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US3532088A - Speculum instrument - Google PatentsSpeculum instrument Download PDF
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- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/32—Devices for opening or enlarging the visual field, e.g. of a tube of the body
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/06—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
- A61B1/0661—Endoscope light sources
- A61B1/0669—Endoscope light sources at proximal end of an endoscope
United States Patent [72] Inventor [21] App1.No.
22 Filed [45] Patented [73] Assignee John M. Flore Troy, New York Feb. 23, 1966 Oct. 6, 1970 Bio-Analytical Laboratories, Inc., Troy, N.Y., a corporation of New York [54] SPECULUM INSTRUMENT 13 Claims, 8 Drawing Figs.
[52] 11.8. C1 128/18 [51] lnLCl A61b1/06 [50] Field ofSearch 128/6-22, 69(Cursory), 398
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 430,350 6/1890 McCully 128/17 471,990 3/1892 Daily 128/18 949,236 2/1910 Kaplan et al. 128/18 2,649,087 8/1953 Allyn et a1. 128/6 2,672,859 3/1954 Jones 128/17 2,690,745 10/1954 Govan 128/15 2,797,684 7/1957 Moore 128/9 3,349,764 10/1967 Edinger et al 128/16 2,235,979 3/1941 Brown 128/6 2,240,402 4/1941 Joroslow l28/6X 2,247,258 6/1941 Shepard l28/6X 2,843,112 7/1958 Miller 128/6 2,885,537 5/1959 Wood l l28/6X 3,417,746 12/1968 Moore et al. 128/6 FOREIGN PATENTS 540,806 10/1941 Great Britain 128/6 612,116 11/1948 Great Britain.... 128/11 1,118,877 3/1956 France 128/15 Primary ExaminerRichard A. Gaudet Assistant Examiner-Kyle L. Howell Attorney.lames J. Lichiello ABSTRACT: A vaginal speculum instrument comprises a semi-permanent handle light unit, and] a pair of separate interchangeable and disposable duckbills which are releasably secured to a spaced pair of adjustable support platforms on the handle light unit. The duckbills include a light transmitting section for transmitting light to the area being examined.
Patented Oct. 6, .1970
Sheet [i7 /e nfiar' John Fibre His fltfiorney SPECULUM INSTRUMENT This invention relates to a speculum instrument and, more particularly, to an improved speculum instrument having a permanent or reuseable handle portion and inserting or speculum portions ofa rejectible and/or disposable nature.
Speculum instruments are broadly classified as appliances for opening to view a passage or cavity of the body, and are instruments of extensive use in medical practice for diagnostic and routine examinations, and treatment. More notable kinds of speculums are referred to as Bozemans speculum, i.e. a bivalve speculum, Cuscos speculum, i.e. a form of vaginal speculum wherein the blades are expanded by a screw mechanism, Sim's speculum, i.e. a form of duckbilled vaginal speculum, and others such as Fergussons, Grubers and Stop. Additional kinds of speculum instruments may include proctoscopes, anoscopes, sigmoidoscopes, larynscopes, etc. Speculum instruments such as the vaginal speculum and nasal speculum are inserted into and distend the appropriate body cavity by the rocking action of, or separation of, duckbills or blades to facilitate medical diagnosis as well as treatment. The body contacting or speculum portions of these instruments are of a reuseable and permanent nature and accordingly are usually integral with or semi-permanently attached to the remainder of the instrument.
The use of a vaginal speculum instrument, for example, for medical examination or treatment brings body contacting blade, valve, or speculum portions in direct contact with vaginal surfaces, and consequently the speculum portion may become contaminated with a variety of infectious and harmful bacteria. For this reason a vaginal speculum instrument is required to be carefully cleaned and sterilized prior to each vaginoscopy. Otherwise there is a prevalent danger of transmitting harmful bacteria from one person to another, whether from patient to patient or through the medical practitioner as an intermediary. Therefore, a medical practitioner must have a number of these rather expensive instruments on hand, or examinations must be scheduled in predetermined spaced apart relationship to provide necessary time for the sterilization procedure.
Coupled with the fact that much time and effort is expended in proper cleaning and sterilization of a vaginal speculum instrument, at least the speculum portion of the instrument is usually of metal which is quite cold to the touch and causes discomfiture to the person being examined. Metal speculums have also been known to injure delicate tissue in the insertion procedure.
Furthermore, lighting means for vaginal speculums usually requires an electrical conductor passing to the speculum and carrying relatively high voltages, as much as about 1 volts. This requisite always exposes either the practitioner or the subject to burns from the lamp employed or electrical shock, a quite hazardous occurrence.
Other speculum devices as mentioned include the foregoing disadvantages in varying degrees, the vaginal speculum, however, being a salient or foremost example.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved speculum instrument.
It is another object of this invention to provide a speculum instrument including a handle unit adapted to have any one of a family of rejectible blades or speculums releaseably secured thereto.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a speculum instrument including a semi-permanent or reuseable handle portion adapted to have any one of a family of single use disposable blades or speculums releaseably secured thereto such as those speculums of the aforementioned medical instruments.
It is another object of this invention to provide an improved vaginal speculum instrument having separable and rejectible blade portions.
It is another object of this invention to provide an improved vaginal speculum instrument having separable and rejectible blade portions with interchangeable blades.
It is another object of this invention to provide an improved vaginal speculum instrument having rejectible and single use disposable blade portions.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved vaginal speculum instrument having single use auto matically ejectible plastic blade portions.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a vaginal speculum instrument of the foregoing objects having a low voltage electrical energy cell incorporated therewith to provide power for a light source in the instrument.
It is still another object of this invention to provide a handle assembly including a recharageable battery therein and automatically releaseable speculums connected thereto.
This invention will be better understood when taken in connection with the following description. and the drawings in which:
FIG. I is an isometric view of a vaginal speculum in accordance with one preferred embodiment of this invention in the hand of a medical practitioner;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional and side elevation view of the invention of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a top and cross-sectional view of the lower platform taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2',
FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the electrical circuit of this invention;
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the switching means in the electrical circuit of this invention;
FIG. 6 is a top cross-sectional view of the upper platform of this invention illustrating the tilting adjusting mechanism;
FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the adjusting mechanism of FIG. 6; and
FIG. 8 is an anoscope modification of this invention.
Briefly described, this invention in one of its preferred forms, as applying to a vaginal speculum instrument, includes a permanent or reuseable handle unit with a pair of interchangeable single use disposable blades or duckbills releaseably secured thereto. The handle unit includes appropriate controls to adjust mechanical separation as well as tilting of the blades. A battery cell in the handle unit provides a source of power for illumination means in the form of a light beam issuing longitudinally of the blades. Blade biased releaseable securing means is actuated by a control on the handle to eject the blades therefrom after use.
Referring to FIGS. I and 2 there is illustrated one preferred form of this invention as a vaginal speculum instrument 10 in the hand of a medical practitioner. Speculum 10 includes two major parts or units, one part being a handle unit 11 of a permanent or reuseable nature and the other part being rejectible blades 12 and 13 which are releaseably secured to the handle unit 11.
The handle unit 11 includes a handle portion 14 preferably of a hollow cylindrical or hand formed, i .e. pistol grip configuration. Adjustably retained within handle portion 14 is a frame assembly 15 adapted for vertical elevation as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 2. A pair of support means such as platforms 16 and 17 are attached to the handle unit 11, one platform 16 being fixed to the upper end 18 of handle portion 14 while a further or opposite platform 17 is adjustably secured to frame assembly 15.
Frame assembly 15 may conveniently be of a length of a metal arm, channel, rod, etc. formed into a loop 19 whose plane is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle unit 11. More particularly the hollow handle portion 14 may be provided with a kerf-like slot or section 20 extending from and defined by a chord or diameter etc. in the upper end 18 of handle unit 11 axially into handle portion 14. The kerf section 20 defines a track or guide for the vertical adjustment of frame assembly 15 as shown in FIG. 2. The ends 21 and 22 of loop 19 are joined to upper platform 17 by means of a shaft and bearing arrangement 23 which permits partial rotation or arcuate adjustment of platform 17 thereabout.
