Abstract: There are provided ophthalmic tweezers capable of easily adjusting the strength of a gripping force depending on use conditions. Ophthalmic tweezers (10) include a tweezers section (20) which has a tubular body (21), a pair of neck portions (22), and a pair of grippers (23) located on the leading end side of the neck portions (22). The tweezers section (20) has a structure in which the grippers (23) are closed by causing the tubular body (21) to slide such that the neck portions (22) are housed in the inner cavity of the tubular body (21). The neck portions (22) each have a first curved or bent portion (22a) having a convex shape on the central axis side of the tubular body (21) and a second curved or bent portion (22b) having a concave shape on the central axis side of the tubular body (21). The first curved or bent portion (22a) is located on the tubular body side, and the second curved or bent portion (22b) is located on the gripper side.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisted buckle release employing a generally C-shaped, V-shaped, or U-shaped assistive device adapted to depress a buckle's release button, such as a button typical of a child car seat restraint harness, and thereby assist in unlocking the buckle.

Abstract: A grasping tool (10) has a pair of elongate arms (20) attached via a hinge element (26). The elongate arms (20) provide gripping surfaces (28) for grasping an item therebetween. A finger engagement element (30) extends from each of the elongate arms, (20) spaced a distance from the proximal end (22). Each elongate arm (20) is generally disposed on a first axis, and each finger engagement element (30) is disposed around a second axis, such that the second axis is approximately parallel to and located below the first axis, such that the first and second axes are spaced a distance such that the pair of elongate arms (20) are positioned above the fingers of the user when the user's fingers are positioned through the finger engagement elements (30).

Abstract: A tong with a lock that can be actuated using one hand without changing a grip on the tong and without having to change an orientation of the tong. The lock can be engaged and disengaged. by squeezing arms of the tong together. The lock can have a latch on one arm and a strike on the other arm. When the arms are squeezed together the strike engages the latch into a locked configuration. From the locked configuration, when the arms are squeezed again, the latch releases the strike.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate generally to surgical instruments, tools, and apparatuses for medical use, including, but not limited to, forceps, tweezers, and pincers, as well as other anatomical tools for surgical and medical uses, and, more specifically, to surgical instruments implementing a coupling member to effectuate multiple pivot axes enhance, for example, effective lengths with which to access an internal surgical site. In some examples, a surgical instrument may include lever members, each of which may include a pivot portion, a force application portion, and a contacting portion. The surgical instrument may also include a coupling member configured to position multiple pivot portions adjacent proximal ends of a first and second lever member to effectuate a closing state at which contacting portions are positioned at a second distance, which is less than the first distance, at distal ends of a first and second lever member.

Abstract: A medical instrument is provided with a first arm extending in a longitudinal direction and having a grip area between a rear end and a front working end. At least two elongated holes are formed in the grip area, which are arranged offset to each other in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A device for laparoscopically approximating edges of a tissue opening toward each other for surgical attachment, the device including a first tissue engaging component, and a second tissue engaging component, a spreader component for moving the first tissue engaging component away from the second tissue engaging component, and a control for moving the first tissue engaging component away from the second tissue engaging component. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: Handheld forceps comprising: a body comprising trunk and a first arm and a second arm extending from a base of the trunk coupled at one end and separated from one another at a second end; a rod disposed in the body, the rod comprising a first end positioned in the first arm and a second end positioned in the second arm and forming an apex in the trunk; a compression spring disposed around the apex of the rod in the trunk; and a button coupled to the apex of the rod and protruding through an opening in the trunk. Also a method of using the handheld forceps.

Abstract: Handheld tweezers having detachable tips interchangeable to optimally perform a variety of functions, personal and commercial. Examples of interchangeable tips may include flat slant tips, rounded tips, and point tip tweezers.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisted buckle release employing a generally C-shaped, V-shaped, or U-shaped assistive device adapted to depress a buckle's release button, such as a button typical of a child car seat restraint harness, and thereby assist in unlocking the buckle.

Abstract: The problem of inserting and removing a rigid gas permeable or hybrid contact lens is solved by the use of a lens manipulator. The lens manipulator includes a handle and an over-sleeve that is optionally attachable to an extraction stem, for creating a suction force to remove a contact lens, and an insertion stem, without suction force for placing a contact lens. Removal of the extraction stem from the over-sleeve eliminates the suction force and acts as a safety release against excessive pull force on an eye when removing a contact lens. A manual-release mechanism can be used to facilitate removal of the extraction stem.

