Abstract: A body fluid collecting, transporting, and dispensing system includes a body fluid collecting receptacle and a handle for supporting the receptacle in a fluid collection position. The handle includes a fluid sample chamber in fluid communication with the receptacle to receive a sample of the body fluid and the handle is further removable from the receptacle for transport and dispensing of the body fluid sample through a tip. A flexible hollow streaker, attachable to the tip, enables streaking of fluid sample from the chamber onto an agar plate or the like.

Abstract: A glare shield for the viewfinder of a video camera or the LCD screen of a video or digital camera is comprised of a hood that casts a shadow upon the viewfinder eyepiece or LCD screen to reduce the amount of ambient light falling upon the viewfinder eyepiece or LCD screen. The glare shield is formed of inexpensive materials and is collapsible so that it may be carried in a photographer's pocket or camera bag. It is readily attachable to and detachable from the a camcorder. The glare shield may be formed of adjustable components so that a single glare shield may be utilized on LCD screens of varying sizes. The glare shield of the invention is formed of materials that will not scratch or damage the photographer's eyeglass lenses or the structure of the camera or camcorder with which the invention is utilized.

Abstract: A body fluid collecting, transporting, and dispensing system includes a body fluid collecting receptacle and a handle for supporting the receptacle in a fluid collection position. The handle includes a fluid sample chamber in fluid communication with the receptacle to receive a sample of the body fluid and the handle is further removable from the receptacle for transport and dispensing of the body fluid sample.

Abstract: A dual-chamber device for receiving and containing a liquid, particularly urine, employs a generally cylindrical body having a detachable top cover and an internal, transverse, funnel-shaped wall. The transverse wall has a central circular orifice and divides the body into lower and upper chambers for respectively receiving and retaining fore-stream and mid-stream urine liquid samples. A floatable orifice stopper in the lower chamber is responsive to fore-stream liquid filling the lower chamber to a predetermined level for closing the orifice, so that subsequent, mid-stream urine liquid is received into the upper chamber. A bottom cover has an upstanding stopper pushing column and a flexible, spring-like, annular web around a bottom cover pedestal region.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle courtesy message display system allows the driver of a automotive vehicle to visually display courtesy messages to the drivers of vehicles located to the rear. Such messages may be for an occasional urgent request to “cut in” for safe passage. The message display system provides the driver of the vehicle in which the visual display is installed with an audible feedback so that the vehicle driver can verify that the correct message has been selected, without visually distracting the driver's attention. The system includes three main components, namely a wireless control unit located on the vehicle operator's steering wheel, a processor unit containing most of the electronics of the system positioned in an unobtrusive location so as to avoid impairing the drivers view, and one or a pair of display screens which are typically located behind the rear seat headrests of an automotive passenger vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for training for cardiac surgery using endoscopic techniques are provided. The apparatus comprises a model thorax having an internal cavity and a plurality of ribs, intercostal spaces between the ribs through which an endoscopic instrument can be inserted during use of the model, and a heart located in the internal cavity and removably connected to the model, the heart having a coronary artery on which surgical training can be performed during use of the model. The apparatus also comprises a sternum located on the anterior aspect of the thorax, and at least one internal mammary artery located on a posterior surface of the sternum. The apparatus can also include a fluid system in communication with the heart and providing pressurized fluid to the coronary artery, such that cutting the artery simulates bleeding as the pressurized fluid effuses from the artery.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for training for cardiac surgery using endoscopic techniques are provided. The apparatus comprises a model thorax having an internal cavity and a plurality of ribs, intercostal spaces between the ribs through which an endoscopic instrument can be inserted during use of the model, and a heart located in the internal cavity and removably connected to the model, the heart having a coronary artery on which surgical training can be performed during use of the model. The apparatus also comprises a sternum located on the anterior aspect of the thorax, and at least one internal mammary artery located on a posterior surface of the sternum. The apparatus can also include a fluid system in communication with the heart and providing pressurized fluid to the coronary artery, such that cutting the artery simulates bleeding as the pressurized fluid effuses from the artery.