Abstract: A surgical stapler, or fastening instrument, may generally comprise a layer, such as a tissue thickness compensator, for example, releasably attached to a fastener cartridge and/or anvil by a flowable attachment portion. The flowable attachment portion may be indefinitely flowable. The flowable attachment portion may be flowable from the time that layer is installed to the fastener cartridge to the time in which the layer is implanted to patient tissue. The flowable attachment portion may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive. The flowable attachment portion may comprise an adhesive laminate comprising a base layer comprising the tissue thickness compensator and an adhesive layer on at least a portion of a surface of the base layer comprising the pressure sensitive adhesive. Articles of manufacture comprising flowable attachment portion and methods of making and using the flowable attachment portion are also described.

Abstract: An articulated vertical support stand having an articulated base plate for holding and supporting cut trees or staffs having an irregularly shaped, curved or twisted trunk in a substantially vertical, upright position. A horizontally oriented base plate having a central opening is supported by three support members pivotally and removably attached to the base plate at points equidistantly spaced about the periphery of the base plate forming joints allowing articulation therebetween. The support members having sharpened spikes protruding from their upper ends for engaging and gripping the lower portion of the trunk when the lower portion of the trunk is inserted through the opening. The base plate includes a plurality of cam means pivotally attached to its lower surface for engaging the lower portion of the trunk protruding through the opening.