Means are provided to vertically, adjustably, position loop 19 in handle portion 14 for variations of the spaced apart distance between platforms 16 and 17. In one form of this invention, lateral laternal arm 24 of the loop 19 which extends through handle portion 14 has affixed thereto a friction locking device 25 which permits locked adjustment of arm 24, to handle portion 14, and consequently loop 19 at various positions along the length of kerf 20. Friction device 25 comprises a first block or friction member 26 suitably secured to arm 24 and bearing against the inner wall of handle portion 14. Directly opposite block 26 and bearing on the outside wall of handle portion 14 is a second block or friction member 27. Blocks 26 and 27 are engaged by screw means 28 which passes freely through block 27 and through a vertical slot 29, in handle portion 14, but threadedly engages block 26. Screw means 28 includes a suitably shaped thumb engaging handle 28' which bears rotatably against block 27. Consequently, rotation of handle 28' in one direction draws blocks 26 and 27 close together to tightly engage the intermediate wall portion of handle portion 14 therebetween and fixedly adjust the elevated position of loop 19. Rotation of handle 28 in the opposite direction removes the friction forces sufficiently so that the operator may slide friction locking device 25 along the slot 29 to a desired position. Friction device 25 is one means for adjustably positioning loop 19 at different positions of elevation. A number of other friction adjusting means as well as more positive devices as suitable cam, gearing and ratchet arrangements may also be employed in this invention. By the same token, loop 19 may also take the form of a single arm member as a C-member or other semi-loop configuration having appropriate adjusting means at one end in association with handle portion 14, and having platform 17 rotatably attached thereto at the other end, It is preferred on the basis of ease of treatment and vision not to have any portion of the loop 19 along the longitudinal axis of the handle portion 14 or blades 12 and 13, as this may be in the direct viewing line of the examiner or medical practitioner. Alternatively, however, loop 19 itself may be made adjustable to vary the size of its defined opening, as well as maximum separation of the platforms l6 and 17.
One of the most important features of this invention is a combination of single use disposable, non-reuseable blades 12 and 13, and a permanent or reuseable handle unit 14. Since the blades 12 and 13 are usually the only portion of the instrument to come in contact with internal tissue, they are the only parts which need particular cleansing and sterilization. The readily economical disposability of blades 12 and 13 obviates sterilization as well as potential transfer of harmful bacteria. The disposability and ejectibility, etc. of these blades 12 and 13 are more clearly described in connection with the appended drawings, particularly FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.
ln FIGS. land 2, blade elements 12 and 13 are illustrated as elements separable from handle unit 11, and as referred to herein, are otherwise known as duckbills, valves, etc. These blades are similar in construction and, therefore, interchangeable with each other on each platform 16 and 17. This interchangeable feature provides for the manufacture of only one kind of blade While it is not necessary that the blades be of a single use disposable kind, a preferred form of the invention includes the single use disposable blade which is discarded or otherwise rendered non-reuseable after a single use, to obviate cleansing and sterilization procedures and to prevent transmittal of harmful bacteria. The blades may, however, be of a reuseable nature, and thus the practitioner may have a number of blades available for use and only one handle unit. Only the blades will require careful sterilization as the handle unit will not ordinarily require the kind of sterilization necessary for the blades because it does not usually contact the subject.
A number of materials may be employed for the blade elements or speculums including both metals and non-metals. Because of the desirability of having the blade elements of a readily and economically disposable material, and one which represents no discomfiture to the patient, non-metals, particularly the plastics, are preferred. The material should also be non-toxic and of sufficient strength to provide the required rigidity without being subject to fracture. Furthermore the material should be resistant to attack by body secretions and have minimal glare characteristics. Among the more suitable plastic materials are nylon, Teflon, and a class of materials known as the linear polyolefins. Of this latter class, linear polyethylene meets the noted requirements while also being advantageously ofa readily moldable nature.
As illustrated in H05. 1 and 2, each blade 12 or 13 includes an active or working portion 30 and a shank or base portion 31. Active portion 30 is a smooth section having very smooth and rounded edge or peripheral surfaces 32. At the same time the active portion 30 is gently curved about its longitudinal axis to provide a slight channel effect, and the distal ends 33 are also upswept so that when the ends 33 of the blades are brought into contact with each other, a smooth blunt and closed end is attained. it is the usual practice in vaginal speculum instruments to have one of the blades extend longitudinally a greater distance than the other blade, Such an arrangement provides for the reception of one end 33 of one blade into the upwardly curved end 33 of the other blade. Accordingly, one platform may be of a greater length to accomplish the foregoing purpose without effect on interchangeability of the blades, or, the loop 19 or frame assembly 15 may be axially adjustable or tiltable to provide an extended platform.
The shank portion 31 of either blade is adapted to be releaseably secured to the handle unit 11, and in a preferred form to enclose those parts of handle unit 11 which may otherwise come in contact with the subject being examined. In an exemplary embodiment of this invention the blade elements 12 and 13 are releaseably secured to platform members 16 and 17. Platform members 16 and 17 are a part of the permanent handle unit 11 and provide vertical adjustability or separation for the blade elements 12 and 13 as previously described in connection with frame assembly 15. As a convenient configuration, platforms l6 and 17 are of a generally rectangular shape and accordingly the shank portions 31 of blade elements 12 and 13 define hollow generally rectangular chambers 34 which are slidable axially over and enclose the platforms 16 and 17. The platforms may also take other configurations such as frustoconical, conical, elliptical, a configu ration which tapers forwardly in a narrowing manner towards end 33, etc. The blade shank chamber 34 also includes the same configuration in cross-section. For example, a tongue or shelf-like surface having rounded sloping lateral edges, and whose upper and lower surfaces slope forwardly towards each other will facilitate assembling and rejecting of blades 12 and 13. The shank or cavity portions of the blades may be extended to cover additional portions of the handle unit 11 so that they may be retained out of direct contact with the person being examined. Also for example, although the defined chamber 34 of the blades 12 and 13 should suitably closely fit all or part of the platforms l6 and 17, the outer periphery or surface of shank portion 31 may take different configurations to provide,'for example, a flared extension, funnel, or bell mouth entrance defined by both blade shanks 31 in closely ad jacent relationship.
The ejectibility or rejectibility of blades 12 and 13 is a comparable important feature to their disposability. It is preferred that the blades be disposable without the necessity of direct contact therewith by the hands of the medical practitioner or assistants, etc., and also preferably without any contact. One method of disposing of the blades in accordance with this invention is through use of biasing means actuated from the handle unit 11. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 the shank portions 31 of blades 12 and 13 include a hollow rectangular chamber or recess 34 (FIG. 2) which receives the corresponding platform 16 or 17 therein. In addition, these blades also include a projecting or tongue portion 35 extending from the closed end wall 36 (FIG. 3) of the shank portion 31 axially into the defined recess. This tongue portion 35 fits into a correspondingly defined recess 37 in the corresponding platforms.
Blade locking and biasing means together with an enlarged blade shank portion is shown in FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 3 which is a cross-section and top view of lower or fixed platform 16, the tongue 35 is illustrated in its operative position in a recess 37 which fits closely about the tongue 35. As such, recess 37 is defined by wide flat support lower walls 38 and 39 (FIG. 2) and narrow opposed side walls 40 and 41 (FIG. 3) interconnected by a back wall 42. Correspondingly, tongue 35 also includes a pair of wide flat upper and lower walls 43 and 44 (FIG. 2), and narrow opposed side walls 45 and 46 interconnected by a well rounded front wall 47.
Each side wall 40 and 41 of platform recess 37 includes detent means 48 and 49 in suitable bores 50 and 51. Each detent means includes a spring 52 biasing a ball 53 partly into recess 37, the projection of ball 53 being limited by constricting portions 54 and 55, 0f bores 50 and 51, having diameters less than that of balls 53. In connection with the detent means, the side walls 45 and 46 of tongue 35 contain small depressions 56 and 57 which, when tongue 35 is fully inserted into recess 37, engage and receive balls 53 therein. The rounded front surface 48 of tongue 35 facilities depression of balls 53 against biasing action springs 52-into their bores 50 and 51 by appropriate camming action. Upon register of the balls 53 with depressions 56 and 57, the ball means are biased by means of springs 52 into the depressions 56 and 57 to suitably lock or secure the blade to the platform.
