Abstract: An endoscopic catheter distal end position control that enables precise control of distal catheter sheath ends relative to each other while accommodating the long length and flexibility of typical catheters and proximal, remote hand-operable control mechanisms. In a catheter assembly employing this control, an elongated flexible tubular sheath is provided having a distal end and a proximal end. A distal end member is internal to the sheath; this end member is reciprocally axially moveable relative to the sheath distal end between a retracted position that is proximal of the sheath distal end and an extended position in which the end member protrudes beyond the sheath distal end. An elongated end member interconnector is provided, with a distal end of the interconnector being connected to the end member and a proximal end of the interconnector being connected to a position actuator for axially reciprocating the end member relative to the distal end of the sheath.

Abstract: An endoscopic catheter distal end position control that enables precise control of distal catheter sheath ends relative to each other while accommodating the long length and flexibility of typical catheters and proximal, remote hand-operable control mechanisms. In a catheter assembly employing this control, an elongated flexible tubular sheath is provided having a distal end and a proximal end. A distal end member is internal to the sheath; this end member is reciprocally axially moveable relative to the sheath distal end between a retracted position that is proximal of the sheath distal end and an extended position in which the end member protrudes beyond the sheath distal end. An elongated end member interconnector is provided, with a distal end of the interconnector being connected to the end member and a proximal end of the interconnector being connected to a position actuator for axially reciprocating the end member relative to the distal end of the sheath.

Abstract: A surgical scalpel having a handle with a blade carrying carriage that can be slid from an intermediate position where the blade is within the handle to an extended position where the blade extends beyond the distal end of the handle and is exposed for use. After use, the blade can then be slid back to the intermediate position to cover the blade when being passed between operating room personnel or can be slid to a permanently locked position where the blade is permanently covered permitting the scalpel to be disposed of. In addition, means are provided for securely latching the blade in the extended position and the intermediate position to prevent inadvertent movement of the blade and means are provided for indicating that the blade is in the permanently locked position for disposal.

Abstract: A combination surgical blade holder allows simple insertion sequentially of a plurality of blades, each blade having an opening for receiving a cleat and/or an abutment in a blade receiving area on the holder. The holder includes a fixed portion and a rotatable portion that pivot relative to one another in the same longitudinal plane around a pivot point positioned adjacent the blade receiving area and lock together to securely hold the blade in the blade receiving area. While the fixed portion of the holder is gripped in one hand, the thumb or finger of the same hand is used to unlock and rotate the rotatable portion to release and eject the blade singlehandedly, without touching the blade. The fixed portion of the holder includes a cleat and/or an abutment that mate with an opening in the blade. Alternatively, the blade includes a tab that mates with a depression in the blade receiving area to lock the blade in the holder.

Abstract: A combination surgical blade holder allows simple insertion sequentially of a plurality of blades, each blade having an opening for receiving a cleat and/or an abutment in a blade receiving area on the holder. The holder includes a fixed portion and a rotatable portion that pivot relative to one another in the same longitudinal plane around a pivot point positioned adjacent the blade receiving area and lock together to securely hold the blade in the blade receiving area. While the fixed portion of the holder is gripped in one hand, the thumb or finger of the same hand is used to unlock and rotate the rotatable portion to release and eject the blade singlehandedly, without touching the blade. The fixed portion of the holder includes a cleat and/or an abutment that mate with an opening in the blade. Alternatively, the blade includes a tab that mates with a depression in the blade receiving area to lock the blade in the holder.

Abstract: A combination of surgical blade holder and cooperating blade is provided, which allows simple insertion of a blade having a specific configuration of opening in the tang for receiving a specific boss configuration on the handle, and closure to a locked position of the blade, upon insertion. The two parts of the handle pivot relative to one another in the same longitudinal plane around a pivot positioned adjacent the blade portion. This allows a relatively long handle portion for gripping the device for ejecting the blade, using the thumb or finger of the same hand for opening the holder. The gripping portion of the handle has adjacent to the blade portion thereof a boss which conforms to the opening in the blade tang. The boss includes a cleat with an overhang which serves to receive the opposed mating surface on the opposite half of the handle.

Abstract: A handle is provided for blades, and particularly surgical blades, which allows simple insertion sequentially of a plurality of blades, and closure to a locked postion of the blade, upon insertion. The two parts of the handle pivot relative to one another in the same longitudinal plane around a pivot positioned adjacent the blade position. This allows a relatively long handle portion for gripping the device for ejecting the blade, using the thumb or finger of the same hand for opening the holder for ejection single-handedly. The gripping portion of the handle has adjacent to the blade portion thereof a boss which conforms to the opening in the blade tang. Closure causes the movble portion of the handle to cover the boss and the blade tang in a wedging action preventing movement of the blade relative to the handle in closed position.