Abstract: A surgical instrument and method of compressing tissue includes an end effector and a shaft assembly. The end effector has a jaw and a clamp arm movable between open and closed positions. The shafts assembly includes a clamp actuator having a proximal actuator portion, a distal actuator portion, and a force limiter. The force limiter is longitudinally connected between the proximal and distal actuator portions and configured to transfer movement from the proximal actuator portion to the distal actuator portion up to transferring a predetermined force therethrough. At least a portion of the force limiter is configured to deflect upon exceeding the predetermined force such that the proximal actuator portion is configured to longitudinally move relative to the distal actuator portion and thereby limit a clamping force between the jaw and the clamp arm.

Abstract: A spray monitoring device analyzes images obtained from a beam passing through a spray pattern applying a spray to a substrate, and identifies discontinuities in the image as indicative of a discontinuity in a spray pattern. The spray pattern is produced by a plurality of nozzles spaced apart across the substrate for applying a suitable coating thereto. The beam is produced by a laser, that preferably has a collimator for distributing the beam intensity. The beam is imaged by a camera that provides a constant image to a computers where the scattering of beam light by the spray pattern is processed by image processing software and optionally provided to a user interface for analysis. Discontinuities detected by the user or software indicate faulty spray nozzles and may trigger remedial action.

Abstract: A spray monitoring device analyzes images obtained from a beam passing through a spray pattern applying a spray to a substrate, and identifies discontinuities in the image as indicative of a discontinuity in a spray pattern. The spray pattern is produced by a plurality of nozzles spaced apart across the substrate for applying a suitable coating thereto. The beam is produced by a laser, that preferably has a collimator for distributing the beam intensity. The beam is imaged by a camera that provides a constant image to a computers where the scattering of beam light by the spray pattern is processed by image processing software and optionally provided to a user interface for analysis. Discontinuities detected by the user or software indicate faulty spray nozzles and may trigger remedial action.

Abstract: A spray monitoring device analyzes images obtained from a beam passing through a spray pattern applying a spray to a substrate, and identifies discontinuities in the image as indicative of a discontinuity in a spray pattern. The spray pattern is produced by a plurality of nozzles spaced apart across the substrate for applying a suitable coating thereto. The beam is produced by a laser, that preferably has a collimator for distributing the beam intensity. The beam is imaged by a camera that provides a constant image to a computers where the scattering of beam light by the spray pattern is processed by image processing software and optionally provided to a user interface for analysis. Discontinuities detected by the user or software indicate faulty spray nozzles and may trigger remedial action.

Abstract: A torque transducer assembly includes a first shell having a threaded neck and a distal end. A second shell is also provided. A sensor module includes a first frame member, a second frame member, and a sensor. The first frame member is attached to the first shell and the second frame member is attached to the second shell such that the first and second shells are coupled to one another. A method of manufacturing a torque transducer assembly is also provided. A packaging system including a torque transducer assembly is additionally provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inventive non-elastomeric thermoplastic cap assembly that may be secured on an end of a generally cylindrical body at room temperatures. The cap is a deformable tubular sheath having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a first open end for receiving the end of the cylindrical body, and a second end which is at least partially closed to inhibit passage of the cylindrical body through the second end. The sheath has a gripping region adjacent the first open end to engage the exterior surface of the cylindrical body. The gripping region may include at least one ridge on the interior surface of the tubular sheath. The sheath also has a transition region adjacent the second end of the sheath, which helps the sheath provide a controlled and predictable amount of retention force over a wide range of component tolerances.