Abstract: The present invention relates to a diamond tipped indenting tool for marking the surface of metal parts. The indenting tool comprises a shank having a tip end and a diamond affixed to the tip end by a braze material. The braze material preferably comprises a braze alloy which wets both the diamond and the material forming the shank. The diamond forms the point of the tool and is preferably a high quality single crystal diamond.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle shield in the form of a thin sheet metal stamping for temporarily covering the front opening of a utility receptacle. The receptacle has free front edges that define a front profile having an inner perimeter. The shield has an outer peripheral section in an anterior plane, an inner section in a posterior plane, and an intermediate section that slopes between the inner section and the peripheral section. The peripheral and intermediate sections have a plurality of gaps with a plurality of catches extend outwardly through the gaps. The catches extend outwardly to the inner perimeter of the front edges. The shield is pressed into the receptacle opening, held in position by the catches, and pried out when no longer needed.

Abstract: A punch for making holes in sheet stock is disclosed having three main components, a frame, a lever arm, and a plunger. The frame defines a tool head with a handle extending therefrom. The tool head defines a lower jaw and an upper jaw. The upper jaw is spaced apart from the lower jaw to define a first slot opening into the tool head from the first lateral side between the upper jaw and the lower jaw. The stock to be punched can be received and positioned by the slot. A plunger is mounted in the lower jaw for sliding movement toward the upper jaw. A lever arm extends into the tool head and actuates the plunger around a pivot point in the tool head upon being urged toward the handle.

Abstract: A hole cutting device comprises a spike for driving through a sheet of material; at least one handle located on the spike at an end opposite to that of the tip of the spike; a first cutting member located on the spike and substantially adjacent the handle, a cutting edge of the first cutting member to be positioned substantially adjacent a first side of the sheet of material; a second cutting member located on the spike and joined with the first cutting member, a cutting edge of the second cutting member to be positioned substantially adjacent a second side of the sheet of material; and the handle moving the first cutting member toward the second cutting member to cut a hole in the sheet of material by the cutting edges.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool for use by firefighters and emergency personnel. The tool including a spanner wrench claw for turning firefighting hose connections, a wrench slot for turning natural gas valves, a glass-breaking spike, an open slot cutter for cutting seat belts and the like, and a foldable handle having an end shaped to be used as a pry bar. The tool may also be a spring-loaded glass breaker with a safety shield and another tool such as a seat belt cutter.

Abstract: A hole-forming device includes a base member having a hole-forming projection facing a bottom of a can. The hole-forming projection is formed on an upper surface of the base member. The base member is slidable upward to the upper part of a case by pushing a pressing member. The hole-forming projection is normally held in the case for safety.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for converting standard catheters or balloon catheters into drug infusion devices on an as-needed basis in a sterile environment, and which permit re-use of catheter devices previously used in a preceding non-invasive procedure. Apparatus is provided having a cavity for receiving a catheter device and a plurality of perforation pins or teeth for creating apertures in the catheter. Apparatus capable of converting a wide range of catheter devices into drug infusion devices is provided, which apparatus may be single-use disposable or re-sterilizable and re-usable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for opening containers and reducing waste from containers are described. The apparatus includes an opener device and a puncture device. The opener device facilitates the removal of a lid from a container without damaging the lid or the containers. The puncture device is capable of creating one or more holes in the container channel of the container to allow liquid trapped in the container channel to drain back into the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for perforating a cigarette comprises a torus-shaped body having an aperture therethrough and a pair of spring-loaded reciprocating pins disposed within respective bores oriented in linearly opposing relationship along a common diameter of the aperture. The reciprocating pins are pointed at their inward ends and are held in retracted positions with their respective bores until an external pressure, applied by the user's fingers, for example, is exerted on the distal ends of the reciprocating pins, causing them to move inward toward each other and to pierce the outer covering of a cigarette inserted within the aperture. The reciprocating pins may be operated together to simultaneously perforate opposite sides of the cigarette which is inserted within the aperture of the cigarette perforator.

Abstract: Tools and methods for releasing air entrapped between sheeting material and a substrate around a rivet are disclosed. The tools include movable pins biased outwardly by a resilient member. As a result, the pins can retract when encountering a discontinuity on an otherwise planar surface, such as a rivet, while still allowing for perforation of the sheeting around the rivet.

