Abstract: A tissue sample needle actuator system and apparatus includes an actuation mechanism for, among other things, automatically thrusting a tissue sample needle forward and/or automatically rotating an inner tube of the tissue sample needle relative to an outer tube of the tissue sample needle to operate an integral snare. The actuation mechanism may perform other functions such as, for example, rotating the entire needle (e.g., during thrusting, during operation of the snare, or during a separate phase), which may, in some situations, facilitate insertion of the needle and/or obtaining a tissue sample. The actuator may also support a stylet for facilitating insertion of the needle and/or ejection of the tissue sample.

Abstract: A self-contained cooling tube is described that lowers the temperature of a beverage as it is drawn through the cooling tube by a user. The cooling tube includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member composed of a plastic material. A cooling material, having suitable characteristics to cool the temperature of a beverage, is disposed within an interior space bounded by the walls of the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member.

Abstract: A tissue sample needle having an outer tube and an inner tube disposed within the outer tube, the inner tube having a distal end that is provided with a snare having a plurality of deformable members extending from the inner tube. The free ends of the members are coupled directly or indirectly to the outer tube. Upon rotation of the inner tube with respect to the outer tube, the members deflect inward to reduce the effective diameter of the inner tube in the deflection zone to sever and/or hold a biopsy piece within the inner tube. After removal of the needle from a body tissue, rotating the inner tube in the opposite direction causes the members to return substantially to their original positions and thereby return the inner tube substantially to its original diameter and allow the biopsy piece to be removed or ejected from the needle.