Abstract: A portable communication device, method, and system enable temporary access to private user information by a venue communication system. The temporary access to the private information is based on a registration that includes user selectable privacy thresholds and predetermined venue conditions. The temporary access by the venue communication system can be adjusted and limited by the portable communication device. The usage of the private data by the venue communication system may be limited to anonymous analytics and/or extended to non-anonymous analytics and notifications based on user input to the communication device.

Abstract: A production cell includes: at least one robot arranged to handle products; at least one buffer area for intermediate storage of products inside the production cell; a vision system with cameras arranged to determine, based on images from the cameras, the identity and the location of objects in the production cell a plurality of production modules, each production module comprising at least one Hardware Module configured to process products; and a plurality of module attachment locations, each module attachment location being configured to connect with an interface section of a production module through at least a physical connection and a power connection.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom. The elongated shaft includes a proximal portion, a distal portion and a flexible portion supported therebetween. The flexible portion permits pivotal movement of the distal portion of the elongated shaft and an end effector supported thereon. A locking mechanism is operatively associated with the flexible portion of the elongated shaft to selectively impede pivotal motion of the distal portion. The locking mechanism includes a fluid chamber defined within the flexible portion in which a variable viscosity fluid disposed. The variable viscosity fluid is responsive to the application of an electromagnetic field to exhibit increased rigidity in the presence of the electromagnetic field and reduced rigidity in the absence of the electromagnetic field. An electrical coil is arranged such that the electromagnetic field may be selectively induced by the delivery of electrical energy from a power source.

Abstract: A firearm silencer for suppressing sound intensity generated by the discharge of a firearm, the discharge generating propellant gases, is disclosed. The firearm silencer includes an outer tube. The outer tube is generally hollow and generally cylindrical. The firearm silencer also includes a monolithic baffle stack inserted within the outer tube, and the monolithic baffle stack positions and constrains the outer tube coaxially and axially at a first and second end of the outer tube relative to a first and second end of the monolithic baffle stack using seals and retention seals, with such seals also providing an atmospheric sealing function. The monolithic baffle stack includes a first end that includes a first hole. The monolithic baffle stack also includes a second end that includes a second hole. The second end is located opposite the first end of the monolithic baffle stack.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom. The elongated shaft includes a proximal portion, a distal portion and a flexible portion supported therebetween. The flexible portion permits pivotal movement of the distal portion of the elongated shaft and an end effector supported thereon. A locking mechanism is operatively associated with the flexible portion of the elongated shaft to selectively impede pivotal motion of the distal portion. The locking mechanism includes a fluid chamber defined within the flexible portion in which a variable viscosity fluid disposed. The variable viscosity fluid is responsive to the application of an electromagnetic field to exhibit increased rigidity in the presence of the electromagnetic field and reduced rigidity in the absence of the electromagnetic field. An electrical coil is arranged such that the electromagnetic field may be selectively induced by the delivery of electrical energy from a power source.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing supporting first and second actuators, an elongated shaft extending distally from the housing, and an end effector supported by a distal portion of the elongated shaft. A tensile member extending through the elongated shaft is coupled to the first actuator and the end effector such that first actuator may be manipulated to induce motion of the end effector. A locking mechanism associated with the tensile member selectively impedes motion of the end effector. The locking mechanism includes a collet disposed about the tensile member and a collet clamp for receiving the collet. Receipt of the collet into the collet clamp induces radial compression of the collet to impede the motion of the tensile member therethrough. An actuation member extending through the elongated shaft induces insertion and withdrawal of the collet from the collet clamp.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom. The elongated shaft includes a proximal portion, a distal portion and a flexible portion supported therebetween. The flexible portion permits pivotal movement of the distal portion of the elongated shaft and an end effector supported thereon. A locking mechanism is operatively associated with the flexible portion of the elongated shaft to selectively impede pivotal motion of the distal portion. The locking mechanism includes a fluid chamber defined within the flexible portion in which a variable viscosity fluid disposed. The variable viscosity fluid is responsive to the application of an electromagnetic field to exhibit increased rigidity in the presence of the electromagnetic field and reduced rigidity in the absence of the electromagnetic field. An electrical coil is arranged such that the electromagnetic field may be selectively induced by the delivery of electrical energy from a power source.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough, and supports an end effector having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly that includes a movable handle and a fixed handle. The fixed handle is adapted to couple to one or more selectively removable grips and the movable handle is configured to impart movement of one or more movable jaw members operably associated with the end effector.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with a forceps includes a pair of jaw members, a knife assembly, and one or more cam assemblies. One or more of the jaw members are moveable relative to the other about a pivot from a first, open position to a second, closed position. One or more of the jaw members include a knife channel. The pivot includes a bore. The knife assembly includes a knife blade and an actuation shaft. The knife blade is disposed distally relative to the pivot. The actuation shaft is configured for slidable translation through the bore to allow selective advancement of the knife blade through the knife channel. The one or more cam assemblies are operably coupled to the one or more moveable jaw members and are actuatable to move the one or more jaw members from the first to second position for grasping tissue therebetween.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough, and supports an end effector having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly that includes a movable handle and a fixed handle. The fixed handle is adapted to couple to one or more selectively removable grips and the movable handle is configured to impart movement of one or more movable jaw members operably associated with the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom. The elongated shaft includes a proximal portion, a distal portion and a flexible portion supported therebetween. The flexible portion permits pivotal movement of the distal portion of the elongated shaft and an end effector supported thereon. A locking mechanism is operatively associated with the flexible portion of the elongated shaft to selectively impede pivotal motion of the distal portion. The locking mechanism includes a fluid chamber defined within the flexible portion in which a variable viscosity fluid disposed. The variable viscosity fluid is responsive to the application of an electromagnetic field to exhibit increased rigidity in the presence of the electromagnetic field and reduced rigidity in the absence of the electromagnetic field. An electrical coil is arranged such that the electromagnetic field may be selectively induced by the delivery of electrical energy from a power source.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing supporting first and second actuators, an elongated shaft extending distally from the housing, and an end effector supported by a distal portion of the elongated shaft. A tensile member extending through the elongated shaft is coupled to the first actuator and the end effector such that first actuator may be manipulated to induce motion of the end effector. A locking mechanism associated with the tensile member selectively impedes motion of the end effector. The locking mechanism includes a collet disposed about the tensile member and a collet clamp for receiving the collet. Receipt of the collet into the collet clamp induces radial compression of the collet to impede the motion of the tensile member therethrough. An actuation member extending through the elongated shaft induces insertion and withdrawal of the collet from the collet clamp.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough, and supports an end effector having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly that includes a movable handle and a fixed handle. The fixed handle is adapted to couple to one or more selectively removable grips and the movable handle is configured to impart movement of one or more movable jaw members operably associated with the end effector.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with a forceps includes a pair of jaw members, a knife assembly, and one or more cam assemblies. One or more of the jaw members are moveable relative to the other about a pivot from a first, open position to a second, closed position. One or more of the jaw members include a knife channel. The pivot includes a bore. The knife assembly includes a knife blade and an actuation shaft. The knife blade is disposed distally relative to the pivot. The actuation shaft is configured for slidable translation through the bore to allow selective advancement of the knife blade through the knife channel. The one or more cam assemblies are operably coupled to the one or more moveable jaw members and are actuatable to move the one or more jaw members from the first to second position for grasping tissue therebetween.