Abstract: An electric-cable-grounding piercer has a piercer blade (1) with a trunk end attached to a double-acting hydraulic piston (2) in a double-acting hydraulic cylinder (3) from which a blade housing (4) is extended from a blade end. An insertion-pressure tube (7) is positional in fluid communication intermediate an insertion-pressure end of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder and a pump-outlet conveyance (36) from a hydraulic pump (9). A withdrawal-pressure tube (10) is positional in fluid communication intermediate a withdrawal-pressure end of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder and the outlet conveyance from the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump has a control valve (35) for directing pressurized hydraulic fluid to the insertion-pressure end and to the withdrawal-pressure end of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder selectively.

Abstract: An apparatus provides drain passages in an annular channel in the lip of a metal container for fluids. A metal or plastic support is shaped as an annular ring. Each punch of a plurality of metal punches has a corresponding base and point. The base of each punch is integrally connected to a front face of the support such that each point projects perpendicularly to the front face and in a common direction parallel to an axis of the annular ring. The punches are spaced so that each point can be aligned simultaneously with the annular channel of the metal can. The rear face of the support comprises a surface for driving the punches through the annular channel and creating fluid drain passages in the channel. The support can comprise a spoke-configuration having spokes extending from a hub. The base of each punch is integrally connected to extend from a corresponding spoke.

Abstract: An emergency window-breaking tool is carried in a quick-release rigid, tubular carrying case. A pivoting locking mechanism or “safety” incorporated into the end of the carrying case secures the window-breaking tool in the carrying case when not in use, permitting the window-breaking tool and carrying case to be worn on the person without risk of injury. When the window-breaking tool is needed, the locking mechanism is moved to an open position, permitting the window-breaking tool to be quickly withdrawn from the carrying case. The tip of the tool comprises a reciprocating punch that is pressed against the glass. Inward movement of the punch activates a compressing spring driving mechanism for a hammer inside the tool. Upon sufficient compression of the driving mechanism, the hammer is tripped, imparting a sharp blow to the punch, causing the punch to shatter the glass.

Abstract: A surgical knife which provides improved multi-sided incisions and is preferably allows for a substantially cruciate, or cross-shaped incision. The surgical knife includes a handle and a multi-bladed portion located at one end of the handle. The handle is sized and configured to maximize grip and surgical manipulation thereof. The multi-bladed portion is formed from a primary blade and a secondary blade. The primary blade is configured with two exemplary primary blade members. The primary blade members are formed with sharpened edges which combined to form a sharpened distal point of the primary blade. The secondary blade is formed with sharpened edges and cooperates with the primary blade. The coupling of the primary blade and the secondary blade is such that the distal end of the secondary blade is located at a distance from the sharpened distal point of the primary blade.

Abstract: A drilling jig has a pyramidal tip, a cylindrical portion, and a proximal end. The pyramidal tip is formed like a polygonal pyramid and each pyramidal face is provided with a concave. The cylindrical portion connecting with the pyramidal tip is formed like a prism and the proximal end is made of a flat plate functioning as a stopper. The drilling jig makes it possible to efficiently recover sodium from a spent NaS cell without greatly damaging the structure of the cell.

Abstract: A technique of attaching a thermally conductive metal plate or sheet to a flat surface of wood holders in a process of fabricating modular unit radiation panels for mounting in a floor or a wall of a room of a building heated by a hydronic heating system that pumps hot water through tubing that is held by said modular units for RFH or RWH, respectively, wherein the modular unit is an assembly of the thermally conductive metal plate or sheet having length, width and thickness and the wood holders are two fiat wood boards evenly spaced apart to provide a slot in which said tubing is inserted and held against said metal plate or sheet, using a tool having a base and a point so configured that, the tool point thrust into the modular unit through the metal plate or sheet into the holder makes a hole in the holder and cuts a tab of the metal from the sheet that is embedded into the hole, the free end of the tab being wider than the end thereof attached to the metal plate or sheet and the free end of the tab being w

Abstract: The air vent has a body with a central axis, a top end, a bottom end, a flat surface on the top end and a flat surface on the bottom end. A gripping surface extends from the top flat surface to a stop surface that is transverse to the axis. The small diameter end of an upper conical surface joins the stop surface. A large diameter end of a lower conical surface joins the large diameter end of the upper conical surface. A cutting edge formed by the flat bottom surface and the lower conical surface pierces a container when the air vent is forced into the container. The lower conical surface expands the opening made by the cutting edge. The stop surface limits penetration and the upper conical surface urges the container wall toward the stop surface. An air vent passage through the top flat surface and the bottom flat surface lets air into the container. A cap closes the air vent passage. The air vent is removed from an empty container for use in another container.

