Abstract: A protective housing for a camera comprising a pouch for containing the camera which is constructed of flexible material having sufficient flexibility to allow the camera to be operated through the material when the camera is contained in the pouch, is characterized by a holder for partially enclosing the pouch which is constructed of flexible material that is less flexible than the material the pouch is constructed of in order to provide a relatively firm hand-held support for the pouch.

Abstract: A surgical handheld instrument which is used in a minimally invasive surgical procedure such as a laparoscopic surgical procedure comprises a handle body and an elongated shaft connected to the handle body at a proximal end of the shaft. An end effector such as a pair of movable jaws are located at the distal end of the shaft. An actuation handle member is movably connected to the handle body and is operatively connected to the end effector for actuating movement of the end effector. Thus, upon movement of the handle actuation member, the end effector, such as movable jaw elements, can be opened or closed. The handle body also includes a locking tab, having a Z-shaped configuration wherein one end of the locking tab has a hole therethrough. An arcuate locking rod having a smooth, uniform surface is connected at one end to the handle actuation member and is insertable at its opposite end through the hole of the locking tab such that the arcuate locking rod is in movable contact with the locking tab.