Abstract: The embodiments described herein can be used in a variety of sample retrieval, grasping, cutting, and manipulating operations. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an elongated member and a retention member movably coupled to the elongated member. The elongated member includes a cutting portion configured to cut a target sample when moved, and defines an internal volume within which at least a portion of the target sample can be received. The retention member includes an engagement portion configured to move between a first position and a second position when the retention member is actuated. The engagement portion is configured to extend within the internal volume to exert a force on the target sample within the internal volume when the engagement portion is in the second position.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical instrument for cataract removal surgery includes a helical coil structure including a wire or elongated structure coiled in a plurality essentially similar diameter coils of 360-degree turns in a corkscrew having a coil diameter sufficiently small to fit within an incision of a human ocular lens capsule for entering the human ocular lens capsule during a cataract removal surgery. A pointed sharp end pierces and grasps a human ocular lens under the control of a surgeon upon being inserted in a human ocular lens capsule within said ocular lens capsule during a cataract removal surgery. The corkscrew structure firmly holds the human ocular lens and controls the position and movement of the human ocular lens during said cataract removal surgery.

Abstract: A multi-function instrument for use in a dermatological biopsy procedure, including a housing having an aperture in a base thereof, the aperture adapted to be placed on a patient's skin at a biopsy site, the housing comprising: an anesthetic-dispensing member, a biopsy sampling member configured for extracting a biopsy sample from the biopsy site, and an extension and retraction mechanism configured to enable the anesthetic-dispensing member and the biopsy sampling member to be held in offset positions relative to the aperture and to be alternately brought into alignment with the aperture for extension therethrough, to sequentially dispense an anesthetic to the selected biopsy site, and extract a biopsy sample from the biopsy site, without necessity for removal of the instrument from contact with the patient's skin.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, signaling polynucleotides (SPNs), detection agents and methods for detecting the presence and/or absence of one or more allergens in a sample particularly a food sample. The detection system includes a separate sampler, at least one disposable detection vessel for receiving and processing a test sample and a detection device for measuring a fluorescent signal. SPNs derived from aptamer that bind allergens are provided as detection agents. SPNs have a single open structure, and are labeled with a fluorophore. Changes in fluorescence polarization of SPNs upon the binding of allergens are measured to calculate the allergen content in a sample.

Abstract: A self-contained, consumer-ready product from a coconut that has a seed-case, a layer of coconut meat inside of the seed-case, and an internal cavity containing sterile coconut water, in a condition that is ready for a consumer to access and remove the sterile water within the coconut, and a method for providing such a product.

Abstract: A sterile cover assembly is for a biopsy device. The biopsy device includes a reusable holster including a housing and driving mechanism. The driving mechanism is for driving a cutter in a needle of a probe. The housing is adapted to releasably couple to the probe. The sterile cover assembly includes a sleeve and a flexible sterile cover. The sleeve is configured to receive at least a portion of the housing of the reusable holster. The sterile cover is coupled to the sleeve and is configured to cover the housing of the holster.

Abstract: A sterile cover assembly is for a biopsy device. The biopsy device includes a reusable holster including a housing and driving mechanism. The driving mechanism is for driving a cutter in a needle of a probe. The housing is adapted to releasably couple to the probe. The sterile cover assembly includes a sleeve and a flexible sterile cover. The sleeve is configured to receive at least a portion of the housing of the reusable holster. The sterile cover is coupled to the sleeve and is configured to cover the housing of the holster.

Abstract: A device for cracking eggs is provided. The device has a generally flat blade portion secured to an arched base portion. The generally flat blade portion is used to cut or crack the egg. The generally flat blade portion is perpendicularly secured to the arched base portion wherein the arched base portion mirrors the arc of the exterior surface of an average egg. A user uses the generally flat blade portion to strike the egg. The arched base portion stops the generally flat blade portion from penetrating the egg past a predetermined point. In some embodiments, a padded attachment or a spring loaded contact surface may be secured to the arched base portion and may prevent the device from over-cutting or cracking the egg. In alternative embodiments, the back of the arched base portion has a loop for securing a finger. Finally, a handle may be secured to the arched base portion to easily grasp the device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a medical device and methods for collecting a tissue sample from a patient's body. The device may include a first tube defining a lumen and an aperture at a distal end of the first tube. A second tube extends within the lumen of the first tube and defines a lumen and slots, where at least some of the slots have sharp edges configured to shear tissue. The second tube is movable relative to the first tube such that the sharp edges cut a plurality of samples from tissue disposed within the aperture.

