Abstract: A method for setting an axial position and gap dimension of a gap between one or more score blades and an anvil shaft of a rotary scoring device, includes providing a control system including a controller, at least one sensor, and at least one adjusting device actuated by the control system, and actuating the at least one adjusting device in response to the at least one sensor sensing a deviation from a desired state, thereby setting the axial position or the gap dimension between the one or more score blades and the anvil shaft. The method further includes actuating the at least one adjusting device is achieved as a result of the control system operating in a closed feedback loop, and sensing by the at least one sensor occurring with or without disruption of operation of the rotary scoring device.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a dynamic preload tension feature for a tensioning element that actuates a distal end component of a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes a chassis at a proximal end of the surgical instrument, drive components mounted in the chassis, a distal end component at a distal end of the surgical instrument, a flexible tensioning element coupled between a first of the drive components and the distal end component, and a dynamic preload tensioner mounted in the chassis and coupled to a second of the drive components. The flexible tensioning element extends along a path. The dynamic preload tensioner is configured to be driven by the second of the drive components to be moved relative to the chassis and is positioned to change the path of the flexible tensioning element as the dynamic preload tensioner moves relative to the chassis.

Abstract: Aircraft, vibration isolation assemblies, and methods of assembling vibration isolation assemblies are provided. An aircraft includes a vibration isolation assembly. The vibration isolation assembly includes a mounting track, a plate, a clamp block, a vibration isolator, and a support fitting. The mounting track defines a cavity and includes flanges that define an opening to the cavity. The plate is configured to be positioned on the flanges outside of the cavity. The clamp block is configured to be fastened to the plate under the flanges of the mounting track within the cavity. The vibration isolator is configured to be laterally constrained by the clamp block within the cavity. The support fitting is configured to be secured to the vibration isolator outside of the cavity.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a dynamic preload tension feature for a tensioning element that actuates a distal end component of a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes a chassis at a proximal end of the surgical instrument, drive components mounted in the chassis, a distal end component at a distal end of the surgical instrument, a flexible tensioning element coupled between a first of the drive components and the distal end component, and a dynamic preload tensioner mounted in the chassis and coupled to a second of the drive components. The flexible tensioning element extends along a path. The dynamic preload tensioner is configured to be driven by the second of the drive components to be moved relative to the chassis and is positioned to change the path of the flexible tensioning element as the dynamic preload tensioner moves relative to the chassis.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having an elongated shaft having a shaft distal end and a shaft proximal end. An end effector is coupled to the shaft distal end and includes opposed jaws. A housing is included in one of the jaws, the housing having a housing proximal end, a housing distal end, an upper surface, a distal garage having lateral surfaces that extend above the upper surface, and a plurality of staple openings extending through the upper surface. A knife member is supported within the housing for movement distally. The knife member is moveable into a predetermined parked position such that a first portion of the cutting blade displaces below the upper surface and a second portion remains displaced above the upper surface. There is enough lateral clearance in the predetermined parked position between the lateral faces and the second portion to accommodate a dislodged staple.

Abstract: A facial cold compress assembly for reducing facial swelling includes a strip that has a pair of pouches each being integrated into the strip. The strip is wearable on a user's face having the strip extending across the user's nose and beneath each of the user's eyes. In this way the strip is aligned with the user's nasal pathways. The strip is comprised of a thermally conductive material such that the strip is in thermal communication with the user's face when the strip is worn. An adhesive layer is bonded to the strip to retain the strip on the user's face. A pair of thermal packs is each removably positionable into a respective one of the pouches. Each of the thermal packs is positionable in a refrigerator for chilling and subsequently reducing swelling on the user's face and reduce congestion in the user's nasal pathways when the strip is worn.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a dynamic preload tension feature for a tensioning element that actuates a distal end comport of a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes a chassis at a proximal end of the surgical instrument, drive components mounted in the chassis, a distal end component at a distal end of the surgical instrument, a flexible tensioning element coupled between a first of the drive components and the distal end component, and a dynamic preload tensioner mounted in the chassis and coupled to a second of the drive components. The flexible tensioning element extends along a path. The dynamic preload tensioner is configured to be driven by the second of the drive components to be moved relative to the chassis and is positioned to change the path of the flexible tensioning element as the dynamic preload tensioner moves relative to the chassis.

Abstract: An intramedullary device includes an intramedullary nail extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end, the nail including a channel extending longitudinally therethrough and an opening extending laterally through a wall thereof proximate the distal end, the channel including a ramped surface along a distal portion thereof opposite the opening. The device further includes a wire extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end, the wire sized and shaped to be inserted into the channel of the nail such that the distal end engages the ramped surface to extend through the opening.