Abstract: A mascara application system includes two brushes on arms or wands. A manufacturing approach is included. Wands are biased together, requiring force to separate brushes to place brushes on opposite sides (surfaces, top and bottom) of an eyelash. Upon release of the force brushes remain in contact with no affirmative force required to keep them together. During application of mascara, a user's fingers remain free to manipulate the position and movement of the brushes by holding, rolling, drawing, or otherwise controlling the handle to which the wands anchor. Brushes may be the same or different sizes, on simple, cantilevered arms or in a crossed (reverse tweezers) configuration. A reservoir of mascara product may receive, and seal by means of engaging, the applicator without relative rotation.

Abstract: A stool sample collection device includes a catchment unit positioned within a toilet bowl and configured to receive a stool sample. The stool sample collection device also includes a homogenization chamber in which the stool sample is homogenized in a homogenizing solution. The homogenization chamber is configured to receive the stool sample from the catchment unit.

Abstract: Tool for handling palatal expanders, including two opposed jaws adapted to clamp at least one body of a palatal expander, a handle, and actuation means adapted to move said jaws between a clamping position on said at least one body and respectively a release position, said jaws being bound elastically to one another and are normally spaced from each other, and said actuation means comprising a slider slidably mounted on the outer surfaces of the jaws, the slider being provided with a part adapted to interact with said outer surfaces so as to compress the jaws by pushing them toward each other when it is made to slide along a first direction and free them when it is made to slide along a second direction, said actuation means being adapted to firmly but reversibly lock the jaws in said clamping position.

Abstract: A surgical clip may include a wire body having first and second free end portions. The surgical clip may also include first and second leg members connected by a hinge portion. The first leg member may include first and second segments of the wire body, the first segment may be spaced from the second segment, and the first and second free end portions may be disposed on a distal end portion of the first leg member. The second leg member may include third and fourth segments of the wire body, the third segment being spaced from the fourth segment. The hinge portion may join proximal end portions of the first and second leg members. The surgical clip may be movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the second leg member is received between the first and second free end portions on the first leg member, and the first and second leg members pivot about the hinge portion to move the surgical clip between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of electrosurgical devices. In one embodiment a removable tip for use with an electrosurgical tool comprises a first tip member and a second tip member, each having a proximal end and a distal end; an actuator for moving the first and second tip members between a closed position where the distal ends of the first and second tip members are proximate one another, and an open position where the distal ends of the first and second tip members are separated by a distance from one another, wherein the actuator includes a first actuating member comprising a portion of the first tip member and a second actuating member comprising a portion of the second tip member; and an insertion member coupled with the proximal ends of the tip members for inserting the removable tip within an opening in the electrosurgical tool.

Abstract: Utensils, including forks, with movable components, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative utensil includes a first tool carried by and movable relative to a first arm portion, a second tool carried by and movable relative to a second arm portion, and a hinge coupling the first and second arm portions. A guide structure is coupled to the first and second arm portions to guide motion of at least one of the first and second tools relative to the other.

Abstract: A guillotine style cutting mechanism that can cut material without a pair of pivoting blades that are externally exposed, does not require a user to open and close two fingers to operate, and can be operated in both the left and right hands (not designed for either hand). The cutting mechanism includes a receiving inlet (trap) for receiving the material, a stationary blade within the trap and a moveable blade that enters the trap when activated by an engagement mechanism. The cutting mechanism may include an outer housing having an open interior, an extension arm extending from the housing to create the trap, a stationary blade within the trap, a movable blade formed on a rod within the housing, and an engagement button that causes the moveable blade to traverse the housing so as to extend into the trap and engage the stationary blade to cut the material.

Abstract: A lid holder has a base portion and a pair of spaced apart arms having a proximal end connected to the base portion and a free distal end extending away from the base portion. The lid holder further has a U-shaped lug at the free distal end of each arm, the lug having a first end and a second end directed toward the base portion, and a leg connected to the second end of each U-shaped lug, the leg protruding in an outward direction away from the arms. The arms are deflectable from a first position to a second position with application of a deflecting force such that at least a portion of the arms is insertable between vertically extending posts of a lid handle. After a deflecting force is removed, the arms revert back toward the first position, thereby engaging the legs with the vertically extending posts of the lid handle.

Abstract: A system for the professional preparation and implementation of eyelash and hair extension application which may include the use of chemically reduced bonding agents such as cyanoacrylate based adhesive, non-adhesive bonding gel, micro-fiber skin protection strips and staging pallets, brushless micro-applicators and tweezers including an affixed UV light source.