Abstract: A biopsy trocar (1) is provided for performing bone marrow biopsies. The trocar comprises a biopsy needle (2) having a cannula (4), and a mandrel (3) having a shaft (6), the shaft (6) being suitable for sliding in the biopsy needle (2). The cannula (4) has, at its distal end, at least one internal rib (12, 21) forming a helix portion on the internal wall of the cannula (4), and the shaft (6) has a helical groove (16, 26) that is able to cooperate with the internal rib (12, 21), the internal rib (12, 21) being suitable for retaining a sample of marrow in the needle (2).

Abstract: A biopsy device for acquiring more than one tissue sample is disclosed. The biopsy device can have at least two tissue engaging elements, where at least one element contains a helical feature. A control mechanism can be used to spin an outer element relative to an internal element, resulting in transport of multiple tissue samples from the mass of tissue to an accessible collection chamber. The outer element may have a sharp distal end which may sever the samples from the mass of tissue. Samples may be stored sequentially in the collection chamber and be removed by the operator.

Abstract: A child-safe, hand, fruit corer and slicer includes: handle, a wire member having two ends and a configuration between these ends that is adapted to: (a) provide the outline of: (i) a triangular-shaped structure that has three corners and a base that is situated approximately perpendicular to the handle's centerline, and (ii) a wing-like structure that extends perpendicular to the handle's centerline from each of the corners of the base of the structure, (b) enable the triangular-shaped structure to penetrate a fruit that is to be cored and sliced, and by the at least 180 degree rotation of the handle to core out a core section of the fruit, and (c) enable this wing-like structure to penetrate and slice the fruit into two halves when the handle is moved forward along the handle's centerline.

Abstract: A one piece tool for removing the leaves, stem and core from different sizes and shapes of strawberries. The handle portion is comprised of grooved straight arms connected by a resilient hinge bend for ease of cleaning. The modified composite split funnel head portion with cutters and stopper ears, pierces the fruit and prevents palatable fruit flesh from being extracted.

Abstract: A pepper corer set includes two separate pepper corers, each one of which is configured to remove a different sized core from a different sized pepper. A first pepper corer is configured to remove a stem and facilitate removal of the core from a relatively large variety of pepper such as a bell pepper, while a second pepper corer is sized to remove a stem and facilitate removal of the core from a smaller pepper, such as a jalapeno pepper.

Abstract: A safe and convenient cherry pitting device that includes a freestanding detachable base, a fruit support and pitter passthrough unit and a pitter containment cone. The unit is adapted for vertical mounting on the base. Further, the unit defines axially aligned top and bottom openings and one or more side openings. The pitter containment cone generally has a cone shaped outer surface including one or more walls defining a central cavity with a top closed end and a bottom open end for placement over the unit. The cone also includes a pitter bit that projects vertically downward within the top closed end of the cone in axial alignment with the top and bottom openings of the unit.

Abstract: A stuffing hand tool for inserting food material into pitted or cored produce items such as olives, figs, strawberries, cherries, which includes a body easily gripped with one hand by a user allowing a tube projecting from one end to be pressed into a mass of food material creating a plug of food material retained in the tube which is stuffed into an item when a plunger is advanced by depressing a pusher cylinder extended out from the opposite end of the body.

Abstract: A cherry pitter includes a container having a removable cherry holder with a plurality of cavities for holding cherries. A mating plurality of cutters is secured to the lid of the container, which is pivotally secured to the container. By rotating the lid downward the cutters are pushed into and through the cherries, pushing the pits into the container. A spring-loaded push-off plate holds the cherries down against the holder as the lid rotates upward again, separating the cherries from the cutters. These and other examples of the invention will be described in further detail below.