Abstract: A portable, hydraulic prying machine is disclosed for use, for example, in prying open the doors of apartment buildings or of motor vehicles by rescue members in the event of an emergency. A motor and pump assembly, comprising an electric motor and a hydraulic pump driven thereby, is coupled to a pry assembly solely through the medium of a flexible conduit for delivery of a fluid under pressure from the pump to a hydraulic cylinder included in the pry assembly. The hydraulic cylinder on extension causes a pair of prying jaws to spread apart for forcing open the door. Being practically separate from the rest of the machine, the pry assembly is easier of handling. Additional embodiments are disclosed in which the pry assembly is replaced by other tool assemblies for other operations.

Abstract: A hole puncher is provided including a central sleeve. At least three legs are pivotally coupled to the central sleeve and adapted to extend radially therefrom. Finally, a punch is situated within the central sleeve for punching a hole in a center of a circle.

Abstract: A surgical awl is provided for orthopaedic applications that include creating or enlarging holes in bone. The awl has a shaft and a cutting tip that has a working end and an opposite attachment end, which mechanically locks in place into a recess formed in the end of the shaft opposite the handle. A release mechanism is provided to allow the user to selectively disengage the cutting tip from the shaft. The awl has a hole-retention sleeve which surrounds at least part of the awl shaft and the awl tip and could be configured to surround the entire shaft and tip. The retention sleeve has a forward cutting edge. A protective sleeve may be used in place of the retention sleeve to protect the manual awl tip release mechanism from being accidentally activated to release the awl tip.

Abstract: An aortic knife which provides multi-sided incisions within an aorta for effectuating improved aortotomies. The aortic knife includes a handle and multiple blades radiating from the handle. The handle is sized and configured to maximize grip and surgical manipulation thereof. The multiple blades radiate outwardly and proximally from a distal sharpened point. A substantially cruciate, or cross-shaped, incision results from four sharpened blades extending from the distal sharpened point. Alternatively, the multi-bladed configuration of the aortic knife may comprise three, five, or six or more blades. The blades form equal angles in radiation outwardly and proximally from the distal sharpened point. The method of the invention requires obtaining an appropriately sized aortic knife which is stabbed into a portion of an aorta. An anvil of an aortic punch is then inserted into the incision in the aorta without the stretching necessitated by the conventional single linear incision.

Abstract: A method and tool for joining a first metal structure, such as a sheet metal stud and a second metal structure, such as a sheet metal runner is disclosed. The tool includes a first clamp and a second clamp for moving with respect to each other to clamp the sheet metal therebetween. A linearly reciprocating punch being retrieved by a spring bias punches through the sheet metal to form a tongue for joining the sheets together. Angular relationships between the punching direction and the sheet metal are disclosed as well as a movable, yet lockable, inter-relationship between the clamping mechanism and the punching mechanism to allow a single stroke punching and clamping action.

Abstract: A device for making a hole in an ink cartridge used in an ink jet printer comprising a main frame body to be mounted on the cartridge in a positionally immovable fashion by a combination of a cantilever type pressing member and a groove that respectively engage a recess and a flange of the cartridge. The main frame body has a screw with a pointed end so that when the screw is rotated the pointed end advances and penetrates into the cartridge, thus forming a hole in the cartridge so that ink can be refilled into the cartridge through the thus opened hole.

Abstract: A method of disabling a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of, firstly, providing an apparatus for disabling a motor vehicle which includes a plinth-like base small enough to fit in the palm of a person's hand. The base has a first substantially planar surface and a second substantially planar surface. At least one spike receiving aperture is provided in the first planar surface. At least one hollow tubular spike is removably secured in the at least one spike receiving aperture. The spike protrudes from the first planar surface at an angle of between 55 and 90 degrees. Secondly, positioning the plinth-like base under a tire of a motor vehicle with the at least one spike pointing toward the tire, such that upon the tire rolling over the plinth-like base, the at least one hollow tubular spike is transferred from the base to the tire, puncturing the tire and thereby serving as a conduit for the gradual escape of air to deflate the tire.