Means are included in combination with the blade locking or securing means to release and eject the blades 12 and 13 from their respective platforms 16 and 17. More particularly the ejecting is of an automatic nature triggered by the medical examiner. Referring again to FIG. 2, when the examiner wishes to eject the blades 12 and 13, upon completion of an examination, for example, the vaginal speculum may be held over a suitable disposing container and plunger 60 depressed. Depressing of plunger 60 causes blades 12 and 13 to be forceably and positively ejected from their respective platforms in the following manner. Plunger 60 is pinned to a lever 61 rotating about a fulcrum 62. Depressing plunger 60 causes the opposite end of lever 61 to bear against the head end of pin 63, in platform 16, to move pin 63 in an axial direction. As noted in FIGS. 2 and 3, the opposite end of pin 63 bears against the front end surface 47 of tongue 35 tending to move tongue 35 out of recess 37 against the retaining action of detent means 48 and 49. However, the leverage or mechanical advantage of lever 61 is adjusted or designed, in combination with the detent means 48 and 49 and depressions 56 and 57, so that a positive but light force in depressing plunger 60 is sufficient to commence moving tongue 35 (and its blade) out of recess 37. At the same time balls 53 of detents 48 and 49 are forced into their respective bores 50 and 51, compressing springs 52 therein, by the camming action of the depressions 56 and 57 against balls 53. However, when the tongue 35 progresses out of recess 37 to the point where the rounded edges of front surface 47 begin to engage the balls 53, as illustrated in phantom view in FIG. 3, the balls 53 engage rounded surface in a spring 52 biased camming action to forcibly but not violently eject the tongue 35 and its blade from platform 16. During the ejecting action, pin 63 is caused to move against the action of a light spring 64 and therefor, after release of plunger 60, plunger 60 is returned by the action of this spring to its orginal position. While it is preferable to have the blades forcibly ejected, suitable release means may be provided which permit the blades to detach themselves by gravity alone or by very light applied tension. The term ejectible is employed to indicate a biasing force applied to the blades in the releasing mechanism.
Blade 13 is similar in all respects to blade 12 and its locking means in platform 17 is similar in all respects to the locking action of blade 12 in platform 16. However, the ejecting means for blade 13 is not operative by means of plunger 60. Instead, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a separate plunger member 65 is provided in platform 17. Plunger member 65 includes a turned down finger depressing portion 66 projecting from the platform 17 and a further turned down portion 67 extending into recess 37 of blade 13 and positioned between tongue 35 and the back wall of recess 37. The interconnected arm portion 68 is axially moveable in a guide slot 69 in platform 17, Depressing of plunger 65 causes portion 67 to push against the front surface 47 of tongue 35 for the same releasing and ejecting action as described for blade 13.
One means has been described for :releaseably securing and automatically releasing and/or ejecting blades 12 and 13. A number of other mechanical biasing means and also electrical means may be suitably employed, For example, spring biased securing and releasing means are well known in the art as associated with various devices, tools, appliances, cabinetry, etc. These devices and modifications may be suitably employed between a shank portion of a blade and a platform with or without the tongue modification of the embodiment of the present invention. The mentioned means may also be suitably adapted to simultaneously release both blades 12 and 13.
Releaseably secured in this instance means more than the usual joining of two parts for operable purposes. Ordinarily, blade members or speculums are detachable from permanent kinds of connections which are used primarily to assemble the instrument, and requiring additionall tools for disassembly. Releaseably secured indicates adaptability for immediate release of only the blades, at the will of the operator without disassembling the instrument. Releaseably secured is in the nature ofa latch or lock as opposed to a bolt and nut arrangement, for example. The operator as in the foregoing example depresses a plunger which releases the blade and preferably includes ejecting the blade.
A further important element of this invention is the lighting means which is incorporated in the speculum instrument 10 to facilitate examination and treatment. In a preferred embodiment of this invention the lighting means includes a pair of lamps 70 and 71 incorporated in platforms 16 and 17 as illustrated in FIG. 2. These lamps may be of the prefocussed type of about 3 volts. Each lamp 70 and 71 is provided with an electrical socket 72 and 73 contained in suitable bores 74 and 75 in platforms 16 and 17, respectively. The position of the lamps 70 and 71 in the platforms and in a forward position which is out of the line of sight of the practitioner is a salient advantage. The bores are provided in platforms 16 and 17 along the longitudinal axis thereof, but positioned in each platform so that they will be adjacent to each other. The lamps 70 and 71 are positioned in platforms 16 and 17 such that their forward envelope surfaces are just flush with or slightly recessed from the forward end 36 of the platforms. In this manner the blade shanks provide a cover or window from which light is sues. Where the blades 12 and 13 may be made of a plastic material of a color such as blue or green, the shank portion of the blades may be provided with a suitable opening in register with the lamps 70 and 71. Alternatively, the blade shanks may have a very thin section in register with lamps 70 and 71 which will transmit sufficient light. The thin. section may also be a clear lens covering an opening in the shank portion. Each lamp socket 72 and 73 is axially slidable in its bore and includes a stop pin 76 and 77 (not shown) fitting in a corresponding groove 78 and 79 (not shown) in the respective platforms. In order to replace a lamp, therefore, in the absence of blades 12 and 13, each socket 72 and 73 may be pushed forwardly in its respective bore so that the lamp protrudes from the bore where it may be grasped and suitably removed from the socket. The pins 76 and 77 abut the forward end of slots or grooves 78 and 79 to limit the projection'of lamps 70 and 71 from their respective platforms. Each socket 72 and 73 may also be suitably biased rearwardly to maintain their relative position.
An electrical power source 80 for lamps 70 and 71 is provided in handle unit 11. In one embodiment of this invention power source 80 comprises a casing 81 containing one or more electrical energy cells 82 (not shown) such as batteries, particularly for example, rechargeable nickel cadmium batteries. Casing 81 is removably joined to handle portion 14 by means of threaded connection 83. Casing 81 also includes a removable threaded cap 84 to provide for replacement of batteries 82. By this arrangement the casing 81 is separated from handle unit 11 and may be placed in a suitable recharger to recharge the batteries 82. At the same time a spare power source 80 may be attached to handle portion 14 to enable continued use of the speculum instrument 10.
In one form of this invention both positive and negative battery terminals are brought out at the end of casing 81 joining the handle part 14 by means of an insulating disk 85 having a central positive terminal 86 therein and an annular negative terminal 87 concentric therewith. These terminals are suitably connected to the battery 82 in casing 81 and provide convenient terminals for recharger units. The upper portion or part 14 of handle unit 11 includes an insulating disk 88 having therein a spring loop positive contact 89 and a lateral spring loop negative contact 90 each of which is in registry with the corresponding terminals 86 and 87 of casing 81 and which are engaged therewith upon assembly of casing 81 with upper part 14.
An electrical circuit and light switching means interconnects the power source 80 with lamps 71 and 72. Since the handle unit 11, frame assembly and platforms 16 and 17 are metal, for example an aluminum alloy, the unit may serve as the ground side of the circuit for a single wire circuit. However, it is preferable to employ a two wire, positive and negative, circuit to obviate the occurrences of sparks which may be potentially dangerous in some atmospheres.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the positive side ofthe circuit includes a conductor 91 having therein a pair of leads 92 and 93. Leads 92 and 93 are connected to the positive and negative terminals 89 and 90 on disk 88, and pass upwardly into lower platform 16. Referring to FIG. 4, the positive lead 92 is illustrated as being connected to one side 94 of a reed switch 95. From the other side 96 of reed switch 95 a continuation of lead 92 connects to a positive terminal 97 and from there to the positive side of lamp 70. In FIG. 4 the negative lead 93 is shown as connecting to a negative terminal 98 and from there to the negative side of the lamp 70.
As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 the circuit for the upper lamp 71 comprises a further conductor 99 having therein a pair of leads 100 and 101 which are connected to positive and negative terminals 97 and 98, respectively. Conductor 99 passes downwardly into handle 11 to a clamp screw 102 which attaches conductor 99 to loop 19 so that the conductor 99 may pass through a groove or channel in loop 19 upwardly therethrough into platform 17. Leads 100 and 101 then connect to the positive and negative sides, respectively, of lamp 71. It is a desirable feature of this invention, as illustrated in FIG. 4, that insertion of the lower blade 12 will cause both lamps to be simultaneously energized, and, upon rejecting of lower blade 12, both lamps will be automatically deenergized.
