Abstract: An earring aligner system includes an earring aligner, which has a front arm and a back arm, as well as a hinge that rotationally connects a first end of the front arm to the back arm. A second front segment of the front arm includes an earring support with a post receiver void that is sized to detachably hold a post of an earring therein. A second back segment of the back arm includes at least three prongs that are spaced to support an earring back therebetween. The hinge is operable to change a hinge angle from a larger angle between the front arm and back arm during earring mounting on the earring aligner to a smaller angle during alignment of the earring post with the earring back after the earring post is inserted through a hole in an earlobe of a user.

Abstract: An ear-piercing device of a gun shape that can pierce an ear lobe quickly with less pain. The ear-piercing device includes a frame, a handle, and a plunger unit coupled to the frame. The plunger unit includes a plunger and a compression spring. A cartridge can interchangeably be coupled to the frame, wherein the cartridge includes a piercing member that can be driven by the plunger and protrudes from the housing into a compression module. The housing and compression module can clamp the ear lobe, and the piercing member can make a hole in the ear lobe. The compression module can include a cutter to snip off the portion of the piercing member inserted into the compression module. The piercing member includes a sleeve part and a needle part. The needle part makes the hole and the needle part and portion of the sleeve get snip off, while a portion of the sleeve is retained in the ear lobe.

Abstract: A gun-shaped ear piercer, comprising a front portion (1) and a rear portion (2) which are sleeved and can move relatively. A track (7), having a front slot (7a) for mounting a stud base mounting portion (9) disposed on one end thereof away from the rear portion (2), as well as a fixed portion (11) for mounting a stud mounting portion (10) disposed thereon in a sliding manner, is disposed on the front portion (1). A firing device corresponding to the fixed portion (11) is disposed on the rear portion (2). The front portion (1) comprises a grip having an unlocking trigger (6) disposed on a front side thereof, an elastic reset device as well as an aiming stroke restrainer are disposed between the front portion (1) and the rear portion (2), the aiming stroke restrainer is used to restrain the firing device from moving to an aimed position.

Abstract: Methods for apparatuses and systems for ornamental piercing of body parts are disclosed comprising a main housing having a thumb grip section along a rear surface, a post holder including separate portions held together slidably engaged within a post holder track within the main housing such that the separate portions support a post while held together within the post holder track and fall away to release the post after exiting the post holder track, and a jaw slidably engaged with the main housing with a jaw track. The jaw track is parallel to the post holder track and the jaw supports a backing platform for piercing with the post as the jaw and main housing are moved together along the jaw track. The jaw includes a finger grip section disposed below and opposite the backing platform and opposite the thumb grip section of the main housing.

Abstract: This disclosure enables various piercing techniques, earrings therefor, and methods of manufacture and use thereof. In particular, these technologies can preclude a bystander from readily comprehending how an earring is attached to an ear of a wearer when the bystander views the ear of the wearer frontally straight-on. This preclusion occurs by providing a floating effect for the earring based on where the ear is pierced and how the earring is structured.

Abstract: An animal tag applicator comprising: first and second jaws for engaging an animal tag therebetween wherein the second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw for mounting said animal tag on the animal; a movable lever coupled to the second jaw, the lever being arranged such that at least a first movement of the lever results in a resilient bias being applied to the second jaw for rectilinear movement of the second jaw towards the first jaw; a stop member positioned relative to the second jaw member for maintaining the second jaw member in an intermediate spaced apart position relative to the first jaw to prevent biased movement of the second jaw towards the first jaw when the lever is in the actuated position; a trigger member coupled with the stop member such that movement of the trigger member into a triggered position effects biased rectilinear movement of the second jaw towards the first jaw when the lever is in the actuated position.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for ornamental piercing of body parts are disclosed comprising a body piercing cartridge for use with a reusable body piercing instrument. The body piercing cartridge includes a feature for engaging a matching feature of the instrument coupled to the finger grip section of the of the instrument. The engaging feature of the jaw is disposed back from an end of the jaw such that the end of the jaw extends beyond a forward extension of the body piercing instrument to achieve an overhanging jaw. The overhanging jaw reduces the likelihood of contact by the body piercing instrument with the body which accordingly reduces the likelihood of infection. The overhanging jaw is particularly useful for making piercings without a clutch such as in a nostril.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for ornamental piercing of body parts are disclosed comprising a main housing having a thumb grip section along a rear surface, a post holder including separate portions held together slidably engaged within a post holder track within the main housing such that the separate portions support a post while held together within the post holder track and fall away to release the post after exiting the post holder track, and a jaw slidably engaged with the main housing with a jaw track. The jaw track is parallel to the post holder track and the jaw supports a backing platform for piercing with the post as the jaw and main housing are moved together along the jaw track. The jaw includes a finger grip section disposed below and opposite the backing platform and opposite the thumb grip section of the main housing.