Abstract: A medical grasping device is disclosed. The medical grasping device may be configured to retrieve an object from within a body lumen. A medical grasping device assembly, wherein a portion of the medical grasping device is disposed within a lumen of a delivery sheath, and methods of using the medical grasping device assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembled blank may include a blank tip attached to a blank base, e.g., the blank tip may be welded to the blank base. The blank tip may be manufactured by modifying flat stock, e.g., tiers of blank tips may be manufactured by modifying tiers of flat stock. The blank tip may comprise a first forceps jaw, a second forceps jaw, and a blank tip aperture. The assembled blank may be disposed within a hypodermic tube and an actuation structure of a microsurgical instrument.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sample holder (1) for holding a sample, particularly for use with an atomic force microscope.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device kit includes an elongate first member, an elongate second member disposed adjacent to the first member, the second member being at least movably coupled to the first member, a first electrode head removably attachable to the first member, a second electrode head removably attachable to the first member, and a third electrode head coupled to the second member. The first, second, and third electrode heads are configured to apply a current to a tissue, the first and second electrode heads being non-identical.

Abstract: A mitral valve repair system includes a delivery sheath, a mitral valve repair device, and an actuator. The mitral valve repair device is disposed in the delivery sheath in an extended condition. The mitral valve repair device is movable out of the delivery sheath while in the extended condition. The actuator is coupled to the mitral valve repair device, such that retracting the actuator reduces a length of the mitral valve repair device from the extended condition.

Abstract: A holding arrangement for a surgical access assembly is disclosed. One holding arrangement includes a holder member and a support member configured to engage with the holder member. The support member supports an outer sheath of a surgical assembly. The support member is compatible with a magnetic resonance imaging device. Another holding arrangement includes a holder member configured to hold a medical or diagnostic device such as a catheter.

Abstract: A needle shield puller has a deformable tubular body including a proximal end having a proximal opening and a distal end. An opening extends from the proximal opening toward the distal end. The opening is shaped to accommodate a portion of a needle shield. The body has initial and tension states and the opening diameter is greater in the initial state. A cinch is secured to the body at the proximal opening to secure the needle shield puller to the needle shield. The cinch biases the cinch diameter to a relaxed cinch diameter less than the needle shield diameter. A handle at a distal end of the body allows a user to place the body in the tension state. An installation aid comprises an arm releasably engageable with the cinch and the proximal opening to expand the cinch diameter toward a maximum cinch diameter greater than the needle shield diameter.

Abstract: An illuminating tweezers for grasping and manipulating small articles includes a single light emitting diode (LED) and powering battery located in an upper centrally-located barrel end of a monolithic body made of a light transmissive polymer. A beam-splitter lens molded into the body splits a single beam of light emitted by the LED into a pair of beams which are directed into upper ends of a pair of elastically bendable arms that depend downwardly from opposed longitudinal sides of the barrel. The pair of light beams are conducted downwardly through the arms by total internal reflection, and reflected downwardly and inwardly towards an illumination region located between lower ends of the arms by downwardly and inwardly oriented oblique end faces at lower ends of the arms.

Abstract: A lead insertion tool includes a first leg having a first rail element pivotally coupled to the first leg distal end and a second leg having a second rail element pivotally coupled to the second leg distal end. The first rail element and the second rail element are configured to receive a lead. Medical kits and methods of using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A nasal applique and corresponding applicator for placing the applique on the nose of a user. The applique includes a flexible body including a first surface and an opposing second surface with at least one perforation extending from the first surface to the second surface. The first surface includes an adhesive disposed thereon to enable the first surface to be selectively attachable to the nose of the wearer. A metallic element is coupled to the flexible body and is configured to interact with the magnet when the magnet is positioned adjacent the nose of the wearer and the flexible body is attached to the nose of the wearer. The interaction between the metallic element and the magnet imparts a dilating force on the nose of the wearer, which causes the nose of the wearer to dilate.

Abstract: A hair cutting device (10) comprises a first arm (12) having (i) a first arm proximal end (20), (ii) a first arm distal end (22), (iii) a first arm connected section (24), (iv) a first arm diverging section (26), (v) a first arm converging section (28), (vi) a cutting surface (52), and (vii) a first arm width (12W); and an opposed second arm (14) having (i) a second arm proximal end (38), (ii) a second arm distal end (40), (iii) a second arm connected section (42), (iv) a second arm diverging section (44), (v) a second arm converging section (46), (vi) a cutting blade (54), and (vii) a second arm width (14W). The second arm width (14W) is narrower than the first arm width (12W) through a substantial entirety of the second arm converging section (46) and the first arm converging section (28).