As illustrated in FIG. 4 actuation or energizing of reed switch 95 is provided by insertion of tongue 35 of blade 12. This action is best described with respect to FIG. 5. Referring to FIG. 5, the spring biased reject pin 63, as also illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, is shown in its operative position passing into platform 16 and through chamber 103 to project into recess 37 of platform 16. A magnet member 104 in chamber 103 also includes an aperture 105 therethrough through which pin 63 passes. Biasing spring 64 bears against one side of magnet member 104 to provide a biasing action for pin 63. The other side of magnet member 104 bears against a wall 106 of chamber 103 in platform 16. Consequently pin 63 may be caused to move axially through aperture 105 with magnet member 104 immobile. Furthermore, magnet member 104 may be moved axially along pin 63 against the biasing action of spring 64. The reed switch 95 is magnetically actuated by magnet member 104 being brought in close relationship with reed switch 95, as is well known in the art. For example, one of the flexible reeds or contact arms of switch 95 includes a magnetic material which is attracted to an adjacent magnet. This attraction flexes or biases the reed into electrical contact with the other reed thereby closing an electrical circuit.
8 Moving of the magnet 104 away from the switch permits the flexed reed to return to its original open circuit position.
In the instant invention, magnet member 104 includes a projecting pin member 107 which projects through wall 106 into recess 37. Therefore, both the rejecting pin 63 as well as magnet pin 107 project into recess 37 into which a blade tongue 35 is inserted. FIGS. 3 and 4 are illustrative of the pins 63 and 107 extending into recess 37. By inserting tongue 35 of blade 12 into recess 37 pin 107 is moved axially through wall 106. At the same time magnet member 104, which is fixed to pin 107, is moved in chamber 103 to a position adjacent reed switch 95 for actuation thereof. Insertion of lower blade 12 into platform 16 closes the circuit for energization of both lamps. When plunger is depressed, pin 63 is caused to move into recess 37, against the biasing action of spring 64, to eject blade 12. Concurrently magnet member 104 and its pin 107 are moved axially away from switch by action of spring 64, and switch 95 is deenergized.
The foregoing circuitry and switching means is exemplary of a number of switch devices and arrangements actuated by attachment or insertion of a blade element to a handle unit. Furthermore, a separate hand or finger switch may be employed to energize or deenergize the lamps either with or without the blade actuated switch as described above.
As previously described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, the frame assembly 15 is vertically adjustable to increase or decrease the spaced apart parallelism of blades 12 and 13. In their parallel adjacent relationship the blades may not be contiguous along a substantial portion of their lateral periphery, but their forward ends should meet to provide a smooth blunt surface to facilitate insertion. Also, it is often preferable to have the frame assembly 15 pre-adjusted to provide a desired distance between platforms and at the same time to have the ends of the blades meet for an entry relationship. Accordingly, for this and other reasons the upper platform is rotatably positioned on frame assembly 15 for limited arcuate or pivot movement. Provision is also made to fixedly adjust the angularity of platform 17 with respect to platform 16 over a number of positions as illustrated in FIG. 6.
In FIGS. 1 and 6 the free or open ends 21 and 22 of loop 19 are illustrated as fixed to platform 17. As shown in FIG. 6, platform 17 includes a lateral bore 119. The end 21 ofloop 19 is provided with a bearing arrangement 23 including a fixed bushing which is inserted into bore 119 as a bearing around which platform 17 may rotate. The opposite end 22 of loop 19 is also provided with a fixed bushing gear 121 which is inserted into the opposite end of bore 119 and which also acts as a bearing about which platform 17 may rotate. Bushing gear 121 includes a number of splines or teeth 122 which project axially into bore 119. The bushings 120 and 121 are retained in spaced axial relationship and within bore 119 by means of a pin or shaft 123 which extends axially through bore 119 and into each bushing. Set screw 124 and 125 are inserted radially into each bushing to engage shaft 123. As indicated in FIG. 6 in phantom, the platform 17 may also have limited lateral movement over bushings 121 and 122 until stopped by the bushing shoulders.
There is positioned axially on shaft 123 a gear member 126 having a number of teeth 127 in engagement with the teeth 122 of bushing gear 121. As illustrated, gear member 126 is affixed to platform 17 by means of one or more set screws 128, but is axially slidable on shaft 123. A compression spring 129 is fitted axially over shaft 123 and bears against the opposite side of gear member 126. The opposite end of spring 129 is contained by a stop washer 130 secured to shaft 123 by a set screw 131. In FIG. 1 an adjusting arm 132 includes a thumb catch 133 at the lower end and extends upwardly through a large slot 134 in platform 17. In FIG. 6 the arm member 132 after passing through slot 134 is pinned to platform 17 by pivot pin 135 and then curves at an angle to partially encircle shaft 123. In FIG. 6 the pivot pin is lower in depth, into the paper, than shaft 123 as corresponding to FIG. 1. This partial encirclement or fork arrangement 136 is more clearly illustrated in FIG. 7.
In order to adjust the angularity of the platform 17 the operator, as illustrated in FIG. 1, places his thumb in thumb catch I33 and presses arm 132 outwardly or away from handle unit 11. This causes, in FIG. 6, arm 132 to be moved about pivot pin 135 in the general direction of arrow 137. This causes the fork 136 to press against stop washer 130. However, stop washer 130 is fixed to shaft 123 as are the bushings I20 and 121 and gear member I26. Consequently the pivoting action at pivot pin I35 pulls the pivot 135 and platform 17 in the direction of the phantom lines. Since gear member 126 is fixed to platform I7, gear member 126 (teeth 127) is disengaged from bushing I21 (teeth 122). The motion of platform 17 also compresses spring 129 so that, so long as the operator holds arm 132 outwardly the platform may be freely rotated about bushings 120 and 121. When the desired angularity is reached, the operator releases arm 132 and platform 17 is returned to its initial lateral position as shown in FIG. 6 by the action of spring 129. This movement reengages teeth I22 and 127 on bushing 121 and gear member 126, respectively, to retain platform 17 in its adjusted angular position. As illustrated in FIG. 7 the platform 17 may be adjustable throughout a range which will elevate as well as depress the plane of platform I7 from its parallel position with respect to platform 16. Finer adjustment may be attained through the use of gear and bushing members 120 and 121 having a greater number of teeth.
The foregoing arrangement is exemplary of a large number of adjusting movements which may be satisfactorily employed in this invention. A reversal of the action may be employed so that gear member 126 is disengaged from bushing gear member 121 without the necessity of lateral motion of platform 17. Other adjusting means such as screw means, friction grip, etc. may also be employed in this invention.
In some instances, it may be desirable to reuse blades 12 and 13 or to have blades 12 and 13 of a relatively non-disposable material. For such an occurrence it is also highly desirable to retain the sterility of blades 12 and 13. This is accomplished by utilizing a very thin pliable material bag or closed ended sleeve which fits over each blade 12 and 13. After useage the impervious bags are permanently disposed and discarded and new bags fitted over blades 12 and 13. In the meantime, however, the blades 12 and I3 have been prevented from making contaminating contact. Suitable clear plastics such as polyethylene plastic may be utilized as bag material. Portions of these bags may also cover other parts of speculum instrument 10 including portions of handle unit I 1.
In making some diagnosis or examination the medical practitioner may require a microscope slide to provide a smear test. This usually involves removing the smear test material from the confines of the instrument to another location and another object. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the section I38 of blade 12, may be a part of blade 12 which is removable therefrom or an attachment to the blade. The section 140 is utilized as a slide and is in an exceptionally convenient locale for this purpose.
The convenience features of the present invention are adaptable to use in a number of other important medical instruments where portability, sufficient and directed light, automatically ejectible, and disposable contact elements are desired. These instruments include, for example, an anoscope, otoscope, proctoscope, opthalmoscope, larynscope, sigmoidoscope, etc. In this connection blades I2 and 13 or other cavity insertion portions of reduced size may be employed with the invention as illustrated. The present instrument may also be conveniently modified to have platforms of much reduced length and thickness or be manufactured in smaller version so that smaller blades or other contact element configurations may be employed therewith.
The concept of a semi-permanent and single use automatically rejectible body cavity contacting portion of the instant invention is readily adaptable to such instruments as anoscopes, proctoscopes, otoscopes, and sigmoidoscopes as follows. The foregoing instruments generally utilize cavity inserting portions which are generically of a tubular configuration including frustoconical, the essential difference being the effective length and shape of the cavity inserting portion. The present handle unit may incorporate any one of the mentioned cavity inserting portions, in one manner as follows.