Abstract: A nose clip includes an outer support member adapted to contact an outside surface of a nose; a bridge connected at a first end to the outer support member; and an inner support member connected to a second end of the bridge and adapted to be inserted into the nostril and to contact an inner surface of the nostril. When inserted, tension generated between the outer support member and the inner support member causes lateral movement of a surface within the nostril and opens a nasal airway. Additionally, the inner support can be curved to create an outward movement of the lateral wall of the nose. This in turn enables improved breathing. The nose clip may be made of a malleable material. The inner support member may include extensions that are malleable. The inner support members may be bent so that they create a convex contour of an interior surface of the nasal cavity.

Abstract: A pierced earring may also be used to decorate an end cap of a bangle or bracelet in which the end cap has an aperture through which the post of the earring is slid with the end cap holding the pierced earring decorative head in place thereby providing an additional environment in which the pierced earring may serve a decorative purpose.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for ornamental piercing of body parts are disclosed. Various embodiments of the invention employ a nut carrier which includes a vertical engagement feature and molded spring fingers to couple to a body piercing instrument. The vertical engagement feature prevents rotation of the nut carrier relative to the body piercing instrument and the molded spring fingers provide a secure engagement over a rounded flange of the body piercing instrument. The nut carrier is implemented as a component in a body piercing system that employs separate carriers for the nut and the post. The novel nut carrier simplifies manufacturing eliminating a welded two part flange previously employed in the body piercing instrument.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for ornamental piercing of body parts are disclosed. Various embodiments of the invention employ a post carrier which includes a cylindrical recess at a first end for holding an ornament of a post for piercing. A wall of the cylindrical recess of the post carrier further includes at least one wall recess for engaging a point on the ornament of the post. The at least one wall recess may include a spring finger extending from a side of the at least one wall recess applying a cantilever force to the point on the ornament engaged in the at least one wall recess for holding the post. The post carrier provides more consistent holding force of the post across typical manufacturing tolerance ranges to provide both secure engagement of the post for handling and piercing and later disengagement without discomfort to the user.

Abstract: A system (1) for piercing and positioning a piece of body jewelry or ear jewelry (100) in a skin portion is provided. The system includes a pinching and sighting device having first and second gripping members (10a, 10b) which are adapted to grip a skin portion between them. The gripping members (10a, 10b) include an aiming member (11) to allow alignment of the pinching and sighting device relative to at least the position of the desired entry hole for piercing. Furthermore the pinching and sighting device includes a portion (12a) for arranging and aligning a cartridge (3). The cartridge has a pressing member (31) which is adapted to press at least one piercing member (101) arranged in the cartridge out of an opening (26) formed in the cartridge. A system and a method of preparation before piercing and positioning a piece of body jewelry or ear jewelry are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for ornamental piercing of body parts are disclosed. Various embodiments of the invention employ a nut carrier which includes a vertical engagement feature and molded spring fingers to couple to a body piercing instrument. The vertical engagement feature prevents rotation of the nut carrier relative to the body piercing instrument and the molded spring fingers provide a secure engagement over a rounded flange of the body piercing instrument. The nut carrier is implemented as a component in a body piercing system that employs separate carriers for the nut and the post. The novel nut carrier simplifies manufacturing eliminating a welded two part flange previously employed in the body piercing instrument.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for ornamental piercing of body parts are disclosed. Various embodiments of the invention employ a nut carrier which includes a vertical engagement feature and molded spring fingers to couple to a body piercing instrument. The vertical engagement feature prevents rotation of the nut carrier relative to the body piercing instrument and the molded spring fingers provide a secure engagement over a rounded flange of the body piercing instrument. The nut carrier is implemented as a component in a body piercing system that employs separate carriers for the nut and the post. The novel nut carrier simplifies manufacturing eliminating a welded two part flange previously employed in the body piercing instrument.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic gemstones for use in contact with human tissue, compositions, devices and systems comprising such gemstones, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for a ornamental piercing of body parts are disclosed. Various embodiments of the invention employ a coupling needle in a cartridge which is used to pierce a body part and subsequently detached and replaced with a nut (such as a spherical cap). The coupling needle in the cartridge may be implemented as a component in a piercing system, e.g. using a sterile, disposable cartridge that is operated with a piercing gun. After piercing, the coupling needle may be used to draw a coupled ornamental piece through the pierced hole after which the coupling needle is detached and a nut or spherical cap is attached in its place to complete the piercing. The ornamental piece may be coupled to the coupling needle within the cartridge and operated with the piercing system or it may be attached after piercing.

