Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge can include a cartridge body having a plurality of staple cavities defined therein. The staple cavities can be obliquely oriented relative to a longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge. The staple cavities can be arranged in a plurality of rows including an inner row, an intermediate row, and an outer row. The lateral and/or longitudinal spacing and/or overlap between the staples in adjacent rows can vary to optimize the flexibility and/or sealing properties of the staple line. The size and orientation of the staples can also vary row-to-row and/or longitudinally.

Abstract: A system (10) for producing folded articles includes a cutting station (58) operable to segment a fabric web (42) into a continuous stream of individual web segments (86). The system also includes a rotary folder (96) comprising a plurality of folding rollers (104, 106). The rotary folder (96) rotates about an axis spaced apart from axes of the folding rollers (104, 106). The rotary folder (96) is operable to receive the web segments (86) at a first location and fold the web segments one or more times while rotating from the first location to a second location about the rotary folder (96) axis. The system further includes a transfer station (62) operable to receive the folded web segments (86) from the rotary folder (96) at the second location and deliver the folded web segments (86) to a third location.

Abstract: A flexible prosthesis, in particular for curing hernias by colioscopy, the prosthesis including at least one anchor, device made of shape memory material designed to be deformed merely under temperature control from a storage position into a fixing position in which the anchor device interferes with the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A machine and process for packaging armed sutures into tray packages. The machine has a frame with a rotatable indexing disc member mounted to the top of frame. A plurality of tool nests are rotatably mounted to the top of the indexing disc. Tray packages mounted in the tool nests are rotated to wind sutures into a suture channel in the packages. A stylus having a front nose member and a rear heel member guides suture into the suture channel.

Abstract: A system for producing coreless fabric rolls includes a feed station (12) operable to supply a leading edge of a fabric web (24) from a parent roll (18). The system includes a first tucking station (132) operable to position the leading edge of the fabric web (24) adjacent one of a plurality of spindles (48, 50, 52) coupled to a turret (46). The system also includes a winding station (38) comprising a winding roller (36). The winding station (38) is operable to receive the leading edge in a nip defined by the spindle (48, 50, 52) and the winding roller (36) and wind the fabric web (24) into a fabric roll about the spindle (48, 50, 52). The system also includes a cutting station (40) operable to separate the fabric roll from a remaining portion of the fabric web (24). The system also includes a second tucking station (42) operable to receive the spindle (48, 50, 52) from the winding station (36) and wind a trailing edge of the fabric roll about the fabric roll.

Abstract: A system for producing folded articles includes a cutting station (56) operable to segment a fabric web (42, 44) into a continuous stream of individual web segments (74, 76). The system also includes a first folding station (58) operable to fold each of the web segments (74, 76). The system further includes a spacing station (88) operable to receive the stream of web segments (74, 76) from the folding station (58) and deliver the stream of web segments (74, 76) at a predetermined spacing to correspond with a packaging registration.

Abstract: A system (10) for producing folded articles includes a cutting station (58) operable to segment a fabric web (42) into a continuous stream of individual web segments (86). The system also includes a rotary folder (96) comprising a plurality of folding rollers (104, 106). The rotary folder (96) rotates about an axis spaced apart from axes of the folding rollers (104, 106). The rotary folder (96) is operable to receive the web segments (86) at a first location and fold the web segments one or more times while rotating from the first location to a second location about the rotary folder (96) axis. The system further includes a transfer station (62) operable to receive the folded web segments (86) from the rotary folder (96) at the second location and deliver the folded web segments (86) to a third location.

Abstract: A system (10) for producing folded articles includes a cutting station (58) operable to segment a fabric web (42) into a continuous stream of individual web segments (86). The system also includes a rotary folder (96) comprising a plurality of folding rollers (104, 106). The rotary folder (96) rotates about an axis spaced apart from axes of the folding rollers (104, 106). The rotary folder (96) is operable to receive the web segments (86) at a first location and fold the web segments one or more times while rotating from the first location to a second location about the rotary folder (96) axis. The system further includes a transfer station (62) operable to receive the folded web segments (86) from the rotary folder (96) at the second location and deliver the folded web segments (86) to a third location.

Abstract: A fastener for fastening a muscle tendon and muscle to a bone. The fastener has a shank designed to be inserted through a tendon and into a channel bored through a bone. A fastening head terminates the shank and is designed to come into abutment against the muscle and muscle tendon to hold the muscle and uscle tendon against the bone. A locking member is designed to cooperate with the shank at the distal end of the shank that emerges from a tunnel in bone in order to lock the shank end fastening head relative to the bone and to the muscletendon and muscle.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a fibrous structure including electrostatically charged mandrels arranged around a delivery assembly for fiberizable material. The delivery assembly includes capillary needles to which fiberizable material is supplied from a reservoir, the needles being arranged on manifolds moved continuously around a loop path on a rail.