Referring to FIG. 8, a frustoconical type tubular member 139 includes a pair of diametrically opposed shank-like portions I40 and 141 each of which include a recess 142 with a tongue member 143 therein similar to the tongues 35 of blades 12 and 13. With the frame assembly 15 set at a predetermined position, the tubular member 139 isjoined to platforms l6 and 17 so that tongues 143 engage the platforms as do tongues 35 of blades 12 and 13 and the recesses I42 receive platforms I6 and 17 therein. The lighting means as well as the reject means remain similar to the embodiments of FIGS. I and 2. Rejec tion may require simultaneous depression of plungers 60 and 65. Alternately, however, the tubular member 139 may have engaging means thereon which are activated by separation or closing of the platforms, for example, the platforms moving into predetermined cavities or shoulders, etc. in the tubular speculum. The tubular member 139, while preferably of a single use disposable material such as the materials noted for blades 12 and 13. may also be used in conjuntion with an annular frustoconical shaped disposable thin film bag.
The present invention may be extended to include blades or cavity inserting portions of other speculum devices such as, for example, a nasal speculum, which usually includes a vertical handle and laterally adjustable blades. The unit as depicted is simple in nature so that means may be included to simply release the platform 16 and frame assembly I5 from handle unit 14 and replace them with devices more appropriate for the examination. For example, removal of frame assembly 15 and use of an appropriate lower blade 12 provides a convenient throat examining instrument. Such means in keeping with the teachings of this invention. include the automatic ejecting of releaseable secured blade or cavity insertion por tions.
This invention thus provides a hand held speculum device where the hand portion is of a permanent or reuseable nature while the patient contact portion is of a single use disposable non-reuseable nature. Further, the disposable portion is automatically releaseable by the medical practitioner. Light means are included as an integral portion of the handle unit and directed to the point of examination.
While other modifications of this invention and variations of apparatus may be employed within the scope of this invention and have not been described or illustrated, the invention is intended to include all such modifications as may ordinarily be embraced within the following claims.
I claim:
1. A single use disposable duckbill blade member comprising in combination:
a. an elongated rigid self-supporting blade member having a shank portion;
b. an extending portion connected to and extending axially from said shank portion and having an axially extending channel surface therein;
c. said shank portion defining an axial cavity therein for receiving a part of a speculum instrument in releaseably securing relationship;
d. said extending portion extending substantially beyond said speculum part; and
e. a section in a wall of said cavity adjacent said extending portion defining light transmitting means therethrough.
2. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said duckbill is of a polyolefin material.
3. The invention as recited in claim I wherein said shank portion includes means to retain a microscope slide member thereon,
4. A speculum instrument utilizing a tubular body inserting portion comprising in combination:
a. a handle unit;
b. a source ofelectrical energy in said handle unit;
c. a pair of opposite support means on said handle unit;
d. a lamp means in at least one of said support means and energized by said source of electrical energy;
e. a hollow tubular single use disposable speculum supported on said support means; and
f. releasable securing means interconnecting said tubular speculum and said handle unit.
5. The invention as recited in claim 4 wherein said release means biases said speculum in a direction away from said handle unit.
6. In a speculum instrument the combination comprising:
a. a handle unit;
b. a pair of opposite support means on said handle unit;
c. a single use disposable speculum member releaseably secured to each said support means;
d. adjustable means between one of said support means and said handle unit to vary the spaced apart distance of said support means;
e. rotating adjusting means operatively connected to one of said support means to angularly adjust one of said support means relative to the other;
f. lighting means in said handle unit; and
g. and light transmitting means in said speculums to direct light axially between said speculums.
7. In a speculum instrument the combination comprising:
a. a handle unit including:
1. a handle portion;
2. a frame assembly adjustably positioned on said handle portion;
3. a support means on said frame assembly; and
4. an opposite support means on said handle portion;
b. a speculum member releaseably secured to each said support means to extend therefrom in generally parallel spaced apart relationship to each other;
c. releaseable securing means interconnecting each said speculum with its said support means to release said speculums from said support means; and
d. and adjustable means interconnecting said frame assembly and said handle portion to vary the spaced apart distance between said support means.
8. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said releaseable securing means biases said speculums from said support means to automatically eject said speculums.
9. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein at least one of said support means includes rotating adjusting means interconnecting said support means to said frame assembly to adjust said support means in angular relationship to the other said support means.
10. The invention as recited in claim 9 wherein at least one of said support means includes lighting means therein to direct light axially along and between said speculums.
11. The invention as recited in claim 10 wherein an electrical power source for said lighting means is contained within said handle portion.
12. The invention as recited in claim 11 wherein electrical switching means is contained within one of said support means and between said support means and one of said speculum member so that securing of said speculum member to said support means actuates said switch means to provide power for said lighting means.
13. A vaginal speculum instrument comprising in combina tion:
a. a handle unit including:
1. a casing-like handle portion; and 2. a frame assembly projecting from said handle portion; b. adjusting means on said frame assembly engaging said handle portion to axially adjust said frame assembly in said handle portion;
. a support means secured to said frame assembly;
(1. an opposite support means retained by said handle portion in spaced relationship to said support means on said frame assembly;
e. similar interchangeable speculums on each of said support means; releaseable securing means interconnecting each of said
Priority Applications (1)
|Application Number
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|US52944466A true
Publications (1)
|Publication Number
|Publication Date
|US3532088A true US3532088A (en)
Family Applications (1)
|Application Number
|Priority Date
|Filing Date
|US3532088D Expired - Lifetime US3532088A (en)
|Speculum instrument
Country Status (1)
|US3532088A (en)
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|Everting catheter system and method of utilizing the same
|CA2756698C (en)
|Laryngoscope and system
|KR101999986B1 (en)
|Handheld biopsy device with needle firing
|US5336238A (en)
|Surgical instrument capable of disassembly
|US4258721A (en)
|Self-contained portable hysteroscope
|EP0502477A1 (en)
|Instrument for the ligation of hemorrhoids or the like
|EP0695143B1 (en)
|Surgical device with double jaw actuation
|US3897786A (en)
|Disposable myringotomy apparatus
|US5505690A (en)
|Speculum for dilating a body cavity
|US20020183595A1 (en)
|Medical body access device
|US5222973A (en)
|Endoscopic grasping tool surgical instrument
|US3727602A (en)
|Instrument for taking samples from internal organs


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In this series of video's we take a look at how you perform the basic setup and configuration of a Synology, Network Attached Storage (NAS) device. This series of videos was created to try and offer a reference point to assist you in the setup of your own NAS.
For this video we review the settings in File Services and make decisions on which file sharing protocols to enable or disable.
Products used in the creation of this video: Elgato HD60 – http://amzn.to/2CzZIY9 ; Go Pro Hero 5 – http://amzn.to/2ED10mL ; 64Gb microSDXC memory card – http://amzn.to/2sGdHMd ; Asus Chromebook – http://amzn.to/2EHkEhE ; Apple iMac – https://apple.co/2EJkk67 ; Blue Yeti Microphone – http://amzn.to/2ogX84H ; Microphone Pop Filter – http://amzn.to/2CcfnRC ; Neewer LED Studio Light Kit – http://amzn.to/2EHKXEa ; RPGT Continuous Dual Lighting Kit – http://amzn.to/2onm7CS ; Mini Sun LightPad – http://amzn.to/2EGu9By

subset: commoncrawl


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sold by :
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End this health and safety madness so we can have some good old-fashioned fun
Phil mourns the good old dangerous days before health and safety stopped our fun
Phil mourns the good old dangerous days before health and safety stopped our fun
I burned my thumb this evening. There's a big blister on the end of it and it hurts like hell - and as it's the thumb that I usually use to hit the space bar, I'm having to modify my typing technique and this article is taking about twice as long as usual. But I don't care. The pain, in an odd sort of way, gives me an inner peace.
It's bonfire night and my sons and I are cordite-scented and replete, after an hour or two of breathless hilarity in the company of some ill-advised and frankly dangerous incendiary devices. I bought the biggest box I could find, and I let my newly teenaged offspring let most of them off. It was a fiasco.
Two fireworks fell over and sprayed us with high-velocity, high-temperature, multicoloured missiles; a red one practically parted my eldest son's hair.
My middle son stuck a big rocket in the ground instead of in the plastic tube and the resulting ground-level explosion temporarily blinded us and singed more than one eyebrow. My youngest fell over laughing and banged his head.
I was no better. I smashed one thumb with a hammer knocking a Catherine wheel into a tree, then burned the other when I lost patience with it because it wouldn't light, took a cigarette lighter to it, and was taken by surprise when it lit rather faster than I expected.