Abstract: A novel safety trocar assembly includes a cannula having a cannula housing with a cannula sleeve and an obturator assembly which includes (i) an obturator housing, (ii) an obturator sleeve connected to the obturator housing, (iii) an elongated obturator portion at least partially disposed within the obturator sleeve and having a penetrating distal tip for penetrating tissue, and (iv) a protective guard coaxially mounted about the penetrating tip. The obturator portion is longitudinally moveable between a disarmed position wherein the penetrating tip is contained within the cannula sleeve and an armed position wherein the penetrating tip at least partially extends beyond the distal end of the cannula sleeve. The protective guard of the obturator assembly is moveable relative to the penetrating tip between an extended position enclosing the penetrating tip and a retracted position exposing the penetrating tip for penetrating action.

Abstract: A wall covering removal system for removing material from a surface comprising a scarifying apparatus for scarifying a material, having a handle, a scarifying assembly coupled to a first end, and a first scraper blade coupled to a second end, and a liquid dispensing and cleaning apparatus for wetting the scarified material, including a dispensing device coupled in liquid communication with a reservoir for dispensing liquid through a spray nozzle, a cleaning device coupled to the dispensing device, including a support member coupled to the dispensing device and positioned so as to avoid hindering a liquid sprayed from the nozzle of the dispensing device and a cleaning member coupled to the support member so as to extend forwardly of the dispensing device.

Abstract: An emergency escape apparatus for use in a car includes an elongated body and a mounting seat for receiving the elongated body. The elongated body has a head portion and a handle portion which is connected integrally to the head portion. The elongated body further has a channel which extends toward and which is communicated with the exterior of the elongated body. A rigid striking member is fixed to the head portion and has a tapered end which extends out of the head portion. A needle member is received slidably in the channel of the elongated body and has a sharp end which is extendible from and retractable into the elongated body.

Abstract: A rivet fastening apparatus and method for joining two pieces by forming a rivet from the material of the pieces. First and second dies are used and the second die is moved into the first die to form a punched out hole and circumferentially spaced tabs in the pieces. The position of the dies are reversed relative to the pieces and the second die is advanced into the first die a second time so that a portion of the second die gives a radially outward direction to the tabs and another portion of the second die flattens the tabs against one another and against an outer face of one of the pieces to form a rivet head. One second die is shaped to form a round hole and four tabs and another second die forms a triangular hole with three tabs. Another embodiment has a punch rod in the first die that forms a smaller hole that is enlarged by a second die with a center through hole that receives the punch rod.

Abstract: A tool designed primarily to be used in conjunction with paint cans to not only open the lid of a paint can but also to puncture the rim groove of the paint can forming openings that permit any paint that accumulates in the rim groove to flow back within the paint can. The tool is formed into an elongated housing that has a back end adapted to be struck by a hammer and a front end formed into a plurality of sharply pointed ends. The sharply pointed ends are deflected slightly from the remaining portion of the front end which facilitates usage of the tool to open the lid of the paint can. The front end also is to include a conventional bottle opener.

Abstract: A dome shaped tool is provided for use with a standard one gallon and one quart adapted to be positioned over the sealing ring groove in the paint can. This tool includes 4 equally spaced guide/puncture tips which are attached to the underside an inside of the dome and extended downward.

Abstract: A ripping tool, particularly for the paper-hanging trade, to rip existing water-resistant wall-paper before removal of same. The ripping tool is characterized by a spiked roller which is split in two to form at a spiked roller pair which can be rolled over the surface of the existing wall-paper. The elements of the spiked roller pair are forcibly and oppositely displaced, along a common axial direction during the rolling process.

Abstract: A new and improved handle for a center punch comprised of a hollow tubular handle portion having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate extent therebetween. The intermediate extent has a foam padded handle theresecured. Included in the device is a hollow tubular shaft portion having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate extent therebetween. The first end is integral with the second end of the tubular handle portion. The second end is adapted to slidably receive a center punch therein. A shield portion is secured around the second end of the tubular handle portion. The shield is positioned outwardly of the foam padded handle. The shield portion has a diameter about three times greater than the tubular handle portion including the foam padded handle. The shield portion serves to protect a user's hand from the glass broken by a center punch.

