Abstract: A surgical instrument that has an articulatable end effector. Various types of passive articulation joints are disclosed for interconnecting a proximal frame portion to the end effector to facilitate pivotal travel of the end effector relative to the proximal frame portion of the instrument.

Abstract: A system for dispensing adhesive onto a surface is provided. This system includes a dispenser and a quantity of discrete units of adhesive releasably deposited on a substrate. The dispenser includes a drive mechanism that further includes an actuator for actuating the dispenser; and a drive wheel, wherein the drive wheel further includes mechanical means for engaging the actuator. An optional supply wheel may be included in the dispenser. The quantity of discrete units of adhesive is releasably deposited on a substrate that may be mounted on the supply wheel or that may simply sit within the dispenser. The substrate further includes means for cooperating with the drive wheel to incrementally advance the substrate a substantially fixed, and predetermined distance upon actuation of the dispenser.

Abstract: A corner panel for a veneer wall panel system includes a body having a fastener section extending in a first plane and a fastenerless section extending in a second plane. The first and second planes define an included corner angle A. In addition, a method is provided for securing a corner panel of a veneer wall panel system to a corner of an underlying support structure. That method includes the step of positioning the corner panel on the corner of the underlying support structure, fastening the corner panel to the support structure only along a first section of the corner panel and maintaining a second section of the corner panel free of any fasteners. In this way, it is possible to decouple any corner stresses between the corner panel and the underlying support structure.

Abstract: An improved picture frame having an open display pocket mounted behind a viewing aperture for quickly and easily changing the picture displayed within the frame. A storage compartment extends from the rear of the display pocket for conveniently storing a plurality of pictures while they are not being displayed, and a peripheral easel is mounted to the rear of the frame for supporting the frame in either a portrait or landscape orientation without interfering or traversing the display pocket or the storage compartment.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that has an articulatable end effector. Various types of passive articulation joints are disclosed for interconnecting a proximal frame portion to the end effector to facilitate pivotal travel of the end effector relative to the proximal frame portion of the instrument.

Abstract: A system for dispensing adhesive onto a surface is provided. This system includes a dispenser and a quantity of discrete units of adhesive releasably deposited on a substrate. The dispenser includes a drive mechanism that further includes an actuator for actuating the dispenser; and a drive wheel, wherein the drive wheel further includes mechanical means for engaging the actuator. An optional supply wheel may be included in the dispenser. The quantity of discrete units of adhesive is releasably deposited on a substrate that may be mounted on the supply wheel or that may simply sit within the dispenser. The substrate further includes means for cooperating with the drive wheel to incrementally advance the substrate a substantially fixed, and predetermined distance upon actuation of the dispenser.

Abstract: An improved picture frame having an open display pocket mounted behind a viewing aperture for changing the picture displayed within the frame. An easel is mounted to the rear of the frame for supporting the frame in either a portrait or landscape orientation. A hanging apparatus is provided for mounting the picture frame to a wall. A plate with radially outwardly-facing substantially circular cylindrical surfaces attaches to the wall. A hanger mounts to the frame and has radially inwardly-facing substantially circular cylindrical surfaces seating against the cylindrical surfaces of the plate. The plate has a first lip extending radially outwardly of the cylindrical surfaces of the plate and the hanger has a second lip extending radially outwardly of the cylindrical surfaces of the hanger.