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: Authentication method and systems using RFID-enabled payment cards are disclosed herein where a server receives a request corresponding to authorization of a payment associated with a payment card from an electronic terminal. The server identifies an electronic device of a user associated with the payment card. The server then transmits an instruction to the electronic device to cause an RFID reader of the electronic device to determine whether an RFID tag corresponding to the payment card is located within a predetermined proximity to the electronic device. When the payment card is located within the predetermined proximity, the server executes a first authentication protocol. Moreover, when the payment card is not located within the predetermined proximity, the server executes a second authentication protocol, wherein the second authentication protocol is more restrictive than the first authentication protocol.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument includes a patella trial and drill guide that may be used to both perform a surgical trial of the patellofemoral joint and guide the surgeon in drilling a number of anchor holes in the patella of the patient.

Abstract: A hand operated reaching device is provided that comprises a rigid rod member, a handle coupled to the rigid rod member, and an attachment head coupled to the rigid rod member. The attachment head comprises an attachment mechanism configured to engage a pull device coupled to a door of an elevated doorway, such as an attic door. When a downward force is applied to the hand operated reaching device while the attachment mechanism is engaged with the pull device, the downward force causes the door to open downward. A system is further provided that comprises the hand operated reaching device, the pull device, and an optional fastener for fastening the pull device to a door of an elevated doorway.

Abstract: A hand operated reaching device is provided that comprises a rigid rod member, a handle coupled to the rigid rod member, and an attachment head coupled to the rigid rod member. The attachment head comprises an attachment mechanism configured to engage a pull device coupled to a door of an elevated doorway, such as an attic door. When a downward force is applied to the hand operated reaching device while the attachment mechanism is engaged with the pull device, the downward force causes the door to open downward. A system is further provided that comprises the hand operated reaching device, the pull device, and an optional fastener for fastening the pull device to a door of an elevated doorway.

Abstract: A shimmy damper for aircraft landing gear is provided. The shimmy damper comprises a housing, a rotor with a vane provided within the housing, and first and second fluid chambers, connected by a control orifice and separated from one another by the vane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for stabilizing the carrier-envelope phase of the pulses emitted by a femtosecond mode-locked laser by using the powerful tools of frequency-domain laser stabilization. Control of the pulse-to-pulse carrier-envelope phases was confirmed using temporal cross correlation. This phase stabilization locks the absolute frequencies emitted by the laser, which is used to perform absolute optical frequency measurements that were directly referenced to a stable microwave clock.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for stabilizing the carrier-envelope phase of the pulses emitted by a femtosecond mode-locked laser by using the powerful tools of frequency-domain laser stabilization. Control of the pulse-to-pulse carrier-envelope phases was confirmed using temporal cross correlation. This phase stabilization locks the absolute frequencies emitted by the laser, which is used to perform absolute optical frequency measurements that were directly referenced to a stable microwave clock.

Abstract: In a system and method for dynamic compensation, one or more spectral components within the electrical spectrum of the received data signals is used for adjusting the dispersion of the received signals to provide a dispersion-compensated signal. In one example, the amplitude of the tone of the transmission bit rate of the received signals is determined and employed as the primary spectral component used for the compensation process. The amplitude of the tone of the transmission bit rate is directly related to dispersion, and therefore, the dispersion compensation process is not adversely impacted by other unrelated variables in the communication system, and accurate dispersion compensation is achieved.

Abstract: A profiling tool, which is suitable for providing a reference for an internal or external brickwork corner at a right angle or a predetermined non-perpendicular angle, comprises a plate to be secured typically to a horizontal course of brickwork and a datum post arranged for locating a higher course of brickwork. The post is pivotally connected to the plate and is arranged to be set at an angle to the horizontal. The plate is fixed in place by means of anchors embedded in only a single course of bricks.

Abstract: An elongated, tubular, flexible garment is described which has open ends and a longitudinal centrally located opening in the wall of the tubular garment. The garment is adapted to fit over the arms and across the shoulders of a person wearing the garment. If desired, elastic cuff members may be included on the open ends of the tubular garment. The garment is adapted to keep a person's arms warm without restricting movement of the arms in any way. The garment is useful in various sporting activities (e.g., golfing, skiing, exercising, etc.) or working activity where free arm movement is required.

Abstract: A ram air parachute assembly adapted for deployment by use of static line suitable for use at high altitudes and high drop speeds, the parachute assembly comprising a ram air parachute 21, a pilot parachute 23, attached by a bridle line 22, and slideable square 25 to the ram air parachute, and being packed in a parachute bag 10 attachable to an aircraft by way of a static line 11.

Abstract: A joint grouting tool has a mounting body (2) carried at the end of a handle (1), and incorporating a cavity which receives a grouting iron (9). The grouting iron (9) is fixed in place by a captive bolt (10). The tool is rolled over brickwork on wheels (4) carried on a shaft (3) so that the projecting portion of the grouting iron (9) enters a joint to compress and smooth grouting material therein. Excess material in the joint can be raked out as a preliminary step by using the tool in an inverted position so that the tip (14) of a raking tool (12) enters the joint in the brickwork.

Abstract: Exchangeable key covers, and a related system and method, each key cover at least partially enclosing the proximal end of a hotel or like key, each cover being preferably formed of synthetic resinous material, such as polyethylene, and removably force-fit over the proximal end of the key to display room identification indicia and, if desired, other indicia, whereby no key interconnecting chains, tags or the like are required and the key covers are easily and accurately exchanged between keys in correspondence with rotation of the locks.