Abstract: A pacifier which can be used to introduce liquids orally to an infant has a resilient, hollow nipple that extends from a broad, inner face of a shield plate which in turn abuts the external surfaces of the lips of an infant when the nipple is positioned in the infant's mouth. An elongate, delivery tube extends from the shield plate through the nipple. An open, distal end of the delivery tube projects through a distal end of the nipple so that the open, distal end of the delivery tube opens into the infant's mouth when the nipple is in the infant's mouth. Liquid to be administered to the infant is introduced into the proximal end of the delivery tube through a flexible tube that is rotatably attached to the proximal end of the delivery tube.

Abstract: A collet closer assembly for a machine tool has a body adapted to be attached to a spindle of a machine tool. A pair of bores extend into the body from opposite ends thereof. A collet is received into the bore at the distal end of the body and is immovably attached to the body. A closing sleeve extends from the distal end of the body and encircles the collet. A collet housing is attached to the distal end of the body to enclose the collet sleeve. A slide member is positioned in the bore at the proximal end of the body, and the slide member is adapted to be attached to the end of a draw bar of the machine tool. A mechanical linkage connects the slide member and the collet sleeve so that the collet sleeve moves in concert and in conjunction with the slide member and the draw bar. The collet sleeve closes and opens the collet as the collet sleeve moves forward and backward, respectively.

Abstract: An improvement in a tissue sampling apparatus of the type comprising (a) an elongate housing, (b) a knob at the first end of the housing, (c) first and second pistons extending from the second end of the housing, (d) connections on the extending ends of the pistons for connecting a biopsy needle, (e) first and second springs in the housing against which the first and second pistons, respectively, are cocked so that the springs apply a biasing force against the respective pistons, (f) a trigger for releasing the first and second pistons to move in successive movements wherein the first piston moves first to its fully extended position under the biasing force of the first spring while the second piston remains in its cocked position, and after the first piston has moved to its fully extended position, the second piston moves to its fully extended position under the biasing force of the second spring.

Abstract: Core biopsy needle units used with automated biopsy guns are disclosed. The needle units comprise an elongate solid needle having a notch formed adjacent to the end of the needle. A hub is securely attached to the other end of the needle. An elongate cannula is received over the notched end of the needle such that the needle slides longitudinally through the cannula. A second hub is securely attached to the first end of the cannula, and engagement means are formed in the hub on the needle. The hub on the needle and the second hub on the cannula are adapted to be received in respective receiver cavities of an automated biopsy gun, with the engagement means in the hub on the needle making firm, releasable, interlocking engagement with corresponding engagement means associated with the receiver cavity in which the hub on the needle is received.

Abstract: A tissue sampling device comprises an inner rod and an outer cannula. A primary piston is attached to a hub on the proximal end of the rod, and a secondary piston is attached to a hub on the proximal end of the cannula. The primary and secondary pistons are coupled to an actuator including a double locking mechanism and a pair of springs. The springs engage the primary and secondary pistons, and the locking mechanism holds the pistons in a cocked position. Upon triggering, the primary piston moves in response to the spring associated therewith. This moves the rod a corresponding distance causing a predetermined length of a sampling notch at the distal end of the rod to extend from the distal end of the cannula and penetrate tissue in the sample target area. Following the movement of the primary piston, the secondary piston is released from the locking mechanism, and the secondary piston moves in response to the spring acting thereon.