Abstract: An apparatus includes a first jaw (16) and a second jaw (618, 718, 900) that cooperate to clamp and staple tissue (90). The second jaw includes a jaw body (620, 720, 902) and a distal tip (619, 719, 906) pivotable relative to the jaw body between a first discrete and a second discrete position. First and second openings (663, 784, 785, 932, 934) are both defined by one of the distal tip or a structure (621, 920) located proximal to the distal tip. A projection (637, 781, 918) is defined by the other of the distal tip or the structure. The projection is positionable within the first opening (663, 785, 932) to releasably retain the distal tip in the first discrete position, and within the second opening (663, 784, 934) to releasably retain the distal tip in the second discrete position.

Abstract: A geodesic antenna includes an outer cone. The geodesic antenna also includes an inner cone positioned partially within the outer cone and, together with the outer cone, defining an electromagnetic waveguide. The geodesic antenna further includes multiple driven elements configured to generate electromagnetic waves in a space between the outer and inner cones. In addition, the geodesic antenna includes a ground plane configured to reflect first electromagnetic waves of the generated electromagnetic waves back into the space between the outer and inner cones. The ground plane has a geometric design that prevents at least some second electromagnetic waves of the generated electromagnetic waves from being reflected from the ground plane and forming an interferometer pattern.

Abstract: A geodesic antenna includes an outer cone. The geodesic antenna also includes an inner cone positioned partially within the outer cone and, together with the outer cone, defining an electromagnetic waveguide. The geodesic antenna further includes multiple driven elements configured to generate electromagnetic waves in a space between the outer and inner cones. In addition, the geodesic antenna includes a ground plane configured to reflect first electromagnetic waves of the generated electromagnetic waves back into the space between the outer and inner cones. The ground plane has a geometric design that prevents at least some second electromagnetic waves of the generated electromagnetic waves from being reflected from the ground plane and forming an interferometer pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for mitigating element pattern ripple includes an inner cone, an outer cone, at least one driven element, and at least one director. The outer cone is coupled to the inner cone. The at least one driving element is coupled to the outer cone and is configured to produce at least one primary ray. The at least one director is coupled to the outer cone and is configured to direct the at least one primary ray. The inner cone and the outer cone may be concentric. The at least one driven element may include multiple driven elements. The at least one director may include multiple directors. A number of directors may be equal to a number of driven elements.

Abstract: A wireless communication electronic assembly can include a plurality of integrated modules each having a ground plate interfaced to each other and defining a shielding plane. Each ground plate can have a left edge and a right edge opposite each other. A plurality of wireless communication devices can be positioned on one side of the shielding plane, and a plurality of electronic devices can be positioned on the other side of the shielding plane. One or more electromagnetic shielding elements, such as gasket(s), channel strip(s), stamping element(s), etc. can be disposed between the left edge and the right edge of adjacent ground plates to electromagnetically shield the plurality of electronic devices from the plurality of wireless communication devices. The left and right edges can be recessed or offset on one side of the shielding plane. Rows and columns of integrated modules can be interfaced about a plurality of electromagnetic shielding elements.

Abstract: A wireless communication electronic assembly can include a plurality of integrated modules each having a ground plate interfaced to each other and defining a shielding plane. Each ground plate can have a left edge and a right edge opposite each other. A plurality of wireless communication devices can be positioned on one side of the shielding plane, and a plurality of electronic devices can be positioned on the other side of the shielding plane. One or more electromagnetic shielding elements, such as gasket(s), channel strip(s), stamping element(s), etc. can be disposed between the left edge and the right edge of adjacent ground plates to electromagnetically shield the plurality of electronic devices from the plurality of wireless communication devices. The left and right edges can be recessed or offset on one side of the shielding plane. Rows and columns of integrated modules can be interfaced about a plurality of electromagnetic shielding elements.

Abstract: A wireless communication electronic assembly can include a plurality of integrated modules each having a ground plate interfaced to each other and defining a shielding plane. Each ground plate can have a left edge and a right edge opposite each other. A plurality of wireless communication devices can be positioned on one side of the shielding plane, and a plurality of electronic devices can be positioned on the other side of the shielding plane. One or more electromagnetic shielding elements, such as gasket(s), channel strip(s), stamping element(s), etc. can be disposed between the left edge and the right edge of adjacent ground plates to electromagnetically shield the plurality of electronic devices from the plurality of wireless communication devices. The left and right edges can be recessed or offset on one side of the shielding plane. Rows and columns of integrated modules can be interfaced about a plurality of electromagnetic shielding elements.

