Abstract: A laparoscopic tool includes a base having a bore that receives the proximal end of an elongate outer tube having a lumen in axial alignment with the bore. An elongate inner rod is slideably mounted in the lumen and the bore. A clamp is detachably secured to a distal end of the elongate inner rod. A handle controlled by a user advances and retracts the inner rod. A nitinol clamp is connected to the distal end of the inner rod and an electrically conductive suture thread holds the clamp to the inner rod. A wedge block positioned at the proximal end of the inner rod has a slit that releasably engages the suture thread so that the suture thread is pulled until it is taut and wedged into the slit. The clamp closes when heated by an electrical current flowing through the suture thread and opens when the current stops.

Abstract: A laparoscopic tool includes a base having a bore that receives the proximal end of an elongate outer tube having a lumen in axial alignment with the bore. An elongate inner rod is slideably mounted in the lumen and the bore. A clamp is detachably secured to a distal end of the elongate inner rod. A handle controlled by a user advances and retracts the inner rod. A nitinol clamp is connected to the distal end of the inner rod and an electrically conductive suture thread holds the clamp to the inner rod. A wedge block positioned at the proximal end of the inner rod has a slit that releasably engages the suture thread so that the suture thread is pulled until it is taut and wedged into the slit. The clamp closes when heated by an electrical current flowing through the suture thread and opens when the current stops.

Abstract: A method and a system for reducing energy consumption, preventing excessive humidity and preventing contaminated air. The method includes locating the respective penetrations, applying an insulator sheet across the penetrations and sealing the surface of the sheets around the penetrations. The system includes a set of insulator sheets which prevents or substantially reduces the leakage of treated air from a home or other building through penetrations. Each insulator sheet in the set of insulator sheets in the form of a flexible, impervious cellular sheet with a fire retardant adhesive for sealing the respective sheets around the respective penetrations.

Abstract: An insulated wall outlet plate assembly. The assembly provides the dual functions of both preventing drafts through the outlet and for preventing against unwanted or accidental access to the outlet. The wall outlet plate assembly includes a wall plate for covering an electrical outlet, a flap assembly secured to the plate having moveable flaps which may be secured in place to close the openings in the outlet plate and a layer of insulation material secured to the backside of the outlet plate for providing insulation against drafts through the outlet. The flaps include an underlying ridge which secures the flaps in place relative to the openings of the outlet plate.

Abstract: A kit for facilitating a person stopping smoking includes a resilient, manually graspable tactile device or grip that is about the shape and size of a usual pack of cigarettes that fits into the hand of a person, and inducement means for inducing a person to use the tactile means and for instructing the person in the use of the kit, the inducement means may include prerecorded audio material and/or printed material. A method to facilitate a person stopping smoking includes holding a tactile means is one hand, squeezing the tactile means until a burning sensation is experienced in the forearm, releasing the tactile means, changing hands and repeating the foregoing steps until the desire to smoke a cigarette decreases to a controllable level.