Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising: a carbon additive prewetted with an acid (e.g., H2SO4); and a lead-containing material. Also disclosed are methods of making such compositions, and pastes and electrodes made therefrom.

Abstract: A process has been developed for fabricating composite structures using either reaction forming or polymer infiltration and pyrolysis techniques to densify the composite matrix. The matrix and reinforcement materials of choice can include, but are not limited to, silicon carbide (SiC) and zirconium carbide (ZrC). The novel process can be used to fabricate complex, net-shape or near-net shape, high-quality ceramic composites with a crack-free matrix.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a silicate-based sintering aid and a method for producing the sintering aid. The sintering aid, or frit, may be added to dielectric compositions, including barium titanate-based compositions, to lower the sintering temperature. The sintering aid may be a single or multi-component silicate produced via a precipitation reaction by mixing solutions including silicon species and alkaline earth metal species. The sintering aid can be produced as nanometer-sized particles, or as coatings on the surfaces of pre-formed dielectric particles. Dielectric compositions that include the sintering aid may be used to form dielectric layers in MLCCs and, in particular, ultra-thin dielectric layers.

Abstract: A polymer matrix composite. The composite is made from a mixture of barium titanate-based particles dispersed in a polymeric resin. The mixture includes more than one barium titanate-based component, with each component having a different composition. The different barium titanate-based components are present in the mixture in specific proportions to provide the mixture with a relatively high, temperature-stable dielectric constant. Preferably, the mixture and resulting composite meets the temperature stability requirements to satisfy X7R capacitor specifications. The polymer matrix composite may be used in a number of applications, such as printed circuit boards which include embedded capacitors.