Abstract: Improved electrocautery instruments, particularly instruments better adapted for manufacture at lower costs, are disclosed including an electrocautery hemostat comprised of a hemostat provided with clam shell synthetic plastic handles with a switch incorporated therein. The mirror image plastic clam shells are mounted over the handle portion of the instrument and bonded together, preferably by sonically welding. Other embodiments include an instrument wherein a substantial or major portion of the instrument, particularly a handle portion, is comprised of a rigid synthetic plastic material with means for connecting switched RF energy to the metal tissue engaging tips. And still another embodiment of the invention, a switch mounted on a rigid conductive hemostat is provided with a switch mounted thereon and insulated from the surgeon's hand by an insulative coating, such as latex.

Abstract: An electrocautery instrument which is provided with a non-removable enclosed electrical switching mechanism. The entire switch assembly may be sealed from human contact by an insulating medium.

Abstract: An inflatable device is disclosed which is comprised of three chambers which are adapted to be inserted partially into the rectum and inflated. The first chamber would be positioned within the rectum, the second within the anal sphincter muscles and the third outside of the body between the buttocks. When used for dilation, the first and third chambers are utilized primarily for positioning and maintaining the position. The second chamber is selectively inflated to perform the dilation function. When utilized as an obturator, to alleviate fecal incontinence, the first and third chambers are utilized to some degree for positioning and maintaining of position, and the first chamber is also utilized, to some degree along with the second chamber as a means of obturating or maintaining fecal continence.

Abstract: A family of removable switch electrocautery instruments is provided by springably releasably mounting a switch means to an instrument provided with a conductive member adapted to come into contact with living tissue and a handle member. The handle member may be formed of conductive material covered with an insulative layer or the handle member may be comprised of an insulative material. Means are provided on the switch means for making an electrical connection with the conductive member which was adapted to come into contact with the living tissue. Electrical connection between the switch means may be made through one of the springably releasable attachments or it may be made by means of a separate connector element.

Abstract: A non-spillable drinking container is manufactured in assemblable parts which provide stackability and reduced manufacturing costs. The drinking container utilizes a perforated expandable diaphragm mounted or formed over a base plate. The container is preferably frustro-conical in shape to provide stackability. A drinking tube is attachable to the expandable diaphragm and a top is sealably mountable over the tube. Drinking is accomplished by pulling upwardly on the tube to expand the diaphragm opening the perforations therein, allowing fluid flow through the perforations and up the straw to the mouth of the drinker.

Abstract: A non-spillable drinking container is comprised of a resiliently flexible material with a drinking tube or straw sealably mounted therethrough. The drinking tube or straw is moveable toward and away from the bottom of the container. The lower end of the drinking tube is provided with an elastic diaphragm connected to the bottom of the container. Tension on the drinking tube away from the bottom of the container causes the lower end of the tube to be lifted away from the bottom and perforations in the diaphragm to be stretched open to allow fluid flow through the perforations in the diaphragm and out through the drinking tube. In the absence of tension being applied to the drinking tube causing it to be pulled away from the bottom of the container, the holding of the container upside down or the application of pressure to the walls of the container will not cause liquid to leak from the non-spillable drinking container.

Abstract: An electrocautery hemostat is provided which may be used as a hemostatic clamping device and an apparatus for cauterizing bleeding blood vessels during surgery. The electrocautery hemostat is comprised of a pair of pivoted members which form at one end mating jaws for enabling the clamping of a bleeding blood vessel. The opposite ends of the members are provided with an insulative covering with at least one opening therethrough. An electrical switch is provided for clamping to one of the pivoted members and for making an electrical connection to the member through the opening in the insulative covering. The other end of the switch is connected through an electrical conductor to a source of electrical energy. The mating jaws are of a smaller cross-section than a conventional hemostat and are adapted for use in probing and cauterizing.