Abstract: A core biopsy instrument for taking samples of tissue such as prostate tissue comprises a handle configured to releasably receive a cartridge that holds a core collector. In use, after loading a cartridge in the handle, a spring drives the core collector into target tissue and shortly thereafter, in less than a second, a spring drives a cannula over the core collector to cut tissue in a trough thereof from surrounding tissue. The core collector is withdrawn proximally to its initial position in the cartridge and the cartridge is removed from the handle. The cartridge, with the core collector and the tissue sample therein is treated as needed for sending as a unit to a laboratory, thus preserving the orientation and completeness of the tissue sample therein.

Abstract: A universal hinged tread system includes a folding stair set with one or more primary treads. At least one auxiliary tread is hingedly attached atop at least one primary tread. The folding stair set includes at least two hingedly attached sections. The hingedly attached sections fold flat against each other when in a stowed position, and every other folding stair section is inverted when in the stowed position. Each auxiliary tread is angularly displaced from its primary tread as its folding stair section is inverted. The auxiliary treads do not obstruct any primary treads on other sections when in a stowed position. The auxiliary treads include a beveled lower front edge to aid the auxiliary treads in deflecting.