Abstract: Methods and apparatus directed to tissue capture, presentation and retention using a surgical apparatus. One or more tissue capture arms can include surface features that engage captured tissue and provide omni-directional support during capture and retention of the tissue. The tissue clamping arm can include improved centering features for positioning captured tissue relative to a penetrator that is advance into the capture tissue. Through improved tissue handling and tissue retention relative to the penetrator, captured tissue can be consistently pierced regardless of external forces and techniques. The tissue clamping arm can include gripping members arranged along an interface surface to improve tissue grip and presentation.

Abstract: The invention is a bladder formed of multiple layers of barrier film to provide multiple pressurized layers of cushioning fluid or gas when the bladder is filled. The sidewalls of the bladder can be constructed with an inverted seam construction to eliminate finishing steps in the manufacture of cushioning bladders and alternatively to provide a clean, seamless appearance along the side walls. The inverted seam can be formed by attaching the peripheral edges of inner barrier layers to the outer barrier layers adjacent a weld between inner barrier layers to provide an inside-out inverted seam appearance. An inverted seam can also be formed by providing separate sidewall elements attached to the barrier layers of the bladder to provide a seam displaced from the center of the sidewall.

Abstract: A bladder which is particularly useful for a sole assembly of a shoe is formed of multiple layers of barrier film to provide multiple pressurized layers of cushioning fluid or gas when the bladder is filled. A multiple gas layer bladder enhances cushioning response by relying more on the response characteristics of the gas and reducing the amount of foam and the dependence on foam as a cushioning material. The internal film layers provide a truss-like geometry in cross section and act as tensile members to impart a generally smooth surface contour to the bladder. The bladder is constructed to provide complex regionalized cushioning profiles which are coupled to the anatomy of the foot and expected loads at known points.

Abstract: A shock absorbing bladder for use in the sole of an article of footwear is disclosed. The bladder includes a plurality of inflated chambers at different pressure levels. The bladder includes a first sealed chamber formed of a barrier material. The first chamber contains a fluid at a first fluid pressure. A second sealed chamber also forms part of the bladder. The second chamber is formed of a second barrier material and contains an inflation fluid at a second fluid pressure that is greater than said first fluid pressure. The second chamber is operatively coupled to the first chamber so that the inflation fluid from the second chamber moves into the first chamber to replenish fluid leaving the first chamber.

Abstract: A bladder which is particularly useful for a sole assembly of a shoe is formed of multiple layers of barrier film to provide multiple pressurized layers of cushioning fluid or gas when the bladder is filled. A multiple gas layer bladder enhances cushioning response by relying more on the response characteristics of the gas and reducing the amount of foam and the dependence on foam as a cushioning material. The internal film layers provide a truss-like geometry in cross section and act as tensile members to impart a generally smooth surface contour to the bladder. The bladder is constructed to provide complex regionalized cushioning profiles which are coupled to the anatomy of the foot and expected loads at known points.

Abstract: A bladder which is particularly useful for a sole assembly of a shoe is formed of multiple layers of barrier film to provide multiple pressurized layers of cushioning fluid or gas when the bladder is filled. A multiple gas layer bladder enhances cushioning response by relying more on the response characteristics of the gas and reducing the amount of foam and the dependence on foam as a cushioning material. The internal film layers provide a truss-like geometry in cross section and act as tensile members to impart a generally smooth surface contour to the bladder. The bladder is constructed to provide complex regionalized cushioning profiles which are coupled to the anatomy of the foot and expected loads at known points.

Abstract: The invention is a bladder formed of multiple layers of barrier film to provide multiple pressurized layers of cushioning fluid or gas when the bladder is filled. The sidewalls of the bladder can be constructed with an inverted seam construction to eliminate finishing steps in the manufacture of cushioning bladders and alternatively to provide a clean, seamless appearance along the side walls. The inverted seam can be formed by attaching the peripheral edges of inner barrier layers to the outer barrier layers adjacent a weld between inner barrier layers to provide an inside-out inverted seam appearance. An inverted seam can also be formed by providing separate sidewall elements attached to the barrier layers of the bladder to provide a seam displaced from the center of the sidewall.

Abstract: A bladder which is particularly useful for a sole assembly of a shoe is formed of multiple layers of barrier film to provide multiple pressurized layers of cushioning fluid or gas when the bladder is filled. A multiple gas layer bladder enhances cushioning response by relying more on the response characteristics of the gas and reducing the amount of foam and the dependence on foam as a cushioning material. The internal film layers provide a truss-like geometry in cross section and act as tensile members to impart a generally smooth surface contour to the bladder. The bladder is constructed to provide complex regionalized cushioning profiles which are coupled to the anatomy of the foot and expected loads at known points. The sidewalls of the bladder can be constructed with an inverted seam construction to eliminate finishing steps in the manufacture of cushioning bladders and alternatively to provide a clean, seamless appearance along the side walls.

Abstract: A bladder for a sole assembly of a shoe with three dimensional controlled flex connecting/tensile members extending between the top and bottom outer layers of bladder. The connecting/tensile members are formed during molding of the bladder and comprise top and bottom portions that come together at a juncture. Since the outer perimeter and the internal connecting/tensile members are formed at the same time and of the same material, bonding problems between layers is eliminated and manufacturing is simplified. The connecting/tensile members are formed with a predetermined flex point in at least a portion of each member to reduce random fatigue stress concentrations. Broadly, there are two configurations: one in which the tensile member is constructed to collapse upon compressive loading, and one in which the tensile member is constructed to bend or fold upon compressive loading in a predetermined location.

Abstract: A bladder which is particularly useful for a sole assembly of a shoe is formed of multiple layers of barrier film to provide multiple pressurized layers of cushioning fluid or gas when the bladder is filled. A multiple gas layer bladder enhances cushioning response by relying more on the response characteristics of the gas and reducing the amount of foam and the dependence on foam as a cushioning material. The internal film layers provide a truss-like geometry in cross section and act as tensile members to impart a generally smooth surface contour to the bladder. The bladder is constructed to provide complex regionalized cushioning profiles which are coupled to the anatomy of the foot and expected loads at known points.

Abstract: A unified, composite tape structure is provided. The tape comprises two outer pressure-sensitive adhesive layers joined via melt processing. A method of making the tape comprising the use of melt processing is also disclosed. In the method a plurality of layers are melt processed and simultaneously joined to form the unified composite.