Abstract: An improved ice cream blending apparatus has a hopper support system that incorporates a hopper guidance mechanical linkage that supports the linear motion of the hopper and translates non-linear circular motion of the operating handle into the linear motion of the hopper.

Abstract: An extrusion system for producing a desired extrusion profile on a continuously moving work piece has a die containing two or more pressurized fluid extrusion cells therein, through which the work piece passes. Fluid under pressure id directed against the work piece to shape it without physical contact between the die and the work piece. The individual extrusion cells are configured to produce the desired profile, which is monitored by a non-contact metering member which applies signals to a processing unit which, in turn, applies correction signals to a pressured fluid supply module to control the pressurized fluid supply to each of the extrusion cells.

Abstract: A hydrostatic guidance system for the torch carriage used in an MCVD system has a plurality of air bearings mounted on the carriage and a pressurized fluid manifold device for routing pressurized fluid, such as air, to the several air bearings. The several bearings are located and oriented on the carriage adjacent the rails or ways of the lathe bed so that the carriage is made to float, contact free, over the ways for smooth, jerk free movement. The manifold house valve adjustments for controlling the amount of air routed to each air bearing, and the spacing of each bearing from the adjacent way is controlled by adjustable studs having the air bearings mounted on the ends thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining the pressure in an overclad tube at a reduced level despite axial movement of the tube during performance of an RIT overcladding operation. The overcladding tube is held by means of the lathe chuck, and a tubular extension of a rotary union member extends into the tube. The distal end of the extension has a sealing member replaceably mounted thereon which forms a seal with the interior wall of the tube. A vacuum source thus is enabled to connect to the interior of the overcladding tube through the rotary union, the extension tube, and the seal.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a preform from which fiber optics are drawn is fabricated by supplying reactants and gas vapors to the preform and by using two opposing forces to control the movement of a heat source supplying heat to the preform. The two forces function to reduce any hesitation or backlash in the movement of the heat source along predetermined portions of the preform to enable uniform layers to be formed within the preform.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a preform from which fiber optics are drawn is fabricated by supplying reactants and gas vapors to the preform and by using two opposing forces to control the movement of a heat source supplying heat to the preform. The two forces function to reduce any hesitation or backlash in the movement of the heat source along predetermined portions of the preform to enable uniform layers to be formed within the preform.