Abstract: Various forms of anti-clog suction tips apparatus are disclosed. An exemplary anti-clog suction tip apparatus includes a suction tip assembly having a suction tip with a suction opening at a first end thereof for removing debris through suction, a hose attachment portion for attaching the suction tip assembly to a suction source, and an ejection wire channel. The apparatus further includes an ejection wire assembly having an ejection wire extending within the channel and an ejection button integral with or connected to the ejection wire. Applying a force to the ejection button advances the ejection wire through the channel such that an end portion of the ejection wire enters the suction tip and dislodges debris clogging the suction tip. The ejection wire may include an enlarged end portion such as, for example a ball tip. One or more of the components of the apparatus may be single-use and disposable.

Abstract: Various forms of anti-clog suction tips apparatus are disclosed. An exemplary anti-clog suction tip apparatus includes a suction tip assembly having a suction tip with a suction opening at a first end thereof for removing debris through suction, a hose attachment portion for attaching the suction tip assembly to a suction source, and an ejection wire channel. The apparatus further includes an ejection wire assembly having an ejection wire extending within the channel and an ejection button integral with or connected to the ejection wire. Applying a force to the ejection button advances the ejection wire through the channel such that an end portion of the ejection wire enters the suction tip and dislodges debris clogging the suction tip. The ejection wire may include an enlarged end portion such as, for example a ball tip. One or more of the components of the apparatus may be single-use and disposable.

Abstract: A collector used to collect bone includes: a container body defining an interior containment space for receiving and retaining collected bone, and having at least one open end for access and removal of collected bone from the interior containment space; and a cap in covering relation to the open end of the container body such that access to the interior containment space for removal of collected bone is inhibited. The collector includes an intake port defining an opening for receiving therein a distal end of a kerrison rongeur for collecting cut bone from a cutting area thereof, and the cap includes at least one scraper for engaging and dislodging cut bone from the cutting area of a distal end of a kerrison rongeur when received within the intake port. The collector preferably is used with a kerrison rongeur for collecting cut bone therefrom.

Abstract: A collector used to collect bone includes: a container body defining an interior containment space for receiving and retaining collected bone, and having at least one open end for access and removal of collected bone from the interior containment space; and a cap in covering relation to the open end of the container body such that access to the interior containment space for removal of collected bone is inhibited. The collector includes an intake port defining an opening for receiving therein a distal end of a kerrison rongeur for collecting cut bone from a cutting area thereof, and the cap includes at least one scraper for engaging and dislodging cut bone from the cutting area of a distal end of a kerrison rongeur when received within the intake port. The collector preferably is used with a kerrison rongeur for collecting cut bone therefrom.

Abstract: A pet container includes: a housing comprising a fan for creating an airflow; electronics for operating the fan; and a door configured to transition between a closed position and an open position for ingress and egress of a pet. The pet container defines a pet containment space, and the pet container comprises ducts through which the airflow created by the fan flows into the pet containment space for blowing air onto a pet. The fan preferably is an impeller and the at least one of the duct preferably is defined at least an interior passageway that is formed in the housing. The pet container further preferably includes a heater for heating the airflow; an aromatherapy diffuser; a light, laser, or array of LEDs for emitting infrared or near infrared light into the containment space with a wavelength of between about 620 and about 1000 nanometers for providing photobiomodulation.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for use with an athletic device having a shaft and a plurality of hand holding locations associated with portions of the shaft. The heating apparatus comprises at least one motion capture device operatively coupled to the shaft and configured to receive and process motion related information of the shaft, and a removable self-contained module configured to be received within an athletic device shaft and to emit heat. The heating apparatus comprises a power source connected to supply electrical power to the plurality of heating elements. A user-operable control is coupled to the power source and configured to selectively power on and regulate the heat released from the heating elements.

Abstract: A method for supporting a surfboard during vehicular transport includes positioning an apparatus in a backseat of a convertible such that the apparatus stands on each of two seats of the backset; using seatbelts in the backset of the convertible, securing the apparatus against backs of the seats; with the top of the convertible down, positioning the surfboard onto a top of a frame of a windshield of the convertible while positioning the surfboard onto a platform of the apparatus; and securing the surfboard to the platform using one or more straps. The surfboard is supported on the convertible by the windshield frame and by the platform of the apparatus that has been stood up in the backseat of the convertible.

Abstract: A method for supporting a surfboard during vehicular transport includes positioning an apparatus in a backseat of a convertible such that the apparatus stands on each of two seats of the backset; using seatbelts in the backset of the convertible, securing the apparatus against backs of the seats; with the top of the convertible down, positioning the surfboard onto a top of a frame of a windshield of the convertible while positioning the surfboard onto a platform of the apparatus; and securing the surfboard to the platform using one or more straps. The surfboard is supported on the convertible by the windshield frame and by the platform of the apparatus that has been stood up in the backseat of the convertible.

Abstract: A collector used to collect bone includes: a container body defining an interior containment space for receiving and retaining collected bone, and having at least one open end for access and removal of collected bone from the interior containment space; and a cap in covering relation to the open end of the container body such that access to the interior containment space for removal of collected bone is inhibited. The collector includes an intake port defining an opening for receiving therein a distal end of a kerrison rongeur for collecting cut bone from a cutting area thereof, and the cap includes at least one scraper for engaging and dislodging cut bone from the cutting area of a distal end of a kerrison rongeur when received within the intake port. The collector preferably is used with a kerrison-type rongeur for collecting cut bone therefrom.

