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: 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: A method and apparatus for the preservation of a saliva sample for use in subsequent quantitative chemical assays. The method involves collecting a saliva sample at a location, directly into a specimen cup. The specimen cup contains a predetermined volume of aqueous solution of pH buffered saline and enzymatic inhibitor and is optionally adapted with a constituent compound specific, qualitative test unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the preservation of a saliva sample for use in subsequent quantitative chemical assays. The method involves collecting a saliva sample at a location, directly into a specimen cup. The specimen cup contains a predetermined volume of aqueous solution of pH buffered saline and enzymatic inhibitor and is optionally adapted with a constituent compound specific, qualitative test unit.

Abstract: A thermoplastic article can be injection molded in a mold (10) which includes a cavity (28) defining the shape of the article, at least one thermoplastic entry aperture (23) which is adapted to receive molten thermoplastic resin from a nozzle (22) of an injection molding machine (24), a thermoplastic flow path (21, 26, 30) communicating with the thermoplastic entry aperture and the cavity, and a fluid flow passageway (32, 34) extending into the mold. The fluid flow passageway extends from an exterior surface of the mold to the thermoplastic flow path. A low viscosity fluid such as a gas can be injected through the fluid flow passageway and into the thermoplastic flow path. An end portion (44) of the fluid is flow passageway adjacent the thermoplastic flow path has a porous me lug (50) disposed therein. The porous metal plug includes a porous metal core (64) which permits the low viscosity fluid to flow therethrough but prevents the passage of molten plastic therethrough.

Abstract: A method and contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of abscesses. Granulocytes are separated from whole blood and incubated with an imaging vehicle such as polymer-coated magnetite. The granulocytes encapsulate the imaging vehicle and are suspended in an intravascularly administrable carrier to form the contrast agent. The contrast agent is highly specific for MRI of abscesses.

Abstract: A method and contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of abscess. Granulocytes are separated from whole blood and incubated with an imaging vehicle such as magnetite. The granulocytes encapsulate the imaging vehicle and are suspended in an intravascularly administrable carrier to form the contrast agent. The contrast agent is highly specific for MRI of abscess.

Abstract: An applicator sheath for use with a microwave energy source for controlled heating of biological matter. The sheath has a chamber lined with a metallic absorbing material to alternate energy delivered by the microwave energy source. The energy is delivered into the chamber through a leaky waveguide.