Abstract: A surgical instrument having a rotational ring is described. In one implementation, the surgical instrument includes a handle and a rotational ring. The handle includes at least one actuator member configured to operate a surgical tool located at a tip of the surgical instrument by moving the actuator member. The rotational ring is positioned in substantially close proximity to the one or more actuator members. Rotation of the rotational ring causes the surgical tool located at the tip of the surgical instrument to rotate in a corresponding rotational fashion.

Abstract: A laser probe including a handpiece and a rigid cannula fixed to the handpiece to prevent relative translational movement-therebetween. An optical fiber for delivering laser energy is supported for translational movement relative to the handpiece. A slidable button is fixed to the optical fiber via a rigid sleeve such that the button and optical fiber move together in the same direction during operation. The fiber may be selectively positioned relative to the button to cause the button to act as a visual indicator of the direction in which the fiber will extend from the cannula. The button may be specially configured with an enlarged head portion to enhance grippability and smooth operation of the button.

Abstract: Tape cassettes, particularly video tape cassettes, are provided with means internally to count the number of times the cassette is subjected to a sequence of user operations. This enables a hirer of such cassettes to see how many times the cassette has been used and to charge a hire fee accordingly. The counter may be mechanical, electro-mechanical or electronic, and is actuated by means associated with the tape release mechanism already built into such cassettes as a standard component; thus, no modification to of extra interaction with, the cassette player is needed.