Abstract: A distributed system having a central server, one or more remote supplier nodes, one or more remote manufacturer nodes, and one or more remote client nodes that communicate with one another via the Internet. The server maintains a centralized component database containing information corresponding to the components sold by the suppliers that are potentially used in the manufacturer of packages. The server also maintains a centralized process database containing information corresponding to the manufacturing processes performed by the manufacturers that are potentially used in the manufacturer of packages. Each supplier and manufacturer is responsible for accessing the server via the Internet to store/update the information maintained in the appropriate database for its components/processes. Each client accesses the server via the Internet to provide a set of desired attributes for a proposed package.

Abstract: A vending machine having a vandal panel and main door that can be easily removed through upper and lower hinge assemblies without use of conventional fasteners and tools is provided. As a result, the depth of the vending machine is reduced.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method for managing an enterprise's communications. A plurality of issues is identified on which to manage communications. For each of the plurality of issues, a communications list is created comprising at least one person that is to be informed of an issue. For at least one of the plurality of issues, the communications list is organized hierarchically. For at least one of the plurality of issues, criterion is established as to when information about the at least one of the plurality of issues should be communicated to a level higher, lower, or across the hierarchy of the communications list.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided for cauterization and/or welding of tissue of varying impedance, thickness, compressibility, density, vascularity, etc., especially in the performance of endoscopic procedures. The instrument provides two electrodes of different electrical potentials. One electrode is moveable with respect to the other electrode to vary the distances between the electrodes and thus the impedance of the tissue as presented to the generator. The electrode distances may be varied by an automated or user controlled device.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided for cauterization and/or welding of tissue of varying impedance, thickness, compressibility, density, vascularity, etc., especially in the performance of endoscopic procedures. The instrument provides two electrodes of different electrical potentials. One electrode is moveable with respect to the other electrode to vary the distances between the electrodes and thus the impedance of the tissue as presented to the generator. The electrode distances may be varied by an automated or user controlled device.

Abstract: An electrosurgical hemostatic instrument is provided in which the coagulation status of tissue engaged by two elements delivering an electrosurgical energy to tissue may be observed, and in which damage from thermal spread may be minimized. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a bipolar endoscopic clamping, coagulation and cutting device. The coagulation may be observed by exposed electrode tips at the distal end of the instrument, an open knife slot which permits the escape of vapor, plume, steam or smoke from the coagulation process, windows located in the first or second element through which coagulating tissue may be observed, indentation in one of the elements which exposes a tissue contacting surface of the other element; a temperature indication strip located on the distal end of the instrument, or a current indicator located on the instrument.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous phase comprising an oxygen-releasing salt, a continuous water-immiscible organic phase and an emulsifier component comprising a condensation product of a primary amine and a poly[alk(en)yl]succinic acid or anhydride and wherein the condensation product comprises at least 70% by weight succinimide product.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition comprising: a discontinuous aqueous oxidizer-phase comprising dissolved therein an oxygen releasing salt component comprising ammonium nitrate; a continuous organic-phase comprising an organic fuel; and an emulsifying agent and characterized in that the oxygen-releasing salt component comprises at least one modifier selected from compounds of elements selected from the group consisting of aluminium, iron and silicon and wherein the oxidizer-phase comprises dissolved therein at least one polycarboxylate compound selected from polycarboxylic acids and salts thereof.