Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: A connector is provided to attach a supported member to a supporting member, with the supported member being in sloped and skewed relation to the supporting member. The connector has back members attached to side members. A seat member attaches to the side members through a hinged connection. The seat member interfaces with the bottom face of the supported member and can be disposed at a sloped angle. A pair of seat side members extend from the seat member.

Abstract: A saliva-based testing method that bypasses the need for RNA isolation/purification is described herein. In experiments with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus spiked into saliva, this method has a limit of detection of 500-1000 viral particles per mL, rivalling the standard NP swab method. Initial studies showed excellent performance with 100 clinical samples. This saliva-based process is operationally simple, utilizes readily available materials, and can be easily implemented by existing testing sites thus allowing for high-throughput, rapid, and repeat testing of large populations.

Abstract: A card retention mechanism securely holds a card within a slot on a circuit board. The retention mechanism may include a carrier and a retainer. The carrier mounts to a chassis of the computer system adjacent to the card slot. The retainer may be pivotally mounted to the carrier. When the retainer is in a closed position, at least one surface of the retainer engages an endplate of the card, and the retainer engages the carrier. The engagement of the retainer and the carrier inhibits rotation of the retainer from the closed position to an open position. When the retainer is in the closed position, the retainer securely holds the card to the chassis of the computer system.

Abstract: A protective cover for preventing damage and contamination to the pins within an electrical pin connector on a circuit board includes a semi-rigid housing defining an interior cavity. The housing is removably securable over the pin connector through an attachment mechanism which frictionally engages features on the pin connector and/or circuit board. In one embodiment, the housing includes one or more guide features to facilitate aligning the pin connector with the interior cavity of the housing. Multiple pin connectors may be accommodated within the interior cavity of the housing. Alternatively, the interior cavity may be partitioned into separate cavities, each of which may accommodate multiple pin connectors. A fin or rib may project from a surface of the housing to facilitate attachment or removal of the housing either manually or with a machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retaining a component within a base structure is provided. The component retention mechanism, in accordance with one example embodiment of the present invention, has a bolt receiver mounted to a base structure into which the component to be installed mounts. The base structure can be, e.g., a computer hardware rack structure. A spring casing mounts to the component to be installed. A spring having a first end and a second end mounts within the spring casing. At least one bolt extends from one of the first and second ends of the spring, such that the bolt engages with the bolt receiver to retain the component in the base structure as desired.

Abstract: An insulating guard is mounted over a backplane or motherboard in an electronic system that accepts hot pluggable circuit cards. The insulating guard has openings that expose only the connectors and allow a hot pluggable circuit card to be inserted without the possibility of shorting the backplane. In order to prevent contact between a card being inserted and adjacent cards that have already been connected to the system, the invention provides for insulating card dividers which are connected to the insulating guard and fit between adjacent cards. The card dividers can be attached to the insulating guard by parts which snap together, fasteners or adhesives.

Abstract: A method and apparatus relating to a support bracket (18) enabling hot-swapping of component trays (16) in component racks (10) is disclosed. A bracket (18) is provided for removably mounting a tray (16) in a component rack (10). The bracket (18) has two guide channels (20) extending substantially from a front end of the bracket (18) through to a back end. The guide channel (20) is adapted for sliding engagement with the component carrying tray (16). In addition, there is at least one stop guide (30) that projects from each of the front and back ends of the bracket (18). This stop guide (30) aids in positioning the bracket (18) during installation. On a backside of the bracket (18), there is a detent (32) that projects outward. The detent (32) serves as an aid in positioning and releasably holding the bracket (18) in place during installation.

Abstract: A test fixture which holds multiple circuit boards in an edge-to-edge configuration for testing includes a sliding interconnect mechanism which is located between the circuit boards under test. The interconnect mechanism includes an interconnect board on which are mounted pairs of inter-wired frame connectors which mate with the connectors on each of the printed circuit boards to be tested and electrically interconnect the boards. The interconnect mechanism includes guide pins on which the interconnect mechanism slides to accurately align the frame and board connectors and an actuating mechanism to move the interconnect mechanism into position to securely mate the aligned connectors. The actuating mechanism can also be reversed to unmate the connectors and release the boards under test after the tests are completed.