Abstract: An ear piercing socket for use in piercing an ear includes a socket body having a generally tubular configuration sandwiched between an open body bottom and a closed body top. The socket body includes an interior surface defining an interior area, the open body bottom being in communication with said open body bottom. The interior area includes a configuration complementary to a configuration of an ear ring shaft so as to selectively and removably receive an ear ring shaft therein. The socket body top includes a pointed end extending away from the socket body, the socket body top being configured to puncture through a person's ear. The socket body top also includes a configuration to nest in the open end of an ear ring back. In some embodiments, the socket body may include an exterior surface having structures for releasing a medicament onto a person's ear.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for piercing and positioning a piece of body jewelry with a bent bar in a skin portion. The device comprises an inner boundary surface which defines a cavity for holding a bent bar, the bar being movable out of the cavity to the surroundings through an opening defined by the boundary surface. The device also has a cam which is formed in the boundary surface and along which the bar is movable for such guiding of the bar that, during each incremental step of pressing-out, the bar has a cross-section exiting the opening, seen perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bar, which cross-section somewhere along a distance between the opening and an exit hole intended for piercing is perpendicular to an aiming line for piercing.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for ornamental piercing of body parts are disclosed. Various embodiments of the invention employ a nut carrier which includes a vertical engagement feature and molded spring fingers to couple to a body piercing instrument. The vertical engagement feature prevents rotation of the nut carrier relative to the body piercing instrument and the molded spring fingers provide a secure engagement over a rounded flange of the body piercing instrument. The nut carrier is implemented as a component in a body piercing system that employs separate carriers for the nut and the post. The novel nut carrier simplifies manufacturing eliminating a welded two part flange previously employed in the body piercing instrument.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for a ornamental piercing of body parts are disclosed. An exemplary a piercing instrument includes a post carrier disposed to translate in a first channel within the body piercing instrument, a nut carrier disposed to translate in second channel within the body piercing instrument in opposition to translation of the post carrier and a synchronizing mechanism between the post carrier and the nut carrier to coordinate opposing motion relative to the body piercing instrument of both the post carrier and the nut carrier simultaneously. The synchronizing mechanism can be a gear, where the post and nut carriers include racks that engage the gear. The body piercing instrument can be hand-operated and also include a stabilizing surface to support the body part to be pierced during operation.

Abstract: A disposable, threaded, multi-component body jewelry instrument provides safe and reliable extraction and insertion of body jewelry and stretching of a piercing site. Body jewelry can be inserted and extracted from either end of the piercing site. A piercing site can be stretched from either end of the piercing site. Body jewelry with female and male attachable ends can be accommodated. In an example configuration, the multi-component body jewelry instrument comprises a first component having a female threaded portion, a second component having dual male threaded portions, and a third component having a female threaded portion. Another example embodiment comprises a kit containing the multi-component body jewelry instrument.

