Abstract: A device for making an incision in the tympanic membrane, withdrawing fluid from the tympanic cavity and administering a medicament to the space behind the tympanic membrane is provided. The device has a barrel-shaped casing (1) having a rotatable end turret (38). A first trigger (2) allows a shaft (18) to pierce the tympanic membrane and a tubular vacuum cartridge (32). The cartridge allows aspiration of fluid. A second trigger (4) causes medicament (34) to be released into the space behind the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: A method of treating a mammal presenting with an otic infection attributable to a pathogenic bacteria is accomplished by passing a hollow shaft having a first and second end through the tympanum of the mammal. The first end is sufficient to pierce the tympanic membrane, but flexible enough such that it buckles under the force necessary to damage any surrounding tissues in the tympanic cavity. The first end of the hollow shaft, after it pierces the tympanic membrane, extends into the tympanic cavity to aspirate a volume of effluence contained therein. The aspirated effluence is expelled out the second end of the hollow shaft. A volume of medicament (less than the volume of effluence withdrawn) is then injected through the same hollow shaft and into the tympanic cavity to treat the infection.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably attaching a buoyant module to a submerged pipeline and for releasing the module therefrom is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a strap wrapped over the top of the module and around the underside of the pipeline and a link connected between the opposing ends of the strap. The link is breakable upon application thereto of a design tension greater than that exerted thereon by the positive buoyancy force of the module. The apparatus also comprises a sled slideably mounted on the upper surface of the pipeline, means for engaging the sled to a source of propulsion and a wedge attached to the leading end of the sled which has an inclined surface sloping downwardly from the top of the sled to the pipeline and pryably engageable with the module.