Abstract: A wireless communication electronic assembly can include a plurality of integrated modules each having a ground plate interfaced to each other and defining a shielding plane. Each ground plate can have a left edge and a right edge opposite each other. A plurality of wireless communication devices can be positioned on one side of the shielding plane, and a plurality of electronic devices can be positioned on the other side of the shielding plane. One or more electromagnetic shielding elements, such as gasket(s), channel strip(s), stamping element(s), etc. can be disposed between the left edge and the right edge of adjacent ground plates to electromagnetically shield the plurality of electronic devices from the plurality of wireless communication devices. The left and right edges can be recessed or offset on one side of the shielding plane. Rows and columns of integrated modules can be interfaced about a plurality of electromagnetic shielding elements.

Abstract: An array of geodesic lens antennas (GLAs) comprises multiple vertical radiating slots, each formed into an annulus, which are individually controlled by feeding rings. One feeding ring is provided for each of the GLA elevation elements, resulting in multiple, parallel waveguide channels that together enable elevation beam steering, thus forming a concentric stack of geodesic lenses. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments of the invention are capable of RF beam formation in azimuth and elevation by using these lenses to form, shape, and steer one or more RF beams. Each GLA in the stack forms an element in the elevation plane with separate amplitude and phase control, providing the degrees of freedom required to independently and simultaneously control azimuth and elevation beam forming and steering.

Abstract: An enclosure that includes a box structure that includes a plurality of sides defining a sealed chamber for containing a heat producing component. At least one of the sides of the box structure includes a panel. The panel includes two outer sheets and an inner layer of material sandwiched between the two outer sheets. The two outer sheets and the inner layer of material collectively define a plurality of fluid flow channels extending from a first end of the two outer sheets to a second end of the two outer sheets. Heat generated by the heat producing component is transferred to at least one of the outer sheets which transfers the heat to fluid flowing through the fluid flow channels. The panel can be the main load bearing path of the box structure.

Abstract: An array of geodesic lens antennas (GLAs) comprises multiple vertical radiating slots, each formed into an annulus, which are individually controlled by feeding rings. One feeding ring is provided for each of the GLA elevation elements, resulting in multiple, parallel waveguide channels that together enable elevation beam steering, thus forming a concentric stack of geodesic lenses. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments of the invention are capable of RF beam formation in azimuth and elevation by using these lenses to form, shape, and steer one or more RF beams. Each GLA in the stack forms an element in the elevation plane with separate amplitude and phase control, providing the degrees of freedom required to independently and simultaneously control azimuth and elevation beam forming and steering.

Abstract: Disclosed is a muffler assembly including: a) polymeric housing having an interior surface and at least one opening for at least one inlet and one outlet exhaust pipe; b) at least one metal inlet exhaust pipe and at least one metal outlet exhaust pipe positioned within the openings to provide housing-exhaust pipe interfaces; c) a thermal insulating material coating the interior surface of the polymeric housing and extending through the housing-exhaust pipe interfaces; wherein the thermal insulating material seals the muffler assembly at the housing-exhaust pipe interfaces; and wherein the muffler assembly has a leak rate of 105 Liters/minute or less at 4.5 psig pressure. An optional muffler assembly has body mounting adapters attached to the inlet and outlet exhaust pipes and positioned within the openings to provide housing-body mounting adapter interfaces. Also disclosed are processes for manufacturing the muffler assemblies.

