Abstract: An improved staple for use in internal surgery is disclosed. This improved staple has a deformation zone in each leg that varies in cross section along the length of the deformation zone. These cross sections are shaped so as to control staple leg deformation during staple installation into tissue in order to more effectively produce hemostasis and unite tissues and minimize tissue damage.

Abstract: An improved surgical staple is disclosed wherein predetermined regions of the staple legs are weakened to cause bending and deformation of said legs in a controlled manner. The staple provides a uniform compression of a tissue into which it is inserted.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell formed on a crystal substrate in which the lattice constant of the material of which the substrate is composed differs from the lattice constant of crystal material of which at least one component cell is composed. A lattice-graded bridging epilayer is formed over curved surface regions of the crystal substrate.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for lining the interior of a metal pipe with a resistant metal. A resistant metal ribbon is fed from a roll external to the pipe and is drawn into the pipe by a first trolley which moves inside the pipe from one end of the pipe to the other. The first trolley shapes the ribbon into a spiral with overlapping edges. A laser beam is directed along the pipe and is redirected by a second trolley, which moves in synchronism with the first, toward the region at which the ribbon is being laid down against the pipe, the laser beam serving to weld overlapping edge regions of ribbon to each other. Special weld patterns are disclosed for preventing the leaks through the lining even in the presence of anticipated weld flaws.

Abstract: An adhesive system is described as including an adhesive having dispersed metal particles whose function it is to emit heat for the purposes of breaking the bond formed by the adhesive when such action is desired. Specifically, metal particles are embedded within a suitable adhesive material which loses strength at a predetermined, relatively low temperature. When it is desired to break the bond formed by the adhesive, the metal-filled adhesive is placed in a rapidly varying magnetic or electromagnetic field so that the metallic inclusions transfer heat to the adhesive material, thereby raising it to a level which will break the bond formed thereby.