Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: Sacro-iliac joint stabilizing implants adapted for implanting across a SI joint from a dorsal approach. Methods of, and delivery tools adapted for implanting sacro-iliac joint stabilizing implants across a SI joint from a dorsal approach.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of alerting a user of a WCD is described. The method includes receiving an alert from the WCD on a remote device associated with the user and in communication with the WCD and transcribing the alert into a message for the user. The method also includes personalizing the message for the user and delivering the message to the user via the remote device.

Abstract: Provided is a wall grommet, which can be installed through the surfaces of walls to route wiring in the walls' interior spaces. In particular, the wall grommet is configured for running power cords inside walls and presenting the electrical connectors of a power cord in a manner such that power cords are hidden from view. The grommet may comprise a housing, which defines an interior space that is adapted to hold either the female connector or male connector of a power cord. The housing may be configured to enclose and secure the electrical connector of the power cord in the housing.

Abstract: An electrical outlet tester for testing a power outlet for powering a recreational vehicle includes outlet tester circuitry configured to test wiring of a power outlet for powering a recreational vehicle to detect a plurality of wiring conditions. The electrical outlet tester includes and a set of light indicators connected to the outlet tester circuitry so as to indicate each of the plurality of wiring conditions detectable by the outlet tester circuitry. The set of light indicators includes a first group of light indicators configured to indicate a plurality of fault condition types and a second group of light indicators configured to indicate one or more lines affected by the fault condition type indicated on the first group of light indicators. A housing surrounds the outlet tester circuitry and a plug extends from the housing and is configured to galvanically connect to the power outlet in order to facilitate testing thereof.

Abstract: An electrical outlet tester for testing a power outlet for powering a recreational vehicle includes outlet tester circuitry configured to test wiring of a power outlet for powering a recreational vehicle to detect a plurality of wiring conditions. The electrical outlet tester includes and a set of light indicators connected to the outlet tester circuitry so as to indicate each of the plurality of wiring conditions detectable by the outlet tester circuitry. The set of light indicators includes a first group of light indicators configured to indicate a plurality of fault condition types and a second group of light indicators configured to indicate one or more lines affected by the fault condition type indicated on the first group of light indicators. A housing surrounds the outlet tester circuitry and a plug extends from the housing and is configured to galvanically connect to the power outlet in order to facilitate testing thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) downhole assembly for use in drilling boreholes which utilizes directional formation evaluation devices on a rotating assembly in conjunction with toolface orientation sensors. The data from the toolface orientation sensors are analyzed by a processor and toolface angle measurements are determined at defined intervals. Formation evaluation sensors operate substantially independently of the toolface orientation sensors and measurements of the formation evaluation sensors are analyzed in combination with the determined toolface angle to obtain formation parameters.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus for estimating the temporal refractory period of a heart, for adjusting a parameter for delivery of extra-systolic stimulation (ESS) therapy and for detecting an arrhythmia during delivery of ESS therapy In some aspects, probe pulses are periodically delivered to estimate the location of the end boundary of the refractory period, and accordingly estimate its length. In some embodiments, the parameter is adjusted based on estimated length of the refractory period. For example, an extra-systolic interval (ESI) for delivery of ESS is adjusted to be a fixed interval longer than estimated lengths of the refractory period. In other aspects, the parameter is adjusted based on a measured delay (or latency) between delivery of an ESS pulse and detection of an evoked response resulting from the pulse. Also, delays between delivery of an ESS pulse and detection of a subsequent depolarization are monitored to detect an arrhythmia.

Abstract: A logging-while-drilling density sensor includes a gamma ray source and at least two NaI detectors spaced apart from the source for determining measurements indicative of the formation density. An acoustic caliper is used for making standoff measurements of the NaI detectors. Measurements made by the detectors are partitioned into standoff bins. An adaptive spine and rib method uses the standoff measurements to obtain density estimates. The method of the invention may also be used with neutron porosity logging devices.

Abstract: This invention provides a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) downhole assembly for use in drilling boreholes which utilizes directional formation evaluation devices on a rotating assembly in conjunction with toolface orientation sensors. The data from the toolface orientation sensors are analyzed by a processor and toolface angle measurements are determined at defined intervals. Formation evaluation sensors operate substantially independently of the toolface orientation sensors and measurements of the formation evaluation sensors are analyzed in combination with the determined toolface angle to obtain formation parameters.

Abstract: This invention provides a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) downhole assembly for use in drilling boreholes which utilizes directional formation evaluation devices on a rotating assembly in conjunction with toolface orientation sensors. The data from the toolface orientation sensors are analyzed by a processor and toolface angle measurements are determined at defined intervals. Formation evaluation sensors operate substantially independently of the toolface orientation sensors and measurements of the formation evaluation sensors are analyzed in combination with the determined toolface angle to obtain formation parameters.

Abstract: A logging-while-drilling density sensor includes a gamma ray source and at least two NaI detectors spaced apart from the source for determining measurements indicative of the formation density. An acoustic caliper is used for making standoff measurements of the NaI detectors. Measurements made by the detectors are partitioned into standoff bins. An adaptive spine and rib method uses the standoff measurements to obtain density estimates. The method of the invention may also be used with neutron porosity logging devices.

Abstract: An NMR logging tool has a conducting permanent magnet with its axis parallel to the borehole axis to produce a static field in a portion of the formation surrounding a borehole that is parallel to the borehole axis. A dipole RF antenna with the dipole axis orthogonal to the borehole axis is used to produce an RF magnetic field orthogonal to the static field. The same antenna is used to receive the echo signals from excited nuclei in the formation. A number of gapped ferrite strips on the permanent magnet shield the permanent magnet from the RF field and enhance the RF field. Another form of the tool may be used for making Measurement-While-Drilling measurements with the permanent magnet set in a recess on a drilling collar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the transformation of measurement while drilling (MWD) data acquired during various time intervals into corresponding equal depth intervals. Once the data are transformed into the depth domain, depth based statistical, filtering sensor resolution matching and depth shifting techniques are utilized. The transformation process maximizes sensor vertical resolution while minimizing observed and statistical errors associated with sensor response.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for nuclear logging, and in particular, neutron porosity logging is presented. In accordance with the present invention, a pair of spaced lithium detectors, preferably Li.sup.6 I crystal or Li.sup.6 doped glass are used to detect neutrons emitted from a borehole formation being logged. In addition, novel data processing is used to determine the neutron count from the spectrum developed by the lithium detectors. This novel data processing comprises fitting a Gaussian curve to the neutron peak of the spectrum. The Gaussian curve does not include the hydrogen absorption peak of the spectrum. The area under this Gaussian curve represents the neutron count. Accordingly, a more accurate neutron count is obtained which does not include gamma rays attributed to hydrogen absorption.