Abstract: A safety trocar is provided in which the cannula is reciprocally mounted to the cannula housing and reciprocates into the cannula housing when a proximally directed force is applied thereto. The piercing tip is maintained in the exposed position by a latching mechanism associated with the obturator shaft, and is automatically withdrawn into the cannula under the force of a spring when the proximal force is removed from the cannula, the cannula thus advancing distally and releasing the latching mechanism. Penetration force is maintained at a minimum, and safe and efficacious trocar entry is facilitated.

Abstract: A hammer driven double cut shear device (10) for punching and cutting sheet metal in a precision fashion; wherein the device (10) includes a handle unit (11) having a punching blade (33) projecting outwardly from one side of the handle unit (11) a cutting blade (32) depending downwardly from the handle unit (11) and a hammer impact surface (25) projecting outwardly from the opposite side of the handle unit (11).

Abstract: A "trim-easy" wall paper trimmer (10) which is light weight, hand-held and comprising of four rechargeable d.c. battery cells (15) contained in a battery chamber (12) and supplying power to a 4.8 volt electric motor (24) which drives a reciprocating action for two spring-loaded cutting rode (29, 30) of some 8000 strokes each minute. The "trim-easy" wall paper trimmer (10) cuts through wall paper coverings in situ and with ease. No scissors or knives are required to shape round switches, sockets, covings or any other wall appurtences. The "trim-easy" trimmer (10) is press-button operated by a conveniently placed finger switch (14) and includes a 2.1 mm standard power charging socket with a LED signal lamp (19) to indicate correct charging procedures. The "trim-easy" trimmer (10) is conveniently and easily held in one hand to direct the cutting rods (29, 30) at a correct angle to ensure paper can be cut cleanly, without tearing and in a fraction of the time it takes to do so by knife or scissors. The 4.

Abstract: A line-piercing valve assembly comprising first and second clamp housings, adapted to releasably clamp onto a line or section of tubing, a piercing pin insertable within the internal bore of a projection formed on one of the clamp housing, and, a separate one-way valve which mounts within the projection after removal of the piercing pin and can itself be removed and replaced in the event of damage or malfunction.

Abstract: An awl member having an elongate shank includes a shank first end spaced from a shank second end, the shank second end having a handle fixedly mounted thereto coaxially aligned with the shank, with the shank first end including an internally threaded bore threadedly receiving and engaging an insert, with the insert including a polymeric lock projection extending through an externally threaded portion of said insert.

Abstract: For safely opening drums that may contain hazardous materials, a remotely controllable drum opener attachment is provided, which is powered by air or electricity from a distance by means of a long power cord. The attachment is clamped in position on the drum by an appropriate frame.

Abstract: A martial arts throwing and hand-held weapon that has a generally oblong frame that includes parallel opposite side members, a rear bar that connects rearward ends of the side members, and a pair of oblique front members that converge from forward ends of the side members to an apex from which extends forwardly a pointed weapon tip.

Abstract: A device for punching holes in artificial fingernails comprising a piston-cylinder unit having a cylinder wall with an aperture in it extending across the whole of the cylinder. The aperture is banana-shaped in cross-section and wider than the internal diameter of the cylinder with the convex side of the aperture facing the piston. The pointed end of the piston has a sharp knife-edge. The hole punch is operated by holding it between the thumb and index and middle fingers and pressing, causing the pointed end of the piston to travel past the curved cylinder-wall aperture in which the artificial fingernail to be perforated has been placed.

Abstract: A safety trocar is provided in which the cutting tip is withdrawn into the cannula in response to counterforce being removed from the cutting tip, e.g., by the tip entering a body cavity. The cutting tip is maintained in the exposed positioned by a mechanism associated with the obturator shaft, and is automatically withdrawn into the cannula under the force of a spring when the first mechanism is released by a second mechanism associated with the obturator. Penetration force is maintained at a minimum and safe and efficacious trocar entry is facilitated.