Abstract: In a method of braking a number of rail cars of a train travelling on a mainline track, in response to a unique braking command provided to each rail car of a first subset of rail cars, wherein each braking command includes a level or percentage of braking the brakes of the rail car are to assume, the brakes of the rail car are set to level or percentage of braking included in the unique braking command provided to the rail car. Thereafter, in response to a unique braking command provided to each rail car of a second, different subset of rail cars, the brakes of the rail car are set to level or percentage of braking included in the unique braking command provided to the rail car.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having an elongated shaft having a shaft distal end and a shaft proximal end. An end effector is coupled to the shaft distal end and includes opposed jaws. A housing is included in one of the jaws, the housing having a housing proximal end, a housing distal end, an upper surface, a distal garage having lateral surfaces that extend above the upper surface, and a plurality of staple openings extending through the upper surface. A knife member is supported within the housing for movement distally. The knife member is moveable into a predetermined parked position such that a first portion of the cutting blade displaces below the upper surface and a second portion remains displaced above the upper surface. There is enough lateral clearance in the predetermined parked position between the lateral faces and the second portion to accommodate a dislodged staple.

Abstract: An intramedullary device includes an intramedullary nail extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end, the nail including a channel extending longitudinally therethrough and an opening extending laterally through a wall thereof proximate the distal end, the channel including a ramped surface along a distal portion thereof opposite the opening. The device further includes a wire extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end, the wire sized and shaped to be inserted into the channel of the nail such that the distal end engages the ramped surface to extend through the opening.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having an elongated shaft having a shaft distal end and a shaft proximal end. An end effector is coupled to the shaft distal end and includes opposed jaws. A housing is included in one of the jaws, the housing having a housing proximal end, a housing distal end, an upper surface, a distal garage having lateral surfaces that extend above the upper surface, and a plurality of staple openings extending through the upper surface. A knife member is supported within the housing for movement distally. The knife member is moveable into a predetermined parked position such that a first portion of the cutting blade displaces below the upper surface and a second portion remains displaced above the upper surface. There is enough lateral clearance in the predetermined parked position between the lateral faces and the second portion to accommodate a dislodged staple.

Abstract: Aircraft, vibration isolation assemblies, and methods of assembling vibration isolation assemblies are provided. An aircraft includes a vibration isolation assembly. The vibration isolation assembly includes a mounting track, a plate, a clamp block, a vibration isolator, and a support fitting. The mounting track defines a cavity and includes flanges that define an opening to the cavity. The plate is configured to be positioned on the flanges outside of the cavity. The clamp block is configured to be fastened to the plate under the flanges of the mounting track within the cavity. The vibration isolator is configured to be laterally constrained by the clamp block within the cavity. The support fitting is configured to be secured to the vibration isolator outside of the cavity.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having an elongated shaft having a shaft distal end and a shaft proximal end. An end effector is coupled to the shaft distal end and includes opposed jaws. A housing is included in one of the jaws, the housing having a housing proximal end, a housing distal end, an upper surface, a distal garage having lateral surfaces that extend above the upper surface, and a plurality of staple openings extending through the upper surface. A knife member is supported within the housing for movement distally. The knife member is moveable into a predetermined parked position such that a first portion of the cutting blade displaces below the upper surface and a second portion remains displaced above the upper surface. There is enough lateral clearance in the predetermined parked position between the lateral faces and the second portion to accommodate a dislodged staple.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to bite blocks for endoscopic and related medical procedures, specifically bite blocks that achieve and maintain patient mandibular advance.

Abstract: A data improvement system, including an initial database, a verification database, and a processing device in communication with the initial database and the verification database. The processing device receives data from the initial database and the verification database, and determines verification data based thereon. A track data improvement system and a track database improvement system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for determining air propagation rate through a pneumatically-controlled braking arrangement of a train, the braking arrangement having a controller for adjusting air pressure of air transmitted through a brake pipe from a lead locomotive to a rear railcar, the system including: a lead device positioned on the lead locomotive and configured to associate first time data with first air pressure data sensed in the brake pipe at a first position; a rear device positioned on the rear railcar and configured to associate second time data with second air pressure data sensed in the brake pipe at a second position; and a control device configured to determine air propagation data based at least partially upon at least one of the following: first time data, first air pressure data, the first position, second time data, second air pressure data, the second position, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Aircraft, vibration isolation assemblies, and methods of assembling vibration isolation assemblies are provided. An aircraft includes a fuselage, a mounted component disposed within the fuselage, and a vibration isolation assembly disposed within the fuselage and mounting the mounted component to the fuselage. The vibration isolation assembly includes a mounting track, an inner member, a support fitting, and an elastomer. The mounting track defines a cavity and an opening. The inner member has a post and a flange, where the flange is disposed in the cavity. The support fitting is secured to the post and the mounted component. The elastomer is disposed between the flange and the mounting track within the cavity.