Our Australian neighbours watched in incredulity as we stumbled about, giggling and blowing things up. Their sons are older but had never seen real 'firecrackers' before. Fireworks are banned in Australia, unless they are tied to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and it's the Olympics.
And why is that? You guessed it. Health And Safety.
Wholesomely risky
Bonfire night isn't what it used to be. You can't get bangers any more; they were involved in some of the most memorable and hilarious events of my youth. And I miss those jumping jack things that used to fly everywhere and have us dancing up and down with our flared trousers on fire. But on the whole you can still have a wholesomely risky and exciting evening once a year.
Tomorrow we'll be back in the pursed-lipped killjoy world of the Health and Safety Executive - the miserable bastards who leach all the fun and danger out of childhood, who ban Christmas decorations from hanging low enough to cause an injury, who ban marbles from playgrounds in case they put your eye out and who cut down trees in case the conkers fall on your head.
These self-same shrivelled-souled sods have just banned polystyrene floats from our local swimming baths because they might cause injury. They've caused none so far, to my knowledge, but they have often been makeshift rafts to which my sons have clung, while I've pretended to be a sea monster coming up underneath and throwing them into the water. My boys will tell you that's one of their earliest and happiest memories. But it won't be for the children of Sunderland from now on.
This country makes me depressed. Who'd be a kid these days? I had great fun as a lad, and somehow managed to survive it, and I want my sons to have the same.
So tomorrow I'm off to buy them each a penknife and a copy of The Dangerous Book For Boys for Christmas. And frankly if they want to sneak a swig out of my can of beer when they think I'm not looking, I'll make sure I look the other way.
Dr Phil Peverley is a GP in SunderlandPhil Peverley:


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We spend a lot of time and effort in the pursuit of straight teeth. We take care to watch our children's teething habits, we put braces in our mouths, and we take all kinds of precautions to make sure our teeth are strong and straight. But how beneficial is it to have a perfect set of pearly whites?
Benefit #1: Straight Teeth Are Easier To Keep Clean
You can brush, floss and rinse every day, but if you have the option between a straight set of teeth and a misaligned one, you're going to put in a lot more work with the second option. And sometimes, if you have teeth that aren't straight, you simply cannot clean certain areas. The teeth are too close together for your tools to get in there. However, they are not too close together for plaque to build up, and for tooth decay to set in. This often means that misaligned teeth are at a significantly higher risk for damage and that they'll need more work over the lifetime of the tooth.
Benefit #2: Straight Teeth Lower Your Risk of Disease
If your teeth are straight and easier to clean, it lowers your risk for gum disease. If you can keep your teeth clean, then you're less likely to develop gum disease. And, despite the name, gum disease affects more than just your mouth. If you have gum disease, then oral bacteria can get into your bloodstream and affect your heart as well as your blood vessels and even your brain. Gum disease is a contributor to diabetes as well, which is yet another reason to take every precaution to avoid it.
Benefit #3: Improved Self-Confidence
If you have crooked teeth, then you already know how hard it can be to part your lips when it's time to smile. You might be afraid of being laughed at, and you may worry that other people will find you less attractive if they get a good look at your grin. Having straight teeth is typically seen as an attractive quality. It makes you stand out and that can improve your self-confidence.
Benefit #4: Healthy Jawbone
While crooked teeth are not inherently unhealthy, they often present complications. Complications such as weakened jawbones, gum disease and decay can lead to losing teeth that you would have been able to keep, if they had been straightened out. Lost teeth can lead to a weakened jawbone, as the patches where teeth have to be pulled from don't have anything keeping them strong. While it's possible to replace lost teeth with artificial ones, it's always a better idea to nip the problem in the bud and straighten crooked teeth whenever possible to prevent their loss in the first place.
Benefit #5: Fewer Overall Problems
Crooked teeth are associated with a lot of problems we don't often think about. Teeth chipping, for instance, is more common if someone doesn't have straight teeth. Grinding and the headaches that come with grinding are significantly more common. Lip and gum injury are also more common in those who have crooked teeth. While it's still possible to have problems like this with straight teeth, these problems are less common with an aligned bite.
Dr. Maddux of Maddux Orthodontics will provide a complimentary consultation in order to find a treatment plan that works for you. His skilled and knowledgeable team will support you as you journey toward a straight and beautiful smile. Call us at (757) 499-3530 to get started!


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Asbestos Remover to Plead Guilty in Asbestos Case
Rewritten Article
Asbestos Remover to Appeal Accusable in Asbestos Case
Thursday, April 23rd, 2009
The man accused of getting complex in illegally removing asbestos from the Cayuga Canton Board of Elections on Jan. 24 is accepted to appeal guilty.
Paul Carey, the advocate of the accused man John Chick, said that Chick is plea-bargaining with federal prosecutors.
"He is argumentation accusable to the aboriginal calculation of the allegation as it pertains to abatement of asbestos," said Carey. "The sentencing is alone larboard up to the adjudicator in a federal setting. We won't apperceive what the final book will be until we are abreast by the judge."
In December, Chick, 64, was accusable on 10 counts, including falsifying advice to federal investigators, illegally removing and administration of asbestos from the BOE, violations of the Clean Air Act, and abstinent workers assurance masks.
Chick allegedly aria to the federal government in abstinent that he acclimated bastille inmates to abolish asbestos illegally. He aswell allegedly denied the inmates' requests for masks and affected them to plan in massive clouds of dust created by the asbestos abatement process.
Chick aswell faced obstruction of amends accuse for allegedly aggressive to annihilate a above canton agent who witnessed the misdeeds and was traveling to affirm adjoin him, but those accuse were dropped, said Ann Petrus, canton legislator.
Chick originally faced a best bastille book of 5 years, and a accomplished of $250,000 on anniversary count, for a absolute of $2.5 actor if he was begin accusable of anniversary of them.
The Investigation
"We accept been alive with the U.S. Attorney's Office and allegedly there is a continuing analysis as to others who may be complex aural the canton at the time the asbestos was removed," said Carey. "Mr. Chick was artlessly a canton agent who was a canton carpenter and ordered to abolish the boiler and pipes. There is an credible accumulation of admiral from the canton who may accept accepted about the asbestos and ordered him to do it anyway."
Harmed by asbestos? If you or a admired one has apprenticed mesothelioma or any asbestos-related affliction as a aftereffect of acknowledgment to asbestos, amuse acquaintance us today for a chargeless appointment with a caring and able asbestos advocate who can advice you compensate your losses.
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Asbestos Remover to Plead Guilty in Asbestos Case
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Biltmore Hotel, Phoenix, Arizona
For more information, visit inwomen health or contact InWomen's Chair Wendee Wechsberg, Ph.D., at firstname.lastname@example.com.
The eighth International Women's and Children's Health and Gender Group Conference will feature a poster session, two panel discussions, discussion tables, and cultural events. The panelists will discuss: (1) reproductive health through the lifespan and (2) young women and adolescents. An annotated bibliography will record recent publications that focus on gender differences, women, children, or adolescents and substance use, abuse, treatment, or prevention. Submit publications to the 2015 InWomen Annotated Bibliography at http://goo.gl/forms/qi1pGlqvOY. Registration for the conference is $200; a reduced fee of $100 is available for students and registrants from low-income countries.


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Whether your goal is to get fit, lose weight, train for a specific event, tackle mental and/or physical health issues or simply to get the most from your fitness and nutritional regime, then you've come to the right place.
My philosophy is that success comes from hard work and although I expect all my clients to commit to their program wholeheartedly I understand that at times life can get in the way and this is where I will be there for you to advise and guide. I can assure you it will be worth it!
If you're interested in working with a Health & Fitness Coach then it's important to understand that these can offer very different services.
Most trainers concentrate on the hour in the gym however what about the others areas such as Nutrition, accountability whilst away from you and mindset?
At Stabilis Fitness I remain focused on a holistic approach to mental and physical well-being, making lifestyle adjustments to help my clients reach their targets and enjoy ongoing benefits.
Every new client receives a thorough assessment covering physical health, posture, fitness levels, mental health and nutrition. Once I know exactly where you are, we can discuss the best way to take you where you want to go…
Your bespoke training schedule will be designed to work in conjunction with your lifestyle, making positive changes to benefit your long-term health and fitness.