Abstract: A muffler assembly including one or more exhaust pipe(s), a polymeric housing carried by at least one of the exhaust pipe(s); a thermal insulating layer lining the housing interior surface and extending between the housing and exhaust pipe at the housing-exhaust pipe interface; wherein the thermal insulating layer includes a nonwoven fabric; wherein when the fabric is exposed to heat, the fabric increases in thickness to seal the muffler assembly at the housing-exhaust pipe interface and provides thermal insulation to the polymeric housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a muffler assembly including: a) polymeric housing having an interior surface and at least one opening for at least one inlet and one outlet exhaust pipe; b) at least one metal inlet exhaust pipe and at least one metal outlet exhaust pipe positioned within the openings to provide housing-exhaust pipe interfaces; c) a thermal insulating material coating the interior surface of the polymeric housing and extending through the housing-exhaust pipe interfaces; wherein the thermal insulating material seals the muffler assembly at the housing-exhaust pipe interfaces; and wherein the muffler assembly has a leak rate of 105 Liters/minute or less at 4.5 psig pressure. An optional muffler assembly has body mounting adapters attached to the inlet and outlet exhaust pipes and positioned within the openings to provide housing-body mounting adapter interfaces. Also disclosed are processes for manufacturing the muffler assemblies.

Abstract: A muffler assembly including one or more exhaust pipe(s), one or more mounting adapter(s) attached to the one or more exhaust pipe(s), a polymeric housing carried by one or more mounting adapter(s), a thermal insulating layer lining the housing interior surface and extending between the housing and one or more mounting adapter(s) at the housing-mounting adapter interface(s); wherein the thermal insulating layer includes a nonwoven fabric; wherein when the fabric is exposed to heat, the fabric increases in thickness to seal the muffler assembly at the housing-exhaust pipe interface and provides thermal insulation to the polymeric housing.

Abstract: A muffler assembly including one or more exhaust pipe(s), a polymeric housing carried by at least one of the exhaust pipe(s); a thermal insulating layer lining the housing interior surface and extending between the housing and exhaust pipe at the housing-exhaust pipe interface; wherein the thermal insulating layer includes a nonwoven fabric; wherein when the fabric is exposed to heat, the fabric increases in thickness to seal the muffler assembly at the housing-exhaust pipe interface and provides thermal insulation to the polymeric housing.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an antenna cooling system, comprises a first cylinder and a second cylinder substantially concentric to the first cylinder. The first and second cylinders form a chamber between the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The chamber is configured to receive a fluid flow. A plurality of fins are disposed within the chamber and rigidly coupled to the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The plurality of fins are configured to transmit thermal energy to the fluid flow. A plurality of ports are coupled to the second cylinder. Each port is configured to receive an antenna unit.

Abstract: An enclosure that includes a box structure that includes a plurality of sides defining a sealed chamber for containing a heat producing component. At least one of the sides of the box structure includes a panel. The panel includes two outer sheets and an inner layer of material sandwiched between the two outer sheets. The two outer sheets and the inner layer of material collectively define a plurality of fluid flow channels extending from a first end of the two outer sheets to a second end of the two outer sheets. Heat generated by the heat producing component is transferred to at least one of the outer sheets which transfers the heat to fluid flowing through the fluid flow channels. The panel can be the main load bearing path of the box structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a muffler (1, 21, 41) integrated with a catalytic converter bed (9, 32, 52) including a polymeric muffler body (2, 22, 42), an inlet pipe (3, 23, 43) in flow communication with engine exhaust, said inlet pipe connected to a first body mounting adapter (5, 25, 45) so as to hold the inlet pipe a heat insulating distance from said polymeric muffler body, said inlet pipe in flow communication with an inlet of said catalytic converter bed (9, 32, 52), and a perforated exhaust pipe (4, 34, 44) in flow communication with an outlet of the catalytic converter bed, said perforated exhaust pipe mounted on a second body mounting adapter (6, 26, 56) so as to hold the perforated exhaust pipe a heat insulating distance from the polymeric muffler body; said inlet pipe and said perforated exhaust pipe holding said catalytic converter bed a heat insulating distance from the polymeric muffler body, said first body mounting adapter, polymeric muffler body, and second body mounting adapter forming a sealed internal c

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an antenna cooling system, comprises a first cylinder and a second cylinder substantially concentric to the first cylinder. The first and second cylinders form a chamber between the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The chamber is configured to receive a fluid flow. A plurality of fins are disposed within the chamber and rigidly coupled to the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The plurality of fins are configured to transmit thermal energy to the fluid flow. A plurality of ports are coupled to the second cylinder. Each port is configured to receive an antenna unit.