Abstract: A defibrillation system having a paddle assembly with a paddle head and handle. The paddle head includes an enlarged support pad that is attached to the handle via a flexible neck. Both the enlarged support pad and the neck are formed from a thermoplastic elastomer and are highly flexible. A contact electrode is attached to the enlarged support pad. The contact electrode conducts electrical current to the heart. The contact electrode is thin and can deform with the enlarged support pad. The contact electrode receives electrical current through a conducive core element. The conductive core element extends through the handle and into the flexible paddle head, wherein the conductive core element is electrically coupled to the contact electrode via a terminal lead within the flexible paddle head.

Abstract: A retractor with a specialized blade head assembly. The blade head assembly has a central plate. The central plate extends between a first side edge and a second side edge. A first rotatable arm is attached to the first side edge with a first hinge joint. A second rotatable arm is attached to the second side edge with a second hinge joint. Both rotatable arms can be rotated about the hinge joints. Both the first hinge joint and the second hinge joint are friction hinges that require a threshold force to move. An elongated shaft interconnects with the central plate at a pivot joint. The elongated shaft can be attached to the blade head assembly after the blade head assembly has been inserted into a patient’s body.

Abstract: A clamping system having a clamp head, forceps, and a mechanical actuator. The clamp head has a first clamp or arm, a second clamp arm, a tubular neck, and a drive shaft that extends through the tubular neck. The first clamp arm is moved relative to the second clamp arm by selectively rotating the drive shaft. The forceps have a jaw section. The jaw section has a ring clamp that is sized to receive and retain the tubular neck on the clamp head. A mechanical actuator attaches to the forceps. The mechanical actuator has an elongated shaft that aligns with the drive shaft of the clamp head when the ring clamp is closed around the tubular neck of the clamp head. The alignment enables the mechanical actuator to engage the drive shaft and turn the drive shaft when the mechanical actuator is manipulated.

Abstract: A clip assembly for attaching an electrical lead to a medical electrode. The clip assembly has opposing jaws that can be selectively clipped onto a medical electrode. The jaws are opened and closed using handles. A receptacle is disposed in one handle for receiving the electrical lead. Within the receptacle, the electrical lead makes contact with a shaped conductor. The shaped conductor extends into a jaw and contacts the medical electrode. A clamp is integrated into the handle. The clamp is used to selectively press the electrical lead against the shaped conductor in the receptacle. The clamp can be manually tightened and loosened. As such, the electrical lead can be readily attached to, and disconnected from, the clip assembly as needed.

Abstract: A clip assembly for attaching an electrical lead to a medical electrode. The clip assembly has opposing jaws that can be selectively clipped onto a medical electrode. The jaws are opened and closed using handles. A receptacle is disposed in one handle for receiving the electrical lead. Within the receptacle, the electrical lead makes contact with a shaped conductor. The shaped conductor extends into a jaw and contacts the medical electrode. A clamp is integrated into the handle. The clamp is used to selectively press the electrical lead against the shaped conductor in the receptacle. The clamp can be manually tightened and loosened. As such, the electrical lead can be readily attached to, and disconnected from, the clip assembly as needed.

Abstract: A defibrillation system with a unique paddle assembly. The paddle assembly has a paddle head with a conductive surface. The paddle head is introduced into the chest through a small surgical incision. The paddle head is connected to a handle by an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft has an electrically conductive core that is covered in a dielectric insulator. The elongated shaft is malleable. A pivot connection joins one end of the elongated shaft to the paddle head. The pivot connection enables the paddle head to move through a range of different orientations with respect to the elongated shaft. Electricity passes through the conductive core of the elongated shaft and into the paddle head.

Abstract: A defibrillation system with a unique paddle assembly. The paddle assembly has a paddle head with a conductive surface. The paddle head is introduced into the chest through a small surgical incision. The paddle head is connected to a handle by an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft has an electrically conductive core that is covered in a dielectric insulator. The elongated shaft is malleable. A pivot connection joins one end of the elongated shaft to the paddle head. The pivot connection enables the paddle head to move through a range of different orientations with respect to the elongated shaft. Electricity passes through the conductive core of the elongated shaft and into the paddle head.

Abstract: A gemstone drill is of the drill press type which includes a motor suspended and slidably affixed between upstanding vertical telescoping rods. A drill bit is affixed to a spindle which is a direct extension of the motor shaft which is in parallel alignment with the rods. A body of the motor includes a cylindrical spindle housing extending downwardly from the bottom of the motor body adjacent the drill bit. The rods are extensible from tower sleeves mounted directly to a base which has a top support surface enclosed by a transparent containment cover. The door is moveable between open and closed positions to gain access to a clamping mechanism releasably attached to the support surface that holds the stone to be drilled. The containment cover, when closed, includes a circular aperture at the top which closely receives the spindle housing.

Abstract: A tricycle-type wind-propelled toy land vehicle includes a sail with reliable tangle-free boom control. Both the disposition of the boom and the front wheel steering is actuated by a radio frequency remote control system. The vehicle further includes a skid plate surrounding the front wheel to prevent tip-over. The front wheel is steered by a worm gear drive which is self-locking. Boom control is provided by a guided cable system or, in an alternate embodiment, a direct gear drive to rotate the mast. In yet another embodiment, boom control is provided by a sliding leaf spring which passes underneath the boom and attaches to a track on the underside of the boom.

Abstract: A stapler having a detached base supporting an anvil and a first magnetic element, and a stapling assembly for ejecting staples from a magazine port. The stapling assembly supports a second magnetic element positioned for magnetic coupling to the base to align the anvil with the magazine port. Accordingly, the staple-driving stapling assembly and detached anvil-supporting base are not mechanically coupled. Instead, the stapling assembly and base are magnetically couplable. The magnetic coupling feature eliminates throat depth limitations and allows for staple placement at any desired location on a sheet of any size. An alignment guide may be provided to visually indicate an approximate location where a driven staple will be placed. The base and stapling assembly may be provided with friction pads for limiting movement of any sheets therebetween while stapling.

Abstract: A stapler having a detached base supporting an anvil and a first magnetic element, and a stapling assembly for ejecting staples from a magazine port. The stapling assembly supports a second magnetic element positioned for magnetic coupling to the base to align the anvil with the magazine port. Accordingly, the staple-driving stapling assembly and detached anvil-supporting base are not mechanically coupled. Instead, the stapling assembly and base are magnetically couplable. The magnetic coupling feature eliminates throat depth limitations and allows for staple placement at any desired location on a sheet of any size. An alignment guide may be provided to visually indicate an approximate location where a driven staple will be placed. The base and stapling assembly may be provided with friction pads for limiting movement of any sheets therebetween while stapling.