All memberships come with the following:
My clients are able to use the fantastic facilities at The Gym Group, located at 20-28 Queen Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2PJ.
However, many of my clients use other gyms using their fitness apps and come to me at The Gym Group Colchester for their check ins and training instruction with me so no need to leave your current gym.
See www.thegymgroup.com/find-a-gym/gym/the-gym-colchester/ for more information.
Log in to view your personalised plans by clicking the button below.


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McLaren Special Operations has a habit of revealing special McLaren models that will simply make us look towards a bank with robbing intentions – how else would we afford these sold-out limited run models?
MSO introduced a carbon fiber-enhanced P1 hypercar this year during the Geneva Motor Show and now they're back with the same treatment for the 675LT Spider. The latter has been stripped of its original paint and now comes with about 40 percent more carbon fiber parts than a normal 675LT Spider. It's also going to be utterly exclusive because these additional goodies can't be retro-fitted to one of the 500 units of the standard, long-tailed, open-top 675. The reason is MSO reworked some components of the new limited-run special edition, meaning the extensive work done to get them on will be unavailable for the regular model.
Now all the carbon fiber parts of the standard 675LT Spider have been dipped in a glossy finish to better showcase the material and its weave. Also, the electrically-retractable roof and tonneau are also clad in carbon fiber, just like the A-pillars, side blades, hood, and rear deck. Last, but certainly not least, McLaren's special unit also developed a unique carbon fiber front and rear wing and even the new fuel filler cap is made out of carbon fiber. The modifications also include functional louvers for the front wings just like in the 650S GT3.
Motivation comes from the same biturbo 3.8-liter V8 engine churning out an intriguing 666 horsepower (497 kW – 675 PS) and 516 pound-feet (700 Newton meters) of torque, which make the MSO Carbon Series LT sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 2.9 seconds and max out at 203 mph (326 km/h). The limited run edition will be produced in just 25 units and as we can all imagine it has already been spoken for – even though production starts this fall and first deliveries are scheduled sometimes near the year's end.


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Hong Kong guide for expats in... Expat Evacuation
Sport and Expatriation: support and practice abroad
Expat Match - Scotland v. England
Sporting events have the ability to tear communities apart or unite a nation. The emotion packed into a single game can match a soap opera as people cheer, cry, scream, pray, curse, sweat, and moan. For many expats, going to a sporting event is an opportunity to feel included. Upon arrival you can immediately put on a jersey, go to a game, and melt into a crowd of your countrymen.
For some people, fan-dom doesn't quite go far enough. Some expats want to play. Two expat teams are gearing to meet up in March. Scotland v. England is not an unusual pairing, but the location of the game is- Doha, Qatar. The teams first met in the 1950s, and have been competing semi-annually since 1989. The event has become increasingly popular as the expat community continues to grow. It offers amateur players a chance of glory they might never have back home and feeds a friendly rivalry.
Since the end of 2006, an International Expatriate Football League has fostered the expat play. The QIFL (Qatar International Football League) has now expanded to twelve teams with mulitple games and a longer season. It is with the help of the Qatar Olympic Committee that the event is taking place. Chairman of the organizing committee, Graeme Pattison, expressed his gratitude to the country for fostering the expat league. "Without their enthusiasm this event would not be able to take place," Pattison said, "in giving the game true 'international' honor the game is officiated by FIFA officials from Qatar."
Scotland has won the past two meet-ups on penalties. The England expat team is looking to change that this year. England's manager, Mark Jarman, said "This is a do or die match! As they say ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country". He also acknowledges the increased importance this amateur games holds, "We as the squad fully understand that we are not just playing any old game. This is the game on the international circuit that we as England simply must win...bragging rights of a nation for the year will rest on this game and its outcome". Not to mention the Scotland v England Challenge Trophy! Scotland's manager, Stuart Potter, responded with "Like any cup final the form book goes out of the window, it all depends on who wants to win more on the day".
This year's match will take place at the Al Ahli football stadium at 14:00 on March 4th, 2011. Entry is free with all fans welcome. For more on the match, go to Scotland v. England Qatar.
While the winner is yet to be decided, the most interesting point of the match is the ability of expats to adapt to any situation. One of the most difficult things about leaving home is abandoning the traditions and customs of your home country. Bringing pictures, familiar furniture, family, and pets helps assuage some of this loss expats experience. But the ability to bring something intangible, such as football, and re-invent it in an expat setting is the ideal combination of home and abroad. Common interests help unite an expat community and form a support group for the inevitable trials of living abroad.
How to Find Your Own Game
People say sports can be seen as an international language. Start kicking around a soccer ball in Brazil and some kids may join you. Dunk some hoops in a park in Los Angeles and locals will join in. Try out ice skating in Taipei and make friends at the rink. Athletics can be a great uniter.
Whether your interest is in finding a few friends to kick around a ball, an amateur sports league, or just a community gym- there are some basic steps to finding your sports community.
Online forums, like EasyExpat's, are a great place to find out what options are available in your city of residence and hopefully find some teammates. Many places with a large expat organization organize teams for the community, such as the football match in Qatar.
City guides also offer helpful sections on sports and activities. Easy expat offers guides on over 50 cities in multiple languages. For example, Chicago's, Hong Kong's, and Johannesburg's sports and activities pages.
Gyms are often the meeting ground for the athletically inclined. Check member boards for flyers, chat with other members, and inquire with staff for opportunities.
Professional Teams are a great place to find out about amateur league play. Most teams know where amateur players can find games and may even be affiliated with a lower league. Inquire at team shops, ticket counters or online.
Networking can be useful if you play with a team at home. Ask your current contacts if they know of anyone in your home abroad or have any contacts with teams in the area.
Social networks are for more then just chatting. There are multitudes of groups devoted to expats, sports and any combination of the two. Two of the most popular, Twitter and Facebook, have easy-to-use search functions to find exactly what you are looking for.
Start your own! It really isn't as hard as it sounds. Your co-workers, neighbors, and friends are all potential teammates. Check for interest and facilities and get playing.
Expat Sports Organization
Listed below are a few sample organizations. These serve as an example to the variety of opportunities that exist. Go. Play. Have fun!
- Korea - http://www.leaguelineup.com/
- Thailand - http://www.somtam.com/
- Buenos Aires - http://www.fcbafa.com/index.html
- Saudi Arabia - http://www.khobarexpatsfc.com/
- Dusseldorf - http://members.multimania.co.uk/mclaughlinsfc/
- Budapest - http://www.footballbudapest.com/
- Helsinki - http://www.warriorsrugbyclub.org/
- Seoul - http://www.survivorsrfc.com/index.php/en/rugby-in-korea
- Bangalore - http://www.krfu.com/
- Paris - http://www.brfcparis.com/
- Italian League - http://www.fip.it/
- Jakarta - http://www.expat.or.id/orgs/basketball.html
- Dubai - http://www.debl.ae/
- Indonesia - http://www.cricketindonesia.com/
- Spain - http://www.cricketeurope4.net/SPAIN/index.shtml
- Singapore - http://www.bedokkings.com/
- Buenos Aires - http://www.shankeesbaseball.com/
- Moscow - http://www.moscowbaseball.ru/
Update: England prevented the hat trick and won the game by a solid 4-1.
 EasyExpat on


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Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/951/25571
From The Socialist newspaper, 31 May 2017
Student occupation at Chelsea College of Arts
University management rethinks restructure
Marianne Murray, Chelsea College of Arts student
On 24 May, a meeting of students was held at Chelsea College of Arts to discuss a plan of action to oppose a 'restructure' of University of the Arts London (UAL) colleges at Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon (CCW).
Faced with huge cuts to workshops, courses and staff, we decided to occupy a space at Chelsea. Ten people from across CCW, the Arts Students Union, UAL and other students acting in solidarity, secured the space and occupied overnight.
The following day we were met with hostility and aggression by security staff, who would not allow fellow students to pass us food. Security physically blocked students from entering the occupation, grabbing one student.
We were unable to exit the room to use facilities and re-enter the occupation, as more and more security staff were brought in and a metal barrier was placed around the door.
Despite being unable to let more people in to occupy, we received huge support from those outside - including anonymous messages of support from workers at UAL and banner drops orchestrated by fellow students.
The planned restructure was first brought to our attention in a recent video sent out to students by Pro-Vice Chancellor David Crow outlining his 'vision' for the three colleges. Most worryingly he stated that my university, Chelsea, will be about 'international markets'.
