Abstract: An improved method and system for storage of geographic data on physical storage media. The geographic data are stored in a manner that facilitates and enhances use and access of the data by various navigation application functions in navigation systems that use the data. The geographic data includes a parcelization that separates the geographic data into parcels having less than or equal to a maximum parcel size but having at least a desired fill percentage. The parcelization method also provides for a division arrangement that facilitates addressing and identification of the parcels. According to a further aspect, the geographic data includes special nodal entities that are used to collapse complex intersections, such as roundabouts, cloverleaves, and divided highways, into simpler data representations. The special nodal entities are associated with road segment data entities and used in a route calculation program in place of regular node entities.

Abstract: A system and method for making and using a geographic database. The geographic database represents a geographic region and is used with a navigation application program. The geographic database includes a plurality of data entities each of which represents a physical feature in the geographic region. The plurality of data entities are separated into a plurality of parcels each of which contains a grouping of data entities that represent features in the geographic area encompassed within a separate one of a plurality of rectangles which together encompass all the features in the entire geographic region represented by all of the plurality of data entities. Each of the plurality of data entities has a data entity ID.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing information for storage media, and in particular, for distributing updated navigation data, such as geographical data and navigation application programs, contained on storage media and used in in-vehicle navigation systems. A plurality of local repositories are located in a geographical area. Each of the local repositories includes updated versions of navigation data for the navigation systems. Owners of vehicles having navigation systems may visit any of the repositories from time to time where they can obtain updated versions of the navigation data for their navigation systems. Subscriptions for obtaining updated navigation data would be available to the owners of navigation systems that would entitle them to obtain updated navigation data from the repositories. Procedures for updating the local repositories are also provided. The system and method can be used for updating other types of software.

Abstract: A semi-disposable surgical stapling instrument for the replacement of staple cartridges, as needed, in the course of an operation, and for the optional provision of a knife to cut tissue between staple rows. Propulsion of the stapling unit may be powered and controlled from the back of the instrument by either hand, as desired, during a surgical procedure with minimal generation of frictional or distorting forces. Economic materials of construction may be employed.