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: The present invention provides a pressure alarm for use in conjunction with conventional pressure gauge unit systems, as a replacement pressure gauge and alarm, or as a pressure alarm system. The invention provides adaptable alarm feedback signals for an operator, preventing the unexpected loss of pressure when using a gas cylinder, pressure boiler, or other device. The invention provides an alarm that may be a visual, audible, electronic, or mechanical low-pressure alarm and may include a means of ordering replacement supplies or sending a warning message. A system controller and memory module prevents false alarms and eases the burden of the operator while allowing external input and control.

Abstract: An adjustable weight ballast for lighter-than-air balloon with a predetermined lift is disclosed, comprising at least two individual weights. There is a first means on each individual weight for selectively attaching two or more weights to each other to form a composite weight having a total weight at least equal to the predetermined lift of the balloon, and a second means for tethering the lighter-than-air balloon to this composite weight, in which manner a ballast for a balloon can have its weight incrementally adjusted to an amount just greater than the balloon's predetermined lift to thus securely tether the balloon to a surface on which the composite weight is supported without significantly exceeding the lift of the balloon.

Abstract: An adjustable weight ballast for lighter-than-air balloon with a predetermined lift is disclosed, comprising at least two individual weights. There is a first means on each individual weight for selectively attaching two or more weights to each other to form a composite weight having a total weight at least equal to the predetermined lift of the balloon, and a second means for tethering the lighter-than-air balloon to this composite weight, in which manner a ballast for a balloon can have its weight incrementally adjusted to an amount just greater than the balloon's predetermined lift to thus securely tether the balloon to a surface on which the composite weight is supported without significantly exceeding the lift of the balloon.

Abstract: An inflatable assembly formed of two superimposed sheets sealed at the peripheries thereof to form a generally closed gas receiving compartment including opposing sheet portions having generally aligned initially unsealed edges which form an opening for receiving a gas conduit during inflation. Adhesive or a double-sided adhesive strip is provided on one of the sheet portions facing the other sheet portion. Premature adhesion between the sheet portion is prevented by a removable protective strip disposed between the adhesive surface and the facing sheet portion. After inflation and removal of the gas conduit and the protective strip, application of pressure to the sheet portions seals the opening to prevent escape of gas therethrough.

Abstract: An inflatable assembly is formed of two superimposed sheets sealed at the peripheries thereof to form a generally closed gas receiving compartment having an external surface and an aperture in that surface for receiving a conduit during inflation. An adhesive pad or strip is provided which covers the aperture and is at least partially attached to the external surface about the aperture with the exception of a zone of initial separation for providing access for the gas conduit into the aperture. The adhesive pad includes adhesive in the region of zone of initial separation in which there is interposed a strip of slip paper which resists adhesion between the pad and the external surface in the zone of initial separation. After inflation, removal of the strip of slip paper allows full closure of the aperture by adhesion between the adhesive pad and the external surface in the zone of initial separation.