said selected location. As the scarification means is absorbed, the fallopian tube forms scar tissue radially from a muscular layer thereof whereby the fallopian tube is blocked. The plug means blocks peritoneal infiltration of the by-products of cauterization and scarification outside the fallopian tube during the absorption interval.