Abstract: A method of operating an articulatable surgical instrument. The method includes providing a rotary drive motion to a rotary drive member of a surgical end effector and converting the rotary drive motion to an upper axial motion and a lower axial motion at locations that are distal to the articulation joint. The method further includes applying the upper axial motion to an upper portion of a firing member and applying the lower axial motion to a lower portion of the firing member such that the upper axial motion and lower axial motion drives the firing member distally through the surgical end effector from a starting position to an ending position.

Abstract: A compressor protection method and system capable of continuously establishing compressor discharge temperature set points based on actual in-service conditions and detecting damaged compressor valves for a given cylinder at each stage of compression. The method and system utilize sensors configured to monitor process property parameters (e.g. temperature and pressure) at the inlet section and outlet section of a compressor stage. The sensors generate monitored signals corresponding to the process property parameters. The method and system utilize a controller configured to receive and process these monitored signals. The controller executes a control logic that uses the monitored signals to either estimate or calculate compressor valve pressure losses for determining internal cylinder pressures, which are used to calculate compressor discharge temperature set points.

Abstract: Collapsible decorative figures comprising multiple interconnected sections. Locking and folding provisions are provided on each decorative figure so that no disassembly is required to collapse the figures. Several embodiments collapse into a box for storage when not in use. One embodiment is a multiple figure display wherein one of the figures collapses into a box in which the other decorative figures of the display, when collapsed, are stored.

Abstract: A high temperature article, for example a rocket nozzle suitable for liquid-fuelled rocket motors for satellites, is formed from an alloy which is a binary or tertiary alloy from the Pt-Ir-Rh system. Such alloys exhibit a good balance between ease and reliability of manufacture, cost of alloy and high temperature strength and oxidation resistance.

Abstract: A composition providing the physiologic sensations of ethanol, comprising an alkoxy glycol ether and preferably further comprising a cooling agent and an oral care or pharmaceutical active.

Abstract: Concentrated mouthrinse, methods of use and methods of manufacturing the mouthrinse for efficient delivery of antimicrobials wherein the composition is concentrated and substantially free of non-cationic surfactants.

Abstract: A self-contained package for housing, dispensing and diluting concentrated liquid with a predetermined quantity of dilution liquid prior to use. The package comprises a container for housing the concentrated liquid, a spout having a discharge orifice, and a closure. The spout aids the user in controlling the flow of liquid from the container during the dispensing cycle. The closure includes a concentrate reservoir for receiving concentrated liquid from the container and a main body portion for receiving dilution liquid after the concentrate reservoir has been filled with the concentrated liquid. The main body portion of the closure has a cross-section which is larger than the cross-section of the concentrate reservoir to facilitate easy visual sighting when the concentrate reservoir is filled. The concentrate reservoir further includes a centrally located sealing post which penetrates the discharge orifice in the spout to form a liquid tight seal whenever the closure is fully assembled onto the container.

Abstract: A vehicle and its control system is disclosed for inspecting or servicing a remote limited access location. The vehicle has a drive frame comprised of first and second opposing legs, and third and fourth opposing legs pivotable connected to the first and second legs to form a parallelogram. A drive mechanism is interconnected between the first and second legs of the parallelogram drive frame for opening and closing the drive frame. First and second attachment devices, illustratively in the form of magnets, are also attached to the first and second legs. The vehicle control system taking the form of a programmable computer in an illustrative embodiment of this invention responds to the opening and closing of the drive frame for alternatively actuating and deactuating the first and second attachment devices, whereby the vehicle is controllably driven.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrical connection means. In particular, the invention is concerned with means for effecting electrical connection between two or more bodies in such a way that any small relative movement between the bodies when so connected will result in only small to negligible mechanical stresses being imposed on one or more of the bodies and/or on one or more component parts of the electrical connection means. Further, electrical connection means according to the invention are such that, in service, they do not suffer from at least one of the disadvantages associated with known, substantially stress-free, electrical connection means. In more detail an electrical connection means comprises an electrically conductive member or lug dipping into and making electrical contact with liquid conductive material contained in an electrically conductive reservoir, and means for at least reducing any tendency towards expulsion of the liquid conductive material from the electrically conductive reservoir.