Abstract: A pepper corer set includes two separate pepper corers, each one of which is configured to remove a different sized core from a different sized pepper. A first pepper corer is configured to remove a stem and facilitate removal of the core from a relatively large variety of pepper such as a bell pepper, while a second pepper corer is sized to remove a stem and facilitate removal of the core from a smaller pepper, such as a jalapeno pepper.

Abstract: A hulling device includes a cap, a pushing member, a spring between the cap and pushing member, and at least one nipper having two nipping members coupled to the pushing member and extending toward the cap. The nipping members are mutually shaped with the cap and slide contiguous respective contact regions of the cap to separate tips of the nipping members upon actuation of the pushing member. The separated tips can be inserted in a food item, such as a strawberry, and twisted and pulled to hull the food item. The user can release the pushing member when the tips are in the food item to improve gripping and severing the hull. The hulling device can also include a main body housing at least a portion of the pushing member, cap, spring, and first and second nippers, the main body being coupled to the cap, the pushing member, or both.

Abstract: A device for trimming an osteochondral plug graft to an implantable configuration includes a blade assembly terminating in a configured leading cutting blade and a plug graft housing comprising a substantially longitudinal holding sleeve having a bore and oriented complementarily to the longitudinal structure of the blade assembly to receive the longitudinal structure within the sleeve bore with the assembly cutting blade in close tolerance along an inner bore surface of the longitudinal housing structure.

Abstract: A safe and convenient cherry pitting device that includes a freestanding detachable base, a fruit support and pitter passthrough unit and a pitter containment cone. The unit is adapted for vertical mounting on the base. Further, the unit defines axially aligned top and bottom openings and one or more side openings. The pitter containment cone generally has a cone shaped outer surface including one or more walls defining a central cavity with a top closed end and a bottom open end for placement over the unit. The cone also includes a pitter bit that projects vertically downward within the top closed end of the cone in axial alignment with the top and bottom openings of the unit.

Abstract: A core remover for creating cavities in edible materials comprising a cylindrical hollow tube or groove having a distal end that is adapted to serve as a cutting edge and a proximal end, one or several core removal blades extending inward from the interior surface of the hollow tube or groove part way across the hollow tube or groove, said core removal blades being joined by an axis to the interior surface of the hollow tube or groove for allowing its turning over against the interior surface of the hollow tube or groove in the direction of the proximal end and method for creating a hole in edible material.

Abstract: A fruit coring system for a fruit such as a coconut having a central cavity therein in which the system consists of a coring assembly and a corkscrew assembly. The coring assembly is a pipe-like segment having a length proportioned to a depth sufficient to reach the central cavity of the fruit, the segment having a serrated first end and an open second end having internal threadings; and lateral hardware attached to and extending from an outer surface of the second end of the pipe-like segment, for facilitating selectable rotation of the pipe-like segment after the corkscrew assembly has positioned the pipe-like assembly upon the fruit to be cored. The corkscrew assembly includes a corkscrew proper; a boss proportioned for threadable engagement with the threaded inner surface of the second end of the pipe-like segment, in which the boss is integral with a second end of the elongate member; and a handle of the corkscrew assembly which is integral to a side of the boss opposite said elongate member.

Abstract: Apparatus and method having a first and second arm jointed on one end by a U-shaped member together forming a set of tongs which can be used to de-seed fruits and vegetables. The arms being biased away from each other an effective amount so as to keep the tips of the arms separated from each other. Each arm formed into the shape of cutting blades being concave shaped throughout their entire length and being sharpened on each side of the blade so that the tip of the arm can be inserted into the fruit or vegetable and then rotated clockwise (right hand) and/or counterclockwise (left hand) in order to de-seed the fruit or vegetable so that the blades cut in either the right or left hand direction.

Abstract: There is provided a culinary utensil comprising a blade provided with a cutting edge on at least one side thereof, said cutting edge is formed of at least one set of taller teeth and one set of shorter teeth, wherein at least two adjacent taller teeth are separated by three to eight shorter teeth on the cutting edge.

