Abstract: A client-client-server computer network includes a portable computer (client) connectable by a data link to a desktop computer (client) which transmits data through an offline batching data link to a host or system server (server) for the electronic collection, processing, and analyzing of agricultural data generated through the operation of a farm. A plurality of client-client computer sub-networks, one for each of a plurality of farms, is anticipated for connection through an offline, batching data link to a single system server such that a master data base may be assembled of data for many farms. Real time, same growing season, analyses and reports may be generated for use by any individual farmer from this master data base. The portable computer includes a nested display driven software for a graphic user interface computer, such as a Personal Digital Assistant, to simplify the data entry process.

Abstract: An instrument for inserting a flexible intraocular lens or other flexible membrane into an eye which includes a compressor for laterally compressing the lens into a small cross-sectional configuration to pass the lens through a narrow incision. The compressor includes retainers along the interior of the inserter to maintain the side edges of the lens in a substantially planar orientation during compression. The retainers preferably extend through the inserter to hold the lens during advancement toward the eye to prevent an uncontrolled rotation of the lens.

Abstract: The present invention provides an IUD loading device which folds the extended portions of an IUD such that the IUD may be placed into an insertion tube.

Abstract: An improved surgical instrument is provided for applying surgical fasteners, such as staples, to human tissue which is particularly suited for applying one or more rows of fasteners across a tissue lumen. The surgical instrument can be used in thoracic and abdominal surgical procedures where access to the surgical site is restricted. The surgical instrument includes an articulated fastener applying assembly mounted on a rotatable and flexible support shaft assembly to provide more convenient access to restricted surgical sites. The fastener applying assembly has a compact construction including a fixed jaw which supports a fastener cartridge and a movable jaw which supports an anvil for clamping the tissue therebetween. The fastener applying assembly includes a pin placement mechanism which is actuated by the movable jaw to control the movement of a tissue retaining pin on the fixed jaw.

Abstract: A handheld graphic user interface (GUI) personal digital assistant (PDA) computer is coupled to a GPS/dGPS receiver module which is also compact in size to provide for the collection of data associated with position information. Additional features provided by the stored program in the PDA include a nested set of menus for pre-organizing data collection, navigational functions to permit a user to navigate to a desired location with audio and visual feedback, mapping capability, overlay generation functions which further organize and display the collective data, etc. A full host of functionality provided by a geographical information system (GIS) software package are not provided due to the limited processor performance capability and memory space but only data collection data and mapping display and generation capabilities as selected for implementation of the desired functions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the treatment of cognitive disorders such as alzheimer disease and to a compound for use in such method.

Abstract: An improved surgical instrument is provided for applying surgical fasteners, such as staples, to human tissue which is particularly suited for applying one or more rows of fasteners across a tissue lumen. The surgical instrument can be used in thoracic and abdominal surgical procedures where access to the surgical site is restricted. The surgical instrument includes an articulated fastener applying assembly mounted on a rotatable and flexible support shaft assembly to provide more convenient access to restricted surgical sites. The fastener applying assembly has a compact construction including a fixed jaw which supports a fastener cartridge and a movable jaw which supports an anvil for clamping the tissue therebetween. The fastener applying assembly includes a pin placement mechanism which is actuated by the movable jaw to control the movement of a tissue retaining pin on the fixed jaw.

Abstract: An improved surgical instrument is provided for applying surgical fasteners, such as staples, to human tissue which is particularly suited for applying one or more rows of fasteners across a tissue lumen. The surgical instrument can be used in thoracic and abdominal surgical procedures where access to the surgical site is restricted. The surgical instrument includes an articulated fastener applying assembly mounted on a rotatable and flexible support shaft assembly to provide more convenient access to restricted surgical sites. The fastener applying assembly has a compact construction including a fixed jaw which supports a fastener cartridge and a movable jaw which supports an anvil for clamping the tissue therebetween. The fastener applying assembly includes a pin placement mechanism which is actuated by the movable jaw to control the movement of a tissue retaining pin on the fixed jaw.

Abstract: The improved endoscopic instrument of the present invention includes handles, a shaft and an end effectors. The handle is capable of adjustment to accommodate variations in hand size, and grip style. The handle is also adjustable relative to the shaft for use in a variety of medical procedures. In addition, the control linkages for the end effector of the improved endoscopic instrument of the present invention do not directly contact the patient thereby enabling the instrument to be easily cleaned, sterilized and reused.

Abstract: An improved surgical instrument is provided for applying surgical fasteners, such as staples, to human tissue which is particularly suited for applying one or more rows of fasteners across a tissue lumen. The surgical instrument can be used in thoracic and abdominal surgical procedures where access to the surgical site is restricted. The surgical instrument includes an articulated fastener applying assembly mounted on a rotatable and flexible support shaft assembly to provide more convenient access to restricted surgical sites. The fastener applying assembly has a compact construction including a fixed jaw which supports a fastener cartridge and a movable jaw which supports an anvil for clamping the tissue therebetween. The fastener applying assembly includes a pin placement mechanism which is actuated by the movable jaw to control the movement of a tissue retaining pin on the fixed jaw.

Abstract: A compound motion cutting device for cutting a work piece includes a tubular member having first and second ends, a pair of operating members and a drive rod having first and second ends and extending longitudinally into the tubular member. One of the operating members is secured to the first end of the tubular member and the first end of the drive rod is secured to the other of the operating members. An anvil is supported proximate the second end of the tubular member and includes a surface for supporting the work piece and a slot extending through the support surface. A cutting member includes a first end pivotally attached to the second end of the drive rod and a cam slot extending laterally therethrough. A pin is supported proximate the second end of the tubular member an extends through the cam slot in the cutting member.

Abstract: A lead transfer mechanism for transferring a cut and stripped lead from a lead measuring, cutting, and stripping mechanism to a terminal applying applicator or the like. The lead transfer mechanism includes a conveyor arm, one end of which is swingable between a first position adjacent the cutting and stripping mechanism and a second position adjacent the applicator. The conveyor arm is caused to be moved by rotary cam means which is drivingly interconnected with the lead measuring, cutting, and stripping mechanism in such a manner that the rotary cam means will rotate one revolution for each measuring cycle of the measuring mechanism. The one end of the conveyor arm carries lead engaging means, and first shifting means is provided for shifting the lead engaging means from an open position to a closed position when the one end of the conveyor arm is in its first position.