Abstract: A ligation device for treating hemorrhoids includes a locking mechanism. The ligation device includes an inner tubular member having a first end, a second end, and a protrusion on an outer surface. The first end includes a first opening and the second end includes a second opening. Further, the ligation device includes an outer tubular member having an inner configuration corresponding to that of the inner tubular member. The outer tubular member including a notch such that a reception of the protrusion of the inner tubular member by a first portion of the notch of the outer tubular member allows vertical movement of the outer tubular member and a reception of the protrusion of the inner tubular member by a second portion of the notch of the outer tubular member prevents vertical movement of the outer tubular member towards the first end of the inner tubular member.

Abstract: A method of generating a fixed-price variable-offer multi-tier thread generator may include receiving, a by a computer processor(s), at least a fixed price, a thread expiration criteria and specification for at least two offerings for the fixed price. Each of the at least two offerings correspond to one of at least two tiers of offerings, where the fixed price entitles a first member and any subsequent members on a thread to redeem a qualified offer associated with a qualified tier, in exchange for paying the fixed price, upon the occurrence of at least one thread expiration criteria. The at least one product or service offerings the thread qualifies for, upon the occurrence of the at least one thread expiration criteria, may be dependent upon a total number of members, including the first member who starts a thread from the thread generator and any subsequent members who join the thread and who have agreed to pay the fixed price.

Abstract: A method of generating a fixed-price variable-offer multi-tier thread generator may include receiving, a by a computer processor(s), at least a fixed price, a thread expiration criteria and specification for at least two offerings for the fixed price. Each of the at least two offerings correspond to one of at least two tiers of offerings, where the fixed price entitles a first member and any subsequent members on a thread to redeem a qualified offer associated with a qualified tier, in exchange for paying the fixed price, upon the occurrence of at least one thread expiration criteria. The at least one product or service offerings the thread qualifies for, upon the occurrence of the at least one thread expiration criteria, may be dependent upon a total number of members, including the first member who starts a thread from the thread generator and any subsequent members who join the thread and who have agreed to pay the fixed price.