Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices for actuating surgical instruments are provided. In general, a surgical device can include one or more actuation shafts configured to facilitate actuation of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, the device can include four actuation shafts, two actuation shafts to facilitate articulation of the device, one actuation shaft to facilitate opening and closing of jaws at a distal end of the device, and one actuation shaft to facilitate moving a cutting element of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the one or more actuation shafts can include a distal elongate member and a proximal elongate member having a proximal end attached to a distal end of the distal elongate member. The proximal elongate member can be rigid, and the distal elongate member can be flexible.

Abstract: A fixture is provided for holding sheets having complex shapes during heat treating. The fixture includes a base having a central opening and defining a peripheral foundation. A support structure extends inwardly and upwardly from the base and across the central opening. The support structure includes first axial and traverse openings extending there through. A sheet engagement structure is secured to the support structure and includes second axial openings extending there through. The sheet engagement structure has a peripheral section and at least one connecting leg extending between portions of the peripheral section. A sheet securing ring is removably secured to the sheet engagement structure for slidingly securing a sheet between the sheet securing ring and the sheet engagement structure. The central opening, first axial and traverse openings and second axial openings cooperating to create a uniform and accelerated flow of fluid through the fixture.

Abstract: A method is presented for hot forming sheets having arcuate shapes. The method includes providing a die having a first and second clamping section. The first clamping section has a first arcuate pressing surface and the second clamping section has a complementary second arcuate pressing surface. The clamping sections have a plurality of heaters disposed therein. The die is heated to a predetermined temperature. The clamping sections are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. A precursor sheet is positioned therebetween such that the precursor sheet is spaced apart from the first arcuate pressing surface by a spacing distance. The clamping sections are pressed into engagement with the precursor sheet to form a production sheet having a predetermined shape by engagement with the first pressing surface and the second pressing surface and a predetermined pressing force for a predetermined pressing time.

Abstract: A method for hot forming sheets having complex shapes includes providing a die having a first and second clamping section, the first clamping section defining a first arcuate pressing surface and the second clamping section defining a second arcuate pressing surface complementary to the first pressing surface. The first and second clamping sections have a plurality of heaters disposed therein. The die is heated to a predetermined temperature. The first and second clamping sections are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. A precursor sheet is positioned therebetween such that the precursor sheet is spaced apart from the first arcuate pressing surface by a spacing distance. The first and second clamping sections are pressed into engagement with the precursor sheet to form a production sheet having a predetermined shape by engagement with the first pressing surface and the second pressing surface via a predetermined pressing force for a predetermined pressing time.

Abstract: A fixture is provided for holding sheets having complex shapes during heat treating. The fixture includes a base having a central opening and defining a peripheral foundation. A support structure extends inwardly and upwardly from the base and across the central opening. The support structure includes first axial and traverse openings extending there through. A sheet engagement structure is secured to the support structure and includes second axial openings extending there through. The sheet engagement structure has a peripheral section and at least one connecting leg extending between portions of the peripheral section. A sheet securing ring is removably secured to the sheet engagement structure for slidingly securing a sheet between the sheet securing ring and the sheet engagement structure. The central opening, first axial and traverse openings and second axial openings cooperating to create a uniform and accelerated flow of fluid through the fixture.

Abstract: The framing square apparatus provides immediate visual confirmation of a square relationship between two spaced apart surfaces or points. A user need only visually reference the position of the line between squares of the apparatus to determine such. The apparatus is provided with two squares, three squares, or four squares. The number of squares determines the number of points that can be established in square relationship. The line is selectively tied or knotted through the orifice of each square, as desired. The apparatus saves considerable time in determining square between two points, surfaces, corners, or the like. And, using more than two squares provides reference of additional points.