The video gives a glossy, corporate insight into the plans to change the universities without student or staff knowledge or input.
Eight fine art research staff have been made redundant, and university management has been emailing all staff offering 'voluntary redundancies'.
This has created an atmosphere of fear among staff, who are scared to speak against the cuts for fear of losing their jobs. Many are on rolling contracts, effectively zero-hour contracts, with little job security. Still more staff have been left in the dark about the changes.
Due to the difficult conditions of the occupation, we decided to end 24 hours after we started with a statement, after speaking to management and securing a two-week extension to the decision to cut any jobs.
We will continue to take direct action against these cuts as well as negotiating to save jobs and facilities for all future students and staff.
Why not click here to join the Socialist Party, or click here to donate to the Socialist Party.
In The Socialist 31 May 2017:
What we think
Mobilise for a mass movement after 8 June
How can Corbyn's programme be implemented?
Socialist Party news and analysis
After 8 June: build the socialist fightback
Workers warned BA boss of tech failure danger
Families to have £15,000 debt by 2020 - trade union action needed
Tories and Blairites in pockets of big business: kick them out!
Fighting Tory schools cuts
Struggle can beat Tories' outlandish 7% cuts to schools
Fighting Tory cuts to the schools budget
International socialist news and analysis
Workplace news and analysis
PCS conference: Confident delegates back fighting strategy and Jeremy Corbyn
Certification officer confirms that Unison did break the rules in general secretary election
Gains for left in Unison national executive election
Shortened GMB conference to hear pro-Corbyn and anti-austerity motions
Strike action to save Sheffield Jobcentre
Union stops finance for anti-Corbyn Labour MP
Manchester housing workers' strike solid
Bully bosses' zero-hour backdown
National Shop Stewards Network conference 2017
Tory attacks on mental health care
Fight the Tory cuts and changes that take mental health back to Bedlam
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Don't wait! Join the Socialist Party to transform society
Electric atmosphere at Jeremy Corbyn rally in Glasgow
Why I joined: "To fight for an end to tuition fees and cuts"
Manchester socialists campaigning against war, racism, terrorism and austerity
Socialist Party hosts pro-Corbyn rally in Southampton
Student occupation at Chelsea College of Arts
North Bristol: angry march in defence of the NHS
Book launch meeting: showing the Socialist Party's active participation in events past and present
Women and austerity - scrap the 'rape clause'
Socialist readers' comments and reviews
June 1917: when workers in Britain first tried to form soviets
Heroic socialist fighters who sang as ship went down - new memorial
Corbyn's policies could help fight unhappiness for LGBT+ people
Obituary: Rhodri Morgan 1939-2017, architect of the 'Welsh Labour' brand
Home | The Socialist 31 May 2017 | Join the Socialist Party
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text:
Patrick Gietmann
Fan of Games, Movies and all other things Media!
The available modes in NS:UNS4 consist of Story, Adventure, Collection, Free Battle and Online. The main courses are the Story and Adventure modes.
Story mode takes the cinematic approach, going through the events leading up to and including the finale of Naruto's (and Sasuke's) story, alternating between cutscenes and battles, with the biggest battles having lots of amazing looking QTE-portions which are really well done. On the downside, since this mode only covers the final chapter(s) of the story it tends to feel a bit short while to fans who haven't made it as far into the story yet it can feel like they're thrown into the deep end. It does, however, offer a lot of replay value to completionists by way of unlockables; each battle comes with a number of conditions that will more often than not require you to fight battles multiple times to unlock every last collectible.
I do have one nitpick about the cutscenes that really stands out. A lot of the cutscenes use screenshots from the anime, rather than actual scenes. This works fine for the bits with a narrator, but the ones that contain dialogue just feel off. This is in stark contrast to a number of cutscenes that use in-engine animation. It could very well be due to copyright issues or other technicalities, but it comes off as a bit lazy.
Adventure mode is the RPG-esque open world mode we have seen in previous entries of the series. You walk around the Narutoverse and interact with characters while performing missions in the form of collecting items, playing minigames, fighting battles etc. Just like in Story mode, completing all the various goals and conditions unlocks you a lot of stuff ranging from simple items to playable characters.
On to the meat of the game: the actual battles. At first glance the gameplay mechanics remain largely unchanged. You'll soon find out, though, that some significant tweaks have been made. Luckily these tweaks are for the better: Now it's possible to take full control of your support characters, rather than limiting them to a one-off attack. This – to a degree – changes the dynamic of battles. While support characters always were useful strategically, the support characters no longer have a gimmicky feel to them. Overall the controls feel even more tight than they did before, making the fights in NS:UNS4 the best ones to date. It helps that the visuals are even better now that the jump to current gen consoles has been made. Having even more detail to each setting really helps the characters pop off the screen.
Speaking of characters, the roster is huge at 61 playable shinobi (not counting all variations, boss battle only characters and upcoming DLC). Many of those characters are unlocked by completing the Story and Adventure modes while other collectibles can be found in Collection mode, which serves as a store/library for collectibles.
In Free Battle mode you can have a quick match against the CPU or a friend (ad hoc multiplayer) while you can really put your skills to the test in Online mode.
The most noteworthy mention as far as the options go is that you switch between the English and the Japanese audio. While this is nothing new to the series, it is always good to see that fans of either version of the anime can pick their favorite voice cast.
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is a solid and faithful entry to the series that succesfully made the jump to the current generation of consoles. Despite the somewhat short Story mode the game offers a ton of content and replay value. Screenshot cutscenes stand out in a game that otherwise oozes style: the game looks great. The gameplay tweaks improve upon the already solid base gameplay mechanics and are sure to please both loyal fans of the series as well as Naruto fans who are looking to pick up a game that feeds their need for interactive Naruto lore.
Take note: NS:UNS4 is 100% directed at fans of the Naruto franchise. A non-fan probably wouldn't pick this game up to begin with, but it's worth a mention. If you're new to Naruto and want to give this a shot it might be wise to either work your way up the Naruto story by way of the manga/anime or try a previous entry to this game series that covers earlier parts of the story.
Fan of Games, Movies and all other things Media!


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Lowe and Simpson always try to give our customers a taylor-made staircase to suit their requirements, whether this is a standard staircase or a staircase of bespoke design. This will all be done with utmost professionalism and excellent service.
If you are interested in any of our staircases or would simply like us to give you a quote for a new or replacement staircase then please call or send your details and requirements to us and we will contact you with all the information you require.


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The International Labour Organisation estimates that 152 million children are victims of child labour worldwide.
ILO has said that half of that number, 73 million children aged between 5 and 17 years, work in hazardous child labour.
The ILO figures further show that the majority of child laborers in the whole world are in Africa, with the continent accounting for 72 million in child labour.
Meanwhile Panos Institute Southern Africa has noted the need for close collaboration among stakeholders to arrest child labour which remains rampant in Southern Africa.
The Organisation says there is need for communities, schools, the private sector, traditional leaders, government agencies, and the media to enhance their efforts to end child labor.
Lillian Kiefer, the Organisation Executive Director said in a statement that her organisation views child labour as one of the major setbacks to the realisation of children's goals, as it denies them access to opportunities for personal and professional development.
The World Day Against Child Labour is commemorated annually on 12th June and this year's commemoration is under the theme: Children shouldn't work in fields, but on dreams!
Mrs. Keifer said Panos views child labour as one of the major setbacks to the realisation of children's goals, as it denies them access to opportunities for personal and professional development.
She said that in most rural communities, it is almost normal to see children going to work in the field before going to school, and after they return to school or not going to school altogether to work in the fields and this is of great concern.
Mrs. Keifer said that Child labour is a gross violation of children's rights, as it has gross and far reaching physical and emotional effects on the children.
She has since endorsed the World Day Against Child Labour theme that children should not work in the fields, but they should be supported to work on their dreams.
Mrs. Keifer said Panos is currently working with various stakeholders to advance the protection of children from abusive practices such as child labour.


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Regular price
The Cruise design is the most popular board in the NSP range and one of the most popular SUP's in the world.
– Cruising on the water is the purest experience of SUP.
– Suitable for riders of all sizes and skill levels, the design features a wider nose and rounded square tail creating a stable platform with generous volume and easy turning.
– The double concave bottom shape delivers glide that makes this a super stable and fun board on flatwater and in small waves.
Shipping on all SUPS is $50 au