Abstract: An electronic production system and method are capable of handling dynamic process production data. The electronic production system includes a memory; an input/output interface for receiving production data from a plurality of sensors detecting operation of a plurality of processes of a facility; and a processor. The processor includes a plurality of dynamically operating software modules, each responsive to the production data of a respective process for storing and dynamically updating the production data in the memory; an event log generator, responsive to the production data stored in the memory, for generating event logs and for transmitting the event logs to a management system connected to the input/output interface; and a graphic user interface, responsive to the dynamically operating software modules updating the production data, for displaying the production data graphically and dynamically as the production data changes.

Abstract: A writing instrument is provided which includes a body having a barrel portion and a plunger portion. The barrel portion has opposed front and rear ends for housing a replaceable writing cartridge and a spring for biasing the cartridge toward the rear end of the barrel portion. The plunger portion is removably maintained in the rear end of the barrel portion and is configured for moving the cartridge between a retracted portion and a protracted position and for rotational and axial movement with respect to the center line of the barrel portion for removing the plunger portion to replace the cartridge. A clip member is pivotably mounted to the body of the writing instrument and includes a latch for selectively engaging the body of the writing instrument when the cartridge is in a protracted position.

Abstract: A writing instrument which includes a body having a barrel portion and a replaceable cartridge housed within the barrel portion. A retractor mechanism is removably maintained in a rear end of the barrel portion and is adapted for axial movement between a retracted position and a protracted position. The instrument further includes structure for biasing the replaceable cartridge toward the rear end of the barrel portion and for maintaining the retractor mechanism in the protracted position by imparting a moment, or force, on the retractor mechanism acting relative to the axial centerline of the barrel portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing suture-needle assemblies in which the suture thread is connected to the needle shank through the provision of heat shrinkable tubing. The apparatus for securing the heat shrink tubing to the shank of the needle essentially comprises a needle holder, a heat source, a video camera and monitor device and means for insuring heating of the tubing only at the shank. An apparatus is also disclosed for securing the suture thread to the needle shank where the needle shank is already provided with the heat shrink tubing secured thereon. The apparatus for securing the suture thread to the needle shank includes a needle holder, a heat source, a heat cover to create a heating chamber, as well as video camera and monitor means to enlarge the image for an operator, as well as temperature regulating equipment.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a cartridge for a writing instrument. In particular, the writing instrument includes a surface against which the cartridge abuts. The cartridge includes a tubular body for containing ink which has a front end including an applicator for applying the ink, and a plug member disposed at least partially in a rear end of the tubular body of the cartridge. The plug member includes a path for permitting airflow into the tubular body, and a flange for cushioning the cartridge against the abutment surface of the writing instrument so as to inhibit separation of the ink from the ink applicator and absorb pressure exerted upon the ink applicator during writing.

Abstract: An writing instrument having an elongated tubular body formed from a thin sheet of material being rolled upon itself. A marking substance positioned within a bore of the body is prevented from leaking through the body by the application of a coating to at least one side of the sheet so that a lining is formed in the bore.

Abstract: A writing instrument is provided which includes a body having a barrel portion and a plunger portion. The barrel portion has opposed front and rear ends for housing a replaceable writing cartridge and a spring for biasing the cartridge toward the rear end of the barrel portion. The plunger portion is removably maintained in the rear end of the barrel portion and is configured for moving the cartridge between a retracted portion and a protracted position and for rotational and axial movement with respect to the center line of the barrel portion for removing the plunger portion to replace the cartridge. A clip member is pivotably mounted to the body of the writing instrument and includes a latch for selectively engaging the body of the writing instrument when the cartridge is in a protracted position.

Abstract: A braided suture exhibits one or more improved properties, e.g., reduced chatter, greater flexibility and/or better hand, than that of a braided suture of known, or standard, construction and of substantially equivalent size.

Abstract: A syringe is disclosed which includes a needle body having a proximal end and a distal end, a needle attached to the distal end of the needle body, a plunger for drawing fluid into the needle body through the needle, and a protective sheath configured and dimensioned to be positioned about the needle body and movable between a first distal position whereby the needle is shielded by the sheath and a proximal position whereby the needle is exposed. A system of slots and pegs is provided to releasably retain the protective sheath in the first distal position and to releasably retain the protective sheath in the proximal position. Also a system to retain and lock the protective sheath in a second distal position after use whereby the needle is protected by the sheath. A method of using the safety syringe to protect the needle from inadvertent contact with the user or any person in the area of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for endoscopic application of surgical staples adapted to attach surgical mesh to body tissue in laparoscopic hernia surgery. The apparatus includes a frame, and a generally elongated endoscopic section connected to the frame and extending distally therefrom. A staple storage magazine is provided for storing a plurality of surgical staples at the distal end portion of the endoscopic section with each staple being configured and adapted to attach the mesh to the body tissue. An elongated pusher system formed of several assembled components and extending from the frame to the endoscopic section is provided for individually advancing at least one staple at a time distally for positioning adjacent the surgical mesh and the body tissue. The pusher system also includes a trigger mecanism to actuate the pusher.

Abstract: A suture package is disclosed which is formed of a plurality of panels foldably connected to each other and arranged to fold upon each other to form a suture compartment between pairs of adjacent panels. A generally planar insert member includes portions cut out and lifted from the plane of the insert, respective pluralities of the cut portions being dimensioned and positioned to engage respective portions of a plurality of suture needles positioned thereon to retain the needles in respective fixed spaced positions within the package such that the needles are positioned in one needle compartment and individual flexible suture portions connected to the needles are respectively positioned in individual compartments formed by the remaining adjacent folded panels. In one embodiment portions of certain panels are cut away to reduce the girth of the folded package when loaded. Such portions may either be circular cut-outs or may be provided by dimensioning the length of certain panels less than the others.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed for selectively permitting passage of fluid media such as gaseous fuel, from a first location to a second location. A valve body has one end portion defining a cylindrical inner wall surface and a flat annular seat extending inwardly thereof. An end plug is positioned for axial movement toward and away from the valve seat and an annular seal ring is positioned between the end plug and the valve seat and adapted to provide gaseous sealing contact between the end plug and the valve body at a plurality of locations when the end plug is moved to a first closed position which prevents gaseous communication between the first and second locations. In one embodiment the seal ring moves axially with the end plug and in another embodiment the seal ring remains seated and the end plug moves in the axial direction away from the seal ring. Other embodiments provide alternative means to direct the gaseous media from the first location to the second.

Abstract: A method for making a multifilament suture yarn includes jet entangling the filaments of the suture yarn prior to other operations such as twisting and braiding. A multifilament braided suture is made of air entangled suture yarns, such as by braiding. The suture may include a core constructed of entangled yarns, preferably in the form of a cabled core constructed of multiple entangled yarns plied together, the plied yarns being air entangled and twisted in a first direction. Multiple entangled plied yarns twisted in the first direction are combined and twisted in a second opposite direction to form a cabled core.

Abstract: A device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee. The device consists of a pair of needles detachably secured to a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a suture which connects the ends of the anchoring members opposite the needles.

Abstract: A braided suture possesses a cable core which resists any tendency to protrude through the surrounding braid structure.

Abstract: A combined surgical needle-suture device of controlled suture release characteristics and a method for manufacturing the device employ a shrinkable tubing to connect the needle to a suture possessing a lubricated tip.