Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to an apparatus for moving the esophagus having an elongate body having a distal tip, a controlled curvature section, and a flexible section. A handle is coupled to the flexible section having means for adjusting the curvature of the controlled curvature section. Additionally, the length of the controlled curvature section is less than the length of the thoracic portion of the esophagus. Alternatively, there is an apparatus for moving the esophagus having a flexible elongate body having a distal tip, a controlled curvature section, and a proximal section. A bendable element is within the controlled curvature section that, when bent, moves and holds the controlled curvature section into a corresponding bent shape. There is provided various methods of adjusting the curvature of the esophagus during a therapeutic procedure in a treatment area outside of the esophagus.

Abstract: This invention relates to a clamping device and more particularly to a clamping device which can be attached to articles such as patio chairs to mount a holder for umbrellas and the like in a variety of positions. The device comprises a main body including a barrel and a first clamping arm extending laterally in one direction from one end of said barrel, a second clamping arm pivotally mounted at the other end of said barrel and adapted to cooperate with the first clamping arm to engage an article upon which the clamping device is to be mounted, a holder extending laterally from said one end of said barrel in a direction other than said one direction, means for mounting said holder on said barrel to provide a position permitting pivotal movement and a position in which the holder is locked, spring means within the barrel acting to bias the mounting means to a locked position while permitting movement of the mounting means to the position permitting pivotal movement.