Abstract: Various forms of anti-clog suction tips apparatus are disclosed. An exemplary anti-clog suction tip apparatus includes a suction tip assembly having a suction tip with a suction opening at a first end thereof for removing debris through suction, a hose attachment portion for attaching the suction tip assembly to a suction source, and an ejection wire channel. The apparatus further includes an ejection wire assembly having an ejection wire extending within the channel and an ejection button integral with or connected to the ejection wire. Applying a force to the ejection button advances the ejection wire through the channel such that an end portion of the ejection wire enters the suction tip and dislodges debris clogging the suction tip. The ejection wire may include an enlarged end portion such as, for example a ball tip. One or more of the components of the apparatus may be single-use and disposable.

Abstract: Various forms of anti-clog suction tips apparatus are disclosed. An exemplary anti-clog suction tip apparatus includes a suction tip assembly having a suction tip with a suction opening at a first end thereof for removing debris through suction, a hose attachment portion for attaching the suction tip assembly to a suction source, and an ejection wire channel. The apparatus further includes an ejection wire assembly having an ejection wire extending within the channel and an ejection button integral with or connected to the ejection wire. Applying a force to the ejection button advances the ejection wire through the channel such that an end portion of the ejection wire enters the suction tip and dislodges debris clogging the suction tip. The ejection wire may include an enlarged end portion such as, for example a ball tip. One or more of the components of the apparatus may be single-use and disposable.

Abstract: A method for supporting a surfboard during vehicular transport includes positioning an apparatus in a backseat of a convertible such that the apparatus stands on each of two seats of the backset; using seatbelts in the backset of the convertible, securing the apparatus against backs of the seats; with the top of the convertible down, positioning the surfboard onto a top of a frame of a windshield of the convertible while positioning the surfboard onto a platform of the apparatus; and securing the surfboard to the platform using one or more straps. The surfboard is supported on the convertible by the windshield frame and by the platform of the apparatus that has been stood up in the backseat of the convertible.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for use with an athletic device having a shaft and a plurality of hand holding locations associated with portions of the shaft. The heating apparatus comprises a removable self-contained module configured to be received within an athletic device shaft and to emit heat to at least two hand-holding locations of the athletic device shaft. The self-contained module comprises a plurality of heating elements configured to emit heat to the at least two hand-holding locations. The self-contained module further comprises a power source connected to supply electrical power to the plurality of heating elements. A user-operable control is coupled to the power source and configured to selectively power on and regulate the heat released from the heating elements.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for use with an athletic device having a shaft and a plurality of hand holding locations associated with portions of the shaft. The heating apparatus comprises at least one motion capture device operatively coupled to the shaft and configured to receive and process motion related information of the shaft, and a removable self-contained module configured to be received within an athletic device shaft and to emit heat. The heating apparatus comprises a power source connected to supply electrical power to the plurality of heating elements. A user-operable control is coupled to the power source and configured to selectively power on and regulate the heat released from the heating elements.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to the location of target regions in imaging applications are generally described. Certain embodiments relate to devices and/or methods for image-guided identification of suitable regions at which to insert needles, catheters, and the like. Such systems and methods can be used in association with a variety of imaging technologies, including ultrasound imaging. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be used in association with hand-held ultrasound imaging devices.

Abstract: A collector used to collect bone includes: a container body defining an interior containment space for receiving and retaining collected bone, and having at least one open end for access and removal of collected bone from the interior containment space; and a cap in covering relation to the open end of the container body such that access to the interior containment space for removal of collected bone is inhibited. The collector includes an intake port defining an opening for receiving therein a distal end of a kerrison rongeur for collecting cut bone from a cutting area thereof, and the cap includes at least one scraper for engaging and dislodging cut bone from the cutting area of a distal end of a kerrison rongeur when received within the intake port. The collector preferably is used with a kerrison rongeur for collecting cut bone therefrom.

Abstract: A collector used to collect bone includes: a container body defining an interior containment space for receiving and retaining collected bone, and having at least one open end for access and removal of collected bone from the interior containment space; and a cap in covering relation to the open end of the container body such that access to the interior containment space for removal of collected bone is inhibited. The collector includes an intake port defining an opening for receiving therein a distal end of a kerrison rongeur for collecting cut bone from a cutting area thereof, and the cap includes at least one scraper for engaging and dislodging cut bone from the cutting area of a distal end of a kerrison rongeur when received within the intake port. The collector preferably is used with a kerrison rongeur for collecting cut bone therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: a disposal unit; a control unit configured to stop operation of the disposal unit; and a metal detector coil and associated circuitry, the metal detector coil located such that waste passing into the disposal unit for shredding passes through the metal detector coil. The control unit is triggered to stop operation of the disposal unit upon the detection of metal passing through the metal detector coil.

Abstract: A multi-appendage device for holding, suspending, or gripping an object. The device includes: a body, and a plurality of flexible appendages attached to and extending from the body. Each appendage in turn includes an elongate integral piece of molded material, and an elongate integral piece of material that is located within an interior of the elongate integral piece of molded material, and that is generally flexible and inelastic. In accordance with this aspect, each appendage is bendable into various different shapes and is generally inelastic so as to remain in a shape into which it is bent. Preferably, the device further includes an add-on component that attaches to the body to extend from a top of the body and serve as a handle. Alternatively or additionally, the add-on component may include a light, a storage compartment, or both.

Abstract: An under-sink disposal unit includes a motor, a disposal chamber, and a disposal throat. The disposal throat extends from the disposal chamber to an opening in a top of the disposal unit and defines a passageway through which objects pass into the disposal chamber for grinding. The disposal unit further includes a coil assembly including an arrangement of coils. The arrangement of coils is used to detect the passing of a metallic object in the passageway through the disposal throat. Furthermore, the arrangement of coils includes at least one coil having a loop that is oriented with respect to an axis of the passageway through the disposal throat such that objects passing through the disposal throat into the disposal chamber pass by and proximate to, but do not pass through, such loop. Preferably DC injection braking is used to stop the motor upon detection of a metallic object.