Abstract: A tool is provided having at least one handle, at least one tread, a wall, and a tread cover. The at least one handle includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. The at least one tread is disposed at the first surface and the first end and includes at least one peak extending above the first surface and across the at least one handle. The wall extends from the second surface and originates at the first end. The tread cover is disposed over the at least one tread. The at least one tread and the wall define the first end.

Abstract: A device is provided that includes an elongate first member and an elongate second member disposed adjacent to the first member and at least movably coupled to the first member. A first electrode or forceps end is coupled to the first member, and a second electrode or forceps end is coupled to the second member. At least a portion of the electrodes or forceps ends are movable with respect to the members to which they are coupled. In one variation, an electrosurgical device kit is provided that includes removable electrode heads.

Abstract: A garment holding device for washing or drying garments in an organized manner so as to prevent pairs of garment from becoming separated. The garment holding device includes an elongated cable disposed in a loop configuration, wherein the cable includes a first end removably secured to a second end. A plurality of clips are removably secured to the cable, wherein each clip can hold a pair of socks, gloves, or other paired garments for the purpose of keeping the garments together while being washed or dried. Each clip includes an aperture that is able to receive the elongated cable therethrough and a plurality of teeth that prevent the paired garments from becoming removed therefrom while in the washer or dryer. A clip, along with a clean pair of garments thereon, can be removed from the elongated cable in order to store the pair of garments together in a drawer.

Abstract: A feedthrough for a connector system includes an insulator comprising a passage therethrough, a conductor pin located in the passage, and a pressure sleeve located between the insulator and the conductor pin. The pressure sleeve is coupled to the insulator and to the conductor pin, and the conductor pin is movable relative to the insulator under thermal or pressure expansion or contraction.

Abstract: An egg lifting device is provided. Such a device includes a body and a securing arrangement extending from the body. The securing arrangement is configured to engage and deflect about an egg such that the egg is seated within the securing arrangement for lifting thereof. A plurality of egg lifting devices is arranged on an egg removal system such that multiple eggs are capable of being removed from an egg flat. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The embodiments of the Fishing Tool are comprised of a front and rear element secured together at a common pivot point. Each element is comprised of a handle and an arm. In the embodiments each arm is comprised of a tip end that is formed at an angle from the arm and extends outward from the arm. The Fishing Tool is comprised of a radial handle located on each element so that when the handles are squeezed together each element moves oppositely around the common pivot point causing the radial arms and the tips to move apart in opposite arc paths. An integral ratchet, friction, or other mechanism will cause the device to hold or lock its position until the mechanism is released. An internal spring will assist returning the device to its original, neutral position. The embodiments of the Fishing Tool offer fishermen hands-free assistance with fishhook retrieval/removal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for deploying a clip to occlude an anatomical structure including a clip holder assembly that is an interface between the clip and a deployment device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an insertion tool for a spinal cord stimulation electrode. The insertion tool comprises a first leg and a second leg coupled to the first leg. The first and second legs are separable for placement around the electrode and resiliently return to a clamped position. Each of the first and second legs generally defines a respective longitudinal axis. Each of the first and second legs defines a blade portion offset from the respective longitudinal axis for clamping the electrode.

Abstract: There is provided a plant cultivating apparatus for saving space in an early stage of growth of plants, increases an amount of plants cultivated per unit space to achieve higher space efficiency, and which provides an optimum environment corresponding to the growth of the plants. The plant cultivating apparatus comprises a plurality of cultivation tray storage shelves arrayed in a plurality of tiers and a plurality of rows, each of the plurality of cultivation tray storage shelves being able to store a cultivation tray capable of cultivating a plurality of plant stocks, a cultivation tray transferring mechanism for moving the cultivation tray, and a handling mechanism capable of gripping and moving the plurality of plant stocks individually from the cultivation tray.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tweezer for dental and other applications. The tweezer including a main body portion (12, 14) extending in a generally longitudinal direction. The main body portion having a first end (20) and a second end (18). A hinge connector (16) is located between the first end and the second end. A first pair of pincers is located at the first end (20). A second pair of pincers is located at the second end (18). A bias mechanism (22) urges the first pair of pincers (20) into a closed position and urging the second pair of pincers (18) in an open position, whereby the user may apply a force to the tweezers to overcome the bias mechanism (22) and urge the first pair of pincers (20) away from the closed position and the second pair of pincers (18) away from the open position.

