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: A pellet delivery system is provided that comprises a needle having an inner surface defining a passageway. The needle has a first portion that extends along a longitudinal axis and a curved second portion comprising an opening that is in communication with the passageway. The second portion extends transverse to the longitudinal axis. A pellet is positioned in the passageway. A plunger is slidably positioned in the passageway. The plunger comprises a shaft having a rounded tip configured to push the pellet through the first and second portions and out of the opening without the pellet becoming stuck within the passageway or the opening. Implants, systems, constructs, instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A damped sleeve having a damping layer attached to a backing layer is disclosed. The damping layer is formed from a non-woven energy absorbing felt and is attached to the backing layer by lines of attachment which define pockets between the layers. The layers are positioned coaxially around an axis and define a central space for receiving elongated items to be protected from vibration. Resilient filamentary support members are arranged between the damping and backing layers to support the layers radially in spaced relation relative to the axis. The support members may be helically wrapped around the axis, circumferentially positioned or arranged in a zig-zag pattern transversely to the axis. A slit in the layers provides access to the central space.

Abstract: An elongated sleeve for protecting elongated substrates is disclosed. The sleeve has a flexible elongated backbone extending lengthwise along the sleeve. A plurality of flexible, resilient ribs extend transversely from the backbone. The ribs are biased into a concave, preferably circular shape to define a central space for receiving the substrates. The backbone may be continuous, discontinuous or split and may intersect the ribs at a point spaced from their mid point, defining asymmetrical ribs. One or more layers of material are attached to the ribs forming a covering which defines a lengthwise seam along the ends of the ribs providing access to the central space. The layers may be positioned on either or both inside or outside of the ribs. The layers may provide a reflective surface for thermal protection.

Abstract: A damped sleeve having a damping layer attached to a backing layer is disclosed. The damping layer is formed from a non-woven energy absorbing felt and is attached to the backing layer by lines of attachment which define pockets between the layers. The layers are positioned coaxially around an axis and define a central space for receiving elongated items to be protected from vibration. Resilient filamentary support members are arranged between the damping and backing layers to support the layers radially in spaced relation relative to the axis. The support members may be helically wrapped around the axis, circumferentially positioned or arranged in a zig-zag pattern transversely to the axis. A slit in the layers provides access to the central space.