Abstract: An improved applicator for dispensing liquids and viscous fluids comprising an applicator body, an applicator tip assembly, and optionally a filter element.

Abstract: An improved applicator for dispensing liquids and viscous fluids comprising an applicator body, an applicator tip assembly, and optionally a filter element.

Abstract: An improved applicator for dispensing liquids and viscous fluids comprising an applicator body, an applicator tip or applicator assembly, and optionally a filter element wherein the applicator tip or assembly has at least one of several beneficial features including a receptacle for shards, a fluid rate controlling tip, and a bubble breaking design.

Abstract: A hand-held dispenser handle for use with tubular containers, especially unit dose or single use containers, of various liquids or viscous fluids, which provides enhanced flow and locus control.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable endoscope and kit for performing multiple medical procedures. The portable endoscope comprises a detachable operator control section assembly and one of multiple detachable and interchangeable flexible insertion shaft assemblies with a flexible distal end. The proximal end of a detachable and interchangeable flexible insertion shaft assembly is detachably connected to the detachable operator control section assembly. The detachable and interchangeable flexible insertion shaft assembly accommodates principal cable wires, proxy cable wires, an optical imaging system, and an illumination system. An internal cable wire control system integrated with the detachable operator control section assembly utilizes an adaptable drive transmission system for controlling the orientation and angular position of the flexible distal end using the principal cable wires or the proxy cable wires. The proxy cable wires may be engaged in an event of failure of the principal cable wires.

Abstract: A hand-held dispenser handle for use with tubular containers, especially unit dose or single use containers, of various liquids or viscous fluids, which provides enhanced flow and locus control.

Abstract: An improved applicator for dispensing liquids and viscous fluids comprising an applicator body, an applicator tip or applicator assembly, and optionally a filter element wherein the applicator tip or assembly has at least one of several beneficial features including a receptacle for shards, a fluid rate controlling tip, and a bubble breaking design.

Abstract: An implant inserter device having an outer collar, an inner sleeve slidably and rotatably received within the outer collar, and a push rod slidably received within the inner sleeve. The outer collar has at least one cammed surface formed on an interior surface thereof, while the inner sleeve has at least one rib projecting outwardly from an exterior surface thereof. The rib is releasably engageable with the cammed surface when the inner sleeve is rotated relative to the outer collar. As a result, a distal end of the inner sleeve collapses from an undeformed position, in which the inner sleeve does not grip an implant housed therein, and a deformed position, in which the inner sleeve grips the implant. The push rod is movable between an extended position and a retracted position for urging the implant through and from the inner sleeve for insertion into a defect in damaged cartilage and bone.

Abstract: A device for retracting tissue provides access to a spinal location within a patient. The device includes an elongate body and a passage. The elongate body has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The elongate body defines a length between the proximal and distal portions along a longitudinal axis such that the distal portion can be positioned inside the patient adjacent the spinal location while the proximal portion is accessible. A transverse cross-section of the elongate body in the proximal portion has a first dimension that is longer than a second dimension. The first dimension is perpendicular to the second dimension. The passage extends through the elongate body between the proximal and distal portions. The elongate body is configured such that the proximal portion may be tilted with respect to the distal portion in a first direction generally aligned with the first dimension and in a second direction generally aligned with the second dimension.

Abstract: An implant inserter device having an outer collar, an inner sleeve slidably and rotatably received within the outer collar, and a push rod slidably received within the inner sleeve. The outer collar has at least one cammed surface formed on an interior surface thereof, while the inner sleeve has at least one rib projecting outwardly from an exterior surface thereof. The rib is releasably engageable with the cammed surface when the inner sleeve is rotated relative to the outer collar. As a result, a distal end of the inner sleeve collapses from an undeformed position, in which the inner sleeve does not grip an implant housed therein, and a deformed position, in which the inner sleeve grips the implant. The push rod is movable between an extended position and a retracted position for urging the implant through and from the inner sleeve for insertion into a defect in damaged cartilage and bone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable endoscope and kit for performing multiple medical procedures. The portable endoscope comprises a detachable operator control section assembly and one of multiple detachable and interchangeable flexible insertion shaft assemblies with a flexible distal end. The proximal end of a detachable and interchangeable flexible insertion shaft assembly is detachably connected to the detachable operator control section assembly. The detachable and interchangeable flexible insertion shaft assembly accommodates principal cable wires, proxy cable wires, an optical imaging system, and an illumination system. An internal cable wire control system integrated with the detachable operator control section assembly utilizes an adaptable drive transmission system for controlling the orientation and angular position of the flexible distal end using the principal cable wires or the proxy cable wires. The proxy cable wires may be engaged in an event of failure of the principal cable wires.

