Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument includes a proximal handle with a distally extending lever actuator. The handle and lever actuator are coupled by a tube and push rod to a pair of distal end effectors. The proximal end of the tube is mounted in a bushing having a flange which is freely rotatable within a flange receiving recess in the handle. The proximal end of the push rod extends proximally beyond the bushing and is coupled to the lever actuator by a ball and set screw coupling. The lever actuator preferably extends at least four inches distally from the proximal end of the handle and includes a finger ring near its distal end. The tube is preferably provided with a ferrule immediately distal of the handle for rotating the tube and push rod about the longitudinal axis of the instrument. The ferrule is preferably provided with a distal extension having an annular notch for locking engagement inside another endoscopic instrument.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument is described having a fluid chamber, a cannula, a shell, a first locking mechanism, and a probe with a second locking mechanism. The fluid chamber has proximal and distal ends. The hollow cannula is coupled to the distal end of the fluid chamber. The port is located at the proximal end of the fluid chamber. The shell houses the fluid chamber, the port, and the first locking mechanism. The probe extends through the port, through the fluid chamber, and through the hollow cannula. In a first fully inserted position, the distal end of the probe extends past the distal end of the cannula. When the probe is partially withdrawn from the shell, the first locking means releasingly engages the second locking means on the probe. Different spring loaded mechanism are described, including one mechanism which is overcome by pulling on the handle of the probe, and another mechanism which requires an active release mechanism.

Abstract: In contrast to reducing the temperature of the heat exchange medium or water so as to conserve on fuel consumption in response to an externally located thermostat or the like upon the occurence of favorable ambient weather conditions, said reduction in accordance with the present invention is, instead, made based on nominal operation of the pump circulating said heat exchange water. The within control that is exercised over the temperature of the heat exchange water to take advantage of mild ambient weather conditions is thus not dependent upon the specific location selected for the thermostat, which location may have more sun and less wind than the spaces or zones being heated. In this and other ways, as hereinafter described, the supervision of the pump provides an accurate and effective control for a hot water heating system that significantly contributes to savings in fuel consumption, but without adversely affecting heating comfort.

Abstract: A clasp device with a female member defined by an annular body and a male member adapted to be received into said female member. The female member is of unitary construction with a first opening and a second opening. These openings are spaced apart from one another with a passageway formed therebetween. The male member has a base member and a projecting member; the projecting member being affixed to and spaced apart from the base member through a positioning pin disposed in a space between the base member and the projecting member. This positioning pin is slidable through the passageway after the male member is inserted into said first opening of the female member and the female member is between the base member and said projecting member.The male member is slidable into locking engagement with the female member by urging the positioning pin through the passageway into the second female opening, and locking the male and female members takes place by rotational movement of the male member.