Abstract: A mascara application system includes an applicator for mascara and a mascara container. The applicator may include two brushes, and have a reverse tweezers arrangement, by which the brushes may be spaced apart from one another when pressure is applied to a handle portion of the applicator, and the brushes may be positioned adjacent to one another when no pressure is applied to the handle portion. An optional applicator container may hold a handle portion of the applicator, while enabling its actuation to operate the applicator. The mascara container, which holds mascara and is configured to receive the brushes, may include a separate portal for each brush, as well as a squeegee or other element for removing excess mascara from each brush. Methods for applying mascara to lashes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A seafood handling tool is provided that comprises a tong-like configuration with a first arm member and a second arm member in pivotal relationship to one another. The arm members are connected to one another along their proximal ends via a clevis, which extends from the first arm member and supports the second arm member from a pin joint. The clevis offsets the first and second arm member, while the pin joint allows the arm members to pivot relative to one another to accept larger or smaller seafood between the arm members along the distal ends. The distal ends of the arm members include elongated tines that extend from the inner surfaces thereof and towards one another. The tines engage an article of seafood while the user grips the proximal ends of the arm members, thereby separating the seafood from the handler.

Abstract: A contact lens tweezers includes two tips for gripping contact lens; and two thin rods that are extended from the bottom of two tips and connect to legs, which are used for supporting two tips, the two thin rods having high flexibility, bendable and hard to fracture. The two thin rods are bendable to enable the two tips to be more fit with the contact lens when used to remove the contact lens. The tips of this invention are provided with a convex structure to increase the friction area between the tips and contact lens, so that the contact lens gripping operation can be easily performed via the contact lens tweezers. And the bottom surfaces of the two tips and the convex structure of the contact lens tweezers form a curved structure, which prevents the eyes being pierced by the tips when removing the contact lens.

Abstract: A surgical clip is provided having two clip arms and a resiliently flexible element via which the two clip arms are connected to each other. The two clip arms each have a first free end, these first free ends being held parallel to and in contact with each other with a predetermined closing force by the resiliently flexible element when the clip is in a rest position. The clip arms are held at a second end opposite the free end on the resiliently flexible element. The clip arms have between their first and second ends sections configured to cross each other. The clip arms further have stop elements configured to complement each other. The stop elements are adapted to be brought in mutual contact when the clip is transferred from the rest position to an application position in which the free ends are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: The disclosed sensor includes a frame having a base and a plurality of arms integral with the base. The arms are biased to a relaxed position, which may be an extended position. A fuse is fastened between the arms to hold the arms in a non-relaxed position. When incorporated into an aircraft, for example, the disclosed sensor may be connected to a first panel, and a pin connected to a second panel may be positioned between the arms.

Abstract: A utensil manipulating article has a sleeve formed of a pliable material. The sleeve is suitable for receiving the utensil therein. The sleeve is movable between a utensil-receiving position and a utensil-manipulating position. The sleeve has an adhesive material on an outer surface thereof. The adhesive is suitable for attaching to fingers of a user so as to allow the user to move the sleeve between the utensil-receiving position and the utensil-manipulating position. The adhesive material includes a first adhesive strip and second adhesive strip respectively placed on a first side and an opposite side of the sleeve. A liner is removably affixed over the first and second adhesive strips.

Abstract: A tongs device for grasping an insect without injury comprising a pair of biased arms interconnected at their proximal ends and spaced apart at their distal ends and which arms are biased apart and including a plurality of clustered elastic and resilient bristles carried by each of the distal ends and disposed in opposing relationship to each other.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool and method usable to remove debris and/or other retentate from a skimmer basket or a filter associated with a swimming pool, and/or to remove the skimmer well lid and the skimmer basket and/or filter from a skimmer well. The tool comprises two elongate members pivotally connected, each elongate member having a protrusion connected thereto at one end and a handle at the other. Each elongate member can have a scooping element connected thereto. The protrusions can point away from each other and can be adapted to move away from each other in response to the handles being moved towards each other.

Abstract: Tongs for manipulating shish-kebob on a barbeque grill, the tongs having two arms, the two arms being in parallel relationship at an insulated handle end which includes the pivot point at one end, the arms diverging at the opposing end of the handle end, to form two opposing spaced apart arms having kebob engaging ends, each end having an aperture there through, the apertures engaging the ends of the skewer, the tongs then being compressed so that the kebob engaging ends engage the outer food items on the skewer preventing their rotation so that the kebob may be either flipped for even cooking on the opposing side, or removed from the grill for consumption without endangering the fingers of the user.