Abstract: Reinforcing lumen rings are configured and adapted for use in conjunction with a circular endoscopic stapling instrument having a staple cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly. The reinforcing lumen rings maintain anastomotic lumen, e.g. as formed by the circular endoscopic stapling apparatus, in an open condition. The reinforcing lumen rings can include an annular ring having an outer terminal edge and an inner terminal edge, the outer terminal edge having a diameter which is substantially equal to an outer diameter of the staple cartridge assembly and the inner terminal edge having a diameter which is substantially equal to an inner diameter of the staple cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A roll to roll, thin film manufacturing process/apparatus overcoming the shortcomings of current roll to roll processing; The roll to roll enabled cartridge is loaded with a bolt of flexible substrate. A skate couples with a cartridge, forms a seal with the cartridge's bottom aperture and drives the cartridge along a rail to an array of deposition heads. System control commands a head to mate with the cartridge top forming a seal about the variable area deposition aperture. The mating of the skate, cartridge and head form a pressure vessel wherein a film forming environment may be maintained. As the substrate advances through the deposition zone a layer is formed, bolt end to bolt end. Device growth continues from one head to another, as grown device encapsulation seal inclusive, aperture environmental seals applied, labeled cartridge is routed to dock, skate returns to process start.

Abstract: A system and method for the analysis of email traffic in a computer network comprising a mail server computer (2) and a plurality of remote employee computers (3) connected to the mail server computer. Email communications are sent and received at each of the employee computers via the mail server computer. The header information and any available attachment information of each email communication are copied and analysis on the header and attachment information is carried out. Reports based on the analysis of the header and attachment information are generated for review by a system administrator. Any unauthorised communications are brought to the attention of the system administrator. Reports on the usage of email by the organisation's entire workforce may be generated. In this way an analysis of email communication may be carried out without reviewing the actual content of each individual email.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument for performing endoscopic procedures such as carpal tunnel release. The cutting instrument consists of a tubular sheath or obturator constructed of a transparent material which is connected to a handle which includes means for securing a viewing instrument such as an endoscope thereto. A cutting blade is moved from a first protected or enclosed position to a second armed position, where only the blade edge is exposed at an opening in the obturator.

Abstract: The disclosure contemplates a method for using an endoscopic suturing apparatus to conveniently place various knots in suture such as a square knot, a modified fisherman's knot, a securing knot, an alternative square knot and a surgeon's knot. The knots are formed variously by placing the suture between the jaws or around one jaw and passing the needle from one jaw to the other to be able to draw the suture through loops formed in the suture.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a luminosity probe and an arrangement for measuring certain parameters such as IMEP, combustion chamber pressure, heat release and the like by measuring luminosity in the chamber and adjusting the running parameters of the engine to obtain the desired luminosity. Also disclosed is an arrangement for maintaining uniformity from cycle to cycle in a given combustion chamber and uniformity combustion in the combustion chambers of a multi-chamber engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a luminosity probe and an arrangement for adjusting the running parameters of the engine to obtain the desired luminosity. Also disclosed is an arrangement for maintaining uniformity from cycle to cycle in a given combustion chamber and uniformity combustion in the combustion chambers of a multi-chamber engine.

Abstract: An anti-collision plotter for use by the pilot and/or crew of an inflight aircraft for rapidly and automatically providing a visual representation of those sectors surrounding the aircraft in which the probability of colliding with another aircraft is relatively high. The plotter also provides information concerning the closing speed and the closing direction of an aircraft that is observed within an identified critical sector so that proper steps can be initiated immediately to avoid a midair collision.