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: One embodiment of a hydraulic system for a machine has a first hydraulic circuit including a first pump coupled to a first hydraulic actuator configured to move a first implement of the machine. A second hydraulic circuit includes a second pump coupled to a second hydraulic actuator configured to move a second implement. An electric motor mechanically couples to the first pump and to the second pump. An operator interface receives input from an operator requesting movement of the first and second implements. A controller communicatively coupled to the electric motor and to the operator interface determines, based on the requested movement of the first and second implements respectively, first and second flow allocations respectively for the first and second pumps and determines respective target displacements for the first and second pumps.

Abstract: An improved polycrystalline diamond composite ("PDC") cutter comprises a single or a plurality of secondary PDC cutting surfaces in addition to a primary PDC cutting surface. The two cutting surfaces are spaced apart, resulting in enhanced cutter efficiency and useful life. The primary PDC cutting surface is a polycrystalline diamond layer on an exposed end face of the cutter. A secondary cutting surface is formed by a polycrystalline diamond layer embedded within the body of the cutter. The secondary cutting surface can have a larger diameter than the primary cutting surface so that the forward end of the cutter parallels rock formation during drilling and both cutting surfaces engage the rock formation.

Abstract: A cutting element retention system is shown for a diamond drill bit. The drill bit has a bit body with a bit face, the bit face having polycrystalline diamond cutting elements received thereon within mating recesses provided in the face. Each cutting element has a mounting body with a leading face and a trailing face and a diamond layer carried on the leading face. At least one fin with associated troughs are located behind the mounting body on the bit face or within the carrier substrate or cutting element itself and arranged transverse to the cutting element layer. The fins are separated by a trough which extends for substantially the entire cross-sectional depth of the diamond cutting face.

Abstract: An improved earth boring bit of the type having diamond cutting elements and a fluid passageway to direct drilling fluid toward a borehole bottom during drilling, a metal nozzle with a cylindrical, threaded exterior and a noncircular throat having a minimum cross sectional dimension to receive a mating wrench and a length to resist damage from the torque required to make-up and break-out the nozzle for threads in the body of the bit.

Abstract: A matrix bit is shown of the type having a metallic mandrel with a connecting end for connection in a well pipe string leading to the well surface. An opposite end is covered with a cast matrix material which defines a central bit body. A plurality of integral blades are formed of the cast matrix material and extend axially and radially from the central bit body. Each of the blades is reinforced by a metallic extension which is contained within the matrix material and extends coaxially with each blade.