Abstract: A fruit or vegetable slicer, particularly suitable for slicing between the edible portion of a watermelon and its rind. The slicer comprises a cutting blade made a thin flexible or bendable food compatible material and having at least one cutting edge; a positioning strip; and a connector mechanism for operably connecting distal ends of the cutting blade and positioning strip to each other and adapted to allow the positioning strip and cutting blade to swivel relative to the connector mechanism.

Abstract: A candle-maintenance tool for carving a substantially arcuate path in candle wax of a surface of a candle. The candle-maintenance tool includes a shaft having a candle-contacting surface at one end thereof and a blade coupled to the shaft near the candle-contacting surface. When the candle-contacting surface is pressed into the surface of the candle, at least a portion of the blade contacts the surface of the candle. When the candle-maintenance tool is rotated in place with the candle-contacting surface pressed into the surface of the candle, the blade carves a substantially arcuate path into the surface of the candle.

Abstract: A puzzle apple slicer which cuts an apple or similar fruit or vegetable portions thereof into wedges by radial blades each having a protrusion forming interfit channels and ridges in adjacent sides of the wedges to interlock the wedges together.

Abstract: A hulling device for removing the stem and leaves on small fruits, such as strawberries, the device having an ergonomic handle and a tubular cutting member, is set forth herein. The cutting member is comprised of a cutting end and is securely attached to the handle at a shoulder which assists in preventing complete coring of the fruit. The tubular cutting member having a length which is less than the length of the handle also facilitates prevention of coring edible fruit flesh from the strawberry.

Abstract: A hulling device for removing the stem and leaves on small fruits, such as strawberries, the device having an ergonomic handle and a tubular cutting member, is set forth herein. The cutting member is comprised of a cutting end and is securely attached to the handle at a shoulder which assists in preventing complete coring of the fruit. The tubular cutting member having a length which is less than the length of the handle also facilitates prevention of coring edible fruit flesh from the strawberry.

Abstract: A specialized utensil including a functional tool disposed on one end of the utensil and a handle disposed on a second end of the utensil, wherein the handle comprises a graphical illustration of the function of the utensil and a item that the functional tool is designed to be used on.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a one piece food corer with a hook design providing an efficient and elegant tool for coring food. The basic design is without attachments or other accoutrements. The user of the corer is able to use one tool for a specific purpose, hollowing out the flesh from a vegetable or fruit.

Abstract: A small hand tool is provided for forming in a fruit or vegetable an exterior surface recess for complementarily receiving a tealight candle. The tool has a hollow cylindrical body centered around an axis and having a sharpened lower end portion, and a handle projecting axially upwardly from the top end of the body. A diametrically extending, laterally twisted cutting blade member is positioned within a lower end portion of the body and has a cutting edge portion lying in a plane transverse to the body axis. To form the candle receiving recess the tool body is pushed and twisted into the fruit or vegetable, until the top end of the tool body is flush with the outer side of the fruit or vegetable, and then pulled outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A stone removing tool for removing a stone from a fruit having an outer flesh portion surrounding the stone, the tool having a head section configured for being gripped by a user and a stem section extending from the head section and having an end opposite the head section configured for penetrating the flesh of the fruit and positively engaging the stone for removal from the fruit in an axial pulling action.

Abstract: A coring tool is designed to first pierce the skin of a fruit and/or vegetable such as a pepper. A second phase blade of the coring tool preferably has a pair of oval blades, each with a sharpened leading edge to core the inside of the pepper. Thus, the two phase tool allows the user to easily cut through the skin of the pepper making a small. Neat hole, and then push the tool further into the center of the pepper, thereby coring the center. A hand held stirrer is shown powering the coring tool.

Abstract: A device for carving into a carrot comprising a handle having a first end and a second end with at least one blade extending from the first end of the handle. The blade is disposed at a right angle to the handle. The blade has at least one sharp cutting edge operatively arranged to carve into the carrot. A ring can be affixed to the second end of the handle. The handle includes a thumb grip proximate the blade.

