Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable socket for a socket wrench. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable socket comprises a base plate and a collar plate rotatably attached to the base plate. The collar plate has a central opening formed by a plurality of internal sidewalls and there are movably positioned inside the central opening a plurality of gripping members. Each of the gripping members has a contacting surface which cumulatively define a gripping region. Furthermore, each of the gripping members is connected to the base plate and has a first end adapted to engage one of the internal sidewalls such that relative rotation of the base plate and the collar plate adjusts the gripping region.

Abstract: A novel barbecue grill with mechanical linkages which automatically perform the following functions when the user pulls a single handle: (1) the lid opens; (2) the grill surface moves out of the grill; (3) a drip pan may optionally travel under the grill surface to catch drippings; and (4) the lid closes after the grill surface is out of the grill. The user then has access to the grill surface while the lid to the grill remains closed. Pushing on the handle reverses the sequence of events. An optional feature permits the user to lift the lid in the conventional manual manner, independently of the position of the grill surface. An optional safety feature inhibits the motion of the grill surface when the lid has been lifted manually, thus preventing the lid from accidentally slamming closed after it has been opened in the conventional manual manner.

Abstract: A valve cutter for arterial bypass surgery is provided and includes a blade assembly for cutting the venous valves, a shaft for guiding the blade assembly through the bypass vein, an expansion means for preventing the blade assembly from contacting the walls of the bypass vein and for helping to propagate the incisions made in the valve leaflets by the blade assembly, and a control means for controlling the expansion and contraction of the expansion means in order to allow for use of the invention in a variety of bypass vein diameter sizes.

Abstract: An improved insertion instrument for a vena cava filter is provided and iudes a filter retainer attached to the catheter for preventing accidental ejection of the filter and for enabling retraction of the filter into the carrier body at any time prior to complete ejection; a directional control mechanism attached to the plunger housing for allowing a user to guide the filter retainer through a vascular network; and a simplified plunger locking mechanism on the plunger for preventing premature ejection of the filter.