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 method for zone analysis. A zone is identified in a three-dimensional physical model of a vehicle. The three-dimensional physical model includes geometry information and location information for physical components. An effect of an undesired operation of a group of components in a zone within the three-dimensional physical model of the vehicle is identified based on the three-dimensional physical model of the vehicle and a logical model of the vehicle including a logical architecture linking logical components to each other. Logical components in the logical model are mapped to the physical components in the three-dimensional physical model of the vehicle.

Abstract: A failure-effect validation system includes an effects modeler configured to develop a cumulative effects model for failure modes of the complex system, and by which a model of the complex system is extendible to form an extended complex-system model. The effects modeler is also configured to develop search targets each of which includes logical expressions of notable hazards and other factors that contribute to the cumulative effects, such as crew workload, safety margin and/or physiological effects. A model analysis system is configured to perform an automated analysis using the extended complex-system model and search targets, and in which the automated analysis includes a graph search of possible states of the extended complex-system model to locate search targets. And the effects assessment system is configured to selectively generate a layout of failure analysis data including at least a portion of the extended complex-system model and results of the automated analysis.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for establishing hierarchal subcomponent sensor communication for a vehicle. A database includes information associated with a plurality of subcomponents having a sensor. A software modeling tool implements a safety model and a fault detection and isolation (FDI) model. The safety model determines a probability of a constraint being violated given a probability of failure of each subcomponent. The FDI model determines a probability associated with a risk exposure for known and unknown faults for each subcomponent. A processor identifies those subcomponent sensors that reduce risk-exposure based on probabilities generated using the safety model and FDI model and generates an output of a set of vehicle subcomponent sensors for connection to an vehicle communication system for communication at a higher level of hierarchy, such that the vehicle communication system can receive information indicative of a subcomponent fault and generate an alert about the fault.

Abstract: A failure-effect validation system includes an effects modeler configured to develop a cumulative effects model for failure modes of the complex system, and by which a model of the complex system is extendible to form an extended complex-system model. The effects modeler is also configured to develop search targets each of which includes logical expressions of notable hazards and other factors that contribute to the cumulative effects, such as crew workload, safety margin and/or physiological effects. A model analysis system is configured to perform an automated analysis using the extended complex-system model and search targets, and in which the automated analysis includes a graph search of possible states of the extended complex-system model to locate search targets. And the effects assessment system is configured to selectively generate a layout of failure analysis data including at least a portion of the extended complex-system model and results of the automated analysis.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to weight monitoring systems for recovering, processing, monitoring, and managing various commodities or products stored in a container.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to weight monitoring systems for recovering, processing, monitoring, and managing various commodities or products stored in a container.

Abstract: The invention provides an immortalized human retina cell expressing E1A and E1B proteins of an adenovirus, wherein the cell has recombinant nucleic acid encoding an IgA molecule in expressible format. Also provided is a method for recombinant production of an IgA molecule, the method involving culturing a cell of the invention and expressing the recombinant nucleic acid encoding an IgA.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to weight monitoring systems for recovering, processing, monitoring, and managing various commodities or products stored in a container.

Abstract: A scrap metal recycling monitoring system, wherein a container, identified and of a known tare weight is associated with a scale while scrap metal is placed therein. The scale continuously monitors the weight of the container, and can be polled, or automatically produces an auditable data stream revealing the change in weight of the container over time as it is associated with the scale. A camera records the container while it is on the scale and also produces auditable image data. As containers near capacity, a notice is automatically generated to coordinate dispatch activities of persons transporting containers.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to weight monitoring systems for recovering, processing, monitoring, and managing various commodities or products stored in a container.

Abstract: A scrap metal recycling monitoring system, wherein a container, identified and of a known tare weight is associated with a scale while scrap metal is placed therein. The scale continuously monitors the weight of the container, and can be polled, or automatically produces an auditable data stream revealing the change in weight of the container over time as it is associated with the scale. A camera records the container while it is on the scale and also produces auditable image data. As containers near capacity, a notice is automatically generated to coordinate dispatch activities of persons transporting containers.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the relationship between at least two indicia values that can be related to the same article is provided. The system includes a processor for providing a first indicia value, providing a second indicia value, manipulating the first indicia value and the second indicia value based on first rule to obtain a first score; manipulating the first indicia value and the second indicia value based on a second rule to obtain a second score; and concluding that the first indicia value and the second value are related to a same article.

Abstract: Improved forms of vaccines which comprise proteosomes and protein antigens are described. Vaccines which contain influenza HA as the antigen are used for illustration as to demonstrate efficacy. Improvements in the preparation of the vaccines themselves and the proteosome component are also included.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a surface which comprises the step of applying an aqueous cleaning solution to the surface wherein the active cleaning ingredient of the aqueous solution consists essentially of a lignosulfonate. It has been found that lignosulfonate can function as a cleaning agent for a variety of cleaning materials.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of sewage sludge which comprises the step of applying to the sludge a biologically effective amount of a composition which contains a lignosulfonate and sludge digesting microbes, preferably from the genus bacillus. The method may be practiced in sewage treatment plants and also may be used for treatment and odor suppression in holding tanks and the like.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of sewage sludge which comprises the step of applying to the sludge a biologically effective amount of a composition which contains a lignosulfonate and sludge digesting microbes, preferably from the genus bacillus. The method may be practiced in sewage treatment plants and also may be used for treatment and odor suppression in holding tanks and the like.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of sewage sludge which comprises the step of applying to the sludge a biologically effective amount of a composition which contains a lignosulfonate and sludge digesting microbes, preferably from the genus bacillus. The method may be practiced in sewage treatment plants and also may be used for treatment and ordour supression in holding tanks and the like.

Abstract: A method for the cleaning of a substrate having an organic compound such as a hydrogenic compound thereon, the method comprising the step of applying to the substrate a composition comprising a lignosulfonate and a microbially effective amount of microorganisms in an aqueous solution. The method is ideally practiced to achieve the microbial degradation of hydrocarbons and can be used as a parts washing solution and for cleaning substrates such as floors, decks of vessels, etc.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to weight monitoring systems for recovering, processing, monitoring, and managing various commodities or products stored in a container.