Abstract: The present invention concerns a flexible stapling device (1). More particularly, this invention concerns a flexible endovascular stapling device (1) for an intavascular procedure such as patent foramen ovale closure, which is designed to avoid open heart surgery by permitting the closure of the defect utilizing a stapling means (26) which is positioned by using a flexible shaft/guidewire system.

Abstract: An improved dimensional detection system is portable and can be used to characterize a workpiece. The dimensional detection system employs as few as a single focused light source and as few as a single camera along with a calibration data set to convert the illuminated pixels of an image of a beam on the workpiece into a cloud of real world points in space on an outer surface of the workpiece. The cloud of points can be processed to characterize the workpiece, such as by determining the right hexahedron that would encompass all of the real world points in space and which could be used to determine a dimensional weight of the workpiece.

Abstract: A tooling assembly for scoring a can end is provided. First and second opposing tool members cooperate to create a depression in the can end, and to form a scoreline within the depression. A conversion press for converting a can end shell into a can end, and a method for scoring a can end are also provided. The method includes engaging a first side of the can end with a score knife, supporting at least a portion of a second side of the can end with a score anvil, depressing the can end into a cavity of the score anvil to form the depression, and forming the scoreline within the depression. The depression and scoreline are formed substantially simultaneous within the same tool station of the conversion press. A sealant, which is applied to the scoreline, forms a pool within the depression, thereby completely covering the scoreline.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a reinforcement composition and a method of reinforcing an asphalt cement concrete composition. The reinforcement composition includes a core and an outer container. The core includes a plurality of fibers, and the outer container includes a polyolefin selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A hose adapter defines a passageway therethrough and has a first connector portion and a second connector portion with the first connector portion being substantially larger in transverse dimension than the second connector portion. A transition portion is disposed between the first and second connector portions. A vacuum device is operatively associated with one of the first and second connector portions, and a hose is secured to the other connecting portion. In one embodiment, the hose adapter has a vent with an associated closure, which is designed to vary the opening in the vent and thereby alter the amount of suction created by the vacuum device. A plurality of interiorly-mounted, inwardly-projecting ribs are provided in the second connector portion to facilitate retention of a hose therein. A vacuum system employing the adapter is disclosed.

Abstract: A can end is provided, which includes a severable panel, a peripheral scoreline defining the periphery of the severable panel, an opening mechanism such as a pull tab, a rivet coupling the pull tab to the severable panel, and a rivet base scoreline in the public side of the severable panel within about 0.025 inch or less of the stem of the rivet. The rivet base scoreline includes an arcuate head portion, first and second arm portions extending from the arcuate head portion, and first and second ends. The base of the rivet has a radius of curvature forming an intersection between the stem of the rivet and the public side of the severable panel. The arcuate head portion of the rivet base scoreline is contiguous with the radius of curvature. The pull tab includes a nose portion having a number of apertures aligned with corresponding portions of the rivet base scoreline disposed thereunder.

Abstract: Described are methods of making an electronic device, such as an RFID tag, including fabricating an antenna by depositing an electrically conductive polymer onto a substrate. The electrically conductive polymer is electrically connected to an electronic component, such as an IC chip or a diode. The electronic component may be placed on the substrate before or after the electrically conductive polymer is deposited. Once deposited, the electrically conductive polymer is cured. The electrically conductive polymer may be deposited in a number of ways, such using a mask having a desired pattern and applying the electrically conductive polymer to the mask, by screen printing the electrically conductive polymer or by printing the electrically conductive polymer using ink jet printing techniques.

Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.