Abstract: A device for provides access to a surgical location within a patient. The device has an elongate body that has a proximal portion, a distal portion, a first slot segment, and a second slot segment that is angled relative to said first slot segment. The elongate body defines a passage for accessing the surgical location with surgical instruments. The elongate body has a contracted configuration for insertion into the patient and an expanded configuration for providing access to the surgical location. The cross-sectional area of the passage at a first location of the elongate body is greater than the cross-sectional area of said passage at a second location of the elongate body. A movable tab is configured to extend into the second slot segment when the elongate body is in the expanded configuration to retain the elongate body in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A stop for a drill bit having a shaft, the stop having a first member which includes a collet. The collet is configured to receive the shaft of the drill bit and is positionable along the shaft of the drill bit. The stop also has a second member which includes a clamp, for clamping the first member in a desired position along the shaft of the drill bit by securing the collet in a desired position along the shaft of the drill bit. The stop further has an abutment surface on one of the first and second members, for limiting the depth of penetration of the drill bit into an object, the abutment surface being disposed in a fixed position along the shaft of the drill bit by the clamping of the first and second members.

Abstract: A retractor has an elongate body and an expandable shroud. The elongate body has an outer surface and an inner surface partially defining a passage. The elongate body also has a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. The elongate body is capable of having an enlarged configuration when inserted within the patient. In the enlarged configuration the first longitudinal edge is spaced apart from the second longitudinal edge. The expandable shroud is configured to extend from the first longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal edge when the first and second edges are spaced apart. The shroud partially defines the passage. The cross-sectional area of said passage at a first location is greater than the cross-sectional area of the passage at a second location, wherein the first location is distal to the second location.

Abstract: A closure for sealing the open end of body fluid collection, transport or storage containers or tubes. The closure includes a ball and socket arrangement, wherein the ball rotates within the socket to align a passageway through the ball with the opening in the tube. To close the closure, a tab or protrusion extending from the ball is pushed to rotate the ball and orient the passageway perpendicular to the opening of the tube. When the closure is in the closed position, the ball and socket form a liquid tight seal to prevent liquid in the tube from leaking out of the tube, evaporating or being contaminated.

Abstract: A nasal mask assembly having a nare seal for enclosing the nares of a patient and a pair of lateral support members for engaging the cheekbones of a patient and supporting the nasal mask assembly. An associated headgear assembly constructed of semi-rigid members are selectively interconnected for defining a headgear. The nasal mask assembly is interconnected with depending arms of the headgear assembly by contact connectors enabling the nasal mask to be adjusted linearly and angularly with respect to the headgear assembly.

Abstract: An inflation device according to the present invention includes a barrel, a piston at least partially disposed within the barrel, and a collar surrounding at least a portion of the barrel. The piston includes a threaded portion. The collar and the barrel are axially movable with respect to one another, with the barrel being biased towards an equilibrium position within the collar by a collar spring. A nut is disposed at least partially within the barrel, the nut including an interior threaded surface and an exterior camming surface. The nut is movable along an axis substantially transverse to the barrel axis, and is biased towards a collar camming surface by a nut spring. When the barrel is in the equilibrium position, the nut is in a locking position in which the interior threaded surface engages the threaded portion of the piston. This prevents free movement of the piston within the barrel.

Abstract: A dual bottle formed by two separable interlocked compartments held together by a girdle The girdle includes pressure plates and straps holding it in place. The front walls of the compartments are recessed to accommodate the girdle. The chambers preferably each contain different ingredients and have product exit apertures. The product emerges from a common closure. Preferably the chambers and girdles are identical, which simplifies manufacture.