Abstract: An otoscopic ear speculum is improved to enable removal of substances or objects from the ear canal. Alternate embodiments can perform like functions in other body orifices. The ear speculum incorporates one or more protrusions that move independently of the body of the speculum.In one embodiment, protrusions can be bent back towards the distal end of the speculum. Bending is accomplished by pulling a filament attached to the end of the protrusion. The filament may be pulled manually or with the aid of a trigger or a rotating knob.When placed inside of, or extended from a tube, protrusion mechanisms may serve as a surgical tool. The surgical tool may be adapted to fit a variety of body orifices.

Abstract: A toy (10) comprising an elongated block (12) which is carved out to form one or more patterns (30) for a path along which marbles (15) are propelled by a person's finger through a slot (17) communicating with a channel (14) in any one of such patterns (30) which are interlinked to provide continuity in rolling motion for the marbles (15). Pivoting gates (50) across the path or at intersections of the channels (14) forming patterns (30) provide means to determine the direction of motion for marbles (15), including "dead ending" the marble in its own channel. Various features in the path patterns provide impetus or an inertial bar to the marbles' motion.