Abstract: A system (1) for piercing and positioning a piece of body jewelry or ear jewelry (100) in a skin portion is provided. The system includes a pinching and sighting device having first and second gripping members (10a, 10b) which are adapted to grip a skin portion between them. The gripping members (10a, 10b) include an aiming member (11) to allow alignment of the pinching and sighting device relative to at least the position of the desired entry hole for piercing. Furthermore the pinching and sighting device includes a portion (12a) for arranging and aligning a cartridge (3). The cartridge has a pressing member (31) which is adapted to press at least one piercing member (101) arranged in the cartridge out of an opening (26) formed in the cartridge. A system and a method of preparation before piercing and positioning a piece of body jewelry or ear jewelry are also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for piercing and positioning a piece of body jewelry with a bent bar in a skin portion. The device comprises an inner boundary surface which defines a cavity for holding a bent bar, the bar being movable out of the cavity to the surroundings through an opening defined by the boundary surface. The device also has a cam which is formed in the boundary surface and along which the bar is movable for such guiding of the bar that, during each incremental step of pressing-out, the bar has a cross-section exiting the opening, seen perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bar, which cross-section somewhere along a distance between the opening and an exit hole intended for piercing is perpendicular to an aiming line for piercing.

Abstract: A cartridge for piercing in a body part for positioning a piece of body jewelry comprises a bar and a locking mechanism. The cartridge comprises two sections which are articulated to each other along a pivot and which are movable between a closed state and an open state by being pivoted on said pivot, and a locking member for locking the sections in their closed state. In their closed state, the sections define a space for receiving said piece of body jewelry, an opening and a guiding surface. The bar of the piece of body jewelry is arranged to be pushed out of the opening while the bar is being guided by said opening and while the locking means of the piece of body jewelry is being guided by said guiding surface. In their open state, the sections allow the piece of body jewelry to be released from the cartridge after completed positioning.

Abstract: An implantable device for use in an externally-accessible pierced opening in a mammalian body is disclosed. The implantable device has an elongated member adapted for insertion into the opening. A bioabsorbable material is provided on at least a portion of the elongated member and a pharmaceutical agent is carried by the bioabsorbable material for eluting into the mammalian body when the elongated member is disposed in the opening. An apparatus for use with a supply of bioabsorbable material to prepare an implantable device for use in an externally-accessible pierced opening in a mammalian body and a method of delivering a medicament to an externally-accessible pierced opening in a mammalian body are also disclosed. A kit including a container having a bioabsorbable material and medicament for applying to the implantable device prior to insertion into the externally-accessible pierced opening is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ear piercing device in one embodiment includes a butt shaped housing, a movable jaw carrier including a spring biased grip member projecting from the housing, and a leg projecting upward from a front end, a spring biased trigger, a spring biased slide bar lockingly engaged with the trigger, a first jaw releasably secured to a front end of the housing, a second jaw releasably secured to the leg, and a sterile needle mounted in a front opening of the housing. Positioning the jaws at both sides of the ear, pressing the grip member to cause the jaws to clamp the ear, and pressing down the trigger will unlock the slide bar to strike the needle so that the needle forcefully moves forward along the opening and the first jaw to insert through the ear into the second jaw. Thereafter, the jaws are adapted to dispose.

Abstract: A sampling device (10) characterised by a male portion comprising a male base portion (12) and a sample removal means (30), and a female portion comprising a first female base portion (14) and a sample container (16), the sample removal means (30) being removably located on the male base portion (12) and the sample container (16) being removably located at least in part within the first female base portion (14), wherein as the male and female portions are brought together the sample removal means (30) collects a biological sample (47) from an animal being tagged, is received through the first female base portion (14), and lodges in the sample container (16), this action in turn introducing the sample to a sample receiving space (74) within the sample container (16), pushing the sample container (16) from the first female base portion, and sealing the sample receiving space (74), the sample removal means (30) being provided with an amount of sample preparative or preservative (45) that is available to the samp

Abstract: A system for providing safe, effective ear-piercing is provided. A hinged hoop earring is provided for use in a stud gun system. The hinged hoop earring can be used in an earring cartridge which fits in a cradle of a stud gun for piercing. A vertically stackable packing box maintains a sterile environment in which the earring cartridge with a hinged hoop earring may be transported and stored. The stud gun can be loaded and unloaded using the packing box in such a way that the operator need not touch the cartridge during either loading or unloading.

