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: The disclosure is generally directed to methods and compositions for reducing blood cholesterol levels, and more particularly to dietary supplements for reducing blood cholesterol levels. The dietary supplements for reducing cholesterol typically comprise at least one phytosterol source, at least one soluble fiber source, at least one guggulsterone source, and at least one policosanol source.

Abstract: A system and method of promoting group deals on the Internet, which includes providing an Internet-based platform, the platform including a step for individuals to join, wherein individuals who join are designated as members of the Internet-based platform. The system also provides a step for members to invite merchants to join the platform and to offer deals on the platform. Members receive awards for influencing members to join as well as for influencing other members to purchase deals.

Abstract: A dietary supplement for enhancing physical performance of human subjects is disclosed. The supplement in dry, finely-divided form includes as a major ingredient a soy protein isolate containing at least 80% protein on a moisture-free basis with lesser amounts of carbohydrate, free form amino acids, medium chain triglycerides, creatine monohydrate, l-carnitine, grape seed extract, coenzyme Q10, piper nigrum extract, and alpha lipoic acid. In a preferred embodiment, the supplement also includes minor amounts of conjugated linoleic acid and phosphatidylserine/phosphatidylcholine complex.

Abstract: A dietary supplement for enhancing physical performance of human subjects is disclosed. The supplement in dry, finely-divided form includes as a major ingredient a soy protein isolate containing at least 80% protein on a moisture-free basis with lesser amounts of carbohydrate, free form amino acids, medium chain triglycerides, creatine monohydrate, l-carnitine, grape seed extract, coenzyme Q10, piper nigrum extract, and alpha lipoic acid. In a preferred embodiment, the supplement also includes minor amounts of conjugated linoleic acid and phosphatidylserine/phosphatidylcholine complex.

Abstract: A dietary supplement for promoting healthy hormonal balance in adult human subjects, and especially in elderly subjects, that comprises a secretagogue for stimulating the release of human Growth Hormone (hGH) by the pituitary, and the conversion by hGH to Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1(IGF-1), in combination with 7-keto dehydroepiandosterone (7-keto DHEA). The dietary supplement also includes other interacting ingredients for delivering antioxidants for retarding damage at the cellular level caused by the presence of free radicals, and natural herbs for promoting physiological health.

Abstract: A dietary supplement for enhancing physical performance of human subjects is disclosed. The supplement in dry, finely-divided form includes as a major ingredient a soy protein isolate containing at least 80% protein on a moisture-free basis with lesser amounts of carbohydrate, free form amino acids, medium chain triglycerides, creatine monohydrate, l-carnitine, grape seed extract, coenzyme Q10, piper nigrum extract, and alpha lipoic acid. In a preferred embodiment, the supplement also includes minor amounts of conjugated linoleic acid and phosphatidylserine/phosphatidylcholine complex.

Abstract: A dietary supplement for nutritionally promoting healthy joint function in human subjects is disclosed. The supplement includes as a major ingredient a protein derived from the enzymatic hydrolysis of collagen in combination with lesser proportions of glucosamine sulfate, ginkgo biloba, borage oil powder, turmeric, boswellia serrata, ashwagandha, piper nigrum extract, and a herbal blend.

Abstract: A storage chamber within a paint dispensing reservoir tank is maintained led with paint from a refill paint source during recirculation of such paint through a paint cleansing filter within the chamber for supply of filter cleansed paint to a paint dispensing outlet under control of a metering system involving use of a valve controlled air-powered pump and flow metering regulating cylinders.

Abstract: The present invention involves a dietary supplement that can be used as a weight loss composition. The composition comprises of an essentially dry mixture of chromium, L-carnitine, gamma-linolenic acid, (-) hydroxycitric acid, choline, inositol, antioxidants and herbs. The preferred antioxidants are Coenzyme Q10 and the herbs are ginkgo biloba leaves. The essentially dry mixture can be prepared as a beverage and delivered enterally. The present invention also involves a method for inducing weight loss in a mammal. The method involves administering to a mammal, preferably a human, a weight loss inducing effective amount of the above described essentially dry mixture. The weight loss inducing effective amount of the above composition is administered daily in at least two separate portions of 7.325 grams each.

Abstract: A fluoroorganic polymeric material which comprises a polymeric chain and at least one group pendent from the polymeric chain, in which the group pendent from the polymeric chain comprises at least one ion-exchange group or group convertible thereto, wherein the EW distribution is greater than 1.05, and wherein the ion-exchange group or group convertible thereto is preferably linked to the polymeric chain through an acyclic secondary carbon atom, for use as an ion-exchange membrane in an electrochemical device.