Abstract: A surgical stapler instrument includes a stapling head assembly that receives a plurality of staples. The staples are configured with features that allow the staples to expand after deployment so that an anastomosis created by the instrument can increase in size after forming. In some versions the staples expand automatically after deployment, and in other versions the staples expand in response to tissue forces imparted upon the staples after deployment. In some versions the staples are configured to be deployed in various patterns that promote expandability of the circular staple line.

Abstract: A tire inflation system for a vehicle. The tire inflation system may include at least one pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve may be normally closed and may be configured to vent pressurized gas from a tire when a pressure of the pressurized gas in the tire exceeds a threshold pressure.

Abstract: A tire inflation system for a vehicle. The tire inflation system may include a gas supply subsystem that may supply pressurized gas to a tire via first conduit that may be connected to an axle shaft.

Abstract: A tire inflation system for a vehicle. The tire inflation system may include at least one pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve may be normally closed and may be configured to vent pressurized gas from a tire when a pressure of the pressurized gas in the tire exceeds a threshold pressure.

Abstract: A tire inflation system for a vehicle. The tire inflation system may include a gas supply subsystem that may supply pressurized gas to a tire via first conduit that may be connected to an axle shaft.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a non-rotating spindle having a cylindrical body defining an internal cavity and an axle shaft assembly mounted within the internal cavity for rotation about an axis. A seal assembly is positioned within the internal cavity to provide a sealed chamber between the axle shaft assembly and the non-rotating spindle. A first air passage is formed within the cylindrical body and includes an air inlet to be in fluid communication with an air supply and an air outlet in fluid communication with the sealed chamber. A second air passage is formed within the axle shaft assembly and receives air input from the sealed chamber and includes an air output to be associated with at least one tire.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a non-rotating spindle having a cylindrical body defining an internal cavity and an axle shaft assembly mounted within the internal cavity for rotation about an axis. A seal assembly is positioned within the internal cavity to provide a sealed chamber between the axle shaft assembly and the non-rotating spindle. A first air passage is formed within the cylindrical body and includes an air inlet to be in fluid communication with an air supply and an air outlet in fluid communication with the sealed chamber. A second air passage is formed within the axle shaft assembly and receives air input from the sealed chamber and includes an air output to be associated with at least one tire.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a non-rotating spindle having a cylindrical body defining an internal cavity and an axle shaft assembly mounted within the internal cavity for rotation about an axis. A seal assembly is positioned within the internal cavity to provide a sealed chamber between the axle shaft assembly and the non-rotating spindle. A first air passage is formed within the cylindrical body and includes an air inlet to be in fluid communication with an air supply and an air outlet in fluid communication with the sealed chamber. A second air passage is formed within the axle shaft assembly and receives air input from the sealed chamber and includes an air output to be associated with at least one tire.

Abstract: A method is provided of operating an image-based check depositing terminal in response to a fault condition. The method comprises the steps of receiving a non-customer identification card from an individual who is other than a customer conducting a check deposit transaction at the check depositing terminal, reading from the card data which is associated with a financial institution, receiving from the individual a check which has been recovered from the terminal by the individual while clearing the fault condition, capturing an image of the check received from the individual, transporting the check to a check storage bin after the image of the check has been captured, and transmitting to the financial institution the captured image of the check together with the data which is associated with the financial institution. The method may further comprise the step of returning the non-customer identification card to the individual after the check has been transported to the check storage bin.

Abstract: A method is provided of an operator who is other than a check depositing customer handling a fault condition in an image-based check depositing terminal. The method comprises inserting a non-customer identification card into a card reader of the terminal to allow the card reader to read from the card data which is associated with a financial institution, removing a check along a check transport path which extends between a check input slot and an image capture device of the terminal, and inserting the removed check into the check input slot to allow the check to be transported along the check transport path past the image capture device to capture an image of the check so that the image of the check can be electronically transmitted together with the data which is associated with the financial institution. The method may further comprise verifying that the check is transported into a check storage bin after the check has been transported past the image capture device.

Abstract: A dropping resistor and a pair of differential current steering pairs coupled to the resistor with each operable to draw and cease drawing current through the resistor in response to associated corresponding input signals. An integrator is coupled through an emitter follower to one end of the resistor for integrating the current due to the difference in voltage from that voltage established when only one of the pair draws current through the resistor. Preferably the resistor is integrated on a semiconductor chip together with the remainder of the charge pump and integrator circuitry.

Abstract: A current to frequency converter having an operational amplifier with two inputs, an output, and a feedback capacitor connected between one input and the output to produce an output voltage waveform having a rate of change proportional to the input current between a first and second predetermined voltages. A level detector and active switching devices to detect the second predetermined voltage level and reset the voltage level of the waveform to the first predetermined voltage level. The level detector produces an output signal when the second voltage level is reached. The output signals form a digital pulse stream having a frequency proportional to the input current.