Abstract: A system for providing safe, effective ear-piercing is provided. The invention provides a safe earring nut for use in a stud gun system. The safe earring nut includes a shield that forms an intervening surface between a stud post and the wearer. The safe earring nut can be used in an earring cartridge which fits in a cradle of a stud gun for piercing. A vertically stackable packing box maintains a sterile environment in which the earring cartridge with a hinged hoop earring may be transported and stored. The stud gun can be loaded and unloaded using the packing box in such a way that the operator need not touch the cartridge during either loading or unloading.

Abstract: A system for providing safe, effective ear-piercing is provided. The invention provides a hinged hoop earring for use in a stud gun system. The hinged hoop earring can be used in an earring cartridge which fits in a cradle of a stud gun for piercing. A vertically stackable packing box maintains a sterile environment in which the earring cartridge with a hinged hoop earring may be transported and stored. The stud gun can be loaded and unloaded using the packing box in such a way that the operator need not touch the cartridge during either loading or unloading.

Abstract: A system for providing safe, effective ear-piercing is provided. The invention provides an earring cartridge carrying a stud having a post in a stud post holder assembly and a nut in slidably aligned, spaced apart, and oppositely opposed placement so that an ear part may be placed between the post and the nut for piercing wherein a torque-like force is produced on the stud post holder assembly causing the assembly to rotatably open when the earring cartridge is compressed to bring the stud towards the nut for engaging the post with the nut. The earring cartridge of the invention is adaptable for use with traditional style ear-piercing studs or with the novel hinged hoop earrings of the present invention. Also provided is a novel nut with a backing shield that prevents the nut from sliding down along the stud post. A vertically stackable packing box maintains a sterile environment in which an earring cartridge with an ear-piercing earring stud may be transported and stored.

Abstract: A healing grommet and system for facilitating the healing of a piercing via use of a healing grommet. According to a preferred embodiment, the grommet is comprised of an elongate sleeve positionable within a piercing formed through tissue. The lumen is operative to releasably engage an item of jewelry, and in particular an earring, therein to thus enable jewelry to be replaced while the healing grommet facilitates healing for the piercing.

Abstract: A system for providing pierced-ear instruments. The invention provides an earring cartridge carrying a stud having a post in a stud post holder assembly and a nut in slidably aligned, spaced apart, and oppositely opposed placement so that an ear part may be placed between the post and the nut for piercing wherein a torque-like force is produced on the stud post holder assembly causing the assembly to rotatably open when the earring cartridge is compressed to bring the stud towards the nut for engaging the post with the nut. The rotatable opening of the stud post holder assembly facilitates the disengagement of the assembly from the earring stud after the stud has connected to the nut, eliminating the need to touch the ears of the customer to confirm the stud-nut connection or to remove the assembly after the ear piercing is completed. A vertically stackable packing box maintains a sterile environment in which an earring cartridge with a pierced-ear earring stud may be transported and stored.

Abstract: A kit for an ear piercing cartridge includes a container having preferably a plurality of chambers or cells therein, in each of which is disposed a retaining assembly adapted to releasably receive an ear piercing cartridge. A portion of the retaining assembly is removable so that an ear piercing cartridge having different dimensions can be removably mounted in the same cell. The cassette has double sidewall construction to protect the cells which are hermetically sealed with a material sheet displaceable to access a particular one of the cells.

Abstract: A system for providing safe, effective ear-piercing is provided. The invention provides an earring cartridge carrying a stud having a post in a stud post holder assembly and a nut in slidably aligned, spaced apart, and oppositely opposed placement so that an ear part may be placed between the post and the nut for piercing wherein a torque-like force is produced on the stud post holder assembly causing the assembly to rotatably open when the earring cartridge is compressed to bring the stud towards the nut for engaging the post with the nut. The earring cartridge of the invention is adaptable for use with traditional style ear-piercing studs or with the novel hinged hoop earrings of the present invention. Also provided is a novel nut with a backing shield that prevents the nut from sliding down along the stud post. A vertically stackable packing box maintains a sterile environment in which an earring cartridge with an ear-piercing earring stud may be transported and stored.

