Abstract: An instrument sterile adapter couples a surgical instrument and an instrument carriage. The instrument sterile adapter includes an instrument plate that provides a first surface to receive the surgical instrument and a latch plate joined to the instrument plate. The latch plate includes a second surface to receive the instrument carriage and latch structures. Each latch structure has a carriage latch arm that extends away from the second surface of the latch plate and an instrument latch arm joined to the carriage latch arm. The instrument latch arm extends through the instrument plate and away from the first surface of the instrument plate. A connecting member flexibly connects the carriage latch arm and the instrument latch arm to a remainder of the latch plate. The connecting member may be perpendicular to the latch arms. The latch arms may engage fixed locking surfaces in the instrument carriage and the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A method of increasing chemical efficiency of chemical additives in a papermaking system includes the steps of providing thick stock pulp comprising soluble lignin, process water, and at least about 2% by weight of cellulosic fiber based on total weight of thick stock pulp, and adding at least one organic polymer to the thick stock pulp to reduce the amount of soluble lignin therein. The organic polymer is chosen from cationic polymers, non-ionic polymers and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a granule covered roofing shingle includes establishing at least two sources of granules. A standardized process for manufacturing granules having a standardized appearance is then established, wherein a color of the granules from one of the sources of granules is substantially identical to the color of the granules from the others of the sources of granules, thereby defining at least one standardized granule color. Granules of the standardized granule color are then manufactured according to the standardized process. The manufactured granules are transported to at least one shingle manufacturing facility, and granule covered roofing shingles are then manufactured using the manufactured granules of the standardized granule color.

Abstract: A roofing shingle includes a buttlap portion with a butt edge and a headlap portion with a head edge. The roofing shingle includes a coated mat which is a roofing mat coated with an organic-based coating material. The roofing shingle also includes a water impermeable sheet adjacent to the coated mat. In one embodiment, the headlap portion of the coated mat is mostly replaced by the sheet. In another embodiment, the roofing shingle has a limited width.

Abstract: A business management method integrates a complex, long cycle business into a common, concise format and set of order fulfillment metrics that provide clear status as well as predictive indicators of issues across all functional areas to all levels of management throughout an organization. The uniformity of the approach across all business functions allows for a standard comparison of the fulfillment risks and status across the entire business. The business management method utilizes statistical analysis, variation based metrics, mean based metrics, line rate analysis indicators and key quality indicators to facilitate proactive actions at the senior management level before issues become systemic and/or impact a company's ability to timely deliver products to its customers.

Abstract: A longitudinally-extending bore connector has apertures which receive annular spring electrical connectors. To connect end turns to the bore connector, a main terminal having a prefabricated and preassembled gooseneck at its radially outer end is inserted in a radial bore to locate its distal end in the first aperture of the bore connector forming an electrical connection. The gooseneck at the radially outer end of the main terminal comprises preassembled leaves connected to the main terminal prior to assembly in the machine and connected to the end turn upon installation. A nut on the main terminal is threaded down to secure the main terminal to the shaft. A stud is similarly inserted into a second aperture of the connector bore and electrically connected thereto and to an exciter/slip ring assembly.

Abstract: A connector support block has a recess defined in part by an arcuate surface for limiting deflection of a main lead connector coupled between the main lead terminal and the innermost turn of end coils on a generator. The recess is spanned by a pin displaceable in elliptical openings in flanges defining the recess and about which pin the main lead connector makes a 180.degree. bend. By limiting the deflection of the main lead connector, stresses introduced into the main lead connector at the 180.degree. bend, a 90.degree. bend and the joint between the main lead connector and innermost turn are reduced under cyclic loading whereby increased fatigue life of the main lead connector is provided.