Abstract: A hand utensil for peeling and pitting a fruit, such as a mango, has a spoon-shaped bowl through which a plurality of elongated generally parallel slots laterally extend in a lower region of the concave surface between the proximal end and the distal end of the bowl. In addition, a series of arcuate ridges project from the concave surface of the bowl, wherein each arcuate ridge has a radius of curvature extending from a center point on a longitudinal axis defined by the bowl.

Abstract: Food Injection Device has an injection tube member and integral handle, and a piston holding stand. The tube member is rigid and has a thin wall structure capable of piercing and penetrating a variety of food items and retaining the food items for future deposit into a second food item. The piston is positioned within the piston holding stand in such a way that the injection tube can fit over the piston and be retained by the piston holding stand so that when the tube handle is pushed down, the tube moves down the stationary piston and the food item within the tube is prevented from moving by the piston and is therefore left within the second food item. A preferred embodiment includes a variety of shaped injection tubes such as heart shaped, star shaped, and circular shaped.

Abstract: A variable-speed coring tool kit for coring vegetables and fruits is provided which includes a decorative stand for charging and removably storing a decorative handle of a coring tool until needed for use. The tool handle and stand together form a decorative display. The tool handle is hollow and has an exterior surface constructed to resemble an oblong vegetable. The handle houses an implement locking mechanism, a three-speed D.C. motor and a rechargeable battery for powering the motor. The stand includes a compartment for receiving a battery charger and a retractable reel of electric cord. Cavities are formed in the stand for receiving the coring tool handle and various coring implements to be used with the coring tool.

Abstract: A variable-speed coring tool kit for coring vegetables and fruits is provided which includes a decorative stand for charging and removably storing a decorative handle of a coring tool until needed for use. The tool handle and stand together form a decorative display. The tool handle is hollow and has an exterior surface constructed to resemble an oblong vegetable. The handle houses an implement locking mechanism, a three-speed D.C. motor and a rechargeable battery for powering the motor. The stand includes a compartment for receiving a battery charger and a retractable reel of electric cord. Cavities are formed in the stand for receiving the coring tool handle and various coring implements to be used with the coring tool.

Abstract: A fruit coring device comprising a right circular tubular member having an interior defining a longitudinal axis and having first and second ends, the first end being fast with a handle and the second end defining a circular cutting edge, and a flat blade having a length disposed diametrically transverse of the member, a width extending along the axis, from a straight cutting edge, of the flat blade, disposed adjacent the circular cutting edge, and extending normal to the axis, diametrically across the interior of the member.

Abstract: A fruit coring device including a handle and a tubular member having first and second ends. The tubular member defines a longitudinal axis and has an interior region. One end of the circular tubular member is integral or fast with the handle and the second end defines a member cutting edge. The fruit coring device includes a blade with a cutting edge supported within the circular interior of the circular tubular member substantially normal to the member cutting edge.

Abstract: A manual tool for removing the rind from a piece of fruit, the tool having an ovoid, whole fruit-shaped handle, a radially extending, arcuate blade and a radially extending finger rest located intermediate the handle and blade. The finger rest includes oppositely disposed, concave sides to fit the contours a user's fingers, and can be used by both left and right-handed users.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating cavities in edible material includes a cylindrical hollow tube having a distal end that is adapted to serve as a cutting edge and a core removal blade extending inward from the cutting edge part way across the tube.

Abstract: An implement for holding and/or coring vegetables and fruits, during the preparation of the vegetables and fruits, includes a shaft for impaling a vegetable or fruit while the vegetable or fruit is peeled, sliced, etc., and a handle for holding the implement and coring a vegetable or fruit. The shaft has an external surface with projecting ribs along the length of the shaft for retaining an impaled vegetable or fruit on the shaft while the vegetable or fruit is being prepared and preferably, is made of a polymeric material to help keep cutting instruments from being dulled by contact with the shaft during use. The handle has projections on either side of the shaft for penetrating a vegetable or fruit to keep the vegetable or fruit from rotating when being held on the shaft and a pair of diametrically opposed blades, for coring a vegetable or fruit, which are spaced from each other to define a space therebetween for containing a core when the handle is being used to core a vegetable or fruit.