Abstract: A body decoration system (26) for the application of decorative sections (1) by piercing the body on artificial openings of the body, preferably, including a body-piercing section (19) that is inserted into the artificial body opening so that one end of the body-piercing section (19) protrudes out on either side of the body opening. In addition, the body decoration system includes a fastening section (24) that has a larger diameter than the body-piercing section (19) such that when these two parts are joined to each other it is not possible for the body-piercing section (19) to be pulled out or slip out in one direction. In addition the body decoration system includes a head section (9) for fastening a decorative section (1). The head section (9) also attaches to the body-piercing section (19).

Abstract: An improved ear piercing system having a healing grommet with a cannula member detachably mounted thereon. In such embodiment the grommet may be formed of a flexible bio-compatible material such silicone and may be formed to have self anchoring properties. The grommet is formed with a collar or flange member at the proximal end allowing the grommet to be easily grasped and rotated intermittently as is critical to healing. The grommet allows individuals to change jewelry namely earrings or hoops immediately following piercing, and throughout the extended healing process.

Abstract: Improved earring alignment piercing systems. In a first embodiment, the invention comprises first and second cartridges axially alignable with one another that may be deployed utilizing conventional deployment mechanisms. In the first cartridge, there is housed therein a compression disk, guidance member, piercing earring having a piercing pin formed thereon, and an alignment member arranged in a generally linear configuration. The second cartridge houses a clasp that, in use, receives and secures the piercing pin as the latter is advanced through said tissue and into the clasp. The guidance member and alignment member cooperate to insure that the piercing pin forms a generally straight pathway as the same is penetrated through tissue. In a second embodiment, there is provided a piercing earring having an elongate shaft portion with a cannula member detachably mounted thereon.

Abstract: A disposable ear piercing device includes a first disposable cartridge containing an earring head of a stud or straight post configuration. An inner slidable capsule and a slidable spacer within the capsule hold the decorative earring head and post within the cartridge. A second clutch cartridge spaced from the slidable capsule holds a closed end clutch. A spring biased plunger controlled by a trigger release actuates the slidable spacer and capsule within the first cartridge to project the earring head through the earlobe in an open saddle area. The clutch at the opposing saddle area receives and engages the earring stud or post. Release mechanisms on the capsule and clutch cartridge permit removal of the earlobe with the earring away from the instrument.

Abstract: A clutch for a piercing earring having a piercing pin comprising a head portion having an internal end wall; a piercing pin positioning structure within the head portion for receiving and positioning a piercing pin having a piercing end point within the head portion; the piercing pin being stopped from further travel when the piercing end point contacts the internal end wall; and the head portion preventing the piercing pin from contacting a user when received within the head portion.

Abstract: An ear piercing template apparatus provides a body defining at least one aperture therethrough. The body is adapted to be positioned against an ear to be pierced and allow the piercing stud to pass through the aligned aperture while the ear piercing device abuts the body. The body, which is substantially rigid, maintains the relative angle between the ear and the ear piercing device and ensures that the resulting hole is aligned properly. The ear piercing template apparatus is then used to align the pierced hole on the opposite ear. To facilitate this alignment, the body is transparent and includes indicia thereon, such as aperture labels, angle markings, and measurement markings. A support member holds the body on the ear making use of the ear piercing template apparatus easier and increasing repeatability. A system provides a plurality of the ear piercing template apparatuses, each having a different size.

Abstract: A disposable Ear Piercing device consists of an outer cartridge which is inserted into the piercing instrument. The outer cartridge contains a slideable inner capsule retaining an earring with a slideable spacer therein. By applying force to the instrument handle, an internal driving rod advances the inner capsule and slideable spacer forward, forcing the earring post through the ear and into a closed bottom retaining clutch. At such time, the earring is released from the inner capsule by spring arms which are integral with the spacer, opening hinged doors or door on the inner capsule, clearing the outer cartridge and allowing the earring and clutch to be released from the capsule onto the ear. The design of such inner capsule and spacer allows unsymmetrical decorative heads of varying thickness to be utilized.

