Abstract: An apparatus includes a first and second elongate member that can releasably couple together to in order to cooperate to clamp and staple tissue, a latch member that can latch the first and second elongate member to clamp tissue, a firing assembly that can sever and staple clamped tissue, and a clamp force measuring assembly. The clamp force measuring assembly can measure a parameter associated with a clamping force imparted on the first and second stapling surfaces while clamping tissue, and process and communicate the measured parameter to be compared with a predetermined limit associated with successful staple formation.

Abstract: A method for deployment of a geophysical sensor includes moving a ram having a ground penetrating bit at a movable end thereof to a selected geodetic position. The ram and the ground penetrating bit are extended to create a hole in a ground surface while measuring extension of the ram. The ram is retracted, and if the measured extension of the ram indicates successful creation of the hole, then the geophysical sensor is moved to a position beneath the ram and the ram is extended to urge the geophysical sensor into the hole.

Abstract: A method for deployment of a geophysical sensor includes moving a ram having a ground penetrating bit at a movable end thereof to a selected geodetic position. The ram and the ground penetrating bit are extended to create a hole in a ground surface while measuring extension of the ram. The ram is retracted, and if the measured extension of the ram indicates successful creation of the hole, then the geophysical sensor is moved to a position beneath the ram and the ram is extended to urge the geophysical sensor into the hole.

Abstract: A geophysical sensor deployment apparatus designed to provide improved coupling between the sensor and the ground, includes a ram extendible through a ram guide. The guide has an opening for insertion of a geophysical sensor. The ram has a ground displacing bit at a movable end thereof. The ram and the guide are mounted to a frame. The mounting has a pivot and a plurality of angularly separated extension mechanisms disposed between the ram and guide and the frame whereby an elevation and an orientation of the ram and the guide are controllable by selective extension of each of the plurality of extension mechanisms.

Abstract: A geophysical sensor deployment sleeve includes an electrically non-conductive fiber woven into a shape of a tube open at one end and closed at the other end. The fiber has a tensile strength such that upward force applied to the open end of the tube is capable of removal of a sensor or sensor recording node disposed in the tube in a hole below a ground surface irrespective of consolidated materials infiltrating and/or covering the tube below ground level.

Abstract: A nodal geophysical sensing system includes a ground contact sleeve defining an interior space and having at least one feature on an exterior thereof for contacting and compressing ground materials adjacent the exterior. A nodal geophysical sensor having a housing engages at least one feature on the interior space so as to enable acoustic energy transmission between the ground contact sleeve and the housing.

Abstract: A geophysical sensor deployment apparatus designed to provide improved coupling between the sensor and the ground, includes a ram extendible through a ram guide. The guide has an opening for insertion of a geophysical sensor. The ram has a ground displacing bit at a movable end thereof. The ram and the guide are mounted to a frame. The mounting has a pivot and a plurality of angularly separated extension mechanisms disposed between the ram and guide and the frame whereby an elevation and an orientation of the ram and the guide are controllable by selective extension of each of the plurality of extension mechanisms.

Abstract: A nodal geophysical sensing system includes a ground contact sleeve defining an interior space and having at least one feature on an exterior thereof for contacting and compressing ground materials adjacent the exterior. A nodal geophysical sensor having a housing engages at least one feature on the interior space so as to enable acoustic energy transmission between the ground contact sleeve and the housing.

Abstract: A geophysical sensor deployment sleeve includes an electrically non-conductive fiber woven into a shape of a tube open at one end and closed at the other end. The fiber has a tensile strength such that upward force applied to the open end of the tube is capable of removal of a sensor or sensor recording node disposed in the tube in a hole below a ground surface irrespective of consolidated materials infiltrating and/or covering the tube below ground level.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device includes a body having an inlet connection, an outlet connection, and a discharge port. A supply path extends between the inlet connection and the outlet connection and a booster module is disposed within the body. The booster module includes a control element and an actuator element and defines an exhaust path extending between the outlet connection and the discharge port. A supply port is disposed within the booster module along the supply path between the inlet connection and the outlet connection.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device includes a body having an inlet connection, an outlet connection, and a discharge port. A supply path extends between the inlet connection and the outlet connection and a booster module is disposed within the body. The booster module includes a control element and an actuator element and defines an exhaust path extending between the outlet connection and the discharge port. A supply port is disposed within the booster module along the supply path between the inlet connection and the outlet connection and at least a first damping means operatively connected to the booster module.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device includes a body having an inlet connection, an outlet connection, and a discharge port. A supply path extends between the inlet connection and the outlet connection and a booster module is disposed within the body. The booster module includes a control element and an actuator element and defines an exhaust path extending between the outlet connection and the discharge port. A supply port is disposed within the booster module along the supply path between the inlet connection and the outlet connection and at least a first damping means operatively connected to the booster module.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device includes a body having an inlet connection, an outlet connection, and a discharge port. A supply path extends between the inlet connection and the outlet connection and a booster module is disposed within the body. The booster module includes a control element and an actuator element and defines an exhaust path extending between the outlet connection and the discharge port. A supply port is disposed within the booster module along the supply path between the inlet connection and the outlet connection and at least a first damping means operatively connected to the booster module.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for orienting and for coupling geophones relative to soil. A hammer device oriented to the vertical drives a head into the soil to generate a case opening. Vertical orientation of the case opening and depth automatically orients a geophone case to vertical and further controls the coupling of the geophone to the soil. Such combination facilitates orientation of the geophone to the selected compass heading and significantly reduces corrective data processing. Control over case opening placement in different soil conditions is automatically provided, and data regarding local position and orientation is recorded for future data processing. Operator errors are reduced and overall production efficiency is enhanced.