Abstract: A safety trocar is provided in which the cannula is reciprocally mounted to the cannula housing and reciprocates into the cannula housing when a proximally directed force is applied thereto. The piercing tip is maintained in the exposed position by a latching mechanism associated with the obturator shaft, and is automatically withdrawn into the cannula under the force of a spring when the proximal force is removed from the cannula, the cannula thus advancing distally and releasing the latching mechanism. Penetration force is maintained at a minimum, and safe and efficacious trocar entry is facilitated.

Abstract: A trocar system comprises a trocar housing, a pointed stylet arranged so that the pointed tip can be selectively extended outwardly (distally) from the trocar housing, a return spring in the trocar housing for retracting the stylet into the housing and a piston and piston latch system disposed within the trocar housing for restraining the stylet from retracting. The piston includes a cam element for de-latching the piston from its latched position to allow the return spring to retract the piston into the housing. The stylet engages the piston in a slot to permit limited longitudinal movement of the stylet into the housing. A distally-biased element which carries an engaging pin and is forced to move proximally by the tissue resistance experienced as the trocar is forced to puncture a body cavity wall, automatically moves to its original distal location after the tip of the trocar has completely passed through the wall.

Abstract: A handheld punch tool assembly having individual removable punch segments formed of a high strength material capable of being struck repeatedly by a striking instrument, each of the individual punch segments including a substantially flat punch surface on one end thereof structured to engage in abutting relation with a substantially flat corresponding surface to be punched. Each of the individual punch segments have a different transverse dimension than a remainder of the punch segments so as to effectively vary the size of the punch surface. The individual punch segments are removably attachable to one another to form an elongate, multi-punch segment body of variable length. A plurality of various size collar members are each individually structured to be removably fitted about a corresponding one of the punch segments so as to effectively increase the transverse dimension and accordingly, the size of the punch surface of that particular punch segment.

Abstract: A pry type hand tool for making drain holes in the bottom wall of a lid receiving channel on the top rim of a paint can. The tool has a handle portion and a bifurcated end where the two legs are offset laterally and longitudinally. One leg has an inwardly turned end, directed toward the other leg, forming a shallow channel and the other leg has a sharpened tip and knife like cutting edge.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the method and apparatus for locating utility structures behind construction panels. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is realized in the form of a locator element comprising a body portion, an attachment portion, a puncture portion, and an engaging portion. The body portion has a longitudinal extent with first and second end portions. The attachment portion is provided to the first end portion for attaching to the utility structure, whereas the puncture portion provides to the second end portion for puncturing through the construction panel. The engaging portion on the other hand, is provided for engaging with a tool for removably detaching the locator element from the utility structure.

Abstract: A device for starting a cutting wire through a material to be cut by the wire includes an elongated starter tube having an opening extending through its entire length. An insertion facilitating arrangement is formed at an insertion end of the elongated starter tube and a force receiving surface is positioned at the end of the starter tube opposite the insertion end. A handle is preferably connected to the starter tube at the end opposite the insertion end and the force receiving surface is preferably formed on the handle. By applying a sufficient force to the force receiving surface the insertion end of the elongated starter tube may pierce the material to be cut and be driven completely through the material to the opposite side. Once the starter tube traverses the material to be cut, one end of the thin and flexible cutting wire may be inserted through the tube opening until it too traverses the material to be cut.

Abstract: The present invention concerns apparatus for locating utility structures behind construction panels. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is realized in the form of a locator element comprising a body portion, an attachment portion, a puncture portion, and an engaging portion having a knurled or textured surface. The body portion has a longitudinal extent with first and second end portions. The attachment portion is provided to the first end portion for attaching to the utility structure, whereas the puncture portion provides to the second end portion for puncturing through the construction panel. The engaging portion on the other hand, is provided for engaging with a tool for removably detaching the locator element from the utility structure.

Abstract: A safety trocar is provided in which the cutting tip is withdrawn into the cannula in response to counterforce being removed from the cutting tip, e.g., by the tip entering a body cavity. The cutting tip is maintained in the exposed positioned by a mechanism associated with the oburator shaft, and is automatically withdrawn into the cannula under the force of a spring when the first mechanism is released by a second mechanism associated with the oburator. Penetration force is maintained at a minimum and safe and efficacious trocar entry is facilitated.