Abstract: The ear piercing apparatus comprises a clutch assembly that is slidably attached to apparatus to ensure that an attachment position of a clutch on the piercing pin is adjusted to the thickness of the ear. The position of the clutch assembly may be locked prior to ejecting the piercing pin into the clutch. The ear piercing apparatus includes an ear piercing pin having an enlarged head portion. The enlarged portion is tailored to the shape of the inside of an openable holder device so that the head portion is firmly held within the holder device during the piercing of an ear. The front portion of the holder device is opened by a chamfered edge disposed on a clutch assembly. A pair of jaw members of the holder device may engage the chamfered edge to open the jaw members.

Abstract: Embodiments of a fingernail or toenail drilling instrument are described for relieving the pressure of an injured appendage beneath the finger- or toenail. The drilling instrument has a shaft with a sharp, pointed tip and preferably has a generally concave surface, that may be part of an interior hollow surface near the tip point or that may be a concave outer surface near the tip point, making the shaft an effective piercing and drilling instrument. The invented drill may include a holder covered by a removable case, and the case may be adapted to snap onto the holder as an extension for use as a handle. Preferably, the case exterior surface has texture or protrusions for creating a gripping surface for improving accuracy and preventing the drill from slipping the user's fingers. This drilling instrument can be available without a prescription because it conceivably is not usable or adaptable to be a fluid-injection shaft.

Abstract: Objective of this InventionThe present invention provides a stud that is used to pierce an earlobe and that eliminates the need for a needle-like tip or a fixture such as a clasp following piercing.Description of Claspless stud for piercingA lock 12 that is larger than the diameter of the shaft 11 is formed at one end of the shaft 11. A sharp end piece 13 that is penetrated into the earlobe to form a through hole therein is formed at the tip of the lock 12 so that it can be detached from the shaft 11.

Abstract: A surgical instrument (10) includes a handle (12), a rigid stem section (20) extending from the handle, and a flexible stem section (24) extending from the rigid stem section. A surgical tool (30) connected with a distal end of the flexible stem section (24) includes a movable part (34). The flexible stem section (24) comprises a plurality of relatively pivotable vertebrae (120-129) extending along the flexible stem section and an extension spring (150) extending axially through the plurality of vertebrae for transmitting axial load between the surgical tool (30) and the rigid stem section (20). An actuator cable (180) extends through the extension spring (150) and is connected with the movable tool part (34) for applying force to the movable tool part to move the movable tool part relative to the flexible stem section (24). The extension spring (150) carries the axial load on the flexible stem section (24).

Abstract: 050448547 The ear piercing apparatus comprises a clutch assembly that is slidably attached to apparatus to ensure that an attachment position of a clutch on the piercing pin is adjusted to the thickness of the ear. The position of the clutch assembly may be locked prior to ejecting the piercing pin into the clutch.The ear piercing apparatus includes an ear piercing pin having an enlarged head portion. The enlarged portion is tailored to the shape of the inside of an openable holder device so that the head portion is firmly held within the holder device during the piercing of an ear. The front portion of the holder device is opened by a chamfered edge disposed on a clutch assembly. A pair of jaw members of the holder device may engage the chamfered edge to open the jaw members.

Abstract: The universal cartridge provides sterile conditions by which ears may be pierced by a variety of different stud gun types and models thereby decreasing the inventory which a merchant must maintain. A chassis slideably holds a carriage inside a cover that may be sealed for sterilization and to maintain sterile conditions. The carriage is especially constructed to have interlocking pieces that disengage upon completion of the ear piercing process. The chassis may be constructed such that the interlocking nature of the carriage is employed to both hold and release the pierced earring stud. The cover serves to provide means by which the cartridge and chassis may be manipulated without direct handling and also to provide means by which a removable seal may be used to provide and maintain sterile conditions.

Abstract: An ear piercing assembly includes a disposable cartridge assembly including a first and second ear piercing earring and an ear piercing earring retaining sub-assembly for releaseably supporting the ear piercing earring therein. A clutch retaining sub-assembly is integrally formed with the ear piercing earring retaining sub-assembly and releaseably supports a first and second clutch therein. An ear piercing instrument is adapted to receive the cartridge assembly and includes a plunger assembly for ejecting an ear piercing earring from the ear piercing earring retaining sub-assembly and is displaceable for selectively moving between a first position for ejecting the first ear piercing earring from the ear piercing earring retaining sub-assembly and a second position for ejecting the second ear piercing earring from the ear piercing earring retaining sub-assembly.