Abstract: A control valve assembly including a no-bleed pilot valve is disclosed. The pilot valve includes a pressure responsive valve adapted to move in connection with a control parameter, such as downstream fluid pressure. The pressure responsive valve selectively connects certain ports with upper and lower chambers of a control valve actuator so that the upstream and downstream fluid pressures may be used to operate the actuator.

Abstract: A fluid control valve having a valve body, a cage, and a flexible elastomeric diaphragm with a formed convolution to fully open the cage opening. An elastomeric diaphragm regulator with a flow diverter in the fluid flow path to reduce fluid flow separation and thereby reduce the required flow recovery area before pressure throttling. A raised knife edge seat located on the cage top in a position of stagnant fluid flow to reduce the build-up of contaminants on the seat. An elastomeric diaphragm regulator with a valve actuator coupled to a guided valve stem attached to the regulator diaphragm.

Abstract: A fluid control valve having a valve body, a cage, and a flexible elastomeric diaphragm with a formed convolution to fully open the cage opening. An elastomeric diaphragm regulator with a flow diverter in the fluid flow path to reduce fluid flow separation and thereby reduce the required flow recovery area before pressure throttling. A raised knife edge seat located on the cage top in a position of stagnant fluid flow to reduce the build-up of contaminants on the seat. An elastomeric diaphragm regulator with a valve actuator coupled to a guided valve stem attached to the regulator diaphragm.

Abstract: A pressure unloading pilot operated fluid pressure regulator having a throttling element for controlling fluid flow. A pilot amplifier senses regulator outlet pressure and supplies suitable loading pressure coupled from an inlet supply pressure line through a variable flow restrictor to the throttling element. A check valve has a preset differential pressure defined between the check valve inlet and outlet and is mounted in parallel flow with the flow restrictor to limit the maximum differential pressure across the throttling element to the preset differential pressure of the check valve.

Abstract: The invention is a seismic acquisition system for communicating seismic sensor signals to a recording unit, including a control unit and analog-to-digital conveyer units connected to the control unit. The conveyer units each include integral interconnecting cables having an hermaphroditic connector at each end, analog seismic sensor inputs and signal processing circuitry disposed within a watertight housing forming part of the cables. The circuitry includes analog-to-digital conveyers connected to the analog inputs, a buffer for digitized signals transmitted to one converter unit from other converter units interconnected to the conveyer unit opposite to the control unit connection, a digital transceiver for retransmission of digitized sensor signals and the buffered signals at a first data rate to the control unit. The control unit includes a second buffer for signals from the conveyer unit and for signals retransmitted from other control units serially codected to the control unit.

Abstract: A spine therapy and exercise device (10) for conditioning and exercising the muscles associated with the back, abdomen and legs. The device (10) of the present invention includes a belt member (12) and a harness (14). The harness (14) is carried by the belt member (12) and is provided for receiving the arms of the wearer. The harness (14) of the preferred embodiment is fabricated from a pair of straps (16), each being secured at one end (18) to the belt member (12), crossing each other to form an "X" configuration, and are then being releasably secured to the belt member (12) at their distal ends (20). Adjustment members (26) are provided on each strap (16) for adjusting the size of the harness (14) to the particular wearer by varying the length of the particular strap (16). The belt member (12) includes a torso engagement portion (28), and a leg engagement portion (34) connected in an end-to-end fashion such as to form a continuous loop.