Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conveying information from a signaling trail vehicle to oncoming trail vehicles. The information typically pertains to traffic, environmental or other trail conditions present behind the signaling trail vehicle. The apparatus comprises a signaling device to convey information from the signaling trail vehicle to the oncoming trail vehicles, and an actuation mechanism for operating the signal device. The method comprises the steps of energizing a yellow/amber light to provide a caution to oncoming trail vehicles of a trail hazard and energizing a green light to provide an all-clear signal to indicate that no additional trail vehicles are following the signaling trail vehicle.

Abstract: A snow melting apparatus (1) including a reduction chamber (4) into which heated air is forced by a burner (14). Heated air is distributed within the reduction chamber (4) by using a central conduit (13) to which are rigidly affixed heat exchanger pipes (15, 16, 17, 18) having open ends and being perforated by a plurality of downwardly facing slits (32, 33, 34). Heated water (26) is also distributed within the reduction chamber (4) by using a pump (28) and a perforated pipe (30).